Part 0: Arriving in Ravengro

[Veritas]

(this has been a terribly successful thread so far in the other games, that I shall steal the idea.)

Dear (your name),

As executor of the Last Will and Testament of Petros Lorrimor, it is my unfortunate duty to inform you of the Professor's passing, on the 1st of Pharast, this year of 4711 AR. Upon opening the Professor's instructions for his will, it was discovered that you were named a beneficiary. His instructions were that his funeral was not to proceed until you gather hence.

Therefore, I bid you to travel to Ravengro, in Canterwall, where the Professor will be laid to his final rest in the Restlands of his home village, and gather at the Temple of Pharasma, so that you may escort him on his final journey.

Yours,
Vashian Hearthmount
Councilman of Ravengro

3 Pharast, 4711 AR

Copies of this letter are brought by express post all around Ustalav, as far as Kyonin, and curiously, to an outpost on the western border where it is sometimes safe to cross from Varisia through the Holds of Belkzen.

Two copies of the letter go to Ardis, where they are delivered to the Temple of Pharasma to be distributed.

One is taken to Iadara, the capital of Kyonin, and left at a nondescript but not exactly reputable alchemist's lab.

Another is taken to a small temple of Sarenrae within the south, and given to a priestess there.

The final one is left on the western border of Ustalav, where very rarely caravans travel through to Urgir, and eventually to Varisia - arriving just before one such caravan does.

When the recipients arrive in Ravengro, it is 17 days after the death of the professor - 18 Pharast. By coincidence, they arrive within hours of each other, signalling the beginning of the small gathering for Professor Petros Lorrimor's final journey.

[Juniper]

Calaera startles herself awake as the sound of Candlemark's hooves changes, clattering on cobblestones as they arrive in Ravengro. A quick glance down and to the left reassures her that Navene still walks beside her, and she grins sheepishly, anticipating her friend's teasing for falling asleep in the saddle again. Still, it's been a long road, and she's kept the majority of the nighttime watches, knowing how imperative it is that Navene sleep well.

She doesn't speak as they begin to traverse bustling city streets, as their pattern is already well-established. They will find an inn. Navene will negotiate a few days' stay while Calaera takes Candlemark to the stables to reassure herself as to the stallion's care. Then they will meet indoors for a bite to eat before looking for the Councilman.

She smiles down at her friend, happy the journey is coming to an end, but happier still that the long monotony of her days is over now. She is pleased with her oath, and with the company it has brought her.

[joviality]

Noticing that Calaera has awoken, Navene glances up briefly. She flashes a small smile to her companion as she hands back Candlemark's reins. Normally she'd teasingly ask if Calaera had a nice nap, but she had seemed particularly tired after the past few days on the road. In contrast, the thought of laying Petros to rest was strangely invigorating to Navene.

As the two friends enter Ravengro, Navene begins to look around for a local inn. Spotting one, she speaks with Calaera a moment and they part ways, Calaera headed off to the stable. Navene enters the inn and approaches the innkeeper. "A room for two please. Nothing fancy." She was ever the frugal one.

[`Nessa]

The letter waiting in Varisia hadn't been a surprise; the abbot had already said that the professor would be dead. The letter was just final confirmation of the other monk's vision. What was surprising was how big and how strange the world was outside the walls of the monastery, this far away from the mountain. Chouko's eyes were wide as she peered around the street, and she tried to focus on the sound of her wooden sandals on the cobbles, on the cool, smooth bead between her thumb and forefinger and she twisted it on the string.

Ping was less impressed. The red panda snoozed curled around her shoulders, the bulk of his girth resting on her backpack. When Chouko stopped, he raised his head curiously to regard the inn. Chouko practically vibrated with excitement. It was an inn! A real one! She would hand over the foreign coins that felt so strange in her hand and they would give her food and lodgings. And if she was lucky, there might even be a brawl! She had heard about tavern brawls while she was traveling with the caravan, and they sounded terribly exciting...

She took what should have been a calming, centering breath, wrapped the prayer beads back around her wrist and stepped inside. There was a woman speaking to the inn keeper as she entered, so she took the time to gawk openly at the room around her.

