The Carrion Crown, Chapter 1: The Haunting of Harrowstone

[Jeramiahh]

The small town of Ravengro is similar in many ways, to the countless small towns that dot Ustalav; a tight-knit, insular community of just a few hundred, mostly farmers and almost entirely humans. Two things, however, set this little town apart from others; the first is the prison of Harrowstone, a large, and now abandoned prison, and an older gentleman, a wizard of some esteem, by the name of Professor Petros Lorrimor. The Professor is an odd figure, a student of the occult and the arcane, well-known throughout much of Ustalav, and much liked, for his kindness and quirky habits. Or, rather, was.

A few weeks before, letters were delivered to both a young armswoman, named Lilial Ambersight, and to an elven cleric of Calistria, named Celeste Devonshire, both of whom were good friends of the Professor. The letters informed them of his recent, and tragic death, and requested that both of the women come to Ravengro, immediately, for his funeral, particularly because both of them were named in his will.

The journey across the countryside is fairly uneventful, and the two, while coming along different routes, spend the last day or so of the trip in the same, small caravan, heading towards the small town. As they approach the city gates, they come across a most unusual sight; a half-dozen men, armed with various farming implements and improvised weapons, surrounding what looks like, at first glance, to be a humanoid creature, in full plate armor. As they get closer, though, they notice the creature is definitely not humanoid; a single, glowing red eye sits in the middle of its elongated head, with several short stubs sticking from the top. A large pack is on its back, with several longer metal stubs sticking out of the pack,  and its pale gray armor with gold trim and black highlights further testify to its unnatural construction.

The humans don't seem to be attacking the creature, but they are threatening and yelling at it, 'weapons' brandished, distrust and more than a little fear apparent.

[BK Geno]

Entry, log 001a:
Upon entry of Interface Unit 256 into town, unit began search for 'quests' as per standing orders from Oversoul. Unable to approach 'tavern', informed by owner that building matching specifications of 'tavern' is actually 'brothel.' No data found on 'brothel,' received directions to nearby 'tavern,' along with several suggestions about anatomically incorrect reproductive positions and noncompatible reproductive partners.

Left to find 'tavern.' Accosted in route to tavern by six organic units, wielding farming implements and improvised weapons. Explore drone retreated behind interface unit as one organic used glass bottle as ballistic weapon, missing both interface unit and explorer drone. Unit verbally attacked by group, however no further attempts at physical damage yet made by organic group (possible mob in progress, determining). Unit attempted verbal consoling of group, citing non-hostile goals of exploration and research. Crowd appeared to not understand/believe unit, numbers swelling. Attempt to locate local law enforcement units: No pre-identified law enforcement groups in database, no apparent groups noted in vicinity. Two nearby local organic lifeforms at edge of crowd, watching, not moving yet either toward or away. Attempting verbal request for assistance. "Assist please. Locals attempting to initiate combat. Unit wishes to avoid conflict inside residential location."

Recommendations, log 001a:
1) Interface Unit communication training protocols require further review before next batch released into field.
2) Removal of emotion circuits from basic explorer drone models.
3) Simulation testing of interfacing with organic units before release of interface unit into field

Alerts: Unable to contact Oversoul or communication net, report filed until next scheduled uplink with communication net, in approximately 671.2hrs

Objective review:
1) [primary]Determine overall reaction of organics to a mechanical lifeform (in progress)
2) [primary] Begin presurvey of plane for follow on survey teams (in progress)
3) [secondary] Determine efficiency of flash training protocols (in progress)
4) [secondary] Investigate report of mechanical lifeforms already on plane, not affiliated with known allies, Maker, or Oversoul (in progress)

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Looking up from the road, Lilial sighed slightly, playing with the rope by which she was leading her mule for a moment.  Pupil-less eyes of burnished gold looked on the scene before her, and she shook her head, clicking her tongue loud enough for the locals to hear her. "Hmm...please tell me that you've at least heard of Numeria, neighbors?  You know...the eastern neighbor of Ustalav and the land inhabited by both humans and the gearmen, the strange inhabitants that fell from the sky with the Starmount?  I might recommend not attacking one who hasn't given you any reason to fear them first...unless, of course, it has given offense?  Please, it's bad enough that I am to visit a funeral...I don't wish to see additional bloodshed in the Professor's beloved home as well."

Lilial was an impressive sight when the people turned to look at her.  Standing a bit under six feet in height, the elf had a lush but well-toned frame, and her skin gleamed with an almost bronze tan.  She wore supple leather armor that clung to her skin and dyed the same shade as her skin, and an elaborate and flattering bronze breastplate shone in the dim sunlight.  A quiver rested at her hip, whilst the gold-washed hilt of a falchion peeked over her shoulder, matching the longbow that peeked over the other shoulder.  Her copper ringlets fell to mind back and were gathered by a simple leather tie.  Lilial smiled at them, brushing an errant hair back and sending one of the elegant golden hoops that she wore swinging from her long ears, and then added. "Might you be willing to give it the benefit of the doubt for the moment, at least?"

((Knowledge(local) 22 for Gearmen, Diplomacy 22))

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The rather pale elf, likewise escorted her mule with the caravan.  By and large she had kept to herself throughout the trip thus far, speaking as little as possible.  Noticing what was happening on the fringes of the city she sighs slightly to herself and nudges one of the drovers for the wagons, handing him the lead for her animal before moving closer to see what was going on.

Celeste has something of an eerie presence when taken overall.  Her frame is slight, even by the standards of elves, yet she is still what many consider to be beautiful.  Tall, delicate and slender, she carries herself with a dancers elegance.  She is amply curved and reasonably endowed without being overly so, her skin is without the usual tone associated with elves.  Rather, her skin approaches more closely what some might call a deathly pallor. 

Her long, silky soft, white hair delicately frames her soft face, hanging nearly to her waist.  The only two points of significant  color to her appearance are her succulent, pouty red lips and the delicate turquoise of her eyes.  The color of her lips is very nearly the red color of fresh blood, while the subtle blue-green color of her eyes is such that it would be easy for one to become distracted by them.

At the moment, in her travels, she wears nearly black colored, supple studded leather with a black swordsmans belt about the waist.  Where normally a sword would hang instead rests a rather wicked looking whip.  Rather than a bare length of braided leather with a wooden handle, hers ends with the flash of metal, almost giving the appearance of a dagger braided into the the tip with a number of sharp barbs entwined through the leather below that.  The armor itself is cut so as to be rather flattering to her figure while still protecting the wearer, revealing, for instance, her pale, delicate flesh in a low cut V to where the holy symbol of Calistria rests atop a tasteful display of decolletage, and the bottom dagger disappearing into the shadowy cleft.

She looks quietly to the other member of the caravan that appears to have taken an interest in things.  She had noticed the woman in the caravan, but had not thought much in her regards.  Yet now it appears that they have at least something in common in the old professor.  Perhaps there was more to this woman than she had thought on the journey to the town...such would bear keeping in mind.

She ponders a moment as to whether to reply, but decides instead to allow the fellow traveler to speak.  She seemed well spoken thus far.  In the mean time, she simply stood nearby in silent support, adding the weight of her gaze to that of Lilial's in the hope that perhaps the appearance of a countervailing group to the developing mob might help resist the madness.  She had seen enough angry mobs in the brief span of her life.  She did not need another.  Particularly not when she was already coming to pay her respects at a funeral.

[Jeramiahh]

"We don' like strangers," one of the men says, tentatively, before another smacks him on the back of the head, for being an idiot. "A Gearman, you say?" the one who looks most in charge asks, peering suspiciously at the strange construct. "Is that what you are, then? A Gearman?" "'Ey, boss, we prolly don't want to be messing wit' one o' them... they're supposed to be real nasty." "Alright, fine. But don't you go causing trouble, you hear?" The six men continue to shoot suspicious glances, at both the construct and the two women who came to his aid, but slowly disperse, leaving them alone, as the caravan moves onward, into the city.

[BK Geno]

Entry, log 001b:
Local organics make vague, non-substantial threats, refer to unit as 'Gearman.' No data in local files about 'Gearman' or similar terms. Possible designation for local constructs. Assisting local organic made reference to 'Gearman' as well as 'falling from the sky' and 'Starmount.' No terms or similar located in local files. Opening new inquiry line, tertiary priority, determine location, composition, and other relevant facts about 'Gearnman (Gearmen plural?)' and 'Starmount' at later opportunity, to avoid riling up local mob organics (mob status confirm, hostile actions authorized to protect unit and drone. Mob dispersed, returning to normal exploration operations).

Unit observes local mob organics disperse, before turning to assisting local organics, and vocalizing. "Our thanks for assistance. Threat level of local mob organics minimal, but protocols dictated hostile action to protect unit and drone. Front lined organic mentioned 'Starmount' and 'Gearman.' Inquiry: designation about 'Gearman' and 'Starmount,' clarify reference?"

Unit rotates optical sensor to observe other organics assisting organics where accompanying, noting they had not stopped for the assisting organics. "Alert: accompanying organics leaving vicinity of assisting organics. Advise catching up, and reacquiring inquiries at later temporal designation. Appendium: Unit will accompany assisting organics."

Unit waited for assisting organics to continue, before falling in behind them, exactly one point five lengths behind, scanning for further local mob organics.

Alert: New objective defined

Objectives:
1) Unchanged
2) Unchanged
3) Unchanged
4) Unchanged
5) (tertiary) [new objective] Determine status, composition, disposition, makeup, and power levels, including individual, small and large group, and civilization (if applicable). All information on 'Gearman' and 'Starmount' to be flagged for immediate review by Oversoul upon next uplink with communication network. New possible power on plane, advising caution for follow-on survey teams until further clarification of 'Gearman' is determined.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Good day then, neighbors." Lilial told the men with a slight smile, and then shook her head, glancing at the construct for a moment.  She considered what to say for a moment when it spoke and sighed.  She glanced behind her at the caravan moving once more, and spoke again, her tone relatively indifferent. "Well, the danger of such individual varies, so it could have been more dangerous than you estimated.  But it wasn't any trouble...I only spoke the truth.  But I'm afraid I don't know much about Gearmen or the Starmount.  They both are in Numeria, and are rather insular.  I know of the Gearmen, who are mechanical constructs much like you, and they came from the Starmount, a mountain of metal that fell from the sky and is now the capital of Numeria.  I hope that suffices for an explanation?  I'm afraid I need to reach the Professor's family soon."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Hearing the comments from the crowd, Celeste gives what could be politely described as a smile.  Realistically, it amounts to little more than a slight twitch of her lips and a touch of amusement as the group sees themselves off.

As the caravan passes by, she quietly takes the lead for her mule once more, holding the line loosely.  It appeared that the...device intended to follow along with them, something she was uncertain about.  As it was, she was certain she would not receive the warmest of receptions.  The elven woman might help prevent the worst of such, but the device would more than offset that, most likely.

Her cool glaze slid quietly to the elf in question and she raised a brow quietly.  Shaking her head just a touch, she finally speaks, her voice extremely light, almost like a whispered mezzo-soprano.  "You knew him as well?" 

[Jeramiahh]

The town of Ravengro is quite small, little more than a few dozen buildings, spread out over a large area, including more than a few acres of farmland, a wide, lazily-moving river flowing along the edge of the city proper, separating it from the nearby farmlands. To the south, the ruins of the old prison, Harrowstone, can be seen, a fortress-like structure, huddled against the chill air.

The directions on the letter said that the Professor's funeral would be this afternoon, likely in just a few hours, and gave directions to the house of the late Professor, where his daughter, Kendra, still resides. The house resides on the southern side of the city, close to a tributary of the river, and less than a couple hundred feet from the entrance to the city.

The house is, for the area, fairly large, and still bears several wreaths of flowers, signs of mourning, now wilting, as it's been several weeks since the Professor's death. Kendra meets them at the door, when they arrive, her eyes red and puffy, dressed in dark, conservative clothing. She's an attractive woman, about twenty-five, though with her hair drawn up in a bun, it gives her a severe, matronly look, that seems to add years to her age. "Ah, good, you've both arrived at last. Father told me so much about you... oh, the adventures you must have had," she says, smiling, but sadly. "I was worried you weren't going to make it for the funeral. And... oh, dear, what is that, behind you?" she asks, pointing out the unusual construct, who followed them into the city.

[BK Geno]

Entry, log 001c:

Unit continues to follow assisting organics, designating them AO1 and AO2 for lack of better unique terms. Explorer drone 1 continues to hide behind unit for the first five minutes of the trek, before the foot wide disk shaped construct slid out, and began moving in a spiral pattern around the unit, at a height of forty feet, mapping the immediate area and keeping alert for any items on a ballistic trajectory and an intercept vector. Unit continued behind assisting organics, continuing to filter out any useful information overheard.

Unit noticed multiple males pausing to watch escort group, assisting organics in particular, though unit was secondary concern once gender male local organics stopped observing assisting organics. Gender female local organics begin verbal exchange with gender male local organics once escort group has passed. Unit detached from caravan as assisting organics broke off, and continued to follow, observations about locale from both main unit and drone continuing. Unit recalled drone as assisting organics paused to converse with female gender local organic. Unit directed drone to move from behind unit to rest above front entry to house, giving commanding view of surroundings. Unit responded to verbal inquiry with publicly cleared data. "Interface Unit 256, batch 003, deploy for exploration purposes. Accompanying assisting organics to further inquiries about 'Gearman.' Exploration drone 01, attached to unit to assist exploration, current location, 0, 45, 0  mark 14.14 from unit."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Hmm?  Know...ah, you mean the Professor, of course...I must assume you're going to the funeral as well." A flicker of pain went through Lilial's eyes as she spoke, and then she nodded as she continued toward the Lorrimor house.  She considered a moment and her voice went a bit lower. "But yes, I knew Petros.  He...saved my life.  More than that, really.  He was a mentor and father figure...which was vital at the time."

