Through the efforts of adventure seekers Ryan and Brian (Cawl (C:) and Newlet Raskard (R:)), the Skyreach Castle was abandoned by the adult white dragon Glazhael and red magicians Azbara Jos and Rath Modar. Rezmir was killed in her private quarters. Talis (T:) has gone over to the side of adventure seekers and is providing them with every possible assistance. Blagothkus (B:) intends to unite the clans of giants in the face of impending danger, united chromatic dragons under the auspices of the Cult.
The castle slowly drifts north to the Spine of the World.
Located on the second floor of his tower, Blagothkus is busy reading a huge book while sitting at the table. In addition to him in the tower there is a guard of ogres, unintelligent but quite loyal to the owner. Adventure seekers are invited to his tower to discuss the current situation and decide on where to go next. Interrupting his reading, he carefully and thoughtfully examines Raskard and Cawl and reports:
B: We are heading north towards the Spine of the World. There I intend to convene a clan of giants on the council. I must say the giants are not as patient as I am to small people.
R: How long do we have to get there? And what will the council decide?
C: In that case, we will hardly be welcome guests there. Nevertheless, the decision of the council will be important for our common cause, and therefore we should learn about it. Will we wait for advice here, or will we be called as witnesses?
B: A couple of weeks on the road. I intend to convince them to bring their fellow tribesmen together and inform them from the southern expanses about the cult, its deeds and the plan to collect dragons.
R: Will our presence just be tolerated?
C: Oh, I did not even dare to claim an opinion - just to express our testimonies and the information we collected.
B: Perhaps tolerated. But is it really necessary. I am grateful for your help in unleashing the cultists and this white creature from the bowels of the castle. Let's discuss what threatens the activities of the cultists further. What do you know about their successes and goals?
C: As far as we know, their ultimate goal is the summoning of Tiamat, a mythical creature, a dragon of colossal power with five heads. About how exactly they are going to implement it, we still do not know. We know that a cult - its leaders - has certain masks, obviously, artifacts of considerable power. Perhaps our new ally can shed light on the details and give specific details. The cult combines dragons of five different colors, not just white. And enjoys their support. We already know about one blue and two black. They also collect their eggs. I personally managed to destroy two such eggs.
Blagothkus remembers everything carefully. At the same time he orders Talis to be brought to his tower, and while she has not arrived, he asks the seekers:
B: What fate brought you here? Do you act on your own will or on someone's order?
C: Our motives are intertwined with the will of some forces, it is. In addition to personal gain in the form of the possibility of killing the owners of valuable artifacts with impunity and tidying up their good hands, we were also rewarded for our efforts by organizations that consider it their duty to resist threats like cult. We were involved in this conflict by the will of fate, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think you will not be mistaken, considering us opportunists in the service of the highest good.
R: I still care about the fate of some magical creatures and the origins of the relationship with them. - Added Raskard, humbly smoothing the cape.
Blagothkus nods in agreement with your words. In the hall lead Talis.
C: “I wink at her. 20 charisma is 20 charisma” - He looks at Talis with an interested look, not losing a single detail of her clothes and the shape of her body. Talis stays cold to his attention.
B: "frowning, 2Talis." I happened to spend enough time next to the cultists, transporting their loot from place to place. And everywhere I noted how loyal they were to their work. You betrayed your masters. Answer, what for?
T: Do not you judge my actions, a giant. I have chosen my path and intend to follow it. Why did you call me?
B: What can you say about the intentions of the cult?
T: No member of the cult has all the information. I did not even succeed in becoming a wyrmspeaker, be damned Varram. I can only say that all the loot is taken to The Well of Dragons - caldera of an extinct volcano at the northern end of the Sunset Mountains. There the cult gathers all the strength and intends to call upon Tiamat. What is the ritual I do not know, as well as the course of its preparation. My task was to transport in the intermediate section. The cult has a hierarchical structure and the supreme personalities know each other, but not all of them are known to younger followers. I heard a little about other wyrmspeakers. But I was personally acquainted only with Rezmir and Varram.
R: Why summon Tiamat?
C: Of course, the Dragon Well is an obvious goal, but is it worth going there directly? There are as many as five branches of worship that must carry provisions or important artifacts there, probably they have bases nearby or cells in the vicinity.
T: The leaders of the cult, if I understood correctly, signed a contract and intend to fulfill it on their part, I don’t know the specifics of this contract.
C: "2Raskard" This is a way to secure a career. You destroy everything in general, well, or you call upon the force that destroys everything around, and then you declare yourself the master of what remains to be left. In other words, the path of an idiot.
T: Now it’s suicidal to turn to the heart of the cult.
C: It would be better to conclude a pact with Grazztom. - According to nods his head, supporting the last statement Talis.
