you know that mountain ranges shift over time, but even accounting for tat, you are probably 300 miles north of the vicinity of that maps mark. A map of Boquek would be of some assistance, or someone who knows the land
Roshan turns to Ron. "We're here for books. Should we find Golnaz first, or hope against firm odds that this is one of the days she isn't in whatever library we're here to search?"
Let’s focus on the books first. If this Golnaz appears, we’ll handle it.
To the books!
The idea of a library is abhorrent to me, but I choose the one that seems less...stuffy.
To the obelisk!
Belym nods in agreement. "The obelisk."
Roshan looks up from a handful of skewers. "The obelisk?"
He obelisk is larger, close up. it is the height of a castle, bit it is a single tower. Made of a sapphire-material, with a door large enough to let in a giant. Outside, to the left of the entrance, several people, all young enough they can only be students. one grinds things in a mortar and pestle, before transferring them into an alembic. another three spar with wooden weapons. a fifth is trying to draw a flower, without touching the pen.
While the air in the docks had the odor of sea, sweat, and the food stalls, the air here has a mixture of floral, and alchemical scents. as you approach the gate, an attendant greets you We welcome you to the Droqiohr obelisk, pride of the region. he says to Conwall Have you and your retinue come here with a purpose in mind, or simply on a socia visit? sir...
"Kaur." Roshan finishes, brusquely. "We hail from the Duchy of Eloin where a seal holding back a horde of Aboleths is under seige as we speak. We have come here for texts pertaining to the containment or destruction of these creatures before they are released upon this land." The templar pauses and looks back to her companions. "At least, that is our objective as I understood it."
you... ummm... That sounds like a question for our head Librarian... We'll have to... come with us, Sir Kaur. Shall we keep your retinue in our Foyer, or will they accompany you?
The librarian is an older man, who leads you to a sparse bookshelf This is what we have, for information on Aboleths and the mindrending. I apologize The librarian says.
When you attempt to connect the dots on a larger mystery or find out important clues through caches of information, roll + int * On a 10+, ask the GM 3 questions. * On a 7-9, ask 1.
When you have previous important information on this topic, gain +1 forward.
*How are these two things connected?
*Is this fact relevant in this investigation?
*What motivated this event?
*When will this happen again?
*Where can I find out more about this?
"If there is space, please bring them. Their input may be invaluable. We are an entourage of peers from many disparate sides of these events... " Roshan pauses before adding, rather sheepishly, "and I have a Yellow Vance's academic acumen. It is more likely that I might help them in this."
Ron smiles as the approach the sparse bookshelf. He pushes past Roshan and begins reviewing the available titles. Interesting ...
Belym thanks the older gentleman. "One other thing - do you have an archive of maps, by chance? I'd like to study both older ones as well as some more current ones of the surrounding area. "
Roshan
Going to get a book as reference (ancient mermish kingdoms), you see a tall, austere woman, wearing the garb of a Green Vance... Golnaz is here. she hasn't spotted you, she seems to be making a copy of a book, likely trying to rebuild her library. what do you do?
Ron
Belym
Ah, yes. we do have copies of the maps the 6 great lords used in their campaign to unite Boquek. More than 2 thousand years ago. we may also have some maps from the accounts of various notable rulers, if you would care to cross-reference The librarian says
Roshan backs out of the stacks and returns to her team. She looks as if she's seen death's gate. "We should leave now. -or, I suppose the books will give us some level of cover. We will have to be very careful leaving to make sure she does not see us."
Sarah looks as though she smells something foul. "Whatever has you so shaken, Rhistel?"
Roshan takes a step back, straightens, and pulls her tabard down, adjusting her belt. "Nothing. An old acquaintance is here, and I- we do not have time for me to smooth things over."
Cassy looks up from a thin volume on abjuration, her leg shaking. "What could it hurt?"
"'Smooth things out' is a phrase used here to mean parley over crossed blades. The Green Vance specialize in the greatblade. Their techniques are slow, but leathal, and they have the strongest evocation rites. Where is Ron? We need to leave."
Meanwhile, Ron digs contentedly into some ancient texts, blissfully ignorant of this Golnaz character.
"Yes, please." Belym replies.
When Roshan returns, Belym looks at her. "Would it be better for you to leave us here? Ron and I can see what we can find, and I don't think either of us would earn this Green Vance's notice. "
Belym studies the maps when brought. She asks for a few follow-up documents based on what she's able to figure out; folklore about relevant areas, as well as mining reports or geological surveys.
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Ron
The Mindrending was the term for the first Aboleth war. it was a few millennia ago, back when the great empire reigned.
2&3: the nformation would be a spell of greatest information... if such information existed, it would be in the palace f the greatest abjuror on the continent- the Iron palace!
Belym
from your searching and studious comparisons, you know it to be in the capitol of the realm of the Quicksilver Lord, greatest of enchanters
The fastest route is with a merchant caravan, likely. or perhaps just getting horses. unless of course you were willing to brave the jungle of Sel-var'roth, home to the cult of the dread gorrila god!
Local tales tell of the quicksilver caverns, filled with riches beyond measure... they assume. none who have gone to claim them has ever returned
what do you do?
Once the party regroups, Belym listens to Ron's findings and shares her own.
The palace of the Iron Lord stands almost as tall as the obelisk, and the college. true to it's name, the palace is more a fortress. Ron, you know that a force of 50 could hold this place against a horde of 5.000.
presenting yourselves before the clerks, claiming urgent business, gets you an audience, after an appreciable wait. (if any of you were to sneak off, you would have ample opportunity).
The Iron lord sits on her throne. a woman as hard as her title. she wears fairly simple cothing, designed for practicality rather than show. upon her lap sits a sword you are assured is a symbol of office more than a threat.
travelers from the north, come to me with an urgent missive. She says, locking her storm-grey eyes upon each of you in turn. what news from the North?