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by Micheal Kortes
When Harrowstone Prison burned to the ground, prisoners, guards, and a host of vicious madmen met a terrifying end. In the years since, the nearby town of Ravengro has shunned the fire-scarred ruins, telling tales of unquiet spirits that wonder abandoned cellblocks. But when a mysterious evil disturbs Harrowstone's tenuous spiritual balance, a ghostly prison riot commences that threatens to consume the nearby village in madness and flames. Can the adventures discover the secrets of Harrowstone and quell a rebellion of the dead? Or will they be the spirit-prison's next inmates?
Let the adventure path begin.
Signing in.
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Why in all the small dead end places in all of Ustalav did your late friend, Professor Petros Lorrimor, chose Ravengro as the place to retire to? As you passed through the little town you were eyed with suspion and sometimes terror, but at least you learned of The Restlands (as the local cemetery is called) and that you were just in time for the burial of the Professor.
Now you stand before the gates (in a light drizzle) watching the progression coming up the small hill towards you. But you do not stand alone, there are others there (obliviously not locals - just like yourself - by their gear and demeanor), standing silently and watching the small group of people who march along before a small cart pulled by a fat plow horse.
The woman in the lead is very young and can not be Professor Lorrimor's wife. You remember him talking of her fondly in the past tense those few times he did speak of her. The woman is in her early twenties, slim and pretty, although her eyes are severely puffy and red. When she looks up at the gates an sees all of you standing before them she stops the others and walks ahead of the group alone.
She gives each of you a curious glance and then recognition dawns on here face. "It is you," she says huskily, her voice a little sore from crying and the rain. "It is all of you. You have come after all."
She notices your perplexed looks and then introduces herself. "I am Kendra Lorrimor. Professor Lorrrimor is..." she looks away very sad. "The Professor was my father. You all must be the friends he spoke of. Please to meet you um..."
You see an Assimar(of Ulfen blood) Woman of about 6 foot 3 and around 235 pounds. She has a curvy human build with comely heavenly features and pale skin. Her face looks human, but is more heavenly. She has Sapphire blue eyes and lose Golden Blonde Hair that ends near her waist.
She is wearing a Red mid Calf length skirt, a white short sleeved shirt, a Red bodice that assists with her figure. A white kerchief is on her head.
With a sorrowful face and sincere voice.
I am Evangline, Evangline Valeria Aurora or Eva for short. It is sad that the good professor has passed on.
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Fleisher Montvale is a man of slight aspect, barely 5 foot 8 inches and 165 pounds. He stands, withdrawn and pensive watching the coterie make its way toward the graveyard. With the onset of the drizzle he pulled up the hood of his scholars robes and crossed his hands inside his sleeves, pulling back into deeper thought. He drifted closer to the small knot of folks at the gate that were awaiting the funeral procession. Fleiser's grey eyes rolled over the cluster of mourners again and he noted the young woman detaching herself to address them.
"The daughter of which he wrote," he muttered lightly to himself as Kendra stepped forward.
On his turn, he pulls his hood back to address the young woman. The light rain immediately starts to darken the brownish blonde of his hair and small goatee. He give s a quick bow to Kendra.
"Greetings, Lady. I am Fleisher Montvale, late of Caliphas. I met your father there a few years ago, and we have kept in correspondence since. I respected him greatly and always felt honored that he deigned to write to a student of relatively low place. His death is a distinct loss to the world of the Lettered. An-and to you, I presume. I mean, obviously you would find his death a loss."
For a long second it looks like the young man might say more, but he appears to play his words over in his head and nods. He pulls back and raises his hood over his head again, letting the rain start to drip down the inside of his uniform.
A broad shouldered man of 6'3 stands cloaked, in his right hand is a well worn glaive, which bears a wicked hook and a golden leaf design. He wears sturdy traveling boots with simple wool breeches. His shirt is ruffled and his chest is covered only modestly by the deep purple cloak, clasped loosely with a rather crudely carved wooden symbol of the Eternal Rose.
