Chgowiz's Server - act27-game

58th day of Summer, 57AD The day dawns with dim light filtering through the curtained windows in the princess's bedroom. Faint whispers of old scents mixed with the mustiness of age greet you as you rise. After a brief, low conversation between each other, Almanin and Angon look at the @SouthernSeas PCs. "So we are seeking the wizard's quarters to see if they have anything to open that portion of the library that is shut to us?" Angon queries. She looks ready and well rested. (edited)

“I believe that’s the plan”, says Cynric.

Bellesh smiles at Angon, admiration plain on his face. "I'm ready, Angon!"

A still sleepy ATACIUS, having dreamt of succulent breakfasts and meals in comfortable accommodations, complains it's too early to get moving.

TAKASHI, ready to forget the night's troubled dreaming, looks forward to the day.

Angon nods to each of you. "Excellent, I'm ready as well. Should we continue to ask our friends (she nods to the ghostly children that are waiting by the door) to help us? How do we want to best employ them?" Apinro, clearly vibing on @ATACIUS (Gabriel)'s complaint, produces a previously unseen piece of fruit that smells sweet and spicy at the same time. He cuts it in half and offers a half to the littleling.

Bellesh scratches at his bald head and says, "Well, they're great at being able to get into a room to see what's there and come out and tell us before we go in, if they're willing to keep doing that. Also, they and Herm could help give us directions to the old Wizard's quarters, if Herm is remembering things better."

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh scratches at his bald head and says, "Well, they're great at being able to get into a room to see what's there and come out and tell us before we go in, if they're willing to keep doing that. Also, they and Herm could help give us directions to the old Wizard's quarters, if Herm is remembering things better."

Herm perks up at the mention of his name. His general demeanor has changed over the past couple of days, from slurred speech and strange actions to more a steady, firm voice and a bearing that is watchful and calm. "Yes, quite... this wing was the nobility and visitors quarters. The library and offices wing and then the Keep's officials wing, across the landing. That would be the quarters for the seneschal, the secretary, the wizard and the Watchman of the Keep... my old quarters." His voice goes soft and cracks a bit at that, and his eyes look sad.

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Herm perks up at the mention of his name. His general demeanor has changed over the past couple of days, from slurred speech and strange actions to more a steady, firm voice and a bearing that is watchful and calm. "Yes, quite... this wing was the nobility and visitors quarters. The library and offices wing and then the Keep's officials wing, across the landing. That would be the quarters for the seneschal, the secretary, the wizard and the Watchman of the Keep... my old quarters." His voice goes soft and cracks a bit at that, and his eyes look sad.

Bellesh frowns and walks over to Herm, and tries to put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't be sad Herm, I'll bet you were a great Watchman. Let's head on over there and maybe we can stop by your old quarters too, maybe find some of your old things."

ATACIUS will take the fruit and thanks Apinro for the gesture. He will ask its name and if possible keep some of the seeds. Maybe it'll grow back in Appleton?

GRAIAN finishes his morning ritual, stands up and stretches and walk over to Angon, "Indeed my friend, that is the first order of the day."

TAKASHI nods at Angon's suggestion. "Perhaps we could search the rest of this wing's rooms before trying our luck crossing the landing?"

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

ATACIUS will take the fruit and thanks Apinro for the gesture. He will ask its name and if possible keep some of the seeds. Maybe it'll grow back in Appleton?

Apinro calls it "Bow-lin-sa" and motions for you to take a bit. He smiles at you broadly. There are some seeds in the aromatic pulp, and your stomach growls in appreciation of the odor.

TAKASHI (Alan)

TAKASHI nods at Angon's suggestion. "Perhaps we could search the rest of this wing's rooms before trying our luck crossing the landing?"

Angon nods. "Yes, we could, I just worry about our ever-present friends downstairs, and the inadvertent noise we made up here yesterday. The quicker we get to our goal, the better! I'm very much done with exploring this dead city..." She looks at Amee and Karla. "Would you be willing for you all to go into the rooms and let us know what is in them? Things of significance, books, things that would look important to adults or someone who lived here." the mage asks the spirits. They nod and after a quick discussion, several float off through the walls. "Creepy..." Almanin comments. A short time (3 turns) later, the apparitions return. The remaining five rooms are for adults, in various states of disorder. The largest room, opposite the one you are currently in, has a small set of books, which Karla identifies as probably a personal collection of the former occupants. Aside from personal effects, some of which may be valuable, the children did not see anything that they thought was important. There are no undead or other creatures in those rooms. What will you do now?

Frightened to fight the Undead again, Cynric agrees with Angon. "Now that we know that there's not much more interesting objects in this wing, let's move towards the Wizard's Quarters", he says.

Angon nods to @Cynric. "Agreed... what do the rest of you think? Send the scouts or send the ... spirits?" She looks at @TAKASHI (Alan) , @ATACIUS (Gabriel) , @Graian and @CALLIN.

"If the child spirits don't mind, I'd say we send them first."

Angon nods to @TAKASHI (Alan) and @Cynric. "Very well." She leans down and motions to Karla. "Your friends and you have been so helpful, but we believe the only way to get to those books in the locked off section of the library is to find the Wizard's Quarters. Would you or your friends be willing to look ahead and tell us where that is at." Karla nods slowly. "We already know. That's the East Wing. All the big-wigs live there, except the Duke and Duchess lived above. They're all empty... but we can't go into the wizard's room... it hurts to go there." "What do you mean?" the elf asks gently. "It hurts... when we get close, it makes us wiggly and tingly!" Aimee interjects. "Don't like it!" The rest of the children nod in agreement, various looks of displeasure on their transparent faces. Angon frowns and turns towards @TAKASHI (Alan) @ATACIUS (Gabriel) @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) @Graian and @CALLIN "I don't know what to make of that ... it's possible the room is warded or that there's something in there." she says. "But the east wing is where we need to go!" "The bonewalkers are quiet now." Indrian adds. "Still, we must be cautious and quiet." She looks to @ATACIUS (Gabriel) and Apinro "If you have to gain entry for us... I would do it quietly!"

ATACIUS "I agree but I'm still wary about any locked door. It might have a paralysing trap!" says the littleling mimicking himself being stuck by such a trap.

We should head toward the wizards quarters .

The door to the East wing is unlocked and opens silently. The hallway beyond is carpeted and lit by magic candles much like the West wing, although they have dimmed in the daylight streaming through the window at the end of the hall. There are four doors here, two on each side. Herm names them off: "Seneschal" (left, closest to you), "Secretary" (right, closest), "Wizard" (right, furthest) "... and ... my old chambers." (left, furthest). His face pinches from the memories. Apinro, curious about the attention paid to the door leading the Wizard's quarters, enters the hallway and walks up to the closed door. He points to it and says something, pointing to the handle. You see that there is a rather ornate door knob, and a key in the keyhole.

ATACIUS walks to stand beside Apinro, points at the door knob and says "Bzzzzt!"

Cynric turns to Atacius: "Maybe you could listen at the door so we know what's on the other side?", he adds.

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

ATACIUS walks to stand beside Apinro, points at the door knob and says "Bzzzzt!"

Apinro grins at the littleling and pantomimes going rigid and falling over. He drops his mouth open in a silent laugh, but he also backs up a bit to allow @ATACIUS (Gabriel) to go to work.

(@ATACIUS (Gabriel) - do you want to examine the door, or let Apinro go to work?) (edited)

Atacius will check the door and lock for traps before start working on it. Also check under the rug in front of the door.

Graian, while not doubting Atacius' skill, steps to the side out of line with the door, some distance away.

