GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
Drell's eyes didn't leave the coffin, but his stoic voice pierced the silence with ease.
"He was a giant, delving deep into the mysteries of the world. We mere ants couldn't help but be caught up in the whirlwind of his wake."
Following in Drell's eloquent footsteps, LeCroix interjects:
"Twere the wake of his whirlwind of delving mysteries upon which the greatest times of my life were...lived. And he was a heck of a stand-up guy. I mean obviously not in the literal sense, at least not anymore. But back in the day, I mean. The point is, I liked him alot, and so did most other people..." LeCroix's voice trailed off as he sensed that maybe public speaking was just not his forte.
Cranea smiled when Kendra mentioned the moonstone cup. It had been a gift to the professor after they had first met. She waited while LeCroix and Drell spoke before relating a tale of her own.
"I remember the Temple of Boom that the young Miss Kendra mentioned", she told the assembled mourners, "we had originally gone as guests of the human nobles living in the palace above that dark place. We had no idea what truly rested below our feet. To be honest I'm surprised I didn't run screaming when they served us that banquet of terror". Ugh, monkey brains.
.
She laughed as she continued, "He was so fed up with me by then. It was the first time he had convinced me to leave my grove, and I was little more than a child who knew nothing about this mortal world. I come for a place where everything is provided to me by the spirits of nature and the arcane, 'roughing it' as he described it, didn't come naturally to me. I was petulant, I admit, and I made both our lives miserable while were travelling through the jungle. That palace though, and the Bloody Nose goblins . . .", she shuddered.
"The Bloody Nose had been enslaving the more feral goblin tribes from the surrounding area at the behest of their dark human masters to dig up some ancient evil. It took a great struggle, but we made it out of there, freed the enslaved goblins, caved in the mine, and brought down the Prince's justice upon the dark cultists of . . . oh devil I forget who they were worshiping. Asmodon? Something like that. But the professor showed me that there was a certain nobility in people in Ustalav, even though I was afraid and untrusting of most of the land, he showed me there was good in the world."
She glanced at Kendra uncertainly, "I . . . I cared for him very deeply."
Airyc sat with his head hanging, not wanting to watch as the Professor is lowered to his final resting place. He sniffled from time to time and wiped the back of his hammy hand against his nose as needed. When Kendra spoke of the Professor's 'boogeyman' Airyc's head perked up slightly; he started poking LeCroix in the side excitedly.
"Psst. He was talking about me," Airyc gave a proud, sad smile, "If you think about it, the threat of me her out of trouble, so I was kinda like her bodyguard, too." His eyebrows were raised and he was clearly hoping for some sort of confirmation of his theory.
Kledge stood silent and in thought while he thought about anything he could say. He listened with half an ear to the others as they spoke, trying to get the words right. After the Cranea spoke, he took a breath and started in.
"Professor Lorrimor was a larger-than-life figure for all of his students at the Ustalav University of the Arcane, advising, cajoling and reminding us of the impossibly high standards to which we were being held. He expected greatness; he demanded independence, creativity and critical thinking. And, above all, he wanted to see or hear something that was new and exciting. The challenge we all faced was how to say or do something interesting enough to get Lorrimor's attention.
Patience wasn't one of his virtues. It was a common sight to see one of us following Lorrimor down the hall, desperately trying to get him to turn around and listen to what we were saying. It was a place of energy, excitement and competition among peers. In other words, Lorrimor's lab was a training ground for the real world of the arcane we each aspired to conquer.
Norton was brilliant, intuitive and often impossibly inscrutable, and for all those reasons he was a towering figure in my life. He was also generous and gracious to those who worked with him, treating us as colleagues and even as members of an extended family.
In the end, impressing Lorrimor was what it was all about for many of us who trained in his lab. And while I will miss him as a mentor, I'm comforted by the knowledge that his accomplishments, his students and his intellect are enduring and will continue to exemplify the very best in us all."
Wiping tears from his eyes, Kledge reached into his pack, pulled out some small cogs and tossed them in on top of the casket. "Thank you sir, I'll never forget you."
Diplomacy Eulogy: 1d20+725
I'm never gonna roll this good again.
LeCroix was sure that Airyc thought he was poking gently and subtly, but he was equally as sure that his side would be bruised tomorrow. "Sure, buddy. You were her bodyguard, too."
Hephenus. She commits the man's name to memory; the Fane would hear of this. Nothing was likely to come of it, certainly, but all the same such a transgression must be recorded, if only for posterity – slandering a priestess of Ioun, calling her a charlatan: that must not be disregarded. Even at best it is a confession of grave ignorance, and the Lady of Lore commands that ignorance be dealt with by Her servants wherever they encounter it.
