"Alright," says Barek. "Let's head back the way we came. We'll keep researching and come back with fresh eyes. Maybe more holy water...lots more holy water."
He then makes sure his sunrod is secure and starts pacing back toward the entrance, ensuring to take the same path walked in lest more spirits be disturbed.
30th of Kuth Noon.
The 6 of them tread back from the prison to town. Farmers watch them, and whispered conversations are had. As they move through the small village, stares occur. more whispers. and they arrive at the Lorrimer estate, and Kendra sees you come and quickly sets a book down she was reading and says Let me put on some teas. It mustve been dreadfully cold out
truth be told, you hardly felt the chill what with all youd seen already. Yu know youve barely scratched the surface and what you had seen was plenty dangerous.
You settle in to drink your tea and Carla hits the books. As does Quincey, who starts reading from the Professors Library about Haunts.
after two hours Carla relays what she found out about the Lopper.
A Man named Vance Saetressle who stalked his prey. Anyone who he considered was unworthy to meeting his lofty standards. Anything could set him off. A look askance, someone who cussed in front of a child. a child who misbehaved. Anything. Then he would hide in the most unlikely of places, sometimes for days upon end with only a few supplies to keep him going while he waited for the exact right moment to strike. Once his target was alone, the Lopper would emerge to savagely behead his victim with a handaxe. Hed killed at least 36 victims, that they had found out about.
mid afternoon Kendra brought out some sandwiches of spiced pork slices, and a spiced cider. there also a coupe apples and a few peaches.
Quincey came out and continued reading at the table
"Alright," says Barek. "Let's head back the way we came. We'll keep researching and come back with fresh eyes. Maybe more holy water...lots more holy water."
Chuckling, "You ain't kidding about that, my friend. I've never felt so worthless. We definitely have to do our research on these stupid haunts to where we can ALL contribute on taking them down. And if that takes 4,000 bottles of holy water, then by gosh, so be it," he says, grinning wryly.
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Back at the estate...
"Thanks, Kendra. Tea sounds good." Jack takes a cup and drinks it leisurely as Carla details what she learned about The Lopper. "Well, I guess the moniker given to him is fitting. Definitely on the nose." Shaking his head, "Freaking psycho. I would've love to have ended that maniac myself. Sicko."
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Carla is visibly relieved to leave the prison ruins. She ignores the onlookers and once Kendra brings in the tea, she thanks her so profusely, her eyes get misty "Thank you, miss Kendra. You are so kind to care for us so. I feel indebted."
The tea helps her go through the books more easily and by the end of her research, her morale is high again. She says "yes, Jack, he sounds horrible. Who could be like that? I wonder what this man has gone through to get to this stage." Looking at Quincey kindly she says "I'm curious about what you'll find out. I'd like a look at that book when you're done."
She says to the others, without wanting to bother Quincey and his research "I wonder... This man will likely try to cut heads still in death. We should try to wear extra protection around our necks, I reckon." She isn't sure how smart or dumb that sounds, but she has no filter when she's chippy.
"Freaking psycho. I would've love to have ended that maniac myself. Sicko."
Barek nods in affirmation, though he declines to say anything.
"This man will likely try to cut heads still in death. We should try to wear extra protection around our necks, I reckon."
"It would make sense for the more heavily armored of our party to do so. I just hope this Lopper is not a spirit, I've heard tales from Pathfinders that their ghostly blades cut right through armor and shield to strike at your core..."
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Barek stares out the window, sipping his spiced cider, appreciating the warmth it brings back to his body. The locals are spooked... He turns to the rest of the group and puts out, "I'm worried the locals are starting to get suspicious of us. Strange things happening in town with non-local folk coming in...I'm worried they will either confront us like they did at the graveyard, or that they will attempt to do something to Miss Kendra, since she is providing for us during our stay."
He tugs a bit on the cuffs of his sleeves out of nervous habit and continues, "If this town were a bit bigger, I would suggest going out to hear what people are saying. But if they catch someone skulking that will likely garner further stains on our reputation in the community. What does everyone think?"
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Carla replies to Barek "Well, we should protect ourselves in case they do not cur through armor."
Carla says "Well, I'd hate for the town to come after us or miss Kendra. I suppose Lawrence can walk around town and listen in. However, for some reason, people don't really like seeing rats like him. I never understood why, they're so friendly!"
