"Peacemaker Campaign Saga" for the Shadowlands Campaign Setting

Game Master BlackStarStudios

The game begins in Mtol Daerine, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Saemyyr and the home of the Brotherhood of Magus. A murder is committed with ties back to the Brotherhood and a mysterious death which occurred five years ago.


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Thomi:
Just wanted to make sure you had caught all the details of Brogdar's story. :-)

Grand Lodge

Male Human Level 5 Rogue

GM:

Thomi got it. Since everyone else seems to be extracting the interesting tidbits, he's holding his tongue for now.


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Binjannar continues to follow the conversation with interest. He makes a point to watch the rangers carefully, listening to their intent as well as watching their body language.

GM:
Sense Motive skill check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22


Bijannar:
Is there any one ranger or point in the conversation which you wanted to do your sense motive on? The conversation has taken several shifts and turns and they have had several complex reactions to the events. Or are you just trying to get a very general sense right now, at this point in the conversation?


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

GM:
I was looking to determine their overall intent, especially after listening to Brogdar speak. Do they appear sincere and trustworthy?


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Can I get a sense of where each of these Rangers is from, based on my knowledge of geography(i.e. along with skin colors, style of dress) and language/accents? Also, where Ma'an would be from, based on the name -- I'm guessing Mtol Dærask?

Knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Linguistics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 ew.
(NOTE: I am also fluent & literate in several dialects each of Alanic & Bruidhinn, as well as one dialect each of Guerin, Mtol Dærask, & Quillic, so maybe I'd recognize those regardless, from the names?)

To Brogdar:
"It was both kind and brave of you to come forward to us, and of course we would like to return the favor -- if we can -- though first we would need to know what that would entail. Pray tell us what has happened to your friend Ma'an, and how we might be expected to succeed where you could not? Perhaps you have a plan, but lack the numbers to execute? Or is he simply lost, with no trail your trackers' skill can sense?"


Bijannar Su-Sin wrote:
** spoiler omitted **

Bijannar:
Without a doubt. You sense no false motives or hidden knowledge (except obviously the location of the hideout) from any of them. They are all coming across as entirely sincere and open.


    In some ways the clothing makes it difficult to tell, in part because they have attempted to blend in with the forest which is here on top of the Mtol, but you can tell by some of the manner in which they wear their clothes, or physical features, which you feel give you a pretty strong notion of their ethnicities.
  • Brogdar - Airgíallnese
  • Bhárujun - Khitai
  • Murgaat - Ma’arandaran
  • Foichtrûnn - Airgíallnese
  • Azargan - Mtol Dærask
  • Ma'an - almost impossible to tell without being able to see him, but your suspicion, as you noted, is that from the name, he is from Mtol Dærask.


Brogdar, looking to Varan, Toranindracar, and Aegwyn says: "As to the tale of Ma'an, we know very little, and you can imagine that we are hesitant to involve outsiders in rangers's business. Ma'an awoke late one night, three evenings ago. We all had, as something had startled us from our sleep. Ma'an is of the tribes of the Tark Makan and his senses are better than all of ours, except perhaps Azargan. He came to my cabin as I was gathering my wits and said that he had heard a great commotion come from the direction of the Druid's Grove and was off to investigate it. We awaited some time and then returned to bed. There are ranger's stands throughout the forest and at the edge of the Grove, so it did not seem unusual that Ma'an might rest the night, hidden and sequestered away in one of the stands, to observe. But then when he did not return the next day, I became concerned. We all did in secret. Each of us, without saying so to the others began our own searches throughout the Forest to see if we could see sign of Ma'an, but none of us was able to find any evidence of him in any of his usual spots. That night we shared our concerns with one another around our fire and made a pact that we would, the next morning, conduct our search anew. For many hours, throughout the course of the day and late into the night we searched. Yet no sign of him appeared. The only evidence of his passing was a single arrow from the short desert bow of his people, found fallen inside of a bush, deep within the Druid's Grove, not far from the hill and the Tower.

