JJJ's Haunting of Harrowstone

[jjj54]

"I think Mirta might be right," Kendra added as Pevrin and the councilwoman took their leave; Pevrin to continue his tour of the posts and Mirta to set up the meeting. "Considering all that's happened so far, people are probably starting to take notice of you. Divided or together, I think that unless you intend to sneak about town at night the townsfolk will gossip about what you are up to."

"Otherwise, speaking to Father Grimburrow beforehand does sound like the best course of action. That way, if anything should be found in the crypt, we can at least bring what we've found to him to show that my father was correct about their presence."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Then let us not waste any more time. Let us find Father Grimburrow."

[Sarone]

"Likewise, we can see if he is willing to help us find out about the people who had died up at Harrowstone," Kaythek adds. "The Mentor said the brigands were after some one who was there. He believed it might have been someone held there."

[stack]

"Then let us be off. Kendra, would you be kind enough to lead the way?" Augustin holds out his arm once again.

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Trying to be good about remembering the whole can't see past 30 ft" thing.

[jjj54]

"Of course Augustin," she says as she takes it.

Using the side path, across the river from the main portion of town, you make it to the elaborate temple with little trouble. If you take the time to look across the waters, you'd find a small crowd forming outside around the Ravengro jail. Not a lynch mob thankfully, but definately a crowd of people who are aghast at the news of Gibs' late night excursion. As you make your way up the church's steps an acolyte rushes out to greet you.

"Father Grimburrow told me that he'd be expecting a visit from you. This way please."

Inside the church is only lit by torches as the afternoon sun has past the stained glass mural of Pharasma's judgement. In the main antechamber Father Grimburrow waits for you along with his two most senior acolytes.

"Mirta told me about your help this morning with the desecration of the statue. I'm heading there myself to see to the proper cleansing of the site. She also mentioned that you might have something to speak with me about..."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Kendra? Augustin? If you would?"

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric walks into the church along with the rest of the group, expecting to speak only if questioned.

Best to leave this to Augustin. It's a church matter, after all.

[stack]

Augustin steps forward. "Of course." He bows politely to Father Grimburrow.

"I am Augustin, of house Dragos, fellow servant of the Lady of Graves. As you know, my companions and I have been gathered here, as friends of the late Professor Lorrimar. In the reading of his will, dark tidings where uncovered."

<recap of journal>

"So you can understand our coming here, especially in light of this mornings events and the terrors that swept the dreams of the entire town last night. It is regrettable that the professor did not approach you directly in this matter. If there is any light you can shed on this matter, regarding the Whispering Way, Harrowstone, or the false crypt, it is of the utmost importance. With your permission, we would like to investigate this false crypt forthwith. Our findings shall be presented to the council meeting that is now being organized. I will personally insure that we will, of course, exercise all possible respect for the restlands."

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diplomacy (1d20+5)[6] can I get an aid another, possible a situation modifier for religion and being really nice, as well as a noble?

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"We understand if you may be hesitant, Father. If it turns out the Professor was wrong, what we would be doing could be considered desecration. Hence, why we came to you. The last thing any of us wish to do is offend Pharasma's holy will. As an Inquisitor, though not of your faith, I shall do my best to ensure no heresy is committed in this endeavor.

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Morcaine will make a Diplomacy check of her own: (1d20+7)[22]

Even if I get a 1 it'll still be better than Augustin's roll.

[Sarone]

Kaythek half listened to Augustin's speech and recap of what was happening, taking in the architecture of the cathedral and staring at the stained glass window of a lady and someone kneeling before her. Hmm. Wonder what is the story behind that, wondered Kaythek, taking a moment to look at Father Grimburrow and the two fellow priests, all three of whom looked mildly annoyed at the Oracle's droning. He goes on much longer and the next Father will be buried.

Once Augustin was done, finally, Morcaine went on her spiel. However, unlike the previous times, she kept it short and sweet, which probably won over Father Grimburrow. Nodding at her delivery, Kaythek crossed his arms and leaned against a pillar, careful not to cause anything to fall over. "I believe it should be pointed out, Father, that the Mentor, Professor Lorrimor, already went in there, with or without your permission. By the same token, we are asking your blessing to go in the crypt, not permission, and eventually we'll be going to Harrowstone."

Kaythek looked at Morcaine and Augustin, sticking a thumb and emphasizing their point. "They want you permission to go in there." Kaythek then pointed his thumb to himself.
"Personally, I, myself, would just as well go in there in the middle of the night and get what is in there, if there was anything. But we don't need to make enemies of potential allies. If you'd like, you can have us be accompanied by a few of you fellow priests to ensure we don't desecrate the crypt. Doesn't much matter to me in the end."