Barek smiles at Carla's idea. "That is a very good solution to the problem. This is Ustalav, rats aren't terribly uncommon, though care should be taken."
He looks meaningfully at the rat riding on Carla, "What do you think Lawrence, are you up for it?"
Balurk says nothing until they get back. He’s clearly in a sour mood, and it takes the scent of spiced pork and cider to perk up.
“Balurk tried his best to stop haunted fireplace,” the burly orc said while chowing down on pork, “First time punch didn’t hurt enemy. How can Balurk punch something that cannot be punched?”
With the mention of the locals, Balurk snorts, “Let them come. They hurt friends, they lose jaws. Fair trade. If they not want to lose jaws, they leave friends alone.”
When quincey settles in to eat, he lays the box they had with the letter on the table.Carla and Balurk really had no knowledge of it. Further the others seemed to have forgotten about it.
For those who come after- We, the Protecters of the many, have left this cache to combat the growing evil in Harrowstone. Our Seers say it holds something dear to The Whispering Way. Something they need to release he who shall not be named. We would have gone ourselves, but there is no time. No time.
You will find here.
12 Arrows that have silver arrowheads, which some creatures are vulnerable to. They are tied with a silver ribbon. (12 Silver Arrows)
12 Arrows that are enchanted so that they may injure creatures that take magic to do so. They are tied with a purple ribbon. (10 +1 Arrows)
6 Arrows tied with a black ribbon that are bane to any undead (2 Arrows of Undead Bane)
12 Arrows that have been created to be able to fly through the plane ethereal at the same time wrapped in a white ribbon. (5 Ghost touch Arrows)
A Belt you may find handy in fighting creatures of the night. (Masterwork belt that can hold 6 items Free action to pull the item)
8 vials of Holy Water, blessed by a priestess of Iomedae. (6 Vials of Holy Water)
A Bandolier with which you can keep some important item at the ready (Masterwork Bandolier with 8 slots. Free Action to pull item)
6 Rods of alchemy that can turn the night to day. (4 Sunrods)
6 healing draughts (5 Potions of Cure Light. 1d8+1)
3 Vials holding an alchemical restorative that can counter act effects of the undead (2 Potions of Lesser Restoration)
We have left 3 scroll tubes, each holding two scrolls. 2 to protect you from evils might, 2 to tell if there are undead present, and two that will increase your chance of not being found by undead. (1 scroll of Protection from evil, 1 Detect Undead Scroll, and 2 Hide from Undead scrolls)
Within our Darkwood case you will find a Spirit Board and a Lesser Planchette with which you may deign some guidance in your hunt.
Finally you will find 4 Spirit Siphons, that can help rid the area of spirits bound to a location. (4 Haunt Siphons- you may look it up)
Blessed Hunting
A Member of The Order.
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Carla says "Thanks Quincey, this is really helpful! Although most of these I don't know how to use, but I am sure you guys who have train to shoot a bow will do great with these arrows."
She takes the spirit board and spirit planchette and says "I've heard of these, always wanted to try. Although it seems dangerous, we might need to use one of these scrolls."
She also tells Lawrence "Can you go snoop around town? Make sure to stay hidden, but otherwise, try to understand what people are saying about us." and gives him a little kiss.
"First time punch didn’t hurt enemy. How can Balurk punch something that cannot be punched?"
"With some planning, we should be able to help with that. I just wish it were as simple as dipping your hands in holy water. Maybe holding vials of the stuff in your hands? No, wait, you're strong enough that you'd likely shatter them and cut open your palms...We'll figure something out Balurk."
Barek looks through all of the materials again, picking up and examining one of the Spirit Siphons. "These may be our best defense against things like that oven, we just need to determine who will carry them."
"Last thing to discuss is another watch tonight. The way the townsfolk were staring, I'm sure we'd all be more comfortable ensuring nothing untoward happens, it's just a matter of arrangements. Same partners as last time, or switch it up?"
Lawrence pushes his whiskered face against Carla, then as he is set down he scampers off.
As usual, Briar Rose enjoys the sweet victuals on offer. She always had a sweet tooth. She is not particularly pleased with their findings thus far. She had hoped the stories of haunted, burned down asylums were untrue. Or at least exaggerated, but that does not seem to be the case. "Well... I didn't want the Professor to be right, but he seems he was on to something. I guess it's a good thing we found this undead-killing stuff... I don't think the townsfolk will bother us. What would farmers do against a bunch of warriors in a big defensible manor? They're superstitious, not stupid." She hopes. "Carla, does that book say anything about burning down the prison for a second time? I'm still not convinced that's not a good idea."
