The darkness comes for us all, all we can do is stand, and see whose time it is now to face that which we fear the most...
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This is Wanderer82's submission: Name Mathias Gabriel
background: Appearance Mathias is tall, lean, broad shouldered, and imposing, an impressive specimen to behold. His face is well defined and his smile would be charming, if not for the unsettling, macabre feeling that seems to come from within his dark, crimson irises. He wears his brown hair long and loosely pulled back, though the rigors of battle often unleash it, as a lion's mane moving with his blade. His skin is pale, with an ashen tinge to it, and anyone brushing against it notices its rough, almost stonelike texture. Mathias' garb only lends to his distinct appearance, typically clad in a crimson and black leather surcoat atop his armor, and black leather boots. His armaments hang from his hip and back, ready to used against the horrors of the dark. Personality
Background
Yet tragedy struck with his birth, for just as the newborn took it's first breath, his mother took her last. The midwives of Iomedae called upon their Mistress's blessings but were unable to revive Ricard's wife. But a son had indeed been born. The child was healthy and large, with piercing dark hair and eyes. Ricard was overjoyed, yet that joy soon faded. He found himself frequently awakened at night by the terrified wailing of he newborn. After only a few weeks, he accepted "an assignment", and left the baby Mathias in the hands of several aging midwives to raise. They tended to the child as best they could, but the terrors of the night continued to plague the baby. The infant grew to a boy, and the boy quickly flourished. Though a bit shy, he was athletic, agile, smart, and insightful. He took well to his studies, learning the ways of Iomedae. He especially loved to hear the tales of his heroic father, questing for the glory of the Inheritor. And when his father would return to the City at the Center of the World, Mathias would rejoice and throw his arms around him. It is true that as the small child began to grow into a young man, Ricard developed more of a bond with his offspring. He was much like himself, and would make a fine squire to follow in his footsteps. But so too would be late at night wonder about the debt he owed, about the pact he'd made... but that memory would pass with the with the dawning sun, and off Ricard would go on another adventure. In his 15th year, Ricard took Mathias north with him to Ustalav, where Mathias spent time studying with Ricard's friend, Professor Lorrimor. Mathias tried hard to focus on his studies, but as of late his passion had turned more martial. Still, whether it was Professor Lorrimor's tutelage, or the assistance lent by the Professor's daughter (who had several years on him and had more of a mind for the study), Mathias worked hard to learn about one of his father's most dreaded foes - the undead. He took to the hard, direct arts of hunting such foes - noting the signs, tracking their movements, understanding their weaknesses. Mathias would make his father proud, he was sure of that. Then the letter came. Ricard had been lost, falling to the mechanications of a lich, a mad follower of the Whispering Tyrant. In his father's loss, Mithias swore to take on his father's mantle, becoming a hunter, an agent of the church. And so he traveled south to Taldor, hoping to be formally inducted into the church... but that would never happen. On a lonely evening on the road from Zimar to Oppara, chance happened to bring an aging man to Mathias' campfire. Though well past 60 winters, the elder traveled with no guard, no weapon. This perplexed Mathias and he quickly invited him to stay the night. They made small talk, speaking the the road, Mathias' work, and the cool weather of late. Then the man spoke, I knew your father Mathias, son of Ricard Gabriel. He owed someone powerful a great debt, a debt which you have now inherited. As he spoke, the old man's faced shifted into a horrific, monstrous visage. Mathias tried to draw his blade, but found his body spellbound. The man sneered as he approached then touched Mathias's head, sending seering pain racing through his body. Then, there was only darkness. Mathias awoke the next morning to find himself still at the campsite, though there was no sign of the man. Struggling to a nearby stream, he tried to wash his face, only to find blood staining the cool, mountain water. Looking at his reflection he saw the twisted mockery of the man he had been the night before. His skin had faded to a pallid, ashen tone, his irises were stained with blood, and he noticed a feral angle developing on his facial features. Looking down at his skin, he noticed not only the gray color, but a new texture. It had thickened, becoming almost hide-like, and showed little response to flame. Returning to his campsite, he found an ivory scroll case. Within was a contract, a contract his father had signed. From it he had gained strength, wealth, and weapons to fight the evils of the realms. But in return he had pledged his soul, and the souls of all his bloodline, to an unknown demon. Thus was Mathias damned. Returning to the temple, he was subject to question and doubt by the church. Suspected of diablerie or something of the like, Mathias was banished from the temple of Iomedae, left to seek out meaning for his now damned existence alone. The bottle and rage both took him for a time, before he remembered the tales of Ragathiel, former general of the Heavens and Lord of Vengeance. In Ragathiel, there was a lord who understood his cursed fate, yet would empower him to crusade against the darkness. And so he took up his arms, serving a new cause. He sought work as a hunter of monsters, seeking to eradicate evil, especially that which preyed on the weak, innocent, and downtrodden. That drew his north to Mendev and the border city of Kenabres, where he faced the horrors of the World Wound. Yet even there, his visage cast doubt on him, and so, in hearing the call for brave souls to confront the remnants of Ustalav, a land he had once visited as a teen, he took the opportunity and set out for adventure.
