GM - Zombie Master's page

Everyone will be level 2 by the end of the month, if not sooner. So maybe you all should be working on your level ups. ;)

Fleisher treats the wounds of the two injured men and is convinced their is no infection. Meanwhile everyone else gathers in the parlor.

Cyler looks whiter than normal after his bloodletting, but he sits up at Eva's suggestion. "I should be alright in the morning. I'll come with you to help." he says a bit peeked.

Eva's words convince Councilman Hearthmount and a few of the townsfolk to take up their music once more. The start a slow dirge and everyone watches the skies.

It is minutes later with nothing happening that the music becomes a little more lively and a few folk take to dancing. Soon everyone but the group and Kendra are swinging in a circle around the gazebo.

The group watches over the townsfolk, for which they are truly grateful.

Rewards: +3 Trust; 600xp

The group moves past the front doors of Harrowstone noticing them slightly ajar and the balcony above them partially crumbled with age. Nothing can be seen inside but darkness.

Aral and Dr. Benedict find more runes on the foundation on the western side of the doors. They are exactly the same as all the others.

And then the group finds what they have come to see. At the southwestern corner of the building is what looks like a gargoyle that broke off the corner of the building and fell to the ground some twenty feet below. The statuary has dried blood on one side and the ground below has a small spot of blood staining the ground. This must be the spot where the Professor was found.

Using Aral's Survival roll from above.

Aral notices drag marks that lead toward the gates, but also ones that lead around the building towards the north.

New Survival checks from everyone as they explore this area please.

The group has explored the inner grounds from the gate to the pond and then up and across the front of the main building to the front door.

The sun is less than an hour from it's noon day height and there is still more grounds to explore as well as the small house that stands near the path.

Continue clockwise or explore the house next?

The group explores the eastern quarter of the grounds.

From the path leading to the front door to the pond and back.

The farthest tip of land on the east side of the building allows the group to see into Harrowstone through the collapsed eastern wall. It looks to reveal a training room as a few moldering straw training dummies still stand in the rooms center. The water of the pond looks to enter the room and go no further into the building.

The the group gets close to the building it's self moving around back towards the front. Only the good doctor and Aral seem to notice something on the foundation walls.

Nice.

With the creature off Cyler's back the only stirge left is the one on the ground still dazed and confused.

Peredur and Jonas are up. Monster is in range could charge if you wish it.

Between Jonas and Peredur they manage to kill the stirge in the half-elf's hand. It lays limp squirming no longer.

Suddenly a bolt of magical energy flies from behind the group striking the flying/dancing stirge. 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Looking behind the group sees Kendra with her hand pointed forward the spell must have came from her. The light attracted the attention of the musicians and dancers and the music dies off as a small wave of panic engulfs the commoners.

The stopped music effects the flying stirge as it lands and moves as if bedazzled. It must have the same effect on the one stuck to Cyler as it stops it's feeding shaking it's small pointed nose head in confusion.

Making a circuit of the prison is hard as the hill and the small pond cut off going all the way around without doing a little backtracking.

Skie Watcher leads the way checking for tracks on the ground and signs of someone who may have climbed the wall. Neither can be found.

Once more you make it back to the gate, and Kholtan shrugging moves between the worn broken gate onto the grounds of Harrowstone.

Will save Kholtan, DC 12

The third creature seems lost in it's dancing and stays floating in the air just above the groups heads.

Peredur successfully pulls the large mosquito like creature off Jonas's leg and it squirms in the half-elf's grip. Jonas steps up to the thing blood trickling down his leg as he places a finger on the creature and burns a rune into it's body.

Escape grapple 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

It squirms and sputters to no avail as the half-elf holds on tight.

Cyler still dances around in a circle as he tries to fight off the creature. "Hey a little help over here!"

Round 1

"There's another one!" Fleisher says pointing into the air at a third creature as it hovers oddly above the group. It sways and dips then rises again as it hovers almost in time with the jig that is being played not a block away. "Is it dancing?"

Surprise round

Kendra waves the group along with a smile as she talks to another couple along the road. Nearing the outlying building the group notices the music and see a large crowd gathering. The tune is a lively jig and two young men dance and prance before the gathered townsfolk.