When she saw the house, Lilial put a smile on her face as she approached, bowing slightly as she saw Kendra, speaking up a bit louder. "Ah, so you were expecting the two of us?  I heard much about you from the Professor in our travels...you have my most sincere sympathies for your loss.  As for the...construct, I'm not entirely certain.  If you will excuse me for a moment?"

Turning, Lilial looked toward the construct with a slight frown.  She thought a moment before speaking. "I apologize, but please stop following me.  Your presence will cause me a number of problems primarily due to prejudice, and I really don't wish to be run out of town.  It isn't pleasant.  I chose to help you because they were being...foolish.  Not due to any other reason.  But if you wish to know more about Gearmen, Numeria is to the East.  On the far side of Ustalav, in fact.  I suggest looking there.  Good eve."

And with that she turned back to Kendra.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The pale elf listens quietly to Lilial's tale and nods slightly, pondering for a moment once she has finished.  She speaks softly once more, "he was a...teacher of many things."  She looks in the direction of the house she was told to go to and continues, "including self acceptance."  Her gaze drifts back to the shining and noble elf once more, lingering for a moment and then shrugging slightly.  As Lilial began towards the house, she followed, gently leading the mule with her to the door.

The shining and noble elf took care of the greeting again.  Likely for the best as most tended to look askance when Celeste made introductions.  She simply nods slightly to the lady of the house, looking about at the estate and listening.  The professor had seemed such a...worldly man.  It was strange to think of him coming from this rather plain and pedestrian place.  That had always seemed the way of the professor, though.  Surprising in unsuspecting ways.

She paused, though, at the shining and noble elf's turn on the device.  She, herself, was of two minds in such regard.  Obviously the device was somewhat sentient, which tended to lead her to pondering the nature of the thing.  Golems and other items of manufacture were hardly sentient, nor did they possess souls.  Undead, at least the more civilized ones, are sentient and do have souls, however...tenuous their attachment to the mortal shell.  Celeste was sentient and still uncertain about the state of her soul, though obviously, her ladyship believed she had a soul, as did her mother and father.  She still had moments of doubt, personally, but she simply took it as a matter of faith that Calistria wouldn't answer the prayers of a soulless being.

Which, of course, still left the device.  She considered to herself at length while the elf pointed out to it the way to go, how one would go about answering such a question.  Considering it for oneself was one thing...considering it for another, though, caused her significantly more thought and more allowance for ideas and concepts that she would be loathe to apply to herself.

At the end, though, it appeared that the shining and noble elf had had enough with the machine and returned to their host.  At length, Celeste bows deeply to the lady of the house and slowly rises once more.  "I am Celeste, of the house of Devonshire.  My family sends their condolences.  He shall be missed."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra smiles sadly. "Yes, he never told me too much, always telling tall tales, but he made certain to mention the two of you. I suspect that's also why he named you in his will, which is why we asked you out here. But, please, come in... we have a few minutes to speak, before we need to head over to the temple, for the funeral." She peers out at the construct, curious, looking about ready to invite it in, but shaking her head, since Lilial seemed to not want it around, and, apparently, the two of them weren't associated with it.

[BK Geno]

Entry, log 001d:

Unit listened for a moment after dismissal, head tilting slightly to the side, its optical sensor rapidly flashing, before abruptly straightening again. "Understood. Information retrieved."

Another few seconds passed, as the construct ran several logic and response algorithms, before turning and heading back to town. Explorer drone responds to new, subsonic issued orders to continue patrol route around unit. Heading back to town, unit resumes search for 'tavern,' however, search is interrupted to assist smaller local organics with minor difficulties. After the second one, explorer drone reports posting location, initiating unit to divert to posting location to investigate. Upon arrival, unit scans flat, dead organic surface, noting several roughly written requests for aid. Unit reads through them, lacking overall, immediate guidance.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Hmm...ah.  Interesting, that.  Though I imagine that 'tall tales' involving me had far too much truth, if I were perfectly honest." Lilial replied, then shook her head. "But my apologies.  I am Lilial, Lilial Ambersight.  But if you wish to speak..."

She gestured at the house sightly, quirking an eyebrow and quieting slightly. "Would you prefer to speak inside, then?"

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste listens quietly to the daughter of the professor and then to the shining and noble elf once more, learning her name at last.  It was somewhat curious what she meant by tall tales, but she didn't really give such much thought, simply mentally shrugging to herself.  "Inside would be...preferable."  She added simply, looking at the other buildings and persons in town.  As long as she stayed close to others that were on decent terms it was unlikely that things would turn ugly...but she still would prefer not to be standing in the street until people got used to her being there.  The backwards peasantry this far from the capital were somewhat notorious for reacting badly and with great superstition towards she and her kind, however much she might try to avoid anything that might be misconstrued.

[Jeramiahh]

"Yes, it is more comfortable in there, after all, than simply standing out here on the street," Kendra replies, stepping aside to let the two women in. The home is a modest townhouse, though the conditions are a little cramped, due to the crowded bookshelves, lining every wall. Kendra moves aside a stack of books, from one of the chairs in the main room, to give them enough space to all be seated.

Unless they have any specific comments, Kendra merely exchanges pleasantries, until it's time to depart for the funeral service at the local church.

The small pole that the construct has found is covered in about a dozen different pieces of paper, all in the same handwriting, for a number of different things. One is a wedding announcement, two are for births. Two more offer small rewards for lost pets, and three are offering jobs for farmhands. One announces the death of Professor Petros Lorrimor, and one appears to be a short summary of news in the city and surrounding area, a number of minor, and inconsequential events.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"I apologize for the...nature of my words, but I was wondering if you could tell me how Pe-the professor died?  He didn't seem that old to me, I'm afraid." Lilial asked after a moment, closing her eyes as she did, pain evident in her expression as she asked, her voice heavy.  It was as if she had lost something very important to her.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste takes a few moments to quietly look over the books that rest on the old professors shelves, following Lilial and Kendra deeper into the structure without a word.  She had to admit that she was at least as curious as Lilial on the particulars of what happened to shuffle the professor off of the mortal coil, it simply was not the way she was raised to ask such questions.  Given that she hadn't heard anything regarding a new member of the courts, though, she could hope that it didn't involve any of her father's...peers.  Word usually passed quickly about such things, and the professor had too much promise to simply slay and leave.

The noble elf let slip more emotion than was probably in her best interest, really, but there were no other details to tie it to, really.  Not as of yet.  Beyond that, it was likely that the only time she would see the elf was here for this funeral, meaning such observations were probably useless in the end.  She certainly seemed to have some...quirks, though.  Celeste had learned from her father long ago, the best way to keep others from discerning your weakness was to remain quiet, observe everything, and give nothing away.  Her mother...well, ever since her death had become more and more obsessed with keeping her safe, which meant more and more refinements to those lessons.  This trip out of town was proving something of a blessing in getting her away from the house for an extended period.  She loved her mother, but she could be exceedingly cautious with her daughter's well being.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra nods. "It's no trouble, dear. I imagine you'd discover, soon enough. It's why the funeral will be... closed casket. No, I'm afraid it wasn't natural causes... well, natural for an ordinary man, anyway. As he was exploring the old Harrowstone, one of the pieces of stonework, a statue of a gargoyle, slipped free and struck him in the head, causing... quite a bit of damage. He often spent quite a bit of time, at the ruins, since it's said to be haunted, and, well, you know how his interests went," she says, smiling sadly, thinking back to her father.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf winced at the description of how the professor had died and then nodded, her tone speaking of sympathy. "I...see.  Such is horrible luck, of course, but I suppose that if a gust of wind can drop an old rotten tree on one of the guards we were traveling with, such could happen with a gargoyle as well.  But...well, unless Ms. Devonshire has questions of her own, may I ask your permission to leave my things here for the duration of the funeral?  I promise that I won't leave them for more than the evening.  I just don't wish to take the mule to a funeral.  Such would be disrespectful to his memory."

Pausing, Lilial glanced at Celeste to see how the...unusual other was going to react.  Not that she really was too concerned.  She was mostly curious how the other woman had known the Professor.  And she firmly sat on the impulse to examine both of the women more thoroughly.  She knew better, given the situation.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste nods slightly at the explanation of the professors...untimely demise.  After Lilial's commentary, she nods again, "my mule, as well, if you mind?"  Her voice retains the almost breathy, whispery quality, even as she speaks up slightly.  Without any sort of feeling to it, she returns the glance of the elf, raising one brow ever so slightly.  After a moment she simply says, "yes?"

[Jeramiahh]

"Oh, yes, of course. Father often had visitors, so we have a small stable, just behind the house, where you can store your animals. And don't worry about being an inconvenience, it's a large house, and I don't take up much of it." Kendra seems oblivious of Lilial's interest in the other two and looks a little surprised at Celeste's response, especially given how quiet the woman had been, so far.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Ah, it's nothing...I was just wondering how you knew the professor." Lilial replied with a shrug, then she got to her feet, bowing her head slightly to Kendra. "My thanks for your hospitality, Ms. Lorrimor.  If there is anything I can do for you, you have but to ask.  In the meantime, I'll stable my mule."

And with that she moved back outside, barely glancing at a young man who was looking in her direction before leading her pack animal around the back of the house.  She quickly settled the beast into the stable, murmuring to it to soothe the creature, and then set the pack aside for the moment before pausing and heading back around and knocking before entering once more. "My pardon, Ms. Lorrimor...but would it be more suitable if I changed into something more...formal?  I don't wish to disconcert people if my garb might cause problems."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The pale elf quirks a brow ever so slightly at Lilial's comment, pondering for a time before responding in her whispery voice.  "He was a teacher...he taught me to live with myself."  She seems to contemplate a moment more before smiling a touch more, giving Lilial a brief glimpse of a rather sharp canine, "or perhaps, half live with myself."

With that, she followed Lilial out to stable her mule as well, and returning to her usual, taciturn silence.

[Jeramiahh]

"Oh, yes, of course," Kendra says. "Let me show you to the bedroom, and if either of you would like to wash a little of the road dust off... I know you didn't get much time before the funeral, and I do apologize for that. We weren't entirely sure you were coming, or not."

Once the two of them have changed, and freshened up, as needed, Kendra leads them through the main town square, passing by the unusual construct, along the way. They cross the river, to the temple of Pharasma, the Lady of Graves, the only temple in the community. The temple is the most elaborate building in the city, its eastern facade displaying an intricate stained-glass mural depicting a stern Pharasma judging Count Andachi, one of Tamrivena’s most infamous previous rulers.

The ceremony is led by a grumpy-looking, although rather polite and gentle-sounding old man, who is introduced as Father Grimburrow. The coffin of the old Professor lies at the heart of the temple, and, as Kendra said, it is a closed-casket. The ceremony itself is solemn and peaceful, with a fairly small turnout, despite the Professor's popularity, at least in other parts of Ustalav; only about a half-dozen people are present at all, including Kendra, Celeste, and Lilial.

(If you wish to give a small eulogy, he'll invite people to do so as well.)

Once the church ceremony is over, the Father asks if everyone would like to participate as pallbearers; as part of tradition, he will be traveling ahead, to await them at the gravesite.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial blinked for a moment at Celeste's comment, then bowed her head slightly to her, murmuring softly. "Thank you for sharing, Ms. Devonshire."

"Thank you, Ms. Lorrimor, that would be greatly appreciated.  If you'll give me a moment to get more appropriate garb?" Lilial asked, smiling at the younger woman and bowing from the room as she went back to retrieve the dress that she thought appropriate for a funeral.  Returning, she excused herself for a moment to change, taking only a few minutes to do so.

When she returned to the room, Lilial looked quite different.  She was dressed in a sleeveless white toga of fine silk, with just a hint of golden embroidery around the hem.  A number of golden cords cinched it tight about her waist, and she stepped carefully, having changed into a set of thigh-high sandals.  She smiled and spoke once more before they left. "Thank you for the use of your room, Ms. Lorrimor."

Lilial sat politely through the ceremony, eyes closed for much of it, at least until the priest offered the opportunity to give a eulogy.  Lilial opened her eyes and stood, moving to the front and bowing her head for a long moment before speaking, grief in her voice as she looked up with tear-filled golden eyes. "Petros Lorrimor saved my life.  For me, everything keeps coming back to that.  He saw the good that any could aspire to, and he encouraged and taught others.  He taught those he came in contact with to never give up.  He taught us that we should live our lives to their fullest.  And he lived by his beliefs.  He saved a lapsed paladin who had lost her faith from a demon, and restored her faith in others, if not in herself.  He was an adamant foe of those who would raise the dead or use arcane arts for evil, always working instead to stop such even as he delved into old ruins in search of knowledge.  Hero, scholar, and teacher, Petros Lorrimor was more than I am, and I can only strive to follow in his footsteps.  I will never forget him, nor his example."