But now is not the time.
"Petros was the most...tolerant, understanding man I have ever met," the dwarf quietly offers when it is her turn to honour the deceased. "His reputation was that of a fastidious and learned scholar, if one with a bold streak that bordered on the adventurous, but those who knew him well can attest to the fact he was so much more. He looked beyond the surface; he'd take one good look at you and he'd know who you really were. And...he was always willing to render the benefit of the doubt, always. Ustalav will recall his passing as that of a great sage and explorer, but most of its folk won't know what was truly lost the day he died. Petros –," there is a catch in Valagard's voice as she says this, "Petros was a light in the dark, and the world is a colder place now that he is gone."
It's all she has to say, all she can bring herself to say, if only because she has always felt distinctly uncomfortable when addressing larger groups of people – though this time at least, she has a feeling her words have been received reasonably well.
He glanced around, waiting for someone else to speak up, but when no one had anything to offer he stood awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable speaking in front of everyone. Airyc cleared his throat loudly and thumped his chest to aid in the clearing; after another moment's hesitation the Half-Orc opened his mouth, "Uhhh...well. I've done a lot of different work for a lot of different people and he never looked down his nose at me or called me a mutt...yeah." Airyc sat back down and locked eyes with the ground, embarrassed and not wanting to look at anyone else.
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
As you all speak up to commemorate Lorrimor, it is clear that the five other guests are all impressed and thankful of your kind words (though they were mostly impressed by Valagard, Kledge and Cranea's sincere words); Kendra nods gratefully, wiping away the tears in her eyes. Father Grimburrow somberly completes the sermon as the 2 gravediggers start covering Petros Lorrimor's coffin with dirt, filling the grave.
Professor Petros Lorrimor was finally at rest...
Trust points:
Success: +3 points Current score: 24
One of the other attendants, the plump, portly man with a finely trimmed mustache and goatee that has been identified as Councilman Vashian walks up to Kendra. "Again, my condolences, fair Kendra. And though I dislike bringing this up, but these people," he glances at all of you, with a bit of distaste, "They are the ones mentioned in your father's will?"
Kendra nods. "Y-yes, they are. Will the reading of the will go through today as we planned?"
"Yes, though I have matters that demand my attention shortly. I will meet you and your father's friends at your manse in an hour."
With that, she gives him a last hug before he leaves. Councilman Vashian, ever the gentleman, merely nods, before walking off. Kendra is soon surrounded by other wellwishers, offering their condolences before they disperse. Father Grimburrow and his gravediggers leave as well, and Kendra looks at all of you. "Will you join me at the mansion until the Councilman arrives to read... to read the will? As....as for rooms, the mansion has some spare, if you are interested in staying..."
0
Options
GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
"Of course." Drell would be glad to leave this graveyard, though he was a little more at ease now that the gravediggers had left. Unthinking, he asked the young woman a question that had troubled him throughout the service.
"Did the professor practice necromancy?"
0
Options
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
Kendra looks at Drell sheepishly, not knowing how best to explain it to the Eladrin.
"Well, both yes and no. I...i mean, he never practice Necromancy like the superstitious fools would like you to believe. As a scholar, he found some tomes and... well... I think its best I explain it after the reading of the will. I just don't think asking about such things in the open... is advised. You understand, do you not?"
0
Options
GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
"He always did know how to get mixed up with these sorts of things..." He trailed off, wearing a glazed expression for a moment before snapping back to reality.
"But yes, it should wait. Not everyone can be as accepting as the professor."
"I . . . I'm sure he only did so in the persuit of higher knowledge", Cranea was a little shocked to say. Petros had often told her stories of how noble individuals became corrupted through practice of dark arts, even if it was for the greater good it was a slippery slope, but Cranea knew that mortals changed with time. She also knew that the professor must have had only the best intentions in practicing something so dark.
"I was wondering young one," Cranea asked Kendra in a half-sheepish tone, "If your father ever mentioned me and the adventures we used to have?"
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
Airyc followed the group but remained silent. The conversation sounded like it was going to be over his head; Airyc was paid to watch the Professor and didn't really give two hoots what he did. He never saw the professor controlling undead minions which was good enough for him.
"I shall stay for a day or two," Valagard nods, saying no more for the time being. She would most likely have done so anyway, but now that certain accusations have been made against the late professor, however ridiculous they seem on the surface, the cleric is compelled, if not required to look into them. The light of truth is called for here, and she will personally make certain that it is cast appropriately on the matter in question.