Wow, a kingdom building / survival game in a pseudo-post apocalyptic undead ridden. Setting. Sounds amazing, and the perfect game for Mathias Gabriel, a demon cursed monster hunter of ragathiel. I like the idea of rolled stats with point buy as a backup - call me nostalgic, but I enjoy the random factor. And I am a supporter of the feat tax rules as well. ABP I can take or leave, used well it helps restore the classic mystique of magic items while accounting for the numbers necessary to balance the d20 system.
I likewise am saddened to hear of the difficulties you have faced lately. I have certainly known my share of troubles over the years and would not wish them on anyone. I think a synopsis to reinvigorate things and get us back on track would be perfect.
I have been on holiday with my wife in Ireland for the past few days and will be through the 22nd. My apologies, internet has been far more spotty than expected. Please feel free to DMPC for the stretch if necessary.
Mathias leads the company toward Ravengro's small town center. As they walk, he begins to share what he recalls from his time here previously. "There is no real market per say, though occasionally traveling merchants will set up in the town square. But there we can find most anything that Ravengro can offer. There is the General Store, which has most basic goods that a farmer or traveler might have need for. Across the square is the forge, run by older dwarf woman, which offers quality blades at a reasonable price. There is Jominda's Apothecary - she was one of those gathered behind us at the funeral - where you can get various alchemical goods. Oh, and the Silk Purse. It's a moneylender that often has goods for sale that were put up in place of a loan." Mathias' explanation comes to an end just as they reach the center. "Oh, there is a sort of magic school just north of here, called the Unfurling Scroll. Don't know much of what they might offer. And the temple of Pharasma is across the river."
Mathias stands for a few moments, a little surprised by how quickly everyone was ready to accompany him into the town. It has been some time since anyone had been open to walking beside me. What is their game? No, these people, they are good folk, like the Professor. And perhaps, lost souls like me. Mathis straightens his overcoat, then a strange expression develops across his face - could it be a smile? "Well then, it would seem we are off to explore all the wonders that Ravengro has to offer. It's been a spell, but it should all come back to me easy enough." Heading back down the stairs, he pushes open the front door then turns back toward the rest of the group. "Ladies, after you." As the company assembles outside the door, Mathias inquires, "So, what would people like to see?"
Mathias had offered to act as a guide to the town expecting no one to actually accept, so when Inessa accepted, he was more than a little surprised. He was, after all, regarded as a monster by most he encountered. She looks like all the others that have judged me... but if I judge her based on that, I am no better. She has been kind, if uncomfortable. And the Professor did invite her here... Drawing a measure of composure across his face into something that might resemble a smile, Mathias responds, "Please, I am neither a knight nor an anointed agent of any church, so keep it simply to Mathias. I would be happy to lead you around the town. As I said before, I spent a year here in days past, though I doubt any of our reception will be overly pleasant given the day's earlier events. Still, it would be good to take stock of where things stand in Ravensgro at this time. Would any of you others care to join us?"