With that short statement, Lilial sat down, dabbing at the tears that started to escape her.  She took a deep breath to calm herself, and simply nodded at the offer of being a pallbearer.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Taking the comment as an invitation, Celeste took the pack that she had been carrying into one of the rooms of the house and gently closed the door, taking the opportunity to remove her armor and clean up somewhat.  A damp cloth and a few moments alone were sufficient to remove at the least the grossest of grime that tended to gather on the road.

When she stepped out of the borrowed chambers a few minutes later, she wore the formal vestments of a cleric of Calistria.  Whereas most would likely wear yellow with a smattering of black, her skin tone did not lend itself well to such colors.  Instead, her robes were predominately black with yellow edging, seams and lacing, giving her a somewhat more severe appearance than the usual colors.  On the other hand, the cut and style of the robes were at least the par of the more usual styles, favoring generally lighter weight fabrics and a deeply cut neck, with a loose, almost golden yellow sash about her waist, giving the general feel of waspishness.  The outfit was completed with a pair of soft skinned riding boots and the holy symbol of her faith hanging so as to draw the eye to the proud display of her chest.  She holds her whip in hand, pondering a moment as to whether to bring it or not before finally setting it with the rest of her items in the room and closing the door.

Attending with the other two women to the small ceremony, she listens to the ceremony with quiet respect.  The temple may not be of her faith, nor was the professor, but this was where he chose to be, and these were the people that were to mourn his passing.

She allows all of the others to speak their peace in her absolute silence, nodding once or twice at particular comments, but remaining still otherwise.  As it becomes apparent, though, that no others were to speak, she finally moves to speak, quietly stepping to the front of the group and standing in silence for several moments as to prepare herself, gazing on the casket that would carry and protect the mortal flesh of the professor's body.

"I...cannot say anything so impressive as others have.  The professor and I...did not meet in those ways."  She took a deep breath to still herself before continuing on.

"He was...in some ways the father I needed.  He...taught me to live.  He told me what I needed to hear."  She pauses a moment more, as if collecting herself for another foray before continuing.  "He was a teacher par excellence.  Not simply of academic matters, but of the heart and of life.  Those who knew him are both made more for having known him, and lessened by his loss."  She bows her head and closes her eyes a moment before opening them once more and stepping back to where she had been before.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra is, clearly, moved to tears by the eulogies, providing only a short, relatively humorous one, herself, about her memories of the Professor, as a father.

Eventually, four of the seven people at the funeral, all but an elderly woman, Kendra, and another woman, are involved in carrying his casket, down the long, winding road to the Restlands, the name for the local graveyard. Celeste and Lilial are given the front two positions, with Kendra leading the small procession.

As the group reaches the halfway point through the graveyard, where two of the paths running through it intersect, they find their path is blocked by a dozen surly-looking men; the women will recognize several of them as ones who had been threatening the construct, just outside of town, less than an hour ago.

“That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”

Kendra is swif to respond, her sadness swifly transforming into anger. “What are you talking about?” she cries out. “I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He’s waiting for us! The grave’s already been...”

“You don’t get it, woman. We won’t have a necromancer buried in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still can. Folks are pretty upset about this right now.”

(You're welcome to have interrupted, at any time, prior to this, in the conversation.)

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256
Entry, log 001e:

Unit noted the wandering of explorer drone 01, following assisting organics. Extended observation has provided new data, assisting organics also noted as 'gender: female,' due to similarities between them and the organics around unit. Observer drone has been behaving in slightly erratic manner, submitting request for backup data to be checked for corruption or unnecessary data evolution. Report from observer drone indicates assisting females from others soon to be threatened by mob organics, all noted as 'gender: male,' several from previous encounter with earlier mob organics. Alert: Hostilities against allied organics has been initiated, activating combat and mid level communication functions. *reorganization of higher level information streaming in progess, unit moving at speed toward grave site, estimated time to completion of reorg, approximately one minute, estimated time of arrival at allies location, one minute.*

Entry, log 001e-d:
Drone shadowing local assisting organics, possible allies for further plans. Hostiles noted ahead, blocking path, approximately one hundred fifty feet ahead. Alerted main unit, drone continuing to observe situation and update main unit.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Necromancer?  You would call Petros a necromancer?" Lilial asked, her voice incredulous, and she shook her head as she laughed, as if she couldn't imagine something so foolish.  But she looked all of them sadly as she asked softly, her voice sad and without rancor. "How can you believe such things?  Petros Lorrimor was a respected scholar, and a staunch opponent of necromancy.  I watched him kill a demon to save others.  Yet would you really deny him his last rites, and risk him rising as an unquiet spirit?  Would you truly deny an honorable man his final reward, based on rumor and speculation?  How would you feel if someone said the same of one of your own family?  If someone had told you to bury your father or grandfather outside of the safely sanctified grounds of the graveyard?  Please, just step aside.  Do not defile one of the oldest, and most precious rites that one can offer those who have passed on."

((K:Religion 24, Diplomacy 25))

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The pale elf pauses as the procession stops, the group, apparently at least somewhat related to the group that they encountered at the edge of town on the way in, was intent on blocking their way.  She listened quietly to the comments back and forth, tilting her head to one side and raising a delicate brow at the necromancer comment.

She ponders a moment before looking to their leader and asking in her soft voice, "why do you suspect him a necromancer?  Was he e'er anything but kind?"

[Jeramiahh]

"If 'e ain't a necromancer, why was 'e always out spendin' time with the ghosts at the ol' prison?" "There been all kinds a' creepy things goin' on up there, at the prison, e'er since 'e started pokin' around there." "Yeah, an' look at all those books 'e has. It just ain't right." "'Ey, that strange metal man's comin'. Boss didn't say nothin' 'bout no strange metal man. I ain't interested in gettin' my 'ead busted in by that thing." "Me either," "Yeah, same 'ere." "Aright, fine. Bury the old man. C'mon, guys." The dozen or so men depart, specifically avoiding the path that the construct is rapidly approaching from, shooting the group venomous glances, but otherwise dispersing without a conflict.

Unless they wish to talk further, it's another few hundred feet to the gravesite, where Father Grimburrow and two gravediggers are waiting, apparently oblivious to the confrontation, just a little ways back.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"If there were ghosts there, perhaps he was trying to lay them to rest." Lilial commented quietly, and then glanced back toward the construct with a sigh, shaking her head before speaking to Kendra again, kindly. "Please, Kendra...put their words out of your mind.  They don't know of what they speak.  Not truly.  Shall we continue on to give your father a proper remembrance?"

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Log entry 001f:

*Compilation completion: imminent. Time to target destination: imminent.*

*Recompilation... complete, restarting main logic algorithms, rebooting verbal interface computer*

*arrival at destination, full reboot of system required to properly integrate changes, reboot delayed until safe location reached*

Unit arrives at the back of the train, staying behind it, and simply watched the mob leave, this time downloading their faces into its databanks. That done, it moved around the group, moving to cut off the mob group's retreat to town, not otherwise interacting with the females that had helped earlier. The drone had reported that the mob had mentioned a 'boss' type right before it had arrived. It would find out why this 'boss' wanted their procession interrupted.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste doesn't react to the words of the men, keeping an intent watch on them as they turn and leave.  She mutters under her breath softly, "ignorant, superstitious...peasants."  Then shakes her head slightly and nodding in agreement to Lilial's comment.  She had heard in the courts about how...backwards some of the people could be in the backwoods could be.  The angry mobs and torches and pitchforks.  She had never expected to see such associated with the professor, by any stretch.  It went beyond her imagining.

With another look to Lilial and Kendra, she lift the professor a touch higher, making a physical act of her esteem of the man, before continuing on.

[Jeramiahh]

"I... yes, thank you," Kendra says, with a sad smile, before leading the procession, again, hiding the tears behind a strong will, as they head to the gravesite.

The group of thugs scowl at the construct, as it tries to cut them off, but most of them just move off the path, scattering amongst the gravestones; no longer a cohesive mob, they split up and go their separate way to get around him.

Father Grimburrow apparently didn't notice the brief conflict, and continues with the ceremony, as if nothing happened. Fifteen minutes later, following a series of prayers and ritual, the Professor is lowered into the ground, and the gravediggers begin the slow task of filling in the fresh grave. Once finished, Kendra invites the two women back to her house, for a few drinks, and to hear the reading of Petros' last will and testament. "It's rather peculiar... the will has a note, indicating that it should not be read until both of you are present, as well," she says, obviously curious.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Nodding, Lilial smiled compassionately at Kendra, nodding slighty as she hefted the coffin slightly higher as well, taking a breath to steady herself.  She kept up the somber pace, and carefully paid her respects as the funeral progressed, ignoring the tears that slowly streaked down her cheeks.  As the final words were spoken and the gravediggers began to bury the body at last, she murmured a soft prayer to herself. "I know you have little use for me, Lady of Graves, but I beg thee, please do not judge him too harshly.  He was a good man."

But when Kendra spoke to her again, Lilial blinked, brushing the tears aside with a faint hint of embarrassment and confusion. "I...would enjoy having a drink, Ms. Lorrimor.  But I'm uncertain why he would mention me in his will...I was hardly the only one he helped, and...well, I suppose we'll learn.  I do hope the inn will still be open to travelers by the time we are done?  Or should I get a room first?"

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Log entry 001f:

Locals split up, and the unit reviews its records, before going for the one that had appeared to be the apparent 'leader' and talker of the group both times, the explorer drones observations helping guess who to follow. It pursued its chosen target, intent on gathering further information about the reason for the attacks against the two females that had assisted it. It noted that it seemed to have already received benefits from the unpacking of the more advanced algorithms, and would have to take time to finish the rest as soon as it could reasonably could without undue danger to its chassis.

[ShamshielDF]

Celesete Devonshire

The pale elf blinks slightly at the offer and the comment.  She could think of nothing in particular that would have caused her to stand out to the professor any more than any others, save, perhaps, her lineage.  But he did not seem the type of man that would have put such stock into family lines.  He must have had something in particular in mind, though what was surely beyond her at the moment.

She gives a slight nod to Kendra, "I would be honored." 

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra smiles, pleasantly enough, trying to hide her sorrow. "If they aren't, you're welcome to stay at my home, for the night, dear." She leads the way back to her house, through the town.

The construct will learn that the man who seems to be the 'boss' of the offending crowds is an old warrior, named Gibs. A DC 20 Perception check from the drone will allow it to learn that Gibs currently lives in a shack, to the south of the city, near the old ruins of Harrowstone.

On the way back to the house, Kendra requests the presence of Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, to read the will for them. He notes he has a few matters to attend to, but he'll be over shortly, and, sure enough, arrives after they've had a chance to freshen up, pour some drinks, and get a chance to know one another, for a few minutes. A Sense Motive check of DC... 4 allows the women to determine that Vashian doesn’t completely approve of strangers being involved in local matters, but he keeps his comments to himself, focusing his involvement entirely on the reading of Petros’s will.

Kendra is as unaware of the details of the will as everyone else, since the stipulation indicated that both Celeste and Lilial must be present, and to wait up to a week following the burial, for their arrival. The Councilman produces the sealed scroll case, allowing them to verify the unbroken seal, before cracking it open and revealing the case. As he does, a small iron key slips out, clattering noisily on the table. Undeterred by the key, however, the Councilman begins reading the will aloud, clearly eager to be done and to leave.

I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this
parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with
the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and
personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use  them or
sell them as you see fit, my child.
Yet  beyond  the  bequeathing  of my personal effects, this
document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading
of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in
attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I
have two final favors to ask.
To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are
few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of
what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many
of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and
inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge
of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire
a  significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one
of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward
legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under
lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have
borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable
for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my
daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the
danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting
my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver
the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who
will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of
another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend
that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is
safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone,
and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she
desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal
gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum
of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these
funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most  trusted  friends  in
Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon
the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month
after the date of the reading of this will.
I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this
first day of Calistril, in the year 4732 AR.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial blinked at the sound of the will, frowning as the reading continued.  The will was...interesting, at least, but it wasn't she had expected by any measure.  But after a minute she spoke again at last, speaking softly. "I will do as he asks, of course...but first I have a question, one that is...rather private."

Glancing over at the councilman, Lilial waited until he left before she asked, very quietly and somberly. "May I ask just...how much Petros told you of me, Ms. Lorrimor?"

[ShamshielDF]

Celesete Devonshire

Celeste sat quietly through the whole reading, nodding slightly as the councilman made his way to whatever matters of import were that had him in such a hurry.  Likely as not something about an urgent appointment at a nearby tavern regarding an excess of ale that had to be dealt with.  He obviously did not care for her, so she felt no obligation to see any more noble motivations in the man than she would expect of any of the uneducated rabble about town.  One mob in a day was bad enough, but to have two of them, consisting predominately of the same persons, and both motivated by fear and lack of understanding, in a town overseen in part by a man with obviously similar leanings?  She could only hope that Kendra came to some manner of sense soon and moved somewhere more...cosmopolitan.  Where her fathers teachings and learning weren't so apt to get her exiled, mobbed or worse, at the very least.

