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""What's in that Fortress? Why can we not cross the Bridge?"
Cymria answers directly. "It is the Archmage's personal residence. He makes sure it is well-guarded when he is away. I'm sure you understand."
"My dearful friend. Did you find the answers you were looking for when we last met?"
Celeste shakes her head. "No, sadly. It requires more time, but in a way, it's aligned with an interest of Manzorian's, so I'll be better supplied on my next leg. That is, after Eligos and I return to Egorian for a time."
Celeste warmly accepts an escort as far as the lobby, but promptly excuses herself, promising to join you for lunch.
The gnome creates a wonderful sketch of the luncheon gathering. The attendants of the All-Seeing Eye see that you enjoy the meal on the roof, adjacent to the Atrium. It allows you a splendid view of the coastline, as it reaches into the mountain range to the northeast. Lazy seagulls glide in the winds above the waters, occasionally dipping into the drink, much like your ground corn chips dip into fresh vegetable dips. The ice pitchers are garnished with various fresh fruits and vegetables as well. The meats are farm to table, thinly cut, the seafood is free of its shells, and presented with the necessary cups of warmed butter. The wines are imported from various distant ports, allowing you quite a selection.
Through your conversation during appetizers, you learn very little about the Afterlife from Eligos. He does remember something very smoky about a Spire, and not being alone. He doesn't seem to want to indulge further questions if pressed. His resurrection was performed by Agath, caretaker of the Library Temple, at Celeste's request.
At the mention of Celeste's name, she appears, but she is not alone. A dark-haired female elf and an older white-haired male elf accompany Celeste to the dining table.
"I do believe you've met?" Celeste welcomes the female elf to speak to you all. Though her skin is ruddier, and her hair shinier, this can be no one other than Ilya Starmane of Barrowood.
"I was beginning to doubt your intentions of meeting in Magepoint. Granted, it's only been three days longer than promised..." the words unspoken suggest that she would have appreciated another communique to warn her about delays, but no matter. The older elf steps forward to finish her thought. "It is good to meet you. The name's Almon. I wanted to personally thank my niece's saviors."
The meal itself takes a little over two hours to fully enjoy. It gives you plenty of time to share your stories, and hear of Ilya's return to Barrowood, and the half peace that was restored. Almon produces a small silken bag of green, then stands and circles the table, presenting it to Mortimer.
100K in elegantly-cut precious stones of myriad colors.
Seeing Eri offer Celeste his arm, she moves to her other side and offers an arm as well [ … ]As Mortimer offers his arm to Celeste, he turns a second too late and sees that Celeste has already engaged Eri’s and Solrisa’s. He looks at Eri.
He smiles and carries on as if this is the most natural thing in the world.
bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Mort shakes his head slightly, amused. He is totally out of his element.
~~~~~
Mortimer stands as the Elves approach.
"I do believe you've met?" Celeste welcomes the female elf to speak to you all.
”Ilya! Mortimer gasps, bowing. ”You look radiant! I mean - you always look radiant, of course -- I mean -- I’m glad we’re able to meet again!”
"I was beginning to doubt your intentions of meeting in Magepoint. Granted, it's only been three days longer than promised..." the words unspoken suggest that she would have appreciated another communique to warn her about delays, but no matter.
Mortimer’s broad grin fades momentarily as he looks up apologetically at Ilya. Why didn't someone suggest a Sending Message when we were in Korvosa!?
"That was very careless and inconsiderate of us, please forgive us!" He pleads gently yet genuinely.
”It is good to meet you. The name's Almon. I wanted to personally thank my niece's saviors."
”Well met! Yes, come sit,” Mortimer invites humbly and apologetically offering them chairs as he makes introductions. He waits until everyone is seated before re-seating himself (albeit facing the table and the back of the chair).
~~~
Mortimer stands as Almon approaches him with the small silken bag of green.
He looks in the bag, then looks up at Almon and Ilya in astonishment. ”They’re amazing! The most beautiful collection I’ve seen!” He says, handing the bag to others for their inspection.
Eri tucks in to the leisurely meal and looks a little disappointed when Celeste and Sol depart.
He checks out Ascaria's drawing and wonders at his skill. "Whoa, sweet drawing, Canary."
When the green bag comes his way he wipes his hands and takes a gander. He stops in mid-bite and is dumbstruck. Whoever is next in line will need to nudge him to break his stupor. He readily lets go, but watches the bag as it leaves his hands. "I have never seen anything like that. I, wow."
"I had no idea we were so popular! Yes, do please forgive our delay - we spent some time in Korvosa preparing some weapons we found, and other small improvements. And for some of us," he begins beaming, "It was our first time out of Cheliax."
When the pouch is offered and accepted, Ascaria is floored. "Oh, my. This is too much good sir. We did what we did for how could we do otherwise? Your generosity is really too much! Gorgeous, just gorgeous."
He naturally includes the two elves in his drawing. "Thanks Eri. I think I'm finally getting the hang of it."
Solrisa rushes to hug Ilya again.
"Oh, you look so much better! How are you!?!" Solrisa beams cheerily at Ilya. She then turns to cheerily greet uncle Almon with a dignified hug.
"Oh, saving Ilya was so much fun! I'm so glad we could help," Solrisa gushes enthusiastically. "And I'm so glad that you're here. We meant to go track Ilya down, but we got so busy that we didn't. It's nice that you're here."
Solrisa beams at Almon.
"So...Ilya...what are you up to now? Any more adventures planned?"
"Oh, my. This is too much good sir. We did what we did for how could we do otherwise? Your generosity is really too much! Gorgeous, just gorgeous."
Almon nods, looking pleased. "It is a shadow of what Ilya is worth to her family, good gnome. You saw her freed, and we are, in a word, grateful." He pats Ilya's hand, and, in turn, she bows her head respectfully.
