Feng seems concerned with the activity at the tavern.
"We need to give Viessa back to her family as soon as we can but as it seems like Aldrin wants to handle that I think I will go talk to Arun about what happened." Moving his attention to Aldrin. "I will meet you in the tavern after."
After everyone finishes deciding what they are doing Feng will walk over to Arun to talk about what happened and find out who is in charge of the guards.
"Body to the parents, necklace to the Crowes?" Aldrin muses with a theatrical twirl, wondering what is considered customary in this backwater village. "The latter are the ones paying us though...We'll visit them first and see if they want one or both." She shrugs, giving Feng a wave as he breaks off to speak with Arun.
Tessera hollers joyfully at the top of her lungs as they re-enter Duskvale, standing with her arms outstretched as if embracing the scent and sounds of the town. As they stroll past Arun and the other nightwatchmen, Tess fashions the sound of triumphant fanfare to regale her comrades on their bravery. (Minor Illusion)
"Erendo, maybe we'll put our heads together later and take a good look at that gem again?" She says while walking through the group, chatting with her companions animatedly. "Uthal's right. There's still a mystery to get to the bottom of, after all."
"Perhaps a grand ballad to immortalise our trek across the Whispering Moors! I love it." Tess laughs at Aldrin's suggestion, bobbing her head up and down with eagerness at the thought of festivities. "... Sounds like the party might have already started without us however?" She turns her head in the direction of the revellers, and takes a deep inhale of the fragrant torches that are dotted here and there.
"I must admit I am not too familiar with the lore of... Of whatever she became before she attacked us," Erendo says in answer to Uthal. "My guess, and it is only that... My quess would be who or whatever killed the husband took the wife and brought her out to the moors and that... Burying her and whatever else they may have done was part of the process of changing her." Erendo seems to find the entire affairs a bit distasteful and horrendous.
"We should bring the body to the Crows. The poor girl married into the family and thus belonged to them, I would suppose. Besides, if her own family had money I am sure we'd know their name..." Because they were working for coin, afterall.
"Yes, yes," he replies to Tessera in regards to the gem. "I'm not one much for mysteries but I do like some good scholarly inquiry..."
Advocate Erendo is not unfamiliar with the cloying scents of various oils and spices, many various combinations were used in the various rites and services performed for Apophis, so he paid these no particular mind and barely noticed them. The increase of population and activity, however, was much more noticeable. He wonders a bit if there was a common holiday or event date coming up... But perhaps, too, people were just coming in from the surrounding areas for protection, word of the murders having spread?
Erendo is good going with others to return the body and, hopefully, collect payment. He doesn't relish the idea, those suffering from loss can be so annoying and needy, but they often do want to see the kind face of the clergy and he knows the role he is playing...
HISTORY -- In many of the places in the Great Wild up in this part of the North there is an old and odd tradition of making sure to ward off evil spirits by throwing parties that last the night. The original reasons are unknown for sure, but for some reason a way to deal with the threat of the night is to rebel against, make a lot of noise and enjoy what remains of your life. This is probably one of those types of parties as there are many of the village folks taking part within the inn, along with many travelers off of the near-by trade roads
RELIGION -- Burning these sorts of spices are used in rituals to keep away evil spirits and offer a bit of protection to those that are within the scent and where the wind might take it. Again, superstition reigns supreme and who knows for sure if this would actually keep something like whatever Viessa at bay.
Feng, Arun never turns his back on the Whispering Moors and while you might think it is easy to sneak up on him like this Arun welcomes you to his post. “A strange night on the moors, I imagine. I saw the looks on the faces of your group, I’ve seen those sorts of looks on many who travel at night…” Arun trails off a bit, “You’ll be safe within the village for the night. You have my word on that. What can I do for you on this night?"
All (minus Feng)... the knock on the door seems to take forever, there are even a couple of thoughts that maybe the Crowes family were back at the inn but the door is eventually answered. All of the members of the family are dressed in black, the father Victor and his wife Karla are welcoming and still have the body of their son in the front parlor part of their home -- a rather large home.
After a discussion they explain that their wish is to bury Viessa alongside with their son the family cemetery just at the back of their land in the south. Viessa’s family is from East Hill and they will send a raven in the morning inviting them to the funeral. You do notice that when handing over the silver locket, the wife fumbles it to the ground and then when she goes to pick it up uses a handkerchief made of silk to do so. She stuffs the locket back into one of her pockets quickly. Victor asks if one of you would be willing to help him to the cellar in order to get the payment they promised.
Feel free to use INSIGHT Check on the statements of the family.