Fleisher cocks his head as if hearing something odd. "Do you hear...?" he starts to say then suddenly Cyler yells out.

"Owww!! Something bit me!" he turns trying to look over his shoulder onto his back and spins as he does.

Everyone sees a small multiple winged creature with six barbed legs and a long needle like nose that has punctured through the rogues clothes.

"Hey!" Jonas yells as a similar creature clings to his leg and bites him as well.

Harrowstone is located on a barren hill south of Ravengro, the stark sagging roof of it's central structure visible through a large gap in the surrounding wall.

A partially overgrown track leads from the southern edge of town, winding around the base of the hill and then backup along the southern slope to the prison itself. This allows the group to get a good look at each side of Harrowstone before arriving at its front gate.

The ten foot walls are covered in a creeping ivy that seems to have been growing for years.

The group reaches the former front gate that sags between two guard towers. It hangs negligently open, creaking softly in the small breeze.

Map Harrowstone

Spending time getting cleaned up and changed the group makes their way out to the dance just as the sun is starting to set. Down the road they see lanterns lighting up the gazebo in the center of town and a large group if people starting to gather as others seem to be headed that way as well.

Perception and Initiatives please.

One map for you HERE

Your gather info got you the lay out of town. If you ever wish a detailed map let me know please.

I will allow a half a days research to go through on the condition that the two half days are back to back.

You would go to say the Town hall and start researching and thus making piles or sorting. If you don't return the next day then someone else might get into those files and move things. So it is best you do half research on back to back days.

In game I just need to know if you are going to go to the Restlands or Harrowstone or both.

The ceremony did not take overly long it is still early morning. Please RP a bit and decide what it is you wish to do as a group next.

Busy indeed - I'm in the hotel business (assistant laundry manager) on the busy travel weekend so you know I have been extra busy at work.

And had a party last night to attend.

Things should be back on track.

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Game wise only two researches left to get.

Whispering Way DC 25

the Mosswater Marauder DC 25

RP a bit and discuss if you want to go to Harrowstone in the morning, spend another day hitting the books or explore town (something I don't think has been done yet.)

Fleisher studies the haunt siphon and planchette in the morning after breakfast. While do to his alchemical background he figures out the siphon easily the odd brass device and board elude him.

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Cyler and Eva head to the temple while Peredur and Fleisher pull up chairs in the professor's library. It is a long day of study for everyone and with only a little to show for it.

Cyler looks up info on the Lopper only because he thinks the name is stupid and he wants to find out why he's called the Lopper.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

"Hmmm... found it." he says reading a page out of a journal found in the midst of the records. His face goes pale and he grimaces. "Wish I hadn't."

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The day wears towards a close as Eva and Cyler return for dinner. The group sits eating quietly around the table each lost to his own thoughts.

Until someone wishes to RP, that is. ;)

I will see about the half/researching for you robin.

Been busy this weekend a lot of work and a party to get to in half an hour. Plan- to be to intoxicated to post tonight so tomorrow morning.

Until then Aral will need a couple aid anothers to get his check up.

Anyone wish to assist please make a roll and post in up by noon tomorrow.

Very busy weekend as it is the weekend before the holiday.

I just got in the door and am heading back out in about half an hour.

Updates tomorrow morning promise.

The group enters (even Skie Watcher) the temple to find it decorated for a celebration and smelling like a bakery on muffin day.

The group sits near the back and they watch as one of Pharasma's more forgotten roles takes place. That as the goddess of births.

A small ceremony is taking place for a new born only three days old. The congregation is welcoming a new soul in the world. After the blessing of both father and mother and all of the new born's siblings, Father Grimburrow channels positive energy into a basin of water before placing the babe - Krishwen - into the blessed water.

An acolyte takes the baby up in a grey shroud that turns white where the blessed water touches it. "The grey turning to white signifies the purity of the young soul." Father Grimburrow says as the acolyte hands the baby back to his mother. "Pharasma Penitence shall be with Krishwen for all the days of his life, but for now he is a pure soul devoid of the weights one collects over a lifetime."