R: "2Cawl" I would like to hear the opinion of a member of the cult. I wonder what they are guided by.
T: Money, lust for power and permissiveness ... If that is easier.
R: But in the end, they will become slaves of Tiamat? Or noone understands this?
C: “To explain Talis” Which is rather strange, considering that there will be no place to spend money, only the elite of the cult will have power, and only that which is in their interests will be allowed.
T: I can say that I was looking for one artifact that was lost in the cult. But still could not get to him. I see you know a lot about Tiamat, what is the danger of her calling?
K: For example, in that it is a disgusting deity or semi-deity of evil dragons, and that it is concluded, unlike normal dragons, where it is, not without good reason.
Blagothkus frowns while listening to your discussions.
B: It is certain only that all chromatic dragons are united under one flag, and this in itself is already a danger to many inhabitants of the coast of swords.
C: Not only do they unite - They organize!
B: Can people act as a united front against such a danger?
C: It would be possible to cope with some dragons, because creatures of their dimensions have needs and weaknesses, but they are supported and guided by a cult - and this is infantry, mages, and God knows who else. Good question ... We have no answer to it yet. The city-states of the Sword Coast are not an example of good coordination, but on the condition that the cult caused enough damage and influential friends from organizations that opposed the cult, I admit that you can get people to take action against it.
T: "With a mischievous grin on the question of Blagothkus" Knowing how people do business and how many intrigues they build, I can argue that from the mere mention of dragons half of the potential guilds will be hidden in their enclaves and shelters.
R: "To the question of Blagothkus " History shows that people rarely united. The problem can be solved.
C: I'm not going to rant about it, only together with my companion. Really, what, actually, feature?
B: "thinking" Let me think ... Do not rush, little hero.
C: "2Raskard" he called me a "little hero"!
B: "after a few minutes of thinking" I recall one giant, Harsnag. He lives north of Waterdeep. He had to help people in the face of great dangers. I have not seen him for a long time. We will change course. I have to talk to him. Day after 4 according to the calculations, we will be at Mount Sar. There, gathering together we will decide what to do next.
Chapter 2
During the entire flight, the castle was covered with an impenetrable haze-cloud. Blagothkus once said that it was less visible, moving over densely populated lands. Four days of travel in the mist turned into monotonous swimming with a only changing of days and nights.
Cawl, sitting in the guest room to pass the time began to scrutinize the trophy sword, previously owned by Rezmir. Ornate engraving on a huge blade read Hazirawn. Forged from dark metal, the blade was reinforced with magic, it was clearly felt in every its bend. Being an experienced blacksmith, Cole enjoyed seeing such a work of art.
The conversation in the giant's room did not give him rest. - “What a artifact Talis was looking for, for what purpose. Surely this is a mask, but this is what her properties are then ... ”- the image of Talis, her figure did not obsessively focus on a more detailed study of Hazirawn. - “Talis spends most of the time in her room on the upper level, sometimes she visits the common dining room, but she always sits alone. Often go down to the library for books. It would be worth starting a dialogue with her, starting with an innocent chatter, somewhere in the library, for example. ”- Cawl shook his head, dispelling delusion. The wandering look returned to the dark blade. Something remained a mystery to him. “At the same time, I need to look for information related to this sword and ... hmm ... can it become my pact weapon.”
The next evening, Talis, walking to the library past Cawl's room, flashed for a moment in the open doorway. Cawl was not slow to follow her.
Raskard is located in the former room Rezmir. The expulsion of the cult from the castle inspired hope, but left many unanswered questions. It did not allow them to sit still and wait for their arrival at their destination. It is necessary to find additional information, something that will indicate where to look for other members of the cult, or reveal their intentions more widely. Hearing someone enter the library, Raskard decided that this was the right place to find some answers.
The library was organized in the room where the red wizards had lived before. More and less significant folios from the cult also dragged there.
R: “I’m going to wander through the rooms and look for notes about the cult and its activities, roll 19 for Investigation”
C: “roll 10 for Investigation, library search for records of pact weapons and it's nature”
The collection of books of red wizards and worship could not be called too outstanding, but there was a place on the shelves for many of the foundational publications. The adventure seekers began their quest with its study.
Finding a joint presence in the room with a sufficient excuse, Cawl, choosing the right moment, decided to speak with Talis, she was sitting on the floor and sorting out a book after a book from the next shelf.
