Applebough: Something tingles your cambium as you meditate upon the scarab. As Telentha relates the instructions for the books to the group there is something about how this book is described that is wrong. Ownership of the text is restricted...but its not illegal. It's just secret. A secret society. That's it, you remember the Elders talking about a secret society amoungst men that worked against some cult of undeath. Normally such groups would not attract the attention of the Treefolk, but several years ago this cult somehow infected the Northern Ustalavic grove with a wasting disease. It was through the help of this secret society that a cure for the disease was found and the grove was saved. You don't remember what the group was called, but it is somehow related to the Palatine Eye. But its strange, by all accounts that you are able to dredge up the secret society is not evil. So why is their book secreted away here with books that apparently are regarding topics of vile darkness?
Being a secret society the check DC for this was really high...that's all you are able to suss out, even with a natural 20.
Kendra looks up at Telantha's inquiry, looking almost surprised to find all of you there, she was so absorbed in her research. "Well, to overly simplify the summary, he says that his death at Harrowstone was no accident. Here, see for yourselves."
She turns over the journal, glancing over the pages you see several standard day in and day out notations about his research and studies. But several dates have been circled in red ink that is recent, as fresh as the most recent entry although the circles go back to dates as far as ten years ago, before the professor retired to Ravengro. The red circles are also irregular, like they were hastily drawn by one that did not have time for the clean and tidy penmanship that denotes most of the pages of the professor's thoughts. Telantha flips through the pages finding the circled dates and reads the entries aloud.
5th of Gozran, 2706 - 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.
20th of Arodus, 2716 - 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.
9th of Rova, 2716 - 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.
14th of Rova, 2716 - 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.
16th of Rova, 2716,the final entry - 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.
Applebough, as Telantha reads another piece fits into the puzzle you are working on in your mind. The Whispering Way was the name of the Cult of Undeath you heard the Elders speaking of. They are the ones that the secret society that owns the book you are holding works against.
Kendra sits down heavily on one of the benches. A weight bows her shoulders to where it looks like she is near to folding in on herself. "So the old man went on another adventure. Went to oppose another great evil. Why father, why? The morning of 17th of Rova is when we found him at the prison, a large masonry block fallen on his head, crushing his skull. No doubt he confronted this Whispered Way or whatever it is and they killed him and made it look like an accident to cover their tracks."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yam: Dexterity Save - 22
You find nothing of note with your inspection, but as you turn it over in your hands one of the jagged edges does indeed slice through the skin of your hand. You suffer 2 slashing damage. Your blood gleams brightly against the metal edge of the cover, and you get the sense that the book is almost...happy?....about the injury.
As you think about the title, suddenly that feeling makes sense as recognition clicks into your mind. Serving Your Hunger is an unholy text dedictated to the worship of the Goddess of Undeath and Disease, Urgathoa. You've never seen it yourself, but rumor has it that besides basic tenents of the faith it also contains recipes for turning a variety of sentient humanoids into meals, as well as rituals for gaining a semblance of life after death such as becoming a vampire or a wight.
Dragutin slides the book into his bag as Telantha reads the relevant journal entries. What the professor had lacked in wisdom and discretion, he more than made up in intuition and diligence. If the professor believed a dark cabal had taken up residence in Harrowstone, then Dragutin would act as if it were indeliberate truth. There were monsters there, evil to be destroyed. Acceptable sacrifices upon the altar of violence. The urge was calling.
"So, that's how it is, then." His voice trembles, but not out of fear. His mind is made up. "I would be happy to have any of you with me - especially you, Applebough - but at dawn I intend to make for Harrowstone. Tonight I intend on visiting that crypt, to see if the professor left anything that might assist . . . Us. We can learn what really happened to our dearly departed and perhaps do some good in the process."
Seeing a tome bound in human skin peaks his interest. Reaching out with his tiny clawed hand, Eks tries to recall anything he had heard of such a peculiar item. His time amongst the industry of death had exposed him to many a strange experience. He grasps "The Umbral Leaves" and let's his mind wander.