I do not believe Ma'an would have simply left us, without saying anything. We are all, each of us, too close as companions for that. Some among us think he may be searching for other quarry, or perhaps is about some errand and will return. I am not so certain. We have yet to interrogate the druids in the Grove, they are a private and well,....unusual, bunch."


Male Human (Dardish ethnicity) Antipaladin 5

Varan looks to Brogdar and nods, and then back to his companions. “Perhaps we should extend our search to the Druid’s Grove?” He then glances back over to the rangers. “Or will it go ill with us, there? I have never before had business in the Grove, and I’ve no sense of what reception we should expect.


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

"Indeed, I doubt any of us has much experience with the woodland folk, but, Brogdar, if you would act as our counsel -- and perhaps solicitor -- then I say let's go there now! Why delay?"

Grand Lodge

Male Human Level 5 Rogue

I heartily agree. Let us visit the grove and see if someone there has information that will lead us to Ma'an.


Brogdar looks to each of the other rangers and then to all of you, "I would be happy to go in search of Ma'an with you! The Grove is not dangerous, although for some it's presence can be ominous and unsettling. The Guardians, the druids, shamans, and witches that call the Sacred Grove home, are rarely hostile, unless provoked, although they can be a bit, testy, and eccentric. I would be surprised if any ill were to befall us. I cannot say that I would do any better than you in parley with them, but I am happy to accompany you if it means we can find Ma'an the sooner. Then, by the leave of my Fellows," they all seem to nod their heads in ascent,"shall we make for the grove following dinner? Are you all of like mind?"


Female Human (Valgaard) Oracle 5

Aegwyn nods and stands up to head to the grove.


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

"Yes, the sooner the better, I should think. If there is any chance of getting there while there is still any daylight, that could prove extremely useful."


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Sorry if I already asked this, but -- how long is the day on this world, and what sort of season are we in? About how many hours of daylight do we have at this point in the year? Meanwhile, what's the climate like right now?


The meal passed by in relative silence, whether on account of the somber mood of the evening or because of the deliciousness of the meal, it’s difficult to tell. Murgaat slowly carved off long strips of the rosemaryed venison and placed the steaks on to wooden plates, but not before he had dug hotly roasted potatoes out of the coals of the fire, their skins covered in the juice and seasoning from the deer, and served each of you a plate. All ate quietly save the sounds of the forest and the crackle of the fire. The long rays of Sæmyyr’s distant sun settled into night as your group of companions settled quietly around the fire enjoying the company of the rangers. Bhárujun collected each of your plates after you had finished, as Brogdar went off to his cabin to collect his cloak, bow and quiver. Each of the rangers thanked Foichtrûnn and the Forest for the food you had been gifted as bounty and in turn they thanked each of you for your presence during the evening ritual of the meal. Nothing further was said of the mission to search for Ma’an, and no words were spoken by the rangers as Brogdar waited for you on the slatted boardwalk on the marshy path leading out of the Ranger’s Walk and toward the Druid’s Grove.

The evening has turned to night and high clouds have rolled in and obscured the light of Sæmyyr’s moons and the thick dense woods have blanketed you each with their eerily quiet presence. Night settled in as you walked slowly from the camp at the edge of the small lake and the hushed and muted tones of the forest enveloped you as you made your way into the ancient dense glade. You became thankful for Brogdar’s sure and confident footing as he quietly lead you through the forest toward the sacred grove. Night had taken on that aspect in the forest where sounds become unsure, and distances deceiving. A cold mountain air descended on the forest on top of the league high desert plateau of Mtol Dærine and each wrapped their cloaks and hoods a little closer in the encroaching darkness. Little light is visible, and even less is discernible in the dark evening shadows of the forest, and it is difficult for you to tell for how long you have walked or in what directions.