Cynric stays close, ready to strike at any threat that would come onto the party. (edited)

@Graian - upon seeing your caution, Almanin and Angon join you, looking worried. You also see the rest of the elves subtly moving away. @TAKASHI (Alan) and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - Claudia seems torn to wanting to be close to watch the littleling work, and wanting to stay out of the way. She remains in front of you, between you both and him. @Cynric - Indrian joins you, keeping her eye on the stairs. @ATACIUS (Gabriel) - the carpet is thick and would require you to cut it in order to see what is underneath - but you feel no seams or area that is different from the rest of the carpet. It seems to be a continuous piece from wall to wall. There are no apparent traps or devices on the door. It looks ordinary, comparable with the other doors on this floor, except for the key in the lock. The key itself is interesting - the bow is a thick crystal set into a ring of gold that merges into the shoulder of the key. The rest of it is in the lock. The crystal itself appears to be a green ornamental gemstone, though large; roughly the size of your thumb. What will you do now?

" @ATACIUS (Gabriel) , you showed a lot of courage into trying to overcome the lock when we wanted to cross the big door, back in the other room. Do you want me to try to turn this key?" Turning to the rest of the party "What do you think, friends?" , says Cynric.

"Thanks @Cynric. You can try the key, but I fear it might be some magic involved. It may even have a word or phrase attuned to it!"

Apinro looks at @Cynric. Despite not being fluent in Common, he seems to understand the gist of what you're saying. He shrugs at you but he does take a few steps back.

Intending to turn the key to the left, Cynric cautiously reaches his hand to the key, touches it, and checks to see if it entered the keyhole correctly. (edited)

@Cynric - how are you touching it? Gripping the bow, or poking it with your finger or ... ?

I'll poke it with my finger at first, then grip the bow and turn the key to the left.

As @Cynric twists the key, there's a flash and he disappears! Apinro lets out a squawk and jumps backwards!

Atacius gasps at the happening. Is the key still in the lock?

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

Atacius gasps at the happening. Is the key still in the lock?

The key is still there, and it is not turned. It's as if @Cynric didn't turn it, or it moved back into it's starting position.

"Cynric!" Bellesh dashes forward to peer closely at the key; are there any marks visible on it, or anything glowing now? (edited)

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

"Cynric!" Bellesh dashes forward to peer closely at the key; are there any marks visible on it, or anything glowing now? (edited)

There's still a "blind spot" in your vision when the flash happened as @Cynric disappeared, but other than that, there is no visible after-effect. The bow/crystal of the key appears unchanged. There are no marks on the bow/crystal, but the remainder of the key is not visible, being in the lock itself.

Has the gem in the key changed after @Cynric disappeared?

"Oh dear." TAKASHI looks around to see if the spirit-children are around, or did they remain in the other wing?

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

Has the gem in the key changed after @Cynric disappeared?

It appears to be the same shiny, green, ornamental stone. Nothing seems to have changed... except @Cynric's current location...

TAKASHI (Alan)

"Oh dear." TAKASHI looks around to see if the spirit-children are around, or did they remain in the other wing?

Apparently they either stayed in the other wing, or returned to the library, because they are not with you right now.

Bellesh turns to look at the others. "What should we do? Should we try to follow after him? What if he was... disintegrated?"

ATACIUS will knock at the door "@Cynric are you in there?"

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

ATACIUS will knock at the door "@Cynric are you in there?"

A mouth with thin lips and a rather large/fancy/curly moustache appears on the door. "THE WIZARD IS NOT TAKING ANY VISITORS RIGHT NOW! COME BACK LATER!" It then disappears. (edited)

Angon says "Well, it's obvious that was some sort of magic effect, but I doubt that Cynric was disintegrated, that would seem rather brutal for a city like Ramathia. Perhaps someone of Chaos might create a deadly trap, but I think our friend was merely taken... somewhere else." Indrian holds up her hand. "Wait... " she hisses. "I think I heard a noise from the wizard's chambers!" (edited)

Bellesh freezes, then turns silently to look back at the door...

@SouthernSeas - what will you do now?

Atacius will put his ear to the wizard's chamber door and listen carefully.

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) - give me a "Hear Noise" check, please. You do hear something, but let's see just what you do hear.

Just a reminder @ATACIUS (Gabriel) for you to do a hear noise check, just roll 1d100 and let me know what you got

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Just a reminder @ATACIUS (Gabriel) for you to do a hear noise check, just roll 1d100 and let me know what you got

Rolled a 2

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

Rolled a 2

(Nice!) As you listen, it sounds like you are hearing the tail-end of a conversation. It's very faint, but you distinctly hear: "... WHEN THE WIZARD RETURNS, HE WILL DEAL WITH YOU!" Then you think you hear an inaudible response, it definitely was a male human voice, though.

Atacius will relay what he just heard and thought he heard to the rest. "I think @Cynric is in trouble. We can forcibly open the door or touch the key to get inside, but we need to hurry!" (edited)

"I can cast a strength spell if someone wants to try and bash open the door," Bellesh offers, "but there may be more spells set to go off if we do that, like that mouth..."

@SouthernSeas - what do you want to do? Neither Elven mage has a spell for opening doors. Indrian looks unsure about smashing open the door. Herm looks ... puzzled, but more as if he's trying to think of something.

GRAIAN looks at Herm, "Herm, do you know something that may help us?"

Graian

GRAIAN looks at Herm, "Herm, do you know something that may help us?"

"Well, the wizard would always do something with his hands and mutter when he turned the key. It would glow and then he'd open the door... but I can't remember what he'd say." Herm replies.

Atacius will ask Herm "Do you know if the wizard had some kind of guardian?" (edited)

Calling will utter a prayer rays sir Flinnagans shield and charge the door driving forward with the magic shield and his Faith... And maybe Bellish strength!!!! "Stay strong @Cynric ! We will free you!"

1

Seeing Callin charging towards the door, Bellesh casts his spell on him, trying to cast it the best he can so that Callin is as strong as he can possibly be!

As @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) BELLESH casts his Strength spell on @CALLIN, the doughty priest suddenly looks SOLID. His feet thud hard on the floor as he slams into the door and it bursts open! The young priest carries on through and into the room beyond, which looks like an elegant sitting room. @Cynric - a light appears, suddenly! You can see in the dim light that you are in some sort of workshop room, with the light coming from a doorway. That light is accompanied by a large CRASH - the sound of splintering wood!

Calling scans the room looking for @Cynric and anyone/anything else in the room. "Are you ok CYNRIC?"

@CALLIN - there are three open doors from this sumptuous sitting room. It is decorated with trophy heads of various creatures, paintings and overstuffed chairs with bejeweled pillows. There is not a speck of dust to indicate that this room has been unoccupied for over fifty years. @SouthernSeas - Indrian hisses to her scouts in Elvish and they snap alert, drawing swords. She then looks at the rest of you. "Ware the bonewalkers - they've heard the noise!"

Bellesh keeps a sharp eye on the hallway where he suspects the skeletons may come from as he cautiously steps towards the door and in behind Callin. (edited)

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

Atacius will ask Herm "Do you know if the wizard had some kind of guardian?" (edited)

@DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

@DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Right before @CALLIN went for his charge, Herm turned to @ATACIUS (Gabriel) and shrugged. "He always had a few tricks and weird experiments going on. He was also arguing with the university mages about their experiments around the volcano, and constantly doing things with fire to prove a point or two with them. Who knows what he might have been doing when the city fell?"

« I’m ok but I’m caught in this tricky cage », says Cynric. (edited)

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) can you assist @Cynric with this cage? Meanwhile CALLIN will investigate the room and listen for the bone walkers

Atacius will check the door and lock of the cage. Is it a normal cage or does it has anything different?