Yam gingerly sets the Book of Bear Traps back in the chest and nurses his cut hand. Seeing Applebough checking out the locked book, Yam waddles over. "Want me to unlock it? I've picked a few locks in my day. This one seems weird but I can give it a go if you'd like. I'll even try not to bleed on it."
Yam has no insight into whether picking the lock would be a good idea or not. If Applebough responds in the affirmative and nobody else objects, Yam will give it a go.
A sudden flash of inspiration can be seen in the Treefolk's eyes. He speaks slowly, unraveling the the details as he moves. "The Elders spoke of a Cult of Undeath that had infected the grove. This sounds very much it could be this Whispering Way." He pauses continuing to parse this information, his eyes fixed on the scarab on the book in his hands. "I think this is the tome of a secret society working against this cult. My folk know little of this group, but this tome may hold more information."
Hearing Dragutin's request, "I'd be happy to accompany you, though I'd like some more information before we stumble in blindly. We Treefolk are not known for impulsiveness. The Professors letter did not inspire confidence that we would make it out with our lives."
As Yam suggests opening the book,"This book almost certainly hold information that could help us in our investigation, I am concerned that a secret society may not allow their tomes to be opened with a simple lockpick. If you're going to try, I'd recommend checking that it will not destroy itself if someone unauthorized tries to access it."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kendra is quick to agree with Applebough. "Yes, please do not rush in there. My father was not just a student but also a practitioner of the arcane arts. I have studied his spellbooks over the past few weeks and there are many spells contained there-in that are far beyond my current level of proficiency with the art myself. By my measure he was more powerful than I had realized, powerful enough to make him feel confident in confronting these cultists and that arrogance sent him to his grave. I beg you not be too quick in following him. Gather what information you can, but I fear a direct confrontation would be folly."
Yam: You find with the strange nature of the key that fits this lock and the fine craftsmanship and complex nature of the lock itself it is beyond your current abilities to jimmy open. You think you could force the book open by cutting the leather cover around the lock, but then the tampering would be very evident and difficult to hide or repair.
Investigation: 16
On the bright side, you do not see any evidence from the outside that forcing it open in such a way would cause a hidden device to trigger harming you or in some way destroying the text.
"Hm. This clasp is quite the intricate bauble, isn't it? Perhaps we should track down this Honorable Soandso from the Lepidstadt Whatnot and get him to open it for us. Secret societies aren't known for being overly forthcoming with details of their activities, hence the name. They might need some persuading." He hands the book back to Applebough. "It seems they might be our only lead in finding out more if we don't want to dive in head first." Looking to Dragutin, "I do think that a stop by the crypt back in the Restlands is in order, though."
Bowser nods at Dragutin. "I would be happy to accompany you as well. Secret societies are also known for other activities that many would deem evil. I like Yam's idea of persuading them, even if it means using our weapons."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"I think checking into this crypt might be useful." Telantha agrees with a thoughtful look in her brown eyes. "After that I think we need to find other things to do around here though, since we are all bound to stay here for a month's time..." She glances to Kendra. "Unless you wish to be taking a trip sooner than that, mayhaps to help find out more about these books..." With a shrug she glances back to the others. "Also there was that temple to check out, the one with the names of all who died in the fire.. Might be worth looking at that list ourselves after all."
Eks: You have heard of The Umbral Leaves, although having never seen a copy yourself. This is the grisly and unholy book of the god Zon-Kuthon, the Midnight Lord and evil god of Murder, Destruction, and Darkness. The book is where the tenets and laws of his faith are detailed; it is written in blood on pages of flayed skin, sometimes in a single piece from the head of a victim, so that the face is the cover. Commonly, the text is written in human blood.
Kendra measures each of the group. "I agree that further research could be helpful. Finding out more about Harrowstone and its prisoner's should be fairly easy in town. And maybe some of the records may contain something about the Whispering Way as well. My father's library might too as he seems to have had some interest in them for a while. You are welcome to read anything here in the home while you are in town if you feel like it would be helpful....