Also, you could always INVESTIGATE the body of the son, but with the family right there it could be risky.
Feng gaze does not leave the Whispering Moors. A hint of distrust at the promise of safety flashes across his face.
“We managed to find the woman’s body but in the process found a ritual site of a necromancer. Given that the site is half a night's travel from this village I felt compelled to let you know. The person responsible for this is still out there and it seemed like some type of magic was affecting us when the sun was going down.”
Feng attempts to describe the location of the ritual site but admits that the dark made it hard to give good directions.
“I will be returning to the tavern to meet with my friends. I wish you luck in protecting your village. Most of my friends will only help if coin is involved but we can hold our own in a fight if it comes to that.”
Feng will excuse himself and go to the tavern if Arun does not have any questions.
Aldrin leans slightly toward the others as they walk past the celebrations spilling out from the tavern, her voice low and laced with sarcasm. “Look at them, partying the night away to keep spirits at bay. It’s almost charming, isn’t it? Loud noises and burnt spices as if that’s all it takes to keep the darkness out.”She pauses, glancing over her shoulder at the flickering sconces and the distant hum of laughter. Her smirk falters for just a moment, and she adds under her breath, “Though after tonight...maybe they’ve got the right idea.”
By the time the door creaks open to reveal the somber Crowe family, Aldrin has slipped on her mask of sympathy. Her gray eyes soften, and her posture relaxes into an air of respectful calm. She listens carefully as Victor and Karla speak, nodding at their words with a faint expression of condolence. When Karla fumbles the locket, Aldrin’s keen eyes catch the moment, and a flicker of suspicion stirs in her mind. Still, her smile remains polite, even as her thoughts race. “We understand how important this must be for you,” she says gently, stepping forward slightly to keep their attention. “It’s a tragedy, truly, but we’ll ensure Viessa is laid to rest as she deserves. If you need music for the funeral, I'd be happy to perform for a discounted rate."
Behind her composed exterior, Aldrin’s unease deepens as Victor mentions the cellar. Her hand instinctively brushes the hilt of her rapier. She glances briefly at her companions, her eyes sharp with a silent warning. “Why not bring it here instead?” she suggests lightly, tilting her head with an easy smile. “I’m sure you’d prefer to stay close to your wife during this difficult time.”Her voice is smooth, but her instincts are screaming to keep everyone in the room together. She shifts slightly, positioning herself to allow Erendo a better view of the groom’s body, while keeping Victor and Karla distracted. “Or you can tell us where it is and we can fetch it,” she adds carefully, her tone honeyed but watchful, ready for anything.
Performance to act sympathetic to family and distract them: 19
Persuasion to convince them to bring reward here: nat 1 + 4
"Even if it does not keep the spirits out of the town, perhaps it helps keep them out of their hearts," Erendo suggests to Aldrin in the wise and knowing way that only the clergy seem to have about such things. "The banishment of fear can sometimes be all the comfort one needs... Or one has available."
((OOC: How many of the family are currently gathered in the parlor? Is there more than just Victor and Karla? Are we talking at the door or were we brought into the parlor? Is the body of the son wrapped up or is it on display and visible? Would like a bit more info before doing anything hasty...))
((OOC: How many of the family are currently gathered in the parlor? Is there more than just Victor and Karla? Are we talking at the door or were we brought into the parlor? Is the body of the son wrapped up or is it on display and visible? Would like a bit more info before doing anything hasty...))
((OOC: Huh. Good question! Getting a look at Jander's body without being obvious about it wouldn't be too difficult if it's lying on a table in the open, but if the body is in a half-open coffin or covered by a shroud, it would be much more difficult / require a bigger diversion. And if the body is dressed in formal clothing, you might be limited in what you could see without disturbing the body.
It sounds like there are more Crowes than just Victor and Karl because "all of the members of the family" are dressed in black. That will matter in case we need to create a diversion before Erendo can look at Jander's body.
Based on the fact that the Crowes "are welcoming and still have the body of their son in the front parlor part of their home -- a rather large home. After a discussion...", I think that we can assume that our group was welcomed into the rather large home. I think that the DM would have mentioned it if the Crowes were having this lengthy discussion at the door while keeping the party outside. It's unclear whether we're having that discussion in the parlor itself or in some sort of entry hall adjacent to the parlor, but even if we're not in the parlor, I guess a cleric has good excuses for going to the body of a deceased relative.))