"So...Ilya...what are you up to now? Any more adventures planned?"
Ilya's smile fades slightly, as she turns to her uncle. He nods wordlessly, which appears to give the woman elf permission to answer more openly.
"I spent some time recuperating at home, in the Barrowood. My family is a great support. With them, I have begun training of a sort. My brother and sister will be joining me in my new endeavor- I hunt doppelgangers now."
...
Lunch concludes. Almon and Ilya inform you that their business concluded, they intend to return home the next morning. They part ways, leaving you to your own devices. Magepoint is at your disposal for however long it may be, before you are summoned.
For the businesses, you have smithy services available to you from a family of twenty odd dwarves who come and go from a communal workshop. You also have marketplace for magical wares, overseen by eight wizards who committee the board of the business. It is part open air market, part indoor, with select courtyards which emphasize the various schools of magic, and the items they produce. The stables are stocked with light war horses. The constable's office conducts public weapons training, though it seems to attract the much younger members of the community only. As for the Library Temple, it is always open. Knowledge awaits those who seek it, no matter the hour.
There are public gathering halls in the All-Seeing Eye, for travelers who seek to meet new friends and establish new business partners. Quite a luxurious ballroom is dedicated to the diversions of dragonchess and three dragon ante. Another ballroom invites you to enjoy musicians of various talents, by either sitting in audience, or participating in group dance. The atrium on the roof hosts a gathering of artists with their easels later in the afternoon, welcoming the muse of the coast and sunset as they blend paints and liven canvases.
Your second day in Magepoint passes as you see fit.
Eri idly sits in the audience listening to music. He soon becomes entranced and let’s himself get lost in the music. Periodically he will get up for some food and drink letting himself feel secure and safe.
He eventually pulls himself away from that to spend some time on the roof letting his mind expand to the heavens. He again becomes inthralled in the new realities put down on paper in the open air.
Before he heads back down to listen to more music he finds clothes that are worthy of space.
Later he will start to think about what he might like to acquire in magic.
Ascaira checks Mort's back and is surprised when a few things reveal themselves from deep in his pack.
He'll draw out 4 thick crystal decanters, scarlet liquid unknown and Magical Theory and Prophesy Tomes x5. With help, he'll take the things around to various vendors trying to identify the items.
Though he suspects they're of little material value, the texts might be interesting to some - maybe the party can donate them to the library as thanks for all the hospitality. He suspects wine in the decanters, and that can be shared as well...
Ascaria finds out serendipitously that the All-Seeing Eye is his best chance at identifying the contents of the crystal decanters, as they employ three master sommeliers. An older woman by the name of Vivian welcomes you to her private bar, and produces two snifters. Examining one of the bottles, she casts a Detect Magic, then a Detect Poison, before pouring a small amount into both the glasses. Extending it to the gnome, she takes the other, and noses it, encouraging Ascaria to do likewise.
Moments later, she sips, swishes, then swallows. She closes her eyes, and doesn't speak for two minutes straight. When she does, the color has risen to her cheeks, and her eyes reveal dilated pupils. She looks blissful.
"This is quite the find, sir. 'Scarlet Ambrosia'. An efreeti brandy. Very rare. And here you have four bottles of it. You are a traveled person. My deep respect to you. If you seek to sell it, the Eye will see to it you are paid 400 gold. For each decanter." Her black eyes suggest that she is desirous of such a transaction, but she does not advocate it further, simply waits.
As for Moreto's travel studies, you find no better place than the Library Temple to parse out the contents of the ghoul's books. A boy of no more than twelve years of age greets you at the long, ascetic front desk. The entry hall is markedly cooler than the outside. He asks your business, and advises you that a day's visit in the Temple is 100 gold, unless a member of your group can demonstrate their knowledge, and show themselves to be true scholars, which the Temple serves at no charge.
Eidi tries to explain to the Temple servants all kind of details about dead gods and demidemons of slightly known planes, but they do not seem to grasp the relevance of this kind of input.
He parties at the All-Seeing Eye calmly listening the music with Eri and even attempting to timidly play his own flute "This is much pleasing that fighting with dragons and the elements of the nature, isn't it maese Eri?"
"Wow." Ascaria can't help but spout, "A tower of Giraffes that goes smoothly down the throat."
"Vivian, please allow me to confer with my associates, but I believe we may part with a decanter or two." he grins.
As the party walks to the temple, he suggests lustily, "We should have a decanter tonight with dinner - a celebration. For what is life but a series of celebrations to mark the hazards in between. Let's keep a decanter for later, and let's sell a pair to the fine folks here. They seemed quite eager to have it, and they've been so nice."
Later, at the temple, he shrugs as Eidi tries to show off his mental prowess. He himself cannot reach such lofty heights with any skill they value, so he remains silent. Should Eidi fall short however, Ascaria suggests the group pay the fee out of the diamonds, and proceed for the day to investigate the library.
"I hunt doppelgangers now."
Solrisa claps openly about the announcement. "That is a wonderful thing to do...especially after what they did to you...and tried to do to us! You've very brave," Solrisa cheers, happy that another has purpose.
* * *
"We should have a decanter tonight with dinner - a celebration. For what is life but a series of celebrations to mark the hazards in between. Let's keep a decanter for later, and let's sell a pair to the fine folks here. They seemed quite eager to have it, and they've been so nice."
Solrisa claps her hands, happy to have fun drink. "And we should use the money from the sales of the other ones to buy cheese...and HAM!" Solrisa doesn't drink much, but is happy to celebrate once in a while.
Solrisa tries to talk her way into the Temple library, anxious to see what they have on the Dragon.
Know (religion)
"...and you see, that's how I was betrothed to the Dragon, Apsu! And I was wondering if there might be some books that I might read about him? It would be very nice to know more about him...I mean, outside of the prayers he sends me. You know?" Solrisa smiles sweetly at the acolyte.