The one word of caution I would advise with your plan is the timing of this caper on the crypt. If you simply ask Father Grimburrow he may be willing to let you inspect the crypt and use the resources inside. He is also the one you would need to ask to see the temple's records about the Harrowstone fire after all. If you are caught breaking into the crypt it would probably be less likely that he would be inclined to help with his records. I would maybe recommend asking for access to the crypt first, or at least delay your breaking in until you have asked after the temple records."
She shivers a little bit as a cold wind blows out of the south, from the direction of the prison.
"Well, I think I should be going in and seeing to my dinner. You are welcome to join me if you would like...especially if you are staying the night here. But I of course understand if you have other business you would like to be about as well."She rises and walks into the house, her dancing orbs of light following her and coming to a rest at the doorway, leaving the rest of you in a deeper dimness.
*So, what is your plan for the evening? Skullduggery at the crypt in the Restlands? Dinner and/or Research in the Lorrimor library? Dinner is also being served back at the Wayward Inn, or you could find repast at the tavern, The Laughing Demon? Either of those locations would likely be a good place to find conversation with other locals of the town. Or maybe you will do something else entirely? The evening is yours to do as you see fit.*
Dragutin nods, listening keenly as everyone gives their opinion. He waits until Kendra has left to speak up again.
"The Professor was an accomplished arcanist, to be sure, but he was still just one man. One rather aged man, at that. If we're all working together, as it seems we are, I am fairly confident about our chances. At the very least, I don't think we'll all die the moment we step foot in Harrowstone. And if this cult is as dangerous as is claimed, its worse to let them alone and gather more power while we rot away here." He thumbs his chin, considering his next words a little more. "I'm not opposed to asking for permission and help with the crypt, but I don't think we'll get very far, and if they forbid it, we won't be able to steal the relics without them knowing who it was."
Dragutin would endeaver to have dinner with the Lady and stay there, at least by word, the night. After that he'd tag along with whoever moves things forward the most definitively.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Bowser: Heading back to the Wayward Inn, you are ushered down into a basement area you had not seen before that acts as the gathering hall for the inn for entertainment, music, and meals. You are just in time for the first dinner service of the evening, and you are served a humble lamb stew with a hearty slice of grainy bread on the side and a mug of ale that is...okay, but not fantastic. Since you are a patron of the inn the bar maid let's you know that the dinner will cost you 1 silver instead of the normal 3 for other patrons that are just passing through.
In the basement there are a surprising number of people given how sleepy the inn appeared to be earlier. You gather this is one of the evening gathering spots for locals that want something different than their own pantry's for dinner. A small trio of farmer's have struck up a instrumental song in the corner that has a markedly blue-grass sound to it and makes for a decent dining atmosphere. The other patrons include a man in traveling clothes; a family consisting of a man, a woman, and 2 small children probably under the age of 5 that haven't taken their eyes of you since you entered the room; and a woman you met earlier at the internment ceremony. The herbalist, Jominda Fallenbridge, sits at a table by herself staring into a mug of ale of her own apparently lost in thought.
What is the rest of the party doing for the evening if anything?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
"It sounds like a visit to Father Grimburrow is in order. Why don't we plan to meet back here in the morning? In the meantime, Kendra, do you mind if I spend some time perusing the stacks in your father's library while you eat? I'll be out of your hair and back to the inn before it gets too late."
Yam plans to make a cursory pass through the library just to get an idea of what's there. Further study can be done later. After that he plans to head to The Laughing Demon to look for locals with drink-loosened lips. And food. Really bad tavern food is his jam. Eventually, he'll head back to the inn for sleep.
Bowser: Heading back to the Wayward Inn, you are ushered down into a basement area you had not seen before that acts as the gathering hall for the inn for entertainment, music, and meals. You are just in time for the first dinner service of the evening, and you are served a humble lamb stew with a hearty slice of grainy bread on the side and a mug of ale that is...okay, but not fantastic. Since you are a patron of the inn the bar maid let's you know that the dinner will cost you 1 silver instead of the normal 3 for other patrons that are just passing through.