The family walks out among the throng that has stood and come to greet the newest addition to the world.

For perfect attendance +1 Trust

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After the ceremony comes the celebration. A long table is laid out with foods brought by everyone. There is small cakes, seeds, salted peas, and kolash (braided dough bent into a tight spiral until it forms a round loaf - there are several varieties topped with dried fruit or a sweet frosting). Watered beer as well as tea is served to drink.

After a moment of Aral finds Father Grimburrow finally alone eating from a small pewter plate.

Ok another update on equipment.

And using Kendra for a point in the right direction...

Just need to know what the group will be up to today.

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Equipment Update

12 silver arrows
- 6 Jonas
- 6 Peredur

4 sunrods
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Eva
- 1 Peredur
- 1 Fleisher

6 flasks of holy water
- 1 Jonas
- 3 Fleisher
- 1 Cyler
- 1 Peredur

10 + 1 arrows
- 5 Jonas
- 5 Peredur

5 + 1 ghost touch arrows
- 2 Jonas
- 3 Peredur

2 + 1 undead bane arrows
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Peredur

5 potions cure light wounds(1d8 + 1)
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Fleisher
- 1 Eva
- 1 Peredur
- 1 Cyler

2 potions of lesser restoration
- 1 Eva
- 1 Fleisher

1 scroll detect undead
- Eva

1 scroll protection from evil
- Eva

2 scrolls hide from undead
- 2 Eva

4 haunt siphons (inside darkwood case with room for 6 more)
- 2 Fleisher
- 2 Eva

1 brass spirit planchette (inside darkwood case)
- Fleisher

To get info on the prisoners it is know-local or history.

You can roll once for each prisoner for what you know off the top of your head. That's where Eva got her nat 20 must have heard a story about the Piper from somewhere.

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Equipment Update(let me know if this is correct)

12 silver arrows
- 6 Jonas
- 6 Peredur

4 sunrods
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Eva
- 1 Peredur
- 1 Fleisher

6 flasks of holy water
- 1 Jonas
- 2 Fleisher
- 2 Cyler
- 1 Peredur

10 + 1 arrows
- 5 Jonas
- 5 Peredur

5 + 1 ghost touch arrows
- 2 Jonas
- 3 Peredur

2 + 1 undead bane arrows
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Peredur

5 potions cure light wounds(1d8 + 1)
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Fleisher
- 1 Eva
- 1 Peredur
- 1 Cyler

2 potions of lesser restoration
- 1 Eva
- 1 Fleisher

1 scroll detect undead
- Eva

1 scroll protection from evil
- Eva

2 scrolls hide from undead
- Eva
- Fleisher (note this is a divine scroll)

4 haunt siphons (inside darkwood case with room for 6 more)
- 2 Fleisher
- 2 Eva

1 brass spirit planchette (inside darkwood case)
- Fleisher

Here's hoping you had a good time. Added your Avatar pic to your character.

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Something we need to discuss OOC so you can divide it up IC is the loot.

So far it looks like this -

12 silver arrows
- 4 Jonas

4 sunrods
- 1 Jonas

6 flasks of holy water
- 1 Jonas
- 2 Fleisher

10 + 1 arrows
- 3 Jonas

5 + 1 ghost touch arrows
- 2 Jonas

2 + 1 undead bane arrows
- 1 Jonas

5 potions cure light wounds(1d8 + 1)
- 1 Jonas
- 1 Fleisher

2 potions of lesser restoration

1 scroll detect undead

1 scroll protection from evil

2 scrolls hide from undead

4 haunt siphons (inside darkwood case with room for 6 more)
- 1 Fleisher

1 brass spirit planchette (inside darkwood case)
- Fleisher

End of Day 2

Even with Father Grimburrows hurried re-interment of the dead, rumors leak out about what happened at the Restlands. The town speculates on what could have caused it and come to the wrong conculsions blaming the group for their ill fortune.

-1 Trust

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Morning Day 3

Kendra's new cook out does herself for breakfast as a feast lays before the group as they come down in the morning.

