Signe Valland's page

Signe has never had to explain such bad news to another before, not when her investigations back home consisted of affairs and missing pets.

"Kendra, I'm very sorry... You should sit down...." Signe's voice trails off and waits until Kendra takes a seat. "Your father - he was murdered at the Harrowstone Prison. We do not know enough about it right now, but we have made it our personal mission to investigate your father's death as he was a good man." Signe's face is full of concern, as she watches for Kendra's reaction. "I know that right now, this is terrible news, but both Gaius and I will do everything we can to help you find closure and understanding for your father's passing and ensure that he has passed to Myrtyu's loving embrace."

Signe nods her head slowly. "That seems sensible. I don't want to upset her unnecessarily. Let's collect those bones and make haste for the temple."

"Gaius, I believe your plan is certainly wise, and correct given what we have found here today. Its unfortunate we did not find more given the circumstances, but at least we know that the Professor was indeed here and that others were also here on the night of his death." Signe says, before letting out a heavy sigh. "This was certainly not what I expected to find to be truthful. How much of this do we tell Kendra for now? I do not wish to worry her until we have more certainties, however she has the right to know."

Signe continues to focus on the skulls, trusting Gaius to do as he said and deal with the haunt.

Greastsword, Flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 212d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 + (6) = 18

Signe steps forwards to intercept the skulls and brings her blade down at them, hard.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 112d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12

"Well this is certainly a choice." Signe says, with an unamused laugh. "What do you say, nothing can be worse than Hell's Basement, am I correct?"

Signe spins on the spot, pausing at each sign again, pondering a direction before deciding. "Reaper's Hold, just because it is a straight line from where we came from."

Signe takes a few steps forward, before glancing at Gaius to gain his approval.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Signe spins to cleave through the next creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 262d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 + (4) = 17

HP:15/21

Signe tries to take advantage of Gaius's lead and cleaves at one of the undead.

"Myrtu will judge you." She declares, moving behind the creature to flank it.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 122d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + (1) = 13

"Perhaps we could speak to the Temple of Pharasma." Signe suggests. "If they have a scroll to cleanse the corpse we could return in daylight and make this floor safe at least."

She leads the way onwards, greatsword at the ready and a new haunt siphon placed cautiously in her belt.

Positive Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) = 15

Signe also activates a haunt siphon, blasting the forming haunt with positive energy.

"Yes, I have seen such a spell performed, however I have not learned how to do so, but it is definitely something I am interested in learning in the future with more experience." Signe says. "There is no harm in trying to allow this person a more peaceful afterlife though, is there?"

Signe will perform any (short) rite she feels appropriate and possible in the space and time they have, even if it is saying a few words.

"We should keep searching." She finally suggests.

Guidance

Perception: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 14
Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Detect magic

Signe's forhead wrinkles ever so slightly as she tries to examine from afar.

"We may have to move closer." She replies, quietly and shuffles forward with caution.

Signe blushes a deeper red than her hair and she 'examines' the room closely for a moment, to gather herself. "Why thank you Gaius, that is a lovely compliment. Yes, let's continue our investigations on this ground floor before heading upstairs if there is time. Although I do think we should leave before night falls. This place makes me uneasy enough as it is."

"Well, thank you for telling us your own story, Vesorianna. We will do our best to aid you in the return of your husband and quest for peace." Signe says, before nodding to Gaius, gesturing towards the room they came from.

As Signe and Gaius head back upon themselves, Signe closes the door and in hushed tones, voices her concern. "This was not what I had originally planned when agreeing to support Kendra and the Professor's Last Will and Testatment however I believe that it is a truly noble thing to do....the right thing to do. I understand if this is something you are not wanting to do yourself but....I would very much appreciate your help and support Gaius. Working with you these past couple of days has been pleasant, and I feel that we have been working well as a team."