In the basement there are a surprising number of people given how sleepy the inn appeared to be earlier. You gather this is one of the evening gathering spots for locals that want something different than their own pantry's for dinner. A small trio of farmer's have struck up a instrumental song in the corner that has a markedly blue-grass sound to it and makes for a decent dining atmosphere. The other patrons include a man in traveling clothes; a family consisting of a man, a woman, and 2 small children probably under the age of 5 that haven't taken their eyes of you since you entered the room; and a woman you met earlier at the internment ceremony. The herbalist, Jominda Fallenbridge, sits at a table by herself staring into a mug of ale of her own apparently lost in thought.
What is the rest of the party doing for the evening if anything?
Bowser is going to sit quietly and observe the herbalist while listening to the music.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kendra indicates that she is of course happy to let you use the professor's study and gives you directions as to which room it is upstairs. You head up and open a heavy oak door to find inside a small but cluttered office. The room is probably only 10x10 and three walls are covered with bookshelves running from floor to ceiling save for a single window that is allowed to breach through the wall of knowledge on the far side. Each bookshelf takes up about 2' of the floorspace depth wise, making the room feel even more claustraphobic. You would guess that there are probably close to a thousand books in this small room on a variety of topics. Perusing briefly through the titles you see treatises on various religious sects and cults; abberations, fiends, undead, and other terrifying creaters; historical treatises on major conflicts and influential people; and any number of other things. You could spend a year reading and still not make it through even a tenth of what is held here.
There is a grand wooden desk sitting taking up most of the bare wall that the door entered through as well as a reading chair in one corner, blocking easy access to some of the books. The desk surface is clean and cleared away, and the drawers sit closed for the time being.
If a player spends an hour researching in this library they can make an intelligence based skill check regarding one of the following topics:
Religions
Cults
History
Monstrous Creatures (Monsters with one of the following types: Abberations, Celestials, Elementals, Fey, Fiends, Monstrosities, or the Undead)
You add your proficiency bonus to this check as an additional bonus, even if you are already proficient with that skill. (EG: A level one character proficient in Arcana would add +4 for proficiency instead of the normal +2). You can research ahead of time and then attempt to recall pertinent information in the moment (bank a research roll essentially) but in doing so you only receive half of this additional bonus).
Are you guys stopping to research for an hour or will you head on to the Laughing Demon after your initial inspection? If you want to do research (here or in one of the other libraries that this game has in it later) you will indicate what topic specifically you are researching and then make the appropriate roll.
Ex: Bounces pulls down a group of books that seem to have to deal with religious cults and secret societies. He begins reading looking for any information about the Whispering Way. Religion Check: 26 (In this example Bounces has a +5 bonus on religion normally and the additional +2 is from researching in the library for an hour).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Applebough: Something tingles your cambium as you meditate upon the scarab. As Telentha relates the instructions for the books to the group there is something about how this book is described that is wrong. Ownership of the text is restricted...but its not illegal. It's just secret. A secret society. That's it, you remember the Elders talking about a secret society amoungst men that worked against some cult of undeath. Normally such groups would not attract the attention of the Treefolk, but several years ago this cult somehow infected the Northern Ustalavic grove with a wasting disease. It was through the help of this secret society that a cure for the disease was found and the grove was saved. You don't remember what the group was called, but it is somehow related to the Palatine Eye. But its strange, by all accounts that you are able to dredge up the secret society is not evil. So why is their book secreted away here with books that apparently are regarding topics of vile darkness?
Being a secret society the check DC for this was really high...that's all you are able to suss out, even with a natural 20.
Kendra looks up at Telantha's inquiry, looking almost surprised to find all of you there, she was so absorbed in her research. "Well, to overly simplify the summary, he says that his death at Harrowstone was no accident. Here, see for yourselves."
She turns over the journal, glancing over the pages you see several standard day in and day out notations about his research and studies. But several dates have been circled in red ink that is recent, as fresh as the most recent entry although the circles go back to dates as far as ten years ago, before the professor retired to Ravengro. The red circles are also irregular, like they were hastily drawn by one that did not have time for the clean and tidy penmanship that denotes most of the pages of the professor's thoughts. Telantha flips through the pages finding the circled dates and reads the entries aloud.
