Opening the chest reveals its contents - two strange and ancient looking items atop an equally unsettling looking pile of coins.
The first item is a pair of large bones. They are connected together by a coil of decaying leather and fused bone, and have strange runic shapes carved into them. Drilled holes are evenly spaced down the shaft of the bones, similar to a musical instrument. Decorated avian skulls are affixed near the top, completing the macabre presence of the item.
The second item is a fist sized jade orb carved into the shape of a tangle of snakes. It is smoothed over as if a clear glaze has been applied.
The coins are made of copper but have since turned green overtime. they are stamped with a reptilian shaped eye, and each slivered pupil is beset with a chip of obsidian.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ahryman studies the contents of the chest with curious golden eyes, suppressing a strong urge to pick them both up. "This one rather looks like a wind instrument of some sort." He says, looking at the fused bones. "Anyone who would care to put their lips to this macabre birdpipe?" He adds, glancing around at the others in the room with a wry smile.
Intelligence check to know stuff about the orb: 3 Intelligence check to know stuff about the pipe: 14
Ahryman studies the contents of the chest with curious golden eyes, suppressing a strong urge to pick them both up. "This one rather looks like a wind instrument of some sort." He says, looking at the fused bones. "Anyone who would care to put their lips to this macabre birdpipe?" He adds, glancing around at the others in the room with a wry smile.
Intelligence check to know stuff about the orb: 18 Intelligence check to know stuff about the pipe: 15
The runic symbols on the pipe are definitely indicative of imbued magic.
The jade orb is nothing like you’ve ever seen, but you have heard of orbs being used in magical practice. The tangle of snakes reminds you of a mythical creature of legend, the medusa.
"If I had to guess these items are both magical in nature and as such they should be investigated with care." The blue-skinned cambion says, standing up again and stepping over to Ivy. "It is your treasure of course but I would like to be of assistance figuring out exactly what these things are created to do. There is a creature of legend, the medusa if you heard of it. The orb is connected to her I suspect." He says with a firm sincere tone, looking around at the others.
Ivy's eyes go big and wide at the reveal of the items. Much like others, they had the urge to reach for the items, and when Ahryman would ask, she'd practically throw her hand up to volunteer to blow the birdpipe. However, when Durnir would diligently remind not to touch with bare skin, she'd hmph to themself and put their hand down. She will find a way! Ivy would then mutter something in another language which Walf would recognize. Moments later a familiar spectral hand scampers across the floor on it's two fingers. It'd clamber into the chest to seek out the birdpipe.
Ivy would look thoughtful after Ahryman's mention of Medusa. "Are these just magical items, or something else? Like parts of a ritual?" Ivy would blurt their questions, breaking their eyes away from the treasure to look to Walf. "Are they from home?"
(Would Ivy/Walf know any more about the items or Medusa herself? Where they are from? What purpose they may have? Ivy would help Walf with a check, and provide guidance if he doesn't have it.) (Using Mage Hand to retrieve the pipe.)
Ahryman's golden eyes watches with excitement, his long blue tail in constant motion as Ivy makes more magic happen, summoning a ghostly appendage to do her bidding. "Neat.." He says with an appreciative growl, his golden hues turning to the silver-haired half-elf with admiration. "...so many uses for a magical little helper wouldn't you say?"
Durnir - you are very well versed when it comes to your god Helm, but you have never heard of religious items like this. They bear no resemblance to anything you've seen before in a religious ceremony, other than the commonality of music as a component in religions.
Ivy's eyes go big and wide at the reveal of the items. Much like others, they had the urge to reach for the items, and when Ahryman would ask, she'd practically throw her hand up to volunteer to blow the birdpipe. However, when Durnir would diligently remind not to touch with bare skin, she'd hmph to themself and put their hand down. She will find a way! Ivy would then mutter something in another language which Walf would recognize. Moments later a familiar spectral hand scampers across the floor on it's two fingers. It'd clamber into the chest to seek out the birdpipe.