LeCroix looked at Cranea and smiled, "Oh you better believe the good Professor mentioned to me the adventures the two of you used to have. Ha!" Feeling that familiar pang of regret after opening his mouth, LeCroix quickly followed, "And also your mother, Kendra. I couldn't get him to shut up about her. Always saying the best things..."
LeCroix couldn't help but think that maybe Airyc was the smartest of all of them, following behind and keeping his mouth shut.
"I would like to stay, do you think I could have accesss to the Professor's private library?" Kledge asked as he followed along with the rest of the group.
Cranea rolled her eyes at LeCroix's feux pas, mortal men could simply be the worst sometimes. "I have no doubt the good Professor told you all of my usefulness in the field. I didn't leave my grove except with him, and he always showed me the most exciting times."
"That is", she continued, "In retrospect I mean. Running down a hallway while a giant skull rolls after you is hardly something one thinks is exciting the moment it's happening. But we always had a good laugh about such things afterward."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
0
Options
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
"I was wondering young one," Cranea asked Kendra in a half-sheepish tone, "If your father ever mentioned me and the adventures we used to have?"
Kendra nods. "Oh he did indeed, M'lady. To be honest, of all the many stories he had told me, your exploits at the Temple of Boom was always my favorite. I remember when I was little how I begged father to tell me that story. He always said you two were close..." She kept it like that, not rather fond of continuing.
LeCroix looked at Cranea and smiled, "Oh you better believe the good Professor mentioned to me the adventures the two of you used to have. Ha!" Feeling that familiar pang of regret after opening his mouth, LeCroix quickly followed, "And also your mother, Kendra. I couldn't get him to shut up about her. Always saying the best things..."
"Ah yes, my mother. Father never spoke to me about her. Although he never told me, I looked into the Archives back in Leipstadt about my mother's demise, some few years back after we moved into Ravengro. It seemed she died giving birth to me. I never asked my father about her death after that, knowing that it pained him whenever he tried remembering her..." Kendra tries to hold back her tears...
"I would like to stay, do you think I could have access to the Professor's private library?" Kledge asked as he followed along with the rest of the group.
Finding an opportunity to change the subject, Kendra tries her best at smiling. "Oh yes indeed, M'ser Kledge. After he retired, my father has amassed a modest collection of tomes, books and reading material. From Advance Arcane Techniques of Pyromancy, to the Zoology of the Troll, I'm sure you'll find something to your liking..."
With questions out of the way, Kendra escorts the heroes back to Ravengro. The road back to Ravengro is no less laden with sorrow. Kendra seems to have cried all she could, and the tears do not compliment the beautiful features of her face.
The irate townsfolk that had stopped the heroes earlier are nowhere to be seen. The walk south to Ravengro is uneventful - the grey skies loom and threaten to rain, yet never do. As they approached the bridge, they spot a number of townsfolk returning to their houses, hovels and abodes, done with their daily routines. They avert their eyes as they spot the heroes (especially to the Half Orc that was in tow), though most bow their heads respectfully in Kendra's direction, knowing full well some measure of respect.
When they approach the gate of the manse, they soon realise the estate in question was merely a modest home (Landmark N on the map). "Please, if you could wipe your boots in the grass?" she asks of you as she opens the door. "Does...does anybody want tea? Or perhaps try some of my father's favorite brandy? Heavens knows I've tried it to no avail, and I'd rather not waste it. Or maybe some fine coffee, imported from the far desert nations of Katapesh? it's really quite invigorating I heard."
As the heroes enter the house, they find that every single room seems to have several bookcases, stuffed with books from one end to the other. It seems Kendra's boast of having almost EVERY single book in Ustalav was not exaggerated. As she leads you into the living room, there's only one window that isn't blocked by a shelf. Several couches and chairs are situated around the table in the middle of the room, enough to seat all of you and more, with the hearth close by. The fireplace is, not surprisingly, not crowded with books. The room is cozy with an inviting warmth surrounding it. Note:
M'ser is kind of like saying Monsieur to a respectable person.
TiamatZ on
0
Options
GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
"Brandy will do me fine. Seems to be the only thing that affects me anymore." Drell said, seating himself on a particularly plump armchair. Casting a less than academic eye around the loaded shelves, he caught the excited look in Kledge's eyes. "Careful lad. If there's one thing I learned from the professor, it's that books are full of one thing. Trouble."
The Half-Orc wandered through the house inspecting the bookshelves, making sure to keep one ear on the conversation. From time to time he would take a book off the shelf and thumb through it quickly; most of the time he would give a dissatisfied grunt, but some books grabbed his attention.
