"My axe is downstairs. As soon as I get that, I'm all set. What else could we possibly need?" He flexed his bicep slightly and looked down at it, nodding to himself in approval. "'Sides, the longer we wait, the more time we give whoever or whatever's there time to prepare for us as well. Either way, I don't care" Airyc shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. He didn't actually have a strong opinion; he did better with instruction generally.
"Well my vote is to sleep here for the night and set out first thing tomorrow. I don't know about you guys, but I had a long walk in today, and could use the rest." It was really more of a statement than advice, as LeCroix had already gathered his things and was speaking as he walked towards the stairs to find a room to settle in for the night. "If you all want to go gallivanting around Harrowstone tonight, just come wake me up, and I'll join you."
"Well then I guess it's settled," Cranea said finally, "you all rest after the long day and we'll head over to Harrowstone tomorrow before daybreak."
Cranea walks over to Kendra and gently touches her shoulder. "You must rest too, today has been harder on you than the rest of us. We will try not to wake you in the morning, but we also promise that we will tell you about anything we find tomorrow."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
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TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited March 2012
Valagard:
As you scan the book, you notice its contents are written in a code or dialect that even the priests of Ioun are unfamiliar with. Some images contained in the book seem strangely out of place compared to the other tomes, as well as containing detailed depictions of a number of ancient ceremonies (perhaps either magical or mundane).
Kendra looks surprised at Kledge's fascination with her father's antique clock. Though not wanting something of her father's legacy to be broken, she could see the young man's enthusiasm with the artifact, something very reminiscent of her father before he retired.
"I...very well, but I suggest you do so in the morrow. Wouldn't want you to lose any pieces in candlelight,n ow would we? That would be most dreadful..."
Kendra accepts Cranea's sincerity. "I...I appreciate your kind gesture, fair Cranea. But at least now I can see why my father consider you his most loyal and faithful. I myself have prepared your beds yesterday morning. Should I awake early, I will treat you all to some delicious breakfast. You are after all my guests..."
With that, everyone said their good nights, and the young Lorrimor escorts each one of the heroes to their respective bedrooms. Each room was lavish (though modest for a manse this size) in design, with beds so soft, none of you whom could really think if it had a rival (though Cranea had some troubles sleeping on something so artificial than her forest home). Indeed, for some a mere month of this luxury wouldn't be such a bad idea...
As you sleep and darkness takes you in though, you feel a strange sensation within the deep recesses of your minds....
But just as it suddenly appeared, so too has it dissipated, returning you back to your slumber. For a new day soon dawns...
End of Prologue
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TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited May 2012
Chapter 1: Strange days in Ravengro
Day 1
Dawn soon arrives, marking today your 1st 'proper' day in the small town of Ravengro. Though it was daytime, very little sunlight made its way through each of your windows. Those waking early or wanting to look out of the window soon realize that it was foggy. Though not dense, it gave the town an ethereal look, as the fog shrouded most of the land. Thankfully though, it wasn't thick, as you could see the riverbank hundreds of feet away, however, the fog blocked out the sun, making it impossible to determine what time it was. You could also hear a commotion in the house below, the rustling of someone moving about in the kitchen; no doubt Kendra has woken up even earlier than our heroes...
Darius and Kledge:
Passive Perception (17): Pass
If you check out of your window, in the distance, near the river, you can see a gathering (and hear a commotion) of Ravengro's citizens near a 25-foot-tall, moss-covered stone statue south west of the Lorrimor Residence. From the distant cries and shouts, it seems something is amiss there...
Years of militia and wilderness guide service have trained LeCroix's body to wake up especially early, despite his best efforts to counteract this learned behavior. Grunting in annoyance that he is yet again up early, he pulls on his gear and heads towards the kitchen, calling ahead,
"Kendra, its LeCroix. Hope your decent in there." As he enters the kitchen, he starts, "Never a dull moment in Ravengro, huh? Townsfolk already have their panties in a wad over something new. Something near a statue to our Southwest. Anything we need to be concerned about?"
Cranea stretches as she heads into the kitchen, her sleep was fretful due to her unfamiliarity with sleeping on cushions. She thought that she had also experienced . . . something while asleep, but it didn't seem very urgent to bring up now. "Oh my goodness, I haven't slept in a bed in ages. It's something I'll have to get used to," Cranea said yawning, "whatever you're cooking smells absolutely delightful Kendra, what is it?"
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
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GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
Drellethenne lurched upright at the clatter of plates from the next room. His bleary grey eyes moved from confusion to panic as he quickly pushed the empty brandy bottles under the armchair he'd fallen asleep in. Moving toward the sound of conversation he stumbled into the kitchen, his neck making an audible crack as he stretched.