Following the sound of @Cynric's voice, @CALLIN moves into what looks like a workshop. The light is dim, due to the heavy drapes that are against the windows, shutting out all light. Above a table, he sees the fighter in what appears to be a golden cage. This cage is unusual in that it has no door, no seams, no welds - it's as if the cage was woven from one bar of metal. @ATACIUS (Gabriel) - there really isn't any sort of lock or door. "They are coming up the stairs, slowly, in numbers!" Indrian hisses through the door. "My elves stand ready to attack, but we have no idea what that would provoke." "We were looking for items or ways of opening that cage in the library." Angon reminds everyone in the @SouthernSeas party. "We must get to those books!"

Bellesh begins searching the rooms, looking especially for anything that a wizard might use as a trigger for opening something.

« I tried to bend the bars of the cage, without success. There was this mouth that was appearing and telling me that the master would come soon » adds Cynric. (edited)

Atacius sighs after checking the cage. "Without any lock or door my skills are for naught. This must be a wizard's trick. Maybe his books or notes can provide a clue about it, but the skeletons are coming..."

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - whomever this wizard was, they were at least very organized - almost obsessively organized. Each drawer, jar, crate, chest, box and cupboard is labeled -- with some odd language that seems maddeningly familiar, but not legible to you! Underneath @Cynric is a low table, and on that table is a wand. It's a simple, wooden wand with a green/yellow gem at its base.

16:10

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) - you can hear the elves form a battle line at the stairs, and the sounds of swords being held to the ready. You hear Indrian issue commands and then "Ready...". You can make out the strange, wooden-like creaking of the bonewalkers as they climb the stairs.

Are the gem of the door and the wand similar?

"I think I've got it!" Bellesh says excitedly as he snatches up the wand. Taking a few steps back, he points it towards the cage that @Cynric is in. Gesturing with the wand, he says, "Open!"

Cynric closes his eyes, in fear of the effect of the wand

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) - the key gem is green, the wand gem is green/yellow. @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - a moustached mouth appears! "Apprentice, you know that the command words for wands are in the training manual that I've provided you. Have you lost your copy?" the voice says, dripping with condescension in its tone. "You may use my copy, but next time, come prepared!"

"Training manual, training manual..." Bellesh's eyes dart about for where the wizard may have stashed a copy of the manual. His first guess would be in a desk drawer. (If he doesn't see one, he'll start searching about in the room for a book that looks to be in manual format (numbered steps in it, etc). And he'll ask the rest of the group if they can help him to find it.) (edited)

A quick glance at the desk drawers shows them to be inaccessible - you're simply unable to pull open the drawers. They are somehow held shut. The books on the shelves prove to be more fruitful and it's obvious that the wizard was just as organized about his books as he was about his workshop. However, the books span several walls and shelves.

20:15

(I need someone in @SouthernSeas to roll a d4 to tell me how many turns it will take you to find the apprentice's manual. I'm also going to be adjudicating the battle of the stairs here, so the fight could, in theory, reach you before you find the book.)

1!

Graian starts looking through the shelves to see if there anything that resembles a training manual, pulling out any other books that catch his eye, making a pile on the floor (edited)

ATACIUS will ask Herm "Is there a way out of this place that's not the stairs we came?"

If we find the apprentice's manual, Bellesh will try and find the command word for opening the cage to free Cynric.

@CALLIN, @Graian and BELLESH ( @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) ) all come to the same shelf at the same time - labeled "Books for Apprentices". The very first book's spine is boldly labeled "APPRENTICE TRAINING MANUAL VOL 1" - and there are 3 volumes. It is very obviously a spell book, requiring a mage to cast "Read Magic" in order to review the items. @Graian or @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro), do you wish to attempt a ritual casting in order to do so? Meanwhile, arrows hum and swords clang as the elvish scouts fight the skeletons on the stairs! At first, the elves are able to push the bonewalkers down the stairs and even cause one to fall to pieces, at the cost of two elves suffering slight injuries. However, more are appearing from other areas of the Keep, alerted to the noise! Meanwhile, Angon and Almanin are feverishly looking around the various books and scrolls to find something that would allow them to enter the sealed cage in the library!

Bellesh: "Angon, Almanin, do either of you have the read magic spell memorized? We could cast it as a ritual, but there's no time with those skeletons coming!"

Both mages shake their heads. "No, we focused our abilities on what we could use in the Keep, not thinking that we would have to read arcane script in a hurry!" Angon says in a sheepish voice.

Bellesh nods, having done much the same himself. He hurries out to see if he can help the elves on the stairs, reasoning that there won't be a chance to free Cynric if they all die at the hands of animated skeletons!

@ATACIUS (Gabriel), @TAKASHI (Alan) - what do you want to do? Stay in the room with @Cynric or go face the skeletons? Angon takes her spellbook out and begins the ritual casting of "Read Magic". Almanin assumes a protective position between her and the door leading out into the hallway. @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - You pass the two elves who have slight wounds from the fray on the stairs. What do you want to do next round? -- The battle on the stairs -- Again, the skeletons surge forth, almost mindlessly, and again, the elves manage to throw them back! The elves are dour-faced and determined, while the many skeletons seem driven for some reason. Their bones click like dowel rods rubbing and banging together as they melee with the scouts. 1 elf takes slight wounds, while three of the skeletons begin to look worse for wear. @Graian , @CALLIN - will you do anything next round?

Bellesh will approach the battle and look for a good spot to cast spells from. He'll asks the elves he passes if they have any oil flasks.

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh will approach the battle and look for a good spot to cast spells from. He'll asks the elves he passes if they have any oil flasks.

They do not - one of them still has slightly charred clothing from the oil trap you encountered in the sewers!

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

They do not - one of them still has slightly charred clothing from the oil trap you encountered in the sewers!

Awkward...

Grain will follow Bellesh, pulling out a flask of oil along the way.

ATACIUS will follow @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) to the battle and produce aome oil grenades from his satchel. "Here, I have these!" He'll give 2 to BELLESH and throw the other 2 to the skeletons climbing the stairs. (edited)

CALLIN will lift his holy symbol high and chant. "Your Souls have long left this world, yet your body still roams this earth. The powers of Darkness that call upon you have no place here! May the LIGHT shine upon you and bathe you in the glory of LIGHT and wash away the darkness and free your remains to settle in peace!

18:31

CALLIN is attempting to turn undead...

@CALLIN - nice! Need you to do two things please... go ahead and roll a d20 and tell me what you get (for the turn) and another d20 saving throw vs. spells! If you have a wisdom bonus, you may use it!

08:48

(unless you don't mind me doing it... if you're busy)

(let's agree that if you don't get a chance to roll by tomorrow - I'll roll for you?)

(Rolled 12 and Nat 20. I only have a wisdom of 13 so I don't think I have a bonus)

Well, you definitely made your save with a 20

I'll incorporate your turn results into what's happening this round!

TAKASHI will head off to the top of the stairs to try and hold back the skeletons until @Cynric is freed from his gilded cage. "With me, Claudia. We must help where and when we can!"

As @ATACIUS (Gabriel), @Graian and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) move forward, the littleling and the elven mage reach into their packs to fetch oil flasks and something to light them. Almost at the same time, the skeletons and elven scouts clash again in combat! Like before, the melee is inconclusive, with each side trading blows and strikes, but neither yielding to the other. Simultaneously, @CALLIN lifts his holy symbol high and chants a prayer to the Light. For the briefest of moments, you feel something wrong - black, insidious and all-encompassing - emanating from the bonewalkers, but your faith is strong and the skeletons immediately turn and flee from the bright light shining from your symbol! Claudia gives a wry smile to @TAKASHI (Alan). "With @CALLIN around, we aren't fast enough, Master!" Apinro claps with delight at the sight of the skeletons fleeing. Angon finishes the casting of her spell "Read Magic", and then quickly flips through the apprentice's training book. "Aha!" she says... then she laughs. She calls to @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) and whispers in his ear...