Hoisting his pack over his shoulder as he takes up the rear of the column heading up the stairs, Mathias thinks carefully on Kendra's words. Such a distinct 'accident' sounded suspicious, to say the least. But he would save his thoughts for later. The girl did not need to hear the suggestion that her father was murdered, not now anyway. At Kendra's offer of the rooms, "Lady Kendra, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I would assume Jin, Toad, and myself will take one room, leaving the others to the ladies. Unless there are any objections." Expecting no quarrel, he pushes open the doors to the first guest room and tosses his pack onto one of the beds. After checking a few items, and making sure his possessions are secure, he turns back to the door. "If anyone wants to explore the town, I had some experience here a few years back, and would be happy to accompany any of you."
Our thoughts and hopes are with you. I am also still up for moving forward.
Sadly, it has been quiet. the GM posted a few weeks ago that he had been unwell. Last gameplay post by the GM was on July 11.
Sorry to hear you've been under the weather, hopefully you're feeling better now
Closing the journal and putting it down on the table, Mathias sighs deeply. He turns toward Jin at his question, "Yes, as I recall from my time here in Ravengro, it was a prison in years past, but burnt down and is now no more than a ruin. The kids of the town used to tell ghost stories..." Mathias trails off as his attention turns toward Kendra. "I am sorry, Lady Lorrimor, to ask at this sad time, but what was the manner in which your father passed?"
Calming reaching down, Mathias lifts the small, leather bound book with the note, and taking a deep breath, opens to its pages and begins to read aloud...
Mathias graciously accepts the tea from Kendra as she returns from the kitchen. "No need to offer apologies, Lady Lorrimor. I think we were all surprised to be summoned as part of your father's last wishes." Sitting quietly sipping his tea, Mathias stays still when the councilman arrives and reads the last will and testament of the Professor. Thinking on his late mentor's requests, Mathias looks around the room, taking in the others' reactions. Quite a mix of characters to watch over the Professor's daughter... After the councilman leaves, Mathias sighs slightly. "The Professor was a friend and mentor to me. While perhaps not the most normal of requests, I will honor the man's last wishes and stay here with Kendra for the next month before seeing the chest returned to Lepidstadt University." Looking from the key in Kendra's hand up to Viare, "I have no objections to your offer to hold onto the box and it's contents. Though, I find it strange that he would include the key for us if merely meant us to deliver this box to Lepidstadt. Perhaps we should have a look at what is within?"
At Inessa's question, Mathias opens his mouth as if to speak, yet pauses for a moment. Finally, he responds. "While I offer the occasional prayer to the Lady of Graves, and thank Her for Her guidance in fighting the risen dead, no I do not serve her. And the Church of the Inheritor, well, let's just say we no longer see things quite the same. No, my path is one of Vengeance upon the evil and unhallowed, set forth before me by the Lord Ragathiel." As if to make his point, he loosens his baldric, allowing his sheathed sword to slowly slide off his back and into his hand. He lays it, still in the scabbard, upon the table, where the crossguard is clearly emblazoned with a wing crossed by a blade.
Mathias listens quietly to each newcomer's tale with respect. The goblin's focus on food does bring a small smile to his lips, but he hides it quickly, knowing that his smile now looks more like a cruel twist. Mathias offers a nod off respect to Zhu Jin. "You do us honor by offering your given name. Thank you." He catches Inessa's eyes again as she turns to him, and notices the fear in them. words of respect, but hiding fear within. Still, she conducts herself far kinder than others have. "Thank you. The work I do is the charge of my family, and the duty of my faith. Still, I am happy to make the world safer for those souls in need of defense." "And, I must agree that I am glad things did not escalate to violence. The people of this town are decent folk, but their superstitions run high, and the appearance of a few of us, myself included, likely only heightened those fears."
Traveling with Kendra and the others to Lorrimor Place, Mathias keeps a wary eye toward the town, concerned that some of the dissidents from the funeral might make a reappearance. Yet despite his concerns, they reach the Professor's residence without incident. Taking one last survey of the road behind, Mathias enters the house last. Closing the door behind him, he sets his pack on the ground, and takes off his overcoat before joining the others. Even with a goblin in the room, I still stand out too much. Still, the Professor and his daughter deserve my respect and support now. Guess I need to put those thoughts behind me. After the Pharasman and the Goblin both offer their introductions, Mathias straightens his collar and steps forward. "Honored friends of the Professor, I would like to offer my humble apologies to you, as I did not introduce myself earlier. My name is Mathias Gabriel, I am a hunter of the horrid, inhumane, and undead. My father was a comrade of the Professor in ages past, and for a time the Professor was a mentor to me, in this very town. How did each of you come to know him?"