[logan]

Fin was relieved to arrive, finally, in Ravengro. Traveling as an extra on various cargo transports, he made his journey across the land using connections he had established with his business associates. His legs were stiff and his mouth was dry.

Just like every other town he visited, the citizens stared at his scarred face and eyes shot-away when he returned their gaze. Fin was eager to receive his inheritance, but was much more eager to satisfy his thirst. He pushed open the door to Elkarid's Tavern, found a seat on the dark end of the bar, motioned to the barkeep for a stein of something dark and wet.

"A couple cold ones and then I must take care of some important business, I've travelled a long way." spoke Fin. The barkeep slid his drink across the wooden surface, "There is a nice inn here, if you need a place to rest on your trip."

Fin didn't reply, he took a hearty drink of his beer. "Let's try to keep a low-profile" he thought to himself, as he looked around the tavern, unnoticed by the other patrons.

[Juniper]

Calaera dismounted in the inn courtyard, giving Navene a quick smile as the priestess disappeared inside. She waited a moment watching the door, nervous as always with her partner out of sight, then giggled as Candlemark bumped her from behind. "You're going to get spoiled, getting all of my attention like this," she told the horse as she caressed his velvety nose. "Let's see about getting you someplace comfortable."

The stable was behind the building, but there seemed no trace of groom or stablelad as she led Candlemark into a large box stall. The place was clean and sweet-smelling, with fresh straw on the floor and the soft nickering of a couple of other horses. She put Candlemark as far from them as she could, knowing what trouble a stallion could cause if he got his mind to it or was tempted by a pretty mare, and worked to unbuckle her saddlebags and the leather barding, currying the horse with a brush she found until he whickered with pleasure. The stable lad showed up when she was nearly done, and seemed disappointed at the loss of his tip but properly admiring of the tall blood bay.

"'E's a big un, lady," the boy gushed, holding a slice of apple out for the horse under Calaera's approving eye.

"Near seventeen hands," she answered him, slinging the saddlebags over her shoulder. "We'll be staying for a few days. Give him a measure of good oats, if you will. He's brought me pretty far." She flicked a silver piece toward the boy, who caught it agilely, then left the stables with a last caress for the horse. Stepping into the common room of the inn, her eyes near-instantly sought out Navene.

[joviality]

Navene finished quickly with the innkeeper, who had given her the key to room two. It wasn't an unfair rate. She turned from the innkeeper and spotted the obviously foreign woman in her robes - she was staring around the room, looking as though she'd never seen an inn before. Navene gave a small nod to the woman as she walked past her on the way to the room she would be sharing with Calaera. Finally able to drop her pack, Navene felt something akin to relief, or at least her muscles did. Though it wasn't a heavy load, days on the road had made it wearisome. She quickly checked to see if the bottle of fine Ardisian wine she had brought was still secure and unbroken. It was. Navene nodded to herself, thinking it a fine gift for any surviving family or friends of the Professor. Now free of the encumbrance of her pack, Navene walked back downstairs to the common room.

It seemed as though the strange woman (and the strange animal with her, as she now noticed) had finally worked up the courage to speak with the innkeeper. Navene was surprised to see that there was not much of a language barrier. Hunger overtook her curiosity, however, and she quickly found a table she and Calaera could share with a few places left over. After a moment, a boy who looked to be the innkeeper's son came by and asked her if she'd like anything to eat or drink. She asked for two meals and two glasses of red wine.

As she waited, her thoughts turned to other things. She would like to stop by the temple to Pharasma tonight before it got too late; she had noticed it as they were coming into town. It would do to pay her respects there and perhaps meet the local clergy before any ceremony was to occur for the Professor. She was eager to lay the man to rest, as it did not do to keep the Lady of Graves waiting, and they already had for some time now. Other than thoughts of the ceremony and the day to come, Navene reflected on other portions of her life. She was happy living and working in the temple in Ardis, especially with such company of Calaera. She felt like there was more Pharasma had yet to call her to do, however. These thoughts did not last long though, as she finally spotted her companion as she walked in the door, fresh from the stables. Navene motioned her over and pushed her mug of wine toward her, and together they waited for the food to arrive.