Uthalis glad that it’s a large house: he doesn’t feel quite so "boxed in" while standing in the entry hall. He leans his halberd and maul against the wall near the front door. While the others talk to the family about funerals and ravens and East End, Uthal quietly lowers the stretcher and tries to stand in front of it, blocking it from view. It’s probably better to collect their payment before the family sees the body's current...condition. If the party moves into the parlor, Uthal stays outside the room, lurking just outside the parlor door and peering inside. Even in the big house, it looks like there are a lot of things he could knock over in the parlor. He has heard the phrase "bull in a porcelain shop" more than once in his life.
Since Uthal isn't really following the conversation, he looks around the home, trying to imagine the strange (to him) lives of the people who live here. While he gets claustrophobic inside regular human-sized houses, it's been years since he followed Donavan down from the mountains and into Courmiers. Most of that time has been spent around humans and the other "small folk." He looks around for anything interesting or unusual in the home to hold his interest.
Uthal's sharp eyes notice that the lady uses a handkerchief to pick up the pendant, but it doesn't arouse his suspicions. Maybe she just doesn't want to get her hands dirty. Important people often seem worried about getting dirty for some reason.
When Uthal finally starts paying attention to the conversation again, Aldrin is talking to the man about collecting their reward. Uthal happily volunteers: "Yes, I can carry it for you. Just tell me where." He looks around as though he'll see a big chest of gold or a clear sign pointing to the cellar. He's happy to hear that their payment is heavy enough that the man couldn't carry it himself!
((I'll go with the perception route... Perception: 11 - Actually just based off that I'd say Erendo noticed the silver avoidance but didn't put much meaning to it given he's already stated he's no vampire lore expert...))
Erendo smiles and tut's a bit when Uthal volunteers to assist with the collection of payment. "Always helpful, this one," he says with a smile to Victor, "But I'll join to assist. He's brawny but not great with the numbers. For divvying it up amongst us all, I mean." It's not precisely what he meant but he didn't want to outright suggest that Victor might try to shortchange them.
"Perhaps the others can assist your wife in the moving of your daughter in law. I really cannot imagine you want her propped up in the vestibule. I would be happy to say some prayers over her once she is properly washed and dressed but it would be improper for me to assist with those duties... Don't you think?" Erendo continues, not being overly fond of dead bodies and more than happy to excuse himself out of those chores. He was sure the others would find a way to politely decline to assist as well.
Religion and History respectively: 16, 21
Feng seems concerned with the activity at the tavern.
"We need to give Viessa back to her family as soon as we can but as it seems like Aldrin wants to handle that I think I will go talk to Arun about what happened." Moving his attention to Aldrin. "I will meet you in the tavern after."
After everyone finishes deciding what they are doing Feng will walk over to Arun to talk about what happened and find out who is in charge of the guards.
"Body to the parents, necklace to the Crowes?" Aldrin muses with a theatrical twirl, wondering what is considered customary in this backwater village. "The latter are the ones paying us though...We'll visit them first and see if they want one or both." She shrugs, giving Feng a wave as he breaks off to speak with Arun.
Tessera hollers joyfully at the top of her lungs as they re-enter Duskvale, standing with her arms outstretched as if embracing the scent and sounds of the town. As they stroll past Arun and the other nightwatchmen, Tess fashions the sound of triumphant fanfare to regale her comrades on their bravery. (Minor Illusion)
"Erendo, maybe we'll put our heads together later and take a good look at that gem again?" She says while walking through the group, chatting with her companions animatedly. "Uthal's right. There's still a mystery to get to the bottom of, after all."
"Perhaps a grand ballad to immortalise our trek across the Whispering Moors! I love it." Tess laughs at Aldrin's suggestion, bobbing her head up and down with eagerness at the thought of festivities. "... Sounds like the party might have already started without us however?" She turns her head in the direction of the revellers, and takes a deep inhale of the fragrant torches that are dotted here and there.
Religion: 19
History: 17
Religion Check: 9 (nat 1) - Erendo knows nothing
History Check: 22
"I must admit I am not too familiar with the lore of... Of whatever she became before she attacked us," Erendo says in answer to Uthal. "My guess, and it is only that... My quess would be who or whatever killed the husband took the wife and brought her out to the moors and that... Burying her and whatever else they may have done was part of the process of changing her." Erendo seems to find the entire affairs a bit distasteful and horrendous.
"We should bring the body to the Crows. The poor girl married into the family and thus belonged to them, I would suppose. Besides, if her own family had money I am sure we'd know their name..." Because they were working for coin, afterall.
"Yes, yes," he replies to Tessera in regards to the gem. "I'm not one much for mysteries but I do like some good scholarly inquiry..."
