HM's Carrion Crown AP - IC

perrinmiller · Apr 1, 2011

Firvinianna Laali, Half Drow Elven Sorceress

Frivinianna listens politely during the funeral service and the priest’s browbeating sermon, secretly applauding the way the man commands his power and respect.

Not really concerned over the rituals of sharing eulogies, she stands to offer herself to the public’s attention. Not willing to share any personal stories over herself, she offers to sing in his memory. The first song is an elven funeral dirge, full of emotion and sadness at first but ending with feelings of peace and hope at the end. She sings it exquisitely.

Feeling a little emboldened, she introduces a second song, “The Professor enjoyed to hear me perform, and we discussed some of the songs in my repertoire. This one was a favorite of his, but please forgive me if you think it inappropriate. You can discuss the matter with him should you meet him again in the afterlife.”

The song is a humorous ballad about a troublesome girl getting into mischief and her over protective father clumsily trying to keep up with her shenanigans. She often thought humor was a better medicine that tears for dealing with grief.

Perform (Sing) (1d20+6=26)
Diplomacy (1d20+6=10)
___________________________________________

Firvinianna Laali

GlassEye · Apr 1, 2011

Gregori Ostov - Ranger/Alchemist

Gregori finds himself tapping along with the humorous song and trying not to grin. When the cheerful notes die away he clears his throat. "The Professor was a good man. He helped me when I needed it and that started a friendship of correspondence that lasted for several years. His letters, like the man, were always full of wit and guided me in directions of research that I would never have considered on my own. I'll miss his wisdom and friendship."

Satin Knights · Apr 2, 2011

Telepathically to Toddy, "Pay attention to the crowd and to which seem to understand what spells I am casting. They will be the ones that don't looked shocked. Hopefully they will stifle their chuckles. Gonna have some fun dropping in a little superstitious fear into these farm hands." "ok"

Marshan steps forward to speak. "Back in my military days, Professor, you taught me defense and protection. I am grateful. Today, I bring you a gift." He moves aside his cloak to reveal a young tree with its roots in a belt pouch. "This young yew has agreed to stand watch over and protect you in your long sleep through the centuries." He takes his dagger out, kneels a couple feet from the end of the burial plot, and starts digging a small hole. Planting the tree and packing the dirt back around it, he stands again. Adressing the crowd, "Erastil teaches us that the circle of life cannot be broken. We grow and prosper from that which came before us. Without respecting that which we came from, we come to not respect ourselves." Turning towards the plot, "This yew tree shall stand as guardian over you and protect you my friend." Switching to elvish for a few words, and with a grand wave of the hand, Marshan's holy symbol and forehead rune glow in a white light. The crowd feels a little healthier and the grass and young tree look a bit greener. Focusing on the tree, "To protect you in your duties..,", Returning to elvish, he kneels and touches the tree with one hand. His rune flaring a second and then third time. After a third incantation, he focuses his attention directly on the sapling, while his left hand slips beneath his cloak. "Stand watch over our dear professor, and protect him and all those in this cemetery that are here to rest." The sapling twists as if to face Marshan, and bends a branch in salute, before returning to its natural position. Marshan returns the salute, and then stands, looking at the crowd. "Anyone else have some words to share?" [sblock=actions] Channel Positive Energy 1d6, Mage Armor upon the sapling, followed immediately by Mage Hand. Maintain concentration for the Mage Hand, giving the sapling his orders, and then twist, wave a branch, and slowly untwist. Fulling expecting casters to chuckle while peasants gasp. Bluffing, but yew trees are the protectors of the dead.[/sblock]

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 2, 2011

[sblock=OOC]Diplomacy (1d20=18)[/sblock]

Halál nods respectfully at Marshan as he finishes his ritual. Very impressive. Strange magics Erastil grants his followers! He stands over the grave and begins to speak. His voice is quiet, his words plain, and as he finishes his short eulogy tears well in his eyes.

"Though my appearance says otherwise, I'm a simple man. Throughout my life, I've been searching for my purpose, for the reason Pharasma granted me a place on this world. When I met Professor Lorrimor two years ago, he gave me the first glimmerings of understanding of that purpose. I've been proud to call him a friend since that day we met, and will mourn his loss the rest of my days." He turns to speak directly to the body in the coffin. "The world has lost a little of its color with your passing, my friend. Pharasma will judge you fairly, and you will go to your just reward."

HolyMan · Apr 2, 2011

The locals watch and listen to the group in a mix of feelings. The are truly shocked by Marshan's display and the little "alive" tree. But when the eulogies are complete and they turn to leave everyone notices a few smiles and nods of approval. (+1 Trust)

Kendra stands looking at the filled grave of her father a few moments as if silently saying one last good bye. She turns to the group and after wiping her eyes she says, "Thank you, thank you all. I feel a little better that people who knew my father are here to share in my loss. I don't feel as alone." she nearly whispers the last, new tears filling her eyes.

Standing straight and clearing away the tears she says a bit more firmly as if she is finally taking hold of herself. "Well you have all come and the councilman said he would come by the house, so we should make for there and wait. And then you all should stay for dinner. It is the least I could do, but I must get home and tell Verda right away. She will kill me if I bring home friends of my father and give her no time to prepare."

With that Kendra bids everyone to follow her back to the Lorrimor House.