After assisting with carrying the Professor's coffin, Mathias steps back toward the rear of the crowd. He stands resolute, listening solemnly, yet showing little reaction upon his stony demeanor. Still, inside he hurts. It was not so long ago that I stood where Kendra does now, my father lost to me just as the Professor is lost to her. Too soon, so often too soon. Still, could my words offer any measure of comfort? He continues to stay toward the back as the priest finishes his sermon. As several others offer their words in regards to the late Professor, he feels something is lacking. The kind man, the good man, the inspiring man, but what of the warrior? Slowly, Mathias steps into the circle, allowing his deep, gravelly voice to share a few words. "If the measure of a man is judged by what he does for the benefit of others, then let Professor Lorrimor be regarded among the most noble, for he committed his life to protecting Golarion for the horrors of the dark, the monsters of the night. And thus, he dedicated his life so that all of us might feel the sun a little warmer. To you I raise my sword, Professor."
I am sorry to hear of your troubles. Family will always be your first priority , and the thoughts and prayers of The Gaming Community are with you. Hopefully, in time, things will begin to improve and we will see you then.
Taking the lead left corner of the coffin, Mathias considers how light the box is as he lifts it. The professor was never a large man, and that strength I gained in this...curse, well... His thoughts trail away as his eyes meet those of the lithe, young blonde across from him. She was striking, in an otherworldly, almost angelic way. He tried to offer her a solemn smile, yet his accursed visage likely presented more of a sneer. The look of horror that appeared on her face in response only confirmed it. Damn, I have to forget that life, the thought that a woman would look at me with any emotion other than disgust. He let his own dark thoughts consume him as they move across the cemetery. He barely even notices when they are confronted by the townsfolk. Yet as he does, he feels the passion, no the anger, of vengeance burning in him. His fingers find their way to the hilt of his sword, and he considers drawing it, yet then the blonde steps forth, and her words strike at the hearts of their would-be assailants, he pauses. She speaks as one wise well beyond her years. And indeed, it would seem she is perhaps herself a servant of the Lady of Graves. And intriguing soul, to say the least. I will wait a moment, and see how these men respond to her words.
Paizo has likely been doing some updates to their system, thus causing the couple interruptions. I see a small pop of these roughly every six months, not a big deal. I would prefer to stay on here because Roll20 is blocked at work for me.
The dried ground cracks beneath his weighty boot fall as he travels north along the long road. It had been many days since he had diverted from his previous course to come north, to lay in the ground an old mentor. As he catches his first glimpse of Ravengro, it begins to come back to him. Such a small, quiet town. Something so out of place in this cursed Land. I sometimes wonder why the Professor, such a talented and learned man, had secluded himself so far away from the dangers he studied. Perhaps he had his secrets... had he known the truth of my father? Were he still alive perhaps I could ask for his aid in casting off this horrid curse, but now, no chance at that. Still, he was a good man, so, to my respects. Drawing near the town, Mathias adjusts his cowl down further. When he had walked the streets of the village five summers past, he had been a handsome, athletic youth approaching his prime. More than a few lasses would sigh as he approached, and he happily would tease them in turn. It had been fun to be young and rugged, though Kendra, the professor's daughter, who was several years his elder, had warned him to be careful with the young ladies. She said a scorned woman's wrath is more dangerous than a lich, and given her knowledge and assistance with his studies, she was likely right. She had been a good friend to him, treating him while he studied under her father almost as a little brother. He had left so abruptly when news came of his father's passing, he had barely said goodbye. He had hoped one day to return to Ravengro and thank the Professor and Kendra for their tutelage and hospitality. But circumstances had lead him elsewhere. I return now bearing the horrid visage of a monster. I wonder, will she even recognize me? As his thoughts come back to the moment, he realizes he has crossed a majority of the town and reached the cemetery. Several mourners stand before the entrance, though he gives them little pause. Seeing the thin, feminine frame clad in all black and the tears in Kendra's eyes beneath the veil, his heart goes straight back to the death of his own father. Stepping through the others he reaches out one hand to hers as the other pulls back his cowl. The large man's features are oddly sharp, and his skin carries a deathly pallor. Perhaps most unsettling are his dark crimson irises, and several of those gathered step back in response to his sight. "Hello, Kendra. It has been several years, and I have changed... a good deal. I am Mathias Gabriel, son of Ricard Gabriel, perhaps you recall the summer I spent with you and your father? I am truly sorry to hear of his passing, and am here to offer what condolences I may." As the councilor then asks for pallbearers, Mathias steps forward solemnly, replying simply, "I would be honored"
