SCG temples his hands in front of him, his fingertips touching, but the palms at an angle; as the will is read.  Afterwards he reads the document himself.

“It would seem I have received a request, in order to accept I must know what is expected and what this entails.  I also have no resources for such an extended stay.”
He looks to Kendra
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Mon 14 Jan 2019.

Darcon enjoyed the meal and ate his fill, something he rarely did, preferring to eat only close to satiation. A full stomach dulled the mind in his experience. This night he made an exception, and did not regret it in the least.

Afterwards, he remained seated as the will was read, listening carefully. When it was finished he found he had no qualms with the instructions, or rather the request of the late professor.

Darcon had intended to remain here anyway to study the professor's books, this only gave him a good excuse. Not to mention watching over Kendra would be an honor, and Darcon would sleep easy knowing the professors spirit might feel peace when it knew his daughter was in good hands.

"I agree to these instructions," Darcon announced softly, looking at Kendra as he did so. "I do not have any accomodations here, so I would be glad to have some recommended. I can pay for my stay as long as it is not too expensive, in the latter case I earn my keep by helping with any scribe work the mayors office might require, or helping to identify any suspected items of magic the town treasury might have in its possession."

His mind did keep wandering to the trove of forbidden books the professor mentioned in his letter; ancient, dangerous lore...Darcon mind began almost to itch and he wondered how he might convince Kendra to allow him to have a look at those tomes.

Perhaps they contained ancient spells of banishment and detection of evil things, and maybe even spells that could allow a user to take the fight to such creatures. Surely in the hands of a well meaning mage like Darcon such lore could be put to good use, rather than be locked up in a university. Or better if he were allowed to make copies of the spells to be found there-in...

Still this was a request best saved for the coming weeks, once the daughter had time to come to terms with her grief.

Shara said a quiet personal prayer over the meal before digging in. She remained mostly quiet as others regaled each other with tales of the late professor, but would occasionally chime in with some keen insight on the mannerisms and behavior of the professor and his colleagues. She watched the others closely, as did the bird on her shoulder that she fed the occasional table scrap, getting the measure of their characters and personalities.

She remained calm through the reading of the will, though her eyebrow arched ever so slightly when the sum of gold they were to be bequeathed was mentioned. She nodded to the requests and looked towards the others for their responses.

It was only when the will was read that Garland thought anything. He was pleased to know that he was in the professors thoughts though the nature of the situation made him wonder. "What did you get yourself into Petros?" he thought.

He looked to Count Galdana first. "It seems my leave of abscence will be longer then I thought. Count Galdana, when you return to Caliphas would you mind delivering a letter to the cathedral for me? They should be aware I will be away for some time."

He then spoke to everyone in unison. "Knowing Petros as I did, he was not a man to make such requests lightly. I believe there is a reason he asked us to stay and watch over Kendra, perhaps one he could not pen directly. We should begin with his collection of tomes to see what we are dealing with. We can make further steps once we know what has come into our possession...and though it may be painful to recount the tale, I wish to know how Petros died."

“Perhaps I can do some work for the sheriffs office, I have experience in law and order; and perhaps they can aid in securing the chest.

"I have little else at the moment to be doin', so I'll gladly do this. If any of ye need anything, let me know."

Councilman Hearthmont dutifully collected signatures on the will from each of the beneficiaries with Count Galdana acting as witness. He bowed to the table, packed his small valise, and readied to depart. On his way out the door he leaned back to give Darcon an appraising look.

"If you are interested in clerical work I can arrange an introduction at the city offices. Call on me tomorrow." He said, and left with a shallow bow.

The will lay in the center of the table as if presiding over the gathering.

Kendra seemed as surprised as the others to learn the contents of the will, especially to learn the sort of research that her father had been involved in.

"I...I hadn't given much thought to what I would do next. Father and I had discussed traveling to Lepidstadt next year to study at the university there, but now that he's gone I'm not certain what's next."

A sad look passed over her face before she forced it into a bright smile.