As the young lady steps forward, Rapheal pulls back his hood to reveal a strong but youthful face. His hair is dark, but bears a few uncanny streaks of chestnut and blonde and his complexion a warm olive. He exudes an unearthly benevolence, and his handsome skin seems to glow as if lit favorably by candle light, even in the dreary Ustalav rain. As he levels his eyes on hers, his most striking feature is revealed, his left iris a silvery blue in stark contrast to the dark hazel of the right.
He Bows his head respectfully" My condolences Kendra." he begins with his head down before returning his unique gaze to the sobbing girl." My time with the Professor was short but his diligence was incredible and and the world's potential for beauty is lessened without such a lovely soul." His words are warm and his mannerisms comforting. " My name is Rapheal Teofil of the Glory of the Risen Rose, and the pleasure of making your acquaintance is all mine."
"It always rains at the funerals" thinks Jonas, for a second recalling the day his family died at the hands of that hag.
Jonas is a man of average height that appears to be in his mid twenties, except for his hair that are already grey and some early wrinkles. He has light blue eyes and an absent minded look. He dresses unremarkably, with a long leathery brown coat to cover plain clothes. He wears a capotain black hat that has seen too many days of rain. A bow and a quill are strapped to his back, and he wears worn but strudy boots.
My name is Jonas, dear lady. he replies to Kendra. I am sorry for your loss. Your father saved my life once; I didn't have a chance to thank him properly. As he talks, he tries to get a good look at the others, trying to figure out what sort of people are.
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Smiling at Kendra the last young man of the group steps forward and introduces himself.
"Hi, I'm Cyler. Clyer Deeks. I use to help your father break into... That is I was... he... Um... Let's just say I use to work for your father when he needed someone with a few extra skills."
His traveler's cloak is a dark grey and the only visible weapon anyone can see is a notched swordbreaker at his belt. He looks at the others and says, "Guess I wasn't the only one."
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"I am pleased to meet all of you," Kendra says with a small smile. "And I am glad you made it in time for the funeral."
Noticing the group talking to Kendra a large man with three chins, a thin mustache, and thinning hair leaves the group of mourners near the cart and approaches. He wears a fine woolen suit and has more than a few golden and silver rings on his chubby fingers.
"Mistress Lorrimor, are you all right?" he asks not getting to close to the group. "Who are these people?"
"Councilman Hearthmount," Kendra address the man. "These are the people my father gave instructions about in regards to his will. They are all here and we can..."
"Hrmph. Yes, yes. They do have the look of people your father use to hang about before his retirement. But first we need to proceed with the progression Father Grimburrow is waiting." the councilman says giving the group a look of curiosity and disdain all in one glance. "We need pallbearers to take the coffin through the Restlands to the site. And none of the others seem up to it." he says with a ring bedecked wave of his hand at the small group of people by the cart.
The group notices now that it is a small group only four others stand by the cart. Two men, a boy, and an old woman bent from age.
"Perhaps these people would be willing?" he asks her not looking at the rest of you.
she bows and says
Being a pallbearer for the professor would be an honor.
Sure, sure says Jonas, heading straight to the coffin.
Rapheal follows the other's lead and falls in line to carry the coffin." I'm honored." He says with a warm smile as he passes Kendra
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After a few moments everyone finds a place to help carry the casket and the mourners along with Kendra step ahead.
While they were getting ready the group took notice of the few people who were there. Another large man with a perpetual grin and thick moustache, a thin boy who might just be in his first teen years, an older man with a thick scarf around his neck and knobbly knees, and lastly an older woman with a slight bent to her back.
Counting the councilman they make a very small group but then again the Professor had moved to Ravengro after retiring, perhaps he had little time to make a lot of friends.
With the casket between each of you, you enter the Restlands and walk slowly behind the mourners. Each of you notice them (even Kendra) make a small sign as they pass through the gates.
Each mourner lifts their right hand and points at their heart. Then before walking through they swirl their hand around as if drawing a spiral on their chest.
After entering the progression makes it's way up a dirt path between numerous headstones. The wind and rain has picked up a little and suddenly the mourners before you stop, causing you to halt still carrying the casket.
Looking over some shoulders you see another group of people (this dressed like farmers and laborers) blocking the path.