She then tries to help get Eidi in, free of charge.
"And my friend Eidi here would love to read some things too. I'll keep an eye on him, don't you worry. I'm very good at protecting."
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"I hunt doppelgangers now."
Mortimer bows and nods in understanding.
~~~
As Ascaria finishes his business with Vivian and approaches the rest of the party, Mortimer says, "Excuse me, did I just overhear you say 'Tower of Giraffes'" So that's how it's pronounced. "I think you meant Patches," he informs the gnome. "Tower of Patches," he beams with a nod.
As they pass the smithy, Dwarves! Mortimer grunts. "I wonder if they have Adamantine?" He stops to explore the smithy.
He makes his way to the Magical Wares, and eventually finds himself in the Wondrous Items section, bemused over the array of items offered.
Sleeves of Many Garments? "What is that?" he asks the attendant. As it is explained to him, he imagines how he would ever use the Item.
A Prince? Yah? Maybe... what do they wear... probabaly too flashy. Mortimer looks pensive for a moment, then shakes his head.
A Knight? Oh, dear no. The armor alone! Mortimer surpresses a chuckle and shakes his head.
A King? [ ... ] No. Mortimer frowns, and shakes his head.
"Thank you anyway," he says, waving his hands in front of him and quickly backing away.
~~~
Mortimer patiently and very quietly waits for a party member to garner the party free access to the Library Temple by impressing the young acolyte.
"...and you see, that's how I was betrothed to the Dragon, Apsu!"
Mortimer pulls his jaw up off of the floor and reattaches it to his skull. That worked? Wait! What was that?! Apsu? She just explained something -- something important and I missed it?! How did -- As she finishes speaking, and they proceed to the books, he whispers, "Wait, what?! Aspu? Really? Why him!?! "I mean -- but what was that? I didn't quite catch all of that! How were you betrothed again?"
He parties at the All-Seeing Eye calmly listening the music with Eri and even attempting to timidly play his own flute "This is much pleasing that fighting with dragons and the elements of the nature, isn't it maese Eri?"
"It sure is. This little spot of soft ease is just right after fire and stone and acid. A quiet breeze, a nice bath, and calming music for the soul is enough to wipe away the brutes in my mind."
"We should have a decanter tonight with dinner - a celebration. For what is life but a series of celebrations to mark the hazards in between. Let's keep a decanter for later, and let's sell a pair to the fine folks here. They seemed quite eager to have it, and they've been so nice."
"Yes! This is a great idea. Maybe we can sell one to the bar and give the other to the sommeliers?"
Mortimer pulls his jaw up off of the floor and reattaches it to his skull. That worked? Wait! What was that?! Apsu? She just...
Solrisa smiles at Mort, happy to explain again.
"Oh Mort, listen! I thought I told you this before," Solrisa beams, excited to tell the story again.
"Yes, Mum asked Apsu for aid because they were friends for a while and Apsu asked Mum for a boon in return and that's how I am promised to the Dragon, Mort. Mum explained this to me long ago and she told me it was important that I do this...very very important and because Mum loves me so much, I did! And that made Mum very happy, you see?" Solrisa beams at Mort, wondering if he sees.
Should Eidi fall short however, Ascaria suggests the group pay the fee out of the diamonds, and proceed for the day to investigate the library.
The boy smiles politely as Eidi attempts an oral recitation, but he simply shrugs his shoulders, and looks to the others for signs of scholarship.
"...and you see, that's how I was betrothed to the Dragon, Apsu! And I was wondering if there might be some books that I might read about him? It would be very nice to know more about him...I mean, outside of the prayers he sends me. You know?"
Several times during the maiden's exposition, the boy perks up, his eyes firing off in interest as Solrisa speaks on ancient things made current.
"Welcome, Scholar." He indicates that Solrisa may enjoy the day at no charge.
Mortimer patiently and very quietly waits for a party member to garner the party free access to the Library Temple by impressing the young acolyte.
The boy waits briefly, but quickly senses that no one else will try to speak knowledgeably.
"If Solrisa is the only one? Each of the rest of you can enter, but I will have to collect the entrance fee. 100 gold, please."
The Library Temple is, to put it simply, profound. On many levels, for many levels there are. The Temple maintains two floors above ground, but the Archives seem to grow deeper and deeper with time, and the Temple seems to have the means of making room for the increasing size of their collections.
As such, for every four hours you apply yourselves to research, you gain a +10 to one Knowledge Check. The entrance fee covers a 24 hour interval, which entitles you to come and go as you please. The boy draws a henna tattoo on the back of your left hand, in the design of a flexed hand. Those knowledgeable of religious symbols recognize this as a symbol of Irori.
Please indicate the duration of your stay, and the questions you seek to answer, along with your rolls, of course.
"[ ... ] Mum explained this to me long ago and she told me it was important that I do this...very very important and because Mum loves me so much, I did! [...]"
What? You're a bartering chip? Mortimer looks at the beaming Solrisa. After sometime, he says falteringly, "[ ... ] I see..." ? "The favor? What was it?" Aspu? How can that be right?!
"If Solrisa is the only one? Each of the rest of you can enter, but I will have to collect the entrance fee. 100 gold, please."
Clearly I misunderstood this... budding con artist.
Mortimer shakes his head sadly. "Uh, no. Not me. It'd be a waste on me. I can't possibly learn anything from this place."
Dejectedly, he walks away back towards the All-Seeing Eye.
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Each?, oh ok.
”…So as you can see, the main thrust of the spell comes from the extracted spleen. Without it all you have his a shatter spell with a little extra sparkle. “
Ascaria piles the books onto Eidi, "You go, see what they're worth if anything, and enjoy the library." Ascaria pays Eidi's way out of the group funds and joins Mortimer on his way back to the pub.
"While they're staring at stuffy books, what do you say we walk around the village? I want to see what else is here!" he grins eager to check things out.
