Pathfinder In-Game Thread - Arc 1

[Kaen Youji]

Lien stood in respectful silence as Kendra spoke about her father, and the sermon was carried out. However, he was not expecting to be put on the spot like this. Speaking in Milani's name, opposing the unjust rule of Ustlav was one thing, but to speak of a subject like this in front of so many? ...Granted, many here weren't humans, but still.... Lien was uncomfortable with it. Still, everyone else was doing it, so it came about to him.

"I'm afraid I didn't know the Professor especially well." He admitted, in a quiet, subdued tone. "I met the professor out in some ruins or another... I did not adhere to scholarly pursuits as much as I do today at the time. It was he who introduced me to the Gods and Goddesses that guide our world, and it was through him that I first heard of my patron, and her teachings." He stated, somewhat lamely and awkwardly. This was not exactly his area of expertise at all. "Professor Lorrimor gave me a way to fight the injustice of an unjust world, and so I must pay my due respects for that." He finished, somewhat lamely.

[Diplomacy Roll:+1]

LGqFSKHw1d201d20

[Francis Grin]

The small crowd clapped for each story, though they seemed to do so half-heartedly for Hvor and Lien. But overall, it seemed that the prior events and the stress involved with them had simmered down thanks to the stories that had been told. After the stories completed, the gravediggers finished their work, and the other guests began saying their goodbyes to Kendra. After they left, she simply stared at the grave for a moment before turning to the five left over.

"Thank you once again. My father's will is going to be read at his- I mean my house. I have some drinks there while we wait. Councilman Hearthmount should be by shortly, and I believe one of Father's stipulations is that it can't be read without everyone present."

She walked back to her house after that, as you may if you so wish. A pot of tea was set to boil once she arrived, and there's a few different alcoholic drinks as well should you so be inclined. After about 20 minutes or so of waiting, a thin human eventually comes to the door and is invited in by Kendra. His face is rather hawkish, and the way he walks is somewhat like watching a wading bird stalking through a swamp. He looks the five of you over, giving a barely-perceptible sneer before sitting down and clearing his throat.

"I assume that Hvor Ax, Renis Calwithar, Sebastian Irving, Kendra Lorrimor, and Lien Valerius are all present and accounted for?" the man curtly said, his voice thin and reedy. He didn't even wait for an answer before speaking again. "Good then. Let's finish this. It's going to be a cold night, and I would like to get a good fire going."

The man reached into his coat and produced a scroll case and showing it to each of them. It had the professor's wax seal holding it closed, and was in perfect condition. After showing them that, Hearthmount would break the seal and open the case. As soon as he did that, an iron key tumbled out, clanging onto the table loudly in front of all of you. Unphased by this, the councilman simply reached in and brought out a scroll, unfurling it as he put on a pair of spectacles. He would clear his throat, and then proceed to read the will 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 one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.

“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.

“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.

“I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4710 AR

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

Following the reading of the will, Hvor didn't have to think very long. To him, this was just going to be an extended Mercenary contract with a -very- large payout. He settled onto the floor, avoiding any of the nice chairs that the professor had in the living room. He had a habit of... breaking things. Easily. "Month last long. Gol' last long'r. Hvor stay."

[Zeich Yajuu]

An offer made, a price given. Renis was not one to easily be swayed by financial means, yet one hundred platinum coins was no small sum, a fair fortune in its own right. He weighed his options, but it was not a hard decision; he had no plans, and nothing to look forward to upon returning to his own district. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to help Kendra settle in? Of course, there was also the matter of the tomes that had to be delivered; though Renis had not heard of any such books in the professor's possession, from the stories the others had told and the depths to which the man went to in order to further his research, the Oracle could not put it past him.

“I hate to ashk, given sheh delicate nashure of sheh shetuation but...” Renis frowned behind his mask, crossing his arms as he did so; his body language suggested discomfort. “Might we be allowed to shee sheh chesht? I am curioush ash to what tomesh the Profeshor conshidersh 'dangeroush' or 'illegal.' It may be better if we know whash we're dealing wish.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Diplomacy Check to Convince Kendra}CzZrIamp“1-20” +8

“1-20”

[Kaen Youji]

After the funeral concluded, Lien waited at Kendra's behest for the news of the reading of the will. Strange that Lorrimer would have included those attending his funeral in it. Forget about necromancy, perhaps he had been given the powers of divination! The will itself was simple, and easily carried out. Donating some books to a university seemed fine, and an excellent excuse to travel! The request to remain behind for one month seemed strange, but Lien saw little wrong with it as well. It was a simple enough request. "I see no reason to refuse the Professor his last wish." Lien stated. Although the matter of the dead and dying was not central to Milani's beliefs, there was certainly no reason to disrespect the dead.