The ghost really doesn't seem to mind that they are trapped in this world eternally, but Signe does. Signe has a feeling that if both she and Gaius can satisfy the request, then not only will it help them get to the bottom of the Professor's, now confirmed, murder but also allow the ghost to attain peace and feel the compassionate embrace of Myrtyu.

Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 What does Signe know about ghosts?
Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 What does Signe know of haunts etc

Signe looks to Gaius for a moment with the utmost respect. That man certainly has his heart in the right place.

Knowing that she should also greet the undead soul, she smiles mournfully. "It fills me with sorrow that you have never had the honor of your soul passing onto the Boneyard." Signe says, in greeting to the ghost. "As my colleague says, we will make it our mission to help you pass on in peace."

With a shiver, Signe steps away from the spider corpses before returning to the task at hand.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 232d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13

This time, SIgne learns from her mistake and takes a decisive step forwards before bringing swinging her blade and hitting the target.

GS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 72d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14

Signe holding back slightly from the spiders ahead of her misses completely and realises she should probably get just a little bit closer to the things.

1 NL

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"Argh - spiders!" Signe yells unnecessarily as one pierces her leg and she swings her blade to try and push it far away from her.

GS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 192d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

1NL Dmg

"How are you fairing Gaius? Thats a pretty nasty blow you just took and I fear you're going to gain a rather nasty bruise there in the morning." Signe says with concern, peering at the side of his head where the table connected.

"If you wouldn't mind, Myrtyu will offer his compassion for you in this life. I'd just need to hold your hand for a moment."

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"Gaius, you should have ducked!"

GS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 92d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10

"Yes, but no signs of anything the Professor would have been looking for though." Signe adds. "We clearly are not looking hard enough."

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Not as surprised this time, Signe swings again, this time ready for any surprises.

GS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 72d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11

This time, Signe takes a breath before swinging, centering her balance.
GS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 232d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

Signe lets out a surprised gasp before rushing forwards pulling her sword from her back and swinging ineffectually at the air around the heads.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 82d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11

"It concerns me that prison guards needed somewhere to train. You would always hope that the securities in place such as cells would be enough to contain the criminals." Signe comments. "Albeit there seems to be something going on over here."

Arcana?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Survival?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Magical or non-magical scorch marks?

The red-head bends down low, and sniffs at the patch of scorch marks before touching them lightly with a finger. "Definitely something incendiary has caused this hole, but where does it lead is the question."

Signe pulls on the door handle once or twice testing it. "Defintiely locked." She confirms. "I think we should keep heading this way." She suggests as she walks towards the unlocked door, listening carefully for anything ahead and watching out for any clues in front.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Signe nods along, until Gaius suggests she stays back to arrange the food. "Well, yes, I suppose that is a sensible division of labour." She gets up and walks over to the kitchen cabinets to acquire a chopping board and knife, her back to Gaius.

"Come, come you best get a move on so we can make the most of the afternoon. I'll have something ready for you when you return." Her tone unusually flat.

Rifling through the cache, Katherine lets out a low whistle. "Now this is enough to prepare for any outcome I'd say Gaius. Let us just hope that we will not need to use the majority of this, shall we? Let's take the lot, and we can always return what we don't need in the future."

Heading back to Kendra's townhouse with their haul, Signe lays it all out on the kitchen table in an ordered fashion, and takes a step back to inspect it. "Gaius, what do you think we will need to take for precautions, given the Professor's writings. I think the holy water is always a sensible precaution and the sun rods for visibility in our searches. How is your aim? Archery is not a pursuit I have followed avidly, I will be honest." She asks, gesturing at the arrows.

Stopping abruptly in her tracks, Signe spins back to face Gaius before deflating, he shoulders sagging slightly. "Yes, yes. You're definitely right. Sometimes I can get a little too involved and I struggle to contain my curiosity on a case.I need to remember to keep a fair head on my shoulders at times like these."

"What do we know of this Pharasmin's vault?"