The trip takes a little over a half an hour as The Restlands are north of town and the Lorrimor House is south of it. But instead of traveling through town Kendra takes the group around to avoid the locals and anymore superstition. Everyone is quiet as they each wonder what the Professor's will has to say about them.

HolyMan · Apr 2, 2011

The Lorrimor house is an old Ustalavian style abode of two stories. From the numerous windows on the outside it must house a lot of rooms. Kendra takes the group into the parlor and then excuses herself. She returns shortly stating everything for dinner has been arranged and she sits making light talk as the group waits.

If asked about the will she tells everyone she knows nothing about it or that her father had one.

If asked if she is alright she confesses that she is confused and even feels a little lost now in the world alone, but perhaps the will may have some answers.

It is almost exactly an hour to the minute when the portly councilman comes to the Lorrimor House to do his duty as arbitrator of the Professor's will. As Kendra leads him into the parlor where the rest of you sit and relax he seems to sniff. It takes no skill to notice he does not approve of strangers being involved in this, but he takes to his duties very seriously.

After noting that all parties are present he produces a sealed scroll bearing the Professor's personal seal. Showing everyone it is unbroken, and not tampered with, he proceeds. Breaking the seal and opening the case.

*clank* *clink* *clink*

A small iron key falls from the scroll case, but the councilman seems undaunted by it. Looking to be done with his business and be gone quickly he unrolls the scroll and begins to read aloud.

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 ones 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 4711.

Kendra looks to the group and says, "I believe I know the trunk it talks about." Standing she thanks the councilman and escorts him out of the house.

HolyMan · Apr 2, 2011

Kendra returns a few minutes later an small chest in her arms (at leats this collection of books isn't a cart load) she sits the chest down on the table and hands Marshan the key. "These were left to all of you," she states. "One of you should have the honor."

The iron bound oak chest opens to reveal a set of five books. Four of the books look old and worn while the fifth book which is atop the others looks to have been recently rebound and covered.

The new looking books leather cover has the words "Read this first" ominously scratched into it. As the party takes out and examines the five books Kendra speaks up.

"I must get ready for dinner, please excuse me for a few moments." she says and leaves to freshen up before dinner.

The group alone with their mysterious charge start to page through most of the books as they wait for dinner to be ready...

For the next hour the group discovers a lot but are left with more questions than answers. Of the five books the newest is (was) the Professor's journal, and is not one of the books he spoke of in his will the other four however...

Three of the books have notes tucked into them saying they should be delivered to one Montagnie Crowl, a professor in antiquities at Lepidstadt University. These books include -

On Verified Madness: This jet-black book is a treatise on aberrations and other entities found on Golarion that possess remote ties to the Dark Tapestry, the name given to the dark places between the stars in the night sky.

Serving Your Hunger: This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa. Lorrimor's notations liberally sprinkle the margins.

The Umbral Leaves: This lexicon is a translation into Common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.

The fourth book is locked (the keyhole of which appears to be for a key with a strange triangular shaft). Pinned to it's dark purple felt cover is a note saying that it should be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse. The note asks for this delivery to be handled discreetly and gives the address to the judges home address. On the front of the book is a brass scarab set with a single eye.

In the journal it looks like the Professor marked off distinct passages as most of the reading is rather bland day to day activities of the small town of Ravengro. When everyone is ready they each get a chance to read the entries.

[sblock=Professor's Journal]
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: (last entry)
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don't have time to update my will, so I'll leave this in the chest where it'll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.[/sblock]

Soon Kendra reenters the room. "Is everyone ready for dinner?" she asks with a smile.

perrinmiller · Apr 3, 2011

Firvinianna Laali, Half Drow Elven Sorceress

Firvinianna, after spending some time getting to know the others during the walk, is very contemplative when it comes time to read the will and then the books left by the Professor. Frequently she is heard muttering in elven tongue as she peruses the passages.

With Kendra's announcement of dinner being served, she wonders where the time went, “Dinner? Oh, yes, of course. Thank you."

As they others are making ready to adjourn to the dining room, Firvin asks, "Sorry to ask this question on the day of his burial, but how did your father die?”

___________________________________________

Firvinianna Laali

GlassEye · Apr 3, 2011

Gregori Ostov - Ranger/Alchemist

Despite his appearance as a rather uneducated warrior Gregori eagerly delves into the Professor's journal. He reads then hands the book off while he sits and ponders on the writings concerning the Professor's latest work. Before he has a chance to discuss the work with the others in the room, others seemingly tied to the Professor as firmly as he himself, Kendra returns to the room and asks about dinner.

Gregori blinks owlishly as he processes the different topic then pushes out of his chair and says, "Yes. I would welcome a bit of food." When Firvin asks about the Professor's death he looks thoughtfully at the elf then waits for the answer from Kendra.

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 3, 2011

Halál Árnyéka - Tengu Emissary 01

Halál's eyes take on an eager gleam as he examines the books. While he waits for his turn at the Professor's journal he turns the other books over in his hands, running fingers over the spines and covers. He begins to thumb through On Verified Madness, then gives a start and looks about as though afraid he'll be caught. He shrugs and gives a gape-beaked sheepish grin before delving back in.

When his turn at the journal comes around he reluctantly sets aside the treatise he'd been reading to take it up. Awareness of his surroundings fades once again as he loses himself in the writings of his friend. He looks thoughtful as he passes the journal to Marshan.