“Oh, Talis! Someone will please my eyes today. How are you doing?” - Cawl went through the book after book, looking for something describing the activities of warlocks. Seeing her low interest in the dialogue, he continued. - ““I suppose your such a paradigm shift was rather ... stunning, and hardly ours - me and my companion - the role in these events is liked by you. Not the best way to start an acquaintance.”- Cawl paused, casting a quick glance at her reaction, but Talis was still cold to his words. -“And since we’ll for some time being in the same boat, then why not get to know each other better?”- Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that she stopped for a moment after these words, and decided not to lose the moment to build on his success, adding in an ingratiating voice -“We can be helpful to each other."
C: “And yes, trying to woo Talis. charm check roll 22, baby!“
Turning to the next shelf, Cawl continued. “Yes, by the way, you didn’t come across volumes about artifacts like this sword that I tore out of Rezmir’s cold hands? A wonderful thing, but I can’t find a way to take in it and really understand its charms ...” "- He nodded toward the dark two-handed sword lying on the table.
Interrupt the reading of the next rather shabby folio for a moment, Talis looks at the blade. - “Hmm, the Rezmir's sword ... the blade could be your pleasant interlocutor, except for the function for which it was created. No, I haven’t seen anything like that.”- Without waiting, will be Cawl satisfied with the answer, she returns to her research, she is more engaged with “strange” things: temperature drops, the danger of expanding materials, the art of freezing.
After a fair amount of time and breathing dust, Cawl finds several treatises on the nature of the summoned weapons for warlocks:
“A pact with a thing at the behest of his thoughts and wills can choose what is required and send it into multidimensional space in order to have a connection with what is required at the right time and under the right circumstances. Having imagined the sought-after object, the caster must skillfully focus his desire on possession and summon weapons from another space and not part with it until the need is gone. The fragile connection of the shadow will not allow the subject to linger in this dimension without a sufficient will of the person calling, moreover, disregard for such connections may cause disapproval of the watchman. ”- Cawl had confusion, but he continued reading. - “Own sanity often does not allow to fully cross the veil of shadow. Those who want to get into the measurement of shadows, must find such an opportunity on their own. Other interns draw circles and perform rituals. Some unfortunate ones happened to face the intersection of two spaces: the shadow and this dimension.
"Well, well, well. That is, I need to open the door to Shadowfell, or find a place where it shines through from it into the material world. ”Cole involuntarily began to talk out loud. “This is damned fraught. But would I be a warlock if I hadn’t been engaged in a events that is dangerous to my health and mind? - a slight smile slid across his face.
Raskard walked closer and looked over his shoulder into the book: - “Do you remember one guy promised to meet with you?”
Cawl's smile faded instantly. -“I already have a list of these guys, there are: Cyanwraths, Mondath, Efran, muddy fella from palantir, a common phobia of garbage pits... ”
“I’m talking about palantir.”- Rascard added, and returned to the pulpit with scrolls and volumes.
Cawl put the found books in place. - “With my unclosed gestalts, it will soon be possible to lay down a song. And I don’t like it yet.”- A piece of paper with an incomprehensible image fell out of the book.
spoiler is the symbol of the Queen of the Ravens
Turning a piece of paper in his hands, Cawl shrugs his shoulders and hides it in his notebook.
After carefully examining the library, Raskard and Cawl manage to find a few letters to Rath Modar from Severin, the supreme leader of the Cult of the Dragon. Severin's letters reveal the depth of the connections between the Red Wizards (at least friendly to Rath Modar) and the cult. Searchers also find other letters from Thay, showing that some Red Wizards are clearly not so interested in the plans of the cult. Deciding that letters can be valuable, they take them away.
A large folio called “Beyond the Iron Gates” maked in leather and metal lies on the pulpit against the wall. Being written entirely in infernal language, this causes Ruskard’s distrust of its contents. But Cawl, on the contrary, shows curiosity, and, with an unequivocal wink at Rascardus, takes up his reading.
Seeing Cawl's enthusiasm, Raskard once again reminds himself how strange warlocks are.
(spoiler. 2C) “Behind the Iron Gates” describes various forms of devil summoning, but the final chapter describes the use of massive summonings and the sacrifice of hundreds of souls to bring Tiamat bodily out of the Nine Hells and into the world. The details of the ritual make it clear that this is something that requires enormous preparation and expense — but the actual magical formulae and chants are not given in this volume. Neither the book nor the other papers here, however, provide a timetable for when the cult or the Red Wizards plan to attempt the summoning, nor do they mention the significance of the treasure that the cult has amassed.
Cawl’s reading of the mystery book does not go unnoticed by Talis. For some time she intently watches him. And, waiting for him to finish, says, referring to Cawl:
“Flying gives me a sense of discomfort.” I suspect that I have seasick, this is my first "swimming", if I may say so. Reading a little distracts me, and it becomes better. ”- She puts aside several selected books, removing the rest back. Seeing that her speech attracted the attention of Cawl, she continues: - “You rightly noted that changing my view of circumstances was “stunning”. From the point of view that I tend to choose the side of the winners and the survivors, and not the losers and the dead. Sometimes my desires are not very strong enough. I have to adapt, although it is not easy. ” - After picking up the books, getting up and straightening dresses, Talis comes to the pulpit. Throwing a quick glance at the infernal book, she smiled only with eyes, adds: - “Your perseverance makes you honor. I see you can achieve what you want.”