Sausages spiced to perfect, eggs scrambled with onion, and potatoes fried to a golden brown and then sprinkled with paprika fill the room with an excellent aroma. Fresh fruit and hot spiced wine help to round out the meal fit for a king (or queen).

Little RP/let your DM know what you wish to do today please. Kendra is present for breakfast as well as Rapheal and Cyler.

Ending Day 1

Night falls on the sleepy town of Ravengro and the locals turn in from what they are calling "The Day of Strangers". Never in it's short existence have so many strangers come to town on the same day.

It has got the town a buzz and a little frightened about the days ahead.

-1 Trust*

* each day at sundown until the haunting of Harrowstone is defeated, the PCs loss 1 trust point

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Morning Day 2

Rising early and planning for a big day the group joins Kendra for a breakfast of eggs, sausages, and warm bread before heading to the Temple of Pharasma.

As they approach the temple they see more than a few people entering or walking towards the building. When they are close enough they see the large ornate doors open wide and hear somber music coming from inside.

Ok need to know if anyone wants to wait outside or if everyone wishes to go in.

That will be no problem. :)

Ok wishing to advance SUN night (MON day). Just to let you in on somethings.

A- The Restlands is about 20 mins north of Ravengro.

B- Harrowstone is about 10 mins south of Ravengro.

C- Researching requires most of the day to do. So if you were to spend a lot of time traveling (like going both to the Restlands and then Harrowstone) you would not be able to research.

D- Going to one place and then wishing to come back and research will depend on the amount of time you spend and said place.

So the plan is still for Aral to go talk with Father Grimburrow and then go from there correct? Is the group going along or will they wait at teh Lorrimor house?

At the Temple

Father Grimburrow looks shocked when he hears about the dead walking at the Restlands. He quickly gathers an acolyte and tells him to go to the homes of the gravediggers in Ravengro, with instructions to meet him at the cemetery.

As the group let's him know about the items he gathers a few things of his own from behind the altar. Soon he has two acolytes laden with full sacks heading out the doors before him and the group in tow.

Turning before departing he says to you, "I need to take care of this before the morning. The townsfolk. Please they must not hear of this just yet. Whatever was in that crypt take as a reward for your bringing this to my attention. And I will be by in a few days to get a more complete telling of your tale."

With that he hurries on, leaving you a bit bewildered.

He will polite refuse anyone who wishes to tag along. Saying this is a matter best not left to outsiders.

Reward: items and +1 Trust

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The Loorimor House

Kendra is in bed you are talking with Rapheal.

Rapheal nods taking the news in. He reports that it has been quiet here at the Lorrimor home the only visitors were a few people applying for jobs to help out Kendra.

"Seems since it isn't just her and her father here, Kendra wanted to hire on a couple extra maids and cooks." Rapheal says with a smile.

Everyone should make it back to the house for a little midnight planning as to the groups next move come the morning.

The group readies itself for a big day in the morning, turning in for a well deserved rest.

It should come as no surprise that rumors about the group and wild claims start passing between the folk of Ravengro. Even after only one day the townsfolk begin to believe their own stories.

-1 Trust

Reason: From now until the threat from Harrowstone is defeated the group losses one trust point at the end of each day.

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Day 2

The dawn is but less than an hour away when Kholtan returns to the Lorrimor house from his room at the local inn. Everyone is up and having breakfast finalizing their plans for the day.

This module is all about the down time. You will have travel time to invest in scroll scribing and down time between things to craft potions and such.

If you were to say sovle the mystery of Harrowstone in two weeks then the group will have two more weeks of "wait time" on their hands till leaving Ravengro.

So if you want to craft it will be no problem.

Setting myself to move things to the next day THUR night. If you have anything else you wish to do before bed let me know.

Does anyone have scribe scroll?

The church is on the way to the Lorrimor house from the Restlands so bidding Jonas goodbye the rest of the party enters the quiet nearly empty church. A few acolytes walk among the pews lighting candles.

They find Father Grimburrow at the altar his back to them. Without turning he says looking up at the image of Pharasma carved into the wall, "And did you find what you were seeking?"

