Who and how will Glimmil go about inquiring about the Vanishing? Give me a sample of your typical inquiry.
"Silfr, have you given any thought to why you have the Vanishing and we do not? There must be something that infected you. If the Saint cannot heal you then Kord would be willing to. The...unique views of the church would require you to pay unfortunately, I doubt I am powerful enough to purge this sickness."
Finneas bears his injury and poison without complaint, drawing strength from Silfr's example.
"If you don't have the money to pay them Silfr I will happily donate my share of the loot to do so."
Losing stings, but we have our lives. Once we have found the children I will purge that evil creature from this town.
"Finneas, you are too kind, and a true friend. And Atol, I have thanks in abundance for your intercession on my behalf with the high priests of St. Cuthbert."
"Silfr, have you given any thought to why you have the Vanishing and we do not? There must be something that infected you.
"I have thought on that topic as we returned to the surface. What exceptional qualities or unique actions might I have taken? Here is what I consider so far:"
- I am the only half elf. However the Vanish applied to Gnomes and Glimmil has not been effected, so this quality seems unlikely to be the culprit.
- I am the only arcane caster. Perhaps the use of arcane magics triggers the vanishing. The celestial armor of the overworld is especially magical.
- Skie suspected that great magic may have been at fault.
- It could be related to the traps. Only I had the misfortune of falling into one of the traps. A counter-argument is that we found the good Doctor inside a trap.
- It could be item related. I cast a spell from a scroll we found here. Perhaps it was subtly tied to the Vanishing ailment. I also have the IOUN stone, though those are not unique to Jzadirune.
- I touched one of the silversheen skulks, though I believe others did as well when searching them.
- To return to the topic of magic, I also summoned creatures from the outermost celestial layer to this plane in the course of our exploration.
- To reconsider the IOUN stone, there was a socket to hold an IOUN stone torch on the stairs down from Ghelve's. The masks in the rooms below warned those who would come to plunder, though suggested the counter would be traps and watchers. Perhaps the IOUN stone was associated with that sconce and from that attachment the Vanishing is acting.
- The rebuttal would be found in the other items removed from Jzadirune, such as the tastefully decorated silver ewer or the bunny mask. Finneas carried those out for sale and is not Vanishing.
-
- I accidentally trod upon and crushed a magical newt in the enchanted forest.
-
"Amongst the multitude of clamoring arguments, presently I find those related to magic or special treasure most persuasive. I still posses another scroll from Jzadirune and the IOUN stone. Though it pains me to relinquish such a potent item, I leave the stone."
For good measure Silfr will Detect Magic and concentrate for 3 rounds each on the scroll and the IOUN stone, to determine all the magical auras present. Specifically something more than expected, such as illusion magic for the scroll of mirror image and evocation for the IOUN stone.
After examining the two objects, Silfr will place the IOUN stone in the torch sconce which appeared made for such an item. He will take the scroll for inspection by those wise and learned priests that may be encountered later on.
Dyrant waits outside the Church for the group.
When they return, Dyrant will approach Silfr, "What did they tell you? Are you fixed? What was the cause of the affliction? Can we help others?"
Dyrant is concerned.
* * *
"Well, I need to see Skie and place an order for gear and supplies, do any of you want/need to join me?"
At Skies, Dyrant will purchase some scroll scribing supplies (TBD) and ask Skie to order the following: "Skie, I have heard tell of a magical pearl, a powerful pearl, that allows the wielder to remember a spell or prayer that they have used in the day? Would you be able to see if there is one available? I would pay good gold for it."
Church of St. Cuthbert - Atol, Silfir, & Finneas
Jenya Urikas welcomes half the party, "It is good to see you. What news of the children? It has been a couple days and the people clamor for answers."
"Atol, are you still sure of your decision? Your brother worries about you, although all he says is how nice it is without you here?"
To Silfir, "What has happened to you, sir? You do not look well."