"Definitely out of action." Signe muses before she appears to closely examine each direction. She nods, as if having an internal conversation with herself before making a decision and strides off to the East, taking caution where due.

Signe is a little deflated when her initial investigations lead to nothing, but is intrigued at the runes that Gaius finds.

"I'm afraid I am not able to decode these - is this something you recognise?" She asks. "If not. I'll scribble them down in my jotter, and take them back to Kendra, perhaps she will give them a go, or know of someone local who might."

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"Let's have a look at this blood..." Signe says as she gets distracted from the runes before Gaius can even answer.

How old does it look, how much of it is there (eg entire human body etc)

"If anything, the opposite I am sure, your mind is certainly more aware of possible threats and its defenses will be stronger." Signe says whilst nodding confidently, trying to reassure her companion. "Although I also recommend we stay together - just as a precaution of course."

Signe, takes a few more tentative steps into the grounds, looking for any signs of any life that may have disturbed the ground recently, her head tilting slightly to one side and eyes narrowing as she concentrates.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"We should see some footprints here based on our previous readings, should we not?"

Signe cant help but note, that if she and Gaius are to work together for the next month or so, she is going to have to teach him to cook better to avoid suffering through sub-par food.

------

She is noticably content as she walks into the local Pharasmin temple, her shoulders visibly relaxing and takes a short while to utter some prayers to Mrtyu on behalf of the Professor; something that she feels that she has not yet given enough time to since arriving in Ravengro, and any passing soul deserves that.

By the time that she is done, more time passes than she realises and Gaius and Kendra already have their noses stuck into the notices of deaths and other reports available.

"I see you two have been hard at work!" Signe praises whilst pulling up a rickety stool. "I hope these prisoners' aliases are exaggerations of their deeds, as I do not want to know what the Splatter Man was imprisoned for." She says, shuddering at the atrocities she can only imagine. "Perhaps this would be a good place to start for both myself and Gaius to research further. Kendra, I think that your father is likely to have researched them himself, as he was certainly a man dedicated to details. Perhaps if we also did the same, then we may know more of what he was looking into before his death. Perhaps we could begin this research tomorrow afternoon after a short trip to the grounds of the prison to see what there is there? What do you say Gaius?"

Signe leads Gaius and herself back to Kendra's townhouse and reviews the diary excerpts from Professor Lorrimor at the kitchen table.

"I think the best place to start might be here." She says, tapping the page. "The Temple of Pharasma seem to have a list of the deceased from the fire at the Harrowstone Prison. It doesn't seem to say when this fire took place, but Im sure they could tell us more about it if we enquired."

"Let us make Kendra and ourselves a light lunch, and then we can head over there straight afterward." Signe suggests.

Is there an obvious temple of pharasma in town, as it is referenced in the diary? If so - thats the plan!

Signe nods and grits her teeth for a short moment. "Thank you for your concern Gaius, but I assure you, I can handle myself. I will certainly help Kendra but I will also not hide away unnecessarily." She says, bristling unexpectedly and quite forcefully.

"Are you sure that making our investigation known is the correct course of action? In my own experience, it is often best to keep a lower profile to keep any unaware suspects in the dark. It is surprising what people will do if they feel that they can get away with it. We need to decide on the most effective approach to this before we begin, as I fear there may be no turning back on our plans. I think gaining the trust of the locals is our first course of action. Only then will they share"

"Well thats an interesting bit of law enforcement there - not quite how proving guilt and innocence works but I suppose it will get the job done somewhere like this." Signe mutters to Gaius.

When the Sheriff is firmly out of earshot, Signe sighs with discontent. "Does this feel like a coincidence to you? Not long after the Professor's own death under suspicious circumstances? I doubt this town has seen much like this in a long time. On a side note, I fear we may also have to be careful - we are newcomers here a single day before this trouble and these people seem a little suspicious in this town."

Knowing that this politeness is getting them nowhere, Signe turns the tables on the man.