Ivy would look thoughtful after Ahryman's mention of Medusa. "Are these just magical items, or something else? Like parts of a ritual?" Ivy would blurt their questions, breaking their eyes away from the treasure to look to Walf. "Are they from home?"
(Would Ivy/Walf know any more about the items or Medusa herself? Where they are from? What purpose they may have? Ivy would help Walf with a check, and provide guidance if he doesn't have it.) (Using Mage Hand to retrieve the pipe.)
Ivy, make a history check.
The Mage Hand grabs onto the pipes and lifts them into the air. It brings them closer, floating across the room until them are within arm's reach.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
For the briefest of moments, Ivy’s attention gets snatched by movement in their peripherals. As if unable to control their own impulse, their hips wiggle and she pounces. Ivy takes hold of the tail that slipped from their grips, hugging it to themselves again. Then after a couple spins in a clockwise then counter clockwise fashion, she plops themself down onto the floor to get comfortable.
Still hugging Ahryman’s tail to themself and petting it as they do, Ivy crooks a finger to have their spectral mage hand deliver the pipe closer. The hand places the pipe down in front of Ivy before peacing out in a soft tuft of magic glitter. Ivy then begins to hum a soft tune to themself, one that Walf and Durnir could definitely recognize from back home. She thinks hard, so much so it almost hurt their brain! All kidding aside, Ivy really does try to see if she can recall anything from their life experience and teachings about these type of items.
(History check: 10 + Guidance: 3) (Adding an Arcana check w/ advantage, assuming help from Walf who’s proficient: 13 + Guidance: 3) (Arcana because: ‘your ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes of existence, and the inhabitants of those planes.’)
Once done channeling their ancestral guidance, Ivy would call back their magical hand to pick the pipe back up for further inspection and confirmation. Hopefully she can determine if it, and the other item, could be handled safely without risk of a curse like the skull.
And as much as Ivy was still curious about inspecting what Durnir sensed downstairs, if she was the only one able to safely handle the items for proper identification, she’d be willing to take on the difficult job of focussing on studying the items to provide the others with details. It’d be a task to keep Ivy’s attention focused that long, but she could do it! For the greater good! This way if someone was focused on these items, the others could continue to inspect the unknown below.
(Arcana check works as well for information on the Medusa. That being said, all arcana-related information your party would know about these items has been revealed. Further investigation/identification will be required.)
Previously recalled knowledge about this curse: Stone Curse - a curse that originates from Es'Verdai-El. This particular curse is ancient, dating back a few thousand years from when the Haguanti Empire was still the dominant empire of the continent. You know that it slowly turns its victims fully into stone from the inside out and is most often used as a magical trap against tomb raiders.
Arcana check on Medusa -
Men and women who desire eternal youth, beauty, and adoration might pray to malicious gods, beg dragons for ancient magic, or seek out powerful archmages to fulfill their wishes. Others make sacrifices to demon lords or archdevils, offering all in exchange for this gift, oblivious to the curse that accompanies it. Those who strike such bargains gain physical beauty, restored youth, immortality, and the adoration of all who behold them, granting them the influence and power they so desire. However, after years of the living like a demigod among mortals, the price for their vanity and hubris is exacted, and some are forever transformed into medusas. A medusa’s hair turns into a nest of venomous serpents, and all who gaze upon the medusa are petrified, becoming stone monuments to its corruption.
(Also, I'm realizing now after writing up this post that you gave yourself advantage on the check with assumed assistance from Walf. Assisting with a check follows the 'Aid Another' rule variant as described in the Discord channel. 'Help' is an action in combat and doesn't apply to skill checks outside of combat. Please refer to the Aid Another rule variant which is a +2 bonus for each individual assisting in the check. I will make an exception this time since I am lazy and don't want to rewrite anything lol.)
