Nasir cracks a smile and chuckles a bit.
"Effendi, how do you suppose that the artifacts of your heritage are unearthed for you to study and document? Yes, being cloistered in a hall of study my help you discover where to find such treasures, but getting them in your hands is another matter entirely. Without rugged explorers such as myself, you would have no artifacts to examine and preserve.
Such work is dangerous and expensive, so how else would one continue to explore without recompense for the effort? Now if you would like to commission an expedition to some specific site, I am more than happy to negotiate a fair deal for the antiquities found therein. Clearly as they are artifacts of your lost heritage, they are worth far more to you than a courtier of the Padishah Emperor with no connection to the history.
"Go on," she says. You can tell she's trying to negotiate and keep her interest hidden, but...
"If such an arrangement does not interest the Order, then perhaps the safety of this town might. That is the main reason that we are here."
"The Order is not in the business of saving the town from ghosts and gangs."
No Ma'am. We Shoanti focus upon life and living. But we have great respect for the struggles our ancestors faced in keeping our lands, and our elders caution against dealing in any relics from those lost ages. There is some honest trade in certain kinds of small items; I strongly feel that our current company would not steal.
Seeing that she seems to be open to his line of conversation, Nasir continues.
"Of course I would not expect historians of your rumored caliber to directly aid a town, but knowledge is often a greater weapon than the sword. As keepers of the knowledge of this area, your scholarship may be more valuable than you suspect.
We have come across some items of historical interest as we explored in town. We wanted to consult with you about what they could mean. It appears that Sir Roderic may have had some knowledge of Thassilonian himself specifically a Sihedron Rune. Additionally, the local gang seems to have adopted symbology of a Thassilonian rune for some reason.
We also seek more knowledge of Sir Roderic himself. As we have encountered his ghost a number of times already, and he seems to be encouraging us along a certain course of action. From the little that we are able to understand, we may be searching for powerful magic of unknown risk. Perhaps your archives could help us to understand that magic and be bettered prepared to wield it, if we must."
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"The Order is not in the business of saving the town from ghosts and gangs."
Hatfield gestures in a manner meant to be friendly "Aw, c'mon now. We're all on tha same side here. We all live here. What we do has an impact on each other. Please, you know 'bout all the unpleasantness in town. You know about Sir Roderic's ghost gettin' all fired up. Ain't nobody here tryin' ta do nuthin' bad; but, if we (all o' us) don't git ta tha bottom o' this, you an' yours could be impacted too."
"We have come across some items of historical interest as we explored in town. We wanted to consult with you about what they could mean. It appears that Sir Roderic may have had some knowledge of Thassilonian himself specifically a Sihedron Rune. Additionally, the local gang seems to have adopted symbology of a Thassilonian rune for some reason.
We also seek more knowledge of Sir Roderic himself. As we have encountered his ghost a number of times already, and he seems to be encouraging us along a certain course of action. From the little that we are able to understand, we may be searching for powerful magic of unknown risk. Perhaps your archives could help us to understand that magic and be bettered prepared to wield it, if we must."
"What things have you come across that are 'of historical interest?'" she asks.
This is a diplomacy roll, so I figured you or another would be the primary roll. If so, I can just use the one you did already as the primary.
"I am also a historian, focused on Thassilonian occult histories. We have come across a drawing of the seven runes from the seven schools, but they are turned in unusual angles. We have also come across a name that we would like to check against your archives to see if it has any historical significance. May we please consult with your senior historian?"
Nasir addresses Frantino.
"How do we know that this woman is not the senior historian? She has not yet told us her role in the Order."
Pleased with how his conversation is going, Nasir continues engaging the member of the Order.
Abbi would be surprised that I have managed to negotiate for this long. He always said he had better conversations with his camel...