"Absolutely Mr Gibs, that is precisely what we are doing. When the blood trail leads to close to your abode, it was reasonable to consider asking if you had heard of any disturbances." She pauses for a second before showing a polite but untrue smile.

"Now we also have to consider, as part of our unbiased and fair investigation of course, that you may also have had something to do with this. Especially as you seem to want to get rid of us." Pausing again to allow the accusation sink in for a short moment, Signe watches the man's reactions carefully.
SM: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"Are you sure there is nothing else that you can tell us to aid us into our investigation into others that may want to set you up? Otherwise we may also have to pursue the line of inquiry that follows your own possible personal involvement."

Dipl: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Good afternoon Mr Gibs." Signe says, trying to be as polite as possible even in the face of the man's belligerence. "We are investigating the vandalism that occurred last night at the Memorial. I found a blood trail that suggests that someone, or something might have come close to your home afterwards and I wanted to ask if you'd seen or heard anything that might help us?"

She watched the man carefully, hoping to read clues in his reactions to her explanation.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Gaius, how well do you know the professor? You don't believe he would have been dabbling in something so wrong do you?" Signe sighs, feeling suddenly at odds with her task. "Either way, we should go and question him to ask him more."

Go to find Gibs! Ask around to find him for as long as needed!

"Thats agreeable, however I doubt it is the farmer. It would seem too easy. We need to find out who has cause to want to desocrate a memorial. A political statement or form of unrest perhaps? Somebody who has been wronged somehow?"

Heading back into the village, Signe and Gaius try to find out more about Gibs and also try to find out if anyone had heard of any recent rat infestations.

Profession Detective?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Or if I cannot be so cheeky, then... GI: 1d20 ⇒ 11

"Well thats good news at least, I'd rather a person dealing with a pest problem than a murder." Signe says feeling guilty about being a little disappointed that her investigation is not more significant. "It would still be worth talking to Gibs to discuss who may have been using it further. He might have had intruders before."

"Would you like to join me in my investigating Gaius or does Kendra need you here longer?"

Not wanting to be seen carrying around a blood-stained weapon, she wraps it in cloth and places it in her backpack as best she can, its handhold sticking out the top. Knowing she cannot keep this easily out of sight of the villagers, Signe knows she must put it in safe keeping for now until she can piece together the clues further.

She quickly returns to Kendra's to drop off her evidence and see if Gaius is still around. Gaius seemed to have a good understanding of people, from the brief conversation last night. He might have some insight, and it would be good to get to know her new companion better.

Luckily, Signe finds Gaius helping Kendra with some small tasks in the kitchen as she arrives.

Wanting to avoid embarrassment, she steps right into business. "So, this vandalism business is a little unsuual. Look what I've found in a shack just a few feet from the memorial." She removed the weapon and wineskin from her backpack. "I need to know what type of blood this is. Kendra, would you perhaps know someone who could help us with this in the local area? Gaius, what are your thoughts? My plan is to talk to the villagers to work out who uses the shack, who uses such a weapon or if anybody saw someone last night."

What was the vandalism that everyone was gawking at in particular? Graffiti? Damage?

Signe pockets the wineskin and picks up the razor, examining it closely. "Human blood or creature I wonder?" She says aloud to herself.

When she realizes she can't gain much more from this yet, she looks for alternate exits in the shack or any hidden stashes.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Sighing, Signe finishes her plate of oatmeal, pays and steps away from the bar heading back out into the village. "Well, this isn't going to plan." She mutters to herself. "I'll just have to use my own eyes."

Search the village's public areas!: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Noting everyone else's embarrassment, Signe clears her throat. "Oh, well, yes. I will have a look as I have no other plans and would like to learn more about the village. Kendra, I'll skip breakfast this morning and come back for lunchtime. Gaius, perhaps we can continue last night's conversation over dinner?"

