Corlith follows Fisk quite closely, trying not to get distracted by the sights and sounds of Candlekeep. He is of single minded purpose.
When they finally enter the room inhabited by the tiefling that he assumes is Sylvira Savikas, he finally allows himself to take in the surroundings. The sights, sounds and smells of the chamber accost his senses, but it is the engraving on the floor of the nine pointed star and the spindly little demon that takes the majority of his attention.
Turning to the tiefling a little confused and more than a little suspicious, he replies, "Pleased to see us? You do not know us, Sylvira Savikas I presume. As for what we have brought, all in good time, but from what Fisk here says you won't be disappointed".
He glances briefly at the little demon again before he adds, "Before we get to that, we have a boon to ask of you. A problem you might be able to help us with".
Reed leaves the talking to Corlith for now and wanders around the room looking at the books and gadgets, while glancing back at the demon on occasion. He can't help but appraise what he sees, looking for what might be valuable.
Perception (17+7) = 24; Arcana: 6 (so I think the only value he'd see would be in convertible wealth - things that look expensive - he's not going to recognize a valuable book because of what's in it or some gadget because of what it can do)
Roo is marveled by the grandeur of Candlekeep all the way from the stables through the keep up the stairs to the weird, skinny door and then the room....
The room.
He spends more than his fair portion of time standing near the nine pointed star staring at it, studying it, before his eyes land on the little demon thing.
"More of these falsehoods." He comments to himself, not liking this one bit. If there's one thing recent experience has taught him, and perhaps unfairly applied to this situation, it is that ending up in a stone walled room with a little demon pet usually turned into a scuffle of some sort. With that in mind, he steps close to Corlith and makes his nearby presence known to his friend so that if something pops off, he can intervene.
Reed marvels at all of the gold and gems on display, adorning the trinkets and instruments. For now though he decides to hold off on his impulses until he sees how the conversation with this person goes.
Virro stays silent, walking near the back as they ascend the steps of the spire. He enters the room with curiosity, but pauses alongside Roo when he sees the floor, the tiefling with the odd initial conversation starter, and then he sees the little demon. He looks on with fascination and a feeling of foreboding. He looks back down at the floor, looking for signs of candles, incense that have been burning, signs of any rituals or worrisome magical incantations here. He worries about what is being conjured and what powers are being toyed with here.
Religion check to identify any recent such activities in the room : 13
The IronMaiden feels a swell of guilt from somewhere but does not know why, something from Archie's memory banks glitches their mood as she, dwelling within the recesses of the IronMaiden's consciousness, recognises a familiarity with the scene. An important person to question, a devil, and the sense of unease, Archie remembers the result of the last time, the boat owner upset at the loss of their business and home, it all being Archie's fault. IronMaiden remembers nothing of this, but feels the confusing guilt all the same.
Depending on the size of the star in the floor they avoid stepping into it if at all possible, as they approach they are not taken by the expensive furnishings or glittering gems around the room nad instead focus on Sylvira. "Who is the best artificer in this city and what do you know of Elturel?"
Sylvana's smile widens at Corlith's response. "Why of course I don't know you, all the more reason to be pleased to see you. New people always have interesting items or stories to share. Tell me you don't?" She looks at Fisk to see his reaction to this, and the man nods towards the one who has the puzzle box, (I think that is Reed? But I'm not sure).
"A boon you say? So you ask a favor before giving me what you brought? What an interesting proposal." She taps her front tooth with her forefinger nail considering, "Alright, go ahead with your inquiry, I guess it'll depend on what it is."
Looking to Archie, she raises an eyebrow, "Aren't you an interesting contraption. Artificer? Hmm.. I guess if I was in need of one, I'd seek out Teles Ahvoste. And as for Elturel, well, like everyone knows the poor city has fallen." At this the little demon on the table starts nodding its head up and down and adds, "Yep.. into Avernus.. into Avernus."