Advocate Erendo is not unfamiliar with the cloying scents of various oils and spices, many various combinations were used in the various rites and services performed for Apophis, so he paid these no particular mind and barely noticed them. The increase of population and activity, however, was much more noticeable. He wonders a bit if there was a common holiday or event date coming up... But perhaps, too, people were just coming in from the surrounding areas for protection, word of the murders having spread?
Erendo is good going with others to return the body and, hopefully, collect payment. He doesn't relish the idea, those suffering from loss can be so annoying and needy, but they often do want to see the kind face of the clergy and he knows the role he is playing...
HISTORY -- In many of the places in the Great Wild up in this part of the North there is an old and odd tradition of making sure to ward off evil spirits by throwing parties that last the night. The original reasons are unknown for sure, but for some reason a way to deal with the threat of the night is to rebel against, make a lot of noise and enjoy what remains of your life. This is probably one of those types of parties as there are many of the village folks taking part within the inn, along with many travelers off of the near-by trade roads
RELIGION -- Burning these sorts of spices are used in rituals to keep away evil spirits and offer a bit of protection to those that are within the scent and where the wind might take it. Again, superstition reigns supreme and who knows for sure if this would actually keep something like whatever Viessa at bay.
Feng, Arun never turns his back on the Whispering Moors and while you might think it is easy to sneak up on him like this Arun welcomes you to his post. “A strange night on the moors, I imagine. I saw the looks on the faces of your group, I’ve seen those sorts of looks on many who travel at night…” Arun trails off a bit, “You’ll be safe within the village for the night. You have my word on that. What can I do for you on this night?"
All (minus Feng)... the knock on the door seems to take forever, there are even a couple of thoughts that maybe the Crowes family were back at the inn but the door is eventually answered. All of the members of the family are dressed in black, the father Victor and his wife Karla are welcoming and still have the body of their son in the front parlor part of their home -- a rather large home.
After a discussion they explain that their wish is to bury Viessa alongside with their son the family cemetery just at the back of their land in the south. Viessa’s family is from East Hill and they will send a raven in the morning inviting them to the funeral. You do notice that when handing over the silver locket, the wife fumbles it to the ground and then when she goes to pick it up uses a handkerchief made of silk to do so. She stuffs the locket back into one of her pockets quickly. Victor asks if one of you would be willing to help him to the cellar in order to get the payment they promised.
Feel free to use INSIGHT Check on the statements of the family.
Also, you could always INVESTIGATE the body of the son, but with the family right there it could be risky.
Feng gaze does not leave the Whispering Moors. A hint of distrust at the promise of safety flashes across his face.
“We managed to find the woman’s body but in the process found a ritual site of a necromancer. Given that the site is half a night's travel from this village I felt compelled to let you know. The person responsible for this is still out there and it seemed like some type of magic was affecting us when the sun was going down.”
Feng attempts to describe the location of the ritual site but admits that the dark made it hard to give good directions.
“I will be returning to the tavern to meet with my friends. I wish you luck in protecting your village. Most of my friends will only help if coin is involved but we can hold our own in a fight if it comes to that.”
Feng will excuse himself and go to the tavern if Arun does not have any questions.
Roll for giving directions to ritual site: 7
Insight on family: 19
Aldrin leans slightly toward the others as they walk past the celebrations spilling out from the tavern, her voice low and laced with sarcasm. “Look at them, partying the night away to keep spirits at bay. It’s almost charming, isn’t it? Loud noises and burnt spices as if that’s all it takes to keep the darkness out.” She pauses, glancing over her shoulder at the flickering sconces and the distant hum of laughter. Her smirk falters for just a moment, and she adds under her breath, “Though after tonight...maybe they’ve got the right idea.”
By the time the door creaks open to reveal the somber Crowe family, Aldrin has slipped on her mask of sympathy. Her gray eyes soften, and her posture relaxes into an air of respectful calm. She listens carefully as Victor and Karla speak, nodding at their words with a faint expression of condolence. When Karla fumbles the locket, Aldrin’s keen eyes catch the moment, and a flicker of suspicion stirs in her mind. Still, her smile remains polite, even as her thoughts race. “We understand how important this must be for you,” she says gently, stepping forward slightly to keep their attention. “It’s a tragedy, truly, but we’ll ensure Viessa is laid to rest as she deserves. If you need music for the funeral, I'd be happy to perform for a discounted rate."
