Herrnarrell remembers that Miyertiar was destroyed by Aryvandaar after a brief lull in hostilities. He also remembers that Myth Drannor and Cormanthyr didn't exist until aroudn -4000 DR.
Herrnarrell guesses that they're around 2000 years before the founding of Myth Drannor.
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The sights, the sounds, even the smells were all so amazing. The dialects may have been different, and the clothes too, but this was her history. It was all of their history. It was almost intoxicating, like having a wonderful dream. It was practically what she had wished for. "Oh isn't it amazing?"
She danced around like a child at play, giggling and laughing and twirling about. It took a while for her to notice the others and their concern. "Don't you guys realize where we are...or when, I guess? When would we, or anyone, ever have another chance like this? Think of all the things we could learn?"
Jerr-Dann's thought echoed in her head. You can be such a child.
The Commander looks at the assembled travelers and laughs. It's not an unkind laugh, although it is a bit jesting. You do bring such merriment to these halls! A perfect addition to our festivities! Others join her as she laughs again, and motions towards a side door. Please! Please! Come! She guides the group to the side door, winding her way past dancers and celebrants. Inside, she turns, all seriousness, hand on the pommel of her sword.
Who are you really. And, why have you come here?
Pero's hand strays to his hilt as the Commander's hand rests on hers he cocks his head, "The story is so fantastic I am not entirely sure you would believe us.
Truthfully, we do not know why or how we have come to be here.
I am Pero Elond - Starym, Tomb Warden of Evereska".
The commander’s hand tightens on her hilt. A Starym?! Evereska? You... . she visibly forced herself to calm. No. That doesn’t matter. Nothing matters. Not now
As the Commander’s ire rises, her flesh grows gaunt and her hair ragged, as a corpse long laid to rest. She takes on a faint unearthly glow. The tower, for the briefest of moments, takes on a ruined, devastated look, as though the ravages of war and time have Worked their horrible will upon this place. It is but a moment, and then gone, so fast you cannot be sure it happened at all. But, you are sure of own thing: the Commander is not completely alive.
The Commander is both melancholy, and resigned to her fate. She has the air of someone who has been acting a well-rehearsed play. Not that she knows her part, but that she has performed her part so often.
Herrnarrell lets out a small sigh at Pero and Sarrissa's comments, resigning himself to the fact that he alone seems to consider the potential ramifications of time travel not worth the risk. At least if things go to Hell, I will still have the "I told you so". His thoughts are interrupted by... something. He subtly shifted under his cloak and grasped the hilt of his blade, readying himself for anything and carefully studying the person in front of him. "Commander, what do you mean that 'nothing matters'? And what do you know of Starym or Evereska?"
Seeing the Commander's hand tighten on her hilt. Henris mentally prepares himself for combat. He suspects that something is going to happen soon, and probably not to their liking.
He allows Herrnarrell and Pero to handle the talking - modern day Elves weren't particularly kind to half-elves like himself, and ancient ones were probably even worse.
Pero shrugs at her, "Whatever your quarrel with my House is, I assure you I know not of it and my presence here has nothing to do with it.
My friend I know believes that we should be... vague with you. However, we do not know enough of where we are to make up a plausible excuse for who we are or how we came to be here.
All we can do is hope you are willing to listen with an open mind to what we have to say.
I swear by Aerdrie Faenya that we've not come to harm you or any elves here".
The commander waves her hand dismissively. My quarrel doesn't matter. It's... ancient history. What have you tell me?
Pero shrugs at her, "Whatever your quarrel with my House is, I assure you I know not of it and my presence here has nothing to do with it.
My friend I know believes that we should be... vague with you. However, we do not know enough of where we are to make up a plausible excuse for who we are or how we came to be here.
All we can do is hope you are willing to listen with an open mind to what we have to say.
I swear by Aerdrie Faenya that we've not come to harm you or any elves here".