"As I mentioned, Sir Roderic seemed to have an interest in the Sihedron Rune. We found a missing piece of the Cove Hall map in the Wreck and it was a compass rose in the shape of a Sihedron Rune. The curious part was that the symbols on the rune were not in the correct orientation that I learned in my studies. We thought perhaps that the scholars of the Order may have some insight into this unusual configuration."
Nasir presents the torn map piece for examination.
"Additionally, one of my companions here has an amulet with the Sihedron Rune on it as well. The symbols on his amulet also differ from the correct orientation and do not align with the compass rose either. And for some reason he cannot lose or get rid of the amulet. Yalla Roscoe, show it to her."
Ya Ibn el Sharmouta! I am barking orders again. Hopefully, he will not argue and just show her the amulet. We cannot afford to lose face in these negotiations. We need to get whatever information we can from this Order.
"I find each of these mysterious items to be quite fascinating as a scholar of Thassilon myself. I am quite new to the study, but I would guess that historians such as your Order would be a bit more intrigued than I, Ms. uhh...my apologies, but in my excitement in meeting someone from the Order, I did not catch your name."
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Ayita whispers to Hatfield, "what about the rapier, is that Thassilonian? Ayita then makes apologies... I am sorry, Lady and colleagues; I need to attend to my duties with my new companion..."
She quietly moves away; there has been a bit of a whining sound from some bushes nearby; Ayita comes back out of the shrub with a young dog that looks like the local Kennel dogs, but also somewhat... wolf-like??? The party knows this must be Yazhi, a wolfdog who is making progress in her training but is still young, and has been more difficult to train than the purebred dogs.
Ayita stays a bit away so she can hear but hopes not to interrupt any more than she has. Ter clucks disapprovingly at Yazhi.
Ayita stays a bit away so she can hear but hopes not to interrupt any more than she has. Ter clucks disapprovingly at Yazhi.
The conversation, inside the house and inside a small sitting room, is hard to hear from outside the house. But Yazhi's yipping is not. She calms a bit when Ayita joins her.
Nasir presents the torn map piece for examination.
When Nasir shows the corner of the Map, she frowns at the odd orientation of runes. "What map did this come from? I'm unfamiliar with all of Sir Roderic's cartography. What was the map of?"
"Additionally, one of my companions here has an amulet with the Sihedron Rune on it as well. The symbols on his amulet also differ from the correct orientation and do not align with the compass rose either. And for some reason he cannot lose or get rid of the amulet. Yalla Roscoe, show it to her."
She nods when Nasir mentions the Sihedron Rune and Roscoe's amulet.
"How interesting. I have never heard of a Sihedron Rune like yours, Roscoe. May I see it? Tell me how you received it. Surely, only a special person would have the good fortune of receiving such a thing," she says, addressing Roscoe directly, and without allowing Roscoe to even respond to Nasir. She's clearly interested.
"Ms. uhh...my apologies, but in my excitement in meeting someone from the Order, I did not catch your name."
"I am Mathild, one of the Order's philosphers. We have no ranks other than Head Scholar, Philosopher, and Initiate."
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Roscoe places his amulet on the table. "Here's this amulet I found--it's special and has a lot of powers. It's like it picked me or something. Probably because I'm amazing. But it's interesting, because the runes are not the same as the other Thassilonian ones we've found. What do you make of it?" he asks.
Roscoe places his amulet on the table. "Here's this amulet I found--it's special and has a lot of powers. It's like it picked me or something. Probably because I'm amazing. But it's interesting, because the runes are not the same as the other Thassilonian ones we've found. What do you make of it?" he asks.
[dice=diplomacy]1d20+9
With the aid of your fellows, you convince the philosopher Mathild that you ought to speak with Head Scholar Rostrata. "This is something she would be interested in hearing."
She asks you to remain where you are and leaves, briefly. She returns with Corstela Rostrata who immediately sits down at the head table. She nods at Mathild and dismisses her. Mathild closes the doors to the room to ensure Corstela has some privacy.