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Aid to Morcaine's Diplomacy Roll: (1d20+7)[16]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric steps forward.

"Father, I am Ulric Izzorden, from Wissant, and a servant of Sarenrae. As you can see, we all come to you with differing views on how to request your help with what we perceive is a threat to the well-being of the folk of Ravengro. However, I can vouch that everyone here is of an honest heart and fair mind. I ask you to consider Augustin's plea in that light."

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Diplomacy aid another (1d20+7)[10]

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome chooses to remain silent, as she has done. Religious, elderly, possibly senile, possibly misguided. Best to say nothing. Some people in small hinterland villages do not appreciate the magnificence that a doctorate bestows. She continues to grumble to herself, only half listening to the conversation.

[jjj54]

It’s a near thing, a very near thing as Grimburrow weighs the enormity of the situation with the information with what is essentially an admittance that Petros stole from the church. On one hand these people might be in the greatest position to help. On the other, they may also could just be another band of fortune hunters. Finally, however, he speaks.

“Though I can’t condone Petros’s actions in this case, I can commend yours. It is possible that there is a false tomb out in the cemetery, but I have never heard of it before. I will allow you to pursue the matter, but I would like to send two actolytes along with you to ensure there are no descecrations.”

“I’ll also open the church’s records to your perusal. You might find something in there that you can use… But for now I must be off. Good evening gentlemen and ladies.”

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Congrats, you’ve earned two trust points. The records at the church provide a +4 bonus on checks relating to Harrowstone (knowledge: histoy and local). It also means that you can perform a new check each day to discover something new. The downside is, however, that the amount of information in the records will take an entire day to decipher. Obviously it’s too late to begin tonight, but there is still time to investigate the false tomb before it becomes too dark.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric bows his head in a gesture of thanks.

Phew. A good thing we didn't decide to go behind his back. Much better to have the clergy's help than their displeasure.

As the priest departs, Ulric motions to the group.

"Let's go now, before the sun sets. Hopefully we can have this done while we still have daylight."

[stack]

Augustin bows as well. "Thank you father, you have been of the greatest assistance. We will not misuse your trust."

At Ulric's statement, he nods and begins turning to the door, before stopping. "Let us depart at once. After we introduce ourselves to the acolytes who will be assisting us."

(assuming they were present for the initial introductions, if not making them again)
"You have heard our names and know our purposes. We are all very grateful for your aid. Please, come with us now so that the immediate matter can be settled quickly."

[Sarone]

Kaythek bows as Father Grimburrow gives them their blessing and an escort. As Ulric and Augustin start introductions with the two acolytes, and idea occurred to Kaythek. "While I agree we should head to the false crypt as soon as possible," Kaythek says as he looks to the others and then at Father Grimburrow, "what ever is in there can wait a bit longer. If you would like, though I speak only for myself, Father Grimburrow, I can help you with the reconsecration of the memorial." Kaythek looks at the rest of the Augustin and the others. "Would we need to head out as soon as possible? Or can we provide help with the reconsecration of the memorial?"

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While it will be good to head out asap, can we help with the reconsecration of the memorial first? This way it won't be too much of a hassle with the church and it will show some good faith. Also, it may allow us to clear the late Mentor's name and provide a view as to his actions and reasoning behind them.

[SanguinePenguin]

Visiting with a stuffy old priest sounded boring, so Tamara opted to go on an adventure! She wandered about Ravengro, exploring. She saw a crowd at one point, though was sorely disappointed to learn that they weren't doing anything fun. Ultimately, she heads into the rest lands to look for ghosts.

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Tamara is just drifting. She'll find you in the restlands.

[stack]

Augustin is briefly surprised by Kaythek's insightful suggestion, then mentally chides himself. Haven't known him long, but I should have remembered he is far more insightful than his manner and appearance suggest.

He follow after Father Grimburrow. "Father, if you permit, I would be honored to aid you in the reconsecration of the memorial. I have some divine abilities, though I am not above using soapy water and a brush for the initial steps. I have the utmost confidence in my companions. Ulric and Morcaine have both been known to me for some time, both good and true, so I have no worry of any sacrilege. Will you have me?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine looks over who's still there, checking to see if everyone going to the Restlands was ready.

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In other words, *punt* GET GOIN' DAMMIT!

[jjj54]

Strait away Hadrin and Celeste lead most of the group to the Restlands. Away from the church, Celeste is quick to drop any pretenses of being on an official mission for the church and converse with you.