"I would be more than grateful for any of you who would like to stay. We have a...we have two spare bedrooms, my father's and a guest room. And any of you who wish can find accommodations at the Laughing Demon. I don't know how receptive the townsfolk will be to add an outsider to the constabulary," She said to Sir Constantine. "But you spoke well at the procession. I'm sure Sheriff Caeler would at least entertain the idea."

Kendra's face fell a bit at Garland's question, but her brave face again covered painful memories.

"My...my father's death was an accident. He had been exploring up at the old..."

Count Galdana, who had been sitting in thoughtful silence, leaned in over the table. If he heard Garland's polite request to carry a letter he gave no sign. Instead his eyes focused with birdbright intensity on Kendra, a calculating, appraising glance. He steepled his narrow fingers and broke in over Kendra.

"The books, girl." Perhaps realizing his rudeness his features softened somewhat and a patronizing smile curled on his features. "There may be time for painful remembrances later. For now we must find out what Petros left behind. Where is this chest of tomes?"

His eyes darted about the room, peering into corners and shadows as if to see the chest before him.

Garland shot a glance at the count, though paid him little more mind then holding up a  single hand in front of him as if he were silencing a new acolyte. "Go on Kendra. The professors death was an accident as he was exploring where?" he asks in a calm voice, concentrating on the young woman with a warm smile.

He didnt say it but something seemed off to him. Petros was a man who hunted evil, explored ruins, and brushed with danger so there was no question he lived a dangerous live. However an accident seemed unlikely as the Professor was known for hiring experts and muscle when going on a research venture or monster hunt.

“Aye, I have two gold to my name, in silvers and coppers I would gladly pay it for room and board, but honestly I would be better served obtaining work, if not the sheriff then perhaps the stables, and paying my own way.” 

SCG thinks beyond his immediate needs
“And yes securing the chest of books is an upmost concern, do we know the size and weight of it? Will we need a wagon or cart?

"I am skilled in the ways of the priesthood, as well as the healing arts. I would happily provide such services to the local clergy and villagers in my time here." Shara chimes in.

Count Galdana looked angry at Garland's dismissive gesture, Kendra's eyes wavered between them for a long moment. Eventually Constantine's comments and the Count's insistence on seeing the books seemed to sway her opinions and she rose with an apologetic look to Garland. She bustled out of the room and the sounds of her rummaging came faintly to our hero's ears. She returned a short moment later with a small ironbound chest which she placed on the table.

It was locked, and there was another pause as she searched her father's study for the key. She gestured for Garland to follow her and talked as he helped her look.

"Father's death was an accident up at the abandoned prison, Harrowstone. He was always taking trips, and he had been there several times, but never without telling me where he was going or how long he would be gone. The day he died he left for the prison in the morning and when...when he hadn't returned by supper time I went to Sheriff Caeler. We went to the prison to look for him.

We found him just inside the front gate. A stone gargoyle had crumbled and fallen on him, it looked like it killed him instantly." She said, grief still tinging her voice.

Eventually she found the chest key tucked away in a small drawer and returned to the table.

She unlocked the chest, took a deep breath, and pushed open the lid. Count Galdana crowded in over her shoulder to peer inside.

The chest held a small stack of books. There were five in total, each with a note tucked into the front cover so as to protrude slightly.

The first was a thick tome with a rich purple cover. Its center was worked with an ornate but tarnished gold insignia depicting a sword and a feather crossed beneath a vigilant eye. The spine was thick and a small ornate lock bound it shut, although there was no evidence of a key in the box. Its title named it Manual of the Order of the Shining Eye and the note indicated that it was to be delivered to Judge Embreth Daramid in Lepidstadt.

The next several books were bundled together and the note indicated that they were to be delivered to Professor Montagnie Crowl at Lepidstadt University. The first was a jet black tome with yellowed pages named On Verified Madness. The pages looked ancient and the professor's notes were scrawled liberally in the margins. The second was called Serving Your Hunger, a copy of one of several books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa. The third was The Umbral Leaves, a translation into common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.