An unknown amount of time has passed since you left the Ranger’s Walk, and you could not say how deep or far you have wondered into the deep southern forests of the Sylvan District. Time moves differently in the deep cold woods of the ancient forest and the speed of your walk seemed in stark contrast to the softly swaying movements overhead of the enormous oaks and ancient firs, broad canopies letting in little light to help illuminate your walk.

Brogdar leads you quietly to the opening of a large clearing and extends his arm, pointing to something in the black distance of night. ”There, if you can see it. Upon that large rocky outcropping rests the tower, although I suspect you cannot make out its shape upon the promontory at this distance, but I know it is there. The hill is large, although rocky and sparse and at its top rests the ancient tree, Giúsáesta, the tree on the mountain, embracing the tower, Tor Cruimther, like a lover, it’s arms and roots wrapped about it an eternal embrace. There the druids of the forest make their home. If the tower and those within is our destination, then I shall guide us up. The path up the outcrop is treacherous, for it is called Dubdind, the Black Hill, and the footing not always certain, so I shall take point. Beware of lose rock and the caves in the hill as well, they are well hidden and dark, and the druí are not fond of those who wander too far within, not that most do. If it’s parley with the druí you seek, I suggest the front door. We should arrive to the top after an hour or so. Shall we continue?”

Toranindracar, does that help to answer your questions? If not, let me know!

Grand Lodge

Male Human Level 5 Rogue

Lead on, Brogdar. I shall follow close behind you.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Muttering: Not much light out here, but better shadows to hide in.... Elpis, guide my way.


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Uncharacteristically quiet, Toranindracar nods and pulls a torch -- already burning with a soft, bright white flame -- from his pack. He holds it aloft, pulls his robe tightly around him and keeps his eyes wide open, glancing from shadow to shadow as they go...

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

OOC discussion:
Eh, not really. ;) I was wondering about:
  • total (ballpark) number of daylight hours at this time of year (in this region)
  • length of Sæmyyr day
  • length of Sæmyyr solar year
  • intensity of seasons
  • climate in Mtol Dærine region


Discussion on time, seasons, etc.:
I had originally conceived of Sæmyyr's day to be about 30 hours long, and the solar year to be around 480 days, although this was done with only some very rudimentary celestial mechanics based upon comparisons with other planets of its type. We're still looking for a scientist to help us with making sure this is feasible and to look at the implications for Sæmyyr's weather patterns. But the tentative working model would look something like this:

  • Daylight hours & day length - depending on the season and location, but roughly divided at 15 hours for a total of a 30 hour day.
  • Solar year - 480 days, approximately. Divided (depending on the calendar of the region and culture) into roughly 16 months.
  • Intensity of seasons - varies by region, but within the human range, so roughly -50°C to 50°C, although some polar regions could be up to 40°C colder and some desert regions warmer.
  • Mtol Dærine's climate - the climate is a bit unusual based on a number of factors, a) it's altitude above the desert floor below (above 10,000 feet) and b) the somewhat milder climate at the base of the plateau around the city of Avat than in the deep desert. I would guess that with these two factors in mind, Mtol Dærine would have a roughly year round average high of between 15-20°C and an average low of 1-5°C, which would obviously change with wind and rainfall.

Keep in mind though that Mtol Dærine is located roughly 30° north of the equator so it would have variable hours of sunlight.

Hope that helps!

If anyone out there is a climate scientist or has working knowledge of celestial mechanics, we'd love to have you help us out!


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Starting suddenly at the noise of flapping in the dark woods off the road, Toranindracar composes himself once again and continues along the winding forest path. He looks to Brogdar to take his mind off the forest noises.

"Brogdar ... you mentioned that you tracked an agent to a safehouse. When exactly was that ... can you recall? And what happened to this Dargallen? When was the last you saw him? ... And the last time you saw Kal'ishal?"


Male Human (Dardish ethnicity) Antipaladin 5

Varan falls in step with the group and keeps quiet – as best he can in a suit of half-plate, anyway. Clearly, strolling unobtrusively through the wilderness is not really his forte. Still, he appears to be at peace, here, and makes certain to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings along the way.