Applebough, as Telantha reads another piece fits into the puzzle you are working on in your mind. The Whispering Way was the name of the Cult of Undeath you heard the Elders speaking of. They are the ones that the secret society that owns the book you are holding works against.
Kendra sits down heavily on one of the benches. A weight bows her shoulders to where it looks like she is near to folding in on herself. "So the old man went on another adventure. Went to oppose another great evil. Why father, why? The morning of 17th of Rova is when we found him at the prison, a large masonry block fallen on his head, crushing his skull. No doubt he confronted this Whispered Way or whatever it is and they killed him and made it look like an accident to cover their tracks."
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Yam: Dexterity Save - 22
You find nothing of note with your inspection, but as you turn it over in your hands one of the jagged edges does indeed slice through the skin of your hand. You suffer 2 slashing damage. Your blood gleams brightly against the metal edge of the cover, and you get the sense that the book is almost...happy?....about the injury.
As you think about the title, suddenly that feeling makes sense as recognition clicks into your mind. Serving Your Hunger is an unholy text dedictated to the worship of the Goddess of Undeath and Disease, Urgathoa. You've never seen it yourself, but rumor has it that besides basic tenents of the faith it also contains recipes for turning a variety of sentient humanoids into meals, as well as rituals for gaining a semblance of life after death such as becoming a vampire or a wight.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Dragutin slides the book into his bag as Telantha reads the relevant journal entries. What the professor had lacked in wisdom and discretion, he more than made up in intuition and diligence. If the professor believed a dark cabal had taken up residence in Harrowstone, then Dragutin would act as if it were indeliberate truth. There were monsters there, evil to be destroyed. Acceptable sacrifices upon the altar of violence. The urge was calling.
"So, that's how it is, then." His voice trembles, but not out of fear. His mind is made up. "I would be happy to have any of you with me - especially you, Applebough - but at dawn I intend to make for Harrowstone. Tonight I intend on visiting that crypt, to see if the professor left anything that might assist . . . Us. We can learn what really happened to our dearly departed and perhaps do some good in the process."
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Eks
Seeing a tome bound in human skin peaks his interest. Reaching out with his tiny clawed hand, Eks tries to recall anything he had heard of such a peculiar item. His time amongst the industry of death had exposed him to many a strange experience. He grasps "The Umbral Leaves" and let's his mind wander.
Religion 15
Bowser cringes at the tome. After resisting the urge to burn it, he sits back and watches the others interact with the tome.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Yam gingerly sets the Book of Bear Traps back in the chest and nurses his cut hand. Seeing Applebough checking out the locked book, Yam waddles over. "Want me to unlock it? I've picked a few locks in my day. This one seems weird but I can give it a go if you'd like. I'll even try not to bleed on it."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Yam has no insight into whether picking the lock would be a good idea or not. If Applebough responds in the affirmative and nobody else objects, Yam will give it a go.
Thieves tools: 13
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
A sudden flash of inspiration can be seen in the Treefolk's eyes. He speaks slowly, unraveling the the details as he moves. "The Elders spoke of a Cult of Undeath that had infected the grove. This sounds very much it could be this Whispering Way." He pauses continuing to parse this information, his eyes fixed on the scarab on the book in his hands. "I think this is the tome of a secret society working against this cult. My folk know little of this group, but this tome may hold more information."
Hearing Dragutin's request, "I'd be happy to accompany you, though I'd like some more information before we stumble in blindly. We Treefolk are not known for impulsiveness. The Professors letter did not inspire confidence that we would make it out with our lives."
As Yam suggests opening the book, "This book almost certainly hold information that could help us in our investigation, I am concerned that a secret society may not allow their tomes to be opened with a simple lockpick. If you're going to try, I'd recommend checking that it will not destroy itself if someone unauthorized tries to access it."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Kendra is quick to agree with Applebough. "Yes, please do not rush in there. My father was not just a student but also a practitioner of the arcane arts. I have studied his spellbooks over the past few weeks and there are many spells contained there-in that are far beyond my current level of proficiency with the art myself. By my measure he was more powerful than I had realized, powerful enough to make him feel confident in confronting these cultists and that arrogance sent him to his grave. I beg you not be too quick in following him. Gather what information you can, but I fear a direct confrontation would be folly."
