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Sofia set her hands on the journal and concentrated for a long while. Her expression changed from curiosity to confusion to dread, then fear. She dropped the book with a gasp. "Knowledge!" She blurted out, and rattled on with her stream of consciousness. "They're seeking knowledge, and we are, too. The key, we need the key! A word, a name... The answer is close. We have to observe them, and they'll guide us."
Sofia came down the stairs to join the others, nearly an hour after she had heard them up and about. She had woke on her own earlier, and set to work quietly performing for her ritual seance. Her hair was still bedraggled, and she hadn't yet donned the veil that hid her blackened eye sockets from view. With a yawn, she settled in for a cup of coffee while Christoph told his story from his night watch. "Hmm. Odd," she commented, while adding plenty of sugar to her cup. "Could be a number of explanations... I could check the window for any psychic residue, but even it the cause was psychic it might have dwindled away by now." She sipped her sweetened drink audibly.
I'd prefer the same build rules, so we don't need to rework our characters any.
Me too, I think we're doing really well together. EDIT: And for the psychometry thing, it depends on how late it is in game. There should be plenty of time to pull it off tonight.
"It's a process called psychometry," Sofia answered Christoph. "Sometimes people leave impressions on the things they handle or use, particularly if there is an emotional attachment. It only involves handling the item and reading those impressions. Normally I will only pick up a little about the object's -- or place's -- previous owner or historical significance. Usually the last moment the previous owner used the item. It would only take a minute or so of handling...but I would need about an hour to prepare."
Sofia nodded her assent to Elisa. "We should question Mister Ghoroven, and investigate that crypt Petros had mentioned," she said, somewhat repetitively but it helped her organize her own thoughts as well. "From the sounds of it, this Ghoroven fellow is something of an expert on the ruins. It's possible our foreign woman may have visited his shop while she was in town. But I fear the storm may be too near to trod around outside much longer this afternoon... Tomorrow, perhaps?" Sofia sipped her tea longingly, and slathered a piece of bread with a hearty dollop of jam. "I'd also like to try a psychic reading on one of those tomes, tomorrow morning," she added. She shifted her tone to a more cautious, empathetic one. "Or, if Kendra doesn't mind, I could attempt a reading on her father's blank journal instead? The one he was found with? It may not have been with him long enough to leave an impression at all...but if it did pick up an impression, it might involve his...well, final moments."
Sofia settled in on the sofa with a cup of tea, grateful to be back inside before the weather worsened. She nearly spilled some mid-sip as Freija described their endeavor -- they hadn't talked much in public, but Sofia had some of her own thoughts on what the Sheriff had said. Or hadn't said. "I wouldn't call it fruitless," she said. "The Sheriff did claim they never went through Petros' pockets. As for the tip on where to find him; the Sheriff said a woman came to him with that information. He says he doesn't remember her face, but described in pretty excruciating detail the...well, scene." Her own stomach turned at thought of Petros' body. "The Sheriff said she wore travelers clothes, was dark-skinned with a foreign accent, and claimed she was just passing through and wanted to see the ruins when she found the Professor." Sofia shook her head, with a sour expression. "There was just something odd about how he spoke of this woman. Very dismissive. I would think anyone interested in the ruins would garner some suspicion among the locals, but the Sheriff seemed t recall more detail about his deputy's vomit. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, I suppose..."
Sofia nodded along with the Sheriff's description, keeping in mind to listen for any foreign accents in their travels...though it sounded like this woman was already gone. "Thank you for your help, Sheriff Caeller," she said, but offered only a noncommittal shrug on his offer to speak with Gibbs on their behalf. "If you think it would help, but I understand his wariness about us. He may be rude, but I don't want to get him any trouble." Sofia offered another thank you on the way out. "You had mentioned the notice boards earlier, right?" She asked Freija. "I think that's a good idea. Afterwards, we may wish to head back and see what the others have uncovered. There's something about the foreign woman... Keep your eyes open for anyone matching her description."
Sofia's expression soured as the Sheriff filled in the details of Petros' death, and the state of his corpse. "I...understand. Thank you," she said, and took a moment to gather her thoughts. Even as Freija thanked him and prepared to leave, Sofia tried to puzzle out a few missing pieces and didn't budge. "Sheriff..?" she asked hesitantly, and chose her words carefully. "Is there anything you recall about the woman? Accent, hair color, manner of dress, where she might be going next, anything at all? We should probably thank her for letting you know about the Professor."