The thought of being her a month though was...worrisome.  She had not made arrangements to be gone that long.  Mother would be worried sick and the temple would wonder what had become of her 'brief trip away for the funeral of a friend'.  To say nothing of her own concerns.  A month away from the temple would keep things...interesting.  Not in the, "new and exotic traveler come to temple" sort of interesting, but more in the temple physician looking at an injury and saying, "isn't that interesting?"  Keep the books away from ne'er-do-wells, return them to the university.  Simple enough task.  But one they couldn't complete for a month.  And, all the while, keeping the professor's daughter in tact and comfortable.  She did owe the professor a favor.  Not an insignificant one, at that.  More as a matter of personal view than necessarily of anything that he had expressly stated.

Her gaze quietly moved to the elf, watching her silently for a moment.  She was an unknown, much as Kendra was.  Obviously, she felt something rather intense regarding the professor, but she seemed to hedge about something or somethings, but what she couldn't be sure about.  She seemed very on edge about something, but she couldn't fathom yet what it could be about.  An amused thought struck her on a whim, opening herself to the power of her blood for a moment, to sense for the presence of undead.  It was possible, however so unlikely, that such was what the elf was hiding, though it didn't appear so.

She glanced back between Kendra and Lilial a moment, then sighed softly.  "I will do as the professor asks.  Though I must send letters to Caliphas."  She glanced to the elf woman again, maintaining her blasé appearance and contemplating her in silence for the moment.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra looks as surprised at the request the two of them stay for a month, as they do. "You both are welcome to stay here, of course. It's a large house, and there's more than enough room for you."

She considers Lillial's question for a moment, answering honestly. "He never really told me all the details about his work, as much to protect me as anything else," she says. "But, he did say that you had been attacked by a demon of some sort, he was never terribly specific, and that he helped you recover from the scars, physical, spiritual, and metaphysical," she says, the last words obviously a turn of the phrase of the professor's, as she smiles, a little sorrowfully at the memory.

She provides Celeste with information on where blank parchment and ink can be found, as well as where one of the few tables in the house not occupied by books is, so she can write without having to move too many things.

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001G:

Drone overhears the name of the leader, organic male named 'Gibs,' and as it loses current quarry in a crowd, it overhears a handful of conversations from other organics, one of which being used by a female to scold a smaller organic, likely child, and threaten to give the child to someone beyond the edge of town named Gibs. Unit noted the fearful look toward the south, and relayed the information to main unit, which diverted its course toward the south, as the drone continued to gather more information about this 'Gibs.'

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf took a breath and then shook her head slightly, smiling sadly at Kendra as well. "As I said, I am...willing to do as Petros asked.  However, I'm not certain that it would be fair to you for me to stay here.  Not without further explanations, at least.  I...will tell you part now, so we can get some preliminaries out of the way.  I'm Lilial Ambersight, a former paladin of Shelyn, and I've lost my faith.  Such came about because of a demon, yes, and I ended up running.  But...the succubus, for such it was, found me.  He saved me from a fate worse than death by far when he rescued me, but only after I had been in it's clutches for a week."

Lilial took another breath, her voice shaking by the time she'd reached this point, and then continued. "I'm...still scarred by the experience.  And, no matter how I try to control it, I literally cannot deal with time without...physical intimacy anymore.  It isn't a simple addiction that can be cured.  I cannot say that I imagine it would be comfortable to have me in your home...and I'm unsure if I can even find appropriate companionship in Ravengro."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste stands after a moment, lacing her fingers and extending her arms over her head as she arches and stretches for a long moment, considering.  After the stretch, she turns to look to Lilial and shrugs a tiny degree.  "Be thankful you crave nothing more."  She smiles, this time showing her teeth for a rarity, exposing a pair of rather sharp looking canines.  "My father was...is, a vampire, since before my conception.  Due to his blood running through my veins, I have lived with a craving for the blood of other sentients since birth."  Her look is rather pointed at the elf before turning and walking in the direction Kendra had indicated.

She stops in the doorway, not looking back as she steps into the unlit corridor beyond.  "At least what you crave gives people joy.  Be thankful."  With that she wanders off to draft a letter to the high cleric of the temple as well as one addressed for her father, though intended for her mother.

[Jeramiahh]

Further information on Gibs, including the location of his shack, will require a Diplomacy (Gather Information) check; otherwise, he'll end up wandering without enough information to identify the man, as he wasn't, in fact, amongst the people threatening him or the women carrying the body. The target DC will be 17.

Kendra looks quite shocked, and more than a little horrified, at the two women admitting their supernatural urges, though there's also a clear moment of comprehension dawning on her, as she clearly starts to understand why her father was so interested in them. She swallows a bit nervously, but then says, "Well... even if you are both... unusual," she says, diplomatically, "However, if my father saw it fit to trust you, with both my care and the delivery of his books, especially if, as I suspect, he knew the truth, as well, then I have no reason not to trust you, both of you." She still looks visibly nervous, more from the shock of their revelations, on top of the situation in the town, coupled with her father's death, than actual nervousness about their presence.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial sighed, wincing slightly at Celeste's commentary, shaking her head slightly as she murmured. "Ah, but if that was all, I wouldn't hate myself so very much..."

"But in any case, I feel I should explain further, now that we are in private." Lilialr continued, looking at Kendra sadly. Taking a deep breath she spoke softly. "You see..."

And by the time Celeste came back she was just sitting there, looking very tired and worn as she waited.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

It wasn't too long before Celeste returned to the room where Lilial and Kendra were talking, one fairly bulky, sealed letter in hand.  The letter to her father was sealed within the letter to the temple as they would be going to the same place.   She looks to the pair of them and gives a sort of half smile, her teeth well covered once more.  "You do not have to worry in my regards.  I keep my...urges to only willing attendants at the temple."  She sets the letters on the desk and sits carefully on one of the chairs once more, pondering.

She looked to Kendra and quirked a brow slightly.  "It was said your father was speaking with the unquiet spirits nearby...are you aware of why he might do so?"

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra looks... considerably paler, by the time Celeste returns, but also surprisingly resilient. After a moment to compose herself, she smiles at Celeste, not-quite forced, even. "I'll have the courier take these, tomorrow," she says, shaking her head at the posed question. "Aside from his normal research, I'm afraid I can't say, in particular. Perhaps... the books that he wants you to deliver might hold some clues?" she offers, picking up the key that had fallen on the table when the will was opened, and passing it to Celeste. "I wish I could be of more help."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

She nods a bit, taking the key graciously.  "I am also curious...did your father keep journals?"  She gives a wan sort of smile, "perhaps it is something...familial, but I am curious about these ghosts."  She fondles the key a moment, looking it over and nodding.  "Where is the chest this goes to?"

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001H:

Unit was unable to locate local male 'Gibs' and would have to resume the search later. It turned aside from the collection of shacks outside the location 'Gibs' might be located. It headed back to the home where the females that had assisted it had been. It paused outside the home, having been about to hail the camp. After a moment, it decided to continue, and paused, before knocking.

[Jeramiahh]

"He did, actually... but, it's funny that you mention it. I haven't seen his old journal, since he passed away. But, yes, let me go get-- oh, who's that at the door?" Kendra asks, excusing herself to answer the door, a bit surprised to see the construct standing there. "Oh, um, hello. Can... can I help you?"

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001I:

"Permission to enter and converse with you and the two that assisted unit before."

The construct headed in, pausing as it listened for a moment, before heading toward the room where the other two where. Once the local was in the room as well, it gave its report. "Report: Mob that attacked me and your procession were both organized by the same individual, one male warrior named 'Gibs' that lives in a shack on the outskirts of the local adventure questing area. Unit investigated, but was unable to locate the male individual in question. Conclusion: We three ally to determine why 'Gibs' is attempting mob justice and issue cease and desist order."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste slowly turns her head to look at the...device as it entered into its diatribe.  She watches, eyes half lidded, as it finishes what it was saying, still trying to determine for herself whether this thing counted as living or not.  "We have other matters to attend to...why should we care about some superstitious strong-arm?" 

She slips out of her seat in a single, fluid motion, albeit faster than most people would move, and moves closer to the device, walking around it looking it over critically up close.  Gears, cables, plates, tubes and other less identifiable things...it couldn't be alive, could it?  She pondered a moment, speaking softly while she is behind it, "what, precisely, are you, I wonder..."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf kept quiet for a few moments, seeming almost lethargic for a moment before she raised her head and blinked slowly.  Then she spoke again, finally, looking at the construct tiredly. "Besides, the town isn't that big.  If you have his name, you only have to tell the sheriff.  I'm sorry, but I'm tired.  I assume you would prefer I rest elsewhere, Ms. Kendra?"

Lilial got to her feet, seeming as if she was being weighed down by something heavy.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra looks rather surprised, as the construct asks for permission. "I... I suppose," she says, stepping aside as it hurries inside. She looks a bit nervous at the construct in her living room, but says nothing, since she'd seen it, earlier, with the two of them. "Gibs? Gibs Hephenus? That old bastard, pardon my language. He's harmless... he's always hated my father, though I never did learn why. I suspect word's already made it to the sheriff, to tell him off. And, no, dear, you're staying here. I'll see if I can't... find some way to help you, around town," she says.

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001J:

Unit returned the closer female organics stare, before its plating suddenly seemed to flow and slide slightly, covering the more intricate workings. "Unit's explorer drone observed 'Gibs' minions obstructing and attempting to disrupt the ceremony in which all three present organics participated in. Unit concluded that there is a possibility that 'Gibs' (redesignating Gibs Hephenus) might attempt to complete its objective of disruption by exhuming remains. Unit noted groundkeepers in area, but possibility, while low, is still enough to warrant action.

Unit is Interface Unit 256 of 256, batch 1, from plane *information withheld due to security protocols* dispatched to determine reaction of local organics to constructs. If unit is received with impartial or better reception, survey team will be dispatched within five cycles to survey plane. Unit is not part of Gearmen, as you guessed earlier. Unit is part of Shadow Stalker collective, under the service of *information withheld due to security protocols* searching for *information withheld due to security protocols*."

Unit did not appear to have noticed that it's audible vocalizations had altered, or that it had not been allowed to fully explain things, as it glanced at the second, lethargic female, before tilting its head to the side slightly. "Unit is outsider, and calculated that 'Gibs Hephenus' would have minions within local law enforcement, and even if not, local law enforcement is likely organic, and would oppose unit due to prejuidice against outsiders, and due to having less in common with unit than 'Gibs Hephenus'."

Unit turned to the local female, its optical sensor flickering as its internal lamp altered its heat setting, indicating that it was quickly calculating and processing information, giving the impression it was blinking quickly. "Unit offers thanks for additional information about 'Gibs', but futher calculations sustain conclusion that local law enforcement will not mobilize at unit's request. However, unexplained animosity should not be merely dismissed, it might have roots in a far deeper problem. Unit advises that Gibs be sought out to determine exact cause of animosity. Unit calculates 16.45% chance that 'Gibs Hephenus' may target local female since main adversary is no longer within reach, if 'Gibs Hephenus' doesn't attempt desecration of ceremonial spot."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir listens quietly to what the device has to say, not interfering as it explained in its own precise way.  After a bit she let out a long, exasperated sigh and shook her head slightly.  "A fallen paladin and a...device from Axis.  How...orderly."  She rolled her eyes and found a seat again.  From the explanation it gave, she had to assume that it was probably part of a group from Axis that fought the Shadow plane.  Considering where it was, that made sense.  It also meant it was likely particularly loathe of undead and resistant to negative energy fields.  Which meant...no talking about family, heritage or trying to drop it with a negative energy effect.

She began massaging her temples slowly.  First, keep evil books from falling into the wrong hands.  Second, keep Kendra alive and comfortable.  Third, probably should make sure that the professor remains undisturbed.  Fourth, talking with the ghost sounded sort of interesting, but dragging around the most lawful, orderly pair of being withing the city limits would take any interest out of such. 

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"I doubt that you could call me orderly, Ms. Devonshire.  But thank you, Ms. Kendra...I'll try not to be a bother for you." Lilial said, smiling tiredly, then she looked at the robot and spoke, not as polite as she normally was. "Well.  I wasn't wanting to be this blunt, but I feel that it is the only way to get it across to you.  I don't know what you are, though saying you're from Axis seems likely.  But the truth is, if this 'Gib's' isn't dealt with by the local authorities, we should simply leave him alone.  This is a small town.  Small towns tend to be intolerant and superstitious.  In Ustalav, most individuals don't trust any non-humans, so if we try to accuse him of such actions, we will be the ones further distrusted.  Now, I'm going to rest.  I've had a few too many shocks.  Good day."

And with that she turned to head outside to grab her things, obviously feeling rather tired and uncomfortable with things.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra sits quietly, throughout their conversation, looking a bit nervous, about all of it, then, as Lillial goes to leave, quickly stands up and says, perhaps a bit overly loud, "Let me go and get that chest of books,"

She hurries away, leaving Celeste and the construct in the room alone for a minute or two, before returning, bearing the relatively small oak chest, bound with iron, which she sets down on the table, close to where Celeste was sitting. "Here you go."

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001K:

The unit didn't move, its single glowing optical sensor on pale elven female, before it blinked once, and turned its head to the other one. "Who was the person in the container? Not their name, that is unimportant, who was he to you."

The unit turned back, and stared at the first one, head tilted slightly. "And what was the person to you?"

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Glancing at the device, Lilial barely smiled, not looking particularly pleasant at the moment. "He was important.  Enough so that what you asked is an insult that I...will not respond to.  This time.  Good-bye."