"…So as you can see, the main thrust of the spell comes from the extracted spleen. Without it all you have his a shatter spell with a little extra sparkle."
The boy nods, pleased for another of your party who steps forward and brightens the Library Temple with articulated knowledge. "Yes, you too are free to join us in your pursuits. Well done, Scholar."
Solrisa claps her hands and enters the library as one of the smart people, with Eri and Eidi.
She will spend the day looking up information and the history of Apsu, aka The Dragon.
She will talk about what she has learnt with Eri and Eidi half the time and the other half of the time wonder aloud what kind of cheese there will be at dinner. She does love cheese.
"While they're staring at stuffy books, what do you say we walk around the village? I want to see what else is here!"
Mortimer slows his pace once he realizes that the gnome is in his wake. "Don't you like books? Why aren't you checking out the books?" he says, glowering at the Library Temple. "Why do you suppose they call the Inn 'All Seeing Eye'? Maybe there's a book about it," he utters, almost contemptuously.
As Mort and Ascaria distance themselves from the Library and out of earshot, he grumpily changes the topic. "Why Apsu? Does that sound right to you? Silly girl. She must have misunderstood. What are the odds? Why would Apsu ask Solrisa's Mum for her child for a bride in return for a favor? The ladies must be falling all over a guy like Apsu. I wish I was Apsu..." he mutters ruefully. He shakes his head, hearing himself.
"I mean... not just for that reason," he hastily adds abashedly. Mortimer sighs heavily, his mind clearly elsewhere, and follows Ascaria where ever Ascaria leads.
Ascaria, sensing Mort's mood, walks amiably along, being agreeable. "Oh, they have to cal the inn something, but my guess is they worship Nethys, god of Magic. He's also called the 'all seeing eye' by some."
"And who knows why dragons do anything. In my experience, they're loathsome creatures, and greedy. But then I've only known the evil dragons. Dunno what motivates a good dragon. Does seem weird though huh?"
He takes Mort around the town, trying to find beautiful things to look at, interesting things to watch, and he'll eventually end up in the magic shops, poking around their wares.
He'll specifically inquire about what it will take to improve his cloak of charisma now that he has the cash to do it, or will when they divvy out those diamonds.
"So Mort, what are you going to do with your share? Might be we can improve that amulet of yours if you wanted. Or anything really. It's a lot of money."
Eidi is happy to pay the fee to access the temple "So what are you looking for Solrisa? Apsu, seems an interesting topic. Let us know if you find something about the dragons that had been rampaging the region too" the elder smiles at the young woman.
He focuses his studies into trying to uncover the relations between the Ebon Triad and the plot, and what in Magepoint might have ties with the cults menacing the realm.
The half-elf breaks often his time to go peeing, ask some questions to the librarians about his everyday details, and at some point opening his cookie pot and offering to Eri and Solrisa "Cookies?"
"Oh yes! I almost forgot about the books!" Under the weight of the books lent by Ascaria, Eidi reaches his desk and makes a layout on it. There he compares contents of different pages and diligently attempts to identify what the books are about.
Eri, just wanting to try his hand at the contest , realizes that he succeeded. Although he doesn’t know what he wants to know, goes in anyway.
Hrm, what ahh… what is there, there?
”Ahh, what um kinda books do you have I wonder.”
He starts perusing the card catalog at random. That pseudo dragon was interesting. What was the name?… Ah yes.
”Ah yes, ahem, excuse me. I would, yes, you there, could you help me find a book about wizards? I want to see if I can find a book that has names. I’d like to know the name of a wizard who owns a pseudo dragon in Korvosa. The seeming dragon’s name is Raziel.”
Eri ponders scowl-ey.
”…And give me everything you got on a guy named Charlie… Do you have some wine or ale? Oh, yeh, Charlie is a Shaman. Lives in the sewers, mostly. The sewers of Korvosa.”
From there Eri spends the day letting his mind wander from one unknown to another, idly chewing on information and maybe a sandwich or three.
The boy listens to your interests, his hands clasped expectantly in front of him. When the three of you have spoken, he beckons you follow him from the entry hall. You enter the heart of the Library Temple, a grand hall with two floors, and balconies that allow you to see further into different wings deeper into the building. The grand hall also allows you to look into a central, winding stairwell that reveals several floors below you.
Six acolytes come forward to consult with the boy, and they pair up in assigning themselves to your orientation.
For Solrisa's desire to study Apsu, she is bid follow the twin girls who serve her for the day. They lead the maiden down the stairwell, and into the stacks.
The Library Temple has several tomes regarding the Waybringer. There is a wealth of information here that you can only begin to tap... The books can be clinical, sometimes, but others appear to be remembrances of conversations between mortals and Apsu, Himself.
For Eri's desire to learn more about wizards of Korvosa, he is brought to the balcony above, where his older women acolytes help him acquire registries that parallel enrollment at the Academae, as well as the Theumanexus College. A table is secured overlooking the grand hall, but only water is provided on the ground floor, kept safely away from the literature.
Your first couple of hours drain away, and you find yourself no more knowledgeable about wizards with familiars named Raziel. The listings do allow you some insight as to lineages which pass through the hallowed arcane halls of both schools, including the winners of the Breaching Festival annually. The only familiars listed in the Library Temple's knowledge seem to be the heads of the various schools, during subsequent school years.
For the events surrounding the Fall of Queen Ileosa, you manage to secure historical records, eyewitness testimonies, public declarations, which give you an appreciable understanding of a man known as Charlie Buckminster, but more so, the Vaults you mention as the sewers of Korvosa. There are even maps tucked away in associated scroll cases, which seem to be very current. They define the three subsections of the Vaults(burial mounds, natural caves, and worked tunnels) with a surveyor's precision.