Sofia took in the sounds and smells of the jailhouse, and the Sheriff as well. She held out her hand in quiet greeting as he came around the desk and introduced himself. "Sofia," she said, by way of her own introduction. "And this Freija." She stayed quiet while Freija spoke, but offered a curt nod afterwards. "We were here for the Professor's funeral. I know it's a grim topic, but is there anything you can tell us about how he was found? Such as who found him, or anything he had with him when he was found?"
Sofia nodded her assent to Christoph's comments, but canted her head slightly when Elisa raised her concerns about The Way. "That is a good point," she said. "But today we're just asking some questions. I would hope they wouldn't bother attacking us in town, and this early in our investigation... I think Freija and I should be fine."
Sofia listened thoughtfully as the conversation progress, lending only the occasional nod while sipping her wine. She knew a fair deal about spirits, the astral entities that she channeled on a near-daily basis -- but undead haunts and lingering ghosts were not things she had extensive experience with. "Thank you, for everything," she said to Sarianna, and place two gold pieces onto the counter along with her empty glass. --------------- Upstairs, Sofia fetched her things from her room. She briefly checked her satchel to ensure everything was where she'd left it, then pulled on her coat and shouldered her bag, carrying her staff as a walking stick. "It's a lot of leads, and a lot of ground to cover," Sofia said, after Elisa laid out their options. "It might not hurt to split up, in pairs, maybe? Get things done before the storm, and maybe not look as intimidating with all of us strolling into any one place."
Sofia nodded slightly, in agreement with Freija. "Hopefully, with the funeral over, he'll calm down a bit." She said, and took a seat at the counter. "Just some wine, please." She'd had her fill of tea for a while, and though she didn't want to dull her senses any, it felt rude not to order something. "Sarianna? Could we ask you some odd questions?" She asked, trying to ease into the conversation some. "What happened at Harrowstone? I don't mean with the Professor, I mean before. We've heard it was a prison, and there was a fire, but not much else. The place must have a history of some sort. Or rumors, legends, anything."
Sofia hmm-ed in thought, when Kendra mentioned others in town having odd experiences. While it was certainly curious, she had a feeling that solving the more pressing issues would likely tie up that loose end in the process. She knew talking about her father's death was hard on Kendra, particularly with that wound still raw, but there were good leads given. "Thank you," she said, with solemn politeness. "You've given us a lot to go on."
Sofia followed the others to the living room and stood just inside the doorway. "Did you hear anything? In the hall?" she asked Kendra. While she wasn't able to check for magic herself, Sofia opened her mind and her senses to psychic activity in the area -- hoping that might help some. Hearing Freija's comment and waning footfalls, Sofia called out. "Wait! Freija? Shouldn't we finish investigating here before we run off?"
Sofia wasn't distracted by Kendra's knock; but when Mihaela opened the door, the distant sound of Kendra's sobs drew her attention away from the conversation. The disparity in distance, and the lack of footsteps in between, was more than a little odd. Sofia was used to paying close attention to sounds -- something was very wrong. "What just happened?" she asked, and cautiously approached the doorway.
Sofia shook her head slightly. "I think we should be completely honest with these people," she said. "They're going to see us going about, asking questions, and poking around Harrowstone -- if we don't tell them the truth, they're going to use their imaginations to fill in the blanks. And I'm afraid that would be more harmful than anything else. "Look, I'm not saying we should hold a town meeting or anything. But they will start asking questions, and we need to be in absolute agreement on what to answer. If they get different answers from each of us the rumor mill will go wild... And if nothing else, the truth is the easiest story to keep straight." Sofia shrugged. "We keep getting told that these are good people, and that it just takes a long time to warm up to them. Their home might be in real danger, and if we're going to help them then they need to know that's what we're doing. Even if they don't believe us right away, it will help build trust if we're open with them."