Just got out of a long day of work and excited to see the message inviting me to the game. Speed of play is huge in PBP, so I am all for you rolling Init, Saves, and Skills (when prompted by you). I would recommend Roll20 only for big encounters. So, a human, a half-vampire, a witch-born, an angel-blessed, a demon-cursed, and a road...were goblin... walk into a town... Think that makes 2 monster hunters, and 4 monsters.
Only 4 days left, wishing all the applicants luck in the impending decision!
It was a single sentence reference in my background that plays little into the character's personality, so I have already happily deleted it. She is a few years older than Mathias, so instead I figure it was more a big sister, little brother dynamic between them.
This is Wanderer82's submission, a tiefling ranger who appeared in the first scene of an ill-fated Carrion Crown game. I have updated him according to the specs for this game.
Congratulations on the new job! Sad to hear it is going to bring our game to an end, but, such is the way sometime...
Mathias awakes to find Kendra puttering about the house, working on breakfast for her guests. Quickly, he straightens himself up then moves to assist. "Might I help with things this morning? You need not dote on us as you would some house guest, let us take on some of the share around here." He does what he can to assist with preparing whatever meal she has started on. ---- As they gather to eat, Mathias shares more of his discovery from the day before. "It would seem that the prison itself was destroyed in a fire that occurred during a riot, which claimed the lives of both the prisoners trying to escape and the prison guards as well. There was a small mention that gossip around town alluded to some newly arrived prisoners stirring up trouble. Kendra, would there be anyone left in town who could share information from that time, even if only rumors?"
is the location of Harrowstone clearly known? Could we simply ask Kendra to point us in the right direction, or will we need to research that as well?
Mathias looks at the schoolmaster doubtingly. "20 gold crowns? Many families in Ravengro won't make that in a year, yet you are asking for that much to access the texts here for one day, seems a little strange. Perhaps we can agree to a more realistic number?
----------------------------------------------- As frustration grows across his companions, Mathias seems deep in thought. A timeline, its a beginning, a point to build our investigation off of. Turning to the others, he leans back for a minute, then holds up the book. "This series of texts is a history of Ravengro from the time around the Fire at Harrowstone. It does not specifically focus on the destruction of the prison, but with some more digging in it, we could build a frame of reference for the time, and perhaps glean a few useful details from it. Though, it will likely take more research."
Town square notice boards, the classic crux of every great campaign!
Mathias offers his hand to the priest. "And we appreciate your knowledge, assistance, and trust. We are set now on a course, there is something foul afoot, I am certain of it. We willing learn what it is, and by my life or death, we will set it to rest. Good day, Father Grimburrow." As they depart and plan their next step, "I would be up for accompanying you to the schoolhouse, Nesrin. Perhaps we will find better fortune there than in the church's library. Illystria, any chance you are able to commune with the spirits of the land here, perhaps to learn more about what may be befalling this town?"
She does think quite like me, surprisingly, guess her and I will be on the same page. She nods to Nasrin before offering her own thoughts to Illystria. "Indeed, intent is the nature of things around here. And as for the letter of one's words, well those too can be twisted. I should know, I have lost... so much, because my father was not careful with his words. I share your fears, and if the Father tries to unjustly stand in our way, then I will take issue with him then. That said, we have had no cause to distrust him, yet." Before they depart the tomb, Mathias smiles as he draws his morningstar. "Can't be leaving around the trappings of a demon-worshipping cult, that just wouldn't be proper." Raising the morningstar over his head, he mightily swings it down in both hands, shattering the skull.