You swear by Aerdrie Faenya? The Commander laughs. Perhaps that is enough... speak plainly,. I beg you. I swear by the Seldarine that I shall not act on any knowledge you have until you say otherwise. You could tell me that Miyertiar shall fall in three years' time, through treachery and false-friends, and I will not lift a hand to stop it, if that is your wish. It is clear you come from strange places, and hold knowledge you deem equal parts strange and dangerous. Do not fear. Your secrets shall be safe. But, how am I to trust you if you do not trust me?
Pero shrugs at Herrnarrell and continues, he can feel the disapproval of the Moon Elf but believes thre is no other way, the group must have someone here they can trust, why not this Commander?
"Ancient history indeed.
A being known as the Dark Knight and his foul minions chased us from an Inn in which we were staying to the wilderness where we came upon the tower for shelter.
We have stepped through what seems to be a portal in time from the distant future. The tower from which we exited in our time is but a ruin. As to what realms of the People live or die, I do not believe it would be prudent to say now or ever.
Suffice to say that our presence here is odd and troubling. Perhaps the Gods sent us here to find out more of this dangerous figure, perhaps not. Will you help us blend in until we can discover our reason for being here? While a novice in the ways of magic, I sense that our stay here is temporary only.
Those who would use our knowledge of what is to be for their own selfish gain must not discover who we truly are or where we are truly from".
Whispers prayers to her goddess for guidance, as Pero tell more of their story. She truthful was unsure what she could do to help the group, as those talking seemed to know more about their current place than she did. The odd quote about Miyertiar stands out, but understanding the order of things here could be different, she keeps quiet on it. It could just simply be an common old phrase, as she had read some of them in the old church archives.
Raurniel nods. You are wise to guard your words so. Were you in a different place... She sighs. I, and all in this wretched tower, have been dead for several millennia. She gives a sad smile. Yes, I, and only I, am aware of my fate. Each day, I awaken, live the next few years of my life here, in this tower, and then watch everything I hold dear fall. Then, I wake up, and it happens again. The others, those under my command, know nothing of this. For them, each day happens as though for the first time. At first, I thought it a torment. Now, I realize I am the one who is cursed.
She sighs and looks at the travelers with sad, hopeless eyes. I cannot l cannot leave beyond the this floor, save when it's time for other... events to occur. Each time I leave, I end up here. The others? Who can say. Whatever power has trapped me here, does not wish for me to stray far from the script. Perhaps you can help? Please, I beg you, find the source of this curse, it MUST be here in this keep, and free me and my command so we may finally have peace!
Nivian waits to see if the group will agree to help.
Seeing that he is alone in his hesitance to potentially alter the course of history, Herrnarrell says nothing as Pero lays out the situation for Raurniel. He is immensely relieved to hear Raurniel speak knowingly about what is to come, meaning that they do not need to guard their words overmuch. "I... am inclined to believe you. Which eases my mind, but now I have questions, as I'm sure do my companions. How long have you been in this instance? How long is it normally before everything... resets? As you are in a position of command, do you have any control over what goes on or does everything play out exactly even if you attempt to alter your command's orders? Probably most importantly, have you ever seen us in any of these loops?"
Henris exhales in relief at the Raurniel's words. This surely meant they were less likely to be executed out of hand for spreading word of the fall of Cormanthyr or Miyertiar - at least by the commanding officer. Everybody else still might - which, of course, meant they really weren't any safer than they had been in the first place. Plus, there was a chance they might get stuck back here as well, or killed in the inevitable betrayal.
All he'd wanted to do was find his mother and let her know about dad's passing. This was so much more than he'd bargained for. Well, as dad always said, You don't find adventure - adventure finds you. Adventure had certainly found him. He just hoped he survived it.
[dice=Sense Motive to discern any lies from Raurniel]1d20+0
Seeing that he is alone in his hesitance to potentially alter the course of history, Herrnarrell says nothing as Pero lays out the situation for Raurniel. He is immensely relieved to hear Raurniel speak knowingly about what is to come, meaning that they do not need to guard their words overmuch. "I... am inclined to believe you. Which eases my mind, but now I have questions, as I'm sure do my companions. How long have you been in this instance? How long is it normally before everything... resets? As you are in a position of command, do you have any control over what goes on or does everything play out exactly even if you attempt to alter your command's orders? Probably most importantly, have you ever seen us in any of these loops?"