One of the men steps forward and says, "That' far 'nuff. We been talkin and we don't want Lorrimor buried 'ere in the Restlands. Take him upriver and bury 'em. But he ain't goin' in the ground here!"
in a calm polite and sincere voice
"This man deserves the same respect you give onto your family when they pass. To forsake your neighbor, you forsake yourself. "
"Eva is right," Rapheal pipes in" There's no need to hold a grudge against a dead man." The words roll off of his tongue with a serenity to match Evangeline's.
Jonas says nothing, and tries to asses the true intentions of the crowd. How many there are? Are they armed? They just want to scare us, or are they ready to go put up a fight?
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As they shoulder the casket and bear it forth on through the drizzle, the young alchemist smiles slightly to himself as he looks at the folk sign. "Pharasman Ward... May we all find safety in the Boneyard. But not yet."
Fleisher halfway suppresses a grunt as the pallbearer group slows to deal with the new assembly on the path. The Professor was a great man and undoubtedly brought much to such a backwater. That this rabble should tarnish his memory was unconscionable. He shifts his grip to ensure he doesn't drop his end of the stout casket and glowers at these hayseeds, choosing to bite his tongue for now.
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Kendra is also swift to respond, her sadness swiftly transforming into anger. "What's this all about?" she cries out. "I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He's waiting for us! The grave has already been dug!"
The leader of the farmers is about to say something more when one of the other men grabs his arm. "Let it go Gibs," he says before Gibs shakes the hand from his arm. "They are right. And if he was what you thought he was time will tell soon enough."
Gibs looks back at the group and Kendra one last time before turning to head off. The others with him give the group venomous looks before they follow.
"Well, that was a little more excitement than I excepted today," the large man with a moustache says with a big grin. "Shall we continue then?"
"Yes," Kendra says solemnly. "Let us put my father to rest."
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The group follows the mourners once more and encounter no troubles as they reach the plot where Father Grimburrow and two gravediggers wait.
After lowering the coffin into the grave Father Grimburrow gives a moving sermon as the gravediggers fill in the grave. It is like the words and the sound of the shovels are choreographed to help take the mind off what is going on. The sermon itself is dedicated to the Lady of Fate herself, Pharasma, and the role she plays in the destiny of every soul in the mortal realms.
After the sermon is complete the grave is once more filled and Kendra has no more tears to shed. She looks calm as if the service has somehow brought her an unknown peace.
Father Grimburrow asks if anyone else would like to say a few words about Professor Lorrimor. Kendra looks up at the group almost expectantly wondering if she will learn anything about how her father new these new people.
After each you may make a Diplomacy or Perform check. Beating a DC 15 earns you a Trust Point. If the person before you missed by 2 you may attempt an aid another check. This is hopefully one of those party bonding moments - let's see how it goes.
Jonas waits for an akward moment of silence, then clears his throat. He's not very good at speaking in public, so he is nervous. I didn't know Professor Lorrimor much. But he was a good man. I was going to lose my arm and probably my life, if not for the professor. When I knocked at his door I was barely able to stand still. He healed me and helped me send the hag who attacked me to her grave, even if he didn't know me. Like he knew, that was the right thing to do. I offered him money and my services at the end of it, but he refused. I never had the chance to repay him properly. I guess, sometimes you don't need much to know if someone is a good man.
she waits for a moment of silence, then with a calm, polite and sincere voice
"The professor was a great man, During the first year I traveled the land I was attacked by a vampire spawn, I was about going to die, but he stepped in and saved me. After that I kept in touch with the professor and help with his studies. I even sent him some samples, I found."
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Fleisher is not much of a man for public speaking, but it was a pretty long trip from Caliphas and he had had many chances to think about a statement.
"Tea." he states simply after clearing his throat gently and pulling his hood back down, "It was absolutely the least thing that Professor Lorrimor taught me, but it's one of the things I'll cherish the most. I came from Lastwall where I was studying with the War College. The army moves on coffee and ale. After I moved to Caliphas I felt very isolated, trying to conduct my studies at the Quarterfaux Archives. Professor Lorrimor saw me studying some canopic jars and be began a lively discussion and debate which stretched on for 4 hours. We repaired from the Archives to a salon he favored and, when I ordered black coffee he blanched and re-ordered tea for me. I was dubious, I thought it would be weak and effete... it was glorious."
