Savendir nods in acknowledgement of Nyxalia's warning. He makes eye contact with Zarine and Owen, and tilts his head toward the door before walking out.
When they are out of the interrogation room, he says quietly, "We know there is an unholy arcane purpose to this enterprise. The stolen book deals with an artifact called the Ihyster, as the librarian said. It would not surprise me in the least to find out that that artifact is related, in some way, to the Seal."
"It worries me somewhat, the implication that they could be so sloppy as to interact with their hired goons so close to their base. Perhaps that location means nothing. But the agents we are dealing with have left enough other loose ends that there could be a connection. I hope this is not a trail of breadcrumbs leading us to what they want us to see."
He turns to the dwarven workman. "Thank you for your assistance in subduing these ruffians. It is always a welcome turn to find an ally in difficult times. I am Savendir Inaris."
Savendir nods in acknowledgement of Nyxalia's warning. He makes eye contact with Zarine and Owen, and tilts his head toward the door before walking out.
When they are out of the interrogation room, he says quietly, "We know there is an unholy arcane purpose to this enterprise. The stolen book deals with an artifact called the Ihyster, as the librarian said. It would not surprise me in the least to find out that that artifact is related, in some way, to the Seal."
"It worries me somewhat, the implication that they could be so sloppy as to interact with their hired goons so close to their base. Perhaps that location means nothing. But the agents we are dealing with have left enough other loose ends that there could be a connection. I hope this is not a trail of breadcrumbs leading us to what they want us to see."
Out of earshot of the prisoners, Owen voices his opinion.
"My thoughts as well. Need contingency plan. Possibly multiple."
He pauses, removing a small clay pipe from a hidden pocket, packing it full of some foul-smelling dried fungus, and lighting it with some unseen flame.
"Maxkevlay Soncatim is the head of a powerful underworld organization specializing in procurement of rare and arcane items. Given circumstances, Soncatim likely a spellcaster, which makes him doubly dangerous."
Owen pauses once more, staring at the ceiling for nearly a minute before speaking, as acrid blue smoke seeps from his nostrils.
"Ihyster is worrisome. Name unfamiliar. Seal very familiar. Brotherhood divided, easily exploited. One faction seeks to delve beyond Seal, likely target for manipulation by Soncatim's guild. Soncatim likely interested in that which is behind Seal."
Another pause.
"I am interested also."
"Do not let curiosity get the better of you," Savendir cautions. "Learning should follow wisdom. Without it, one can be led astray." Given Savendir's obvious disapproval of the bloodshed at Owen's hands, this statement is laden with multiple levels of meaning.
"Do not let curiosity get the better of you," Savendir cautions. "Learning should follow wisdom. Without it, one can be led astray."
Owen shrugs.
"Assumes path not preordained. Or that there is a path at all. Either way, not relevant to current scenario."
Ulath has been calmly watching the proceedings from the rear, with the apparent quietness of the thickset dwarves. He appeared to drift into the background, virtually motionless until addressed by Savendir.
"Ulat 'awkshaw." he replies with a thick accent, slightly muffled by his thick beard. "You the law? Wardens? 'Cause I ain't clapped eyes on you 'fore and you take charge o' t' prisoners."
"Though I'd keep an eye on the angry one, he's trouble - on maybe 'is boss is doing that. You know, wit' magic." He waggles his fingers nimbly.
"We are not the law; more like investigators - hired to investigate some troubling occurrences and finding the plot grows deeper and deeper, which does not bode well."
Savendir turns to the rest of the group. "Do any of you think there is more information to be gained from these thugs?"
Savendir turns to the rest of the group. "Do any of you think there is more information to be gained from these thugs?"
"Depends on what information you want."
Nyxalia nods at the Dwarf in greeting and continues to listen to the conversation.
At Savendirs question, she answers quietly. "I don't think that there is too much more that can be learned from these men. They seem to be nothing more than hirelings, and don't appear to have any real kind of attachment to the man who stole the book."
"I don't think that there is too much more that can be learned from these men. They seem to be nothing more than hirelings, and don't appear to have any real kind of attachment to the man who stole the book."
"Need to make sure they don't talk. Word must not get back to Soncatim or anyone else."
Ulath furrows his heavy brows; "Well best to put 'em in jail. They'd possibly have means t' find out if they're been scryed on."
"I won't be having some bunch of ruffians nicking a book from beneath me nose." He rubs his hooter, ignoring Owens' implication.
Tanos approaches as you are discussing your plans.
"Thank you again for your efforts toward attempting to thwart the theft of the book. We are most concerned about the book. Are you willing to retrieve the book for a reward of 1500 gold pieces?"