"Gimme some of the brandy," Airyc said in a gruff voice with his eyes buried in a book. He looked up at Kendra, embarrassed, "Er...please.....ma'am....miss." If any of the others came close enough to Airyc to glance at the books he was picking up they'd notice that he was gravitating towards the more picture-heavy tomes.
Having dutifully wiped her boots, the cleric takes in the scholarly opulence of the Lorrimos mansion without a great deal of surprise, an appreciative look in her eyes as she briefly circles the living room before settling into one of the couches, leaning her hammer, head-down, against its armrest. "A finger of brandy would be welcome, Miss Kendra," Valagard responds to the offer of drink. "The professor spoke rather fondly of it, occasionally."
"Oh tea for me please young miss," said Cranea, "I'm of your opinion about your father's liquor. He use to carry some in a flask when he was adventuring, I tried some once, it felt as if my throat was on fire."
Cranea looked around the house as if it were some great curiosity to her. She never spent much time indoors, and quite frankly thought of houses in the same way she believed the beasts of the forest viewed caves. But she was amazed at how . . . elaborate the interior was. She was afraid to touch anything for fear she might upset some form of etiquette.
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
As they enter the home, Kledge's eyes go wide, he hasn't seen this many books since the University Library, and so many of those were locked away. At Kendra's offer of drink Kledge mutters, lost in thought "Coffee please ma'am, if you wouldn't mind." Kledge begins to wander around looking at the bookshelves, recognizing many names.
Kledge likes books: 1d20+928
looking for rituals, anything involving necromancy, and scientific concepts
"Brandy. I've never said anything dumb to a glass of brandy. Or at least the brandy never mentioned it." LeCroix plopped himself down on a comfortable looking chair and let out a long sigh.
As Cranea continued to look about the house, her curiosity was not simply contained to herself. Within the folds of her cloak flew Cranea's diminutive companion, a sprite named Fwisp. She zipped around the various rooms, buzzing about the heads of those present and saying hello in a voice that was too small and quick for them to understand.
"OH oh no! Please don't mind her," Cranea pleaded of the other guests, "that's Fwisp, she gets very excited whenever we go somewhere new." Cranea began to chase the young sprite, pleading with it in elven to calm down.
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
Airyc gave an annoyed grunt and swatted at Fwisp with the back of his hand as she flew past. He pulled his gaze long from the book he was holding to listen to Cranea explain what just buzzed past his head. He shrugged; Airy didn't connect so no harm no foul in his mind.
Valagard eyes the sprite curiously as it zooms around the room, although she doesn't even make an effort to keep up with its precise movements, nor does she attempt to make sense of what it is saying. Still, the experience as such is rather beyond her, and she'd be a bad Iounite if she didn't pay at least some attention to it.
0
Options
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
Kledge:
You do not notice anything related to Necromancy or any such dark arts within the bookcases. However, the books pertain to a vast number of research topics, treatises, journals and books pertaining to many fields, from biomancy to zoology.
You discovered: Whenever your using the Lorrimor place for research pertaining a certain topic, you gain a +2 bonus to all Knowledge (Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Nature and Religion) Checks to that topic.
Kendra nods to the orders of the heroes, then silently makes her way to the nearby kitchen.
In only a couple of minutes, she returns, carrying a large platter. One cup of Katapeshi spiced coffee, two cups of jasmine tea and a few small bottles of high-quality brandy, are arranged in a pattern. She places the platter on the table, and hands a cup to Kledge, Cranea and to herself, and the brandies to the rest. When she notices the small Sprite, Kendra became captivated for a few moments. "Is that a friend of yours, dear Cranea? Does he also drink tea? Should I go look for a small cup for him?"
Seeing that the sprite soon disappears, she relaxes, and takes a seat for herself.
"Now while we wait for the Councilman, I have no doubt some of you have questions to ask. Do feel free to ask, and fear not of who will listen in. My Fath....the Professor never did enjoy people spying on him, so he made the precautions for any would be intruders." The young woman sips her coffee, awaiting to satisfy the heroes' curiosities...
"Is that a friend of yours, dear Cranea? Does he also drink tea? Should I go look for a small cup for him?"
"Oh that's very sweet Kendra, but no thank you, nothing for Fwisp," Cranea said politely, "he's just exploring and his dietary needs are very . . . specific. But what precautions do you mean, is this place magically warded? I knew Lorrimor dabbled, but I didn't know he'd become so good at the arcane arts."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
Uncorking the bottle, Valagard takes a small sip of brandy, her expression briefly lighting up appreciatively. "He was right," she murmurs, then replaces the stopper and leans forward, looking at their hostess. "Miss Kendra, I hesitate to bring this up so soon, but I think it's fair to say that the question is on the mind of most everyone here," the dwarf begins, her voice firm but not unkind as she glances at the others, hoping she isn't speaking out of turn. "Those...accusations that were made against Petros earlier – what can you tell us about them? None of us wants them to be true, of course, but a matter like this shouldn't be taken lightly, and I'm sure we are all interested in clearing the professor's name, at the very least."