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At the Lorrimor house Jonas finds Kendra has taken to her chambers for the night and Rapheal sitting up waiting for the group to return.

"Where are the others?" he asks worriedly.

Sent you an invite all you need do is accept and you are set.

Remember the character sheets at OP will be like a base sheet and probably only need updated at level ups. The profiles here at paizo I would like for you to use to keep track of the characters current stats - so if they have a disease or ability drain on them. Stuff like that.

NP - to let you know the group is currently at 720xp (out of 1,300) and I have xp on hold (about 800 or 160 each) on hold till you finish researching the Five Prisoners. After you get the other 3 you will get a total of 2,000xp (400 each) for the lot and I will then add it to the XP tracker.

Just didn't want to do them one at a time. And there is still the DC 25 (and 400xp or 80 each) left to try discovering the last clues about the Whispering Way.

So there is 48oxp in research waiting out there just to let you all know.

Experience tracker can be found - HERE

BTW still need characters posted at OP.

We are dividing by 5 but using the fast progression to off-set both that and the fact that you need not explore every encounter or room. The goal of the adventure is the key.

Also at the end of the year I will give out participation/RP experience and that will help as well.

_________________________________________

Eva could use detect magic instead of identify but would still need Spellcraft.

_________________________________________

Will put the group at their meeting with Father Grimburrow by tomorrow night (if not sooner) let me know if you are ready top go or wish to do something else before then.

The crypt searched and nothing else found the group heads back out. Outside the sun has drifted down below the horizon and the sky has turned a majestic purple as the last rays of light still filter up towards it.

As a group they head back to town keeping on the side of the river the temple is on.

The lid slides open to reveal a shallow inside and no body to be found. Instead there are bundles of arrows, vials of holy water and potions, sunrods and a darkwood case.

"Jackpot!" the rogue says in mischievous glee as he picks up an old sheet of parchment that seems to be an inventory list.

Combat Over

The bugs fall prey to the group and are soon just squishy messes on the cobblestone floor.

After waiting to see if anything else tries to jump out of the walls at the group the get back to searching.

"Well let's see what we see, shall we." Cyler says opening the lid to the sarcophagus...

Reward: +400 XP

Quick post before off to work.

The arrow goes wide breaking against the stone wall as Cyler moves up to help a dagger coming into his hand from know where.

As the bug dodges Peredur it sets itself up to take a blow from Fleisher the club smashing the back part of the creature, causing it to ooze out it's life pus.

Snapping away the creatures struggle to get a bite.

End of Round - PCs are UP

Stealth 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Everyone is surprised.

"Looks like the professor burnt these locks too." Cyler says as he rummages around the lid.

"Oww!" Eva suddenly yells loudly. Turning quickly everyone sees a giant centipede with it's mandibles in the tall woman's leg.

Another creature emerges from a crack in the wall and snaps at Fleisher but his armor manages to protect him from the bite.

Top of Round 1 - Group is up

Both doors lead to the same hallway which has another set of stairs leading down. Here the walls start to show signs of age with cracks all about them and dirt in small piles on the floor.

Will assume same marching order down these steps.

The stairs lead to a chamber with no exits and a large sarcophagus on a raised tier is the only thing in this long rectangular room.

Peredur follows the tracks to the stone coffin and Cyler immediately starts looking the area over. Taking his time to make sure nothing unexpected happens to anyone (especially him).

While you wait perception checks please.

In the Kitchen

Kendra smiles when she sees Aral. Stirring a kettle over the fire she brings out a small portion. "Here want to try some?" she asks looking to the large woman kneading dough on a table by the other wall.

"Oh my manners sorry. Aral this is Prissla." Kendra says nodding to the woman. "Before it was just me and father, but I thought with all of you here now a little help might be for the best. She has already been a great help."

"What was that about friends? Oh you mean Kholtan," she smiles nearly blushing. "He use to work for my father. Finding things for him he said. He had such funny stories of my father, some I never knew about. I do hope more of his friends stop by to say hello." she adds looking a little down cast.

"Seems all of you knew him better than me. And.." a tear comes to her eye and she says no more, going back to stirring.