This Charlie persona seems to change in style and length, depending on the journal you read. Within Korvosa, it reads as almost mythical, Charlie Everyman, Charlie Brings-the-Glow, Grandpa Gutter... all accounts suggest the man's purpose is to raise the spirits of the downtrodden through the rebuilding of Korvosa. Outside of Korvosa, the accounts become quite erratic, as he seems to have a presence within Janderhoff, as a curator of fine spirits, as well as a presence among the Shoanti, as honorary shaman. For all the reading, it borders on incredulity, as one man surely can not be all these things at once.
For Eidi's desire to learn more of Moreto's tomes, and the Ebon Triad, he is escorted down the winding stairwell, as well, by a younger and older elf, both female.
The older elf helps you work through Moreto's reading material, while the younger elf retrieves likely origin stories for the Ebon Triad, based on the three gods that serve as the components.
Moreto was himself a scholar. The books originate within the White Kingdom, a society of true ghouls, no longer ruled by feral hunger and mindless savagery, purported to be as long-lived as the elves themselves. Citizens, rulers... all true ghouls.
As you study the texts, you begin to see unfolding events through Moreto's eyes. Prophecy speaks about a powerful, undead dragon which once walked the surface world, ages ago. For the reading, it suggests that the dragon will soon stir, awaken, and usher in a new Age of writhing decay. A world so transformed would prove a habitable land for the undead on the surface. A name rises from the pages in several places- Dragotha. The books are appraised at 500gp each.
As for the Ebon Triad, well... you actually find several copied pages of the Way of the Ebon Triad, here in Magepoint. Before you are allowed to read them, the younger elf asks if you are well enough of mind to endure the descriptions. Once you begin reading them, you are exposed to phantasmagoric allegory and apocalyptic ecstasy. Those convinced to join the Triad become willing sacrifices, for the promise of their restoration, once the three gods are made one. They have already proven effective once, having brought about a devastating volcanic eruption, but to what ends, it is unknown. Their strength seems to rise from the offerings of one of the three gods, Asmodeus, Urgathoa, and Lamashtu, and subduing animosity among the various followers for a common purpose, known only to the highest ranking members. They are hunted by their orthodox brothers, they are cast out of true halls of worship. Whatever purpose they seek in bringing about the Age of Worms lies in the promise of their three-faced god. Immortality? Omnipotence? Ascension? Integration? It is still very confusing, as the written words fail to fully define this.
Magepoint proves to be very accommodating, for your walkabout. Within the magical marketplace, the gnome finds the going rates very pleasing to upgrade his cloak, and several of the resident mages promise the convenience of crafting, and the ability to acquire more expensive items from Magnimar before the next sunset. There seems to be a very communal feel to the business here in Magepoint.
Taking your leave, the fish market along the quay seems to call to you, and your walk livens as the brisk sea air fills your lungs. Fresh fish are laid out for display, oysters ready for shucking and vinegar pours are abundant, and crabs and lobsters all shift animatedly within their various wooden baskets.
Just across from the wharf sits the farmer's market, which is itself quite diverse in its produce. It appears to be a mixture of local and imported items, and it is a veritable cornucopia. You are no longer surprised at the ease in which you were fed during lunch, given the selection here.
It is during your visit along the market road when you are attacked. Mortimer immediately recognizes a scrying sensor floating nearby. Moments later, a commotion breaks out among those gathered along the market stalls from further down the road, but the commotion seems to ripple towards you, as shoppers clear the street, leaving you and the devils to stare each other down.
The barbed devil now familiar to you calls you out by name. It lingers just behind a second, bolder barbed devil, which starts waving six bone devils in your direction. "Are these it, Imaxian? I thought you said there were five of them."
The barbed devil identified as Imaxian shakes his head. "Don't question your good fortune! He's got the Fragment! Seize him, and let's be done with it!!"
The next several moments are a blur.
Almost immediately, you witness stall vendors producing weaponry. You hear calls beyond the marketplace, and horns being blown, in call and answer between the marketplace, and the residences. You watch as the devils suddenly tense, and close the distance with Mortimer, in an attempt to fulfill their mission.
As Mortimer engages, and Ascaria runs for cover, Magepoint erupts in conflict. It is, however, short-lived. Several of the farmers engage with glowing weapons, both in melee and at range. The lead barbed devil is slain outright in a hail of arrows, while the bone devils manage to fend off a half a dozen of the fishermen, before the giant puts two of them down personally. Imaxian spews vitriol the likes you've never heard, before disappearing, leaving the remaining four bone devils to be eradicated by a highly-coordinated armed force.
Once the battle is concluded, you are once again met by Cymria of Celadon, who arrives at the marketplace, and assesses the situation in succinct gatherings of intel from farmers and fishermen who no longer look like farmers and fishermen, but seasoned veterans of war. One of the fishmongers gives Mortimer a cuff on the shoulder in respect, before they all leave you alone with the elf.
"You were targeted. A Fragment was mentioned." She raises a hand to encourage silence. She doesn't seek responses to her statements. "I'll have to prioritize your meeting with the Archmage, then. Concluding your business early means an early departure, and preservation of the peace in Magepoint. I hope you understand."
She departs, indicating that you will likely meet with Manzorian late this evening, and to be ready when summoned to his residence across the Bridge.
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"So Mort, what are you going to do with your share? Might be we can improve that amulet of yours if you wanted. Or anything really. It's a lot of money."
"Share"?
Mortimer drags himself out of his dragon reverie. "Uh, you know how I can't punch those worm infected things without getting infected myself? Maybe there is some kind of glove that might be useful there? A glove of any kind? If nothing else, it might not hurt to improve this Amulet..." he says shrugging, grasping the ornament around his neck noting its shine.Despite the likely fulfillment of improved equipment, Mortimer trudges despondenly following in Ascaria's wake.