[Veritas]

The few people on the streets look at the arriving newcomers, on fine horses, with scarred faces, or strange pets with looks of utter distrust, stopping what they are doing - walking, working the fields, or otherwise engaging in their daily business - to take in all the details of the new arrivals. It is obvious, the way they put their heads together once the fellows have passed, that they are already trying to figure out what could be going on. No, they know - the strangers that old Professor Lorrimor asked to be present for his funeral have arrived. The mutterings have begun.

The centre of Ravengro is a town square containing a large gazebo, surrounded by a cluster of buildings. Immediate to the town square are a plethora of shops and businesses. At the north is a posting pole, a large pole shoved into the ground, covered with messages, notifications, and job postings; four other similarly adorned poles are placed about the town. Clockwise from there, you can see the Ravengro General Store, the Outward Inn, the Ravengro Town Hall, and the Silk Purse at the south. Counterclockwise from the post is the Ravengro Jail, Jominda's Apothecary, and at the south, the Ravengro forge. To the northwest is a small street, at the end of which is the Laughing Demon tavern owned by Zokar Elkarid.

Across the river (there are two bridges at the north and south of town) you can see a large temple sitting atop a selection of farmlands - no doubt this is the Temple of Pharasma, an important building in any Ustalavic town of this size. Large homes dot the area across the river as well. And always to the south on the hill is the hulk that was once Harrowstone Prison, ruined now, the walls crumbling, one portion collapsed, looking bleak and burnt in the day's sun.

The Outward Inn

The Outward Inn is not a large building. There is a common room, yes, but it contains a few smaller tables. Food is certainly available, as is wine, though the owner looks a little curiously at those who come to the Inn in the middle of the day for food and drink. Her face remains guarded - as if to be wary of strangers, and not reveal too much to those from outside of town.

Regardless, the service is good, and she sends along one of the boys with cups of wine for the two who came in together; the food, he informs them, will be a few moments. The fellow then travels along to the woman with the strange animal, and asks her the same question - in Varisian, obviously.

"Can I fetch you something to drink or eat, miss?"

The Laughing Demon

The inside of the tavern is a hint darker than it should be, as the windows remain mostly shuttered, even on a bright day at the tail of winter. The large man behind the counter, Zokar Elkarid, has a large smile over his dull face, as he serves up a glass of "liquid ghosts" for Fin, sliding it to the fellow.

"You must be hear for the Professor's funeral," Elkarid says, with a wink to the fellow. His scarred visage is obviously keeping the man off balance, as his eyes focus somewhere around Fin's right ear, but he doesn't seem to be wanting to avoid contact with a patron, either. "Once the rest of the people gather, we'll get started. I hope it's soon. He was a friend of mine, and it seems wrong to keep someone from the Restlands for so long."

[comicsans12pt]

Solaz stepped down from the carriage next to the town gazebo. She knew she was drawing stares from her size and felt another pang at having left her temple. While she felt honored to offer her charge up to Pahrisma for his final rest, she knew this would be a long journey whose turns she could not know. Perhaps the premonitions were wrong.
She picked up her backpack, hung her spindle on her belt and made her way to the Outward Inn. Drawing up to the bar, she climbed into a bar stool. It kept barkeeps from having to lean over the bar to talk to her. She found that demeaning and hard on the barkeeps.
She arranged for a room and went directly to it. The days on the road had left her stiff and aching to practice with her scimitar.
In her room, she removed her robe and then her studded leather armor. She began slowly, moving carefully, coordinating each move with one of Serenrae's liturgical tenets. Back and forth, praise and intercession, she entreated her goddess for guidance and company.
After finishing, she laid face down on the floor, hands above her head patting out a soft rhythm while she prayed.
By the time she was done, the afternoon shadows were long. she made her way to the tavern and asked directions to Town Hall. Hoping to find the author of the letter, she left word with a clerk that she had arrived, was staying at the Outward Inn and was honored to help lay the Professor to rest. She returned to the tavern, ate a meal in a corner of the great room and retired. Perhaps she was being foolish. Maybe getting out of the temple was good after all.

[`Nessa]

When the woman nods to Chouko, the young monks hesitates for a moment, remembers that this is a form of greeting among these people, and offers a very hasty bow before the other can walk away. Ping slides up her neck as she bows, knocking Chouko's hat askew, and she takes a moment to set everything right before asking for a room of her own. Her Varisian is good, but slow; she often has to pause to seriously consider what she is trying to say before she smiles and first asks for the room, and also agrees to something to eat and drink.