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In the Parlor

Felyiel rubs his chin as he thinks. "You said the blood was fresh. Maybe there are fresh tracks about as well." he says then looks out the window. "Drat will be dark in a couple hours. And not knowing how far the trail may run might be best to wait till tomorrow. Maybe Sky Watcher could help. If he comes back, that is." he adds with a shrug.

Turning to Kholtan and once more noting his arms and armor he says. "Well you look like you can handle yourself if there is trouble, if you want to help it would give us more people to watch both the house here and search for clues as to what happen to the professor."

Rubbing his chin once more he asks, "What is our next move then? Or yours I should say as I will volunteer to guard Kendra and the home. Maybe knowing a paladin of Sarenrae is here will quail the talk that the Professor was a necromancer."

Almost dinner time. Could RP as a group and discuss next move.

The game is based on time. You have 30 days till "D-day" so the way it runs it should build tension as you search for clues and start putting things together and things will get "hairier" as the month progresses.

We are still on day one and you all are way ahead as I see it.

And taking ten might be allowed after you have researched a subject, or used a place for X number of days. This would mean you spent those days searching and not finding anything but you need not go back through all the info again, you have placed it aside. You will need to roll until then, sorry.

Researching takes a whole day - with breaks for meals ;) - and you could go about in groups of two or more. But only Aral is allowed to use the Town Hall spot to research.

There is still the Unfurling Scroll and Harrowstone itself to see about finishing the research part.

Kieli swoops down and lands on Talia's shoulder squawking in Alko.

Taking the fish the raven flies to the rooftop to enjoy its dinner.

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After exchanging stories for a moment Kholtan and Felyiel here the front door open and soon Dr. Benedict and Talia enter the parlor.

"And here are more friends of the Professor's." the half-elf says with a grin. "Talia and the good doctor Darcy Benedict. Talia, Doctor. This is Kholtan he came to pay his respects to the late professor and like us, he wishes to know what happen to him."

Peredur spot the trail of someone who in the past three weeks cam eto the temple and went to the door on the right. The trail is overlaid by the same footprints showing them leaving. The dust in the place making for good tracking.

Fleisher comes up empty when he tries to remember a ritual, but then it dawns on him. Pharasmia wouldn't wish for those who worship her to be disturbed and thus not come back once they are sent into death's embrace.

Cyler checks the door on the right once more. Opening it a crack he says triumphantly, "Is clear."

Felyiel Moonborn," the half-elf says nodding to Kholtan. "Aral is a serious individual from what I can tell so far. He takes little nonsense from people, but I have only known him for about twenty-four hours." he notes shrugging.

"You said you worked with the Professor. At any time did he mention The Whispering Way or Harrowstone Prison to you?" he asks finding a seat.

This will allow Kholtan to take his free Know checks - one for each topic. But it looks like he can't make a check above DC 10 so there will be no new knowledge gained sorry.

Also you will find Felyiel under the character tag above, in the NPC section.

Dr. Benedict and Talia may return at anytime then maybe we can RP during dinner.

The steps lead down to a large square room below ground level. The walls to your left and right are lined with interment niches but after careful inspection you find them all empty of bodies.

Two doors lay ahead both engraved with the symbol of Pharasma. With the extra light it takes no time to find this room cold and empty.

Cyler takes a good look at both doors before stepping back and saying. "Look clear to me."

Their work done and the day moving on to closer to dinner, the two adventurers head back to the Lorrimor House.

The list may or may not prove helpful as to each of them it is but a list of random names.

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"Aral. Felyiel. Please come in this is Kholtan an old associate of my fathers. He was just telling me of how he and my father met." Kendra says smiling. "I knew my father was adventuress and lectures at the college in Lepidstadt bored him somewhat. But from what Kholtan has told me that wasn't the half of it. Thank you." she says to the man in leathers.

Standing she says adds before leaving, "I need to see to dinner and the new cook I just hired. Please since you all knew my father I'm sure you have stories to tell. Kholtan you will be joining us for dinner won't you?"

And as if not to get a negative response she ducks out of the room towards the kitchen.