Airyc placed the book back onto the shelf and accepted the brandy from Kendra. He wandered over to join the rest of the group, choosing to stand behind LC and listen to everyone else. When Valagard spoke Airyc thought to himself I'd rather know where I can find the guy that was saying that crap about the Prof, but that's a good question too. He held his tongue, though, as he'd learned to let others ask the smart questions and then follow their instructions.
He glanced down at the brandy and rolled the container over in hand a few times. He didn't actually want anything to drink so he tapped LeCroix on the shoulder with the bottom of the bottle and moved it in front of his face. Airyc made a guttural noise that could be interpreted as Here, take this, my good man.
Kledge accepts his coffee with a smile to Kendra and continues perusing books. When Valagard asks about the accusations, Kledge perks up. "I haven't found anything that would hint at necromantic leanings. However, this place seems to be a great place for study." Kledge states as he rounds a corner looking at bookshelves. This place was better than the college library. And they didn't have any unwashed horticulturalists!
0
Options
GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
Shuddering slightly at the strength of the brandy (and not because of all this talk of necromancy), Drell finished his glass in one mouthful. He nodded at the dwarf's question, waiting for Kendra's reply.
0
Options
TiamatZGhost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered Userregular
edited March 2012
Kendra takes a sip of tea, gaining some measure of confidence. Even the simple minded Airyc could see that the young lady wasn't as comfortable with this type of subject.
"I understand your concern, M'Serah Valagard. You were all trusted friends of my late father, so I feel no reason to keep secrets from you. Though my father retired from adventuring many years ago, his lust for knowledge never dulled or wavered. He collected quite a repository of information in his last few years. Some however, even I felt were quite... unethical. You see, my father has been dabbling in these vile tomes. Not practicing it, per se, of course! Even father wasn't THAT desperate for knowledge. When I questioned my father of these tomes, he merely looked at me and said: 'Why my dear? It is simple! If we are to counter the forces of darkness, we must first understand how they WORK, how they OPERATE, and how they THINK! If we are to defeat such horrible foes, we must understand both their weaknesses... and strengths!'.Since then, my father grew bored of such tomes, and for a time, I felt elated that he had focused on other courses."
Kendra eyed her cup, her face becoming more sombre. "However, in the last few months, he had been... tense. He had been patrolling Ravengro these last few months, suspecting something sinister at work. But he never told me what happened. He had once again picked up those dark tomes, and began studying them again. Oftentimes even ignoring me. Such was his madness, that he even took to studying the tomes outside, even taking some when he went up to Harrowstone. The Nine Hells take that place! The fact that Hephenus caught sight of my father's reading en route to that blasted place must have spurred him and others to thinking him a necromancer. But I knew my father wasn't. I just knew it... but now... he has finally been given rest."
Kendra looks back tat the heroes, waiting for more questions to be asked.
LeCroix had been sitting quietly, slurping the brandy somewhat less than quietly. It was indeed good brandy. So much so that when he spoke, he was just slightly louder than one should normally be. "Well, if Pete thought these books were so important for fighting the evils, then they probably were. You think you could grab those books for the kid over here?" he gestures at Kledge. "Seems the type to get a kick out of them. Maybe he can explain to us why the Professor was acting strange before...you know...before he stopped acting." LeCroix then leaned back in his seat before coughing louldy, "*COUGH* you mentioned a will... *COUGH*"
GrogMy sword is only steelin a useful shape.Registered Userregular
edited March 2012
"Agreed. The professor was never one to go chasing shadows." Drell leaned forward to pour himself another glass, cradling it as he spoke.
"You say he was patrolling? Maybe it's worth checking what the professor was looking in to. And whatever this Harrowstone place is."
The cleric does not immediately reply. Rather, she considers the place Kendra Lorrimor spoke of, this Harrowstone – an ominous name if she's ever heard one. What would the late professor have sought to do there?
"Which books were these exactly Kendra? Perhaps if we looked at them we could discern what had made your father so tense in his final days." Cranea finished her tea and stared at the empty glass as if deep in thought.
"He may not have seen it coming, but if he was in the midst of one of his investigations then what is in those books might give us some clue as to how he died."