"Mathild mentioned you had a Thassilonian medallion of some sort and were inquiring about a... rapier? May I see the medallion?"
She examines Roscoe's medallion carefully, not touching it with her bare flesh. She compares it to the corner of the map.
"Hmmm. And you found this parchment fragment in Sir Roderic's house? In the map room? Or his study? What does the entire map show? I'm unfamiliar with each of the maps in Cove Hall."
"And what's this about a rapier?"
Nasir attempts to answer some of the questions posed.
"Head Scholar Rostrata, the parchment fragment was found in the map room in the house. It is the missing corner of the map of the Churlwood and the surrounding area that is in Cove Hall.
From speaking to the Port-Governor and examining the scant records there, we believe that the fragment was torn off of that map when it was hastily recovered from Sir Roderic's home by the guard-captain at the time of Sir Roderic's death.
As for the rapier, it seems to have a name - Baraket. We believe that Sir Roderic was in possession of this weapon, and the weapon itself was sentient. We wanted to know if you had any knowledge about Sir Roderic possessing the weapon or perhaps some histories of a similar weapon in the region. With Sir Roderic's awareness of Thassilonian symbology, I would not be surprised to find that this weapon is of Thassilonian origin.
The ghost of Sir Roderic also mentioned that the sword could control those who use it and implied that wearing a set of gauntlets could protect the wielder. However, that is just speculation based on cryptic clues from a ghost, but he emphasized that the gauntlets were very important."
"Sentient, you say? Interesting. I've heard of such things, though... they are incredibly rare and powerful," says Corstela. "How would Sir Roderic have come into possession of such a thing?"
When Nasir mentions "gauntlets," she nods. "Yes, something like that could be used as protection from a variety of things, but... did the ghost of Sir Roderic say where the gauntlets could be found?"
She sits quietly for a moment, thinking.
"Perhaps the Churlwood. I mean, why would a map of the Churlwood have the Sihedron Rune, although inaccurately rendered, on it? Was the map unusual in any other way?"
Recognizing the negotiating cadence of Qadiran merchants in the Head Scholar's questions, Nasir slips into the familiar form.
"We ourselves were wondering the same thing. How would someone out here come into possession of such a powerful weapon? As you are the local experts on such things, what would your studies tell us? Perhaps it might be of Thassilonian make? Have you heard of any legends that would refer to the name 'Baraket' or something similar? Or perhaps legends of an intelligent weapon in this area? What do you know of Sir Roderic's weapons?
As for the gauntlets, the ghost indicated that they could be in the Churlwood. What would be the most likely place something like that might be found? Are there some Thassilonian ruins that could be of some interest in the Churlwood? Are there any legends that you know of that mention gauntlets similar to these?
I am unfamiliar with the Churlwood, so I could not say if there was anything unusual about the rendering. Perhaps your trained eyes might better identify something I may have missed?"
Nasir watches Corstela Rostrata carefully as she responds.
I hope my companions can see that I am trying to draw out this sage's knowledge without sharing everything we know. I do not yet have a sense of this woman's intentions. Please do not tip our hand yet...
"Have you heard of any legends that would refer to the name 'Baraket' or something similar? Or perhaps legends of an intelligent weapon in this area? "
She thinks for a second or two, contemplating how much of her very sensitive (and dangerous!) studies she should share with strangers who could get themselves into trouble.
"Baraket was one of the Seven Swords of Sin, created by the ancient rulers of Thassilon for their champions. A rapier was created by Xanderghul, the Runelord of Pride, for his champion Baraket. Details of the thing... are not recorded."
"What do you know of Sir Roderic's weapons?"
"My focus is on Ancient Thassilon. I am no expert on Sir Roderic and his life, so I wouldn't know about his standard weaponry. And I doubt a simple privateer so far from the ancient realm of Xanderghul could realistically acquire such a weapon." she says.