"We met several more times, both in the Archives and in the salon over tea. The Professor gave me the immense kindess of a letter of recommendation to to Head Curator Saramul that greatly aided my studies. He was a man of powerful intellect, incisive observational powers, and great civility. Tonight, I shall toast with beer or wine his memory with those that come to honor him, but for myself, I have a bundle of tea leaves and several letters from the Professor with which I shall sit in quite remembrance."
"Here, here. I will also toast to the professor. As he, has saved more lives than just one here."
Rapheal smiles solemnly." Today is a beautiful day, as everyday is, so teaches Shelyn. It is a day to remember the professor's beautiful life and rejoice that you had the pleasure of knowing such a gorgeous soul." Rapheal produces a hand carved wooden bird from his belt pouch and places it gently near the headstone." That which cannot be said is Expressed best through music. While the Professor was traveling with my father's caravan, I showed him a few melodies on the flute. This is called " Petals of a Ramblin' Rose" and Lorrimor always liked it. It's only fitting I play it for him one last time." Rapheal moves his hands, now holding a wooden flute, from beneath his cloak to his face. Pausing to take in the look of the gathering, he inhales deeply and plays a beautifully haunting, mournful melody in memory of the departed man with eyes clenched tight. Once it is over he swiftly stows away the instrument and steps aside, looking to Father Grimburrow for what would be the next step
Jonas is very moved by the other's euologies and by Raphael's song, and he stays silent, mourning his own past deads. Then he starts to think: These here are man of science, the professor's collegues. Why am I here among them? What do we have in common? Could it be that the Professor had something in mind for all of us before his death?
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After he said his peace Fleisher put his hood back up to stave of the rain, but he didn't retreat back into it from the world as he was sometimes want to do. He listened to the others say their peices and gave small nods when the others spoke of sharing the tea. He wasn't an outgoing person, but these were people that the Professor must have explicitly wanted to be here, therefore, they would be treated with the respect due the Professor himself. He was never overly observant of music, but the young alchemist listens to the fluting with a sad smile and nods in aproval of the tune and at the accomplishment of the player.
Listening to the music.
What a sorrowful, yet beautiful melody. It does fit the funeral and the professor well.
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Thank you. Thank you all," Kendra says a warm smile on her face. "I am glad to know my father called people such as you friends."
The other mourners nod and smile their approval as well. And Father Grimburrow gives the group a look of gratitude but says nothing.
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The rest of the mourners don't share anything and one by one they step to the filled grave and pay their respects before leaving. The last mourner, Councilman Hearthmount, says good bye quietly to the professor than turns to Kendra.
"I have something else to do before I can bring your father's will over for its reading," he says then looks to the group. "Now that all parties are here. I will be by your home in one hour. Please make sure everyone is present Miss Lorrimor."
He then turns and walks off, back down the path towards the gate.
Kendra turns to you all and says, "I can't believe it. Finally the mystery as to why my father said his will could not be shared without all of you present will be answered. Please if you would we can have dinner, and that cup of tea, at my home. If you'll join me?"
she bows towards Kendra and says in a polite voice.
"I am honoured, and it would be a pleasure to join you."
A mystery about your father's will, you say. For sure, I will follow you.
Eva quickly glances at Rapheal Teofil, then back to Kendra.
Rapheal is lost in his thoughts as he absorbs the gentle rain. Evas glance is enough to shake him from his trance however and he nods"Indeed, it'd be a pleasure Kendra.
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Fleisher waits until they have left the Restlands before the curiosity gnawing at him overpowers his restraint. Finally, however, the question that's been weighing on his mind since he received news of the Pofessor's passing erupts out of him.
"Miss Kendra, I'm sorry if I'm being overly brash in asking, but what were the circumstances of your father's death? The last time I saw him was over a year ago, but he looked the picture of health..."