Who and how will Glimmil go about inquiring about the Vanishing? Give me a sample of your typical inquiry.
Glimmil returns to Skie's Treasury and Skie welcomes him warmly with a hug. "You look like you've seen some adventure and lived to tell the tale. I hope the rest of your party is well." Upon hearing about Silfir and the vanishing, "I'm afraid I have no answers for you. While I will not return there myself, I was sure it was safe to explore--otherwise I would not have let you return there. I thought it had something to do with the work of the more advanced magicians. Your friend has sought healing I hope. It can be cured, but if you return to Jzadirune, you all could become infected."
@ Dr. Toffitt. Most of what you're seeking is likely at Skie's Treasury. You could join Glimmil and get an introduction. Not sure if you need any actual ingredients or if this is just roleplay.
At Skies, Dyrant will purchase some scroll scribing supplies (TBD) and ask Skie to order the following: "Skie, I have heard tell of a magical pearl, a powerful pearl, that allows the wielder to remember a spell or prayer that they have used in the day? Would you be able to see if there is one available? I would pay good gold for it."
Looks like it's the other half of the party is at Skie's.
"Of course I know about pearls of power, even though I can't use them." Skie opens a few drawers and the containers inside them. "I thought I had one lying around here, but I guess not. They're a popular item, so it'll take me a while to get one for you. Come back in about a week and a half."
Silfr will refer to Urikas by whatever honorific is generally used for the acting head of the St. Cuthbert church.
"Our news is mixed but contains hopeful progress. We learned the kidnappings occurred to feed a slave market in the deep darkness holding the Malachite Fortress, and we have broken a link in the chain of criminals and monsters that are behind the kidnappings. However we have not yet broached that fortress to rescue the orphans and with hope, other kidnap victims."
"For myself, I suffer from two afflictions. One trivial, the poisonous bite of a giant centipede. The other significant, known as the Vanishing that afflicted the gnomes of old Jzadirune."
"I acquired this somehow in our attempts to track down the kidnapped orphans. Presently I believe it is related to magic items the gnomish residents created and that I used against the skulks and aberrations. I have left a magic IOUN stone found back in Jzadirune, and have brought a scroll like one I cast below. Perhaps casting that scroll triggered the Vanishing. Would you inspect this one and share your thoughts?"
"Also, if you have been gifted by St. Cuthbert with the ability to cast Lesser Restorations, I seek that manner of healing. Likewise the ability to undo afflictions such as the magical Vanishing, if that is within your power."
Silfr concludes by thanking Jenya. He will offer to pay for the spells if they are available or make the equivalent donation to the orphanage.
Diplomacy for understanding / sympathy
- remove disease
- lesser restoration
Today, Jenya has a remove disease spell available, but no lesser restoration spells.
@ Silfir.
Your examination of the items reveals nothing new. The detect magic produces the same results as when first cast on the items.
At St. Cuthberts:
"What link have you broken? Is there anything we at the church can do to speed your progress?
"I thank you for your suffering on the part of the children and the Church's pledge to find them. I can remove the disease, hopefully, today, but will not be able to do anything about the affects to your abilities until tomorrow. I and my acolytes will be sure to pray for your assistance in the morning." Assuming Silfir consents, she will cast remove curse. It appears to work, but only time will tell.
"There is no charge for the service. I would be unwise to impede or not do anything within my power for those who are helping the Church fulfill its promise."
If and when Silfr shares his list of possible causes of the disease, Dr. Toffitt reminds the aged hero, "I too have elven ancestry. Although I cannot say for certain that I am free of the curse, I doubt that is a cause."
"Were we not told to be careful what scrolls we take from Jzadirune? Perhaps you unwittingly took one of the scrolls in question. We should examine the scrolls you found for suspicious aura."
He asks the party, "I assume we will return below in the morning. Are there potions that I might brew, to help protect us? It may be possible for me to partner with you in crafting potions whose properties you better understand. At this point, I am familiar with a minor curative and an elixir that accelerates movement. I could perhaps learn additional formula from arcane scrolls."