Thomi slips into the shadows at the edge of the steep trail leading to Dubdind, the Black Hill, just as Toranindracar withdraws a torch from his pack, producing a cold white light, just wide enough for you all to see the line of your companions in front and behind and a few feet beyond in all directions. The area is deathly quiet, except for the cold sweep of the winds around the tower and through the boughs of the old trees and the rhythmic creaking of Varan’s riveted half-armor. You each walk in single file, occupying almost all of the illuminated space, in the darkness up the narrow trail with Brogdar in the lead and Thomi nowhere to be seen. Every now and then you think that you can make out aurelent lights dancing far overhead above the hilltop, but whether this is the movement of the tree, Giúsáesta, far above or some trick of the cold night is impossible to say. The path itself is rocky and difficult without your vision to guide you and so you rely on the steady movements of your companions in front of you to guide the way.

Brogdar speaks softly and quietly to Toranindracar behind him, his speech punctuated by brief pauses to catch his breath as you wind further up the precipitous path, ”I saw Kal’ishal last about six, maybe seven, days ago and followed Dargallen the day before that. I had found the safehouse in trailing the Black Hand agent, or so I was led to believe he was, the day before that. When Kal’ishal did not appear, I spent a day in search of him, then tried his home once more. Then Ma’an went missing and now you arrive. It has been a portentous week, or so it seems,” he pauses a moment to catch his breath,”Be wary there Varan, Aegwyn, there is the first cave entrance, and I would not see you fall in, even if you do worship some Dark power. Companions, be watchful of your steps, I would not see you go tumbling down this steep hillside or fall into some dark hole while I am your guide. I pray you are all still with me, I cannot see all of you in this darkness, least of all Thomi, who I hope has not gone missing or suffered some worse fate.”

Just then a gale of cold wind blows fiercely, as if from out of the black hill itself, almost howling.

"Come, let us pick up the pace and so crest the top before too long."


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Bijannar is going to pay very careful attention to where he steps.

Skill checks:
Perception skill check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15. Survival skill check (to svoid pitfalls or hazards) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Well, let's hope someone sees me fall if I do... lol


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Toranindracar makes a puckered face and swallows drily, muttering softly to himself about his mother while picking his way along the path.


ShadowlandsGM wrote:

Every now and then you think that you can make out aurelent lights dancing far overhead above the hilltop, but whether this is the movement of the tree, Giúsáesta, far above or some trick of the cold night is impossible to say. The path itself is rocky and difficult without your vision to guide you and so you rely on the steady movements of your companions in front of you to guide the way.

Gaaah! Should be 'aurulent' not 'aurelent'. I swear English isn't my first language.


Female Human (Valgaard) Oracle 5

Aegwyn follows carefully in the waning light - keeping her eyes open, and catching Bijannar's arm when he stumbles.

GM:
Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13, Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19, Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Grand Lodge

Male Human Level 5 Rogue

I'm in my element now... <smirk>
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18


Male Human (Dardish ethnicity) Antipaladin 5

Varan moves warily, but without any especial trepidation or hesitation. Indeed, he strikes out toward the front of the group, just a little ways behind the party’s guide, so as to place himself in harm’s way, should things somehow come to that, here.


Varan cautiously moves his way to the front, his heavy armor creaking as he carefully slides by each of the companions and takes his position just behind Brogdar, an Unholy Knight shielding each of you all from harm. The rest of you step cautiously as you make your way up the steep narrow path, Aegwyn keeping a keen thoughtful eye out for you, carefully reads the winds and the trail, and every now and then, a small slide of stones shimmies off the sheer slopes from one side down the other, descending into the unknown darkness below. Bijannar’s footing gives way, he quickly scrambles to maintain himself before slipping off into the abyss below, two sets of hands reach out to grab and steady him, preventing him from tumbling into the inky blackness below.