And with that she left the room, quickly.  She went out behind the house to gather her gear for the moment, giving her time to cool down after the insult that the 'device' had given.

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001L:

The construct tilted its head to the side, before speaking. "Unit does not understand. If he wasn't important, unit would not bother you with more information. If he was important, unit desires to understand why you don't wish to do something about the local."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir grinds her teeth quietly for a moment, resisting the urge to bite her tongue as she knows what usually happens when she does that.  Her emotions catch up with the rest of her quickly, "because, unit is being inconsiderate of merely mortal emotions.  Because the 'person in the container' is dead and is important to everyone here.  Because unit is obviously obsessed with law and order over feelings and people.  Because unit is a machine and an outsider.  You wish to understand how it is mortals will interact with devices, unit?  Then go to Numeria.  Go to Absalom.  Go to Taldor or Katapesh, or one of the other cities where the strange and the exotic is every day, not some backwoods, superstitious, fearful and paranoid little town in the back of beyond.  Unit should listen and observe, and keep the hell out of things that do not concern unit."

With that she stands, not quite jumping, and quickly stepping out the door to the back of the building with preternatural speed.  Any who watch closely might notice the slight tremble in her hands as she leaves in a swirl of robes and cloth, the back door closing more firmly than strictly necessary.  She doesn't even really seem to notice Lilial as she leaves the house and decides to go for a walk, away from the general town area, her step quick and touched by eerie smoothness from her vampiric sire.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra sits in silence, watching the scene unfold, as the other women leave the room. Finally, once silence has fallen, she says, quietly, "The man was my father. The renowned Professor Petros Lorrimor, p-professor of the arcane arts," she says, trying to maintain her composure, looking, if nothing else, exhausted, her nerves completely overburdened for the day. "I would... I would suggest that you... not be here, when they return. I'm going to take a rest, I think," she says, wearily rising to her feet, and gesturing towards the door, locking it behind the construct, once he's outside.

As the sun sets over Ravengro, and our three adventurers have gone their separate ways, through the town, to cool their heads, or for their own purposes, an eerie quiet settles over the town, and people quickly make their way indoors, locking their doors and shuttering their windows. About twenty minutes into Celeste's walk, near the outskirts of town, she feels a vague... tingle, at the back of her neck.

For Celeste

Make a DC 10 Perception check, to notice a swarm of small, glowing lights, floating around you. Succeed, and you can make an Initiative check; score 11 or higher, and you can act first, if you feel a need to. If you don't channel positive energy to dispel the haunt, after passing both checks, then the lights swarm around you, dozens of them, varying in size from pinpricks to watermelon sized, almost as if they're chasing you. Make a DC 13 Will save, as the orbs seem to threaten you. Fail, and be Frightened for 3 rounds. Pass and be Shaken for 1.

About three hours later, at night, as Lillial is in her bedroom, she'll hear, quietly at first, and then louder, a series of rapping noises, on the wall, just above the headboard of her bed.

For Lillial

Make a DC 11 will save, or be frightened for one round. Pass, and be shaken, instead. Either way, she'll hear the series of raps, if she listens for the full five minutes or so.
Two quick taps, one heavy tap, one tap, pause, two quick taps, pause, one solid tap, one quick tap, pause, one heavy tap, two quick taps, long pause, one heavy thump, pause, four rapid taps, pause, one light tap, pause, two loud thuds. This pattern will repeat, once a minute, for five minutes, before fading away.

Interface Unit 256 heads south, after leaving Kendra's house, towards the prison of Harrowstone, to further investigate the Professor's death, despite the more than two weeks that have passed, since.

For IU256

Harrowstone is located on a barren hill south of the city of Ravengro,  the  stark,  sagging  roof of  its  central  structure visible  through  a  large  gap  in  the  surrounding  wall.  A partially  overgrown  track  leads  from  the  southern  edge  of town, winding around the base of the hill and then back up along its southern slope to the prison itself. Harrowstone’s  grounds  are  contained within a crumbling stone wall, the eastern portion of which has  fallen away  into a huge sinkhole.

A  sagging wood  and metal  gate  set  between  a  pair  of  stone guard towers once barred entrance into Harrowstone, but the gates now hang negligently open, creaking softly in what wind touches the ruined bars. The  stone  wall  that  surrounds  most  of  the  prison grounds  is  covered  with  creeping  ivy,  and  the  blocks beneath  that  growth  are  eroded.

If he moves through the gates, he'll find himself assaulted with a sudden feeling of claustrophobia, and the startling sensation that he has suddenly caught fire. Make a DC 12 Will save (mind affecting, fear), or become shaken for 6 minutes.

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001M:

Unit withdrew upon local declaring her fatigue, still confused as to why it's conclusions had been so badly received, but also the second female's comment about law and order. It left, heading for the prison, intent on determining why the town had closed down so suddenly, assuming the nearby ruins had something to do with it. Upon its arrival, the explorer drone refused to go into the ruin first, but did make a couple slow circuits around the outside, giving the main unit a reasonable intuition result as to the interior size of the ruin. It immediately stopped upon attempting entry, realizing that it had been attacked with magic, but its emotion subroutines hadn't loaded yet, and its observations and internal diagnostics did not return the same result. It did a second check, before concluding it was under an illusion attack, and withdrew, not wishing to invite a more dangerous, physical attack, as it was not currently equipped with repair subroutines.

Upon withdrawing approximately sixty feet from the primary entrance, it knelt down, and did a quick diagnostic check on its weapons, ensuring that they still could deploy from their concealed recesses without catching, before simply observing the prison for the night. It would not move unless either something came out or into the ruins, or dawn came.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste really wasn't paying too much attention to the town or it's goings on at the moment, trying to get some fresh air into her lungs to cool down the flare of her temper.  She knew that her darker nature was much closer to the surface that she gave credit, most of the time.  It came with the blood of her father, really...caught between trying to remain frustratingly calm and quiet, staying as unperturbed as possible, or the whip-lashing violence of her emotions.  At the moment, she was dealing with the red hot coal of anger and the dark shadows that it tended to bring with it.

She caught the movement out of the corner of her eyes, the flicker of dancing lights coming upon her.  She gave a derisive snort and held her holy symbol up, the points of the dagger tips digging into her palm and fingers, pouring her frustration in with her faith in a burst of lifegiving holy energy.  She shuddered at the feeling of the wave of energy washing over her, leaving her untouched.  Positive energy always left her feeling...singed.

Dropping her holy symbol against her chest again, she looked out into the empty air and called out in common.  "You cannot be any more fond of that than I am.  Come forth and speak, if you will, but harry me not otherwise, spirits."  With that, she stood in the middle of the trail and waited several minutes.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

When the elf reached her new bedroom, she lay down and just...sat there listlessly for a time.  The room was small and fairly empty, save for the bed and a chest of books in the corner.  She'd set her pack atop them and closed her eyes, simply...thinking.  Old aches and forgotten pains had flared to life, as well as old shames.  She murmured a few words in elven, aching with loneliness and rolled over to look at the wall.  She felt so...empty.  Kendra had understood, or at least seemed to.  But...she shook her head, then stiffened in shock as the knocking began.  For a long moment she was frozen, and then her eyes narrowed.  There was...a pattern to the knocks?  She began to discern the pattern by the end of the second set.  By the third her eyes had narrowed, and she quickly pulled out an inkpen and scrap of parchment to note down any further noises when the fourth began.  The fifth set helped her correct a few hasty errors in the fourth set, and then all was silent.  For a time Lilial sat up, waiting, and even paced a bit.  But at long last she chose to go to bed instead, deciding that nothing more was forthcoming.

[Jeramiahh]

Celeste:

The lights wink out, almost instantly, and the sense of fright fades away, as she drives away the unquiet spirit that had decided to haunt her. The rest of her evening, she is left alone.

Lilial:

No one else in the building seemed to notice the knocking. (A DC 15 Linguistics check allows her to decode the message; it's in a common adventuring code, eg; Morse Code)

IU256:

Nothing but common animals move in or around the prison grounds, during the night.

All: Experience points for the first day, 350 exp each. Lilial receives an additional 100, Celeste gains 300, and IU256 receives 150.

The next morning, the sun rises, to a worried town, rumors flying wildly. Along the shoreline of the river, only a thousand feet away from the Lorrimor house, stands a 25-foot tall statue of a strong, valiant looking man, although it's now covered in moss. And, as of this morning, a large, bloody letter 'V' has been painted on the statue's base, with more blood splattered, liberally, around the statue and the ground.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf got up early, considering what to do for a moment, then she decided that she needed to calm her nerves.  And that meant that only one thing would do.  And since she couldn't quite figure out what the code had meant...

When the others came downstairs, they would find Lilial in the kitchen, busily making pancakes and other food for breakfast, even as she hummed to herself quietly.

((Craft(cooking) 25.  Linguistics 14.))

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste returned to the house late in the evening and found her way to bed.  Of course, the first thing she realizes in the morning is that the window in her room lets in just enough light to make her...uncomfortable.  With a bit of grumbling to herself, she rolled out of the relative comfort of the bed and hung a blanket over the window to dim the light to a more tolerable level.  But, of course, by the time that was done, she was awake.

She took a few minutes to tend to herself, brushing out her hair and getting dressed, before coming downstairs to the scent of breakfast.  And not the light sort of breakfast she anticipated but the scent of a hearty, well seasoned breakfast.  She blinked as she came into the kitchen and found not the mistress of the house, but rather the paladin.  Covering her surprise, she found a place to sit and began nibbling at the various sundries that had been prepared.  Glancing over at the cook stove, she noticed that Lilial appeared to be doing steak and eggs to go with pancakes and hash.  After a moment of hesitation, she speaks up a bit, "could you do one rare?"

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf blinked as she saw Celeste enter the room, nodding as she focused on the food, a slight smile on her face.  But when the other woman spoke up with her request, Lilial's response was simple.  A cooking fork snaked outward, grabbed a new piece of meat without even looking, and tossed it into the pan as she asked. "Certainly.  How rare?"

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The cleric considers for a moment at best, then smiles slightly, "sear both sides, then find somewhere cool on the pan to let it come up to above body temperature?  Not enough for it to lose the redness, just...warm in the middle?"  She shrugged slightly, sipping at the watered down wine in her glass, "if I'm not returning to the temple for a while I need to find some way to...deal with things?  Rare steaks are the best for such."

[BK Geno]

Interface Unit 256 (temp designation)
Entry 001N:

Alert: Unpacking of all algorithms completed nearly 33% faster than expected. Addmendium: emotion algorithms non-compatible with Interface Unit model, request compatible algorithms during next link up.

The construct looked up from its vigil, having finally finished installing the updates that had been given to it, and looked around, before standing up. Nothing of note had happened other than the initial encounter, and after a moment, it decided began effecting entry. Further information was required before it could return to the two, and it was likely too early for them to be up and ready to hear an apology. It moved slowly and cautiously, ensuring no more noised was created than absolutely necessary, the multiple sensors in its optics scanning and measuring distances, checking for anything out of the ordinary.

Stealth = 15 (d20+8)
Perception = 16 (d20+5)

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra arrives downstairs about ten minutes later, drawn by the sounds and smells of cooking, dressed in a dark red dress, her hair drawn up into a bun, looking more refreshed, than last night. "Good morning, both of you," she says, with a smile. "Do the two of you have any plans, for the day?"

The sun rises over the ruins of the old prison, looking less like a terrifying evil lurking atop the hill, and more like a withered and burned out corpse. A brief search of the courtyard reveals, along the wall to the north, a large, stone gargoyle, lying on the ground at an unusual angle, partially broken. If he approaches it, he'll note it's partially covered in blood. However, if he stays close to the wall, towards the gargoyle, when he approaches the thirty-foot tall, old stone tower, its wooden roof collapsed and its crumbling walls thick with ivy, he'll notice a dozen or so rats, peeking out from the tower, watching him carefully. If he gets within fifteen feet of the tower, they'll begin chittering and squeaking ominously as more and more clamber into view.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"But of course...that means its time to switch sides, I think.  And, should I be cooking, I'll be certain to keep that in mind, Ms. Devonshire." Lilial replied to Celeste, skillfully flipping over the steak.  When Kendra entered, she looked up and smiled at the human woman, and gestured at the food. "I hope I wasn't out of place making use of your kitchen and supplies, Ms. Lorrimor.  I'm afraid that this is what I do to calm my nerves and relax.  But do you have any requests as to your breakfast?"

"As for plans...not particularly.  I suppose that we should look at the books that your father left behind first." Lilial winced as she mentioned the professor, but she tried to smile again. "Other than that...perhaps exploring the town and seeing what we might do.  Might I ask what your plans are?  As...indelicately as it may have been phrased, this is a backwater, and you're an educated woman, from what I've seen.  Do you intend to stay here?"

[BK Geno]

The construct approached the fallen gargoyle, intent on further examination. However, at the irritated squeaking, it flipped the concealed weapons out of its forearms, and activated them. The blade hissed to life, and it raised its right arm, leveled it and the small cylinder that had popped out at one of the rats, took a second to triple check the targeting algorithm, before discharging it at one of the vermin, recognizing them as a minor threat, anticipating that the death of one would disperse the rest.

energy pistol AR = 19 (d20+5)
damage (force) = 2 (d6)

[Jeramiahh]

"Oh, something light, please," Kendra replies, politely. "And, please, feel free to use the kitchen. I must admit, I use my cooking supplies more for my alchemy, than for actual cooking. Oh, but don't worry, I clean everything thoroughly," she says, quickly. "As far as what I plan to do... I'm not certain. Despite how much of a... as you put it, 'backwater' as it is, it does have its own lovely charm, and, well... finding a new place to store all of these wonderful books would be quite a challenge. Besides, I do make a bit of a living for myself, crafting and selling alchemical items to the locals."