"Jenya we have searched all of Jzadirune, the children are not there, as we already knew, and we have finally located the elevator that will take us to the Malachite Hold."
"Silfr, if you think it was the magic items we found down there that infected you, we should look at those. Didn't we sell some magic items to Skie?"
@ Silfir. Actually, you stop being translucent so you're fairly sure it worked.
"Atol, you have done well as far as I can tell. You are still finding your role within the party. It might be only as the silent healer. The glory of combat might be reserved for others. However, you do St. Cuthbert proud with your actions. However, to remember your humility, I would suggest at least a dozen lashes."
Atol swells with pride both at the praise and the penance. He's also pleased that Silfr is no longer ill. Yes he's quite happy with that as well.
After the trip to the church, and the proper beating, Atol returns to guard the door at the locksmiths. He greets the locksmith with a smile and says, "I think we're making real headway. We might return tomorrow with the children and other stolen people!"
Glimmil cheerily recounts tales of his bravery for Skie, as well as the bravery for others, wearing some small measure of false humility like he wears his shiny new armor.
Glimmil introduces the candy doctor to Skie as well, explaining how they found him trapped in a shake n' spike pit trap that he managed to disable.
He also introduces the gnome to his faithful new companion, Cog.
I hope all goes well for Silfr as he visits the churches. I wonder if Cuthbert or Kord will be of more help in curing his affliction?
Dyrant will buy some scroll scribing supplies from Skie and assist in the selling of the gear (mostly to watch that Glim doesn't give away the goods and tries to get fair market value for them).
He will confirm Glim's bravery in the Grell fight, but keep quiet about the darkness fight.
"Yes, indeed, while Finneas and Atol were, uh, 'statuesque', Glim really covered ground during that battle, chasing the beast high and low no matter where it fled. I seen it with my own eyes."
Glimmil cheerily recounts tales of his bravery for Skie, as well as the bravery for others, wearing some small measure of false humility like he wears his shiny new armor.
Skie pets Cog, smiles at Glimmil's stories, and recounts one of her own, "Traps are such a nuisance. My dear departed friends and I were leaving an orc temple one time. The crafters much have had something against small people because my friends walked over a section of floor without trouble. Then I take a step and find myself flying upwards without benefit of a spell. My arms are flailing like a baby bird and all I can think is when is this going to stop. About 50' feet up it stops and then I'm thinking why did this stop and why didn't I save a spell. My friends tried to catch me--which probably broke my fall some--but I still broke my arm. Even with healing, it was weeks before I could make the correct gestures for some spells again."
"Were we not told to be careful what scrolls we take from Jzadirune? Perhaps you unwittingly took one of the scrolls in question. We should examine the scrolls you found for suspicious aura."
"The warning was received long after a scroll was found and used. On re-examining the scrolls, they appear normal, though I am disinclined to test them or infringe upon the generosity of the church to cure Vanishing inflicted by trial followed by error."
"It may be possible for me to partner with you in crafting potions whose properties you better understand. At this point, I am familiar with a minor curative and an elixir that accelerates movement. I could perhaps learn additional formula from arcane scrolls."
"If I can assist in the creation of safe magic I will. Though I am not practiced in the creation of illuminated manuscripts such as scrolls. I believe you have seen the two spells I have found in my studies."
To Jenya, he is very thankful, and will return in the morning to receive lesser restorations.
When Dyrant finishes at Skie's, he will return to Ghelve's and try to get some scribing done before sleep (it's still early enough that I think I can get 2 scrolls done, then again one in the morn per our usual routine).
With Silfr safely healed, Finneas will take his leave.
"I must head to the Temple of Lordly Might now. I will be at the entrance in the morning."
After making his way to the temple, Finneas will check in with the priests and either buy healing for his poison then or make sure they have it available for tomorrow.
With Silfr safely healed, Finneas will take his leave.