Cawl, without losing her dignity, plays along with her gaze and easy smile, letting her know his disposition to her. Despite the fact that Talis looks a bit emaciated and thinner, she remains very attractive, and he is not averse to developing this conversation: - “I propose to continue the conversation about the changed prospects in a more relaxed atmosphere. For example, in the privacy of my or your chambers.”
Talis, glancing at the library and, making sure that the books she chose are enough for the near future, agrees to an invitation to visit Cawl's room.
All go to their rooms.
(spoiler. 2D) Turning into a spider, Raskard sneaks into Cawl's room. Whatever will be talked there, he intends to find out about it by himself.
As soon as it got dark Talis descends to Cawl in the guest apartment. Having settled down more conveniently at the table, she unceremoniously pours herself a glass of wine and carefully looks at Cawl. - “Where would you like to start?”
Feeling that Talis is tense, Cawl decides to go directly to the main point: - "In conversation with Blagothkus, you mentioned that you were trying to get hold of some artifact that the cult owns. Is this a mask? And before you decide to hide your secrets from me I propose an exchange: yours secrets vs mine. We are both opportunists, Talis. And we can both increase our prospects if we help each other. I immediately realized that you are smarter and more ambitious than other sectarians, and that you are much more interesting than alive."
Talis liked Cawl's straightness. With some regret, but quite openly, she reports: - “It really goes about the mask. I intend to get her to use for my own purposes. But this is not about the mask that Rezmir owned. And about the one that is now kept by Varram. Before you want to know why I need this,”- she puts the glass on the table and leans closer to Cawl. - “Offer me your secret, on that I will decide whether my secret is worthy of yours secret.”
Cawl effort of thought calls the pact blade from another dimension and holding it in his hands responds: - "You see, my weapon is not just a piece of metal. And not just a blacksmith craft. It is the link that connects me with Shadowfell and the force that creates out of destruction. Your goal is to find a mask. My goal is to figure out how to forge something more than just one link. Create something that can creat history. " - By another effort, Cawl returns the blade to inter-space.
The ease with which Cawl handles his pact weapons impresses Talis. - “The power of warlocks granted to them. Do you know who is looking at you from the other side of the veil of shadow? ”
Cawl frowns - “I spent years to understand: it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that the joy of creation is mine and only mine. The material world is limited by forms and matter, and most of its inhabitants are banal in their lives. It can be brout so much beauty into it and refinement, if you take a little bit of the essence of other worlds and create something that will make the world ... more interesting."
Cawl gets up from the table and goes to the skillful breastplate, which he personally forged. - “Sometimes I hear it sings with joy when I give shape to metal or witchcraft. It also has a sense of taste ... in its own way."
The room began a few degrees colder. Talis smiles mysteriously. After a moment, she takes off her fur cloak and, slightly lowering her dress, exposes her shoulder and part of the back. On the back are visible traces of crystallization of the skin. She gives Cawl an opportunity to look closely at her back, after which she puts the dress back on, remaining at the table without a cape. Then he straightens the chain of amulets around his neck and selects one blue transparent stone, inside of which something moves. A grimace of pain freezes on his face.
- “This stone does not let me die. It gives me a burning pain, but also does not allow the disease to spread excessively. To find a cure I need to get in one ancient library of ice magicians. My body will not last a minutes there. Therefore, I am looking for strong artifacts that can strengthen my resistance to frost, which permeates the library's halls. These artifacts will allow me to spend enough time there to find a cure or an opportunity to neutralize the disease.”
By got back the amulet under her clothes, she continues. - “My secrets, my weakness. I would ask it to stay between us.”
Cawl walks over to her. - "So, survival. There's no more encourages to purposeful movement forward. Your secret is my secret. I believe you. But I would consider the symptoms closer. ..." ".. but 20 charisma is 20 charisma" - Cole helps her to rise from the chair, and at that moment when she gets up, he kisses and embraces her. Talis reciprocates it.
Chapter 1
Through the efforts of adventure seekers Ryan and Brian (Cawl (C:) and Newlet Raskard (R:)), the Skyreach Castle was abandoned by the adult white dragon Glazhael and red magicians Azbara Jos and Rath Modar. Rezmir was killed in her private quarters. Talis (T:) has gone over to the side of adventure seekers and is providing them with every possible assistance. Blagothkus (B:) intends to unite the clans of giants in the face of impending danger, united chromatic dragons under the auspices of the Cult.