Brogdar, his breath short and raspy with exertion:”Varan, I know nothing of the malign Power you serve, I care for it not and need know no more than I already do, but surely your deeds are noble, and in some other circumstance, I might count you ‘friend’. Careful now companions, the trail here is most treacherous, be wary!” He rests and catches his breath for a moment, and you remember how thin the air can be, miles above the desert floor.

Toranindracar, or you, young noble mageling, whose name I cannot yet honor because I know you not. It might be best if you speak to the druids. I will not deceive you, the Forces of Nature flow through their veins and surely they are not of this world, and I will admit, I am not yet accustomed to those that can wield The Power. Magic makes me uncomfortable, and it is visible in everything they do, as in you, and I am not the most comfortable in speaking to these otherworldly beings – surely, borne of the same weird cloth as you. I hope Ma’an appreciates the discomfort I feel, for this day I have been in the presence of too much magic, and it makes my soul ill. I will tell you honestly, and without reservation, that those that live here are difficult, their ways strange and powerful, and it is only out of love for my kinsman, that in the curtain of night, I would travel with the Dark One to witness a parley between those that have magic in their veins with those who would control and master all magic in this world.”

The party crests the top of the hill finally, and even in the shadowy embrace of night, you cannot help but perceive the ancient majesty of this place. Giúsáesta, even enshrouded in blackness, is a majesty to behold, for surely none of you have ever seen a tree so regal and inspiring, it’s great roots and limbs wrapped around the bleak tower of Tor Cruimther, and suddenly this sullen hilltop has never seemed so inviting and comforting as you behold the great oaken doors, set deep within the mammoth roots of the ancient Tree on the Mountain. None of you know how long this great tree has stood here, from what great and ancient grove this sapling was cut, but it’s presence fills you with a primeval sense of awe and inspiration, rising storeys above your heads, to scratch the very heavens above, and the deep and antediluvian sky of Sæmyyr, illuminated by the powers of Porl, Cym, and Xednar (for mysterious Atloh’s dark presence remains obscured to almost all).

Brogdar looks back to you all, holds himself firm and courageous and knocks heavily on the age old doors of Tor Cruimther.
A few moments, or a few years, later the heavy door swings easily open and silhouetted in the doorway stands a prodigious cûal'wŷr dæthol. Twice in one day you have laid eyes upon these otherworldly entities, and yet each time your blood is made cold and yet your heart lifted in inspiration, as you are drawn into their ethereal beauty and nobility.

Brogdar addresses it quickly and respectfully, his words a slurred blur of deference:

In rapid and nervous Bruidhínn:
”Good eve to you great Watcher. I escort Companions who would speak in Your [pl.] August presence and ask of what happened a few nights past. May we enter, as guests?”

Answered in calm and slow Sylvænar:
”Yes. Come, and enter. As friends. You, and your companions, are welcome. We have been expecting them.”


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Bijannar smiles at the druid's invitation and replies in Sylvænar.

Sylvænar:
"Would you mind clarifying? You've been expecting our group or expecting the Brotherhood of Magus? Oh, and thank you for having us in at so late an hour."

Then, Brijannar offers a small bow of respect before entering the Tor.


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Linguistics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
I don't know what the dæthol said, but it sounds like Sylvænar to me (which would make sense, I figure).

Watching Bijannar's response, I'm guessing the dæthol has invited us in. I tentatively step inside, smiling graciously at our host and bowing slightly, following Bijannar's lead.

Two sentences in Bruidhínn(Northern):
"Friend, we thank you for your hospitality and humbly beg your assistance in our quest. Unfortunately, not all of us speak the tongue of Sylvænyr...."

Then, continuing in Mtol Dærask (Dærini):
"...but, I may ask, if you can speak the tongue of the Mtol, then we may all understand one another?"


Bijannar Su-Sin wrote:

Bijannar smiles at the druid's invitation and replies in Sylvænar.