"Teles Ahvoste. Thank you for that information. Perhaps you were the wrong person to ask about the Elturel thing" IronMaiden turns their attention methodically toward the small demon, "into Avernus yes, the fate of Elturel is unfortunate, but moreso that others are attempting to fell other cities to the same fate, why do you think this is?"
"We need an audience with this Teles Ahvoste immediately. Is that something you can arrange?", Corlith says to Sylvira. "It is a matter of urgency that needs to be handled before we can deal with any stories or interesting items we may have".
He then moves across to stand by Ironmaiden, "As Ironmaiden suggests, what we have to say is indeed interesting, and does indeed involve a plot for Elturel's fate to be shared".
Sylavira looks a bit taken aback, "Arrange? Well I.. I'm not sure how I'd do that." Her eyes light up when Reed takes the puzzle box out and she heads towards him, "Oh! You do have the puzzle box! How delightful!" She doesn't seem put out in the slightest as Reed puts it back but spins around to the little demon her robes billowing out as she does, "See that Jezebel? They have Thavius's box! Oh.. I would love to see what's in it.." and she turns back to the group of you, "and I'd bet that you all want to see as well. Especially if you think that Elturel's fate is going to be shared."
Visibly working to listen to the other parts of things brought up by the party, "Matter of urgency? Well, if it involves Teles's help, I hope you're not in too much of a rush. Maybe this will help... his um, sanctuary, is located in the tower north of mine and is the first door you come upon." She heads over to one of her tables and clears away some of the items in case any of you would like to sit. As she does, she starts talking.
“I’ve been suspicious of the High Overseer of Elturel for a long time. But no one wanted to hear my concerns, because Thavius Kreeg was widely regarded as a hero who saved his city from an undead scourge, giving rise to the holy nation of Elturgard. Hailed as a savior, Thavius made all citizens of Elturel swear an oath called the Creed Resolute, which binds them to defend the nation of Elturgard. I met him years ago, and my instincts told me he was a charlatan. Afterward, I grew to suspect that he had cut a deal with one or more powerful devils, using the Creed Resolute to bind all Elturel to his dark deal."
Finished with her task she looks up at you all and adds, “I wish to prove my theory, and I believe the evidence is locked inside the puzzle box.”
Corlith listens intently to Sylvira, and watches as she approaches Reed and the puzzle box.
"Thank you for the information. I will not lie to you, we are keen to know what is in the box, and how it relates to Thavius' plans", he admits. "But it may just be that it has to wait until after we speak with Teles Ahvoste", he adds, looking around the group to see what the consensus will be.
Roo watches the exchange with rapt attention, especially when the puzzlebox comes out and Sylavira becomes interested in it. He spends his time looking back and forth, making sure she isn't going to try something to get the puzzlebox, as well as sticking close to Corlith... Just in case. He studies Sylavira, trying hard not to trust her...but he simply can't find a reason not to.
When Corlith mentions seeing Tele Ahvoste, Roo nods in his head-bobbing way, the dreadlocks of the devil's beard bouncing about on his head.
Listening to the explanation by Slyvira the IronMaiden turns on a dime and quickly approaches Reya with a mix of concern and confusion "have you taken this creed resolute? There is a need to know."
Sylvana nods to Corlith and shrugs, "Do what you must, I've waited this long, I can wait a bit longer." Jezebel growls her displeasure as she sees the turn of events going against that of her masters.
Jezebel then sees Roo with the strange beard on his head and cocks her head as she looks at him. When Roo nods in his head-bobbing way, the little demon does the same, attempting to mirror him.
Reya's eyes are huge as she is listening to what Sylvana is saying. She is slightly shaking her head but it is almost as if she is unaware of it. As the IronMaiden asks his question, she replies, "Of course I have, all of Elturel has."
Reed gets distracted from the conversation watching Jezebel watching Roo. But not distracted enough to let the puzzle box get out of his hands. "You've got a way with demons, Roo."