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
After LeCroix had his turn speaking, Airyc frowned and thumped LC a little harder before with the bottle while giving him a disappointed grunt. Obviously his compatriot didn't need any more social lubricant, so Airyc placed the bottle on the nearest bookshelf instead. He leaned on the back of LeCroix's chair, causing it to creak in protest at the extra weight.
"Can't believe all this is about books," he said in a disappointed tone of voice, "I get people fighting over lost treasure, or land, but those townfolk were willing to take a beating from me just 'cause the old man read some books?" He shook his head and gave a slight shrug of his shoulders; he didn't get it, but there was alot of stuff he didn't get.
Posts
"He was a giant, delving deep into the mysteries of the world. We mere ants couldn't help but be caught up in the whirlwind of his wake."
"Twere the wake of his whirlwind of delving mysteries upon which the greatest times of my life were...lived. And he was a heck of a stand-up guy. I mean obviously not in the literal sense, at least not anymore. But back in the day, I mean. The point is, I liked him alot, and so did most other people..." LeCroix's voice trailed off as he sensed that maybe public speaking was just not his forte.
_____________________________________________
HoTS: Schmutz#1686
"I remember the Temple of Boom that the young Miss Kendra mentioned", she told the assembled mourners, "we had originally gone as guests of the human nobles living in the palace above that dark place. We had no idea what truly rested below our feet. To be honest I'm surprised I didn't run screaming when they served us that banquet of terror". Ugh, monkey brains.
.
She laughed as she continued, "He was so fed up with me by then. It was the first time he had convinced me to leave my grove, and I was little more than a child who knew nothing about this mortal world. I come for a place where everything is provided to me by the spirits of nature and the arcane, 'roughing it' as he described it, didn't come naturally to me. I was petulant, I admit, and I made both our lives miserable while were travelling through the jungle. That palace though, and the Bloody Nose goblins . . .", she shuddered.
"The Bloody Nose had been enslaving the more feral goblin tribes from the surrounding area at the behest of their dark human masters to dig up some ancient evil. It took a great struggle, but we made it out of there, freed the enslaved goblins, caved in the mine, and brought down the Prince's justice upon the dark cultists of . . . oh devil I forget who they were worshiping. Asmodon? Something like that. But the professor showed me that there was a certain nobility in people in Ustalav, even though I was afraid and untrusting of most of the land, he showed me there was good in the world."
She glanced at Kendra uncertainly, "I . . . I cared for him very deeply."
"Psst. He was talking about me," Airyc gave a proud, sad smile, "If you think about it, the threat of me her out of trouble, so I was kinda like her bodyguard, too." His eyebrows were raised and he was clearly hoping for some sort of confirmation of his theory.
"Professor Lorrimor was a larger-than-life figure for all of his students at the Ustalav University of the Arcane, advising, cajoling and reminding us of the impossibly high standards to which we were being held. He expected greatness; he demanded independence, creativity and critical thinking. And, above all, he wanted to see or hear something that was new and exciting. The challenge we all faced was how to say or do something interesting enough to get Lorrimor's attention.
Patience wasn't one of his virtues. It was a common sight to see one of us following Lorrimor down the hall, desperately trying to get him to turn around and listen to what we were saying. It was a place of energy, excitement and competition among peers. In other words, Lorrimor's lab was a training ground for the real world of the arcane we each aspired to conquer.
Norton was brilliant, intuitive and often impossibly inscrutable, and for all those reasons he was a towering figure in my life. He was also generous and gracious to those who worked with him, treating us as colleagues and even as members of an extended family.
In the end, impressing Lorrimor was what it was all about for many of us who trained in his lab. And while I will miss him as a mentor, I'm comforted by the knowledge that his accomplishments, his students and his intellect are enduring and will continue to exemplify the very best in us all."
Wiping tears from his eyes, Kledge reached into his pack, pulled out some small cogs and tossed them in on top of the casket. "Thank you sir, I'll never forget you."
I'm never gonna roll this good again.
_____________________________________________
HoTS: Schmutz#1686
But now is not the time.
"Petros was the most...tolerant, understanding man I have ever met," the dwarf quietly offers when it is her turn to honour the deceased. "His reputation was that of a fastidious and learned scholar, if one with a bold streak that bordered on the adventurous, but those who knew him well can attest to the fact he was so much more. He looked beyond the surface; he'd take one good look at you and he'd know who you really were. And...he was always willing to render the benefit of the doubt, always. Ustalav will recall his passing as that of a great sage and explorer, but most of its folk won't know what was truly lost the day he died. Petros –," there is a catch in Valagard's voice as she says this, "Petros was a light in the dark, and the world is a colder place now that he is gone."