As the bone devils close, Mortimer casually relieves a fisherperson of their oars and bats two of the bone devils into the horizon. As Imaxian gates spewing vitriol and the armed forces take out the remaining threat, Mort almost absentmindedly hands the oars back to their owner -- eyebrows raised, still focused on where he last saw Imaxian.
"You were targeted. A Fragment was mentioned."
Fragment?! She means my Rod!
"Fragment?!! Mortimer begins to protest, It is a whole section! He scowls, albeit briefly.
"I'll have to prioritize your meeting with the Archmage, then. Concluding your business early means an early departure, and preservation of the peace in Magepoint. I hope you understand."
Mortimer hangs his head. Did I screw up again? He nods in acquiescence to Cymria's reasoning.
"Ow..." he quietly groans, as a fishmonger strikes him in the shoulder out of respect.
Mort turns to Ascaria. "I ... guess ... we should go collect the others." he states.
When the attack occurs, Ascaria scampers to a central spot among the combatants and supports them as he would his own party, with liberal applications of Prayer and Blessings of Fervor.
"Thank you Cymria. It seems they've tracked us down sooner than I anticipated, our apologies for causing distress in your village. I must say though, nicely handled." he grins at the strength of the common-stock around here.
When Mort suggests intervening in the researches of the other group he suggests delay. "We're not meeting with the Archmage today, so let's finish our shopping, and wait at the All Seeing Eye for them. Maybe they'll be able to learn something useful."
He'll go back and confirm his purchases, and Mort's.
Ascaria's full purchase list (if available):
- Cloak of Charisma to +4 (+12kgp) (upgrade)
- Physician's Spectacles (4,900gp)
- Spellguard Bracers (+2 concentration, 3/day roll twice) (5kgp)
- - -
When the others return to the All Seeing Eye from the library temple, Ascaria hands everyone a pouch. "I don't know what the books may be worth, if anything, but we may need to move fast, so here's our cash for purchases and the like."
Solrisa has no specific questions about the Dragon, Apsu, but greatly enjoys learning more about him, his celestial servants, and what she's supposed to believe...and she does believe.
She will gab wih Eri and Eidi about what she learnt, happily sharing stories and dogma.
She will clean up her study space neatly when she leaves.
"Eidi, what did you learn today?"
"Moreto... it seems he came from a White Kingdom, ruled by ghouls, no longer driven by feral hunger... a undead society..." Eidi shows more excitement on the idea than trouble "For what Moreto wrote in the books, he was expecting a new great dragon to rise in the surface, the World becoming so inhabitable for life that his ghould society could thrive with ease. A new Age of writhing decay..."
"By the way, the tomes are valued 500 pieces" comments the elder while turning them around and inspecting them with care "And all that about the Age of Worms. Just Ebon Triad babble. Problem is those people are actually taking actions that can cause real catastrophes." he looks then at Solrisa pleased "Interesting for a day, isn't it? How about your Apsu?"
When Mort suggests gloves, Ascaria asks about Deliquescent Gloves. "They won't protect you from everything, like those devil barbs, but it might help against some of the things we've been up against. You might improve your ring too - you have the cash for it I think, unless you're saving for something."
"Huh? OhhO," Mortimer utters, wide-eyed. "Yes, I like the sound of those gloves! What else was it that you suggested? Improve my cloak? Or was it ring?" he says, wagging his finger in the air as he tries to remember. "Yes, let's do that. Either a cloak or ring improvement with a pair of those Deli-Croissant gloves."
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Eri will spend a significant amount of time copying the current maps of the The Vaults.
”I didn’t really find out who owned Raziel, but I did learn more about Charlie. Seems like an interesting guy. Also, there’s more to know about the sewers there. They call them The Vaults. It’s quite an extensive network. ”
"Interesting for a day, isn't it? How about your Apsu?"
Solrisa smiles brilliantly at the question.
"Oh! Apsu is so dreamy! He's lovely!" Solrisa swoons. "Did you know Apsu crafted the mortal realms? And it was he who birthed the terrible Dahak! They have been fighting for eons! It was all very interesting!"
Solrisa walks further, grinning all the while.
"They say that Apsu is the fresh water upon this world. They say that, they do!" Solrisa grins and cheers more. "It is possible that when we finish here, I'll go find the Platinum Band. They are also followers of the Dragon and I bet I will have lots of friends there, Eidi! Friends like me!"
She sombers up for a moment.
"That's only after I look for Mum and Rae, of course. I don't know where they are." Solrisa walks in silence for a bit before excitedly telling Eidi more Apsu lore.
"Still, you fail to resist some poison, or mind control, it's even worse." he admits. "Go for the cloak. It's cheaper besides, and you'll have money left over to save for the next purchase."
- - -
When the party gets back together (not sure if that's happened yet), Ascaria looks serious as he hands out the gold. "We need to talk, Mort and I had an incident..."
"Maybe you could make..." Solrisa goes on to describe what she wants.
After describing the item, she looks eagerly to see what Eidi says.
Solrisa changes tact to ask Eidi how her pretty new bracers are coming along.
"Ou... they fight for eons? Why do they fight for with Dahak? It should be something really really important and relevant to keep the fight for so long, isn't it?" replies Eidi interested.
He also nods with interest at Eri's points "Mmmm... some Vaults... why did they give it such a name? Are they keeping something there? Does not seem like normal sewers... perhaps we should have a look on that, what do you think?"
Back the the inn Eidi will keep his work on Solrisa bracers "Oh, what a head of mine. Will you come to my room to work on the bracers? We need some more of these divine knights special effects you so naturally use."
Mortimer looks about the Marketplace as he and Canary trundle about doing their errands. He carefully re-inspects his cloak once it is returned to him as a +3 cloak, and is extremely pleased with the way his new gloves fit.
"It's like I'm not wearing them at all!"
Then he sees It.