Sofia nodded in assent to Elisa's plans, and the points made by the others as well. "The innkeeper may know more about that fire, as well," she said, with a touch of dread in her tone. "I'm sure the people of Ravengro would know even more, but I think they would be far less likely to help us investigate." Sofie hesitated for a long moment on the edge of saying something more, but reconsidering it. "...and, about the townsfolk. What should we tell them?" She eventually said, with notes of both worry and sympathy in her voice. "They're going to take notice of us poking around, and you know they're not going to like it. If we lie or obfuscate they'll just get more suspicious, and rightly so. But would they even believe us if we told them the truth..? This is their home, and they deserve to know they're in danger."
Sofia's heart wept for Kendra. After everything that had happened, it had to be horrifying to find her father's death was not an accident... Whoever the 'Whispering Way', and whoever or whatever they were after, it didn't bode well at all. "I think we should collect our things from the inn," she said. "Then a few of us ought to pay a visit to the temple. I imagine if anything significant was found on him they likely gave it to Kendra already, but it wouldn't hurt to inquire. And ask about whoever found Petros...not to mention what they were doing in Harrowstone when they found him."
Sofia offered a solemn nod to Kendra, hearing her intentions to leave Ravengro. "A wise and well thought decision," she said. On the topic of examining the tomes, and at Elisa's prompting, Sofia gave a hopeful smile. "I can test them for psychic energies, perhaps. Someone else might be able to test for magic auras? If you give me an hour or so to prepare, I might be able to get a reading on one...but where your father was the most recent owner, anything I glean will likely involve his use of it." Sofia shrugged. "If you want me to test the whole lot, it will take a few days."
Sofia nodded along to Mr. Hearthmount's instructions, and spoke when her name came up. "Yes, I am Sofia Covanu," she answered the roll call plainly. She took him at his word that the case was sealed and didn't concern herself with the metal object that fell from the tube. She listened intently as the will was read, however, eagerly absorbing every line. She mulled over the requests, while the solicitor took his leave, and offered a polite smile in Kendra's direction. "I'll be honored to carry out your father's last wishes," she assured. In truth, she was oddly relieved that the requests would give her more time away from home.
Sofia offered a reassuring smile towards Kendra. She was right, of course -- there was no need to judge Mr. Adrissant solely on a poor choice of words, on one sad and sodden day. Still, Sofia hoped that she wouldn't have to spend much time with the man.
Sofia found a seat and picked an unclaimed cup of tea from the tray, adding a generous spoonful of sugar. "You don't need to thank me," she said, not presumptuous enough to answer for anyone else. "My heart broke when I heard your letter -- your Father has done so much for me, and so many others. Sending a letter of condolences wouldn't do; I had to come in person. And if there's anything at all I can help with, just let me know."
"I didn't recognize his voice," Sofia added to the budding conversation; even if it wasn't much help. Her shoulders slumped at Mihaela's whispered inquiry, a horrible notion that hadn't occurred to her... "I hope she already knew... And if not, that stranger should be ashamed for even mentioning it. News like that would be the last thing the poor girl needs right now. If it's even true."
Even with the funeral concluded, Sofia didn't feel any better yet. If anything the day felt even more bleak now that the deed was done. She felt even worse for Kendra, with Gibs' words still fresh in her memory. Not only did the poor girl have to cope with the loss of her father, but knowing that the locals didn't want her to live in her family home was heart-wrenching. And considering the last speaker's slip of the tongue about adoption at the funeral... Sofia could only imagine how Kendra was feeling -- and couldn't begin to imagine how the poor girl was keeping herself together. Sofia slowly walked along the shelves, just brushing her fingers along the spines of each book, almost absentmindedly. She had no idea what the will reading would be like, but somehow doubted it would be all that cathartic. When all was said and done, she knew she had a home waiting for her return. But her heart wept for Kendra...who knew what her future would hold?