"Oof, never been so stiff..." He paused as he realised what he'd said. "Er, not like that." LeCroix must be rubbing off on me.
The dwarf eventually makes an appearance as well, fully geared up and having shouldered her hammer as usual. She's not an early riser as such, preferring to stay up well past midnight and sleeping until noon to make up for it, but the prospect of going to Harrowstone has instilled a certain eagerness in her that trumps her habits. "Good morning," Valagard says to no one in particular as she peers into the kitchen, her interest in breakfast apparently a passing one at most.
Airyc made his way to the kitched a good half hour after everyone had assembled. He wasn't used to sleeping on such a comfortable bed, so his body tried to make the most of it. As he entered, he locked his fingers together over his head and gave a great big stretch, causing a cascade of cracks and a sigh of pleasure.
"Man, I felt like I was sleeping on a sack of angels last night," he said into the various cupboards he left open in his search for something to munch on. "
Kledge groggily staggered into the kitchen as breakfast was still being made, yawning and asking "Anyone else get woken up by those annoying people yelling out by the statue? Also, you wouldnt happen to have any more coffee would you? I stayed up a bit to late examining that fascinating clock of your fathers."
"Oh no, are the townsfolk at it again?" Cranea said with a visible slump to her posture.
"I guess we should go see what's going on before another mob is incited against us. Maybe there was a stillborn calf born or something and they blame it on the mysterious strangers."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
"They were off to the south near a large statue. I thought I heard something about an 'anarcho-syndicalist commune'" Kledge shrugs as he starts sipping on some coffee. "Ah, nectar of the gods."
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TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited March 2012
Kendra smiles at Craneas' question regarding the breakfast.
"Why just a little something I cooked up for all of you. I didn't get much sleep last night. What with my Fathers..." she quickly changes the subject. "I've made quite a first day breakfast for all of you. I made poached quail eggs, smothered in a light butter, served with slices of smoked dire boar bacon (a favorite of yours Airyc, if the stories were true) with slices of cut tomatoes, freshly grown and cleansed here in Ravengro. As for you Cranea my dear, I did not know what to make at the moment's notice: would you like the same as the others? Or perhaps you would enjoy a light salad?"
She listens in on Kledge "I do hope it wasn't too much trouble for you, my dear? As for the coffee, you can gladly help to some yourself. I may even teach you how to make some, if you'd like. Its in that cupboard over there," she points to a nearby wooden cupboard. "But do be sparing of it, my father considered it a luxury for the price he paid to ship it from far off Katapesh."
When the questions came regarding the statues came, Kendra merely shrugs. "I too heard the commotion from here. I wouldn't concern myself with it if I were you, you know how some of the rabble are here," she takes a moment to remember the incident at her Father's funeral last night. "Though on the other hand, I saw the sheriff, Benjan Caller, and some of his deputies making their way over there this morning, so it could be something big; he usually sends only his deputies to keep order in town and to investigate minor crimes, so if M'Ser Benjan is there, it has to be quite a crime. As for the statue, I heard it was erected months after the prison was burned to the in that mysterious fire. It was homage to the Head Warden's wife if I recall..."
"Hm, it seems a great many things in this town revolve around that haunted place," Cranea said looking out the window, "we should probably go to just take a look. You'd all be surprised how easily a crowd turns into a rabble."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
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GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
"We should probably get down there before one of the statues decides to fall on someone. Won't take a minute Ms Lorrimor." Continuing to rub the sleep from his eyes, Drell moved toward the door.
LeCroix grabs a plate and piles it up with the delicious food that Kendra has prepared. "I'll just carry this with me on the way down to quell the rabble. I make it a point to never go rabble-quelling on an empty stomach."
Valagard is initially stumped by Cranea's glare; a moment later, though, she makes the connection, and joins her in giving Drell a very pointed look, though the dwarf's tends towards the appalled and bewildered rather than the outright disdainful. "On the one hand," she then says, clearing her throat, "odds are the sheriff has matters well under control, and the breakfast you're preparing sounds most enticing, Miss Kendra: I'd hate to miss it. On the other hand, it might be difficult to get a truthful account of events after the fact, if our previous experience with the people of Ravengro are any indication."
At the mention of Dire Bacon, Airyc grabbed the nearest plate-like object, made a bee-line for the food Kendra had so kindly prepared and starting loading up. The phrase "his eyes were bigger than his stomach" had always confused the Half-orc, and clearly it didn't apply anyways as he began shoveling food into his gaping maw of a mouth. The kitchen was filled with the sound of chewing; he tended to take such big bites his mouth didn't close all the way, and crumbs and 'yummy' sounds fell out when he wasn't paying attention. Airyc consumed his breakfast seemingly lost in his own little world of bacon, but when Drell made his unfortunate comment his jaw stopped working.