His golden eyes going wide with suprise, then letting out a chuckle as he realizes the cute silver-haired half-elf grabbed hold of his long blue tail again, the blue-skinned cambion watches as she finds a seat and then agilely lowers himself to sit at her side as she starts to examine the mystic bone pipe, his golden hues looking with curiosity between Ivy and the strange wind instrument in front of her, still fighting an urge to grab it and play a macabre tune.
Opening the chest reveals its contents - two strange and ancient looking items atop an equally unsettling looking pile of coins.
The first item is a pair of large bones. They are connected together by a coil of decaying leather and fused bone, and have strange runic shapes carved into them. Drilled holes are evenly spaced down the shaft of the bones, similar to a musical instrument. Decorated avian skulls are affixed near the top, completing the macabre presence of the item.
The second item is a fist sized jade orb carved into the shape of a tangle of snakes. It is smoothed over as if a clear glaze has been applied.
The coins are made of copper but have since turned green overtime. they are stamped with a reptilian shaped eye, and each slivered pupil is beset with a chip of obsidian.
( so these are the best representations i could find. they aren't perfect but hoping to at least give you an idea :) )
Adaban's voice becomes distant and almost whimsical as he sees the contents of the chest. Some far off memory in his mind... "Treasure!"
Ahryman studies the contents of the chest with curious golden eyes, suppressing a strong urge to pick them both up. "This one rather looks like a wind instrument of some sort." He says, looking at the fused bones. "Anyone who would care to put their lips to this macabre birdpipe?" He adds, glancing around at the others in the room with a wry smile.
Intelligence check to know stuff about the orb: 3
Intelligence check to know stuff about the pipe: 14
Walf peeks into the chest and sends a warning "Treasure from stoner ship. Stoners cursed. How? Stoner take what not stoners. Treasure maybe curse"
"Now there is a comforting thought Waif" Brynn says backing away.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
The runic symbols on the pipe are definitely indicative of imbued magic.
The jade orb is nothing like you’ve ever seen, but you have heard of orbs being used in magical practice. The tangle of snakes reminds you of a mythical creature of legend, the medusa.
"If I had to guess these items are both magical in nature and as such they should be investigated with care." The blue-skinned cambion says, standing up again and stepping over to Ivy. "It is your treasure of course but I would like to be of assistance figuring out exactly what these things are created to do. There is a creature of legend, the medusa if you heard of it. The orb is connected to her I suspect." He says with a firm sincere tone, looking around at the others.
"Careful, don't touch them with your bare hands!" Durnir, with his detect magic still up, will take a good look at each of the items.
While checking out there magical properties, he will ask Helm for guidance to see if there is anything religiously significant about these items.
Religion 23
( you rolled 4d6 drop lowest for that religion check, lol XD )
Ivy's eyes go big and wide at the reveal of the items. Much like others, they had the urge to reach for the items, and when Ahryman would ask, she'd practically throw her hand up to volunteer to blow the birdpipe. However, when Durnir would diligently remind not to touch with bare skin, she'd hmph to themself and put their hand down. She will find a way! Ivy would then mutter something in another language which Walf would recognize. Moments later a familiar spectral hand scampers across the floor on it's two fingers. It'd clamber into the chest to seek out the birdpipe.
Ivy would look thoughtful after Ahryman's mention of Medusa. "Are these just magical items, or something else? Like parts of a ritual?" Ivy would blurt their questions, breaking their eyes away from the treasure to look to Walf. "Are they from home?"
(Would Ivy/Walf know any more about the items or Medusa herself? Where they are from? What purpose they may have? Ivy would help Walf with a check, and provide guidance if he doesn't have it.)
(Using Mage Hand to retrieve the pipe.)
just an unstable unicorn.
Ahryman's golden eyes watches with excitement, his long blue tail in constant motion as Ivy makes more magic happen, summoning a ghostly appendage to do her bidding. "Neat.." He says with an appreciative growl, his golden hues turning to the silver-haired half-elf with admiration. "...so many uses for a magical little helper wouldn't you say?"