** spoiler omitted **

Then, Brijannar offers a small bow of respect before entering the Tor.

The cûalwŷr looks to Bijannar with a satisfied expression and says:

Sylvænar:

"I am glad to see that they still teach the Mages the tongue of The People. We have been expecting YOU (pl.). I do not like the language of the Dærini and so I will guide you to another. Come."


Toranindracar, it is indeed Sylvænar and you would guess, from his expressions, that Brogdar doesn't speak it either, although he does smile and look to you when you speak Bruidhínn.


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Bijannar looks at the cûalwŷr and replies, matter-of-fact in

Sylvænar:
"The Brotherhood seeks knowledge. Ignoring the tongue of the people would be counterproductive to that end. May I ask what you are called?" He offers another smile as he follows the cûalwŷr.


As the tall dæthol druid leads Bijannar into Tor Cruimther he turns back and looks down (almost a foot) to Bijannar, a warm and avuncular look on his face and says (in Sylvænar): ”I am called Caniédyth. I am the Treesinger here, for Mtol Dærine. It is not often now that we get visitors from the Brotherhood. We had many more in the past. Alas. The times have changed and the Brotherhood no longer seeks our councel. But we are less interested in the Brotherhood, as in you five Companions. You are the future. We have each had Visions which we think associated with you, and we knew it was only a matter of time before you came to us.” He spares a glance back at Aegwyn.

Caniédyth leads you each into the great open room of Tor Cruimther, a most unusual building. It is difficult to perceive the difference between the mason work, the timber, and the enormous roots of Giúsáesta itself. The room is a cacophony of smells, pleasant and awful, different objects, chests, tables, skins, herb lines for drying herbs hung across vast open spaces, a small alter, set against the very trunk of Giúsáesta itself, the ghastly remains of a sacrifice spread across the alter and the living tree itself, the many bookshelves and books the lines of twine crisscrossing the room with leaves hanging from them and some strange script composed of sticks and odd sharp angles written across each leaf, the large old set of broad wooden steps descending deep down into the Black Hill, and you suspect somewhere else there must be stairs ascending into the tall spike of the tower itself, up to the boughs of Giúsáesta. In some distant corner you can hear the bleating of sheep, corralled into a pen, and you hear the sounds of cauldrons boiling and the acrid smell of many types of wood being burned. There is an alien activity to this place, even if you cannot see who is doing it or how many they are through the curving strangeness of the room itself.

Still in Sylvænar: “Come, I will take you to the others. We are glad of your presence, as might have been foretold and now is.” He leads you around a curve in the chamber and you see another one of the many fire pits which mark the large cavernous room, warming and illuminating it, providing both comfort and shadows across the forest of breaks, arches, and subsections of the large room.

”I would ask your name, but I would rather know what you call your self?” You realize as he looks at you, almost in shock, that he is looking at a point beyond you, and not actually you.

As the cûalwŷr druid escorts you all through the large lower chamber of Tor Cruimther, Brogdar leans over to Toranindracar and speaks in Dærask: ”I honestly do not know if he speaks Bruidhínn, but he has always seemed to understand me when I did. Honestly lord, this place is unsettling, but I hope that it brings you the answers you seek. I will say this, the druids hide nothing, but seldom do they give anything away. You must all be forthwith in your asking. We enter a strange, and sacred, space. Take what council you may. It may provide the answers you seek.”


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Bijannar replies to Caniédyth in

Sylvænar:
"I am called Bijannar Su-Sin, which in Ashkan Temple-Speak means 'sacred mind' or 'one-with-knowledge.' Sadly, I only speak conversational Sylvænar and do not know a direct translation. I'm going to speak the local dialect, however, to help speed understanding between you and my companions. Should you need me to translate, just let me know."

Bijannar strides up to Caniédyth and says, in Mtol Dærask, "My companions know me as Frasha Bijannar, which is my title and position within the Brotherhood. Toranindracar..." Bijannar stops for a moment to indicate the Tegan with a simple nod, then continues. "He is the individual leading our inquery and the man you should speak with."