Sofia was relieved when the angry villagers dispersed. Even with Gibs' parting remarks, it felt good to have the confrontation resolved. She tried not to dwell on their accusations -- she couldn't imagine any of their slander being true. When the casket was in place at the grave site, Sofia laid her hand on it for a solemn moment and whispered a quiet goodbye. Hearing Kendra and the others tell their stories, their eulogies, was an emotional time. Sofia hadn't known many of Petros' colleagues, nor his own adventures, save the few he mentioned in his letters. It was endearing to hear about his life, and all those he had touched throughout it. After Elisa spoke, Sofia stepped forward and tried to organize her own thoughts. She was grateful the spirit inhabiting her was a scholarly one; it helped her lend structure to her thoughts, feelings, and memories, so she could string something coherent together. "I was a just a child when I met Professor Lorrimor," she said. "It was after an accident... Petros sought me out; invited me, and my family, into his home while he treated me and helped us cope with all we'd been through. He was sweetest man, always compassionate, caring, and did everything he could to help. It heartens me to hear so many others have similar stories... That he touched so many lives, just as he touched mine." Sofia almost lost her composure, and needed a moment. "His absence will be felt, every day... Not just by me, or by all of us here -- but by everyone whose life Petros has touched... "Th-thank you..." Sofia stepped back, solemnly.
The first half of the Dreamwalk had been a sombre experience. Sofia let the memories of her time with Lorrimor flood back in uncanny detail. He had been kind and caring examining the damage tissues, and helped her to recall the details of the attack that blinded her. Petros had been the first person to truly believe her story, and went above and beyond to identify the creature. While the event that led to their meeting had been wrought with misfortune and pain, Petros had changed everything, and put on the path to recovery. Sofia was stirred from her reverie by the crunch of gravel up ahead. It sounded like a sizeable gathering in the road, and there wasn't much time to contemplate their intent before the lead one -- Gibs, from the inn -- spoke. The accusation was appalling, and her heart sank for Kendra. This was the last thing the poor girl needed. "You ought to be ashamed of yourselves," Sofia called out to the men. She did her best to keep an even tone, loud enough to be heard but calm enough to not sound angry. "If this troubled you so much, then you should have aired your grievance before the preparations were final. Go home. Please. Don't let that exchange at the inn affect what happens here... This is a funeral. If you respect the Lady of Graves, then please respect this procession and leave us in peace."
Sofia walked along with the others to the graveyard. Introductions had been made and breakfast had been eaten, leaving no more room for reprieve from the inevitable. She tried not to concern herself with the locals, even as she practically felt their stares. She heard papers flapping in the breeze and vaguely wondered about them as they neared the pole, but Mihaela's muttered comment told her all she really needed to know. The bridge was a much less pleasant league of their journey. Sofia tread slow and carefully -- a drop into the waters below would have made this bad day much, much worse. Outside the church, she noted the others took pause...
...and briefly signed the symbol of Pharasma over her heart, hoping she had gotten the custom right. Sofia felt the deep sadness when she heard Kendra speak, and hugged her friend back. It was terrible that so few people had came; she had always thought that Petros had many colleagues, friends, and contemporaries, and knew he had touched many lives. The thought that he had lived in a place that loathed him so was nearly too much to bear. Though tears would never fall, she choked back sobs and fought to keep her composure. "Of course," she answered Kendra's request. "It would be an honor." In truth, Sofia felt that the Professor had carried her through some of her harshest days...and it seemed oddly poignant for her to carry him, now.
Sofia wasn't quite satisfied with the innkeeper's response to her question, but didn't pry any further. The outburst and mass-exodus from the locals drew her attention away, anyways. Calling the Professor a warlock stung; she knew Petros didn't deserve that ire, but also hadn't suspected he'd lived in a place so opposed to his work. With the venue a little quieter and friendlier after the locals' departure, Sofia set to eating her breakfast and meeting the others. She offered a friendly greeting with each introduction, and was astounded to hear how many of them had also traveled from Caliphas. "It's nice to meet all of you, despite the circumstances," she had said politely, then set to answering Ellie and Mihaela's question. "I was one of Professor Lorrimor's patients. It was a long time ago, I was just a little girl then, but he's kept in touch ever since." She smiled a little wistfully. "Every time he sent a letter I'd make my brother read it to me over and over, and help me pen a response. Petros has done a lot for me, and my family -- I owe him so much! It's...hard to believe he's really gone."
Sofia was glad to hear more new people coming in and conversing, although the more that showed up the sooner they would need to depart for the inevitable event. She was startled by the sudden outburst from the elderly local -- 'Gibs', the innkeeper called him. Assurances that he was harmless were nice, but something the man had said didn't sit well with her. "What did he mean?" Sofia asked, as the innkeeper refilled her tea. "He said, 'the funeral [u]is[/u] the problem'... What would he mean by that?"