He couldn't shout with his mouth full (well he could, but then he risked losing some of the bacon) and so he voiced his displeasure by slapping his hand on the table with a thunderous crack. An evil eye was directed towards Drell, whether he noticed or not.
Witnessing Airyc go after the breakfast spread, Kledge grabs what he can. "I believe LeCroix has a point here. We should find out what this new group of rabble-rousers gets out of hand. And this food it to good to let it get cold." Creating a sandwich of sorts with a loaf he found and the breakfast he could grab, Kledge leaves the kitchen to retrieve his crossbow.
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TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited May 2012
Fortunately for the fallen Eladrin, the remark flew past Kendra, as she was far too good in a mood for once to feel remorse (and was even more happy to have found someone who thoroughly enjoyed one of her meals, even if he was a burly Half-Orc with little table manners).
As the heroes made their way to the commotion, they start to notice small splatters of a thick, red liquid covering the grass no further than 20 feet from the statue's base. It didn't take long to figure out this was blood. In fact, as they come into viewing distance of the statue, they notice the statue itself is covered in the sticky red substance. Those taking their time to inspect the statue, spot a red "V" etched onto the statue's base, with the same red substance. Laying on the ground was a dead, skinless rat and a rusty dagger, whose stomach was gutted completely (with nary a trace of aforementioned guts), leaving a small puddle of blood (or at least what wasn't left used to 'decorate' the statue). The gathered folk stopped their outcries when they saw the heroes, causing them to remain quiet, with the odd whispers. A staunch, gruff and thinly man wearing a simple hat, stands at the base of the statue, looking about for clues.
Image of Sheriff Benjen Caellar:
When he spots you, he turns his focus to the heroes, giving a haughty smile. "So, your the friends of the late Prof. I take it? Name's Benjen Caeller, Sheriff of this here parts. So, lets get to the nitty-gritty stuff, what do you know..."
"AHA! Ya lot return to this here scene of the crime then, eh? I KNEW IT!" a rather familiar voice bursts out from the crowd. interrupting the Sheriff's conversation. Some of the folk disperse, revealing Hephenus to the heroes, whom they could remember as the ringleader of the posse that tried to prevent the Professor's burial.
"So fess up, will ya? I bet it was the witch, or maybe YOU orc!" Hephenus screams, pointing a greasy finger at Airyc...
Airyc snorted at the accusation, "If I wanted to send a message and spook the townspeople here, it'd be your blood and carcass on the statue, not some rat's." He glanced at the Sheriff, "Hypothetically speaking." Apparently, while spending time with Lorimmor, Airyc had picked up a couple of words you wouldn't think to put in his vocabulary, though he had to say the word slowly and with some difficulty.
"Looks like your about to lose that finger, friend. My advice is to leave the orc alone, he can be considerably less friendly if provoked." LeCroix smiles at Hephenus. The smile almost covered up for the fact that LeCroix's hand was moving to be near the hilt of his falchion. Almost.
"Name's LeCroix, sheriff. What we know is that my breakfast was interrupted by a bunch of rube's yelling at a statue. Let me give you an investigative hint, look for someone in town who (1) hates rats, and (2) has a name that starts with V."
"I would never hurt a poor, defenseless rat," Cranea told Hephenus, "you however, I wouldn't mind one way or the other." Cranea then approached Sheriff Caeller, looking the man up and down before extending her hand to him in a somewhat flirtatious manner.
"I am Cranea of the Shudderwood. I'm so glad we have such a competent, an handsome, young sheriff. Please continue with what you were saying. Before this rude gentleman interrupted you." Cranea said while leveling a withering scowl toward Hephenus.
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
The Iounite exhales a silent sigh, and it's all she can do not to roll her eyes at the insolent, bothersome villager. For now she is content to let her more diplomatically-minded companions deal with him and the sheriff – quite uncharacteristically, Valagard can feel her temper beginning to fray at the edges in the face of such ignorant impudence –, rather intensely wishing she'd stayed at the mansion for breakfast instead.
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TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited May 2012
Cowed by Airyc's veiled threats, Hephenus backs away from the party. He wasn't about to leave yet though...
Sheriff Benjen listens to LeCroix's suggestions. "Well now, that reduces my suspects to... two. Unfortunately one's a holy man, and the other's pretty much the mayor of town. One's prone to digging graves and overseein the funerals, and one's scared of seein blood, much less spread it, y'hear. Now why don't ya let an expert such as myself finish before jumpin to conclusions..."