Raurniel sighs. I cannot say. At first, I tried to warn my guards. But, they would either laugh and die all the same. Or, turn on me, calling me a traitor, and I would die early, only to awake the next day, remembering it all, and they nothing. I can only say that I have died a thousand times. Time ..is odd. For me, it is as though events play out over the course of three years, but I can only remember pieces, as though the time between the pieces did not happen at all. I have never seen you before. In all my deaths, this is the first we've met.
Nehama speaks up softly, not wishing to interrupt in an area she was not familiar with to much, however felt something needed pointing out " You say you awake and everything is remembered for you. So that would mean all this, it could be revenge against YOU. If that is the case, and you know you come back, either we stay for the three years, trying to solve this, or we make other choices. I doubt our choices matter here, but we can always try different things. As a last resort, if we kill you, and you awake the next day, would we still be here? As anything changed if you die early in the next cycle?" Either they had some kind of evil undead infront of them, or the Goddess had sent this aside for the group to get stronger, or possibly both.
Pero is shocked by the admission by Raurniel, he keeps his mouth shut as the others pick up the thread of the conversation and looks to gauge Elohir's reaction.
I am willing to help. What do you suggest?
Iym roused himself from his continued befuddlement at all that has taken place.
"You bear a heavy burden. It would be my privilege to help lighten it."
Raurniel shakes her head sadly. "No matter how soon I die, nothing changes. It always repeats. I've tried ending my own life, if only to break free of this curse. I awoke the next day. I have changed my habits, breaking from the script as much as I can. Nothing. If there is some foul undead creature that curses me... I am not able to find it"
Elohir stays in the back, keeping his council to himself. Shock, however, is written plain across his face.
"If this is the first time we've met in your repeated loop of time, we might be able to do something to break the curse. Would you mind if someone examined you for any magical effects?"
He's sure one of the full-blooded elves would have both the magic and knowledge to do so.
With one foot on the wall and her back resting against it, Sarrissa leaned on the wall right next to her spear. She absorbed all of the details as they came tumbling into existence. Silently she debated their validity and ramifications with Jerr-Dann. It was like so many conversations they had had before.
"By your own words we should investigate the entire keep. Will the guards try to stop us? Are any areas normally restricted? And what happens in three years? What is the end of this cycle before it starts again?"
Tread carefully young one. She is a traitor and likely responsible for this in some way. Do not assume her words are truth.
You don't know that Jerr-Dann. I value your wisdom, not your paranoia.
They are often the same thing. You will learn this some day.
Sarrissa simply rolled her eyes.
Raurniel nods. "You can test me, if you want. Although, I don't know what you'd find. A nd, I can't say hat you'll find beyond this hall. I know only that I am prevented from leaving until my next "scene". You?" She shrugs. "I cannot say. I only know that in three yes, I die. Facing my worst enemy, after fighting enemies throughout the fort."
Who is your worst enemy? asks Nivian.
"With your leave, then," Iym spoke a brief incantation.
Raurniel shakes her head. "Aredhel, a knight in service to Aryvandaar, and my own sister." She sighs. "We weren't always enemies. We once traveled throughout the lands, adventuring, fighting evil, bringing enlightenment to the world. We...drifted apart. She chose own path. I, another. Now, we will not be satisfied until the other's dead. IN two years, she gets her wish." As she speaks,s he nods to Iym to do his spell.
To his eyes, a magic hangs over Raurniel: a potent curse that cannot be undone with a simple spell. Yet, Raurniel is not the focus of the curse. Iym cannot be sure why, but he knows that Raurniel is not the reason for the time loop, only that the time loop is centered on Raurniel. Finding the source, will release Raurniel, and the others, to the gods. And should definitely return the travelers back to Faerun.