"I must head to the Temple of Lordly Might now. I will be at the entrance in the morning."
After making his way to the temple, Finneas will check in with the priests and either buy healing for his poison then or make sure they have it available for tomorrow.
Jenya is willing to heal Finneas too unless he is set on seeking healing from his own church.
"Finneas, we should stop by Tygot's shop at some point to sell the finely wrought silver bracelet and small pouch containing three citrines."
"Doctor, would you be able to determine the nature of this vial of dust we found? Understanding the physical world, or mechanica mundanis, seems an area you are adept at."
"I agree we should sell those things at Tigot's Silfr, we can do that before I sleep for the evening if you wish. As for that dust..."
"I don't know what it is either."
Silfr will look at the dust as well.
Spellcraft
"A mystery."
Atol sits on a box and munches some rations waiting for the party to return to the door he guards.
Church beatings are not as strong as they used to be - or at least compared to the creatures below. I hope we find the children and others today. This has really gone on long enough.
"Atol, what can you tell me about St. Cuthbert? Was he once a normal person like you or I? Who elavated him to sainthood, and where were his initial churches?"
Dyrant sits in Ghelve's shop happily applying spellprayer to scroll when he realizes, in the idles of his mind that he has failed and failed hard yet again.
He almost smudges the ink on the scroll as a tear drops from his eye.
Ah, St. Cuthbert, I have failed you again. I shall take penance.
Rising from his borrowed desk, Dyrant will seek out Atol.
"Atol, might I have a word with you in private? Bring your cudgel if you would."
"Atol, what can you tell me about St. Cuthbert? Was he once a normal person like you or I? Who elavated him to sainthood, and where were his initial churches?"
"Some say he was a man who ascended to the heavens. Some say he was always a god. I prefer to believe he was a man just like you and me. I don't really know where he started though. Maybe with the Suel? I dunno. My, er, history was never very good."
"Atol, might I have a word with you in private? Bring your cudgel if you would."
"Excuse me Silfr." Atol looks visibly uncomfortable trying to remember his religion classes. He only remember Suel because it is similar to Soul which is what St. Cuthbert saves.
"Yes Dyrant? What may I do for you?"
Dyrant will lead Atol to a private room and shut the door.
"Atol, as you know, we failed today and it weighs heavily upon my mind. We all did our best, but in our 'darkest' hour, I fretted and wondered why we could find a solution to overcome the dark...as St. Cuthbert would have."
Dyrant looks at Atol for compassion, knowing that he deserves none.
"We each have gifts, Atol, and St. Cuthbert calls upon all of us to use those gifts to serve him. Today, I failed twice to do that, and for that I must take penance."
Dyrant begins to assume the Penance Cudgeling Position of Absolution position.
"In our dark fight, I wondered why St. Cuthbert had not provided a way to combat these monsters, Atol. I DOUBTED HIM!!! But, in the light of day, I see now that he had already helped us. He had ALREADY given us what we needed, Atol...that same day. With my eyes open, I should have seen this and we could have overcome...sadly, I was blind. And for that I deserve penance."
Dyrant, from his knees, will continue to explain to Atol what he had missed. (assuming a confused expression on Atol's face)
"You see Atol, you had our salvation in your pack, but needed guidance to use it. And I should have guided you, Atol. I failed you. The smokesticks, Atol. The smokesticks. They would have evened the fight in darkness. And given us the edge."
Dyrant lowers his head to accept his penance.
Glimmil responds to Skie's adventuring tales with significant engagement and appreciation.
"Too bad you've retired, you might have fun coming along with us!" Glimmil offers, wistfully.
** spoiler omitted **
Truly Dyrant is very smart to have figured a way out of that ugliness! Still, he wants ME to administer his punishment? Does the novice punish the master...
"I cannot administer your penance for I am not worthy of the honor. I have not advanced far in the church and surely you have! It is one thing to guide and aid Silfr, but quite another to guide a more senior member."