"Are there some Thassilonian ruins that could be of some interest in the Churlwood? Are there any legends that you know of that mention gauntlets similar to these?"
"I'm not too familiar with the Churlwood. Just enough to avoid it and the goblins that roam it. Little pyromaniac pests. I've never heard of such gauntlets in my studies, though such a thing could be made, in theory," she says.
Sensing that the Head Scholar seems to be more cooperative than she appeared at the start, Nasir continues to share information.
"Ahh...This is very interesting. I was unaware that the Runelords created weapons for their champions, but it makes sense as one would want to give their champions every edge that they could. So this sword could have the mind of this champion of the Runelord of Pride in it, yes? We found a case with the name 'Baraket' on it. The case was lined with lead which we believe to be for protection, but we are not sure if it was to protect the sword from scrying or to protect others from the sword. What do you think?"
Nasir looks at the Sihedron Rune on the compass rose.
"I have a feeling that Sir Roderic was more than a 'simple privateer'. He was able to hold off the depredations of Riddleport almost by himself indicates that he was more powerful than history seems to remember him. I am sure we will learn more of him as our investigation continues.
Ah! I forgot that we also have a sketch of the map in Cove Hall that varies slightly. I think that there is an additional marking of an 'X' on the map with the notation 'St. Hs.' Any ideas as to what that might refer to?"
Nasir turns to the group.
"Please share the sketch with the Head Scholar, friends."
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Roscoe's neck tingles as the scholar speaks, and he grabs the Thassilonian amulet he wears.
This--sounds familiar.
He places the sketch of the woods on the table at Nasir's request.
"Wait--are you saying that each of the Runelords--you know who their names? And they have a--bad quality or something-- associated with each of them?"
He places the sketch of the woods on the table at Nasir's request.
Corstela examines the sketch. "Hmmm. So there's someplace out there that Sir Roderic knew about. Assume he went there."
"Wait--are you saying that each of the Runelords--you know who their names? And they have a--bad quality or something-- associated with each of them?"
"Yes, each of the Runelords had a name. Though the office of Runelord passed to different individuals, occasionally. Usually through violent conflict. The Runelord of Pride, Xanderghul, was one of only two Runelords to hold their position since the founding of the Thassilonian Empire by Emperor Xin."
"The seven qualities you refer to, Roscoe Elring, are the seven virtues of rule; the ideals of wise governance first articulated by Emperor Xin. They include charity, generosity, humility, kindness, love, temperance, and zeal. The seven virtues eventually became corrupted under the successors of Emperor Xin, the Runelords, and were transformed into the seven vices: greed, lust, pride, gluttony, envy, wrath, and sloth. They are represented by the seven-pointed star you wear about your neck, the Sihedron Rune."
When the Head Scholar mentions the seven virtues, the Sihedron medallion about Roscoe's neck seems to cease... buzzing? It is like when Roscoe, as a child, would sit in a meadow and suddenly the meadow would fall silent. He didn't recall the meadow being noisy, but the silence was deafening.
When Corstela mentions the seven sins, especially Pride, the medallion warms against Roscoe's skin.
"So," she asks the group. "Will you explore the Churlwood and seek this location?"
She seems to be hiding something or at least not telling us everything.
Frantino tries to be a little dodgy in replying. "Exploring the Churlwood could be a course of action, but we have other investigations to handle here in town, and some other business outfitting ourselves before undertaking such a trip. But we appreciate your time and hope we can come consult with you again, should we come across any more mysteries."
Unfortunately, he's not very personable and thus not a very good liar.
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Everything that had been happening to Roscoe gave him an epiphany, and his eyes go wide as he stares at his medallion.
"So each of these points on this medallion--is a different Runelord and virtue--vice, whatever? So maybe this is why I'm so amazing--practically perfect in every way? Maybe this is giving me all these powers! Maybe I'm on track to take on the mantle of their powers! Very nice. I'm liking this amulet more and more all the time."