Signe rushes back out the room in haste and gets changed, muttering as she goes. "How stupid of me. You're in someone elses house and you hardly know them or the routine and company they keep."

After becoming much more prepared Signe rushes out to the village without checking back in on the kitchen to try and find the source of vandalism. She realises she should have asked Gaius for more information, but couldn't bring herself to come eye to eye with him again so soon after the earlier encounter.

She makes her way to the village centre first of all to search for any disquiet, and if nothing is to be found, she will head to an inn to pick up breakfast and gossip.

The one thing that Signe is not, is a morning person. Waking to the sound of a sharp rapping on the door, she groans and pulls her pillow over her head to dull the noise, but notes in the meantime that it is definitely light outside.

Groaning yet again, she tosses the pillow to the side, and sits up bleary eyed, tossing her legs over the side of the bed.

It must still be fairly early? How long did I spend in the Professor's library last night?

Taking a few moments to throw on a night-gown over her nightdress, she slips on her shoes as she has not brought her slippers with her and heads downstairs to the kitchen in search of food and drink to wake her up.

Seeing Gaius at the table with Kendra surprises her. "Oh, good morning to both of you." Suddenly, her hand rushes up to her hair, and her eyes shoot down to her attire, her cheeks glowing as red as her hair. "My apologies for my appearance, I - I just woke up."

Signe bows her head slightly before hauling her small trunk into the room and unpacking her few possessions; placing them carefully atop the dark mahogany chest of drawers. She finally takes off her cloak and tugs off her leather boots, which had constricted her feet for so long.

Lying back on the bed for a few moments, Signe closes her eyes to relax but only gets a moment of peace before a wave of thoughts wallops her.

Unable to settle down, she picks up the small lamp and goes in search of the Professor's library or study to see what she might find.

Signe is not one to feel shy about her curiosity, given her ambitions, and happily pokes her head into a few doorways to work out the layout of the house whilst on her search.

Signe nods in agreement with her new acquaintance. "Well I'm not sure how much you will glean from chatter at the Inn I'm afraid. The funeral wasn't exactly well attended so I'm not sure how popular he was here."

Signe takes in a short breath and purses her lips for a moment with the more personal question. "I am an independent agent of Mrtyu and Pharasma by extension and as such no longer tied to the formalized Church system. I am fortunate to have my own private detective agency down in Caliphas that the Professor was kind enough to help me set up whilst he was lecturing there some moons ago. My aim is to investigate more major crime such as kidnapping and murder to ensure that victims are given their proper chance at peace."

Luckily for Signe she finds herself looking up at the fading wooden sign on the Inn ahead. "The Outward Inn." She reads aloud."Ah. Well. I must be leaving you now and return to Miss Lorrimor. I think the Professor deserves his daughter to be comforted in this time. Until the morning Mr Trevelyan."

Signe places her hand softly on Kendra's shoulder, comforting the woman. "I will not be gone long, just a few moments to get a feel of the place before morning. We will have a nightcap together when I return and talk more of your fathers' memories."

As they step out into the crisp night air, she pulls her thick green cloak tightly around her as the cold seeps in quickly.

"Yes, disturbing is the most apt I would say. I cannot help but feel called to this particular moment on this particular day given my talents, and what the Professor helped me to set up. Those particular notes were chilling but give us a great lead. His death was certainly not natural." Shaking herself out of the feeling, she turns to the task at hand.

"I know what the Professor's dying wishes were, and that we were to accompany these books to Lepidstadt in a months time, however I feel we have a lot more to achieve in this place than was first apparent."

As they meander through the streets to find the Outpost Inn, Signe watches the town around her, lights flickering in the windows, as the village starts to settle down for the night.

"Did you hear exactly how the Professor was said to have died? The Whispering Way certainly appear to be a good lead. And this place, the Harrowstone, was it? I admit I am not local, so will need a guiding hand with some of the location-dependent ideas. "

Kn Religion, Whispering Way: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15