What is the reason for the quarrel with your sister?
Starts to pray, trying to seek guidance from her Goddess. Normally sisters fight, but what Raurniel speaks of goes deeper, and leaves a more bitter mark. Having never had siblings, she could not relate, but knew she had moments growing up when she wished others harm, but never to this level.
"What could your sister have done to earn your ill will? Please, if you genuinely want us to end this curse, we must know every detail. There is no telling what piece of information will be pertinent to this task. Stop playing games and tell us everything, and quickly now."
Be careful young one. You know not where you tread, or what powers you probe Jerr-Dann warned.
For the first time, Raurniel seems vexed by the travelers' questions. Her eyes give a dangerous flesh of frustration and anger at Sarissa's tone. "We are gold elves. She believes us to be the favored of the Seldarine, the natural masters of this world. I do not. She supports Aryvandaar in these trying times, and refuses to see another side. Though it pains me, and I wish it were another way, my tale here ends with my death on her blade because of our different opinions."
"This is all very complicated," Iym said. "There is a powerful curse here, as you know too well, but I hope it will give you some solace to know that you are not its cause. If we can manage to deal with that root, then everything should proceed as-" Iym stopped himself. "I'm sorry; you know how it ends."
Raurniel smiles. "All stories must end. Finally, with your help, I mine will, too. Please. Go. I cannot offer much help beyond the walls of this hall, until it is my time to move. But, while I am here, you may return and I shall offer what support I can."
Yep. My presence is definitely not going to help matters in this. Henris hears the pride in the man's voice, and knows that a half-elf whelp wouldn't be the most welcome. Hopefully they could figure out the curse and end it quickly.
Herrnarrell listens as the conversation moves on, but the mention of the curse makes him take pause. "Iym, when we first arrived I was looking for signs of an illusion but felt magic on a magnificent scale dealing with life, time, and space simultaneously. It is obvious that it was the magic of the curse, the loop, that I was feeling, I just didn't have enough information to properly identify it. But I've never dealt with magic on this scale before."
Herrnarrell disappears into this thoughts for a moment before shrugging to himself. "On the other hand, magic is magic. I should be able to take it apart, identify it, mold it, and disrupt it just like anything else." It's not arrogance in his voice as he says that, it's just a fact of the world - if magic exists, it can be tampered with, if one is willing to risk the consequences. But without the source or the focus of the magic, he knows that what he can actually do is minimal. Instead, he moves around the room, tilting his head side to side, sometimes closing his eyes and sometimes mumbling to himself, looking, listening, and feeling the world around him, hoping to glean any new information, now that he has an idea about what he's looking for.
"Art is Art, but not all Art flows from the Weave in the same ways," Iym said. "Ancient Art, touched by such time and of such sophistication, can go easily wrong."
Nivian will assist with the Spellcraft as well :
Working together, the travelers can discern that the curse is not coming from the room. It's coming from some place else in the keep. Up... and to the north. Towards one of the upper floors of the keep. Not directly above, maybe a room in the inner keep? A storeroom or armory?
Working together, the travelers can discern that the curse is not coming from the room. It's coming from some place else in the keep. Up... and to the north. Towards one of the upper floors of the keep. Not directly above, maybe a room in the inner keep? A storeroom or armory?
"Raurniel, what is above us in that direction?" Iym said, indicating the north.
"Up there? The armory. My chambers. A guardroom. The fort's library. That's all."
"Oh wow. A library? Really? The amount of knowledge that could be there. Things that could have been lost to time." Sarrissa blushed. These were the types of comments that would drive Jerr-Dann crazy.
She cleared her throat and straightened her posture, trying to at least feel more grown up before continuing. "Will you accompany us? I wouldn't feel right looking through your chambers without you present. Besides, this may go smoother if you are with us to answer any questions we may have as we go."
Henris looks at the stairs leading further up, and hopes they don't go wandering around without someone to escort them - or something signed by this guy giving them permission. Only being half-elf, he was not looking forward to having to explain snooping around without an escort or permission.