She also wants to check on their hostess. "Are you doing well, Kendra dear? I can't imagine how stressful it must be to go through all this just after losing your father."
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Carla replies to the Lady "Well, from this text, it seems that the Whispering Way cult is after something in the prison. I don't know if they got it, but in either case, if we burn down the prison again we lose any chance to find out what it is and what it could do. Also, we lose the chance to ease the pain of those poor souls." She seems sincerely distraught.
"I don't think the townsfolk will bother us. What would farmers do against a bunch of warriors in a big defensible manor? They're superstitious, not stupid."
Barek shrugs, and tugs on his sleeve cuffs, ensuring they are in place, saying, "I've seen scared people do very stupid things. All I am saying is that there are no guarantees. You saw what was happening at the funeral, those farmers looked like they were up for a fight if we hadn't managed to talk them down."
"Also, we lose the chance to ease the pain of those poor souls."
"I'm more concerned for our souls at the moment. It would be great if we can move any guards on to the Boneyard, but I wouldn't be sad if those prisoners were stuck in torment for all eternity. A beteg dögök megérdemlik ezt és még többet is."
The group returned to their thinking and studies after the snack
after a few hours near Dark Carla came out to report she couldnt find enough information on the Mosswater Marauder in this setting, nor the Splatterman But had discovered information on The Piper of Illmarsh.
No name was recorded for The Piper of Illmarsh who stalking his victims and when they were alone, theyd hear a mournful dirge that would somehow charm them and theyd walk into the grasp of the Piper who took them away to someplace private where he'd dosed them with lichdust, paralyzing them.
Then for days hed let his pet stirges feed on them until they would gradually die from blood loss.
Lawrence scooted around for a couple hours and returned after dark, and where he couldnt give Carla a verbatim account. She could get an empathetic feeling about what the villagers felt. Mistrust. talk of driving the strangers out of town. fear, great fear. Lots of talk though.
Those looking out the front windows of the manor see a tall, rotund man with slicked-back blond hair amble his way up the path to the Lorrimer estate. He stops for a moment to look around the grounds, craning his neck as if to see if he's in the correct place before walking up to the door and rapping on it (or using the doorknocker if one is there). Now that he's closer, you get a better look at him, clad in a fine scholarly outfit; a red vest over a brown shirt and trousers, though with a pair of heavy black boots instead of a more academic style of shoe.
The man has a pair of thick brass goggles strapped around his eyes, which he adjusts before speaking.
To whomever opens the door he addresses with a deep, stern voice, "Greetings," as he crosses an arm over his chest and takes a short bow, "Is this by chance the Lorrimer estate? I received a missive recently informing me that the professor has passed away."
"I would have arrived earlier, however there were some unforeseen complications that unfortunately delayed my arrival," he continues, furrowing his brow and grimacing, "But hopefully I am not too late to pay my respects to the professor."
"I am Professor Alloysius Daedalus, scholar and seeker of obscure knowledge. But you may address me as simply 'Lloyd', if you so wish."
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Carla is the one to open the door. She is tired from researching so much, considering it's not her primary occupation. Desperate for something to occupy herself with, she hopes the friendly looking man arriving is from the town, with some sort of peace offering. She notices that Lawrence is still munching on the treats she gave him as a reward for a job well done in town.
Surprised to hear Lloyd's introduction, Carla says "Oh, hi! I'm Carla. I was also late to the funeral. There is actually some stuff going on. Miss Kendra, is it ok if this gentleman comes in?"
After getting confirmation from Kendra, Carla invites Lloyd inside and says "This is miss Kendra Lorrimor, the professor's daughter. She is nice enough to let us stay at her house while we... deal with some last request from the professor. It's a long story, really. Anyway, this is Lady Briar Rose Applegate, wait... no, that's not right. Her name sounds like that, though, I'm sorry milady, I can't quite remember your last name. Applestar! Applestar, is the name."
Blushing, embarrassed, she continues "This is Barek, Jack and the big one in the back is Balurk. And this here is Lawrence." she finishes holding out a rat that's eating a large piece of cheese. "Say hi Lawrence!" and the rat stops eating for a second to wave his whiskers at Lloyd.
coming out of the library is a slight pale man, little better than a boy really...he raises a hand and says Hi Im Quincey and goes back to studying.