He straightens his back, before continuing with his story. "Was the innkeeper's oldest son Pevrin Elkarid that saw this here mess. Was busy setting up this here morn's daily messages on the postin poles when he heard Old River barking at this here statue. Now Old River see, he's the town's... mascot, fer lack of a better word. A dog long past his prime days, who normally sleeps the rest of his doggone days at our town's main square, stood up from his mornin' nap and started sniffin' this here statue. Now Pevrin, curious that he is, went to take a gander, and saw this here mess," he stops, indicating the blood spilled all over the grass and the statue proper, "He immediately went to tell his old man and myself. After that, well, is history as them historians put it. Only thing missin' of course is the reason behind this. A practical joke?"
Hephenus, in one desperate attempt at defiance, snaps at the Sherriff. "Well, isn't it obvious Benjen?! Throw that damn book of Justice at 'em! These here fellers did it, I mean who else of us law abidin..."
Sheriff Benjen snaps back at Hephenus remark. "That's SHERIFF Benjen to you, Hephenus. Last I checked, I'm the one with the badge here, not you. So I call the shots here, got it? Now I suggest you keep quiet, or I'll take you in for disturbi...distur...dist... causin a ruckus! Now Get!"
Hephenus grumbles, as he sets off from the scene. He grumbles under his breath about tending to crops, away from the 'strangers'.
When Hephenus dissapears into the mists, the Sheriff sighs. "Ya gotta forgive Hephenus. For all his gruff, he's quite a decent feller. He just has a chip on them shoulders for outsiders. He thinks they cause nothin' but trouble."
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GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
Ignoring both Hephenus and the Sheriff, Drell knelt down to examine the bloody display. It was only when he was crouched down that he realised how ridiculous this was.
"What exactly is the problem here? Only crime I see is vandalism, but a bit of rain'll clear that up. Or is there some significance to rats and 'V's?"
The Eladrin looked to Valagard, as if to confirm whether rats were sacred to humans or something.
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited May 2012
Drell:
Heal Check: Failed
Other than the blood starting to dry around the statue, you failed to determine how long the blood has been there.
The Sheriff scoffs at Drell's remark regarding the rats. "Pffft. A rats a rat. No good folk like em. Dirty plague carriers! Only good rats a dead rat, my granddad used to say. Was a famous ratcatcher, y'know..."
He then trails off, detailing the exploits of the 'famous' Caellar family line of rat catchers, before his own father decided to enroll in the militia and becoming and officer.
Having frowned darkly if briefly at Hephenus but otherwise held her peace, Valagard doesn't even notice Drell looking at her until several seconds have passed, at which point she blinks and blushes a little for some reason. "I..." the dwarf begins, continuing to look over the defaced statue and sacrificial rat in front of her, then hesitantly shakes her head. "I don't...know," she almost whispers, as if the admission embarrassed her. "This looks strange to me; I cannot make sense of it."
Whether this means there really is no sense to it or whether it is merely beyond Valagard to discern remains, of course, anyone's guess.
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited May 2012
Valagard:
Religion Check: Failed
With the blood splattered across the grass and the statue, its difficult to determine if this was a ritual or not. If this was, it was perhaps shoddy at best, ominous at worst.
"What's all this here then?! Sheriff Benjen, you had better have a good explanation about this!," a gruff voice calls out from behind the crowd. The crowd splits in two, revealing the all to familiar portly form of Councilman Vashian, with a bit of distaste in his voice, "What is the meaning of this?! Who is the vandal responsible for such... an act!" Once he spots the blood, he immediately takes out a handkerchief and holds it over his nose and mouth, hoping to stand the vile site in front of him.
The Sheriff immediately recounts the story to the Councilman, bringing him soon up to speed on the matter.
Vashian, approving the Sheriff's story, nods. He turns his gaze to the crowd "My fellow citizens! A crime has been committed on our soil! But worry not, for we have the Sheriff to look into this heinous matter! He shall soon find out who this despicable perpetrator was, and bring him to justice."
The crowd cheers.
"But for now, I recommend you all return to your homes or state of businesses, as go about your daily work as usual, with the faith that our Sheriff will catch this would be vandal."
With his assurance now sound, the crowd finally disperses, returning to their regular lives as though nothing had happened.
With his show now over, Vashian turns his gaze back to the party. "Now I know the Professor's will states you have to stay for 30 days here in Ravengro, but do please be careful in causing a disturbance. Sheriff Benjen told me about old Hephenus' outburst here, but truth be told, many folk here don't look too kindly to you lot. I suggest you take care and follow the law here in Ravengro. Because I can guarantee you this 'matter', whether you were involved or not, does not paint you all in a favorable light, if you understand..."