[Taien Hadohou]

The funeral continued, ended, and then the gravediggers went away, and Kendra invited the remaining people back to her new house. When they got there, a pot of tea was boiling already, and Sebastian graciously accepted a cup. He wasn't that far along in the cup before the councilman came in, adressed them all, and began to read the will, without any of them actually confirming they were there. Pushy guy it seemed. The man went through the will, addressing Kendra and the four of them, though how he knew exactly they four would be there and no one else was beyond him, and outlined a task for the four of them, should they choose to accept.

It was all fairly reasonable, and then he got to the payout... A hundred. Platinum. Coins.

Sebastian very nearly spit the sip of tea out that he was taking, but managed not to. Instead, he settled for a coughing attack as the tea went down the wrong pipe. After blinking hard a few times after he stopped to focus again, Sebastian looked up again.

"Ah... yeah. Yeah, I can do that for the Professor."

Then he nodded over at Renis.

"Though I do agree with the fellow over there. It would be helpful if we knew exactly what we were transporting, after we're done here. If they're as dangerous as the Professor said they are, and who he was opposing, who knows who, or what, could be after them?"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Diplomacy Roll}Q6qPfPSwd20+3

d20

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

If Hearthmount cared about their agreement, he did an expert job of not showing it. He would simply give them all a curt nod, roll the will back up, and replace it back in its case before going on his merry way. Kendra, for her part, was simply quiet as she looked at the key, biting her lip some as she considered what.

"Well... I'm not exactly sure where my father would keep those types of books, nor would I know what they might be. Father never let me read what he considered darker material. He said he did it only to keep me safe. But the key that was in with the will looks like it goes with my father's chest in his study, though, so they may be there...." The professor's daughter would pause a moment longer, shifting in her chair some while she looked down into her tea. "Errrr.... I'd hate to impose on you all, but I will need some time to decide what to do with the house now. May I please ask you to wait on the deliveries for a while so I can think on it? I... I'm not sure if I can stay here anymore, but I can't just leave either. Ravengro has been my home for over twenty years now and I can't just go away from it all, even with what has happened."

[Kaen Youji]

Lien gave a minor shrug. It might be worth looking around to see the religious state of the area then, if he was to be here for a time. To spread word, and possibly even sow some dissent against the tyrannical ruling of Ustalav.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

It seemed like there wasn't too much to be done in the house right now, so Hvor stood up and spoke to the rest of the room. "Hvor go out for drink. An'one com' with?"

[Taien Hadohou]

Kendra spoke, and Sebastian slowly nodded. When the half-orc, Hvor was his name- really should use it- when Hvor suggested going out for a drink, Sebastian found it tempting, but...

"I think we'll stay here for the moment. Survey the place, look around, make sure everything's in place, all that. You don't mind, do you?"

Sebastian asked, looking at Kendra. Z simply nodded a little.

[Zeich Yajuu]

Renis nodded at the others and their decisions as to what to do next. The half-orc—Hvor, he had been the only one to give his name—went to find a tavern, while the half-elf simply left for his own purposes. Though the human and his companion remained, Renis had his own plans.

“Sinsh we're going to be waiting, I would like to borrow zhat key.” He held out his hand politely, not demanding; it was a request after all, and he had no power to make demands here. “If you are willing, I would like to exshamine the books while you deshide what to do.”

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

Kendra would give Hvor and Lien a nod as they left for their own business before giving Renis the key. When they walked into Ravengro, they would once again be confronted by the citizens of the small town giving them sideways glances, or crossing over to a completely different side of the street in the case of Hvor. Religion-wise, Lien would find only the temple of Pharasma near the Restlands, though it appeared the door was open for any that wished to come in. Hvor had slightly more options for his endeavor, with either The Outwards Inn or Laughing Demon Tavern to choose from.