"That is the benefit of traveling with a man of the cloth, Claudia! Well done, @CALLIN !"

Bellesh raises an eyebrow as Angon whispers in her ear, then nods to her with a grin. With thanks to @ATACIUS (Gabriel), he deposits the 2 unlit oil flasks in the wide pockets of his coat and walks back into the wizard's quarters, back near the large cage. Picking up the wand, he approaches the cage with @Cynric inside with a wicked grin. Lunging forward suddenly, he touches the wand to the cage bars as he says loudly, "YOU ARE A DIRTY, NO-GOOD, LYING, THIEVING SCUMBAG!"

With a bright flash, the cage bars disappear and @Cynric is unceremoniously dropped about 3 feet onto the table that is beneath the cage! As @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) speaks the words, the moustached mouth appears and echoes the words he speaks in a louder voice, reverberating throughout the rooms of the wizard's quarters. EVERYONE around hears the epithet against the trapped fighter. (edited)

CALLIN smiles at Claudia and @TAKASHI (Alan) . No need to thank me. I simply pointed the skeletons in the right direction. CALLIN says grinning.

"Thank you, my friends," Cynric says after being freed, as he struggles to his feet from his fall. After checking that his gear and weapons are in place, Cynric picks up his scimitar and shield, and rushes out of the room, to join the melee fight with the Skeletons.

Within @Cynric's hearing, he hears Almanin ask Angon "What does it mean - scoom bag? I'm not familiar with that human expression?" @Cynric - the skeletons were turned and have left the stairs. The elven scouts are making sure they don't sneak back, taking up defensive positions on the stairs. (edited)

"Sorry, I'm late to the party", adds Cynric, a little ashamed to have been trapped, and for having been called a "Scumbag"... (edited)

"Hey, don't sweat it @Cynric", Bellesh says, "You know I didn't mean what I said, right? It was just the password. We probably wouldn't have made it in here if you hadn't done what you did. And now that we are..." Bellesh tells Angon, "Thank you for doing that; you did that ritual so quickly! Did you see anything in the book that would help us to get in that restricted area?" With a grin, he also explains to Almanin that 'scumbag' means 'very powerful warrior'. After they talk, Bellesh will of course want to search around some more in the wizard's chambers for anything helpful to the aspiring young spellcaster...

Now that things have calmed down a little, Graian will return to searching through the books adding to the pile he has created.

Cynric

"Sorry, I'm late to the party", adds Cynric, a little ashamed to have been trapped, and for having been called a "Scumbag"... (edited)

Indrian claps her hand on @Cynric's shoulder. "No worries, my friend. You are here and that's all that matters. We are looking to see if the bonewalkers will return... or something worse."

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

"Hey, don't sweat it @Cynric", Bellesh says, "You know I didn't mean what I said, right? It was just the password. We probably wouldn't have made it in here if you hadn't done what you did. And now that we are..." Bellesh tells Angon, "Thank you for doing that; you did that ritual so quickly! Did you see anything in the book that would help us to get in that restricted area?" With a grin, he also explains to Almanin that 'scumbag' means 'very powerful warrior'. After they talk, Bellesh will of course want to search around some more in the wizard's chambers for anything helpful to the aspiring young spellcaster...

Angon nods. "I'm glad that the priest was able to chase those bonewalkers away, at least for the moment." Her eyes open wide at BELLESH's question. "No, that's a great idea!" She looks at the table of contents, flips through the book and then finds a page. "Aha... let's see.. hmm... "If you require materials from the Restricted area of the Keep Library, speak to the First Apprentice or see Me. We will accompany you upon dispelling the protections and opening the door." She looks at you. "So perhaps a simple dispel would work. Is that within your or @Graian's abilities? Or even @CALLIN's?"

13:14

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) / @Graian - we'll get to your search after you finish your conversation w/Angon. (edited)

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Angon nods. "I'm glad that the priest was able to chase those bonewalkers away, at least for the moment." Her eyes open wide at BELLESH's question. "No, that's a great idea!" She looks at the table of contents, flips through the book and then finds a page. "Aha... let's see.. hmm... "If you require materials from the Restricted area of the Keep Library, speak to the First Apprentice or see Me. We will accompany you upon dispelling the protections and opening the door." She looks at you. "So perhaps a simple dispel would work. Is that within your or @Graian's abilities? Or even @CALLIN's?"

Crestfallen and slightly embarrassed, Bellesh says, "Well... no. I've wanted to, and I've studied what I can to try and do something like that, but I haven't figured it out yet." Then, he suddenly brightens up a bit and says, "But, maybe the wizard kept a dispel scroll handy somewhere, in case there was an emergency! I know I would, if I could!"

Grain, also looking a little embarrassed, gives a slight shrug, "Alas that one is not in my book either, it is one I have not come across."

Angon nods to both mages. "Yes, it's possible but... " and she looks around at the large room. "Do you think that the wizard would have left his spell books when the evacuation happened? But, fortune favors the foolish, so yes, let us look!"

A quick search finds you all at a small unlocked chest clearly labeled "Apprentice Scrolls". At the same time, still empowered with her Read Magic spell, Angon says "The book tells of a chest that apprentices are to place the scrolls that they copy and create - apparently for practice - it is labeled... " and then she sees that you've already found it!

Claudia comes over to @ATACIUS (Gabriel) and @TAKASHI (Alan) with a sheet of paper that has a very large title in red characters "Learn the TRUTH!" "Master, haven't we seen this before?" she says and hands it to you. The jist of the text is that people should join a quest to learn the truth. A crude map has been drawn on the front. On the back, there is a note from a "Marlin" - "Gellinis, I know you've been sending people to those caves and I know that something is not right now with them OR there is a great treasure there that you and the Magus want to keep to yourselves. It's not right! We need to talk."

"Hmm, perhaps another area we can explore later. Good eyes, Claudia!"

ATACIUS rummages into his saddlebags and produce another map: "Learn the TRUTH!" it screams in big, bright, red letters that are still vibrant. "Join the QUEST for KNOWLEDGE that THEY don't want you to KNOW!" The map seems to wind through the town to the NE side, close to the ocean. Written on the back is a note "Marlin found some sort of book on hidden caves and secrets. He's always got something going on, but this seems to be real."

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) @TAKASHI (Alan) - the handout is the same on the front with the lurid lettering. There are handwritten notes on the back of both.

@SouthernSeas - what do you want to do now? Since you've found a chest of scrolls, and that handout... (edited)

Bellesh will inspect some of the scrolls; is he able to tell what is on them? Will another Read Magic be required?

Yes, to discern the contents of the scroll - and possibly fire off a cursed scroll - you must use Read Magic. Note that this means you will be able to use the scroll in the future without using Read Magic. If someone else wants to use the scroll, they'll have to use their own Read Magic spell first.

Well, Bellesh will be happy to carry the scrolls until such time someone has Read Magic ready, and will volunteer to be that person to cast the spell, look at the scrolls, and possibly get zapped by a curse.

"Do you have Read Magic in your book, BELLESH" Almanin asks. "Perhaps you would be willing to read the spell from your book and see if these scrolls will unlock the area in the library? I fear time is of the essence..."