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The Lorrimor House is located south of the main hub of Ravengor. A road on the west side of the Samion river leads around to the home without having to go through the town itself. It takes a little more than half an hour to get from The Restlands to The Lorrimor House and along the way Kendra is quiet.
If asked about the will she tells everyone she knows nothing about it or that her father even had one till he died.
If asked if she is alright she confesses that she is confused and even feels a little lost now in the world alone, but perhaps the will may have some answers.
Once everyone reaches the home though she seems a lot better (even some flush returning to her face), as the familiar surroundings seems to comfort her greatly.
It is almost exactly an hour to the minute when the portly councilman comes to the Lorrimor House to do his duty as arbitrator of the Professor's will. As Kendra leads him into the parlor where the rest of you sit and have tea, he seems to sniff in disdain.
After noting that all parties are present he produces a sealed scroll bearing the Professor's personal seal. Showing everyone it is unbroken, and not tampered with, he proceeds. Breaking the seal and opening the case.
*clank* *clink* *clink*
A small iron key falls from the scroll case, but the councilman seems undaunted by it. Looking to be done with his business and be gone quickly he unrolls the scroll and begins to read aloud.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child.“Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.
“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.
And lastly on of the books in the chest is a special book I leave to you Cyler Deeks. You will know which one it is when you see it.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4711.”
Kendra looks to the group and says, "I believe I know the trunk it's talking about."
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Fleisher looks absolutely gobsmacked... "One... hundred...platinum??? Ye gods! Even on the other side the man is generous beyond belief! My funds have been dwindling during my studies. With the Professor's bequeathment I could easily set up my own residence and lab. I'm sorry, I had no expectations in coming her other than to honor a good man. I... I was not expecting to be the recpient of any gifts."
her jaw drops. after a few moments she realizes this and closes her mouth.
With 100 platinum, You could run an orphanage or hospital for years. I am amazed the professor left us a great inheritance, and I shall see that it is put to good use and follow is instructions.
I've never seen such an amount before. Can a man even spend so much during his life? Jonas is surprised, as the Professor never striked him as a man that rich. Nevertheless I shall be eternally grateful towards Lorrimor. I have no idea of what should I make of this sum of money. But of one thing I'm certain: I swear to protect you, Kendra, for all the time it's necessary. That's the least I can do. He then addresses the others. How do you think we can be of most assistance? Should we rent a nearby tavern for the next month? Or Kendra would be fine if we stay here instead?
Rapheal smiles simply." What a generous man. Many good works can be accomplished with that sum of money.
Kendra Lorrimor:
Kendra sat quietly thinking over what she had just heard. The councilman rolling the will back up brings her out of her thoughts and she stands smiling a little.
Thank you Councilman Hearthmount, I will walk you to the door." she says and the two make ready to leave the room.
Looking back over her shoulder at the group she says, "I will bring the chest here please give me but a moment."
Finally at a spot where the group is alone so please feel free to RP away. I will move the thread along this Sun night.
Rapheal bows low to Kendra before rising back to his full height with a knowing smile."Take all the time you need miss Lorrimor.
Once the group is alone Rapheal steps forward confidently."It seems we have been thrown into the same lot by fate."He begins."I'm certain introductions are in order. I'm Rapheal Teofil, a warrior in the service of the Glory of the Risen Rose. As such is is my mission to promote and protect, all that is beautiful,His voice jumps with excitement before his tone dives to a solemn low with his conclusion. And only when there is no other way, to root out the ugliness of evil with the edge of my glaive..." He steps back with a meager smile and glances around the room wondering who would come next.
with a confident pose, and sincere voice
"My name is Evangline Valeria Aurora, but some call me Eva for short. I am a priestess of Kurgess, and trained by my master Alkaid. Given my size, fitness level, and training, I am also good in combat. I don't like seeing injustice, and the undead."
My name is Jonas. I lived in a nomad Varisian tribe, until things got... unfortunate. I've been a wanderer since then, traveling through Ustalav and dedicating my life to hunt witches, hags, warlocks and other pratictioners of the dark arts. My path crossed with Professor Lorrimor's one during such an hunt. He clears his throat, trying to be as sincere as possible. I am pleased to meet you. You all look like people you can trust.