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Barek turns away from his studies and rises to offer his hand to Lloyd, "Welcome Lloyd. I hope the people in town did not give you too much trouble, we've been getting odd looks for a couple of days now." After saying his peace, he lets Kendra speak as hostess while he continues his research.
Then Barek gets excited because he found the information on the Splatterman
Considered to be the most dangerous of the 5, The Splatter Man aka Hean Feramin; a celebrated scholar of Anthroponomastics (the study of personal names and their origins) at the Quartrefaux Archives in Caliphas. Yet an accidental association with a succubus twisted and warped his study, turning it into an obsession. Feramin became obsessed with the power of a name and how he could use it to terrify and control. Soon enough, his reputation was ruined, he’d lost his tenure, and he’d developed an uncontrollable obsession with an imaginary link between a person’s name and what happens to that name when the person dies. Every few days, he would secretly arrange for his victim to find a letter from her name written in blood, perhaps smeared on a wall or spelled out with carefully
arranged entrails. Once he had spelled his victim’s name, he would at last come for her, killing her in a gory mess using a complex trap or series of rigged events meant to look like an accident.
Balurk sees the new person, and almost says something, but remembers his mouth is full with pork. So instead he just gives a brief wave before going back to food.
Nodding, "Good to meet you, Lloyd. I'm Jack. Jack Ryder. Like Carla said. The 'Jack' part, I mean, not the 'Jack Ryder' part. Just to be clear," he explains, grinning.
"A pleasure to meet fellow acquaintances of Professor Lorrimer's," Lloyd nods with a slight twinge of amusement in his voice as he shakes Barek's hand, "I see his ability to attract eclectic company hasn't waned since last I saw him."
"As for the townsfolk, they did seem rather insistent that I leave upon hearing my inquiries into this estate's location. But eventually they relented. I've come to ignore the opinions of such superstitious people," he states rather bluntly, folding his arms behind his back, "They can glare and swear as much as they'd like, it does not bother me."
"But do tell, what was this request of the late professor's?" he asks with sudden interest, "Perhaps I can offer my talents."
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Carla tilts her head slightly thinking "Did Lloyd just call me weird?" but says "Well, he was suspicious of a certain cult doing some bad stuff. They're called the Whispering Way and they don't want nice things, it looks like. They've been trying to get into the ruins of Harrowstone prison. If you haven't heard of it, it burned down about half a century ago with all the prisoners and staff inside."
She is about to tell Lloyd the entire story, but she herself can't bring the words out of her mouth. Instead, she just said "It's supposedly haunted and... we've verified that it is, indeed haunted. We have received some help in the form of some magic items from someone. I assume it's from the Esoteric Order of the Paladin Eye, I'm sure you know of it."
She breathes in deep then says "In any case, we have to go back to the prison, the Whispering Way were supposedly looking for something in the ruins and we need to find what it is in case it's... well, something really bad. It probably is, though. You can come if you'd like. It would be amazing if you knew how to handle haunts. You know, haunted places."
Barek looks up from his research, adding what he can to Carla's explanation. "The Whispering Way is trying to bring back the Whispering Tyrant. We suspect they already have what they came for, as we discovered freshly carved runes, marked with blood all along the perimeter of the prison.
We have some supplies, and are doing some research to figure out more about the worst inmates, a fairly infamous five prisoners. I've just discovered a bit about their leader, the Splatter Man. He was obsessed with names, and would torment his victims by spelling their names slowly over days. When it was fully spelled out, he would kill them with elaborate traps or events made to look like an accident."
12 Arrows that are enchanted so that they may injure creatures that take magic to do so. They are tied with a purple ribbon. (10 +1 Arrows)
6 Arrows tied with a black ribbon that are bane to any undead (2 Arrows of Undead Bane)
12 Arrows that have been created to be able to fly through the plane ethereal at the same time wrapped in a white ribbon. (5 Ghost touch Arrows)
A Belt you may find handy in fighting creatures of the night. (Masterwork belt that can hold 6 items Free action to pull the item)
8 vials of Holy Water, blessed by a priestess of Iomedae. (6 Vials of Holy Water)
A Bandolier with which you can keep some important item at the ready (Masterwork Bandolier with 8 slots. Free Action to pull item)
6 Rods of alchemy that can turn the night to day. (4 Sunrods)
6 healing draughts (5 Potions of Cure Light. 1d8+1)
3 Vials holding an alchemical restorative that can counter act effects of the undead (2 Potions of Lesser Restoration)
We have left 3 scroll tubes, each holding two scrolls. 2 to protect you from evils might, 2 to tell if there are undead present, and two that will increase your chance of not being found by undead. (1 scroll of Protection from evil, 1 Detect Undead Scroll, and 2 Hide from Undead scrolls)
Within our Darkwood case you will find a Spirit Board and a Lesser Planchette with which you may deign some guidance in your hunt.