He doesn't say anything about Reya and her oath, not sure that it matters much now that Kreeg is out of the picture.
"Let's go see the Tele Ahvoste and then come back," Reed eventually says.
"this is a concern, Reya may have unknowingly made a contract with a powerful devil to fight on behalf of thavius' deal. Why is no-one else concerned about this... About what this could mean?" IronMaiden remains steadfast as people look like they may start to leave, and instead addresses Sylvira loudly once more.
"Could this 'Creed Resolute' compel those who have taken it?, could it bend their will and have them act against their own interests?, could it take away their individual will for its own purpose?" It is apparent that something within the IronMaiden or even Archie, now buried deep inside their consciousness, is worried for a reason, seemingly highly relatable to themselves.
Corlith looks to Ironmaiden, "I guess I just assumed seeing as Reya is with us, and hadn't followed Elturel, that she was able to make her own decisions. Especially because Thavius could have used Reya to help him if that were possible. It is a valid question though".
He waits for Sylvira to respond to Ironmaiden, but unless she says they are in danger, he will look to go and find Tele Ahvoste.
"Honestly, I would have to see the book myself to be able to answer that question for you." Sylvana ponders this but that is all she says.
Reya's face screws up in concentration, "I would think that when we were with Thavius if there was anything to compell me, it would have happened then? I never felt anything, well other than my own anguish at the situation." Looking at what is supposed to be Archie, "We should go find this Tele Ahvoste."
Corlith follows Fisk quite closely, trying not to get distracted by the sights and sounds of Candlekeep. He is of single minded purpose.
When they finally enter the room inhabited by the tiefling that he assumes is Sylvira Savikas, he finally allows himself to take in the surroundings. The sights, sounds and smells of the chamber accost his senses, but it is the engraving on the floor of the nine pointed star and the spindly little demon that takes the majority of his attention.
Turning to the tiefling a little confused and more than a little suspicious, he replies, "Pleased to see us? You do not know us, Sylvira Savikas I presume. As for what we have brought, all in good time, but from what Fisk here says you won't be disappointed".
He glances briefly at the little demon again before he adds, "Before we get to that, we have a boon to ask of you. A problem you might be able to help us with".
Reed leaves the talking to Corlith for now and wanders around the room looking at the books and gadgets, while glancing back at the demon on occasion. He can't help but appraise what he sees, looking for what might be valuable.
Perception (17+7) = 24; Arcana: 6 (so I think the only value he'd see would be in convertible wealth - things that look expensive - he's not going to recognize a valuable book because of what's in it or some gadget because of what it can do)
Roo is marveled by the grandeur of Candlekeep all the way from the stables through the keep up the stairs to the weird, skinny door and then the room....
The room.
He spends more than his fair portion of time standing near the nine pointed star staring at it, studying it, before his eyes land on the little demon thing.
"More of these falsehoods." He comments to himself, not liking this one bit. If there's one thing recent experience has taught him, and perhaps unfairly applied to this situation, it is that ending up in a stone walled room with a little demon pet usually turned into a scuffle of some sort. With that in mind, he steps close to Corlith and makes his nearby presence known to his friend so that if something pops off, he can intervene.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Reed marvels at all of the gold and gems on display, adorning the trinkets and instruments. For now though he decides to hold off on his impulses until he sees how the conversation with this person goes.
Virro stays silent, walking near the back as they ascend the steps of the spire. He enters the room with curiosity, but pauses alongside Roo when he sees the floor, the tiefling with the odd initial conversation starter, and then he sees the little demon. He looks on with fascination and a feeling of foreboding. He looks back down at the floor, looking for signs of candles, incense that have been burning, signs of any rituals or worrisome magical incantations here. He worries about what is being conjured and what powers are being toyed with here.