Sofia nodded respectfully to Elisa, and introduced herself in kind. "I am here for the funeral, yes," she answered. "Sofia Covanu. And it's a pleasure to meet more of Professor Lorrimor's colleagues." She thanked the innkeeper graciously when the food was brought. She followed Elisa's footsteps to the table, and carried her plate along. She found herself a chair -- the one Mihaela had bumped -- and took a seat. "A student? I immagine Petros must have been a wonderful teacher," she said, after Mihaela's introduction. She nodded slightly as she sampled some of her breakfast. "I'm sure the locals are pleasant enough to the Lorrimors. We're outsiders here, but I'm sure these people have their reasons for being wary of strangers."
Sofia loved the smell of the morning rain, but this morning the smell didn’t cheer her like it normally would have. This morning, as she came into the town of Ravengro, her heart was heavy and her legs were tired. She had been a little girl the last time she had been there, but the town did not spark any nostalgia -- only sodden remorse. She asked a local for directions to The Outward Inn and made her way through the muddy town. The pace and distance of the locals’ shlick-shlop footsteps told her how they felt about her, keeping their distance, with the odd pause likely to stare, or the hastened stride to get away from her. Sofia was simply happy when she made it to the inn. The scents of a fresh breakfast did cheer her up some. She stomped her feet in the doorway, hoping to shed as much mud from her boots as possible before navigating her way towards the counter and the pleasant voice of the innkeeper. Sofia wore a drab but well-made dress with a heavy coat, and carried a well-worn staff. Her long hair was wet and frazzled from the journey, and a black veil hung loosely from her brow, just long enough to cover her eyes. She smiled and handed over the letter. Sofia had made her brother read it to her more than a dozen times; the words, committed to memory, still saddened her. "Thank you," she said politely when given her key. Sofia found her way upstairs and to her room with surprising ease, and spent a few minutes to unload her gear and coat, then freshen up. She returned downstairs with her clothes much cleaner, and her hair dry and combed. The room smelled even better, and her stomach growled a little at the promise of a warm meal. She took a seat at the counter, and placed a gold piece down. "Some hot coffee if you have some, please?" she asked politely. "Tea will do fine if you don’t. And I would love some of whatever you’re cooking -- it smells incredible!" Her brow furrowed some, and a twinge of sadness entered her tone. "And... I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Kendra, miss? Or the other five that are coming?"
Sofia has Common, Varisian, Hallit, & Aklo.
Hello, everyone! Sofia is a Medium so she can mix up her party role a bit each day. She isn't a very good combatant, but can shore up any gaps in spellcasting at least a little. Next level she'll be able to share her seance boon with everyone in the party. Skills is probably where she'll shine. She has a pretty good diplomacy at +8, her Knowledges are arcana and religion, she has a good Perception and Sense Motive, Heal, linguistics, perform (oratory) and professions (fortune teller & medium). She can do a seperate hour long seance 1/day to get any skill for an hour/level, treating it as a class skill with max ranks. If she channels a trickster spirit, she can get two skills like that, but for the whole day. She also has access to occult skill unlocks. Ooo-oo, ee-ee, skillmonkey dance! Sofia is Varisian, with a mystic/fortune-teller vibe. She was blinded as a child and her family lived with Lorrimor for a few months when she was 9-10ish (about 13ish years ago), while she was his Subject of Study. Lorrimor also put her in contact with people who could help her adapt to being blind, kept up correspondences with her, and was the one that told her about her psychic potential. Fear wise, she does not like fire.
Reporting in, and super excited!
Still here and interested!
Medium can open up lots of potential for different manners of f#@@ery and just be warned I may take an interest in doing things with that here and there when an area's spirit might be of some kind of importance or have their own s+%% going on. I wouldn't want it any other way! ^_^
I'd like to dot in and add Sofia into the running if it isn't too late for new submissions. I think I pinned down everything necessary about her in her profile. I would have dotted sooner, but this was my first time attempting an occult class and wasn't sure the idea would gel. Hopefully Sofia is suitably interesting! |