"Sure... everybody stand back, though! You too, Jellesh!" He props open his book and begins reading...

ATACIUS will try to place the new map in relation to where we are now. He will ask Herm if he knows where to find a map of the city.

Herm looks at the map, turns it upside down, peers at it... then says "Aha! I see now... this leads through what was the University district and into the Artist Blocks. It was always full of life and zest, lots of wonderful little shops but always a few troublemakers there, yes... " and he sniffs derisively.

If Bellesh successfully casts Read Magic, he will begin reading through the scrolls (if there is a safe way to mark what they are on the outside without ruining the scrolls, he will do so)

@SouthernSeas - While @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) is casting their spell and reviewing the scrolls, what are you going to do? BELLESH - there are plenty of ribbons and small cloths to use to make crude wraps for the scrolls - you can look around for scroll cases as well, when you're done.

1

Cynric looks into the room where he was trapped, to see if there would be a secret door on one of the walls. ( he has no special ability to do so…)

Are there other doors we have yet to investigate nearby? If so, TAKASHI will motion to Claudia to go and look at the other rooms while @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) does his "communing with the elder gods" thing.

16:34

(aka magic) ;>

ATACIUS will help @Cynric to look for any hidden passages or secret places in the room.

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) With your Read Magic spell lasting 8 rounds, you barely have enough time to read all eight scrolls that are found in the chest! (It takes a round per scroll to read to understand.) You have found the following spells: Fools Gold, Hold Portal, Comprehend Languages, Knock Strength, Sleep, Rope Trick, Nystul's Magic Aura "Knock may work!" Almanin says excitedly.

Bellesh will do his best to tie ribbons or cloths around each scroll to differentiate them, and put them in any scroll cases that were found. "Yes!" he says happily, holding the Knock scroll high in his fist, "We should probably split up the rest of these scrolls among all the wizards here, but let's get this one over to that door to the restricted area!"

@TAKASHI (Alan) - the other two doors in the Wizard's quarters lead to what appears to be a library and to their sleeping quarters. The library reflects the same neatness and organization of the workshop. The sleeping quarters are in stark contrast, with clothes thrown all about, drawers pulled out and wardrobe doors left open. Of course, these areas haven't been touched in 50+ years... There are lots of things to look at here, anything in particular that you are looking for? @Cynric and @ATACIUS (Gabriel) - after a lot of poking, prodding, moving furniture, wall tapestries and shelves, you've found no secret doors. (2 turns and BELLESH is finished with what they are doing).

(Bellesh is eager to try out the scroll, but is fine with helping to search these areas first, as there may be more important things to find here.)

(The DM grabs a virtual d6 and rolls it, whistling casually...)

TAKASHI will rummage through the sleeping quarters, focusing on the drawers and wardrobes.

@TAKASHI (Alan) It looks like most of the more valuable items were removed - the general sense is that this room was either evacuated quickly or ransacked/looted. However, you do find the following: Three small gems: a shiny, silvery crystal, a rose-red crystal and a reddish brown crystal. A cold weather outfit, a noble's outfit, a small silver signet ring, six empty sacks (sm. hold 100gp each), 2 pouches of smoking materials (smoke-leaf/pipe-leaf and papers), a small cask of smoking plant leaves (called smoke-leaf or pipe-leaf).

@SouthernSeas - What do you want to do now?

CALLIN will look through the wizards library for any books that stand out. Either something that he knows the Elves are looking for, or any text on religion

CALLIN

CALLIN will look through the wizards library for any books that stand out. Either something that he knows the Elves are looking for, or any text on religion

In the very organized library, you find a small religious section with the following: War for Bane Gold by Belza Phir - Seems to be historical in nature but centering around religious conflicts. In the Name of Almon by Lorhomim Greg - a treatsie on the worship of a pagan god named Almon. Mesha's Teachings by Elemiser - parables and writings on a goddess named Mesha. Cyllic's Ascension by Rainthrow of Greyrock - discussion of the idea that mortals can ascend to become gods. There doesn't seem to be books on Elven history here.

If there's time after Bellesh finishes with the scrolls, he will join Callin in the library in searching for any useful writings. In particular, he will keep an eye out for anything regarding the Merchant's Guild Hall of Ramathia, or a wizard named Shalesh.

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) will also check the library for a tome that might be of interest to the Cartographer's guild in Ramathia.

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) This is definitely a mage's library, with a bent towards specific tomes that were of interest to the Keep's Mage. There are many books on the subject of magic and various esoteric subjects. This would be a fine haul for any collectors on the mainland, or if you were establishing your own library! There is a tome written by a wizard named Shalesh Al-Na-Ip-Alizohr, titled "The Spells of Kriz'so-tul-Uvras - A Study". It seems to be a very dense tome, and amazingly, it appears hand-written! You also find what appears to be a journal titled "Gellenis - Apprentice Spells" lying open on a small side table in a cramped corner. It seems to be written by a mage named "Gellenis" who was practicing spells and making notes of their results. There are some bits that are written in magical script, requiring a "Read Magic" to decipher. @ATACIUS (Gabriel), there isn't anything specific to cartography or Ramathia here.

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) This is definitely a mage's library, with a bent towards specific tomes that were of interest to the Keep's Mage. There are many books on the subject of magic and various esoteric subjects. This would be a fine haul for any collectors on the mainland, or if you were establishing your own library! There is a tome written by a wizard named Shalesh Al-Na-Ip-Alizohr, titled "The Spells of Kriz'so-tul-Uvras - A Study". It seems to be a very dense tome, and amazingly, it appears hand-written! You also find what appears to be a journal titled "Gellenis - Apprentice Spells" lying open on a small side table in a cramped corner. It seems to be written by a mage named "Gellenis" who was practicing spells and making notes of their results. There are some bits that are written in magical script, requiring a "Read Magic" to decipher. @ATACIUS (Gabriel), there isn't anything specific to cartography or Ramathia here.

Bellesh will quietly deposit those tomes in his pack, to go over more thoroughly later.

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) Uhh... which ones? If you are talking about ALL the books, we're talking shelves and shelves. You'd guess at least 300 books are here. (edited)

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) Uhh... which ones? If you are talking about ALL the books, we're talking shelves and shelves. You'd guess at least 300 books are here. (edited)

Lol sure, if only I had a Backpack of Holding! No, I meant the 2 books that you mentioned - "The Spells of Kriz'so-tul-Uvras - A Study" and "Gellenis - Apprentice Spells". Now, if there is room left his backpack, he'd certainly consider putting in other books that look good to him here - he'd love to have his own library one day, after all! - but those 2 sound like they could both be very useful to him in the future, for different reasons, so I wanted to make sure he picked them up. Other topics he would also be interested in: - Care, Protection, and Advancement of Exotic Familiars (winged panthers, in particular) - Protection from Mental Attacks - Fire Spells (edited)

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

In the very organized library, you find a small religious section with the following: War for Bane Gold by Belza Phir - Seems to be historical in nature but centering around religious conflicts. In the Name of Almon by Lorhomim Greg - a treatsie on the worship of a pagan god named Almon. Mesha's Teachings by Elemiser - parables and writings on a goddess named Mesha. Cyllic's Ascension by Rainthrow of Greyrock - discussion of the idea that mortals can ascend to become gods. There doesn't seem to be books on Elven history here.

Callin will collect the books he found and store them in his sack. Faith like all things must be studied and even those of other religions may have simply been confused in what to call the LIGHT :)

TAKASHI will pick up the three gems + signet ring and examine them closely, then show them to ATACIUS. "Not sure how much these are worth, but it is better than nothing! There is also this signet ring... What do you think Claudia, would it fit one of your fingers?" If he has the room in his pack, he'll store the noble's clothes and cold-weather suit. He'll also point out the smoking materials should any in the party care to stock up on any.