The last book was smaller and newer, set atop all the others and penned in the Professor's hand. It was obviously a journal or log of some kind, the entries were dated and numbered and several of the recent entries had been circled. Rather than a note the words "READ ME NOW" had been scratched into the leather cover with something sharp.

---

11:58, Today: GM, for the NPC Count Galdana, rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  Diplomacy.
11:57, Today: GM, on behalf of Garland Van Burke, rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Wed 16 Jan 2019.

Darcon gave Hearthmont a nod at his offer as the councilman departed. He intended to take him up on the offer, but did not intend to start working right away, he had funds enough to survive for the next couple of days at least and intended to spend them with Kendra, the Professors other acquaintance and the treasure trove of lore gathered here in this house.

"I would be happy to take residence in the guest room here," the mage said to Kendra in a kind tone. He wanted to be close to her in case she needed something and ofcourse, to study the books in Lorimar's library.

At Galdana's prodding, as Kendra bustled to get the chest Darcon found himself considering Count Galdana with some measure of suspicion, and not a little distaste. The man's attitude and callousness irked Darcon, and he disliked the way the Count greedily sought after the chest.

He resolved to spend the next few days taking residency here in the guestroom; the mage did not trust this Count to have Kendra's best interests at heart, not to mention the threat of the rabble they faced earlier yet loomed; at least one might return after a few drinks in his belly to seek revenge for Kendra's slap.

As Kendra brought the chest and opened it, Darcon viewed the books with interest. Ofcourse, as soon as the smaller book was laid on the table he reached out immediately and picked it up, before the Count could get his grubby hands on it. "It does say 'Read Me Now'," the mage explained to the others by way of explanation.

Taking a quick glance towards Kendra to see if she had any misgivings, Darcon flipped the book open and started skimming through it.

The Count peered curiously into the box, poking around to make sure that nothing was underneath the tomes. He tried the lock on the Manual of the Order of the Shining Eye but left aside as there was no visible means of opening it. His curiosity seemed satisfied, his nervous sense of excitement abated.

"Just books after all." He said, half to himself.

The journal in Darcon's hands held the Professor's research notes. The general fare was dry, boring logs of research and day to day affairs but the circled entries were startling and illuminating, the first of which was dated nearly ten years ago.

Ten Years Ago
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might. Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.

Two Months Ago
It is as I feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?

One Month Ago
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect, I suppose it all makes sense—the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity—there’s plenty of folks hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.

Twenty Days Ago
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone who was held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.

Eighteen Days Ago
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.

Seventeen Days Ago. The date of the professor's death.
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll leave this in the chest where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.

---

SacG listens at the reading of the document.

“I fear my friends that we may need to go and see what evil maybe brewing and to see what the professor saw, his concern was dire and if the whole town is in danger we cannot ignore it.”

He looks each person in the eye...
“Perhaps we could leave a guard here to look after the books and glean more insight while several of us go to the prison, perhaps also engaging the sheriff.”

After having read out loud the journal entries, Darcon shut the book with a loud snap of finality. He was silent for a moment, digesting what he had read and letting it settle onto the others also.

Finally he looked up and spoke, "Well, first things first. It is apparent the Professor's death was not an accident; this...Cabal, The Whispering Way seems to be involved, and quite possibly the very cause. We need more information about them, as well as this Harrowstone place, which seems to be a ruined old prison somewhere around here, as well as the fire that burned it down."

Turning his head to glance at Kendra out of both concern and not a little tinge of sadness he went on, "Your life is in danger my lady, especially if word gets out about this journal and perhaps these other books as well," Darcon stared hard at the Count for a moment as he spoke, tinging his tone with a touch of sinister inflection, then nodded at Sir Constantine as he spoke and went on, "I propose she always remain under our guard, with at least two of us with her at all times. Someone keeping watch on the outside of this house would also be beneficial."

Turning to glance at the tall and muscular Garland, the mage asked the cleric, "The list the professor mentioned the Temple of Pharasma having, can you obtain it? It will aid us in our investigation. Not to mention the tools to ward against evil spirits the Professor writes about, your fellow clergy may know something about it so any information about that could be helpful."