"Are you willing to retrieve the book for a reward of 1500 gold pieces?"
"Total or each?"
"Are you willing to retrieve the book for a reward of 1500 gold pieces?""Total or each?"
Tanos answers, "Total"
'Best keep an eye on that lad, he looks a bit dubious.' he thinks with a glance to Owen.
"Now, then... I'll find this book of yours - I don't need any reward." Ulath rumbles softly, though he thinks differently. 'Though I could damned well need it, the workshop roof needs some new tiles... really should replace them with shingles.'
"If we locate the book, we will see to its return," Savendir offers. After all, he thinks, recovering that book may lead us to uncover the larger plot at foot.
"Can we turn these bandits over to the authorities? They must not be released while the investigation is ongoing. If they tip off the thieves to our investigation, they will surely make themselves - and your book - harder to find."
"Reet, I'm sure t' constable must be right strict with 'em. Ensure that no wrong'uns can get to t' rapscallions. And maybe they could 'even pick up t' lass of the weedy robber - or keep an eye out fur any reprisal." He adds, rubbing his cheek thoughtfully.
Tanos answers Savendir's question. "We will hold the prisoners here until your return with the book. This will allow us some time to modify their memories. We cannot allow word to get out that our defenses against theft can be breached. It will put our entire collection at risk. Thank you again for your assistance. I wish you good luck and speed in accomplishing your task."
With that he claps his hands and 3 other librarians emerge. Each takes a prisoner and leads them away.
"You are welcome to peruse our collection if it will assist you in your mission. If there is nothing else, I bid you adieu."
With that, Tanos turns and follows the librarians.
Owen moves to scan the bookshelves for anything interesting.
Nyxalia seems interested in looking through the books too, but waits for Savendir to see what he wants to do.
The straight-forward dwarf has a think softly brushing the last flecks of dust from the shelves:
"So do we need to learn more about this Ihyster? Or how to infiltrate and subvert the organisation? Or would it be better just to knock on their lair?"
Owen moves to scan the bookshelves for anything interesting.
Recalling the sign on the first floor...
- 1st Floor - Abjuration/Conjuration
- 2nd Floor - Divination/Enchantment
- 3rd Floor - Evocation/Illusion
- 4th Floor - Necromancy/Transmutation
- 5th Floor - History/Geography/Nature
- 6th Floor - Rare Books
You are currently on the fifth floor. The subjects covered on this floor are History, Geography, and Nature. As Owen scans the titles he sees books such as
Dwarven Massacre: The Quest for the Sky from an Orc's perspective
The nature of nomadism; a comparative study of pastoral migrations in southwestern Varisia and northern Nirmathas
How to Know the Lichens
Garund Geography: Invention and Prospect
The Great Discoveries and the first Cheliaxian colonial empires
Savendir indicates his agreement with the dwarf. "Perhaps there are other mentions of this Ihyster among the rare books where the volume was stolen. We cannot tarry long, but they might give us some idea what we are dealing with."
Owen heads upstairs to check out the rare book collection.
As much as Nyxalia would like to head to the 3rd floor and research some new combat spells, she heeds Savendirs words and follows the group upstairs to the Rare Book Collection.
You return to the rare book floor. There you find a librarian eager to assist. He listens to you describe your intention to find out more about Ihystear. He ponders for a moment, then tells you he will retrieve some books on the subject that may help.
He brings back several books dealing with cultic lore of Heaven and Hell. Unfortunately most of the references to Ihystear is tangential. After about two hours of study, all that you learn is that Ihystear is believed to be the only remaining piece from the spear that Asmodeus used to slay his brother Ihys. The texts yield no clues as to why someone would want to obtain Ihystear.
Owen makes a mental note to return to the sixth floor, and decides to examine some of the books on the first floor before the library closes.
Owen finds that most of the books on the first floor that are easily accessible are lower level spell books focused on Abjuration and Conjuration.
Titles include:
Insights of Far-Seeing Taernis: Volume 1(Conjuration) - It contains several 1st through 3rd level spells. (Volume 2 is available upon special request.)
Manual of Binding (Conjurer) Volume 1 of 3 - Volume 1 contains also contains several first through 3rd level spells. (Volumes 2 and 3 are also available upon special request.)
Guardian Grimoire (Abjuration) Volume 1 of 3 - Volume 1 contains 1st and 2nd level spells. (Other volumes available on special request.)