ATACIUS will gladly take the smoking stuff TAKASHI found and will attempt to estimate the value of the gems.

GRAIAN will also be looking through for books of interest, particularly any on spell research.

Graian

GRAIAN will also be looking through for books of interest, particularly any on spell research.

The sections of the library that deal with spells seem to be rather empty. Whether looted, borrowed or taken when the city was evacuated -- it's hard to say. However, one of the few books left seems interesting. It's an exploration of the spell that causes fear, and a quick glance leads you to believe that youi could perhaps come up with a variant of the spell, using this book, and given enough time and research.

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

ATACIUS will gladly take the smoking stuff TAKASHI found and will attempt to estimate the value of the gems.

The shiny, silvery crystal and rose-red crystal appear to be ornamental (the least valuable) while the reddish brown crystal appears to be semi-precious (a bit valuable, perhaps up to the worth of half a year's wages of a common laborer).

TAKASHI (Alan)

TAKASHI will pick up the three gems + signet ring and examine them closely, then show them to ATACIUS. "Not sure how much these are worth, but it is better than nothing! There is also this signet ring... What do you think Claudia, would it fit one of your fingers?" If he has the room in his pack, he'll store the noble's clothes and cold-weather suit. He'll also point out the smoking materials should any in the party care to stock up on any.

Claudia's eyes go wide and she inspects it very carefully. "Did it belong to the wizard? Will it zap me if I put it on?" she asks nervously. You have the room, but they are bulky!

CALLIN

Callin will collect the books he found and store them in his sack. Faith like all things must be studied and even those of other religions may have simply been confused in what to call the LIGHT :)

If nothing else, you know that there are those of the Light who are not as dogmatic as others, and would appreciate reading of the older religions.

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Lol sure, if only I had a Backpack of Holding! No, I meant the 2 books that you mentioned - "The Spells of Kriz'so-tul-Uvras - A Study" and "Gellenis - Apprentice Spells". Now, if there is room left his backpack, he'd certainly consider putting in other books that look good to him here - he'd love to have his own library one day, after all! - but those 2 sound like they could both be very useful to him in the future, for different reasons, so I wanted to make sure he picked them up. Other topics he would also be interested in: - Care, Protection, and Advancement of Exotic Familiars (winged panthers, in particular) - Protection from Mental Attacks - Fire Spells (edited)

You can carry a few more without seriously impacting your movement.

Care, Protection, and Advancement of Exotic Familiars (winged panthers, in particular)

There are books on fantastic creatures. A quick glance through them reveals general information on winged panthers (general habits, eating, etc... similar to what a real panther would eat, act, and you get the impression that not many winged panthers exist!)

Protection from Mental Attacks

Similar to what GRAIAN found, it seems most spell related books are no longer in the library. You do find notes in Gellinis's journal that indicate he was investigating how to counter the effects of something called "psionics" - it seems that there were creatures and people who could do things with their minds without spells! You are given the title of a book called "Nesh-na'kal's Guide to the Powers of the Mind" as a start in countering ESP and other types of mental attacks as a way of learning.

Fire Spells

Unfortunately, you don't find anything related to fire spells.

08:13

@SouthernSeas By the time you are done poking through the library, it is almost midday. The spirits of the children have returned to the library -- they were very insistent on returning. Indrian's scouts report that the turned bonewalkers have not yet returned to the stairs.

08:14

What will you do now?

Bellesh will take down some notes on winged panthers and see if he can spot Neshna'kal's Guide on the shelves of the library, otherwise he's ready to move on.

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh will take down some notes on winged panthers and see if he can spot Neshna'kal's Guide on the shelves of the library, otherwise he's ready to move on.

No, that book is not in the library. Judging by Gellinis's notes, it was in the Ramathia University library.

1

ATACIUS "I say these two (the shiny silvery and the rose-red crystals) might be worth about 10 coins each, but for this one (the reddish brown one) you could get at least 5 times that! I believe it's a Carnelian and it is said that it has magical properties against the undead! " says the littleling after looking at the gems. (edited)

Cynric has room in his backpack, and is rather strong. He offers to carry some of the books that the scholars of the party wish to bring back to Ramathia.

Almanin and Angon, having waited as patiently as they could while you explored, come up to @Graian and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro). "Now that you have a scroll with Knock, are you ready to go back to the library and see if that opens the gate?" Angon asks, with a slight touch of impatience in her voice.

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Almanin and Angon, having waited as patiently as they could while you explored, come up to @Graian and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro). "Now that you have a scroll with Knock, are you ready to go back to the library and see if that opens the gate?" Angon asks, with a slight touch of impatience in her voice.

BELLESH: "Absolutely, let's go! Sorry we took some time to look, but we don't know if we'll be able to come back here."

Graian puts the book with the explanation about Fear in his backpack, "Yes we should move on."

(Assuming that @Cynric, @TAKASHI (Alan), @CALLIN and @ATACIUS (Gabriel) are good with moving on, we'll transition to the Keep library!)

2

Let’s go!

1

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Claudia's eyes go wide and she inspects it very carefully. "Did it belong to the wizard? Will it zap me if I put it on?" she asks nervously. You have the room, but they are bulky!

TAKASHI nods as Claudia's words and concern. "Good questions, both. Let's have BELLESH and GRAIAN look at it first." With that, TAKASHI will show them the signet ring and ask them their opinions on it magical provenance.

"Hmm," Bellesh says, looking it over, "It's a signet ring, what's used for putting an official seal on papers and such, right? So if he was going to put a bad enchantment on it, it probably would've been one that zapped you as soon as you picked it up, to keep other people from using it. We could wait until someone can cast a spell to detect magic on it, but that would only tell us whether it's enchanted, not if the enchantment is good or bad." (edited)

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - Claudia nods and puts the ring into a pouch on her belt, her lips pursing as if she's not too sure she wants to keep it. "Thank you BELLESH..." she says, finally smiling.

09:18

You make your way to the library. The children don't flee at your approach, they follow behind, watching curiously as you approach the restricted portion of the library. Angon and Almanin stop short and then turn to look at @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) and @Graian. "Since you've already deciphered the dweomer on the *Knock *scroll, you should be the one to read it." Angon says to BELLESH. "I would not rush right in though, perhaps our good friend can look to see if other ... obstacles... remain." She nods to @ATACIUS (Gabriel). Indrian has the scouts remain at the entrance and back further towards the stairs as a rear-guard.

ATACIUS nods back to Angon. He will look for any cracks or seams on the floor near the access to that part of the library, even cutting and lifting the carpet if needed. Also search for the presence of hidden wires around the door that might trigger a mechanism. Tapping and probing here and there carefully, using the magnifying glass when necessary.

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - do you want to use the Knock scroll now?

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - do you want to use the Knock scroll now?

Yes, if Atacius gives the thumbs-up to Bellesh, he will stand about 20' back from the metal gate that leads into the restricted area and target it as he reads the Knock spell from the scroll. (edited)

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

ATACIUS nods back to Angon. He will look for any cracks or seams on the floor near the access to that part of the library, even cutting and lifting the carpet if needed. Also search for the presence of hidden wires around the door that might trigger a mechanism. Tapping and probing here and there carefully, using the magnifying glass when necessary.

@ATACIUS (Gabriel) - After a turn, you don't see anything that leads you to believe that there are any traps or devices related to the restricted cage of the library. Karla comes up to watch you curiously.

ATACIUS will look at Karla. "Do you know or see if there is anything hidden that might hurt us?" he asks before giving @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) the go ahead.