Meanwhile, when Sebastian and Renis went to the study, they would see a small oak and iron chest sitting on top of the Professor's desk. The key would fit perfectly within the lock on it, and would easily swing open if they wished to look inside. If they did, they would find a total of five books, four of them old and worn looking, and the other relatively new. The new one was on the top of the stack, and scratched into the leather cover were the words "Read Me Now." Below that was a jet-black book titled "On Verified Madness," as well as a book that appeared to be bound with some sort of roughly cured leather. Below that was a book that looked identical to the cookbooks one would occasionally see in publication that had the seemingly harmless title of "Serving your Hunger." And at the bottom of the stack is a purple-bound tome that had a brass scarab upon the front, and is bound in iron.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Read me now!}This book, upon inspection and reading of some of its contents, is Professor Lorrimor's journal. It by and large seems mostly uninteresting, simply the account of a man living a provincial town, but some of the most recent entries have been highlighted.

6th of Kuthona, 4709
I woke up today to find two dead whippoorwhirls on my windowsill. The witch’s foretelling has finally come true. It’s every bit as dreadful as she promised.

I know growing up in Ravengro hasn’t been the easiest on Kendra. Although she didn’t remember very much about living in Lepidstadt, as a child she would often tell me of dreams of a big city. I tried to tell her all children have these types of dreams, but I don’t know if she ever truly accepted it.

I’m going to sell my home so that at least Kendra can finally return to the big city.

10th of Kuthona, 4709
I leave today for Lepidstadt. I’ve had Professor Crowl put out feelers for any interested buyers. I haven’t told my other colleagues about my plans. They’ll find out soon enough.

25th of Kuthona, 4709
I have secured a buyer for my property. One Dr. Vasyl Belenko. I’ve signed the papers over for a sum that should allow Kendra to settle into Lepidstadt quite comfortably. I was able to convince the fellow that I have some unfinished business in Ravengro that would need to be dealt with and requested he hold off until the 30th of Gozran before moving in. He was quite amenable to the idea once I explained he could hold off on paying me for the property until the 1st of Calistril, at which point it would be held by the Bank of Abadar until the agreed date.

This should provide enough time for Kendra to move at her leisure.

26th of Kuthona, 4709
I had dinner with Estoban last night. I had been planning on slipping out of Lepidstadt before anyone from the university knew I was here. However I’m glad I relented and spoke with him. He’s doing quite well for himself and seems to have settled into things well enough.

29th of Kuthona, 4709
I cannot believe the difficulties I had getting into Tamrivena today. The guards at the gate were being completely unreasonable, demanding to know what my business was and why I was travelling on the road.
I had to pull quite a few strings simply to get through the damn gate! I was half tempted to simply spend the night in Nathrus, but it didn’t come to that. This time. I don’t know what’s happened to this town, but I simply don’t have time to be dealing with petty thugs such as these. I’ve got far too many things to do once I get home.

3rd of Abadius, 4710
It was good to see Kendra when I got home. I forgot to get her a gift like I usually do. She seemed to shrug it off saying she was probably too old to get a treat whenever her father went away.

The disappointment in her voice still stung though.

5th of Abadius, 4710
I’m concerned that some unusual people have been snooping around Ravengro while I was away. Perhaps I’m just getting paranoid, but some of the comments people have made are somewhat unsettling.

10th of Abadius, 4710
I’m not growing paranoid, there have been strangers lurking around in the woods. I have my suspicions as to who it might be, but I have no idea what they could possibly want.

21st of Abadius, 4710
Of course. I’m such a fool for not seeing it before. There is only one possible reason they could have for being here. But why now? Why after all this time? This requires further investigation, but I don’t have too much time left.

25th of Abadius, 4710
It seems the rumours aren’t all just old ghost stories after all. That helps explain their interest in the place. But it doesn’t explain why now. Regardless I believe quite strongly that they’re after something someone that was there. Father Grimburrow should be able to help me with that.

29th of Abadus, 4710
I see just how ill prepared I was when I first headed out there. I am lucky to have returned at all. But of course I know luck didn’t have anything to do with it. I’ll get some benefit from that damn curse before I go.

I remember reading clues and hints about a crypt in the Restlands. I’ll need to go searching through my notes. I should never have let my supplies get so low to begin with. That was a foolish error on my part.

31st of Abadus, 4710
Perhaps my memory is failing me. I’ve scoured through all of my books and haven’t been able to find the notes I need. I was positive it was in Ravengro. I couldn’t be getting this town confused with another one. Could I?