Yam: You find with the strange nature of the key that fits this lock and the fine craftsmanship and complex nature of the lock itself it is beyond your current abilities to jimmy open. You think you could force the book open by cutting the leather cover around the lock, but then the tampering would be very evident and difficult to hide or repair.
Investigation: 16
On the bright side, you do not see any evidence from the outside that forcing it open in such a way would cause a hidden device to trigger harming you or in some way destroying the text.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
"Hm. This clasp is quite the intricate bauble, isn't it? Perhaps we should track down this Honorable Soandso from the Lepidstadt Whatnot and get him to open it for us. Secret societies aren't known for being overly forthcoming with details of their activities, hence the name. They might need some persuading." He hands the book back to Applebough. "It seems they might be our only lead in finding out more if we don't want to dive in head first." Looking to Dragutin, "I do think that a stop by the crypt back in the Restlands is in order, though."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Bowser nods at Dragutin. "I would be happy to accompany you as well. Secret societies are also known for other activities that many would deem evil. I like Yam's idea of persuading them, even if it means using our weapons."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"I think checking into this crypt might be useful." Telantha agrees with a thoughtful look in her brown eyes. "After that I think we need to find other things to do around here though, since we are all bound to stay here for a month's time..." She glances to Kendra. "Unless you wish to be taking a trip sooner than that, mayhaps to help find out more about these books..." With a shrug she glances back to the others. "Also there was that temple to check out, the one with the names of all who died in the fire.. Might be worth looking at that list ourselves after all."
Eks: You have heard of The Umbral Leaves, although having never seen a copy yourself. This is the grisly and unholy book of the god Zon-Kuthon, the Midnight Lord and evil god of Murder, Destruction, and Darkness. The book is where the tenets and laws of his faith are detailed; it is written in blood on pages of flayed skin, sometimes in a single piece from the head of a victim, so that the face is the cover. Commonly, the text is written in human blood.
Kendra measures each of the group. "I agree that further research could be helpful. Finding out more about Harrowstone and its prisoner's should be fairly easy in town. And maybe some of the records may contain something about the Whispering Way as well. My father's library might too as he seems to have had some interest in them for a while. You are welcome to read anything here in the home while you are in town if you feel like it would be helpful....
The one word of caution I would advise with your plan is the timing of this caper on the crypt. If you simply ask Father Grimburrow he may be willing to let you inspect the crypt and use the resources inside. He is also the one you would need to ask to see the temple's records about the Harrowstone fire after all. If you are caught breaking into the crypt it would probably be less likely that he would be inclined to help with his records. I would maybe recommend asking for access to the crypt first, or at least delay your breaking in until you have asked after the temple records."
She shivers a little bit as a cold wind blows out of the south, from the direction of the prison.
"Well, I think I should be going in and seeing to my dinner. You are welcome to join me if you would like...especially if you are staying the night here. But I of course understand if you have other business you would like to be about as well." She rises and walks into the house, her dancing orbs of light following her and coming to a rest at the doorway, leaving the rest of you in a deeper dimness.
*So, what is your plan for the evening? Skullduggery at the crypt in the Restlands? Dinner and/or Research in the Lorrimor library? Dinner is also being served back at the Wayward Inn, or you could find repast at the tavern, The Laughing Demon? Either of those locations would likely be a good place to find conversation with other locals of the town. Or maybe you will do something else entirely? The evening is yours to do as you see fit.*
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Dragutin nods, listening keenly as everyone gives their opinion. He waits until Kendra has left to speak up again.
"The Professor was an accomplished arcanist, to be sure, but he was still just one man. One rather aged man, at that. If we're all working together, as it seems we are, I am fairly confident about our chances. At the very least, I don't think we'll all die the moment we step foot in Harrowstone. And if this cult is as dangerous as is claimed, its worse to let them alone and gather more power while we rot away here." He thumbs his chin, considering his next words a little more. "I'm not opposed to asking for permission and help with the crypt, but I don't think we'll get very far, and if they forbid it, we won't be able to steal the relics without them knowing who it was."