---------------- As they return to the temple, he once again let's Illystria step to the forefront. She certainly is skilled in her words, I will give her that. Indeed father, it is strange that these demon cultists would turn your crypt into a private stash. They at some point likely planned to use it to do evil things, no doubt. Luckily we have recovered it and will now put it to good use against the tormented dead that walk this land. Tell me, do you think one of your acolytes is involved?"
Before Mathias has a chance to offer objection, Nasrin's words preemptively echo forth his own feelings. "Indeed, Father Grimburrow has shown us both trust and support, when he could have offered neither. All a man truly owns is his honor, I'd rather not give it away over something so trivial. Moreover, we discovered that at some point an evil cult has use the Church's own crypt to conduct nefarious deeds. Our recovery of these items not only secures their use for a just cause, but also takes them out of the hands of wouldbe grave robbers. In that action we have done the Church of Pharasma a further service. I am likewise confident that he will agree they will be put to good use in our hands."
His attention focused on investigating the sarcophagus before him, Mathias iscaught unaware by the Vermin that escaped from the cracked wall. Pushing back from the sarcophagus, Mathias draws his mighty sword and swings at the centipede in front of him.
After Nasrin's exchange with Father Grimburrow, Mathias extends a hand toward the aged priest. "We thank you for your assistance, Father. Rest assured that we will share with you anything we should discover about the fate of the Professor and the possibility of undead, and the Whispering Way, in and around the ruins of Harrowstone." ----- As the young acolyte dropped the melted lock to the ground, Mathias looks at the concerned faces on his companions. We know from his journal that the Professor intended to come here, perhaps this was the manner in which he gained access. I don't recall him having any skill with locks. Stepping into the tomb, he keeps his blades sheathed, though tightens the straps on his cestus.
As he descends down the stairs, he notices footprints in the dust, and follows them toward the back room of the crypt, directly to a sarcophagus. "It would seem someone has made a visit to this tomb recently, shall we take a look?"
i also want to sound off that the murderous nursery rhyme sets an awesome tone!
After a few hours of combing the books, Mathias turns to Nasrin. "All I have found so far has echoed the basic knowledge I already had from my past time in Ravengro, and from the look of frustration on your face, I assume you haven't had much luck either. I have never had the focused mind for extended study, but perhaps another future look won't hurt. Now, do we want to try the townhall or schoolhouse, as Grimburrow suggested? Or would you rather seek Grimburrow's blessing to explore the crypt beneath the Restlands?"
As Nesrin lays on the thick sarcasm, Mathias stares back at her calmly. "And you realize that many in this town suspect the Professor of having been a necromancer, so if we, his friends, pupils, and confidants, are discovered looting a tomb, things might go poorly for us... And Kendra. Our primary responsibility is to make sure she is safe, and drawing fear, suspicion, and anger toward her unnecessarily is a rash choice. Or have you already forgotten the Will read to us yesterday?" Pausing to let his message sink in, Mathias then continues. "if we can confirm an undead presence, then Father Grimburrow will most certainly be on our side and likely grant us his blessing to access the tomb. Let's do a little more research, and get to know the town a bit more first before any hasty decision." Mathias then smirks a little, though the look on his macabre visage is a bit unsettling. "and to your question, in the hunting of the dead I have walked more than a few tombs and ruins, and have developed a bit of a knack for handling locks, traps, and such mechanisms. Now, shall we delve in?" he hoists a book and gets to reading.
How did I not find anything in the library, I haven't even rolled a knowledge check yet?
Mathias looks about the library curiously. "Quite the collection here, but I guess we have to get started somewhere." As Nesrin gives Illystria her list of needed supplies, Mathias lowers the book he is reading and turns to Nesrin skeptically. "A crowbar and shovel, just what are you intending to do, loot the Restlands? Are we graverobbers now? You do realize we are standing in the Temple of Pharasma, after just building some reports with the priest who oversees both it and the Restlands."