He considers his level of preparedness to go to the Churlwood.
"I may want to buy a thing or two before we go. Oh, and I feel like I can share some of my powers with the rest of you. If anyone wants to join me for a little ritual, I think I can help you be a little more amazing like I am. Well, maybe not quite as amazing as me."
"Yes, yes, something we don't need to discuss here... Thank you for your time, Miss Corstela."
I can see wanting the first bonus most days, although I'm sure there will come a few days when the second will be quite useful. Unless we can have more than one each day? That seems a bit too helpful. The Amazing Roscoe! However, if you try to become a Runelord this conversation will need to be revisited...
Nasir notes the limited amount of information that the Head Scholar has shared.
This one is a more secretive scholar than I have encountered before. In my experience, learned people tend to want to impress others with all of their knowledge. It is curious...
"Although my companions seem to be ready to be off, I still have a few questions for you.
This town is an unusual location for a place of scholarly study. Tell me Head Scholar, why have you come to Roderic's Cove to study? You also seem to have quite a few students/scholars here. What is the focus of your Order and what are some of the more intriguing discoveries that you have made here?
What you have shared so far about the Runelords intrigues me and has me thinking about something else. What do you know of the Runelord of Wrath and their champion? Also do you have any historical information about conflicts between the Runelord of Pride & the Runelord of Wrath?"
This town is an unusual location for a place of scholarly study. Tell me Head Scholar, why have you come to Roderic's Cove to study?"[/b]
"The coast of Varisia is an excellent place to study Thassilon. It is the border between Cyrusian (to the north), Shalast (to the east) and the realm of the Bakrakhan, ruled by the Runelord of Wrath, most of which fell into the ocean during the cataclysm of Earthfall, so many eons ago. That cataclysm and its titanic earthquakes unearthed many ruins for study, such as in Sandpoint south of here. And the Cyphergate in Riddleport."
"What is the focus of your Order and what are some of the more intriguing discoveries that you have made here?"
"Our focus is Thassilonian culture and history. Though we have little progress. Our next expedition will be to the Hellflume ruin in Sandpoint. Many have explored it in the years since the Heroes of Sandpoint found it, but... a scholar does not flinch from reviewing and checking others' work in the hopes of new insights."
"What do you know of the Runelord of Wrath and their champion? Also do you have any historical information about conflicts between the Runelord of Pride & the Runelord of Wrath?"
"The Runelord of Wrath was Garvok, one of the proto-Shoanti. He was immolated by his own blade, it is said. As for Pride and Wrath, the two realms bordered each other, so there was always conflict. Most of Bakrakhan is in the ocean. But Cyrusian and Shalast, the realm of Greed, remain. The Lost Coast is the border of Bakrakhan and Shalast. The details, reasons, etc, for the conflict between Bakrakhan and Cyrusian, Wrath and Pride, elude my research right now."
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Roscoe paid great attention to everything the scholar said.
This amulet--maybe it will keep giving me more powers! It seems like maybe part of the Runelord personalities are in this amulet or something. They must have chosen me because I'm destined for greatness. Maybe it wants me to bear the mantle of Thassilon now.
He asks the scholar another question. "So, as far as Thassilonian ruins close to here--where would you look if you wanted to check it out a little more? Are there some closer than Sandpoint or Riddleport?"
Nasir raises an eyebrow.
Ahhh...these scholars are solely concerned with the study of Thassilonian culture and history. Things like recent local history are probably not anything that they pay attention to.
"Well, the proximity to Thassilonian ruins has drawn me here as well, so that is no surprise.
I wish you well on your expedition. I have heard that early explorers often overlook things on their first visit to a site. It is much harder to see when one does not know what they are looking for. I am sure you will make new discoveries in your expedition.
The Runelord of Wrath was a proto-Shoanti? I am sure my Shoanti friend outside will be intrigued by that.