The castle slowly drifts north to the Spine of the World.
Located on the second floor of his tower, Blagothkus is busy reading a huge book while sitting at the table. In addition to him in the tower there is a guard of ogres, unintelligent but quite loyal to the owner. Adventure seekers are invited to his tower to discuss the current situation and decide on where to go next. Interrupting his reading, he carefully and thoughtfully examines Raskard and Cawl and reports:
B: We are heading north towards the Spine of the World. There I intend to convene a clan of giants on the council. I must say the giants are not as patient as I am to small people.
R: How long do we have to get there? And what will the council decide?
C: In that case, we will hardly be welcome guests there. Nevertheless, the decision of the council will be important for our common cause, and therefore we should learn about it. Will we wait for advice here, or will we be called as witnesses?
B: A couple of weeks on the road. I intend to convince them to bring their fellow tribesmen together and inform them from the southern expanses about the cult, its deeds and the plan to collect dragons.
R: Will our presence just be tolerated?
C: Oh, I did not even dare to claim an opinion - just to express our testimonies and the information we collected.
B: Perhaps tolerated. But is it really necessary. I am grateful for your help in unleashing the cultists and this white creature from the bowels of the castle. Let's discuss what threatens the activities of the cultists further. What do you know about their successes and goals?
C: As far as we know, their ultimate goal is the summoning of Tiamat, a mythical creature, a dragon of colossal power with five heads. About how exactly they are going to implement it, we still do not know. We know that a cult - its leaders - has certain masks, obviously, artifacts of considerable power. Perhaps our new ally can shed light on the details and give specific details. The cult combines dragons of five different colors, not just white. And enjoys their support. We already know about one blue and two black. They also collect their eggs. I personally managed to destroy two such eggs.
Blagothkus remembers everything carefully. At the same time he orders Talis to be brought to his tower, and while she has not arrived, he asks the seekers:
B: What fate brought you here? Do you act on your own will or on someone's order?
C: Our motives are intertwined with the will of some forces, it is. In addition to personal gain in the form of the possibility of killing the owners of valuable artifacts with impunity and tidying up their good hands, we were also rewarded for our efforts by organizations that consider it their duty to resist threats like cult. We were involved in this conflict by the will of fate, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think you will not be mistaken, considering us opportunists in the service of the highest good.
R: I still care about the fate of some magical creatures and the origins of the relationship with them. - Added Raskard, humbly smoothing the cape.
Blagothkus nods in agreement with your words. In the hall lead Talis.
C: “I wink at her. 20 charisma is 20 charisma” - He looks at Talis with an interested look, not losing a single detail of her clothes and the shape of her body. Talis stays cold to his attention.
B: "frowning, 2Talis." I happened to spend enough time next to the cultists, transporting their loot from place to place. And everywhere I noted how loyal they were to their work. You betrayed your masters. Answer, what for?
T: Do not you judge my actions, a giant. I have chosen my path and intend to follow it. Why did you call me?
B: What can you say about the intentions of the cult?
T: No member of the cult has all the information. I did not even succeed in becoming a wyrmspeaker, be damned Varram. I can only say that all the loot is taken to The Well of Dragons - caldera of an extinct volcano at the northern end of the Sunset Mountains. There the cult gathers all the strength and intends to call upon Tiamat. What is the ritual I do not know, as well as the course of its preparation. My task was to transport in the intermediate section. The cult has a hierarchical structure and the supreme personalities know each other, but not all of them are known to younger followers. I heard a little about other wyrmspeakers. But I was personally acquainted only with Rezmir and Varram.
R: Why summon Tiamat?
C: Of course, the Dragon Well is an obvious goal, but is it worth going there directly? There are as many as five branches of worship that must carry provisions or important artifacts there, probably they have bases nearby or cells in the vicinity.
T: The leaders of the cult, if I understood correctly, signed a contract and intend to fulfill it on their part, I don’t know the specifics of this contract.
C: "2Raskard" This is a way to secure a career. You destroy everything in general, well, or you call upon the force that destroys everything around, and then you declare yourself the master of what remains to be left. In other words, the path of an idiot.
T: Now it’s suicidal to turn to the heart of the cult.
C: It would be better to conclude a pact with Grazztom. - According to nods his head, supporting the last statement Talis.
R: "2Cawl" I would like to hear the opinion of a member of the cult. I wonder what they are guided by.
T: Money, lust for power and permissiveness ... If that is easier.
R: But in the end, they will become slaves of Tiamat? Or noone understands this?