While passing a shop in particular he stops, speechlessly gawking in the window. Ascaria has to prod him repeatedly to snap him out of it. Mortimer points to something in the shop. "What do you think?" Before Ascaria can answer, Mortimer enters the shop and starts trying on the Monk's Robe. "I think I want this too."
When the party gets back together (not sure if that's happened yet), Ascaria looks serious as he hands out the gold."We need to talk, Mort and I had an incident..."
Mortimer walks up wearing a handsome robe.
"Incident? Aw, it was just practice -- like, when we were smacking those little Mind Flayer tadpoles at the wall in the Mind Flayer room under the Arena in Egorian. Target practice. It was fun!"
The market-goers and bookworms return to the All-Seeing Eye, late into the evening, reuniting over nightcaps. The gnome has liquidated what could be, and has separated out individual purses for everyone at the table. In the soft light of the retiring room, the travel-ready contents are still a lovely sight. Ilya chose the precious stones well.
From the look of the giant, his personal purse must feel lighter than those who respected the halls of the Library Temple.
Given the time to catch up with one another, you are eventually interrupted by Cymria, close to the midnight hour. "The Archmage will see you now. You may wear armor, but leave your weapons and equipment in your rooms. They will not be necessary. See yourselves to the Bridge, and across. You will be met at the gate, and allowed to enter. Please do not keep him waiting. Again."
Eri dresses in his fancy attire and leaves his gear in his room. He listens to Ascaria and Mort's story.
"So while Mort may feel it was only practice, we were set upon by more than a half a dozen demons, bone and barbed. They were after the rod sure enough, they even mentioned it. And mentioned there should be more of us then there were."
"Luckily the townsfolk, some of them just farmers, produced magic weapons and made a fine stand of themselves so no one was seriously hurt. They were strong, and organized, and the whole thing lasted just a few moments."
"But the enemy has caught up to us. I don't know if they'll mess with us much here after that showing, but our meeting with the Archmage is being moved up. We'll need to be careful when we leave here. They're likely laying in wait for us outside the village."
"So let's get what we can, now, and be ready to go."
When Cyrmria joins them later that night, Ascaria is not surprised. He leaves behind his trusted dagger and other gear, traveling lightly, and is ready to go quickly.
Mortimer walks up wearing a handsome robe.
Solrisa claps when she sees Mort, jumping up and down.
"Mort, look! I love it! You look so different!" Solrisa cheers happily. "You changed your hair! It's very nice!"
* * *
Solrisa will leave her many many blades as requested, and will accept an audience with the Archmage.
Solrisa claps when she sees Mort, jumping up and down. "Mort, look! I love it! You look so different!" Solrisa cheers happily. "You changed your hair! It's very nice!"
What is she jumping up and ... wait, what?! She's actually happy to see me? She thinks my hair is nice?! Mortimer stares dumstruck at Solrisa while absently pulling on his cowlick before breaking out into a broad grin. She thinks my hair is nice!
"Aw, Sol!" he cries excitedly, "It was fun!! But you missed it, though!" he continues, trying to smooth down his hair briefly before peering up at his cowlick and deciding that his hair would be better off left alone. "There was another one of those scry sensors, but before we could do anything the two Barbies launched their six bone devils at us. They came for my -- uh -- The Rod! Then almost before we could react to that, the whole marketplace erupted in weaponry! One of the fishermen loaned me his oars. I smashed some bone devils with them! I'd have stuck one of the Barbies on one, but he was killed almost instantly, and the other -- Imaxian -- ran away!" He finishes, looking off in the distance remembering fondly.
"Oh, Sol -- you should have been there!"
He calms a bit after the telling of the tale of their trials, then looks around at Eri, Eidi as well as Solrisa. "So, uh -- how were the books?"
~~~
"The Archmage will see you now. You may wear armor, but leave your weapons and equipment in your rooms. They will not be necessary. See yourselves to the Bridge, and across. You will be met at the gate, and allowed to enter. Please do not keep him waiting. Again."
Mortimer looks down at his hands and shrugs. He opens the safe deposit box in his room, but its ridiculously miniscule size successfully defeats any attempt to stow anything of actual value within.
He ends up neatly stacking his melee weapons into the corner, then places a chair in front of them to keep them out of plain sight. He then places the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the outside of his room door, and carefully locks it before joining the others to visit the Archmage.
He keeps the Mule Back cords, the haversack and its precious contents with him.
"So, uh -- how were the books?"
"They were dusty, but interesting. The books we brought to check out are worth 500 gips each, but Eidi can say more about that. I found out more about this Charlie character. He seems pretty interesting and something of a legend in Korvosa. So are the Vaults. They are a series of tunnels and sewers that run under the city and are quite complex. They might be interesting to travel some day."
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The cold sea air greets you as you walk from the All-Seeing Eye, towards the ocean, and the Fortress which lies on the end of the stone Bridge. Cymria escorts you, and you are joined by Eligos and Celeste as well, who have been likewise summoned to speak with the Archmage.
The sound of the waves swelling and soothing is keen, just moments before you set foot on the Bridge. Of a sudden, the sounds dim, and the air warms, allowing your half-mile trek a comfort in body, and an ease in conversation, as you don't have to speak above the sea.
You can perceive a chorus of shrieks in the air at a distance. Those sharp-eyed among you can see flocks of blood hawks patrolling the skies. From this distance, you'd be right to question your perspective, as the hawks' size seems disproportionate to the seagulls which keep a respectful distance along the coast.
As you approach the Fortress of Unknown Depths, you occasionally feel a prickle along your skin, inducing goosebumps with raised hairs. The air seems to tingle, and if you were uncertain initially, you are not by the time you arrive at the Gate.