Dragutin would endeaver to have dinner with the Lady and stay there, at least by word, the night. After that he'd tag along with whoever moves things forward the most definitively.
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Bowser nods. "You make a fair point. I think it's best we ask for permission. If that's all you need, I will go have some dinner and rest at the inn."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Bowser: Heading back to the Wayward Inn, you are ushered down into a basement area you had not seen before that acts as the gathering hall for the inn for entertainment, music, and meals. You are just in time for the first dinner service of the evening, and you are served a humble lamb stew with a hearty slice of grainy bread on the side and a mug of ale that is...okay, but not fantastic. Since you are a patron of the inn the bar maid let's you know that the dinner will cost you 1 silver instead of the normal 3 for other patrons that are just passing through.
In the basement there are a surprising number of people given how sleepy the inn appeared to be earlier. You gather this is one of the evening gathering spots for locals that want something different than their own pantry's for dinner. A small trio of farmer's have struck up a instrumental song in the corner that has a markedly blue-grass sound to it and makes for a decent dining atmosphere. The other patrons include a man in traveling clothes; a family consisting of a man, a woman, and 2 small children probably under the age of 5 that haven't taken their eyes of you since you entered the room; and a woman you met earlier at the internment ceremony. The herbalist, Jominda Fallenbridge, sits at a table by herself staring into a mug of ale of her own apparently lost in thought.
What is the rest of the party doing for the evening if anything?
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
"It sounds like a visit to Father Grimburrow is in order. Why don't we plan to meet back here in the morning? In the meantime, Kendra, do you mind if I spend some time perusing the stacks in your father's library while you eat? I'll be out of your hair and back to the inn before it gets too late."
Yam plans to make a cursory pass through the library just to get an idea of what's there. Further study can be done later. After that he plans to head to The Laughing Demon to look for locals with drink-loosened lips. And food. Really bad tavern food is his jam. Eventually, he'll head back to the inn for sleep.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Bowser is going to sit quietly and observe the herbalist while listening to the music.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"I also would like to help in looking through the library here." Telantha speaks up. "Maybe between two of us we might find something useful..."
Kendra indicates that she is of course happy to let you use the professor's study and gives you directions as to which room it is upstairs. You head up and open a heavy oak door to find inside a small but cluttered office. The room is probably only 10x10 and three walls are covered with bookshelves running from floor to ceiling save for a single window that is allowed to breach through the wall of knowledge on the far side. Each bookshelf takes up about 2' of the floorspace depth wise, making the room feel even more claustraphobic. You would guess that there are probably close to a thousand books in this small room on a variety of topics. Perusing briefly through the titles you see treatises on various religious sects and cults; abberations, fiends, undead, and other terrifying creaters; historical treatises on major conflicts and influential people; and any number of other things. You could spend a year reading and still not make it through even a tenth of what is held here.
There is a grand wooden desk sitting taking up most of the bare wall that the door entered through as well as a reading chair in one corner, blocking easy access to some of the books. The desk surface is clean and cleared away, and the drawers sit closed for the time being.
If a player spends an hour researching in this library they can make an intelligence based skill check regarding one of the following topics:
You add your proficiency bonus to this check as an additional bonus, even if you are already proficient with that skill. (EG: A level one character proficient in Arcana would add +4 for proficiency instead of the normal +2). You can research ahead of time and then attempt to recall pertinent information in the moment (bank a research roll essentially) but in doing so you only receive half of this additional bonus).
Are you guys stopping to research for an hour or will you head on to the Laughing Demon after your initial inspection? If you want to do research (here or in one of the other libraries that this game has in it later) you will indicate what topic specifically you are researching and then make the appropriate roll.
Ex: Bounces pulls down a group of books that seem to have to deal with religious cults and secret societies. He begins reading looking for any information about the Whispering Way. Religion Check: 26 (In this example Bounces has a +5 bonus on religion normally and the additional +2 is from researching in the library for an hour).
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)