Occult Hands

**Occult Hands** is an Act 1 quest in *Pentiment*.

## Stages

### Solve Ferenc's Cipher

I need to figure out the meaning of the cipher Ferenc wrote in the scriptorium. He used a volvelle while writing it and took it with him. He can’t keep it in his robes all the time... can he?

### Defensive and Evasive

I asked Ferenc if he knew anything about the baron’s death. He was defensive and evasive.

### Burned Note

I found the burned remnants of a note in Prior Ferenc’s house. It’s unclear what the contents of the note were, but it was written in a purple ink with exceptionally fine lettering.

### Charcoal Rubbing

There was a piece of paper on Ferenc’s desk that had the imprint of a letter on it. I rubbed charcoal on the paper to reveal the text, which was a letter from Ferenc to the baron. It appears Ferenc said he would not perform a ritual for the baron even if the baron threatened to turn him in to inquisitors in Innsbruck.

### Bloody Silver Rod

I discovered a silver rod with occult symbols on it and traces of dried blood in the engravings. I believe it may belong to Prior Ferenc.

### Ritual Letter

I found a letter in the baron’s belongings. It was from Prior Ferenc. In it, Ferenc said he would not perform a ritual for the baron even if the baron threatened to turn him in to inquisitors in Innsbruck.

### Ferenc's Volvelle

In Ferenc’s house, I discovered the volvelle he was holding when he deciphered the manuscript. I can use this to figure out the cipher he left.

### Here Lies Gerhard

I figured out Ferenc’s cipher. It says “H I G E R H A R D” - Latin for “here lies Gerhard." I should check Brother Gerhard’s grave in the cemetery.

### Disturbed Grave

Brother Gerhard’s grave looks like it had been disturbed recently. I should ask Father Gernot for permission to dig the grave up.
I suppose I could ask Brother Volkbert to dig it up without the abbot's permission, but he might get in trouble. Maybe I could even tempt Otto Zimmermann into helping me...

### Permission to Dig

Father Gernot gave me permission to dig up Brother Gerhard’s grave. He said Brother Volkbert should assist me.

### Permission to Dig... Denied!

Father Gernot did not give me permission to dig up Brother Gerhard’s grave. I may need to convince Brother Volkbert to help me dig up the grave... or maybe Otto Zimmermann would be willing to help.

### Magical Tools

In Brother Gerhard’s grave, I found a number of magical tools. It appears Prior Ferenc hid them here out of fear that they might be discovered. The note he wrote must have been a message for a fellow magician to dig them up at a later date.

### Ferenc's Denial

Prior Ferenc denied that the magical tools in Brother Gerhard’s grave were his.

### Speak with Ferenc

Prior Ferenc has been acting strangely since the baron arrived. I should talk to him to find out if there was something going on between them. He's usually in the scriptorium, the abbot's house, or the prior's house.

### Connect the Symbols

I can't figure out what the connection between the astrological signs and the elements are in Ferenc's cipher.
If I can find a way into the library after dark, I may be able to find a book to help me.
Failing that, I can always inquire with the town doctor, Werner Stolz, on the north side of town.

### Investigate Ferenc's Book

I never did get a look at what Ferenc was writing in that book in the scriptorium. Given the baron's murder and Ferenc's odd behavior, it may be significant.