Success! My memory wasn’t failing me after all. The false crypt is in the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I wonder if Father Grimburrow knew about it? I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

2nd of Calistril, 4710 (The Day of the Professor's Death)
I redrew my will yesterday and had Hearthmount witness it and store it away. He was quite perturbed by the fact I’ve sold my house to an outsider, and wanted to tell me off about my visits to the Restlands. I guess the rumor mill will be working overtime by the end of today.

I made sure I sat down and had dinner with Kendra last night. Our first meal together since I saw those two whippoorwhirls. I was almost going to tell her that I’ve sold the place, but got distracted and then forgot about it.

I helped myself to a few of the items in the crypt. Anymore wouldn’t do ME any good. I’ve gotten no sleep tonight as I’ve thought long and hard about who to contact in order to deal with them. I doubt I’ll take them out by myself.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Rough Leather} Lien will be able to identify this book on sight as The Umbral Leaves, the holy book of Zon-Kuthon, God of Darkness, Pain, and Envy. If the rest of you read it, you will find that it details numerous torture techniques, methods to keep those who have undergone extreme trauma alive as long as possible, and sermons about the clarifying focus and universal truth that is pain. Contains a slip of paper stating that this book is to be delivered to one Montigaine Crowl, Professor of Antiquities at Leipstadt University.

SPOILER: Click to show

{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. Contains a slip of paper stating that this book is to be delivered to one Montigaine Crowl, Professor of Antiquities at Leipstadt University.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Serving your Hunger} This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa, Goddess of Gluttony and the Undead. In addition to detailing various recipes that tell of the best way to prepare various sentient beings to eat, it also possesses numerous accounts on the superiority of the reanimated to the living. Lorrimor’s notations liberally sprinkle the margins. Contains a slip of paper stating that this book is to be delivered to one Montigaine Crowl, Professor of Antiquities at Leipstadt University.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Purple with Scarab}If you attempt to open this book, it appears to be locked somehow. Unless you can find the lock and bypass it somehow, this book will be impossible to open without destroying most of the content inside. It has a note on top of it saying that this book must be delivered to one Embereth Daramith, Judge of Liepstadt. In addition, roll a Knowledge (Arcana, History, or Local) check.

[Zeich Yajuu]

Renis found himself intrigued as he was allowed access to the books, shuffling through the five tomes offered and trying to decide where to begin. Of course, there was the one that was titled “Read Me Now”, an interesting choice for a title. The Oracle paused, wondering at the meaning of the book's title, but after a moment shrugged and simply opened it. If the books were so easy for Kendra to access them, it was unlikely that they were dangerous. He started with the one that demanded attention, opening it carefully and skimming through the journal. There were quite a few interesting notes that caught Renis's attention, facts that he memorized for later. A false tomb, unknown strangers, an omen? The last was Renis' own specialty as an Oracle; though he was not nearly as skilled as others may be, omens were something he studied. But what did two dead birds mean? He went through his knowledge of arcana, history, and nature to see if he could recall any particular meaning from that, especially since the Professor mentioned a curse.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Knowledge – Arcana Check}hUGSa7mt“1-20”+2

SPOILER: Click to show

{Knowledge – History Check}“1-20”+2

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{Knowledge – Nature Check}“1-20”+6

“1-20”�“1-20”�“1-20”

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

Hvor saw that he had two options for where he would be drinking that night, unfortunately alone, but he could find some people that were too drunk to see his green skin. Maybe. It might be the complete opposite and he was shunned for what he was. Either way, he chose to go into the Laughing Demon Tavern on a whim, thinking he could try the other one if this one didn't pan out.

[Taien Hadohou]

While Renis went through the book labled "Read Me!" Sebastian went about taking a cursory look at the others. Only cursory, though. They weren't exactly books sane people would read. They were mostly just glances at the cover and inferring what he knew of the title, combined with the fact that these books weren't exactly... well, good. They were slightly more evil aligned. Anyway, Sebastian came to one book in particular, that had a lock on it. Curiosity blossomed, and Sebastian scoured his memory to think of anything that could be related to the book.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Arcana Roll}EzEIQJnId20+6

SPOILER: Click to show

{Nature Roll}d20+2

SPOILER: Click to show

{History Roll}d20+2

d20�d20�d20