---

ooc: Knowledge (History): 14; Knowledge (Arcana): 08 To recall anything about The Whispering Way


This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Sat 19 Jan 2019.

Shara arched an eyebrow at the revealed religious texts, as she was familiar with the wicked faiths behind them. She knew that the professor had a purely academic interest in such materials, but they were still unpleasant to look at and think about.

But it was the journal that really caught her attention. The Whispering Way... something about that sounded familiar, and not for a good reason. By context, though, they were clearly a cabal of necromancers, and therefore anathema to the faith of Pharasma.

"I'm in." she blurts out, surprising herself. Regaining her composure, she continues. "I mean, I will help investigate this Whispering Way and any influence they may have in this region, including the death of the professor. I can not, and will not, let necromancy go unchallenged, even far from my home."



11:07, Today: Shara rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Knowledge (Religion). For anything about Whispering Way.

"I've been with the Professor helpin' fight the various undead he's come across for years. I'll help put down the cabal that ended his life, especially since my own organization opposes undead and those who would deal with them," The dwarf was positively fuming as the journal was read, his fury at this mysterious organization causing his knuckles to whiten as he clenched his fists. As the other's spoke he seemed to calm, though a dangerous glint remained in his eye.

"That said we lack the knowledge the Professor had, so we should do some research ourselves before entering the ruins. Rule number 3 of Dungeoneering: Know what you're gettin' into. We should check the magistrates records in the morning, see what we can find."

Garland sits there silently listening to the entire journal and when it is completed he even takes it to read over himself looking for any missed details or things that seemed like code. "That is a lot to take in but it seems my suspicion's were accurate. Though I am surprised Petros did not enlist aid as he often did I feel we must look into his death more as well as continue his investigation of Harrowstone."

On the table in front of him he makes a spiral motion that people might recognize as the symbol of Pharasma. "Your work is done my friend, rest knowing that we will continue it." he whispered in thought before looking across that table at the count as he ignores the other questions. "I have been patient and rather cordial up to this point but now I believe we must address the troll in the room. Count Galdana, I want nothing more then the truth. What were you really looking for?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Sun 20 Jan 2019.

Kendra looked more and more stricken as Darcon read out her father's journal, fear and anger warring in equal portion over her face.

"Thank you all, I don't know what I would do without all of you here." She said solemnly, looking around the group.

"If these...this Whispering Way really did have something to do with my father's death we must find them. They can't get away with it." She flushed with anger.

"You can all stay here in the house if you'd like, with the couch and a bedroll in the study there'll be enough room for everyone. My father's library will surely be useful for any research we need to do, and the Temple of Pharasma and the town council both have valuable records of the town's history." She nodded toward's Murkau at his prudent suggestion.

She put a warning hand on Constantine's arm.

"It doesn't seem prudent to venture up to the prison tonight, let's leave it for tomorrow at least. And I hardly think that I'll need an armed guard." She said, although she sounded less than certain.

At Garland's pointed question the Count merely shrugged.

"What was I looking for? I heard the will, the same as you. Surely you must have been as curious about the books mentioned there as I? I must confess, while my interest in my dear departed friend is keen my interest in his work is less so. Still, I was curious about the tomes that he would chose to leave us." He swept to his feet, leveling a calculating glance at Garland, and took up his hat and cane.

"Alas, I must be away to Caliphas before first light. My business was not so pressing as to prevent me from attending the funeral of a dear friend, but pressing enough to urge haste."

He took Kendra's hand and bowed low over it. She looked a bit uncomfortable at the undercurrent of hostility that seemed to have sprung up between the Count and Garland.

"Do call on me, child, if you are ever in need. To the rest of you, adieu." He bowed to the assembled guests and marched out of the house.

Shara's brow furrowed at the tension between Garland and the Count, especially when the Count gave a rather dismissive response then hurried off. There had to be more to his attitude than simple curiosity about the Professor's will...


08:58, Today: Shara rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Sense Motive.

SCG took in the continued information though he was no scholar he felt assured those most capable would find the necessary information.