First, I would like to be very clear that my enthusiam has not waned at all, and I am very excited to be a part. Sorry if I have given the impression that I am not interested. Twice I have written a post and gotten to preview, only to find someone has posted before me, negating the intended post. Rather than try to cram in a communication out of sequence and derail the flow, I have opted to delete them. Moreover, working in the hospitality/communications industry, I tend to go for organic conversation and so try not to overwhelm ingame conversations with multiple PCs talking to a single NPC at the same time. While beneficial in real-time play (whether in person or via skype), I can see how that can come across as being uninvolved. As such, I will change my posting structure appropriately.
"Indeed, there are those who stare too deep into the dark, and thus get lost within..." Mathias drifts off for a moment at Grimburrow's story of his fallen colleague was that the case of my father? or was it something more? "Father Grimburrow, we thank you for access to the library, we will treat the sacred halls with due respect. If we find proof of any horrors that threaten Ravengro and its people, we will most definitely confer with you. In return for your assistance, I wonder if there is anything we can help you with? While I am trained as a hunter of the dead and am most capable against them, I am also skilled at dealing with others troubles."
Before drifting off into sleep, Mathias spends some time examining the blade Professor Lorrimor had bequeathed to him.
After he has gotten to know its steel, he slides the blade back into its sheath and sets it aside. He then draws his bastard sword and places it across his lap as he sits down in a chair in front of the door, ready for the chance of nocturnal trouble. ----- As Nasrin describes the tomes, Mathias looks concerned. "Best we keep those books here, locked within that safe, until we are ready to deliver them. Perhaps Kendra can help us hide it someplace unnoticed within the house. Now, shall we be on to the Temple of Pharasma?" As they approach the statue with the gathered crowd, Mathias tries to recall the nature and history of the stone monument. "Great, trouble in the town the night following our arrival..." He takes stock of the gathered crowd, trying to judge their disposition.
Mathias listens to the others patiently, a slight look of perhaps embarrassment appearing on his face at Illystria's suggestion. "Of course I want to keep Kendra safe. She is...I mean, I am... she is Professor Lorrimor's daughter, and quite likely a target of the cult. To your question, I do recall her studying the arcane arts while I resided here, though mostly those pertaining to scholarly pursuits." As Kendra returns with the gifts from the late Professor, Mathias gets quiet. He waits quietly until Kendra offers him his father's blade. He graciously takes the blade and smiles, "Thank you, Kendra. If you're alright with it, I will stay here in the common room, with an eye on the door. Illystria and I shamed those townsfolk something hard earlier, and I wouldn't want any to come looking for a bit of retribution tonight."
Mathias looks over the others before responding, "My... nature... grants me the ability to see as well at night as during the day. Ilystria, is it the same for you? If so, perhaps the two of us should watch over the graveyard. With your wolf along, we will also have its keen senses. Any thoughts?"
As Nesrin reads aloud the journal entries, Mathias's mind goes to the many tales and wealth of training locked in his mind. He considers the many topics referenced within. The Whispering Way, ghosts and their ilk, possibly haunting Harrowstone? He continues to search his mind for clues as Nesrin reads on.
At Nesrin's request that he join her, Mathias chuckles slightly. "Enter the Ruins of a haunted prison, destroy undead and face an evil cult? These are the things I was born and raised to do. These are the very reasons I knew Professor Lorrimor at all. I am most certainly in. And the Restlands he refers to, I am familiar with them, having spent some time here previously. Perhaps we should speak with the priest who presided over the Professor's internment and receive his blessing to recover whatever tools against the undead are stashed below."
Standing solemnly in the chamber, Mathias listens as the Professor's will is read aloud. A sword of my father's? I wonder, did Lorrimor know the truth of him? As the will gets into the requests of the gathered strangers, Mathias tries to take stock of each person's reactions. Turning to Kendra as she opens the chest, he speaks up, "Kendra, I will happily stay with you for the next month, to see to your father's affairs and deal with any matters that need addressing. Tell me, do you plan to stay in Ravengro?" Looking over her shoulder, he takes stock of the books, curious what lies within. |