IU256 manages to drop one of the rats, just barely striking it through the hole in the wall; the creatures continue to chitter and squeak, though they also seem to find better hiding places, from which to threaten him. Once he moves away from the tower, though, the noise fades.

The gargoyle appears, from examination, to have fallen from its crumbled perch, above, and struck something living, below it, though whatever was there has been moved, the gargoyle moved aside to allow access to the corpse. A DC 15 Heal or Survival check allows him to determine the blood is quite dry, and has been here for a while. DC 20 reveals that it's likely two to three weeks old.

[BK Geno]

The unit watched the rodents scramble for better cover, still squeaking in defiance, but no longer seeming as willing to threaten it. It ignored them after they realized it was making for the gargoyle, and it gave the blood a thorough examination, before examining the break points on the gargoyle, doubting that whoever had been hit had been hit with the falling statue had had that abyssal amount of luck. It deactivated and sealed the glowing dagger on its left arm before examining the gargoyle, not wanting to damage the scene moreso than it already had been. Something about this seemed very very wrong, and it knew that if it hadn't activated its upgrades, it never would have caught this.

survival = 20 (d20+5)
knowledge:architecture = 17 (d20+3)

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir shows a touch of color at the cheeks at the comment, "just Celeste...please.  My mother is Ms. Devonshire...she and father never wed."  She gives a slight smile and a shrug.  "Given father's...condition, he decided it wouldn't be terribly appropriate."

By the time that Kendra comes into the room Celeste is well into her steak.  Calling it rare was likely being somewhat generous.  It was warm, certainly, and it had seen fire...it just wasn't what most would consider cooked.  She seemed more than simply content with it and seemed to be rather actively enjoying herself for the moment.  After several bites of the steak, she would cut off a bit of the pancakes and use them to swap up the draining blood and juices, then pop the red tinged morsel into her mouth.  She waited until she had finished the larger part of her breakfast before responding to her questions.

"I do not have...particular plans, of yet.  I admit a curiosity with the books, but there are other matters as well...such as the spirits about the place."

"As regards Kendra's situation here...I have to agree that I would think that she would likely be happier and more comfortable in another city.  Given everything here, I cannot help but think that being here on her own would not be in her best interest."  She looked to Lilial and shrugged a touch, "we are more than happy to help where we can, but...what happens after we leave and the rumors start?"

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Nodding, Lilial paused in her work for a moment, considering, then went back to making the food as she replied, smiling wryly. "Well...very well, Celeste.  I'll do my best to remember that.  I'm just not used to...informality?  It's been...a very long time."

But once Kendra mentioned what she used the cooking supplies for, Lilial blinked, looking at it for several moments before protesting, losing her formality for once. "But...it's such a good set of cooking supplies!  Everything is perfectly laid out, you have just enough space on the stove and counters...I mean, it's perfect for cooking!  Don't get me wrong, I will do my best to clean things up thoroughly...I just..."

Shaking her head, the elf regained her composure, flushing at her own reaction before changing the subject quickly, seemingly embarrassed. "But...I will respect whatever decision you make, Ms. Lorrimor.  If you wish any aid in things, I'm more than happy to help you out.  But...you mentioned spirits, Ms...I mean Celeste?  What do you mean, precisely?"

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra chuckles lightly at Lilial's flustered response. "No, no, it was my father who did most of the cooking for the two of us. I mostly cleaned and organized, or used them for my alchemy." While she'll let Celeste answer, Kendra will add, "The old Harrowstone prison is said to be haunted, with the spirits of the hundreds of prisoners who were held, and executed, there."

"I'm not really sure what I want to do, which is why I appreciate the two of you here, to keep an eye on me," she says, with a smile. "For right now, though, I'm doing fairly well. I supply people with alchemical items, and make my own way. On that note, if either of you need copies of any of the scrolls I can make, or any alchemical items, please, ask, and I'll see if I can't make something for you."

****

The blood on the statue seems to be about three weeks old, from his estimates, and an examination of the statue looks like the stones of the building, holding it up, cracked and crumbled, causing the statue to fall from above.

[BK Geno]

It examined the statue for a moment, before looking up at the fall point, nearly twenty feet above it. After a moment, it turned toward the tower, and hummed softly to itself, considering what it knew about rat swarms, which wasn't much. It then compared the little information about rats to its internal data about its own defenses, before heading back to the town, intent on explaining, once again, that the male that had been buried had likely been murdered, not killed in an accident. On the way, the explorer drone informed it of the crowd around a statue, and it diverted to investigate, though it would have to do so from a distance. It had no intention of trying to involve itself in a mob again.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Sliding her plate away after finishing everything and delicately dabbing at her lips with a napkin, she shrugs a bit.  "I mean precisely what I said.  Last eve, during my...walk, I was come upon by a spirit more interested in mischief than talking.  I banished the haunt, but the spirit did not linger to speak."

She seems to ponder to herself a bit, then looks to Lilial.  "I believe you were interested in seeing what books it was the professor had locked away in his chest.  Perhaps there is something there that will shed light on the spirits around this place."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial paused for a moment, then nodded. "Ah...I as well had such appear last night.  Though 'appear' is a strong word.  It was...knocking on the walls.  It repeated 5 times, and I wrote down the pattern.  I know it is in a common adventuring code, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure it out."

"And as for the books...yes, I'd be interested in figuring out what books are there.  Of course, we have to ensure that no one makes off with them.  And having those in town see questionable books...would not be good." Lilial frowned, then finished a pair of pancakes for Kendra, sliding them onto a plate deftly as she added. "I certainly wouldn't want you playing host to us make still more difficulties, after all.  And I'm curious what he was investigating.  The Professor...he had such insatiable curiosity."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra looks a bit surprised, at the mention of the ghosts. "I've heard a number of stories about the spirits from the prison, but there hasn't been anything, here in town, that I know of. But, let me get that chest," she says, heading out to the common room, and retrieving the locked chest, bringing it out into the dining room. "I believe you have the key, Celeste?"

**********

The drone spots a large group of people, including the town's sheriff, gathered around a statue, along the riverbank, a little ways from the center of town. The drone can clearly see what has them upset; blood has been splattered all around the base of the statue, and a large, bold letter 'V' has been painted on the statue, as well. The sheriff is busy keeping people away from the statue, and reassuring them that it's not dangerous, that it's just a prank by some of the local kids.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste nods slightly in response to Lilial.  "I was...unaware such had happened.  Alas, I am unfamiliar with codes and cyphers.  My mother, perhaps, but she is some ways away."  She shrugged slightly. 

When Kendra returned with the chest Celeste took a few moments to retrieve the key from her robes before moving over to open the chest and see what waited within.

[Jeramiahh]

Within the chest lie five tomes; four rather old-looking ones, and a newer one, with the words "Read me now!" scratched into the front cover.

The newer one, with the words scratched into the front, appears to be Petros' journal, which Kendra will identify, if asked. The other four books consist of a book with a rich, purple cover, and a large, jeweled scarab with a single eye set into the center on the cover. The book's covers are rimmed in polished steel, and it is tightly locked, the keyhole a strange, triangular shape, with no sign of the key.

The second tome bears the title 'On Verified Madness', the cover a jet-black color, like a starless night sky. The third bears the title of "Serving Your Hunger," and is otherwise fairly nondescript. The last tome is titled "The Umbral Leaves," and is also fairly nondescript.

[BK Geno]

The unit examined the statue from a distance, as the explorer drone wandered off, following a local tiny organic animal, likely a rat. After a moment of simply watching and listening, it moved toward the house with the three female organics from earlier, though it didn't attempt to gain entry or alert the organics inside, sitting down in a nearby bush, and waiting for the two to come out.

[Jeramiahh]

He won't be able to get a clear view of the statue, except from the back, personally, without wading through the crowd, gathered around it. The crowd looks uneasy, but most seem to accept that it's only a cruel prank.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Ah, well, I know it is somewhat common code...I just can't remember the specifics, I'm afraid." Lilial replied with a slight smile, but quieted when Kendra went off to get the chest.  When Celeste opened it, the elf reached in to take the journal, but paused and pulled her hand back, giving an apologetic smile. "My apologies, M-Celeste.  I should let you look first.  Though this looks...odd, to say the least."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir gives a one handed shrug to Lilial's comment.  "Do not worry...they are no more mine than yours."  She looked through the titles somewhat curiously, tilting her head to one side.  "Were I to guess...tomes on the undead?  I know not what the madness regards, but shades, shadows and hungry dead seem likely for the other two."  She gives an odd sort of reminiscing smile as her eyes linger on the title 'Serving Your Hunger', "I know father has used a turn of phrase like that on occasion."

Those looking at her might notice that with even the relatively modest blood contained in the steak, her color is already improving, leaving her looking less like her undead ancestry and slightly more...lively.

[Knowledge Religion: 8 + 13 = 21]

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf peered at the books for a moment before shrugging slightly.  Her voice was ever so slightly dry as she replied. "I wouldn't know myself...none of those sound all that familiar.  But if he wanted them transported, transported they shall be."

Reaching in, she fished out the journal and opened it, looking for anything of note, wondering why the Professor would have damaged his own journal in such a way.

[Jeramiahh]

A brief examination of "On Verified Madness" reveals that the book is actually a description of aberrations, and other creatures related to 'the Dark Tapestry', the void between the stars in the sky. 'Serving Your Hunger' and 'The Umbral Leaves' actually seem to be translations of holy texts for dark deities, namely Urgathoa and Zon-Kuthon, respectively, both notes liberally marked with notations in the margins, from the Professor.

Flipping through the journal, she'll find the majority of entries are rather bland, day-to-day accounts of events in the small town. However, six entries have been circled in red ink, the most recent of which was written the day of Petros' untimely death.

Journal Entries

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 had 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:
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.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Flipping through the books, she quirks her brows as she flips through some of the tomes and remembers what they were.  "It seems I was not far from the mark, at least in one regard.  A number of my father's...associates shall we say are somewhat fond of the Pale Princess.  The other...well...I have some familiarity with, though not as much.  They are both gods of death, to one degree or another."

Setting the other tomes aside, she shifts over to peer at the journal with Lilian, frowning slightly.  "And how long ago was it that the professor fell?  Two weeks and two days?"  She raises a brow, looking to the shorter elf with some concern.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial nodded, frowning slightly, then sighed.  She didn't know much about the books, aside from what Celeste had already mentioned, and simply shrugged. "I'm afraid I do not know much more than you, Celeste.  And these notes...well, do you know anything of this 'Whispering Way', Ms. Lorrimor?"

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra nods to Celeste's question. "Yes... he was found in the morning, sixteen days ago," she says, frowning. "Is there something wrong? And... no, I've never heard of them before. Should I have?"

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The cleric sighs softly, leaning back against the table.  "There are some notes from your father that he made the night before his demise.  Notes that particularly concern the Whispering Way."  She pauses to gently caress her brow for a moment, "the Whispering Way is a...cult of sorts that has been around for millenia.  Organized of necromancers that seek to ally themselves with undead or to become undead."  She gives a wan sort of smile, "one of those groups that not even death is a sure method of leaving the ranks of.  Anyway...there have been a number of fairly infamous members, including the Whispering Tyrant himself.  The implications from your father's journal implies a possibility his death may not have been as accidental as we had thought."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Thinking for a moment, Lilial shook her head. "And this...it doesn't look promising.  I don't remember much...I'm sure that I heard about the Whispering Way when I was at the temple, but...my memories are a bit fuzzier than I would like.  Though if there is a group like that around...I just hope they don't have demons.  If there are demons, I just might turn and run screaming, whether I want to or not."

The elf gave a slight shiver, then opened her eyes, considering a moment more, then asked. "Actually...have there been any...unusual occurrences in the past two weeks, Ms. Kendra?  Just things that don't seem...right.  If he thought there was a cult of some form in the area..."

[Jeramiahh]

"Not... not to my knowledge, no," Kendra says, with a slightly worried expression. "Though, I will admit, I was caught up in my own affairs, in the days before my father's death... do you think it might be related to that cult? That something might have happened to him, that it wasn't an accident?" She gives a slight shudder, then adds. "If you think it might help, you're welcome to look through my father's books. He's spent years in research, so he might have more information about this... cult."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste quirks a brow slightly to Lilial's comment, but shrugs after a moment and looks back to Kendra.  "If what your father wrote in his journal was accurate, and considering the professor himself I see no reason why it wouldn't, I would say that it is highly probable that his death was not an accident."  She seems to ponder for a bit, looking between the two other women, "perhaps it might be best if we went through the professors tomes and sought any information regarding the Whispering Way as well as anything regarding the ruins of the prison."

She looks to Kendra, considering the woman for a moment.  "If we head to this false tomb and the prison, would you care to attend with us?  It is likely that it will not be...clean or pleasant labor."  She looks to Lilian, "considering your garb and what little you have said of yourself, I assume that you would be interested in coming along?"