She grins at you, @ATACIUS (Gabriel), and sticks her incorporeal head into the floor. You can see her looking left and right, and then she comes back up giggling. "Nope! Nothing but mice and bugs and dust!" she says, barely stifling her laughter.

ATACIUS chuckles at Karla's answer and gives @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) the thumbs up before moving away from the portal.

Bellesh nods, unfurls the knock scroll, clears his throat and reads the scroll.

To @TAKASHI (Alan), @Cynric, @ATACIUS (Gabriel), the elven scouts, Indrian, Angon, Herm, and Claudia, the finale of the scroll is anticlimactic - there's the suggestion of a brief flash, almost a blink of an eye fast, and the ornate metal door simply swings open. To @CALLIN, it's obvious that a great deal of arcane magick just happened in the area around the cage, but it's hard to make out. There is a type of brief glow. To the elven mages, @Graian and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro), the bars glow a deep blue/orange color. Sigils and glyphs appear to leap from the bars and center on a swirling vortex centered on the cage door. Swirls of arcane follow those symbols and the bars cease to glow. All too quickly, the vortex collapses on itself, the door glows bright and then dims, swinging open. The restricted area awaits!

Bellesh watches with wide eyes and an even wider smile, then he steps up near the entrance for a closer look.

There are two rows of bookcases - back to back so that all the contents are visible from the outside - perhaps for observation? The shelves are stuffed full of old, tattered volumes, bundles, rolled up scrolls, scrollcases, and tomes. There isn't a single speck of dust, despite you possibly being the first souls to get into this area in 50-odd years.

Bellesh moves in cautiously and turns to the right, going down to the end of the far right bookcase and looks through the books, left to right and top to bottom, seeing if he's able to read any titles on the spines.

"Impressive BELLESH! Stronger than any hammer, and quieter as well!" CALLIN says smiling at the young man

CALLIN

"Impressive BELLESH! Stronger than any hammer, and quieter as well!" CALLIN says smiling at the young man

Bellesh grins, but goes slightly red in the face at the praise.

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh moves in cautiously and turns to the right, going down to the end of the far right bookcase and looks through the books, left to right and top to bottom, seeing if he's able to read any titles on the spines.

Many of these books have no spines, being of bound together sheafs of paper, or old covers that bear symbols as identification. The scroll cases appear old and fragile. There are numbers and letters scribed on the shelves themselves. A rare few have titles written in Ancient Human script - a combination of pictograms and wedge/dot characters! There are one or two that appear to be a script that almost seems familiar, but you can't make it out.

Bellesh has always been fascinated in the Ancient Human language, so he - very carefully - tries to work one of those books out of the shelf. When he tries, if it appears the book is too fragile to move without harming, he'll leave it alone.

Graian will go in and turns to the left, walking slowly down the bookcase scanning the shelves and books for anything that seems important to him.

Graian

Graian will go in and turns to the left, walking slowly down the bookcase scanning the shelves and books for anything that seems important to him.

You have a similar result as BELLESH - in terms of finding most of the volumes do not have easily readable titles or markings, aside from some sort of index on the shelves themselves, in the form of letters and numbers (like A1, A2, A3, A4, etc....). You estimate there are a couple hundred or so books/sheaves/tomes/scrolls/scroll cases.

Bellesh is intrigued by the books in the almost-familiar script, too. Does it seem familiar in the sense of something that he may have seen before but doesn't quite familiar, or does he feel some sort of a connection to it? He pulls down one of the books and looks through it, how does he feel when he does that? He'll take it over to Angon and Almanin and ask them if they've ever seen anything like it.

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - You feel like you should recognize it, but you can't really make it out. The script reminds you of Elvish script, but it's written in a strange way. The book feels very fragile, but you feel just fine. Almanin takes a first look at it and shakes his head. "This is nothing I recognize..." but then Angon lets out a hushed exclamation. "This is very old Elvish, in a dialect I do not quite recognize. I can make out some of it, but I suspect that The Elder (Eraiel) would be able to read it. We must look for more of these!" @Cynric, @ATACIUS (Gabriel) , @TAKASHI (Alan), @CALLIN - do you wish to do anything in the restricted area?

ATACIUS will look for any clue about hidden space behind the bookshelves. Maybe there's a book that's not a book but a lever...

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

@Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) - You feel like you should recognize it, but you can't really make it out. The script reminds you of Elvish script, but it's written in a strange way. The book feels very fragile, but you feel just fine. Almanin takes a first look at it and shakes his head. "This is nothing I recognize..." but then Angon lets out a hushed exclamation. "This is very old Elvish, in a dialect I do not quite recognize. I can make out some of it, but I suspect that The Elder (Eraiel) would be able to read it. We must look for more of these!" @Cynric, @ATACIUS (Gabriel) , @TAKASHI (Alan), @CALLIN - do you wish to do anything in the restricted area?

Bellesh will help them gather up whatever books in that script can be found.

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

ATACIUS will look for any clue about hidden space behind the bookshelves. Maybe there's a book that's not a book but a lever...

Understood - a good careful, thorough search would take about 6 turns to cover the entire restricted area.

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh will help them gather up whatever books in that script can be found.

After a little time, you collect four books, two sheaves of what appears to be a strange type of vellum or skin, and three scrolls, two of them in cases. Angon seems particularly interested in the sheaves and goes to sit down at a table outside of the area, mumbling to herself as she begins to carefully - o so carefully - turn the fragile pages to read through the collection.

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

After a little time, you collect four books, two sheaves of what appears to be a strange type of vellum or skin, and three scrolls, two of them in cases. Angon seems particularly interested in the sheaves and goes to sit down at a table outside of the area, mumbling to herself as she begins to carefully - o so carefully - turn the fragile pages to read through the collection.

Seeing what Angon is doing, Bellesh quietly steps over near her and watches, trying to follow along. "Be careful...", he whispers, "Library books can sometimes be... dangerous..."

TAKASHI will keep a safe distance away from the books, as he is certain that he would accidentally destroy some priceless tome.

1

Cynric tries to find books about chivalry and stories of famous Knights, Paladins or Fighters who protected Ramathia in the past.

@Cynric - Karla is happy to do her job and takes you to a portion of the library that holds biographies and stories about famous Knights of The Waves (famous Ramathian soldiers who fought against pirates and bandits) as well as stories of when the Duchy of Occidens and the Duchy of Corridan were at war and Ramathia was besieged. You will be out of sight from the party for about an hour while she shows you all these books and tells you a bit about them (from the perspective of a pre-teen, of course, so it's obviously a bit more romantic and bombastic

)

TAKASHI (Alan)

TAKASHI will keep a safe distance away from the books, as he is certain that he would accidentally destroy some priceless tome.

Claudia will follow suit. "Do you think they'll find something, Master?" she asks. "We've been in this city for two days but it feels like two years!"

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Seeing what Angon is doing, Bellesh quietly steps over near her and watches, trying to follow along. "Be careful...", he whispers, "Library books can sometimes be... dangerous..."

Angon nods, her eyes roaming over the text and her lips whispering words as she tries to parse the language. The day passes on as she moves from sheaf to sheaf and then to some of the scrolls. She jots down notes using a charcoal pencil. Finally, as the day moves to late day, she leans back in her chair with a huge sigh. "I will need The Elder to do more of a thorough reading, but what is written here... contradicts what we were taught!" she exclaims. Almanin looks puzzled at her, and Angon continues...