Durnir - you are very well versed when it comes to your god Helm, but you have never heard of religious items like this. They bear no resemblance to anything you've seen before in a religious ceremony, other than the commonality of music as a component in religions.
Ivy, make a history check.
The Mage Hand grabs onto the pipes and lifts them into the air. It brings them closer, floating across the room until them are within arm's reach.
For the briefest of moments, Ivy’s attention gets snatched by movement in their peripherals. As if unable to control their own impulse, their hips wiggle and she pounces. Ivy takes hold of the tail that slipped from their grips, hugging it to themselves again. Then after a couple spins in a clockwise then counter clockwise fashion, she plops themself down onto the floor to get comfortable.
Still hugging Ahryman’s tail to themself and petting it as they do, Ivy crooks a finger to have their spectral mage hand deliver the pipe closer. The hand places the pipe down in front of Ivy before peacing out in a soft tuft of magic glitter. Ivy then begins to hum a soft tune to themself, one that Walf and Durnir could definitely recognize from back home. She thinks hard, so much so it almost hurt their brain! All kidding aside, Ivy really does try to see if she can recall anything from their life experience and teachings about these type of items.
(History check: 10 + Guidance: 3)
(Adding an Arcana check w/ advantage, assuming help from Walf who’s proficient: 13 + Guidance: 3)
(Arcana because: ‘your ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes of existence, and the inhabitants of those planes.’)
Once done channeling their ancestral guidance, Ivy would call back their magical hand to pick the pipe back up for further inspection and confirmation. Hopefully she can determine if it, and the other item, could be handled safely without risk of a curse like the skull.
And as much as Ivy was still curious about inspecting what Durnir sensed downstairs, if she was the only one able to safely handle the items for proper identification, she’d be willing to take on the difficult job of focussing on studying the items to provide the others with details. It’d be a task to keep Ivy’s attention focused that long, but she could do it! For the greater good! This way if someone was focused on these items, the others could continue to inspect the unknown below.
just an unstable unicorn.
(Arcana check works as well for information on the Medusa. That being said, all arcana-related information your party would know about these items has been revealed. Further investigation/identification will be required.)
Previously recalled knowledge about this curse: Stone Curse - a curse that originates from Es'Verdai-El. This particular curse is ancient, dating back a few thousand years from when the Haguanti Empire was still the dominant empire of the continent. You know that it slowly turns its victims fully into stone from the inside out and is most often used as a magical trap against tomb raiders.
Arcana check on Medusa -
Men and women who desire eternal youth, beauty, and adoration might pray to malicious gods, beg dragons for ancient magic, or seek out powerful archmages to fulfill their wishes. Others make sacrifices to demon lords or archdevils, offering all in exchange for this gift, oblivious to the curse that accompanies it. Those who strike such bargains gain physical beauty, restored youth, immortality, and the adoration of all who behold them, granting them the influence and power they so desire. However, after years of the living like a demigod among mortals, the price for their vanity and hubris is exacted, and some are forever transformed into medusas. A medusa’s hair turns into a nest of venomous serpents, and all who gaze upon the medusa are petrified, becoming stone monuments to its corruption.
(Also, I'm realizing now after writing up this post that you gave yourself advantage on the check with assumed assistance from Walf. Assisting with a check follows the 'Aid Another' rule variant as described in the Discord channel. 'Help' is an action in combat and doesn't apply to skill checks outside of combat. Please refer to the Aid Another rule variant which is a +2 bonus for each individual assisting in the check. I will make an exception this time since I am lazy and don't want to rewrite anything lol.)
His golden eyes going wide with suprise, then letting out a chuckle as he realizes the cute silver-haired half-elf grabbed hold of his long blue tail again, the blue-skinned cambion watches as she finds a seat and then agilely lowers himself to sit at her side as she starts to examine the mystic bone pipe, his golden hues looking with curiosity between Ivy and the strange wind instrument in front of her, still fighting an urge to grab it and play a macabre tune.
Brynn is watching the floating/moving pipes wide eyed
Laissez les bons temps rouler