C: “To explain Talis” Which is rather strange, considering that there will be no place to spend money, only the elite of the cult will have power, and only that which is in their interests will be allowed.
T: I can say that I was looking for one artifact that was lost in the cult. But still could not get to him. I see you know a lot about Tiamat, what is the danger of her calling?
K: For example, in that it is a disgusting deity or semi-deity of evil dragons, and that it is concluded, unlike normal dragons, where it is, not without good reason.
Blagothkus frowns while listening to your discussions.
B: It is certain only that all chromatic dragons are united under one flag, and this in itself is already a danger to many inhabitants of the coast of swords.
C: Not only do they unite - They organize!
B: Can people act as a united front against such a danger?
C: It would be possible to cope with some dragons, because creatures of their dimensions have needs and weaknesses, but they are supported and guided by a cult - and this is infantry, mages, and God knows who else. Good question ... We have no answer to it yet. The city-states of the Sword Coast are not an example of good coordination, but on the condition that the cult caused enough damage and influential friends from organizations that opposed the cult, I admit that you can get people to take action against it.
T: "With a mischievous grin on the question of Blagothkus" Knowing how people do business and how many intrigues they build, I can argue that from the mere mention of dragons half of the potential guilds will be hidden in their enclaves and shelters.
R: "To the question of Blagothkus " History shows that people rarely united. The problem can be solved.
C: I'm not going to rant about it, only together with my companion. Really, what, actually, feature?
B: "thinking" Let me think ... Do not rush, little hero.
C: "2Raskard" he called me a "little hero"!
B: "after a few minutes of thinking" I recall one giant, Harsnag. He lives north of Waterdeep. He had to help people in the face of great dangers. I have not seen him for a long time. We will change course. I have to talk to him. Day after 4 according to the calculations, we will be at Mount Sar. There, gathering together we will decide what to do next.
Chapter 2
During the entire flight, the castle was covered with an impenetrable haze-cloud. Blagothkus once said that it was less visible, moving over densely populated lands. Four days of travel in the mist turned into monotonous swimming with a only changing of days and nights.
Cawl, sitting in the guest room to pass the time began to scrutinize the trophy sword, previously owned by Rezmir. Ornate engraving on a huge blade read Hazirawn. Forged from dark metal, the blade was reinforced with magic, it was clearly felt in every its bend. Being an experienced blacksmith, Cole enjoyed seeing such a work of art.
The conversation in the giant's room did not give him rest. - “What a artifact Talis was looking for, for what purpose. Surely this is a mask, but this is what her properties are then ... ”- the image of Talis, her figure did not obsessively focus on a more detailed study of Hazirawn. - “Talis spends most of the time in her room on the upper level, sometimes she visits the common dining room, but she always sits alone. Often go down to the library for books. It would be worth starting a dialogue with her, starting with an innocent chatter, somewhere in the library, for example. ”- Cawl shook his head, dispelling delusion. The wandering look returned to the dark blade. Something remained a mystery to him. “At the same time, I need to look for information related to this sword and ... hmm ... can it become my pact weapon.”
The next evening, Talis, walking to the library past Cawl's room, flashed for a moment in the open doorway. Cawl was not slow to follow her.
Raskard is located in the former room Rezmir. The expulsion of the cult from the castle inspired hope, but left many unanswered questions. It did not allow them to sit still and wait for their arrival at their destination. It is necessary to find additional information, something that will indicate where to look for other members of the cult, or reveal their intentions more widely. Hearing someone enter the library, Raskard decided that this was the right place to find some answers.
The library was organized in the room where the red wizards had lived before. More and less significant folios from the cult also dragged there.
R: “I’m going to wander through the rooms and look for notes about the cult and its activities, roll 19 for Investigation”
C: “roll 10 for Investigation, library search for records of pact weapons and it's nature”
The collection of books of red wizards and worship could not be called too outstanding, but there was a place on the shelves for many of the foundational publications. The adventure seekers began their quest with its study.
Finding a joint presence in the room with a sufficient excuse, Cawl, choosing the right moment, decided to speak with Talis, she was sitting on the floor and sorting out a book after a book from the next shelf.
“Oh, Talis! Someone will please my eyes today. How are you doing?” - Cawl went through the book after book, looking for something describing the activities of warlocks. Seeing her low interest in the dialogue, he continued. - ““I suppose your such a paradigm shift was rather ... stunning, and hardly ours - me and my companion - the role in these events is liked by you. Not the best way to start an acquaintance.”- Cawl paused, casting a quick glance at her reaction, but Talis was still cold to his words. -“And since we’ll for some time being in the same boat, then why not get to know each other better?”- Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that she stopped for a moment after these words, and decided not to lose the moment to build on his success, adding in an ingratiating voice -“We can be helpful to each other."