Religion check to identify any recent such activities in the room : 13
The IronMaiden feels a swell of guilt from somewhere but does not know why, something from Archie's memory banks glitches their mood as she, dwelling within the recesses of the IronMaiden's consciousness, recognises a familiarity with the scene. An important person to question, a devil, and the sense of unease, Archie remembers the result of the last time, the boat owner upset at the loss of their business and home, it all being Archie's fault. IronMaiden remembers nothing of this, but feels the confusing guilt all the same.
Depending on the size of the star in the floor they avoid stepping into it if at all possible, as they approach they are not taken by the expensive furnishings or glittering gems around the room nad instead focus on Sylvira. "Who is the best artificer in this city and what do you know of Elturel?"
Travin Tiller, Junk Dweller Bard, AURYN.
The Ironmaiden, Questionable Artificer, Descent into Avernus.
DM, Peacekeepers of Northmorrah
Sylvana's smile widens at Corlith's response. "Why of course I don't know you, all the more reason to be pleased to see you. New people always have interesting items or stories to share. Tell me you don't?" She looks at Fisk to see his reaction to this, and the man nods towards the one who has the puzzle box, (I think that is Reed? But I'm not sure).
"A boon you say? So you ask a favor before giving me what you brought? What an interesting proposal." She taps her front tooth with her forefinger nail considering, "Alright, go ahead with your inquiry, I guess it'll depend on what it is."
Looking to Archie, she raises an eyebrow, "Aren't you an interesting contraption. Artificer? Hmm.. I guess if I was in need of one, I'd seek out Teles Ahvoste. And as for Elturel, well, like everyone knows the poor city has fallen." At this the little demon on the table starts nodding its head up and down and adds, "Yep.. into Avernus.. into Avernus."
"Teles Ahvoste. Thank you for that information. Perhaps you were the wrong person to ask about the Elturel thing" IronMaiden turns their attention methodically toward the small demon, "into Avernus yes, the fate of Elturel is unfortunate, but moreso that others are attempting to fell other cities to the same fate, why do you think this is?"
Travin Tiller, Junk Dweller Bard, AURYN.
The Ironmaiden, Questionable Artificer, Descent into Avernus.
DM, Peacekeepers of Northmorrah
"We need an audience with this Teles Ahvoste immediately. Is that something you can arrange?", Corlith says to Sylvira. "It is a matter of urgency that needs to be handled before we can deal with any stories or interesting items we may have".
He then moves across to stand by Ironmaiden, "As Ironmaiden suggests, what we have to say is indeed interesting, and does indeed involve a plot for Elturel's fate to be shared".
Cob feels the weight of the puzzle box in his pouch.
He takes it out, but is ready to put it back immediately if Sylvira moves towards him.
Sylavira looks a bit taken aback, "Arrange? Well I.. I'm not sure how I'd do that." Her eyes light up when Reed takes the puzzle box out and she heads towards him, "Oh! You do have the puzzle box! How delightful!" She doesn't seem put out in the slightest as Reed puts it back but spins around to the little demon her robes billowing out as she does, "See that Jezebel? They have Thavius's box! Oh.. I would love to see what's in it.." and she turns back to the group of you, "and I'd bet that you all want to see as well. Especially if you think that Elturel's fate is going to be shared."
Visibly working to listen to the other parts of things brought up by the party, "Matter of urgency? Well, if it involves Teles's help, I hope you're not in too much of a rush. Maybe this will help... his um, sanctuary, is located in the tower north of mine and is the first door you come upon." She heads over to one of her tables and clears away some of the items in case any of you would like to sit. As she does, she starts talking.
“I’ve been suspicious of the High Overseer of Elturel for a long time. But no one wanted to hear my concerns, because Thavius Kreeg was widely regarded as a hero who saved his city from an undead scourge, giving rise to the holy nation of Elturgard. Hailed as a savior, Thavius made all citizens of Elturel swear an oath called the Creed Resolute, which binds them to defend the nation of Elturgard. I met him years ago, and my instincts told me he was a charlatan. Afterward, I grew to suspect that he had cut a deal with one or more powerful devils, using the Creed Resolute to bind all Elturel to his dark deal."