“It seems obvious to me that those involved in whispers are most susceptible to endless suspicion.”

“Thank you Lady the floor shall be sufficient for my sleep.”

He considers the researchers and the tomes.
“I meant not to imply a hurried excursion into the place without obtaining the knowledge needed.  I have cold iron but nothing of great effect against such evil as the notes portend.”

“I have been schooled but more of breadth than any real depth a superficial overview as the professor would say, have said.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Mon 21 Jan 2019.

Appearing to ignore the Count as he bowed and left, Darcon looked at Kendra and smiled before speaking in a reassuring tone, "Our thanks for your generous offer my lady, I at least will take you up on your offer. I will make use of your father's books before retiring to sleep, but let me know if you need anything from me."

Pulling back his hood he let his long hair fall to his shoulders and walked over to a nearby shelf of books, propping his staff by a wall. Turning his head towards Kendra he added, "As for a guard, well your father requested us to remain with you until you get your affairs in order, and remain with you we shall. Think of us less as a guard and more like companions."

Garland clearly wore his mistrust on his sleeve though without evidence he had nothing to go on and allowed the Count to lie to his face. Though he looks him dead in the eye as he goes to leave. "Pharasma teaches us that all will stand in the boneyard when we die. All will be judged by her for our works in life. Think on that truth and have a safe journey."

Garland would not say another word till the Count was gone, thinking it to dangerous to let an unknown element let him know any future plans. Only when the count leaves does Garland claim a spot on the floor in the professors study where he can roll out his bedroll and place his things. He then returns to join the others sitting down with one of the books Petros left to them before he opens it and begins to read, speaking softly. "In the morning I will go to the temple and consult with Father Grimburrow and hopefully obtain the prisoner list that Petros mentioned. I welcome anyone who wishes to visit the temple with me. Once that is done I recommend we look into this false crypt should Father Grimburrow know nothing of it. "

Shara nods at Garland's talk of the temple.

"I will assist you. While not formally clergy, I was raised by a temple of Pharasma and am well-versed in religious lore and practices." she says, touching the dagger at her hip.

Keldros remained quiet throughout the evening, seemingly deep in thought. His keen eyes flicked between Garland and Count Galdana but held his peace until the Count was leaving. He hesitated for a long moment, and then stood suddenly.

"How fortuitous, my dear count. With the funeral over I find that my responsibilities in Caliphas are pressing for me as well. Would you mind if I accompany you on the road?"

The Count paused, his hand on the doorknob, a look of mild surprise on his face. After a moment his usual gracious smile spread and he bowed.

"I would be honored. My carriage leaves before first light, I shall have my coachman ready your mount as well."

Keldros took Kendra's hand warmly before he left, leaning close to whisper some words of comfort and consolation before leaving on the Count's heel's, their conversation regarding their itinerary briefly drifting back to the house.

Kendra made sure that everyone was comfortable that night before putting out the lights. She insisted that Shara take the guest bed, and with the men in bedrolls or on the couch it was quite cozy. Nobody took up the professor's empty bed.

---

Kendra was awake early the following morning and the smells of oatmeal and tea wafted through the house. After breakfast Garland and Shara bid farewell to the group to make their way to the city's temple of Pharasma.

They were greeted by an acolyte who bowed politely and led them to Father Grimburrow's simple cell. The aging priest raised a hand in a gesture of blessing.

"What brings you here, my children?" He asked rheumatically.

Exeunt to Chapter 1.1 - link to a message in this game

---

Meanwhile, the morning was slow at the Lorrimor residence, breakfast and conversation wafting through the morning air, until there was a sharp rap on the door.

Kendra answered it to reveal the stern looking figure of Ravengro's sheriff, Benjan Caeler. He looked somewhat apologetic at the interruption but firmly stepped into the kitchen.

"Miss Lorrimor." He said, doffing his hat politely.

"I need to have a word with your guests about the disturbance in the square."

---

Shara definitely gets the impression that the Count is being evasive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Tue 22 Jan 2019.