10:43

"We were taught, and our history records, that we arrived to the human lands from a long far-off place, and that over time, we've lost the location of that homeland. We've waited for several generations for more to appear, and we've sent Searches to find the lost lands, but nothing. Hints of far off continents, but they look dead and nothing like the stories of riches and fantastic cities."

10:44

"This ... though... " she points to the writings in front of her. "If I am reading right, we did not arrive because we were lost, we arrived as refugees... and we could not go back!" Almanin looks at her with astonishment.

10:48

"Here... this particular bit..." she carefully opens one of the sheaves and begins to read. 'The caves of this new land are deep and hot, and the blood of the land ran richly. We were lucky, though, for we would not be found by ... (I cannot translate this word oletharian) ... but it was good as we would finally have a place to rest and tend to the wounded.' "Except that the wounded, the way it is written, it's implying they were wounded in battle!" Agon says. "There are riddles here - of caves and blood - that I cannot understand."

10:50

Angon looks at the @SouthernSeas party. "I think, though, we have found a great treasure here. The question is... is this all or is there more? If there is a landing, could we find more answers there?" She points to one of the scrolls. "This is a song map. Many of the elder elves sing songs that serve as ways to find our paths over the waves. If I am reading this right, this song is one of the first that was made as the elves reached Ramathia."

Bellesh thinks a bit and says, "Well, we've found a lot of things about there being something weird going on in the caves near the volcano, and the elfs in the book talk about the caves, too. You might find more of those answers you're looking for in those caves! We also have that map that goes to where some people were going to meet, they were supposed to have a book that talked about 'hidden caves and secrets'. I think we should go there next!" (edited)

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh thinks a bit and says, "Well, we've found a lot of things about there being something weird going on in the caves near the volcano, and the elfs in the book talk about the caves, too. You might find more of those answers you're looking for in those caves! We also have that map that goes to where some people were going to meet, they were supposed to have a book that talked about 'hidden caves and secrets'. I think we should go there next!" (edited)

Angon snaps her fingers. "That's right! There was some person who was named on one of those notices you found... perhaps we should look at that more?"

Bellesh: "I think @ATACIUS (Gabriel) has them..." (edited)

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Understood - a good careful, thorough search would take about 6 turns to cover the entire restricted area.

Did he find anything? (edited)

14:40

At BELLESH @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) request ATACIUS produces both maps from one of his satchels. "Here, they both mention someone named Marlin that speaks about learning the truth and the caves. Oh, and it also mentions someone named Gellinis... " He handles them to Angon. (edited)

ATACIUS (Gabriel)

Did he find anything? (edited)

Despite your littleling suspicions saying otherwise, you did not find any levers, secrets or other devices that would be hiding something out of sight. It truly does seem that what you see is what you get.

"Gellinis... that sounds familiar...." Angon looks at @Graian and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro). "Didn't you find something in a book about someone named 'Gellinis'?"

10:34

She then takes the flyers and sits at the table again, carefully unrolling a scroll. She starts to hum and chant in a low, quiet voice, sometimes stopping and restarting. As she's doing so, she sketches lines on a page from a notebook she has, and after awhile, a crude map starts to form... bearing the rough shape of the island of Ramathia. At a certain point, she makes several marks along the northern coast.

10:36

Bellesh raises his eyebrows, opens his pack and pulls out Gellinis' apprentice journal. "I have this, but it's just filled with apprentice notes and spells... I think @Graian found one, too..."

Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro)

Bellesh raises his eyebrows, opens his pack and pulls out Gellinis' apprentice journal. "I have this, but it's just filled with apprentice notes and spells... I think @Graian found one, too..."

"See if there's anything in there about caves or elves!" Angon says excitedly.

DM (Michael/Chgowiz)

Claudia will follow suit. "Do you think they'll find something, Master?" she asks. "We've been in this city for two days but it feels like two years!"

'indeed, Claudia. Time sometimes seems to stretch and bend when you are away from the regular daily routine of home. However, take heart, as it appears as though we may have actually found something to advance our quest! One step closer to home!"

@SouthernSeas Angon turns back to the scroll and map she's created, her brow creasing. Almanin comes over to @Graian and @Doc (Bellesh/Brother Calandro) to see what they've found in the journals.

Graian pulls out the volumes he had from his backpack and hands one to Almanin as he flicks through the other one.

Bellesh digs into the apprentice journal looking for mention of caves or elves.

Gellinis's journal is interspersed with half transcribed spells, some entries that are clearly magical in nature and requiring Read Magic to decipher, and personal notes and entries. It takes you another hour to flip through the entire journal, looking for entries that stand out. There are three:

14:49

49 Winter, 1163 (other notes about various projects that the Magus has Gellinis working on, with regards to spell research) Viola isn't superstitious like most other folks here and is willing to push beyond the first few caves to actually explore the place. She says that she can see there are further passages, and that she has found some markings. They need to gather more supplies, rope, climbing gear and lighting. I'm sending Hester with her and Samuel, he can provide some spells to assist. The Magus will be pleased, as he believes that there's a deeper mystery than what he's been able to translate from the writings. ... 12 Summer, 1164 Hester has died in a horrible accident. In investigating a small chamber, some of the poisonous gasses from the volcano were lurking and the poor fool forgot to use a candle to find them. Or he ignored them. Samuel can't enter the chamber to his body back and blames me for his death. I can't disagree, but I can't agree either. We all know the risks of exploring those caves. We are so close to finding the true nature of these ruins! It's clear they predate Ramathia itself, which is unsual, since the elves claim to have built Ramathia. The Magus is convinced that these ruins tell a story, and he presses me constantly to have them fully explored. (other notes of various tasks on that same day.) ...

14:49

8 Spring, 1165 The Magus is beside himself with the most recent occurrences of the volcano rumbling and spitting fire brands. The University Board has begun the process of the summoning, and the Magus is convinced that this will bring ruin to us all. Samuel is almost done with the mappings of the port. Once done, the Magus plans on fleeing the island if we're able. We should be able to do so in two days, unless the summoning goes ill. When we get to the mainland, depending on the situation, the Magus plans on us traveling to Regium to present his findings to the Great Hall. Although word from the mainland is just as dour as things are here. The tales shock me and I am afraid that all this work will end up meaning nothing. We were so close to confirming our theories!

14:54

Angon listens to these entries and purses her lips. "A port... " she says. "And on the song-map, I find the words that I believe say 'landing'... and a final set of lyrics that make no sense. 'To hide from our lost brothers and sisters, who will always hate us for who we are.'" Angon takes a deep breath. "As the leader of this Search, I now have two paths that are clear. It seems that there is more to the story of our landing, and it seems that answers may be found in these caves. In all the Searches, we have never found as much evidence as we find here. The two paths are thus - either seek the caves immediately, or return to the Search camp and share. My soul cries for the first path, but my responsibility to the other ships and crews tells me to return." Angon looks at you all @SouthernSeas. "What say you? I have come to value your wisdom and insight."

TAKASHI look as Angon, and thinks deeply. "To lose what we have found on this trip by pushing our luck further, given the dangers we know are here and what may be in the caves, would be a true loss. I vote that we return to camp to at least preserve what we have found, and then journey onward to the caves. What say the rest of you?"

ATACIUS nods in agreement as his friend speaks.

Angon nods to @TAKASHI (Alan) and @ATACIUS (Gabriel). "That is true, although there is only fragments of proof here. Still, I believe Shaiman and the Foamfollowers will be most pleased, as this represents real progress and findings. I wonder about how Sinyr and the Seadreamers will react. They were against this expedition - being shown that they may have been in the wrong will not sit well with them." Almanin snorts a laugh but quickly cuts it off. "I do wonder what Eraiel will find when he reads these treasures." he muses. (edited)