Continuing in Sylvænar and not quite looking at Bijannar so much as through him:
"I told you, I do not like the tongue of Dærask."

He leads you around several more alcoves to a section of the tower which seems more lined by shadows than the others. You wander for several minutes and you stop to wonder whether or not he is leading you in circles with nothing but the acrid smoke and sound of crackling fire to help you know where your are in the forest of arches and alcoves.

Seemingly (to everyone else), spoken in Dærask

"Your name is fitting then Bijannar Su-Sin. Do you feel one with knowledge? Have you yet had a moment of prescience? Perhaps you should be the one to lead the inquiry? Who you think you are looking for is not who you are looking for. At some point or other, you will each have to take up the mantle of leadership, of all will fail. The doorway is below your feet and far far away. Come, we are here, you may speak with my company in whatever language you wish and they will respond in whatever language they wish. The rest is up to you, Bijannar of the sacred mind.

He has brought you all to a shadowed corner of the sprawling tower, the only light source a half-moon fireplace surrounded by chairs and benches which are occupied by three people. Caniédyth takes a seat in a tall dark and twisted chair and motions to all of you to sit where you may.

A woman, pale and beautiful of face with long raven hair, who might or might not be middle-aged, says to you all with a warm yet mysterious smile: "Welcome...you have many questions."

She motions to Aegwyn, nods her heads and says "Daughter," and motions to a seat near her.


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

I pointedly pull a pinch of salt and soot from a pouch, smiling at the strange dæthol. I flick it into the air above me, letting it sprinkle down over my head while I mutter magical words. (I cast comprehend languages. This allows me to understand the literal meaning of the dæthol's words in Sylvænar, but does not allow me to speak in Sylvænar. It lasts for 50 min.)

I look to Bijannar, with a slight look of awkward discomfort.

To Bijannar (in Dærini):
"Thank you, Bijannar. And, er, pardon my asking, but I didn't catch any of that, until that bit in Dærini. Does our host have questions for us? Or perhaps ... a name?"


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

Just as I finish my sentence, muttered to Bijannar, our host brings us to the corner with the fireplace and the pale, raven-haired woman, who welcomes us all and singles out Aegwyn.

I take a seat and make a face like that of a wet cat. Looking around, I compose myself....

To the lady (in Dærini):
"Good lady, you have a ... beautiful home. I have lived in Mtol Dærine for many years now, but have never known of this place. I am called Toranindracar, and I'm afraid you are right. We do have many questions, but not all of us seek the same answers, I should think. We came here hoping to find answers for our newfound friend here, Brogdar of the rangers not far from here.

"Three nights ago, his friend Ma'an, of the tribes of the Tark Makan, awoke hearing a loud commotion from what sounded like this place. Ma'an went to investigate the noise and never returned. When Brogdar and his friends went searching for him, they found no trace of his passing anywhere, save for a single one of his tribal arrows, found in a bush near the Black Hill called, er ... Dubdind? Therefore we come to you, hoping you can shed light on the great noise that was heard three nights ago, or perhaps you can tell us straight away what happened to Ma'an of the desert tribes, and where Brogdar may find him?"


She slowly turns her head and smiles a wolfish smile at Toranindracar, "You have no need of your spells little tegan, for we can all understand each other here," she laughs an eerily cascading laugh. "Toranindracar, I am Tibati. But, these are not the questions you came here to ask. I will answer what I know nonetheless.

Yes, it is true. There was a great noise within the very depths of Dubdind itself, not three nights back. Ma'an appeared at that late hour, concerned, and asked permission to enter into the caves of the Black Hill. Which we gave. Last we know he entered the caves and we have not seen or heard from him since. I am sorry to hear he is missing, we had thought he had returned back to the Ranger's Walk."

At the news of Ma'an, Brogdar's face became enthusiastic and then grew longer and more concerned as she continued.