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"However, by the same token, it is possible that his death was an accident.  I do not think it likely at this point...but such is possible." Lilial added, frowning darkly and drumming her fingers on the table for a moment before adding. "And yes...research is in order, that is for certain.  I...do not like the sound of what he said about this 'Whispering Way'."

But at the more direct comment, Lilial looked up and blinked for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I would like to look into these things, I think.  And if there are any members of this 'cult'...well, I certainly can help deal with them, one way or another.  If they were responsible...well, in some ways I'm glad I'm not a paladin anymore."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra holds up her hands at the offer of going to investigate the crypt. "No, no, sorry, I'm no adventurer. Dealing with the traders in the market is enough excitement for me," she says, with a chuckle. "But, please, feel free to use the tomes, at your leisure. You might also check at the Temple of Pharasma. I know father spent a lot of time in their library in the last few months."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir nods slightly, considering something to herself for a few moments, staring off into the distance and slowly going still as she considers.  Just as the stillness takes on an almost eerie feeling, she shakes her head again, "very well...the three of us can split up in the tomes and see what we can come up with in an hour or two at least.  I would like to get to Harrowstone and investigate there...perhaps speak with the spirits."  She gives a wan sort of smile, "considering I'm halfway to such myself, perhaps they will be cooperative.  Mother has introduced me to a handful of the shades and ghosts of Caliphas, but I doubt they are on any sort of terms with the local spirits."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"I wouldn't mind reading the books, of course, but..." Lilial hesitated, then added, softly. "And perhaps I should aid you and speaking to the spirits.  They...might be willing to speak to me.  In my own way, I'm closer to them than even you, Ms. D-I mean Ms. Celeste.  I do not wish to speak of why I think that."

She hesitated again before adding, smiling thinly. "Besides, I don't think it is a good idea for any of us to go anywhere alone.  Not if our suspicion of what may have happened to the Professor is accurate."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra nods. "Do you even know what you'd be looking for, at the old prison? If my father's notes are to be believed, whatever haunts there is trying to keep people away, and he was a fairly powerful wizard... I'd be worried about the two of you, if he was terrified of it."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir raises one delicate brow to Lilial's comment, speaking softly, "my father was dead years before my birth and my mother has been a ghost for as long as I can remember...sometimes I dream of a time when..."  She shakes her head slightly and closes her eyes, only opening them several moments later, the color a much paler grey than before, all emotion draining from her face.

She raises from her seat with an almost eerily smooth movement, heading into the rest of the house, "we have much to do."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf looked after Celeste and frowned, speaking softly. "I...think she mistook what, precisely, I meant.  Perhaps I misinterpreted what she meant by 'spirits', however.  But..."

She shrugged and sighed, moving after Celeste and speaking once she was but few steps behind her, her voice soft. "My apologies for upsetting you, Ms. Celeste.  I believe that I...mistook what, exactly, you meant when you said spirits?  If you are speaking of the unquiet dead, no, I am not closer to them than others.  If you are speaking of other spirits, of nature or of the heavens...those are what I was speaking of.  Though some of the unquiet would likely speak to me readily.  The reason why is...difficult.  I will simply say that, if I told the townsfolk, they would not take five minutes to form the mob to kill me.  Again."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra doesn't follow them, but does call out, as she heads for the front door, "I'm going to go do a little shopping. I wasn't expecting guests to stay for so long, so I'm going to stock up on some food for us," she calls, heading outside, intending to go to the market; she'll likely be gone for an hour or two.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste pauses in her steps, turning slowly to look to Lilial, her eyes half-lidded and cool.  She nods slightly, considering for a long moment to herself before speaking.  "And would I fair better?"  Her brow didn't even quirk at the comment or her question, remaining as blaise as possible before continuing, "yet you live on.  More alive than I have ever been."  She gives a slight shrug, returning to her quest for books silently.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"What is dead, yet lives?  What has a soul, yet it does not depart?" Lilial asked quietly, tilting her head to the side for a moment.  She paused and shrugged. "You, at least, will live on after your death.  In one manner or another.  But yes, I do expect that you would fare better.  I wouldn't be run out of town, I would be slain outright.  But I will help as I can.  It is all I can do."

And with that, she turned back to the books herself, falling silent.

[Jeramiahh]

The professor certainly has a wide collection of books; simply going through the titles, looking for books that might be relevant to their search takes quite a while; hos books contain information on all manner of dark creatures, from the denizens of the lower planes, to undead and haunting spirits, to the wicked creatures that wander the world, as well as a number of mystical organizations, both arcane and divinely focused.

While Kendra, somehow, managed to miss the construct, just outside of her house, as she was leaving, on her way back, carrying a large bag, laden with food, she spots the dark, metallic creature, and gives a start, very nearly dropping her bag. "You? What... what are you doing here?"

[BK Geno]

The construct glanced over at Ms Kendra, before shrugging, the gesture stiff and somewhat unnatural, but still getting the point across. "Waiting for the other two to come out, since I was not polite yesterday. And yes, I believe it wasn't an accident, but a deliberate act of someone, possibly this cult you three were discussing. The former prison definitely has something there able to cast spells, and judging by what the other two have discussed, they were also targeted by something. I doubt a coincidence would be so bold as to effect three different individuals at the same time."

[Jeramiahh]

"You... you were listening to what we were talking about? Inside?" she asks, looking a bit terrified. "Just what do you want with us, anyway?"

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir sits quietly in front of one of the bookcases, staring unseeingly at the rows of books, wincing inwardly at Lilial's words.  That was the question in the end, wasn't it?  Did she actually have a soul to carry on?  Was she ever truly 'alive' to have such a thing?  Or was she merely some animated piece of meat devoid of spiritual essence?  Father had always insisted that she did, albeit not in so many words, just his quiet encouragement.  But in the end, she still wasn't certain...how could she be?  She was neither living nor dead, really, trapped in some eternal half-life.  Had it not been for the professor...well, at the very least, she would have been certain of the answer, wouldn't she?

She slowly becomes more and more still, until even her breathing is a bare hint of movement, her eyes glazed over and unfocused as her mind turns inward, one hand reaching up without thinking to brush a faint mark at the base of her neck slowly.  She wasn't nearly powerful enough, as of yet, to ask such questions of beings higher than herself, and likely as not, never would.  She bore the curse of her fathers blood, yet none of the blessings, really.  Were she to be found by the townsfolk, they would not differentiate her from her father, and given she wasn't remotely his equal, the conclusion would be...gruesome.  Depending on just how bad these folk were, it was entirely likely they would simply burn the house with Lilial and Kendra within, fearing they might be contaminated by her 'evil'.  Her probable lack of a soul just lurking in the shadow of her being, taunting her with its uncertainty. 

Her hand slid down from her neck to land limply on the bookshelf then falling to her side bonelessly.  Given the way that some spoke, she gave better than even odds that this tomes held more 'soul' than she did, in the end.  More substance than she, more contribution.  What was she, but a pale shadow of her father or the deathly image of her mother?  There were so few moments...so few in the whole of her so-called life that she could likely count them on the fingers of one hand, that she felt truly alive.  When the heat of the moment took her across some invisible, intangible barrier into...something more.  And even most of those left her so very near to death after, like the weight on the end of some pendulum between being and unbeing, never able to exist more than halfway without some opposite effect.  And yet...and yet indeed. 

She did not long for destruction.  She feared it in a pure, almost animalistic way, being wholly unable to know what would happen to her when she crossed that final threshold.  She could preach and praise and lead others towards the glories of Calistria, but...she had to take it on faith for herself.  Beyond that certainty that so many of her brother and sister clerics seemed to have, she had to base her whole existence on faith to one degree or another.  She knew, beyond doubt, Calistria existed, that she granted her favor and blessed or scorned the world by Celeste's own hands and fingers.  But that certainty they had, of what was going to happen when they died?  That they, indeed, stood a chance of facing their lady in her own realms?  The sense of inner peace that seemed to grant them on some level?  That had always escaped her.

No manner of meditation or prayer had led her to such peace.  She grasped for such, but one may as well attempt to catch water with their fingers, feeling that there is something there, but being unable to hold it the way others did, and only becoming frustrated with the whole thing, seeing others with their cups and buckets and pitchers of water, yet not having one of your own.  Harmed by the very spells that healed the living, and healed by the spells that would slay them, having some sort of opposite of life, and yet not undead.  And not yet undead, either.

Her eyes finally close, sealing out the light within the house, feeling the weight of her icon, her holy symbol of Calistria resting on her breast.  Resting just over her heart, nearly.  Her always too softly beating heart, so light and thready she could only feel or hear it with focus.  If it had been stronger...oh, if it were stronger, perhaps, just perhaps, she would not always be so quick to notice the beating of the hearts of others.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

For a little while Lilial continued to browse the books, then she glanced over at Celeste, and she blinked in surprise at the expression on her face.  Or rather, the lack of expression on her face, and the unseeing eyes.  The elf paused, chewing her lower lip for a moment, then sighed, moving closer, and waved a hand in front of the other woman's eyes as she spoke.

"Ms. Celeste?  Are you alright?  You seem...out of it." Lilial asked, ready to jump back in the case that her intrusion was unwelcome.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

At the hand waving before her eyes she finally blinks slowly, giving a shuddering breath.  "I...do not know.  Am I all right?  Am I all wrong?"  She holds up one hand, curling her fingers so that her nails bite into her palm, watching in silence for a moment as the sharp edges bite into the flesh and blood begins to well up around the nail.  "Do I truly live?  I bleed, do I not?  And yet...I also crave blood as my father does, since before I remember.  The energies that heal the living...burn my flesh as it is wont to do to the undead.  And the energies that invigorate the undead will mend such wounds in my flesh.  Am I really alive?  Have I ever been?" 

Her eyes turn to Lilial, nearly unfeeling, but with some glimmer of...beseeching lurking in their depths.  "The undead have their souls, but they, at least, lived once.  Golems and made things have no soul, but never lived to have one.  Where...does that leave once such as I?"  She looked back to her hand, the trickle of blood running down from her fist towards her elbow, "do I have one?"  She whispers.  "Do I have a soul?"

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra politely asks the construct to leave... which he does, heading off into the town, to continue his adventures. She steps inside, and begins putting away the food she purchased, spending a few minutes doing so, before looking for the two women. She peers into the room, and asks, politely, if they need anything, but otherwise leaves them alone.

(After about eight hours of research, you can make Know: Religion or Arcana checks, towards your research on the Whispering Way, with a +2 bonus. If Lilial doesn't have either skill, she can make an untrained aid another check, (DC 10), with the same +2, to give Celeste an extra +2.)

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial paused, blinking a couple of times before she spoke, somewhat surprised. "Well...of course you live.  Some bats crave blood, and they are the most mundane of creatures.  Some forms of the energies that you speak of harm the undead as well.  But your body lives.  You have a consciousness.  You speak, you think, you worry.  And consider this.  So long as an undead exists, they cannot be resurrected.  That means that their soul is still attached to their body and spirit.  And only from a living soul can come a life.  Perhaps you do not believe it.  But...what if choosing not to believe causes such to become the truth?  Choose to believe.  Strive.  Otherwise...you lose everything."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir closes her eyes and takes a slow deep breath before opening them again and frowning slightly at the line of blood running down her arm, threatening to drip to the floor.  She lets the breath out in slight sigh and then simply licks the blood line clean almost sensuously.  Looking to the still bleeding wound, she holds her holy symbol forward slightly and expends one of her few spells for the day to heal the damage, the spoken portion sounding rather...broken and twisted from a usual 'healing' spell.

Her eyes drift back to Lilial, lingering almost sadly.  "It is...something I have dealt with all of my life, and expect to continue for some time."  She gives a sad half smile, "simply something I must...live...with.  That was the gift of the professor...the will to live in spite."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial considered a moment and shrugged slightly.  Her voice was soft as she replied, looking Celeste in the eyes. "I understand you have lived with such your entire life.  I cannot entirely understand such, but I likely can better than most.  But while you might have doubts about having a soul, I do not have such doubts.  My challenge is simply in believing that I am not going to fall and become a being that must be destroyed.  Which...is not comforting.  Not in the slightest.  But...I'm going to do research.  Because to not strive is my doom."

And with that the elf turned back to the books, beginning to go over them more closely.

((Knowledge: Religion 25, with all modifiers.))

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

She seems to consider for a moment, contemplating to herself for a bit, before speaking again.  "Think of a half-elf.  Are they human, or elf?  Is one aspect dominant over the other?  In the end, they are neither.  They are half of one and half of the other, the rest is determined from culture.  Thus, what is half vampire?  Are they living, or undead?"  She shrugs slightly, "what may seem intuitive to you is...much more frustrating when you must deal with it all your life.  Every moment, every day.  As for resisting falling, well...my father has striven likewise since he was turned.  While he has been undead now for better than eight decades, he has not fallen to...his nature.  Not completely."

She skims the tomes within the library, finding related tomes and cross referencing information between authors as much as possible, trying to make sense of the mystery that the professor has left to them.