Finally you will find 4 Spirit Siphons, that can help rid the area of spirits bound to a location. (4 Haunt Siphons- you may look it up)
"We could use another pair of eyes and courageous heart trying to figure out what the Whispering Way is up to. Would you like to join us?"
As the evening proceeded, One by one you felt the fatigue take you and you moved to a room in the estate to find a bed, a couch, or a table to sleep on.
The sleep was fitful with dreams of being burnt alive again. caught in a cell, fires spreading. It was horrid. When you awoke you were bathed in sweat.
There had been no discussion of a watch, as there had been the night before...and as the night before the watch hadnt been needed, there was no need for it this night either. Nothing assaulted the estate in the evening.
However, to say nothing occurred, would be an exaggeration.
31st Kuth, 7am Lorrimer Estate
You came downstairs to the smell of Kendras cooking. she had sausage and fresh squeezed orange juice, some fresh baked rolls. and of course her wonderful smelling coffee.
She frowned as you came downstairs. saying Where's Quincey? In the night, he had left.....
"Kendra, dear, you father's estate is certainly host to a revolving and colorful cast of characters... Welcome, Allosaurus. I am lady Briar Rose Applestar of Magnimar." The paladin offers a warm smile. She's wrapped in a heavy quilt, presumably from her bed. "You've only missed... oh, such terrible things! Ghosts! And undead! Awful!" She leaves the dissection of the literary works to those more versed in books and history. She's more of a dancer herself. "Be warned before you sit at our table: there seems to be a grand conspiracy afoot. I would not blame you if you wish only to pay your respects and leave. Goddesses know I want to..."
Barek looks at his hands, comparing the clean flesh of his right with the gnarled and scarred flesh of his left. His dreams return, and he imagines his right to be just as scarred and shivers. He slips his glove on, and makes sure his clothing and head scarf is in place before heading downstairs with his spellbook yet again.
"Good morning Kendra, Lady Applestar." He opens his book and pulls out his quill and inks, realizing that all of his studies on magic have helped him to complete his formula to infuse weapons with magic, and to amplify the natural static generated by the body into a lethal shock. He eagerly scribes his notes before studying and setting his spells for the day.
Looking up, he realizes something is different about Briar Rose. "Did something happen last night?" he asks. "Briar Rose, you have a glow about you that was not there before."
Lloyd mouths the word "Allosaurus" confusedly, but jolts back to attention at the rest of Briar Rose's comments, "Hah! I dare say I would not be much of a scholar if I didn't take some time to unravel a harebrained conspiracy or two," he cradles his chin with his index finger and thumb, "Luckily for all involved, I much prefer field research, and I don't mind having to stick a few bolts in some zombies to do it."
"Eh, Quincy?" Lloyd ponders for a moment at Kendra's inquiry, "The pale boy, right? I can't say I've seen him since he peered out from a doorway for all of four nanoseconds when I first arrived yesterday."
"Kendra, dear, you father's estate is certainly host to a revolving and colorful cast of characters... Welcome, Allosaurus. I am lady Briar Rose Applestar of Magnimar." The paladin offers a warm smile. She's wrapped in a heavy quilt, presumably from her bed. "You've only missed... oh, such terrible things! Ghosts! And undead! Awful!" She leaves the dissection of the literary works to those more versed in books and history. She's more of a dancer herself. "Be warned before you sit at our table: there seems to be a grand conspiracy afoot. I would not blame you if you wish only to pay your respects and leave. Goddesses know I want to..."
Jack, already downstairs due to the difficulty of sleep, smiles at Lady Briar. "Rose, I believe you meant Alloysius. Or, 'Lloyd' as he mentioned to make things easier." He winks.
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Carla wakes up grumbling on a couch. She goes wash up for half an hour then comes back out with her usual cheerful self. She bids all "Morning!" and fills a plate for herself and Lawrence. She goes straight into the books to try and learn what she can. Even if she hasn't learned much about the criminals or haunts, she feels cleverer.