With the crowd now gone, the Sheriff moves closer to the group, a look of concern painted on his face. "With the folk gone, maybe now I can tell you somethin only you, me and the mayor should know. Only between us now, y'understand? See, this mornin, I WAS tryin to get them bloodstains off. Now, I was able to clean the blood off the grass closest to that there statue, but fer some reason, the blood can't get offa the statue, no matter how hard I rub the damn 'kerchief, y'understand? Now I've told the folk not to mess around here, since its a crime scene. That way, no one will get suspicious of the blood. Hopefully, they'll think twice before a comin here. But even someone such as myself will know somethin's wrong here soon..."
"Hmm, it sounds like there is more to this 'ritual' here than just plain aesthetics," Cranea remarked while looking at the statue, "there might have actually been a ritual of significance performed here, if not to summon dark powers, then merely to serve as a statement. I will do what I can to discover the truth of the matter."
"Or they just used blood colored paint on the statue to make it seem scarier that the 'blood' wouldn't wash off," Airyc offered a half-hearted suggestion. He was never one for puzzles, unless said puzzle could be solved by hitting something really hard, like The Mystery of Where is Your Boss. He contemplated hitting the statue for a moment, maybe there was something inside, but thought the better of it; if the townsfolk freaked out because someone got a little blood on the statue who knows what they'd do if someone destroyed it.
"A disturbance?" Valagard repeats, frowning once more. "With all due respect, councilman, the only person who has been causing any disturbances is this Hephenus – once when he attempted to interrupt Professor Lorrimor's funeral, and again just now when he wantonly accused us of...of perpetrating this," she says, indicating the blood-spattered statue. "So far he has done nothing but slander and attempt to provoke us, including me, an ordained priestess of Ioun, and I think it's he who should be regarded as as troublemaker, rather than we who are only staying in Ravengro in the first place out of respect for the last wish of a deceased friend."
With that, the dwarf crosses her arms and says no more, looking a little offended almost. She's no stranger to being viewed with some mistrust and suspicion, primarily by her own people, but this obviously is a different matter entirely and is rather getting to her, as a matter of fact.
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TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited May 2012
Cranea and Kledge:
Arcana Check: Success[/color]
Both of you can sense slight arcane energies resonating from the statue. Cranea, however, can perceive it coming from the bloodstained 'V' on the statue. If there is a ritual involved here, it is one that's considered quite rare, even to practitioners of the Arcane, as neither of you can recollect a ritual as gory as this...
"Now now, m'serah Dwarf! No need for any hostilities!" Vashian utters, trying to remain calm. "But think of this from 'our' perspective, m'serah. Six complete strangers arrive in Ravengro last night, and now this happens..." he points to the statue, "even one as... 'knowledgeable' as yourself would know the locals wouldn't think of this as a mere coincidence, now would they?".
"I fer one wouldn't, if I were in their shoes." The sheriff remarks matter-of-factually.
"Which is why I'm asking for you all NOT to get involved in this matter. Some folk are already shaky with so many strange and odd folk appearing in their town. What would they think if they saw you all handling this case which they MIGHT think you committed? As I said before, you have 30 days here in Ravengro. Why not visit the countryside, buy some curios from our stores, tell a tale or two at The Laughing Demon (a most fine establishment for travelers here I can most assure you) or perhaps entrance yourself to the Professor's library? I have heard the Professor boasts quite a repertoire of academic and philosophical tomes from all over the land, no? Just, please leave this matter to the Sheriff and myself." Vashian says with resignation, hoping to leave the scene before he becomes overwhelmed by the stench of the blood.
"Now, do you have any more questions for the Sheriff or myself? I have an important meeting to attend to, and would like to keep this as short as possible.." Vashian asks, the sight of the blood causing him to feel lighthearted.
Cranea almost staggered backwards after tracing the currents of energy emanating from the statue to a strange "V" symbol. Whatever was the point of this ritual, that symbol seemed to be the central focus. Perhaps upon further examination of the Professor's books she could identify the ritual. After she regained her composure she turned to back to the Sheriff, mustering the most hurt expression she could before drawing his attention.
"Oh surely good Benjen you do not give any credence to the superstitions of the townsfolk do you?" Cranea asked the sheriff slowly moving up to only a few inches away from him and taking his hand in hers, "a man of your esteem would surely know that something else is afoot here, first the Professor and now this." She motioned toward the grisly ritual. "I could assure you that as a child of the wood this sight offends me, probably more than it does you good sir, and I promise you that I am at the disposal of the good people here until we get to the bottom of this."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
"Yuck!" Kledge mutters as he stumbles back from the statue "blood rituals are sooo gross." Kledge examines his finger that touched the nasty thing and hopes it will stay on. "Once in class a kid lost a finger to this blood magic stuff. Almost lost his whole hand!"
Posts
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HoTS: Schmutz#1686
Cranea walks over to Kendra and gently touches her shoulder. "You must rest too, today has been harder on you than the rest of us. We will try not to wake you in the morning, but we also promise that we will tell you about anything we find tomorrow."