"I am surprised, Toranindracar, for I thought that surely you would have known more of this than we. For surely you know that three Brotherhood members came here the same day, during the daylight hours, that Ma'an went missing, and another the week before that, inquiring about the great depths of Dubdind. The three, all unimaginative brutes, were insistent and stated that they had business checking on the safety of the hill and of the city and required access to the lower halls to 'check the wards'. Later, when the great noise was heard late in the night, I could only imagine that their protection had been successful and that they would be back. We have had portents of your arrival, but did not think you were connected with those people, for the signs we have seen do not relate the two of you, but in fact place you at opposite purposes."


Male Belaran Tegan (Halfling) nomad Brotherhood Adept 5 (Order of Mahrka)

I throw Bijannar a questioning glance, as if to say "Did you know about this?"

To Tibati:
"Indeed I knew nothing of the sort, but now I must say I am intrigued and even more full of questions. I assume you knew them for adepts because they wore Brotherhood robes? If so, can you remember the colors? Faces? Hair? Did any give their names? Do you use these 'lower halls' for anything yourselves, or otherwise have any cause to go down there? If so, can you tell us what lies beneath, in the dark depths of Dubdind?"


Bijannar - Are you wearing your Frasha robes?


She looks to Toranindracar quizzically -

”I knew them for Adepts because they said as much and I had no cause to doubt them. Their robes seemed to be in the same style as yours, although as you say, of different colors. The one a week ago wore robes of white and seemed more circumspect in his questioning. The three from a few days past each wore robes of different hue. One of them wore robes of white and carried a staff, the second robes just like his,” she says as she points to Bijannar and the last set of robes she describes you both immediately recognize to be those of a Murid.

”None gave names, that I recall, or perhaps the one in white, with the two others, referred to himself as “Brother Kal’ishal”. The lower caverns are extensive and serve a variety of purposes. We maintain stores for the tower, also hospice and healing pens for the animals of the grove, caverns for growing lichen, fungi, and other plants we use who are better suited to such places, even some of our apprentices maintain their lodgings in some of the caves, and further down there are some of the tombs of druids past, the Pool of Seeing is also down among the caverns, as well as the Falls of Aperthou which leads eventually deep underneath the Mtol.”


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Bijannar walks up and, in a hushed tone, says to Toranindracar, "No, I do not believe the Treesinger has questions for us. I offered to translate, should he, but Caniédyth finds Dærask distasteful and has elected to lead us to Tibati instead. I believe it is safe to assume we'll conduct all of our official business with her."

Bijannar then walks over to Caniédyth and bows. He replies,

in Sylvænar:
"Thank you Caniédyth, for the opportunity to practice my Sylvænar. I hope you fare well the rest of this night."

He begins to walk away, but suddenly stops. He continues

in Sylvænar:
"Forgive me. I did not answer your question. I had no say in the name my father gave me, nor do I believe that I've achieved oneness with knowledge. I am, as you might guess from the robes draped over my simple armor, still very much a student."
He smiles, bows again, and rejoins the group.

GM:
I am wearing my outer robes, draped loosely over my armor.


Bijannar:
Great, thanks for that. I wanted to make sure that what Tibati was pointing to was indeed Brotherhood robes. Cheers!

Caniédyth nods his head and smiles, an oddly knowing smile, and says softly under his breath,

in Sylvænar:
There is greatness to be had in you yet. I suspect you will have the mind of the gods.


Female Human (Valgaard) Oracle 5

Aegwyn walks up beside the lady and takes the offered seat, pausing and nodding her thanks before sitting.

It seems we must follow these 'adepts' beneath the hill if you will grant us your permission. But you said you had tellings of us, before we arrived. I would gratefully hear such portents if you would share?


Male Human (Karsab ethnicity) Brotherhood Adept 4/Aristocrat 1

Bijannar replies to Caniédyth in

Sylvænar:
"I can only take that as the highest of compliments. Thank you."

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