It's all she has to say, all she can bring herself to say, if only because she has always felt distinctly uncomfortable when addressing larger groups of people – though this time at least, she has a feeling her words have been received reasonably well.
I am shocked that Orokos lets me roll higher than a 5 on a d20. Shocked.
Professor Petros Lorrimor was finally at rest...
Trust points:
Current score: 24
One of the other attendants, the plump, portly man with a finely trimmed mustache and goatee that has been identified as Councilman Vashian walks up to Kendra. "Again, my condolences, fair Kendra. And though I dislike bringing this up, but these people," he glances at all of you, with a bit of distaste, "They are the ones mentioned in your father's will?"
Kendra nods. "Y-yes, they are. Will the reading of the will go through today as we planned?"
"Yes, though I have matters that demand my attention shortly. I will meet you and your father's friends at your manse in an hour."
With that, she gives him a last hug before he leaves. Councilman Vashian, ever the gentleman, merely nods, before walking off. Kendra is soon surrounded by other wellwishers, offering their condolences before they disperse. Father Grimburrow and his gravediggers leave as well, and Kendra looks at all of you. "Will you join me at the mansion until the Councilman arrives to read... to read the will? As....as for rooms, the mansion has some spare, if you are interested in staying..."
"Did the professor practice necromancy?"
"Well, both yes and no. I...i mean, he never practice Necromancy like the superstitious fools would like you to believe. As a scholar, he found some tomes and... well... I think its best I explain it after the reading of the will. I just don't think asking about such things in the open... is advised. You understand, do you not?"
"But yes, it should wait. Not everyone can be as accepting as the professor."
"I was wondering young one," Cranea asked Kendra in a half-sheepish tone, "If your father ever mentioned me and the adventures we used to have?"
LeCroix couldn't help but think that maybe Airyc was the smartest of all of them, following behind and keeping his mouth shut.
_____________________________________________
HoTS: Schmutz#1686
"That is", she continued, "In retrospect I mean. Running down a hallway while a giant skull rolls after you is hardly something one thinks is exciting the moment it's happening. But we always had a good laugh about such things afterward."
Kendra nods. "Oh he did indeed, M'lady. To be honest, of all the many stories he had told me, your exploits at the Temple of Boom was always my favorite. I remember when I was little how I begged father to tell me that story. He always said you two were close..." She kept it like that, not rather fond of continuing.
"Ah yes, my mother. Father never spoke to me about her. Although he never told me, I looked into the Archives back in Leipstadt about my mother's demise, some few years back after we moved into Ravengro. It seemed she died giving birth to me. I never asked my father about her death after that, knowing that it pained him whenever he tried remembering her..." Kendra tries to hold back her tears...
Finding an opportunity to change the subject, Kendra tries her best at smiling. "Oh yes indeed, M'ser Kledge. After he retired, my father has amassed a modest collection of tomes, books and reading material. From Advance Arcane Techniques of Pyromancy, to the Zoology of the Troll, I'm sure you'll find something to your liking..."
With questions out of the way, Kendra escorts the heroes back to Ravengro. The road back to Ravengro is no less laden with sorrow. Kendra seems to have cried all she could, and the tears do not compliment the beautiful features of her face.
The irate townsfolk that had stopped the heroes earlier are nowhere to be seen. The walk south to Ravengro is uneventful - the grey skies loom and threaten to rain, yet never do. As they approached the bridge, they spot a number of townsfolk returning to their houses, hovels and abodes, done with their daily routines. They avert their eyes as they spot the heroes (especially to the Half Orc that was in tow), though most bow their heads respectfully in Kendra's direction, knowing full well some measure of respect.
When they approach the gate of the manse, they soon realise the estate in question was merely a modest home (Landmark N on the map). "Please, if you could wipe your boots in the grass?" she asks of you as she opens the door. "Does...does anybody want tea? Or perhaps try some of my father's favorite brandy? Heavens knows I've tried it to no avail, and I'd rather not waste it. Or maybe some fine coffee, imported from the far desert nations of Katapesh? it's really quite invigorating I heard."
As the heroes enter the house, they find that every single room seems to have several bookcases, stuffed with books from one end to the other. It seems Kendra's boast of having almost EVERY single book in Ustalav was not exaggerated. As she leads you into the living room, there's only one window that isn't blocked by a shelf. Several couches and chairs are situated around the table in the middle of the room, enough to seat all of you and more, with the hearth close by. The fireplace is, not surprisingly, not crowded with books. The room is cozy with an inviting warmth surrounding it.