Finished with her task she looks up at you all and adds, “I wish to prove my theory, and I believe the evidence is locked inside the puzzle box.”
Corlith listens intently to Sylvira, and watches as she approaches Reed and the puzzle box.
"Thank you for the information. I will not lie to you, we are keen to know what is in the box, and how it relates to Thavius' plans", he admits. "But it may just be that it has to wait until after we speak with Teles Ahvoste", he adds, looking around the group to see what the consensus will be.
Roo watches the exchange with rapt attention, especially when the puzzlebox comes out and Sylavira becomes interested in it. He spends his time looking back and forth, making sure she isn't going to try something to get the puzzlebox, as well as sticking close to Corlith... Just in case. He studies Sylavira, trying hard not to trust her...but he simply can't find a reason not to.
When Corlith mentions seeing Tele Ahvoste, Roo nods in his head-bobbing way, the dreadlocks of the devil's beard bouncing about on his head.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Listening to the explanation by Slyvira the IronMaiden turns on a dime and quickly approaches Reya with a mix of concern and confusion "have you taken this creed resolute? There is a need to know."
Travin Tiller, Junk Dweller Bard, AURYN.
The Ironmaiden, Questionable Artificer, Descent into Avernus.
DM, Peacekeepers of Northmorrah
Sylvana nods to Corlith and shrugs, "Do what you must, I've waited this long, I can wait a bit longer." Jezebel growls her displeasure as she sees the turn of events going against that of her masters.
Jezebel then sees Roo with the strange beard on his head and cocks her head as she looks at him. When Roo nods in his head-bobbing way, the little demon does the same, attempting to mirror him.
Reya's eyes are huge as she is listening to what Sylvana is saying. She is slightly shaking her head but it is almost as if she is unaware of it. As the IronMaiden asks his question, she replies, "Of course I have, all of Elturel has."
Reed gets distracted from the conversation watching Jezebel watching Roo. But not distracted enough to let the puzzle box get out of his hands. "You've got a way with demons, Roo."
He doesn't say anything about Reya and her oath, not sure that it matters much now that Kreeg is out of the picture.
"Let's go see the Tele Ahvoste and then come back," Reed eventually says.
"this is a concern, Reya may have unknowingly made a contract with a powerful devil to fight on behalf of thavius' deal. Why is no-one else concerned about this... About what this could mean?" IronMaiden remains steadfast as people look like they may start to leave, and instead addresses Sylvira loudly once more.
"Could this 'Creed Resolute' compel those who have taken it?, could it bend their will and have them act against their own interests?, could it take away their individual will for its own purpose?" It is apparent that something within the IronMaiden or even Archie, now buried deep inside their consciousness, is worried for a reason, seemingly highly relatable to themselves.
Travin Tiller, Junk Dweller Bard, AURYN.
The Ironmaiden, Questionable Artificer, Descent into Avernus.
DM, Peacekeepers of Northmorrah
Corlith looks to Ironmaiden, "I guess I just assumed seeing as Reya is with us, and hadn't followed Elturel, that she was able to make her own decisions. Especially because Thavius could have used Reya to help him if that were possible. It is a valid question though".
He waits for Sylvira to respond to Ironmaiden, but unless she says they are in danger, he will look to go and find Tele Ahvoste.
"Honestly, I would have to see the book myself to be able to answer that question for you." Sylvana ponders this but that is all she says.
Reya's face screws up in concentration, "I would think that when we were with Thavius if there was anything to compell me, it would have happened then? I never felt anything, well other than my own anguish at the situation." Looking at what is supposed to be Archie, "We should go find this Tele Ahvoste."
IronMaiden gives Reya a sharp nod, not pressing the matter further as they accidentally forget to say goodbye to Sylvira and turn to leave.
Travin Tiller, Junk Dweller Bard, AURYN.
The Ironmaiden, Questionable Artificer, Descent into Avernus.
DM, Peacekeepers of Northmorrah