After communing with Lawrence to ready her spells, she says "Weird, I got more spells prepared today than yesterday..."
Briar Rose smiles warmly at Barek. "You know, I do feel different. I feel like... A tiny sun has risen inside me, despite the gloomy fog all about." She walks up behind the scholar studying his books and gives him a hug, squeezing him tightly. "Mmmmmm! Don't I feel warmer too you? I feel warmer to me!" There was no overabundance of warmth in Ustalav. Surely this was a sign from her goddesses that she is on the path they inteded for her!
"Ahh, but the bad news is we really must deal with the prison today! We simply cannot allow it to continue haunting these poor farmers." Surely laying the haunts of the decrepit prison to rest would bring some level of stability to the region.
9:00 AM 31st of Kuth. Leaving the Lorrimer Estate.
The decision to go back to the prison made, The group gathers their gear and leaves the estate, to hear a murmur coming from the direction of the Monument. A crowd has gathered there.
Working to think fast, Jack pulls out his kukri, then just starts ad libbing because he's got nothing else, and says, "Yeah, um, I feel different too! I feel like I can stab somebody good. And boy, would it hurt! Oh yeah! Just stab! stab! stab! and stab! again, bleeding them stupid undead out! Heck yeah! Stab! That's what I'm talking about! Well, except for the fact that undead don't bleed. But you get the point," he grins, nodding, and calming down.
Barek takes the hug and reciprocates as best he can while holding his mug and chuckling. "But tato čačes!"
"But you get the point"
Barek snorts, doing his best to keep his coffee down. "Jack, you've got a silver tongue, but if puns are the best you can come up with, I suspect it's starting to tarnish a little."
Barek looks at Jack and Briar Rose, "Didn't you mention the Monument was covered in blood a couple of days ago? The crowd over there looks restless. I'm betting something else happened to it last night..." Saying such, he begins walking toward the crowd, trying to get a glimpse of what is going on.
Lady Applestar approaches the gathering crowd, smiling warmly at them. "Good morrow, people of Ravengro. How is everyone doing today?" Odd though it may be for everyone to be assembled outside this early, Briar Rose is content to not immediately assume malevolent intent on the part of the farmers and craftsmen. "Would anyone like to join me in a morning prayer?"
From her vantage point, Lady Briar Rose can see the Sherrif scowling and looking at the monument
"Oh boy, what's got the town riled up this time?" Lloyd grumbles, making little effort to hide his annoyance. He rolls his eyes, not that it can be seen behind his goggles.
Clearing his throat, he approaches the crowd, "Do tell, 'fine' citizens of Ravengro," Lloyd spreads his arms as he addresses them, but quickly folds them behind his back, "what brings everyone to this part of town?"
"Hmm?" Balurk murmurs when he sees the crowd, "What happened? Something exciting? Terrifying? Problem to fix?"
As you get closer murmers can be heard from the 15 or so people crowded around the entry way to the monument.
...another letter...
...did you see the head...
...that pale boy...
...fraggin Outsiders...
...they prolly did it...
Barek takes the hug and reciprocates as best he can while holding his mug and chuckling. "But tato čačes!"
"But you get the point"Barek snorts, doing his best to keep his coffee down. "Jack, you've got a silver tongue, but if puns are the best you can come up with, I suspect it's starting to tarnish a little."
Smiling, "HA! I did not even catch that. You know, now that I think about it, that was actually a pretty good one, Barek. Don't knock it down so quickly there, buddy," he says, chuckling.
Barek looks at Jack and Briar Rose, "Didn't you mention the Monument was covered in blood a couple of days ago? The crowd over there looks restless. I'm betting something else happened to it last night..." Saying such, he begins walking toward the crowd, trying to get a glimpse of what is going on.
With his attention on the crowd, "Yeah, we did, Barek," he answers, sounding almost robotic as he's far more focused on the crowd. "What in the world could it be this time?"
Between Briar Rose's question, Lloyd's question, and Balurk's question, Jack finds himself irritated that these jerk townsfolk completely ignore them. he yells, clapping his hands hard and loudly several times in an effort to be heard.
Hoping that was enough to get SOMEBODY'S attention, "Now, what happened here? And just for the record, if somebody was killed, IT! WAS! NOT! US!" He stares sternly at them, and without seeming to blink at all.