Defensive Primer (Abjuration) - This surprisingly ornate and heavy volume is more than three-quarters empty. Tightly written notes on the precepts of arcane defense and the vulnerabilities of supernatural entities fill the first 2 pages. It has a list of 1st level spells.
Insights of Far-Seeing Taernis: Volume 1(Conjuration) - It contains several 1st through 3rd level spells. (Volume 2 is available upon special request.)
While Owen browses the books on the first floor, Nyxalia will head to the third and see what she can find.
Insights of Far-Seeing Taernis: Volume 1(Conjuration) - It contains several 1st through 3rd level spells. (Volume 2 is available upon special request.)
While Owen browses the books on the first floor, Nyxalia will head to the third and see what she can find.
Nyxalia finds the following titles as she peruses the shelves.
Book of Harms (Evoker) - It contains several 1st through 3rd level spells.
Grimoire of Glittering Eyes (Illusionist) - This book contains 1st through 4th level spells.
Artic Call Vol. I of II (Evoker) - This book is the first of two volumes and it contains 1st through 3rd level spells. Volume II is available upon special request.
Mysteries of Shadow Vol 1 of 3 (Illusionist) - This book is the first of 3 volumes and contains spell levels 1 through 3.
Nxyalia pulls down and takes a look at through the Book of Harms.
The leather wrapping of the Book of Harms is of an indeterminate type, and gives off a faint and unpleasant scent, as of charred meat. The writing inside is in a jagged hand, and many notes on the ash-smudge pages indicate its previous owner sought ever more damaging magic. A glittering rune in the cover's center is shaped vaguely like a lightning bolt.
3rd - fireball, lightning bolt
2nd - acid arrow, darkness, ghoul touch, gust of wind
1st - burning hands, color spray, elemental touch, hydraulic push, hypnotism, magic missile, ray of enfeeblement, shocking grasp
Savendir shares with the others what he learned of the Ihystear. Every new clue seems to confound his understanding of what they are up against. What would cause a group of assassins devoted to Norgorber and a cabal of necromancers want with a relic associated with Asmodeus?
He agrees that they ought to regroup and plan, but should not delay too long. If the conspirators who stole the volume are connected with the kidnapping ring (which presumably they are), they may not stay put in the city. We should go after them at first light.
Savendir shares with the others what he learned of the Ihystear. Every new clue seems to confound his understanding of what they are up against. What would cause a group of assassins devoted to Norgorber and a cabal of necromancers want with a relic associated with Asmodeus?
- Blackfingers - god of poisons
- Father Skinsaw - god of murder
- The Gray Master - god of thieves
- Reaper of Reputation - god of secrets
How these different aspects are related to Iyshtear is not within Owen's knowledge.
After completing your study at the library, you return to Nyxalia'a monastery. Ulath accompanies you, curious about what is going on and wishing to help.
When you arrive, one of the brothers, anxiously greets you at the door looking troubled. "I'm so glad you have returned. The young ward you left with us has left. She said the Lady of Graves has called her to the Godsmouth Ossuary. She requests your presence as well. You are to see her there as soon as possible."
Nyxalia makes a note of the spells that she is interested in from the Book of Harms, and promises herself to return once she can afford to copy them.
Returning with the others to the Monastery, she is worried for the young girl, travelling alone in the city. She tries to remember where the Godsmouth Ossuary is from her lessons.
"I do not like this. She is going to get herself killed. Has she not had enough of a brush with death, that she must go wandering about the city?" Savendir is plainly exasperated by what he perceives as the girl's stubbornness.
"I do not like this. She is going to get herself killed. Has she not had enough of a brush with death, that she must go wandering about the city?" Savendir is plainly exasperated by what he perceives as the girl's stubbornness.
"I concur. Foolish. We need her for information."
Whilst in the library, Ulath has quietly got the rest of his tools carefully considering what to do next - the reward is tempting, despite his uncertainty of the group he has found himself in. The seem to be very clever, but not the stoic certainty of his usual acquaintances.
However as Savendir reveals clues about Ihystear and the deities involved, his heckles rise and he knows action is inevitable, nodding at Nyxalia's suggestion for a place to plan.
"Who's this lass? Some young lady you rescued and now she's run off to t' resting place?" He wonders; "And what sort of place is that, that she'd want t' meet us there? 'Ere at least has a hearth."
"Cerpera, an oracle. She was kidnapped as the target of some foul necromantic plot. It's not unlike her to run off; she never seemed the practical sort."
Zarine sighs (or hisses - it can be difficult to tell). "Stupid child. That is not where we need to go, yet we must follow to keep her from harm." Her gold eyes narrow in annoyance over her veil.