Did you know that the symbol of the local gang, the Horned Fangs, is a crude recreation of 'Wrath' in Thassilonian? I am beginning to wonder if the legacy of the Runelords is surfacing. One of these Horned Fangs were killed by a rapier which I think may be Baraket. A weapon of the Runelord of Pride kills a person wearing the symbol of the enemy Runelord of Wrath? Intriguing...
So most of the Realm of Pride is beneath the ocean. eh? A warning from the gods to be careful of too much vanity. perhaps?
Maybe you know more about the types of combatants that the Runelords of Pride and Wrath deployed against one another? Have you unearthed any notable underlings of these Runelords?
I am still quite young in my studies of Thassilon. What have you discovered about what drove the change of the seven virtues of rule to become the seven vices? Also who was the other founding Runelord with Xanderghul?"
CORRECTION
"The Runelord of Wrath’S CHAMPION was Garvok, one of the proto-Shoanti. He was immolated by his own blade, it is said. As for Pride and Wrath, the two realms bordered each other, so there was always conflict. Most of Bakrakhan is in the ocean. But Cyrusian and Shalast, the realm of Greed, remain. The Lost Coast is the border of Bakrakhan and Shalast. The details, reasons, etc, for the conflict between Bakrakhan and Cyrusian, Wrath and Pride, elude my research right now."
CLARIFICATIONS
BAKRAKHAN=realm of Wrath. Mostly undersea now. To the west.
CYRUSIAN=realm of Pride. Ruled by Xanderghul. To the northeast.
SHALAST=realm of Greed. East of here.
CORRECTION:
Garvok was The champion of the Runelord of Wrath. His sword immolated him.
Sorry if confusing. SOOOO much detail and history. Also, Corstela may not be a reliable narrator, since she lives 6000 years later. And she may have her own interests. And she may not know everything about Thassilon. Yeah. Yeah. That’s why the mistakes. Not my fault. It’s cuz she’s an unreliable narrator. Yeah!
”Also who was the other founding Runelord with Xanderghul?"
”The only other founding runelord who survived to Earthfall and was never defeated and replaced by a successor, was Sorshen, the Runelord of Lust.”
”The other five Runelords who began the realm of Thassilon with Emperor Xin were all eventually succeeded by others.
Roscoe paid great attention to everything the scholar said.
This amulet--maybe it will keep giving me more powers! It seems like maybe part of the Runelord personalities are in this amulet or something. They must have chosen me because I'm destined for greatness. Maybe it wants me to bear the mantle of Thassilon now.
He asks the scholar another question. "So, as far as Thassilonian ruins close to here--where would you look if you wanted to check it out a little more? Are there some closer than Sandpoint or Riddleport?"
”None that I’ve found.”
”They were originally called the Virtues of Rule (wealth, fertility, honest pride, abundance, eager striving, righteous anger, and well-deserved rest), passed down from the gods and Emperor Xin himself. They were seen as the benefits of power. Over the course of time, the runelords corrupted these into what we understand to be the ‘great sins of the soul,’ abandoning the positive aspects of each and embracing the negative connotations of each. Why this happened... is a mystery of the soul, I imagine. Why is somebody evil?”
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A tiny bit of the conversation drifts out to Ayita, Ter, and Yazhi...
I dunno why people turn to evil, Ter, abundance seems quite a good thing, how could it get corrupted?
Ter doesn't answer, as she and Yazhi have their mouths totally stuffed full of blackberry muffin. Ayita is trying to get her armor to buckle, it seems tighter than last week. She just bought it, too! Ok more running with Yazhi. After this one muffin. Tomorrow she can run.
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Roscoe listens to the virtues and vices as thoughts go through his mind.
They aren't all that corrupted, really. Being better than everyone is pretty great. That's honest pride, isn't it?
The halfling seems about to say something, but thinks better of it.
"I don't have any more questions. But this has been very--informative," he says to the scholar.