[Knowledge - Religion: 12 + 8 = 20]

[Jeramiahh]

After hours of research through the Professor's tomes, the two women seem to have uncovered quite a lot of information about the Whispering Way. In addition to the information Celeste managed to recall, earlier, they discover that The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers—the philosophies  are never written or  spoken of  loudly, making  the  exact  goals  and  nature  of  the  secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about. Exact details on the society are difficult to discern, but chief among the Whispering Way’s goals are discovering  formulae  for  creating  liches  and  engineering the release of the Whispering Tyrant. Agents often travel to  remote  sites  or  areas  plagued  by  notorious  haunts or undead menaces  to perform  field  research  or  even  to capture unique monsters. Their symbol is a gagged skull, and  those  who  learn  too many  of  the Way’s  secrets  are often murdered,  and  their mouths mutilated  to  prevent their bodies from divulging secrets via speak with dead.

(For spending the day in research and uncovering secrets, both players gain 750 exp.)

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Going through the books, Lilial's face began to project a profound sense of distaste.  Eventually she spoke again, when she was near both Celeste and Kendra. "These sound like such...wonderful individuals.  And trying to release the Tyrant himself?  Are they mad?  Wait, of course they are...they even mutilate those who figure out anything about them."

Closing the book, the elf shook her head and glanced upward at Celeste and speaking firmly. "No offense meant, Ms. Celeste, but most of these necromancers...well, it's no wonder the common folk are so intolerant.  Though I think they should think a bit before they make hasty decisions.  But...out of curiosity, how are you doing, Ms. Kendra?"

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra had been quiet; aside from delivering them a lunch of cold-cut beef sandwiches (extra rare, for Celeste), she'd stayed out of their way, during their research, working on brewing a potion for a customer. "Me? I'm fine... just fine. Nothing wrong here," she says, with a slight, nervous smile. A DC 13 Sense Motive check reveals that there is, indeed, something bothering her.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial blinked and frowned at Kendra's nervous tone, and asked quietly, obviously concerned, and her voice almost coaxing. "Are you certain?  I mean...you seem nervous.  I hope it isn't something we did...perhaps there is something that we could help with?"

((Sense Motive: 25.  Diplomacy: 26))

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir gives an odd sort of smile, "just because most necromancers are twisted and evil beings bending warped magics to their whims does not make all who dally with the undead such.  Even amongst father's kind, none would seek His release."  Looking to Kendra she quirks her brow slightly, her lips tightening into a small moue, allowing Lilial to speak.

[Sense Motive 8 + 7 = 15]

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra blushes, as the women seem to catch onto her nervousness. "Oh, oh... it's... it's nothing," she lies. "Some teenagers, apparently, decided to vandalize the old Harrowstone memorial, covered it in blood. I didn't see it firsthand, myself, but some who did said it looked quite gruesome."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

With that, Celeste's eyebrow raises higher.  "And when was this?"  She considers a moment and pinches the bridge of her nose, "and...was this actually investigated, or simply hearsay?  Was it animal blood or sentient?  Given what we're talking about right now..."  She let the words trail off as she sighs.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Lilial opened her mouth to speak, but Celeste spoke first and the elf closed her mouth, frowning.  She tilted her head, considering things for the moment, glancing at the books for a moment, but she decided not to do anything.  They needed more information first.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra shakes her head. "I'm not sure of the details. It apparently happened last night, some cruel prank, probably by the Muricar boys, they're always causing trouble. I know the sheriff was overseeing the cleanup, and reassuring people that it was just a cruel prank, and they didn't say anyone had been killed, so it was probably animal blood. I hope so," she says, sounding a little worried, again.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir sighs once more, pinching the bridge of her nose once more, "it has already been cleaned then?  No chance then to determine if it might have been tied to, say...the Whispering Way and their designs upon the area, sacrificing a teen for their own purposes rather than teens sacrificing a chicken in amusement?"  She shakes her head and sighs again.

[Jeramiahh]

"You can go look," Kendra replies. "I didn't see it myself, so I'm not certain, but people were talking as if it had already been cleaned up."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Definitely not the best situation, I think..." Lilial spoke softly, her eyes worried.  She considered for a moment and then looked at Kendra, asking. "Well.  Do you happen to know if there are any foresters in town?  Someone who might know if there were others skulking about in the hinterlands?  I doubt that there would be much of a lead there, but it is possible.  Additionally, perhaps it would be best if one of us were to keep watch through the nights...I just am nervous about the recent happenings."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste nods slightly, "give me a moment to get dressed and we can go."  With that, she turns and returns to her room, coming out a few moments later wearing her leathers, whip and, after looking outside, a rather wide brimmed hat with decorative feathers.  It might not be too bright at the moment, outside, but it would at least help shade her eyes to a more comfortable level.

"Shall we go?  I should like to investigate this...prank before they completely clean it."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra nods, and steps away, at the same time Celeste does, carrying a small bag with her, tucked under one arm. "I'm ready, if the two of you are."

Once they arrive at the statue, they'll see the large, 25-foot tall, humanoid statue, looming over the river. One of the local guardsmen, a young fellow, barely old enough to shave, is standing at the base of it, with a stiff brush, and a bucket of sudsy water. The whole base of the statue has been scrubbed down, and nothing remains of the blood... except for a large letter 'V', that, despite his scrubbing, stubbornly refuses to be removed.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Certainly.  I doubt I'll be much use, but I think I would like to at least see things for myself." Lilial said, standing and adding. "Let me get changed as well...I'll be but a few minutes."

The elf quickly moved upstairs, and it only took her a hair over a minute before she returned, settling the falchion across her back before nodding to them, smiling slightly. "I believe I'm ready...after you, my lady's?"

When they reached the statue, though, she frowned slightly, then asked softly. "Ms. Kendra?  That doesn't look natural...might you be able to check that letter for magic?  Or you as well, Ms. Celeste.  I'm afraid my talents are...lacking in such areas."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste glances around the area, shaking her head slightly.  Of course, it was already nearly clean.  And what little remained had apparently been scrubbed for some time.  Still...at least something remained to investigate.  She smiles carefully to the young guardsman and nods towards the statue, "would you mind if I had a look?"

Assuming the guard allows her nearer to the statue, she would use detect magic to see if there is any lingering magical trace, as well as taking several deep breaths as she tries to identify the blood.  If she can't get any good scent of it, she would turn to ask Lilial what she thought of things and try to scratch a flake of it off with her fingernail while the guard turned to look at Lilial, for a 'taste test' later.

Diplomacy: 13 + 6 = 19 (trying to get closer to the statue)
Perception: 16 + 4 = 20 (identifying blood by scent)
Bluff: 3 + 2 = 5 (trying to distract guard if unable to get scent)

[Jeramiahh]

The guard looks up in surprise, and gestures. "Sure, go ahead. Not much left to see, just this one spot, won't come out," he says, scrubbing at it anew. There is a slight, lingering aura of magic, but it's very faint, and clearly fading, just a lingering trace. (Know: Arcana, DC 15 reveals hints of the Necromancy school.) Careful smelling reveals only the scent of soapy water and old stone,, though she does, eventually, catch the metallic flavor of blood in the smell, though not strongly enough to identify its origin. It certainly seems to be imbued deep into the stone, and it seems unlikely that any amount of scrubbing will remove it, now, short of carving out the stone.

Unfortunately, before she can get a scraping, the guard, already a bit wierded out by her smelling the stone, asks her, politely, to move along, so he can keep working.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

She gives a polite smile as she is asked to move on.  "It is magically imbued into the stone...I do not think you will get it out with a simple brush."  She shrugs a small amount, and moves over to Kendra and Lilial.  "Shall we continue our little walk?"

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

Frowning slightly at the news that it was magically imbued into the stone, Lilial nodded to Celeste, continuing walking a moment more before asking. "Well...what did you find out, then, Ms. Celeste?  I'm afraid that I'm not precisely the best person to look for clues in such a way.  Mind, I am...fairly good at talking to people and finding things out on that end, but beside that..."

[Jeramiahh]

The guard shrugs. "I'll get it, eventually. Just need to get into it and give it a good scrub," he says, optimistically.

"Yes, I'm curious as to what you discovered, dear," Kendra says, with a smile. "Though, let's head back to my house... I don't like discussing such... unusual things, out in the open."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste nods slightly and turns to walk back to the house without a word, contemplating things as she goes.  There were other things that need to be done as well, but her curiosity was following this Whispering Way now, and would not let up on the mystery.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"But of course, Ms. Kendra...I can wait for a time." The elf said with slight smile, adding as well. "I doubt any other issues are going to come up first, at least."

But she followed back to the house, looking around alertly, just in case something else did come up.  It wouldn't do to relax her vigilance, not given what they had learned thus far.

[Jeramiahh]

The short trip back to the house is uneventful, and, once there, Kendra begins brewing up a pot of tea, for the three of them. "So, tell us, what did you discover?" she asks of Celeste.

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste shrugs slightly, cocking her hip slightly as she leans against one of the counters and folding her arms.  "I could wish that we had been there earlier.  There was a lingering trace of magic imbued into the stone, but I was unable to discern the intent or form of the magic.  As for the blood...all I could smell was soap, stone and sweaty guard, only the hint of the old, dried, thoroughly scrubbed blood.  Not enough to determine what kind."  She gave a odd quirk of a smile, "but with the lingering magic, I sincerely doubt it was some teenagers pulling a prank."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

The elf nodded slowly, frowning slightly, and then paused. "Well, I think your surmise to be accurate.  Unless, of course, these pranksters are skilled with magic themselves...which I somehow doubt.  But it is possible.  Now, as to other things...should we visit the temple of Pharasma?  I am...concerned, to be perfectly honest.  Has the graveyard been consecrated?  If not, do you think we might be able to get the Professor's grave consecrated, on the chance that this Whispering Way is about?  I'm sorry, but...I would not want to see him turned into a servant of such...people."

[Jeramiahh]

"True," Kendra says. "I haven't heard anything, but one of those scoundrels might have learned a few magic tricks. I wouldn't have put it past my father to teach them, either." Kendra sets the pot on the stove, to boil. "I... I'm not sure, about the graveyard, to be honest. I suspect it has been, but I also believe that the consecration needs regular renewal, doesn't it? And, of course, that would be horrific."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

Celeste considers that for some time before nodding slightly.  "Shall we go and pester the old man, then, and see what he can tell us of the graveyard and any...goings on about town?"

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"I...would be surprised if the professor taught anyone that he thought might misuse his teachings, myself.  And as for the consecration...I believe you're right, now that I think on it.  Unfortunately, I was trained as a paladin...I don't remember the specifics of the priestly side of things as much." Lilial said, shrugging slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.  She considered a moment and then asked. "But what might we ask the priest?  I'm afraid I've forgotten his name...Father...Grim-something, I think.  But what would we ask him?  Perhaps we could ask if we could check on this...cache of his, that the Professor mentioned?  Or look in the library for information on this Whispering Way there?  Then there are the questions as to why they chose here...or rather, he said they were near Harrowstone...might they have used that as a base of operations?  I don't know if the locals go near there at all."

[Jeramiahh]

"Ahh, father Grimburrow? Yes, I imagine he's in the temple... it's early evening, so he's likely preparing for the evening service, with the setting of the sun," Kendra explains. "And, no, people don't go to Harrowstone, any more. Not except for children on dares," she says, shaking her head. "But, I do agree, we should do something."

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

"I...do not know that further research will help us much at the moment.  It may help us to learn of what has happened in the past, but it will not help us much in regards to what is going on at the moment.  I am more concerned about now...what events have we not heard of?  What is going on at Harrowstone?  What is out there?  I think these are things that Father Grimburrow may be able to answer that the library cannot."

She nods, more to herself than anything.  "Let us repair to the temple, then, and see what we may find.  Though...perhaps it may be best overall if we did not mention the cache of supplies as of yet.  It may be that he is unaware of them or may become worried over outsiders knowledge of such existing."

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"True enough.  Well, why don't we find out if there are any foresters or such who can tell us if anything is going on out in the woods first?  I mean...you'd think that someone would notice.  Otherwise, I don't know what else we can ask about, aside from what you've already suggested, Ms. Celeste."

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra nods at their discussions. "I can ask around, here in town, if anyone's seen anything unusual. I imagine they'll open up more to me than to outsiders. I can visit the tavern, and talk to some people I know well, while you two visit the temple?"

[ShamshielDF]

Celeste Devonshire

The dhampir nods slightly to Kendra's comment, "very well.  Lilial?  Shall we go and see what father Grimburrow has to say about these goings on?"  She gives a slight smile and picks up her travel gear once more, preparing to head out.

[Myrleena]

Lilial Ambersight

"Of course, Miss Celeste.  I do believe such would be a good idea, at least." Lilial replied, smiling slightly as she got to her feet and nodded, ready to follow Celeste to the temple.  Not that she was particularly happy about going to such a place, if she were to be perfectly honest.

[Jeramiahh]

Kendra nods, and departs herself, for the local tavern, to see if she can gather some information herself. The trip to the temple is fairly short, although the women will notice a lack of people in the streets. The only people they see, aside from a single man, hurrying along, quickly, ducking into a house after just a minute, is five little girls, playing jump rope. Nothing unusual, in and of itself... though the words of their song are more than a little... unsettling.

♪  ♪ ♫   Put her body on the bed.               
Take a knife and lop her head.

♬  Watch the blood come out the pipe.       
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe.  ♪

♩ Drops of red so sparkly bright.   
Splatters spell her name just right.   ♪

♫  With a hammer killed his wife.       
   Now he wants to claim your life.  ♩

Tricksy father tells a lie.
Listen close or you will die.      ♪  ♪ ♫