Kendra looks surprised at Kledge's fascination with her father's antique clock. Though not wanting something of her father's legacy to be broken, she could see the young man's enthusiasm with the artifact, something very reminiscent of her father before he retired.
"I...very well, but I suggest you do so in the morrow. Wouldn't want you to lose any pieces in candlelight,n ow would we? That would be most dreadful..."
Kendra accepts Cranea's sincerity. "I...I appreciate your kind gesture, fair Cranea. But at least now I can see why my father consider you his most loyal and faithful. I myself have prepared your beds yesterday morning. Should I awake early, I will treat you all to some delicious breakfast. You are after all my guests..."
With that, everyone said their good nights, and the young Lorrimor escorts each one of the heroes to their respective bedrooms. Each room was lavish (though modest for a manse this size) in design, with beds so soft, none of you whom could really think if it had a rival (though Cranea had some troubles sleeping on something so artificial than her forest home). Indeed, for some a mere month of this luxury wouldn't be such a bad idea...
As you sleep and darkness takes you in though, you feel a strange sensation within the deep recesses of your minds....
Will attack (Cranea): 1d20+4=8
Will attack (Darrius): 1d20+4=6
Will attack (Drellethenne): 1d20+4=7
Will attack (Kledge): 1d20+4=9
Will attack (Valagard): 1d20+4=12
But just as it suddenly appeared, so too has it dissipated, returning you back to your slumber. For a new day soon dawns...
Dawn soon arrives, marking today your 1st 'proper' day in the small town of Ravengro. Though it was daytime, very little sunlight made its way through each of your windows. Those waking early or wanting to look out of the window soon realize that it was foggy. Though not dense, it gave the town an ethereal look, as the fog shrouded most of the land. Thankfully though, it wasn't thick, as you could see the riverbank hundreds of feet away, however, the fog blocked out the sun, making it impossible to determine what time it was. You could also hear a commotion in the house below, the rustling of someone moving about in the kitchen; no doubt Kendra has woken up even earlier than our heroes...
Darius and Kledge:
If you check out of your window, in the distance, near the river, you can see a gathering (and hear a commotion) of Ravengro's citizens near a 25-foot-tall, moss-covered stone statue south west of the Lorrimor Residence. From the distant cries and shouts, it seems something is amiss there...
"Kendra, its LeCroix. Hope your decent in there." As he enters the kitchen, he starts, "Never a dull moment in Ravengro, huh? Townsfolk already have their panties in a wad over something new. Something near a statue to our Southwest. Anything we need to be concerned about?"
_____________________________________________
HoTS: Schmutz#1686
"Oof, never been so stiff..." He paused as he realised what he'd said. "Er, not like that." LeCroix must be rubbing off on me.
Er, not like that.
"Man, I felt like I was sleeping on a sack of angels last night," he said into the various cupboards he left open in his search for something to munch on. "
"I guess we should go see what's going on before another mob is incited against us. Maybe there was a stillborn calf born or something and they blame it on the mysterious strangers."
"Why just a little something I cooked up for all of you. I didn't get much sleep last night. What with my Fathers..." she quickly changes the subject. "I've made quite a first day breakfast for all of you. I made poached quail eggs, smothered in a light butter, served with slices of smoked dire boar bacon (a favorite of yours Airyc, if the stories were true) with slices of cut tomatoes, freshly grown and cleansed here in Ravengro. As for you Cranea my dear, I did not know what to make at the moment's notice: would you like the same as the others? Or perhaps you would enjoy a light salad?"
She listens in on Kledge "I do hope it wasn't too much trouble for you, my dear? As for the coffee, you can gladly help to some yourself. I may even teach you how to make some, if you'd like. Its in that cupboard over there," she points to a nearby wooden cupboard. "But do be sparing of it, my father considered it a luxury for the price he paid to ship it from far off Katapesh."
When the questions came regarding the statues came, Kendra merely shrugs. "I too heard the commotion from here. I wouldn't concern myself with it if I were you, you know how some of the rabble are here," she takes a moment to remember the incident at her Father's funeral last night. "Though on the other hand, I saw the sheriff, Benjan Caller, and some of his deputies making their way over there this morning, so it could be something big; he usually sends only his deputies to keep order in town and to investigate minor crimes, so if M'Ser Benjan is there, it has to be quite a crime. As for the statue, I heard it was erected months after the prison was burned to the in that mysterious fire. It was homage to the Head Warden's wife if I recall..."
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HoTS: Schmutz#1686
Cranea glares at Drell for his feux pas, contemptuously.
She shrugs, unsure whether to go or stay.