"So are you really sure there's some false crypt in the cemetary?"

As you reach the Restlands both of your guides stop to trace a spiraling pattern on their hearts before entering. Once past the gates the two acolytes stop, surprised to find Tamara already there. But after the initial shock wears off they both look to you to lead them to the crypt itself.

"Lead the way," Hadrin says in a gravelly voice.

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According to the journal the crypt is located in the northeastern corner of the Restlands, not too far from where the late professor was buried. I'll need perception checks.

****

"I must say," says Father Grimburrow as he heads to the memorial with Augustin, Kendra and his two helpers in tow, "considering your insistence on getting out to the crypt as soon as possible, I was surprised that you decided not to come observe the ceremony. You are a worshiper of our Mistress, are you not?"

[stack]

Augustin smiles at the old priest. "Yes indeed. Our lady gifted me some years ago, giving me the power to drive off the abominations that where attaching my parents village. I acted as an informal priest until the village was abandoned."

"As for coming to the ceremony, my friends are more than capable to investigate the crypt. I thought aiding you would help show the community that we are here to help, not just random troublemakers and treasure-seekers stirring-up matters. I fear we have challenges ahead that will require the good will of the people. And if not, there is no harm in helping others."

"Besides, I could hardly let a monument to the fine souls who lost their lives at Harrowstone remain desecrated, could I?" He turns away, a shadow passing over his face when he thinks of his new friends entering the crypt without him, but swiftly banished by the confidence he has in them, if not himself.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Strait away Hadrin and Celeste lead most of the group to the Restlands. Away from the church, Celeste is quick to drop any pretenses of being on an official mission for the church and converse with you.

"So are you really sure there's some false crypt in the cemetary?"

As you reach the Restlands both of your guides stop to trace a spiraling pattern on their hearts before entering. Once past the gates the two acolytes stop, surprised to find Tamara already there. But after the initial shock wears off they both look to you to lead them to the crypt itself.

"Lead the way," Hadrin says in a gravelly voice.

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According to the journal the crypt is located in the northeastern corner of the Restlands, not too far from where the late professor was buried. I'll need perception checks.

Morcaine

"It's plausible, at least to me. Pharasma's faithful here must always be on their guard so the dead remain where they belong, but storing such tools openly would imply that it's guaranteed to happen at some point. Hiding them would allow the church to find them when trouble did come calling," says Morcaine.

When they reach the Restlands, she says, "Follow me."

She starts looking for the crypt described by the journal.

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Perception check: (1d20+7)[25]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric walks along, silently. He greets Tamara at the entrance of the Restlands, with a mind to reassure the two acolytes.

"Very timely, Tamara, that's great. As you can see, we are officially sanctioned by Father Grimburrow to explore this false crypt. Celeste and Hadrin here will be able testify that everything we do is good and proper."

He starts looking around for the crypt.

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Aid another Perception [roll]1d20-1[roll]

[Sarone]

Kaythek nods to the escorts as they leave the cathedral. It's good to be moving, Kaythek thinks as the group heads out. Though it would be nice to have Augustin with us, it is good to show these people what we are. Gods and Goddesses of Battle, bless us in our endeavor, Kaythek thought, sending upa private prayer.

As they moved to the Restlands, the acolyte known as Celeste asks the group a question concerning the crypt. After hearing Morcaine's view, Kaythek voiced his. "It makes sense. Especially with the prison nearby. If some one or some group wanted revenge on the prison or the village, then there would be a ready army at their beck and call. Wouldn't take much to get them to be active." Looking around, Kaythek walks over to Celeste and holds up a hand to his face in a stage whisper. "Besides, the Mentor, Professor Lorrimor, was always curious and mindful. If he knew about it and didn't say anything, he was doing it out of concern and trying to protect the village."

As the group went into the Restlands, Kaythek saw the two acolytes stare at something, then hear Ulric's explanation to Tamara. Smiling a wide, toothy grin, Kaythek let's out a laugh and looks at the Acolytes again. "As you can see, the Proffessor kept with alot of strange and interesting people. That's probably why we were sent for in case anything happened to him. but, it could just be something simple." Not really, Kaythek thought, his mind going dark as he considered what was said in the Mentor's Journal. But better to give them the impression it was just a local problem. We don't know everything just yet.

As Morcaine led the group to the false crypt, Kaythek recited the location again from the journal. "The Mentor said it was at Eversleep and the Black Path, Morcaine." Looking to the Acolytes, Kaythek held a hand out. "Being that I'm not from around here, would you lead the way? Like it's been mentioned, the crypt should be there."