"I would be honored to act as your aid in an act of self flagellation if you wish. Or I could escort you to the church, I think we still have time and Silfr can keep guard while we're gone."
Dyrant looks angry...not just at Atol, but at himself as failing to have the patience to guide Atol in this process.
Help me to find the patience, Angel.
Dyrants eyes dart to his prayer box stacked next to his scribing supplies.
"Atol, dear child, are you refusing a direct order? Furthermore, are you refusing to help a sinful Cuthbertine back on the path of light by withholding your cudgeling?"
Dyrant gives Atol a moment to really think about his refusing to administer a stern cudgeling to Dyrant.
"NO SIR!"
Really? OK then. I'm moving up in the church!
Atol steps back and takes a swing (to do non-lethal)
Cudgel for points of damage.
"Sir do you need more penance?"
"Yes. Again, Atol."
Maybe I should embiggen him so he puts his back into it.
Cudgel for points of damage. Miss...
Cudgel for points of damage. Hit.
Cudgel for points of damage. Hit.
Dyrant slumps to the ground I think.
"Dyrant? You OK?" Uh, er, now what?
Atol will make Dyrant as comfortable as possible, and go rejoin Silfr.
When Dyrant comes to (or is woken for his turn at watch), he will spend some time praying with his prayerbox, trying to make amends both with himself and Angel.
Ah man does my head hurt. I deserved it. Next time, I will not doubt nor fail St. Cuthbert.
Finneas visits the Temple of Lordly Might and after a brief explanation of his recent activities is brought before the head of the church, a half-orc almost seven feet tall with arms almost as large as his legs. Despite his size, there is something honest and good about him. You wouldn't mind meeting him in a dark alley, but the temple's wrestling ring would be another matter.
"Good evening brother. I have received but the barest details of your recent adventures, but I would hear more if you had the time. I'm afraid I don't recognize you, but things are so busy here."
The good doctor has been quite thoughtful since coming back into the light. I hadn't realized how attached I feel to the sun. And yet we must have only an infrequent acquaintance for now. Best to make the most of it, then.
"Ser, it may be slightly painful to extract samples of your yellow and black bile. They are products of the spleen and gall bladder. It would require a safe but not painless procedure as we insert a tube into your pharynx. I would not ask such a thing, but for the health of the city."
"Phlegm and blood are another matter. The application of a leech should suffice for the latter. A simple swap to your larynx will accomplish the latter. Will you consent?"
After his exchange of words (and possibly fluids) with the aged hero, Dr. Toffitt gladly visits Skie's. Believing that Dyrant's strange spell prayers may be incompatible with his methods, the Doctor buys the scrolls he will need to learn the following formulae:
Tincture of the Titan
Tonic of the Emissary
Success on both counts!
Assuming the funds are available, he successfully learns both formulae in two hours time, and copies them into his formula book, happily paying twenty gold for the necessary materials. If the party finds it worthwhile, he will also buy materials for two potions of each, and set about preparing them.
"Doctor, I have the utmost confidence in your skills but am recovering from the stern physical regime of St. Cuthbert as delivered bluntly by our good friend Atol. Tomorrow if his church cannot break the disease, let us try your medicinae."
"I do find the this philosophy of the four humors to be very interesting both as they involve health and temperament. Could a person be represented by the sum of each humor, with a notation as to whether the fluid was concentrated or diluted? This would allow for a grid of 16 permutations to represent every combination of strong or mild humors, so summing up all possible temperments!"
Tincture of the Titan
Tonic of the EmissaryIf the party finds it worthwhile, he will also buy materials for two potions of each, and set about preparing them.
Silfr would find it well worthwhile to bring the comprehend languages potions, and imagines Finneas would appreciate enlarge person.
The next day, after resting at home, breakfasting and recovering spell capabilities, Silfr will drop by St. Cuthbert's for lesser restorations to cure the dexterity poison clogging his overworld armor. He would also like to drop by Skie's to buy a longbow and arrows, and inquire after a masterwork great sword.