He couldn't shout with his mouth full (well he could, but then he risked losing some of the bacon) and so he voiced his displeasure by slapping his hand on the table with a thunderous crack. An evil eye was directed towards Drell, whether he noticed or not.
As the heroes made their way to the commotion, they start to notice small splatters of a thick, red liquid covering the grass no further than 20 feet from the statue's base. It didn't take long to figure out this was blood. In fact, as they come into viewing distance of the statue, they notice the statue itself is covered in the sticky red substance. Those taking their time to inspect the statue, spot a red "V" etched onto the statue's base, with the same red substance. Laying on the ground was a dead, skinless rat and a rusty dagger, whose stomach was gutted completely (with nary a trace of aforementioned guts), leaving a small puddle of blood (or at least what wasn't left used to 'decorate' the statue). The gathered folk stopped their outcries when they saw the heroes, causing them to remain quiet, with the odd whispers. A staunch, gruff and thinly man wearing a simple hat, stands at the base of the statue, looking about for clues.
Image of Sheriff Benjen Caellar:
When he spots you, he turns his focus to the heroes, giving a haughty smile. "So, your the friends of the late Prof. I take it? Name's Benjen Caeller, Sheriff of this here parts. So, lets get to the nitty-gritty stuff, what do you know..."
"AHA! Ya lot return to this here scene of the crime then, eh? I KNEW IT!" a rather familiar voice bursts out from the crowd. interrupting the Sheriff's conversation. Some of the folk disperse, revealing Hephenus to the heroes, whom they could remember as the ringleader of the posse that tried to prevent the Professor's burial.
"So fess up, will ya? I bet it was the witch, or maybe YOU orc!" Hephenus screams, pointing a greasy finger at Airyc...
"Name's LeCroix, sheriff. What we know is that my breakfast was interrupted by a bunch of rube's yelling at a statue. Let me give you an investigative hint, look for someone in town who (1) hates rats, and (2) has a name that starts with V."
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HoTS: Schmutz#1686
"I am Cranea of the Shudderwood. I'm so glad we have such a competent, an handsome, young sheriff. Please continue with what you were saying. Before this rude gentleman interrupted you." Cranea said while leveling a withering scowl toward Hephenus.
Sheriff Benjen listens to LeCroix's suggestions. "Well now, that reduces my suspects to... two. Unfortunately one's a holy man, and the other's pretty much the mayor of town. One's prone to digging graves and overseein the funerals, and one's scared of seein blood, much less spread it, y'hear. Now why don't ya let an expert such as myself finish before jumpin to conclusions..."
He straightens his back, before continuing with his story. "Was the innkeeper's oldest son Pevrin Elkarid that saw this here mess. Was busy setting up this here morn's daily messages on the postin poles when he heard Old River barking at this here statue. Now Old River see, he's the town's... mascot, fer lack of a better word. A dog long past his prime days, who normally sleeps the rest of his doggone days at our town's main square, stood up from his mornin' nap and started sniffin' this here statue. Now Pevrin, curious that he is, went to take a gander, and saw this here mess," he stops, indicating the blood spilled all over the grass and the statue proper, "He immediately went to tell his old man and myself. After that, well, is history as them historians put it. Only thing missin' of course is the reason behind this. A practical joke?"
Hephenus, in one desperate attempt at defiance, snaps at the Sherriff. "Well, isn't it obvious Benjen?! Throw that damn book of Justice at 'em! These here fellers did it, I mean who else of us law abidin..."
Sheriff Benjen snaps back at Hephenus remark. "That's SHERIFF Benjen to you, Hephenus. Last I checked, I'm the one with the badge here, not you. So I call the shots here, got it? Now I suggest you keep quiet, or I'll take you in for disturbi...distur...dist... causin a ruckus! Now Get!"
Hephenus grumbles, as he sets off from the scene. He grumbles under his breath about tending to crops, away from the 'strangers'.
When Hephenus dissapears into the mists, the Sheriff sighs. "Ya gotta forgive Hephenus. For all his gruff, he's quite a decent feller. He just has a chip on them shoulders for outsiders. He thinks they cause nothin' but trouble."
"What exactly is the problem here? Only crime I see is vandalism, but a bit of rain'll clear that up. Or is there some significance to rats and 'V's?"
The Eladrin looked to Valagard, as if to confirm whether rats were sacred to humans or something.
Other than the blood starting to dry around the statue, you failed to determine how long the blood has been there.
The Sheriff scoffs at Drell's remark regarding the rats. "Pffft. A rats a rat. No good folk like em. Dirty plague carriers! Only good rats a dead rat, my granddad used to say. Was a famous ratcatcher, y'know..."
He then trails off, detailing the exploits of the 'famous' Caellar family line of rat catchers, before his own father decided to enroll in the militia and becoming and officer.