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Perception check of (1d20+4)[16]

(OOC: Can we get a description of the two acolytes?)

[jjj54]

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Celeste and Hadrin are both dressed in common Pharasmin vestments; high-collared long sleeved robes that reach nearly to the ground without being long enough to drag along it and accented by vials of holy water tucked into their brown belts. Hadrin is the older of the two and looks to be approaching 40 or 50 winters and has prominent white streaks in the brown of his beard and head hair. His dour personality only makes him seem older. Celeste is clearly his opposite in both experience and personality. Blonde haired and green eyed, she is young, just barely out of her teenage years. She's also very friendly and acts with none of the nun-like severity that some of the older women in the church come to possess.

Celeste nods along, clearly thrilled to be let in on all of this rather juicy information. As Kaythek leans in to whisper, her smile becomes even wider as this all lends an air of conspiracy.

"Protect us from what, pray tell?" she asks as Hadrin clears his throat rather audibly to return the girl's focus to the task at hand.

When Kaythek holds out his hand, Celeste looks puzzled, obviously not getting what he is implying until Hadrin steps up and takes his hand to lead him. Even with Kaythek's help in recalling the general location, Morcaine's sense of direction seems uncannily accurate as her chosen path leads right up to a mausoleum with a pair of leering gargoyles flanking the roof. The granite door of the mausoleum looks normal, but a closer inspection reveals that the lock had been melted by acid in the recent past and later reset to simply look like it was still locked to the casual observer. Most likely this was the work of the Professor on his first and only visit.

****

"Hmmm... Well if great challenges are in your future, perhaps you will learn something that will help you in your struggles."

As the small group round the corner near Gib's house, word of the consecration has clearly gotten out. A small crowd, not the whole town obviously, but enough clearly show that the ennui of Gib's madness and the troubled sleep hasn't drained away all of the town's spirit. The statue has been washed clean and in fact looks much better than it has in years.

A hush falls over them as Father Grimburrow and his helpers head towards the statue, leaving Augustin and Kendra back behind the line created by Benjan and his deputies. With the eyes of the town upon him, Grimburrow raises his arms and begins a sonorous chant.

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Stack, I'm going to need a religion check from you.

[stack]

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know religion (1d20+4)[17] trained

I'll edit in more later

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I'll take point," Morcaine says as she opens the door.

[SanguinePenguin]

"That's great, Ulric! There don't appear to be any ghosts around right now." Tamara says with a smile before following Morcaine's lead through the Restlands.

***

Tamara smiles wide (largely at the prospect of fighting a ghost), draws her very large sword and follows Morcaine into the crypt.

[Sarone]

Kaythek nodded to the acolytes, though he wasn't going for being hand lead by to the crypt. Interesting place, Kaythek thought as they looked at the mausoleum. Interesting decoration. The gargoyles are known in Magnimar, used for warding off evil.

As Morcaine and the group discovered the damaged lock, Kaythek goes up to it and gently pulls on the lock. Looking to the acolytes, Kaythek nods to them, then turns to the doors, draws his falchion. Hearing Morcaine saying she wants to go ahead first, Kaythek nods. "I'll back you up, then," Kaythek says as he gently and respectfully opens one of the doors, thinking a silent prayer. Gorum, grant us strength in our trials, to better ourselves as we seek to better each other. Erastil, grant us your wisdom, to show us the path that The Mentor left us.

[jjj54]

Flanked by his helpers, Grimburrow is chanting in what you can tell is celestial tongue, even though you can't understand the words. As one the three circle the monument, the two acolytes pour twin circles of silver on the ground while Grimburrow traces a third, unseen circle with his skane. With the prepwork done the trio return once again to the front of the statue to begin their real work.

In the moment of complete silence you swear you could hear a distant buzzing.

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If you choose, you can figure out what spells are being cast using detect magic and three spellcraft checks.

****

With the doors open you step into the musty crypt. Thankfully you aren't greeted with the stench of the interred dead. Whats left of the late afternoon light steams in behind you and reveals two more leering gargoyles, facing each other in eternal challenge. Though barely visible through the dust on the floor, you can make out the image of an owl resting upon an open book.

The dust also makes it clear that a lone individual preceded you to this place relatively recently. With so many people it's a little hard to keep track of the new and old footprints, but Tamara's eyes can easily pick out the path the professor used. While she focuses on that, however, she fails to notice what Morcaine and Ulric do; a flash of movement in the darkened left-hand portal of the room beyond. It's too quick to make out what it was before it's swallowed by the darkness, but it was big.

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