"Please!" she says brightly to the man. "For me, and for my little brother as well." She indicates Ping, who stares blearily at the man.

[logan]

Fin took another long, hearty swig of the beer. "Indeed. He has brought me to this place." replied Fin, "The professor was a great scholar and widely regarded figure, what do you figure he has for me?" Looking around the dark room, Fin carefully studying the decor, motions for another glass. "Do you happen to know who I need to talk to about the letter I received?"

[Veritas]

The Laughing Demon

Fin's scarred visage leaned closer, and in return, in slid Zokar Elkarid, his jovial face turning a little more dour. "Don't worry, my friend. I'm sure the town's gossip mill has churned hard enough for old Father Grimburrow to hear. He'll send out one of his two acolytes - ah. Speak of the daemon."

The small bell over the door jingles as a man enters the bar. He is younger, in his very early twenties, and has carefully clipped hair. He wears church robes, with the spiral flame symbol of Pharasma over his chest - once on the robes, and once in the form of a wooden holy symbol.

"Father Grimburrow wishes it known that the final journey and funeral for Professor Petros Lorrimor will now begin, in accordance with his wishes. Any who wish to attend may come to the Temple of Pharasma, to carry forward his body to the Restlands."

The young acolyte almost sounds like he's reading from a scroll - these are words he's obviously said many times, with the exception of the name. As he leaves, most of the people in the bar do very little, as if they do not care. In fact, they put their heads together, and begin to speak quietly.

In contrast, Zokar leans into the back room. "Honey, the funeral's starting. Come watch the bar for me. Pevrin! It's time to go, son!" He then returns to the main room, with his son, around 12 or 13, appearing beside him. "Well, friend," he says to Fin. "Come with me. It's time."

The Outward Inn

Chouko had just been brought food - a bowl of the day's stew, a bit of fresh-baked bread, and a mug of cold water - and Solaz had just finished her prayers, when the door to the inn opened, and in stepped the acolyte. His voice was strong, and he was not quiet about his announcement, allowing it to permeate the building and be heard - if muffled - even in the rooms upstairs.

"Father Grimburrow wishes it known that the final journey and funeral for Professor Petros Lorrimor will now begin, in accordance with his wishes. Any who wish to attend may come to the Temple of Pharasma, to carry forward his body to the Restlands."

Unlike in the tavern, none of the others stir to move. The innkeeper looks supremely unimpressed by this news, and the common folk who choose to take their meal here, rather than the tavern, look around unimpressed. Their eyes alight on the newcomers - obvious ones, so arrayed - and then they cast away, lest they get caught, gawking.

The town's streets does not necessarily fill with people. It is clear that Petros Lorrimor was not loved by the average citizen of Ravengro, at least, not enough to show their respects during his final journey.

[joviality]

Upon arrival of the acolyte, Navene rises as soon as she sees the symbols on his robes, listening intently to his short announcement. A bit surprised at the suddenness of the invitation but nonetheless ready to proceed with the event, Navene rapidly gathers her things about her and leaves payment for herself and Calaera - plus a sizable tip for the boy - on the table next to their unfinished food.

Things gathered, Navene begins heading for the door as soon as Calaera is prepared, ready to follow the acolyte out the door.

[`Nessa]

Chouko had looked dubiously at whatever substance they had brought her in the bowl, and it was almost with relief that the acolyte interrupted. She stood, leaving payment behind and tucking the bread into her robe to share with Ping later. She joins the acolyte and the others, but stands in the doorway watching the rest of the room with confusion. Death never left the monastery so unmoved. What kind of place was this?

[logan]

Fin put the glass to his mouth And tilted his head back. Gulping down the rest of the beer he sets the glass on the bar, reaches in to his jacket and pulls out some gold. Settling his tab with Elkarids wife, who is now behind the bar, Fin stands up and follows the two to the door. Fin is paying close attention to the reaction of the other patrons, but makes haste to follow, not wanting to delay the long overdue ceremonies for Lorrimor. Fin exits The laughing demon, following Elkarid and his son to the temple.