Whether this means there really is no sense to it or whether it is merely beyond Valagard to discern remains, of course, anyone's guess.
Answer: who knows!
With the blood splattered across the grass and the statue, its difficult to determine if this was a ritual or not. If this was, it was perhaps shoddy at best, ominous at worst.
"What's all this here then?! Sheriff Benjen, you had better have a good explanation about this!," a gruff voice calls out from behind the crowd. The crowd splits in two, revealing the all to familiar portly form of Councilman Vashian, with a bit of distaste in his voice, "What is the meaning of this?! Who is the vandal responsible for such... an act!" Once he spots the blood, he immediately takes out a handkerchief and holds it over his nose and mouth, hoping to stand the vile site in front of him.
The Sheriff immediately recounts the story to the Councilman, bringing him soon up to speed on the matter.
Vashian, approving the Sheriff's story, nods. He turns his gaze to the crowd "My fellow citizens! A crime has been committed on our soil! But worry not, for we have the Sheriff to look into this heinous matter! He shall soon find out who this despicable perpetrator was, and bring him to justice."
The crowd cheers.
"But for now, I recommend you all return to your homes or state of businesses, as go about your daily work as usual, with the faith that our Sheriff will catch this would be vandal."
With his assurance now sound, the crowd finally disperses, returning to their regular lives as though nothing had happened.
With his show now over, Vashian turns his gaze back to the party. "Now I know the Professor's will states you have to stay for 30 days here in Ravengro, but do please be careful in causing a disturbance. Sheriff Benjen told me about old Hephenus' outburst here, but truth be told, many folk here don't look too kindly to you lot. I suggest you take care and follow the law here in Ravengro. Because I can guarantee you this 'matter', whether you were involved or not, does not paint you all in a favorable light, if you understand..."
With the crowd now gone, the Sheriff moves closer to the group, a look of concern painted on his face. "With the folk gone, maybe now I can tell you somethin only you, me and the mayor should know. Only between us now, y'understand? See, this mornin, I WAS tryin to get them bloodstains off. Now, I was able to clean the blood off the grass closest to that there statue, but fer some reason, the blood can't get offa the statue, no matter how hard I rub the damn 'kerchief, y'understand? Now I've told the folk not to mess around here, since its a crime scene. That way, no one will get suspicious of the blood. Hopefully, they'll think twice before a comin here. But even someone such as myself will know somethin's wrong here soon..."
"Hmmmm ..."
With that, the dwarf crosses her arms and says no more, looking a little offended almost. She's no stranger to being viewed with some mistrust and suspicion, primarily by her own people, but this obviously is a different matter entirely and is rather getting to her, as a matter of fact.
Both of you can sense slight arcane energies resonating from the statue. Cranea, however, can perceive it coming from the bloodstained 'V' on the statue. If there is a ritual involved here, it is one that's considered quite rare, even to practitioners of the Arcane, as neither of you can recollect a ritual as gory as this...
"Now now, m'serah Dwarf! No need for any hostilities!" Vashian utters, trying to remain calm. "But think of this from 'our' perspective, m'serah. Six complete strangers arrive in Ravengro last night, and now this happens..." he points to the statue, "even one as... 'knowledgeable' as yourself would know the locals wouldn't think of this as a mere coincidence, now would they?".
"I fer one wouldn't, if I were in their shoes." The sheriff remarks matter-of-factually.
"Which is why I'm asking for you all NOT to get involved in this matter. Some folk are already shaky with so many strange and odd folk appearing in their town. What would they think if they saw you all handling this case which they MIGHT think you committed? As I said before, you have 30 days here in Ravengro. Why not visit the countryside, buy some curios from our stores, tell a tale or two at The Laughing Demon (a most fine establishment for travelers here I can most assure you) or perhaps entrance yourself to the Professor's library? I have heard the Professor boasts quite a repertoire of academic and philosophical tomes from all over the land, no? Just, please leave this matter to the Sheriff and myself." Vashian says with resignation, hoping to leave the scene before he becomes overwhelmed by the stench of the blood.
"Now, do you have any more questions for the Sheriff or myself? I have an important meeting to attend to, and would like to keep this as short as possible.." Vashian asks, the sight of the blood causing him to feel lighthearted.
"Oh surely good Benjen you do not give any credence to the superstitions of the townsfolk do you?" Cranea asked the sheriff slowly moving up to only a few inches away from him and taking his hand in hers, "a man of your esteem would surely know that something else is afoot here, first the Professor and now this." She motioned toward the grisly ritual. "I could assure you that as a child of the wood this sight offends me, probably more than it does you good sir, and I promise you that I am at the disposal of the good people here until we get to the bottom of this."