"Now, having said ALL OF THAT, my friend here," he points to Lady Briar, "asked if any of you would be interested in joining her for morning prayer!"
"Also, this gentleman here," he motions to Lloyd, "asked what it is that has brought you all here!"
"And lastly, this friend of mine," he motions to Balurk, "is wondering what happened, and if there is a problem, what can we do to help!" He stares hard at them all again for a long moment before relaxing somewhat, but not really.
"And if there is an issue that needs dealing with, hopefully none of you have any issues with us helping! Because that just wouldn't be very nice to turn down folks who are willing to help."
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Carla, knowing she's not the best at speeches and convincing people, just comes along for the moment. She considers telling Lawrence to come closer to the monument and find out what exactly is going on, but people might not appreciate a rat running among them.
She thinks "Well, Lawrence and I got our spells prepared today to deal with the haunted prison, not an angry mob. I just hope we don't meet an angry mob." She tries looking at a distance through the group of townsfolk what is going on.
She tells Barek next to her "Maybe we should make a point of keeping guard on this monument. It seems there's always something happening here and it'd be nice to catch someone in the act."
Barek shakes his head thinking, Very subtle Jack.
He then addresses Carla nodding while keeping his eyes on the crowd, "I agree. We can take shifts as we did a few nights ago, but it'll be better if we tell the sheriff of our intention beforehand. I'd hate to hear what the townsfolk think about us loitering around the monument at night."
He rocks back on his heels, tugging the cuffs of his sleeves up towards his hands in nervous habit as several of the townsfolk turn to look at Jack.
with Jacks yell, the crowd ceases to talk and spins looking at the outsiders. 1 woman gives pause and looks at Briar Rose mumbling an apology. Im sorry milady, I did not know you were a holy lady of Pharasma. of course I will join you
another man just stepped aside and lowered his head.
most just parted so they could get to the Sherrif and the monument.
There lieing on the grass, was Quincey's frail body in his night shirt, and pants but none of his gear...headless, while his head sat at the base of the monument.
The Memorial now had another Letter written in blood next to the V...an E.
The Sherrif said...well now we have a murder
Lloyd's brow raises in apparent surprise for a moment as the scene is revealed, "I suppose that answers where he went. Unfortunate."
"Are there any wounds on the boy aside from the obvious separation of head from neck?" he inquires to the sheriff in a tone of scientific detachment, "If the cause of death was decapitation, I believe I can rule out myself or any of the rest of us 'outsiders', you called us?"
Lloyd paces around the crowd, gesturing to his new companions as he rattles off alibis for them, "Barek wields a rapier. Not a cutting weapon. Jack, a kukri. Good for cutting plants, not quite as good at flesh. Carla and Balkur wield no weapons at all, and while I have no doubts as to the orc's strength, I doubt even he would be able to sever a head cleanly with just his bare hands. As for myself, I use a dagger and crossbow, instruments of stabbing, not cutting. And finally, Briar Rose. She indeed has two weapons capable of beheading. HOWEVER, one of you said she is a holy lady. A paladin, yes? I may not know much about religious matters, but I am aware that paladins risk losing their deity's support should they do something heinous like, say, murder an innocent man. So either Quincey here was deserving of a smiting, or, more likely, she did not kill him."
He turns back to the crowd, folding his arms behind his back once again, "I rest my case."
Eyes going wide at the horrific sight, "Whoa! You have got to be kidding me! Whoa! Sheriff, could we please cover that up?! That is something that does NOT need to be paraded around. You've got to be kidding me. He practically just left! I mean, it was just recently! Less than 12 hours ago! This is nuts." Staring at the gruesome scene again for a moment, "Wow. This one shocks me. Unbelievable."
Jack then listens to Lloyd make a case for everyone, and then nods in complete agreement. "Now that is well said, Lloyd. Well said," he compliments, grinning.
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Carla remains silent as the body is revealed. Her hands tremble in her pockets and Lawrence notices. He nibbles at her to try to break her out of stasis.
She finally looks around for other things to focus on. She tells Jack "Hey, maybe you can find some tracks here? I mean, I know I'm grasping at straws, but... isn't there something you can find?" Carla knows that it's a fool's request, so she adds "Maybe Lawrence can help? He has a great sense of smell."
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Balurk was quiet…stunned silent. Then he clenched his fists and said softly,
”Will stop the murderer myself…”
The orc then walked away from the crowd, to a more open area. He looked at the sky, shaking in rage, before bellowing,