Behind her composed exterior, Aldrin’s unease deepens as Victor mentions the cellar. Her hand instinctively brushes the hilt of her rapier. She glances briefly at her companions, her eyes sharp with a silent warning. “Why not bring it here instead?” she suggests lightly, tilting her head with an easy smile. “I’m sure you’d prefer to stay close to your wife during this difficult time.” Her voice is smooth, but her instincts are screaming to keep everyone in the room together. She shifts slightly, positioning herself to allow Erendo a better view of the groom’s body, while keeping Victor and Karla distracted. “Or you can tell us where it is and we can fetch it,” she adds carefully, her tone honeyed but watchful, ready for anything.
Performance to act sympathetic to family and distract them: 19
Persuasion to convince them to bring reward here: nat 1 + 4
"Even if it does not keep the spirits out of the town, perhaps it helps keep them out of their hearts," Erendo suggests to Aldrin in the wise and knowing way that only the clergy seem to have about such things. "The banishment of fear can sometimes be all the comfort one needs... Or one has available."
((OOC: How many of the family are currently gathered in the parlor? Is there more than just Victor and Karla? Are we talking at the door or were we brought into the parlor? Is the body of the son wrapped up or is it on display and visible? Would like a bit more info before doing anything hasty...))
((OOC: Huh. Good question! Getting a look at Jander's body without being obvious about it wouldn't be too difficult if it's lying on a table in the open, but if the body is in a half-open coffin or covered by a shroud, it would be much more difficult / require a bigger diversion. And if the body is dressed in formal clothing, you might be limited in what you could see without disturbing the body.
It sounds like there are more Crowes than just Victor and Karl because "all of the members of the family" are dressed in black. That will matter in case we need to create a diversion before Erendo can look at Jander's body.
Based on the fact that the Crowes "are welcoming and still have the body of their son in the front parlor part of their home -- a rather large home. After a discussion...", I think that we can assume that our group was welcomed into the rather large home. I think that the DM would have mentioned it if the Crowes were having this lengthy discussion at the door while keeping the party outside. It's unclear whether we're having that discussion in the parlor itself or in some sort of entry hall adjacent to the parlor, but even if we're not in the parlor, I guess a cleric has good excuses for going to the body of a deceased relative.))
Uthal is glad that it’s a large house: he doesn’t feel quite so "boxed in" while standing in the entry hall. He leans his halberd and maul against the wall near the front door. While the others talk to the family about funerals and ravens and East End, Uthal quietly lowers the stretcher and tries to stand in front of it, blocking it from view. It’s probably better to collect their payment before the family sees the body's current...condition. If the party moves into the parlor, Uthal stays outside the room, lurking just outside the parlor door and peering inside. Even in the big house, it looks like there are a lot of things he could knock over in the parlor. He has heard the phrase "bull in a porcelain shop" more than once in his life.
Perception: 16 (in game log)
Insight: 10 (in game log)
Since Uthal isn't really following the conversation, he looks around the home, trying to imagine the strange (to him) lives of the people who live here. While he gets claustrophobic inside regular human-sized houses, it's been years since he followed Donavan down from the mountains and into Courmiers. Most of that time has been spent around humans and the other "small folk." He looks around for anything interesting or unusual in the home to hold his interest.
Uthal's sharp eyes notice that the lady uses a handkerchief to pick up the pendant, but it doesn't arouse his suspicions. Maybe she just doesn't want to get her hands dirty. Important people often seem worried about getting dirty for some reason.
When Uthal finally starts paying attention to the conversation again, Aldrin is talking to the man about collecting their reward. Uthal happily volunteers: "Yes, I can carry it for you. Just tell me where." He looks around as though he'll see a big chest of gold or a clear sign pointing to the cellar. He's happy to hear that their payment is heavy enough that the man couldn't carry it himself!
((I'll go with the perception route... Perception: 11 - Actually just based off that I'd say Erendo noticed the silver avoidance but didn't put much meaning to it given he's already stated he's no vampire lore expert...))
Erendo smiles and tut's a bit when Uthal volunteers to assist with the collection of payment. "Always helpful, this one," he says with a smile to Victor, "But I'll join to assist. He's brawny but not great with the numbers. For divvying it up amongst us all, I mean." It's not precisely what he meant but he didn't want to outright suggest that Victor might try to shortchange them.
"Perhaps the others can assist your wife in the moving of your daughter in law. I really cannot imagine you want her propped up in the vestibule. I would be happy to say some prayers over her once she is properly washed and dressed but it would be improper for me to assist with those duties... Don't you think?" Erendo continues, not being overly fond of dead bodies and more than happy to excuse himself out of those chores. He was sure the others would find a way to politely decline to assist as well.
(Ready to move forward)
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