"Doctor, I have the utmost confidence in your skills but am recovering from the stern physical regime of St. Cuthbert as delivered bluntly by our good friend Atol. Tomorrow if his church cannot break the disease, let us try your medicinae."
Dr. Toffitt frowns at this. "I mean no offense or coersion, Ser, but my hope is to find a cure for the Vanishing that is more readily spread to the masses. I do hope that the Cuthbertines are able to cure you. But you are but one in a city that may be at risk. Surely even their high priests would have difficulty containing a plague of this cursed illness!?"
"I am surprised you don't recognize me brother, I have lived here for several years now. Until just last week I was working on the new Gate for the city, so it's possible we've just missed each other."
Finneas thinks on the recent adventures, deciding how much to share with this man as he sizes him up.
"Our adventures to this point have been more strenuous than exciting. We have found a path into Jzadirune and are attempting to rescue some children that were kidnapped from the orphanage several nights ago. The other kidnappings appear to be connected as well, and we've wiped out most of the beings responsible. The leader was able to escape us by knocking me out, fearing the rest of the group, and then charming our gnome paladin into assisting him. I will hunt him down in revenge once the children are safe."
Female voice: Son I don't think that's how it happened.
"We have found a passage to the Malachite Hold, where the children are being held, and will journey into that tomorrow. Do you know the place? What can we expect there? I know it is an old dwarf hold but have not heard anything about it in a long time."
Finneas takes in a breath of the fresh air after having spent so long in a gnome tomb.
"As for myself, I will require healing services tonight or tomorrow. I was bitten and poisoned by spiders, and I can feel their venom in me still. I am not yet strong enough to purge the venom myself, and require the assistance of a stronger follower of Kord."
Dr. Toffitt frowns at this. "I mean no offense or coersion, Ser, but my hope is to find a cure for the Vanishing that is more readily spread to the masses. I do hope that the Cuthbertines are able to cure you. But you are but one in a city that may be at risk. Surely even their high priests would have difficulty containing a plague of this cursed illness!?"
"Truly a wise idea good Dr. The power of St. Cuthbert is strong, but it is limited as well. There are few who can do what was done for Silfr."
@ Finneas
"It is well that you survived. It is always worrisome when one of our kind is brought down and enemies still survive. If our last great effort is not enough, then a loss such as yours is unfortunately likely."
"The Church of St. Cuthbert has promised the safe return of the children. Do you work for them? It is okay if you do; though their coddling of the weak is frustrating they are a good church and keep their clergy in line. However, it cannot be left out that a member of our church also acts bravely in the service of Cauldron. Who leads this group of adventurers? Is it the paladin, Alek Tercival? I had heard that he had traveled to Redgorge to take care of a woman who was possessed by a demon. You could learn much from him."
"It would not do for our only representative to not be in his best condition. Let Kord cleanse your body and restore your strength."
- Lesser restoration
- 3 STR healed.
"I'm afraid I know nothing of the Malachite Hold. The dwarves have not been particularly open about others assisting them. They are quite proud of their self-appointed position as guardians keeping the creatures of the underdark at bay."
finely wrought silver bracelet
small pouch containing three citrines
-high
- high
- accurate
- high
Dyrant believes the bracelet is worth at least 50 gp, if not more. He believes one of the citrines is worth 50 gp, but the other two must be worth at least 100 gp each.
---
tiny glass vial containing some dust - I'm assuming you'll let Skie look at this at some point. She will advise you that is a single dose of dust of illusion.
---
Tygot examines the bracelet and citrines.
- accurate
- accurate
- accurate
- low
"I appreciate your opinion sir, but the bracelet is worth a mere 25 gold, if that. In regards to the citrines, I'd say two of them are worth 50 gold each, but the last one is near worthless. The blemish you say gives it character actually destroys any value it might have had. I will give you 65 gold for everything. I will be lucky to recover even that when I sell them."
---