A polite guard greets the you, and with a quick look to Cymria, he quickly ushers you all through the courtyard and into the beautiful central tower. Although far from ostentatious, the fortress and its keep speak subtly of great wealth and power. As you move through the fortress, currents of arcane power ripple through the air and even the fortress itself. The guard politely gestures for you all to proceed into Manzorian’s study, quietly taking up a position a few feet down the hall from the entrance. Cymria thanks him, and waits for the last of you to enter, before she excuses herself to attend to other matters.
This long, airy chamber has a high ceiling and generous adornments. A deep blue carpet covers much of the floor. The walls are thoroughly covered by a wide range of paintings, each depicting a different exotic locale or dangerous region. The paintings are rendered with extraordinary skill, and seem almost like windows looking out on remote locations around the world. Several overstuffed chairs sit throughout the room, and at the far end looms a massive antique wooden desk, its surface a tangle of scrolls, books, statuettes, stone tablets, quills, vials of ink, and an expensive dragonchess set, its pieces arrayed in mid-game.
The board is familiar. Its duplicate once sat in Allustan's study, with the pieces arranged exactly as they are here in Manzorian's study.
A lean man of roughly sixty years sits at the desk. Manzorian remains in good health but is not muscular. His hair is streaked with gray, and he has a prominent aquiline nose. His blue robes bear the sign of a thin scimitar.
Behind him stands a stern middle-aged human dressed in a black robe covered with stars.
Manzorian doesn't wait for you to sit, and begins speaking at the closing of the door. "Good morning. I hope you have enjoyed some respite at the All-Seeing Eye. This is Agath, acting caretaker of the Library Temple. I am Manzorian. You've met my grandson. We're here to listen to your words of witnessing. You've been busy. Please speak freely. I would hear from you directly. I have already spoken with Celeste and Eligos, which has lent even more weight to Allustan's plea for us to speak with each other." The Archmage looks to each of you, equally, and waits with a juror's mindfulness.
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"Good, ah, morning. Nice place, I particularly like the paintings... very lifelike." Ascaria says openly.
"You know who we are, so I'll skip that part of the introductions as you seem a man with precious little time on his hands. We're hunting an evil that seems to have insinuated itself into Cheliax - though to be honest the evil so high up in government likely made it easier."
"It all started when we investigated a local mine..." Ascaria tells the story again, leaving little out, and making sure to show the party in a good light when possible. He'll gesture to Mort's throat wrap when he speaks of the lizard folk, and even pulls out his award belt when he speaks of the capital, and their fame.
"So now they hunt us, but we do not know where they are, and so cannot attack them directly. I think Allustan was hoping you could provide some lead or other - help us on our way to defeat this evil. Maybe find the other pieces of Mort's rod as well as that may be integral to our success."
"We know the enemy has one or more of the pieces."
"Oh, Sol -- you should have been there!"
Solrisa cheers and claps for the story, amazed by Mort fighting and the prowess of the citizenry of Magepoint.
"That's such a good story, Mort! I wish I had bee there! Sounds like *so* much fun!" Solrisa claps as she enjoys killing outsiders more than anything that's not cheese, Mum, or Rae.
She turns downs for a moment.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you...I thought...I thought you'd be safe here. And you were, but also you weren't. I'm sorry, Mort." Solrisa looks like she's about to cry, having failed Mort.
* * *
Solrisa listens as Ascaria speaks, nodding and occasionally clapping and cheering quite loudly when he tells of their victories as if she wasn't there and hearing them for the first time.
"We know the enemy has one or more of the pieces."
When Ascaria finishes, Solrisa adds her own touches to the story, highlighting things she thinks are important.
"Oh yeah. The Ebon Triad seems very weird to me. Why to they think those gods want to work together? And also, them green wurmies are very bad. Very bad. We should stop them. They are very bad."
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"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you...I thought...I thought you'd be safe here. And you were, but also you weren't. I'm sorry, Mort." Solrisa looks like she's about to cry, having failed Mort.
Observing Solrisa's aspect change from joy to nearly sobbing, a wide-eyed Mortimer reacts with great speed. OH GODS NO! NOT WITH THE EYE RAIN! NO EYE RAIN! I hate when they do that... "Uhh -- it's O.K. I thought we were safe here too! It just goes to show us -- none of us can be too careful. We'll all have to be careful from now on going forward. No more assumptions," Mortimer looks carefully into Solrisa's eyes for any sign of "rain", ready to hand her a silk hankerchief if necessary. "O.K.? Look! Eid has cookies!"
~
Mortimer once again offers his arm to Celeste for the journey across the Bridge. Upon arrival at the Gate he asks the guard, "Why do I feel like I'm about to be struck by lightning?"
He looks around the fortress as they make their way to the study. This place is crazy.
In the Study, Mortimer pauses in front of the expensive dragonchess set and examines it for a moment.
"Wow!!!" he exclaims suddenly. "I didn't know it could work that way! Manzorian -- you and Allustan can play this game with each other at this great distance?! Who's turn is it?" he says, fighting the temptation to move a random piece in a random direction. He coughs politely, surpressing a chuckle.
He listens as they tell their Tale of Woe, trying not to interrupt with minor corrections to detail whenever he feels it necessary.
"Maybe find the other pieces of Mort's rod as well as that may be integral to our success."
Mortimer nods, then shakes his head. "My rod? ... is intact. It's The rod that is not. Everyone is after both," he says, briefly glancing at Sol out of the corners of his eyes. ... almost. "But Ascaria's right. Putting the rod back together would be useful. We need to act fast! If more than one wretched lot has a fragment, we don't want them all coming at us at once."
"Oh yeah. The Ebon Triad seems very weird to me. Why to they think those gods want to work together? And also, them green wurmies are very bad. Very bad. We should stop them. They are very bad."
"Yes, that too! Dogma gone wild! Moreto's undead society and his desire for a great Dragon that will make the world inhabitable for life. A world of nothing but undead. Worms and Wyrms. They must fit in somehow!" Mortimer nods his head a twice vigorously.