C: “And yes, trying to woo Talis. charm check roll 22, baby!“
Turning to the next shelf, Cawl continued. “Yes, by the way, you didn’t come across volumes about artifacts like this sword that I tore out of Rezmir’s cold hands? A wonderful thing, but I can’t find a way to take in it and really understand its charms ...” "- He nodded toward the dark two-handed sword lying on the table.
Interrupt the reading of the next rather shabby folio for a moment, Talis looks at the blade. - “Hmm, the Rezmir's sword ... the blade could be your pleasant interlocutor, except for the function for which it was created. No, I haven’t seen anything like that.”- Without waiting, will be Cawl satisfied with the answer, she returns to her research, she is more engaged with “strange” things: temperature drops, the danger of expanding materials, the art of freezing.
After a fair amount of time and breathing dust, Cawl finds several treatises on the nature of the summoned weapons for warlocks:
“A pact with a thing at the behest of his thoughts and wills can choose what is required and send it into multidimensional space in order to have a connection with what is required at the right time and under the right circumstances. Having imagined the sought-after object, the caster must skillfully focus his desire on possession and summon weapons from another space and not part with it until the need is gone. The fragile connection of the shadow will not allow the subject to linger in this dimension without a sufficient will of the person calling, moreover, disregard for such connections may cause disapproval of the watchman. ”- Cawl had confusion, but he continued reading. - “Own sanity often does not allow to fully cross the veil of shadow. Those who want to get into the measurement of shadows, must find such an opportunity on their own. Other interns draw circles and perform rituals. Some unfortunate ones happened to face the intersection of two spaces: the shadow and this dimension.
"Well, well, well. That is, I need to open the door to Shadowfell, or find a place where it shines through from it into the material world. ”Cole involuntarily began to talk out loud. “This is damned fraught. But would I be a warlock if I hadn’t been engaged in a events that is dangerous to my health and mind? - a slight smile slid across his face.
Raskard walked closer and looked over his shoulder into the book: - “Do you remember one guy promised to meet with you?”
Cawl's smile faded instantly. -“I already have a list of these guys, there are: Cyanwraths, Mondath, Efran, muddy fella from palantir, a common phobia of garbage pits... ”
“I’m talking about palantir.”- Rascard added, and returned to the pulpit with scrolls and volumes.
Cawl put the found books in place. - “With my unclosed gestalts, it will soon be possible to lay down a song. And I don’t like it yet.”- A piece of paper with an incomprehensible image fell out of the book.
spoiler is the symbol of the Queen of the Ravens
Turning a piece of paper in his hands, Cawl shrugs his shoulders and hides it in his notebook.
After carefully examining the library, Raskard and Cawl manage to find a few letters to Rath Modar from Severin, the supreme leader of the Cult of the Dragon. Severin's letters reveal the depth of the connections between the Red Wizards (at least friendly to Rath Modar) and the cult. Searchers also find other letters from Thay, showing that some Red Wizards are clearly not so interested in the plans of the cult. Deciding that letters can be valuable, they take them away.
A large folio called “Beyond the Iron Gates” maked in leather and metal lies on the pulpit against the wall. Being written entirely in infernal language, this causes Ruskard’s distrust of its contents. But Cawl, on the contrary, shows curiosity, and, with an unequivocal wink at Rascardus, takes up his reading.
Seeing Cawl's enthusiasm, Raskard once again reminds himself how strange warlocks are.
(spoiler. 2C) “Behind the Iron Gates” describes various forms of devil summoning, but the final chapter describes the use of massive summonings and the sacrifice of hundreds of souls to bring Tiamat bodily out of the Nine Hells and into the world. The details of the ritual make it clear that this is something that requires enormous preparation and expense — but the actual magical formulae and chants are not given in this volume. Neither the book nor the other papers here, however, provide a timetable for when the cult or the Red Wizards plan to attempt the summoning, nor do they mention the significance of the treasure that the cult has amassed.
Cawl’s reading of the mystery book does not go unnoticed by Talis. For some time she intently watches him. And, waiting for him to finish, says, referring to Cawl:
“Flying gives me a sense of discomfort.” I suspect that I have seasick, this is my first "swimming", if I may say so. Reading a little distracts me, and it becomes better. ”- She puts aside several selected books, removing the rest back. Seeing that her speech attracted the attention of Cawl, she continues: - “You rightly noted that changing my view of circumstances was “stunning”. From the point of view that I tend to choose the side of the winners and the survivors, and not the losers and the dead. Sometimes my desires are not very strong enough. I have to adapt, although it is not easy. ” - After picking up the books, getting up and straightening dresses, Talis comes to the pulpit. Throwing a quick glance at the infernal book, she smiled only with eyes, adds: - “Your perseverance makes you honor. I see you can achieve what you want.”