Note:
"Gimme some of the brandy," Airyc said in a gruff voice with his eyes buried in a book. He looked up at Kendra, embarrassed, "Er...please.....ma'am....miss." If any of the others came close enough to Airyc to glance at the books he was picking up they'd notice that he was gravitating towards the more picture-heavy tomes.
Cranea looked around the house as if it were some great curiosity to her. She never spent much time indoors, and quite frankly thought of houses in the same way she believed the beasts of the forest viewed caves. But she was amazed at how . . . elaborate the interior was. She was afraid to touch anything for fear she might upset some form of etiquette.
looking for rituals, anything involving necromancy, and scientific concepts
_____________________________________________
HoTS: Schmutz#1686
"OH oh no! Please don't mind her," Cranea pleaded of the other guests, "that's Fwisp, she gets very excited whenever we go somewhere new." Cranea began to chase the young sprite, pleading with it in elven to calm down.
You discovered: Whenever your using the Lorrimor place for research pertaining a certain topic, you gain a +2 bonus to all Knowledge (Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Nature and Religion) Checks to that topic.
Kendra nods to the orders of the heroes, then silently makes her way to the nearby kitchen.
In only a couple of minutes, she returns, carrying a large platter. One cup of Katapeshi spiced coffee, two cups of jasmine tea and a few small bottles of high-quality brandy, are arranged in a pattern. She places the platter on the table, and hands a cup to Kledge, Cranea and to herself, and the brandies to the rest. When she notices the small Sprite, Kendra became captivated for a few moments. "Is that a friend of yours, dear Cranea? Does he also drink tea? Should I go look for a small cup for him?"
Seeing that the sprite soon disappears, she relaxes, and takes a seat for herself.
"Now while we wait for the Councilman, I have no doubt some of you have questions to ask. Do feel free to ask, and fear not of who will listen in. My Fath....the Professor never did enjoy people spying on him, so he made the precautions for any would be intruders." The young woman sips her coffee, awaiting to satisfy the heroes' curiosities...
"Oh that's very sweet Kendra, but no thank you, nothing for Fwisp," Cranea said politely, "he's just exploring and his dietary needs are very . . . specific. But what precautions do you mean, is this place magically warded? I knew Lorrimor dabbled, but I didn't know he'd become so good at the arcane arts."
He glanced down at the brandy and rolled the container over in hand a few times. He didn't actually want anything to drink so he tapped LeCroix on the shoulder with the bottom of the bottle and moved it in front of his face. Airyc made a guttural noise that could be interpreted as Here, take this, my good man.
"I understand your concern, M'Serah Valagard. You were all trusted friends of my late father, so I feel no reason to keep secrets from you. Though my father retired from adventuring many years ago, his lust for knowledge never dulled or wavered. He collected quite a repository of information in his last few years. Some however, even I felt were quite... unethical. You see, my father has been dabbling in these vile tomes. Not practicing it, per se, of course! Even father wasn't THAT desperate for knowledge. When I questioned my father of these tomes, he merely looked at me and said: 'Why my dear? It is simple! If we are to counter the forces of darkness, we must first understand how they WORK, how they OPERATE, and how they THINK! If we are to defeat such horrible foes, we must understand both their weaknesses... and strengths!'.Since then, my father grew bored of such tomes, and for a time, I felt elated that he had focused on other courses."
Kendra eyed her cup, her face becoming more sombre. "However, in the last few months, he had been... tense. He had been patrolling Ravengro these last few months, suspecting something sinister at work. But he never told me what happened. He had once again picked up those dark tomes, and began studying them again. Oftentimes even ignoring me. Such was his madness, that he even took to studying the tomes outside, even taking some when he went up to Harrowstone. The Nine Hells take that place! The fact that Hephenus caught sight of my father's reading en route to that blasted place must have spurred him and others to thinking him a necromancer. But I knew my father wasn't. I just knew it... but now... he has finally been given rest."
Kendra looks back tat the heroes, waiting for more questions to be asked.
_____________________________________________
HoTS: Schmutz#1686
"You say he was patrolling? Maybe it's worth checking what the professor was looking in to. And whatever this Harrowstone place is."
This game is using up all my good rolls.
"He may not have seen it coming, but if he was in the midst of one of his investigations then what is in those books might give us some clue as to how he died."
"Can't believe all this is about books," he said in a disappointed tone of voice, "I get people fighting over lost treasure, or land, but those townfolk were willing to take a beating from me just 'cause the old man read some books?" He shook his head and gave a slight shrug of his shoulders; he didn't get it, but there was alot of stuff he didn't get.