Cawl, without losing her dignity, plays along with her gaze and easy smile, letting her know his disposition to her. Despite the fact that Talis looks a bit emaciated and thinner, she remains very attractive, and he is not averse to developing this conversation: - “I propose to continue the conversation about the changed prospects in a more relaxed atmosphere. For example, in the privacy of my or your chambers.”
Talis, glancing at the library and, making sure that the books she chose are enough for the near future, agrees to an invitation to visit Cawl's room.
All go to their rooms.
(spoiler. 2D) Turning into a spider, Raskard sneaks into Cawl's room. Whatever will be talked there, he intends to find out about it by himself.
As soon as it got dark Talis descends to Cawl in the guest apartment. Having settled down more conveniently at the table, she unceremoniously pours herself a glass of wine and carefully looks at Cawl. - “Where would you like to start?”
Feeling that Talis is tense, Cawl decides to go directly to the main point: - "In conversation with Blagothkus, you mentioned that you were trying to get hold of some artifact that the cult owns. Is this a mask? And before you decide to hide your secrets from me I propose an exchange: yours secrets vs mine. We are both opportunists, Talis. And we can both increase our prospects if we help each other. I immediately realized that you are smarter and more ambitious than other sectarians, and that you are much more interesting than alive."
Talis liked Cawl's straightness. With some regret, but quite openly, she reports: - “It really goes about the mask. I intend to get her to use for my own purposes. But this is not about the mask that Rezmir owned. And about the one that is now kept by Varram. Before you want to know why I need this,”- she puts the glass on the table and leans closer to Cawl. - “Offer me your secret, on that I will decide whether my secret is worthy of yours secret.”
Cawl effort of thought calls the pact blade from another dimension and holding it in his hands responds: - "You see, my weapon is not just a piece of metal. And not just a blacksmith craft. It is the link that connects me with Shadowfell and the force that creates out of destruction. Your goal is to find a mask. My goal is to figure out how to forge something more than just one link. Create something that can creat history. " - By another effort, Cawl returns the blade to inter-space.
The ease with which Cawl handles his pact weapons impresses Talis. - “The power of warlocks granted to them. Do you know who is looking at you from the other side of the veil of shadow? ”
Cawl frowns - “I spent years to understand: it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that the joy of creation is mine and only mine. The material world is limited by forms and matter, and most of its inhabitants are banal in their lives. It can be brout so much beauty into it and refinement, if you take a little bit of the essence of other worlds and create something that will make the world ... more interesting."
Cawl gets up from the table and goes to the skillful breastplate, which he personally forged. - “Sometimes I hear it sings with joy when I give shape to metal or witchcraft. It also has a sense of taste ... in its own way."
The room began a few degrees colder. Talis smiles mysteriously. After a moment, she takes off her fur cloak and, slightly lowering her dress, exposes her shoulder and part of the back. On the back are visible traces of crystallization of the skin. She gives Cawl an opportunity to look closely at her back, after which she puts the dress back on, remaining at the table without a cape. Then he straightens the chain of amulets around his neck and selects one blue transparent stone, inside of which something moves. A grimace of pain freezes on his face.
- “This stone does not let me die. It gives me a burning pain, but also does not allow the disease to spread excessively. To find a cure I need to get in one ancient library of ice magicians. My body will not last a minutes there. Therefore, I am looking for strong artifacts that can strengthen my resistance to frost, which permeates the library's halls. These artifacts will allow me to spend enough time there to find a cure or an opportunity to neutralize the disease.”
By got back the amulet under her clothes, she continues. - “My secrets, my weakness. I would ask it to stay between us.”
Cawl walks over to her. - "So, survival. There's no more encourages to purposeful movement forward. Your secret is my secret. I believe you. But I would consider the symptoms closer. ..." ".. but 20 charisma is 20 charisma" - Cole helps her to rise from the chair, and at that moment when she gets up, he kisses and embraces her. Talis reciprocates it.
Cawl: investigate library in search of tomes, related to Hazirawn, intelligent weapons, and Shadowfell artifacts - 20.
Trying to woo Talis - 24.
Constitution save vs. frost giant presence - 22.
Rascard: investigate in search of info about cult - 19
cold resist check 19
Cawl: save vs frost - 25.
charisma check about skin colour 8
charisma check about skin colour3
Reroll for Lucky 9
Cold check 18
Perception about giants lie 18
Communication 24
Senses 1
Alignment 8
Special Purpose 4
Mannerism 7
Traits 3
Ideal 1
Bonds 7
Perception check 10 obaut flying observing
Religious lore on cult of Sune - 6
Charisma saving throw vs priestess - 9