Welcome to Parabor, a frontier village of diverse miners and adventurers. This community’s economy is fueled by silver in the Cairgon Ranges, mithral in the Icebound Peaks, and explorers like you who scout the Merriam Vale for treasure. The dangerous jobs and remote location of Parabor attract more than miners and adventurers. Plenty of people running from something, be it the law, a shady past, or an angry ex-lover, come to Parabor for refuge from their previous life. This is a village where people ask where you’re going, not where you came from.
Three days ago, Elaria Feywing, a renowned mentor to many famous adventurers, died. She was known in the Merriam Vale as "The Master". You were her final pupils. The ancient elf who taught you secrets of combat, magic, and wilderness survival passed away in her sleep on the same night she told you your training was complete. You had not even begun to look for work when the news of her death came. Though The Master was over eight hundred years old, she was lithe and energetic. It seemed she could have lived another eight centuries.
Per the instructions of her last will and testament, Elaria was buried quickly in a simple ceremony. While many who live in Parabor came to see The Master laid to rest, you were her only students able to attend given the short notice. Golonna, the local dwarf priestess who runs The Holy Beacon, Parabor’s temple of Lux, god of light, asked you each to say a few words about Elaria in eulogy by sharing a favorite memory of an unexpected lesson the elf taught you. What memory did you share at the funeral?
Welcome to The Master's Vault! For your first post, take a moment to introduce your character and share a fond memory you had with Elaria.
Players: Bduds2006: Wulfgar Phoenixfang, Human Variant Rogue Harry_: Sercender Syrindir, Wood Elf Ranger Madclergy: Maelaryn Dompur, Human Wizard Nemes1s: Alryn Nirnguard, Aasimar Cleric Rylentlar: Ayer, Air Genasi Monk
At Golonna's urging, a smallish, thin man dressed in his finest (but still pretty plain) clothing stepped up. He casts his swollen, red eyes, across the crowd, takin in the group gathered but also taking a moment to compose himself. "Welcome all for gathering here to pay your respects and come to share in the memory of our late master Elaria."
He pauses a moment and wipes a tear from his eye, "For neigh eight centuries she graced the world with her presence, and I cannot fathom how many lives she has touched. How much good she has done, but we all hold her memories th dear."
"I, myself, came to her a poor sickly thing. My body weak and no cure. Not even The Master could cure me of this but she taught me to work with what I have. Build up what strengths we have, cultivate friendship and alliances and we will have lessened our weaknesses."
"I recall once during training. She gave me a sword and told me strike a dummy. I swung until my arms nearly fell off. For the lot of you, that was twice back then. After that, I could barely lift it and the dummy had barely a scratch. "
"Dejected, I nearly died myself of embarrassment. More so when she laughed at the scene. My spirits were crushed in that moment. Then as I started to walk away, she placed a hand upon my shoulder and said, 'If you can only swing that blade once then I'll teach how to make it count.' I swear to you then she took that blade and with one cleaved that dummy, armor and all in half."
"That day my broken spirit was reforged and I'm sure that pales in comparison to other stories but it sticks with me. The power one has to shape the world through words and actions and the ripples it creates. To Elaria," he finishes and holds up a flask and takes a drink.
"To Elaria." Ayer will stand with polite applause.
"That was excellent Wulfgar, the Master would be proud." They will then raise a glass.
"Hello all who have come to morn the loss of our beloved Elaria. I wish to further Wulf's sentiment with this. I too came to Elaria in a state of infirmity, not of body, but of soul. I was headed down a path of self destruction that would have me on prison... Or hanged." Ayer then pauses for a deep breath. (Purely for emotional stability, since they don't need to breath)
"I cannot express how deeply I'll miss her, but she did leave me with this wise saying. 'Better to walk knowingly on broken glass, than unknowingly on a broken twig.' which to me meant stop, take a look at what you have and don't single blindly toward what you think you want." Ayer looks around, making eye contact with their fellow students.
"Well, we'll miss you Master Elaria. Safe journey in the second life. To Elaria." Ayer will raise their glass above their head, take a sip, then sit back down.
As Wulfgar and Ayer tell their stories, Golonna clasps her hands together and smiles warmly, as though reminiscing her own memories of Elaria through their words. She briefly unclasps her hands and wipes away a tear as Ayer finishes sharing. "Indeed, we will all miss her presence within our lives greatly. Such magnificent memories. No other words could have reflected Elaria's kindness and wisdom as beautifully as yours. Thank you for sharing them with us today." She turns to the remaining three students with curiosity in her eyes. "And what about you three? What memories do you wish to share?"
Alryn is crying openly while listening to the stories the others tell. He wipes his tears away for a moment and steadies his voice. "My memories are all good ones of Elaria, which is some comfortable, I suppose. I only came here recently to learn from her, and likely didn't know her as long as many of you. To me, she was a warm, and wonderful person with a unique zest for life. As with others, she showed me great kindness. In my case, a kindness I'd never shown myself. I will miss her very much." he finishes, waiting for the next person to share their story.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Roland Drask:Human Rogue - Lost Mine of Phandelver
Maelaryn put a hand on Alryn's shoulder to comfort him before taking the up his glass and addressing the crowd, "In the Circus we had a saying, the show doesn't end, till the next one begins. It reminded us that all of life is a performance, whether it's the menial tasks of the day to day or job of great importance, each moment can be made a memory. Master Elaria and I had many moments that I will forever hold as some of my most precious memories, but one in particular holds a special place in my heart" Maelaryn placed his hand over his heart gently not out of showmanship, but instinctual as he delved into his emotions he was feeling in that moment at the loss of his mentor.
"It was early, the sun had not risen, but I was more awake and humming with energy than I'd ever felt. I had been with Master Elaria a year at that point and made my first major breakthrough in my studies. I couldn't sleep, I thirsted for more knowledge, more progress; and as I lay there in the simple bed in my simple room I heard a stirring outside and then the beginning notes of the most beautiful song I'd ever heard. I jumped up and ran to the window to see what was happening...well long story short she was milking a cow, but she had a smile on her face and her song exuded happiness, even in such a simple moment I felt as if I was watching a bard perform a touching piece, and I couldn't help but smile. I hadn't learned the language of the Elves at that point, but I imagined she sang of great beautiful meadows gleaming with dew and early dawn, I memorized the words as she sang them, they painted onto my soul like I was a blank canvass and her voice was a brush overflowing with rich paint..."
Maelaryn began to hum the melody of the song so that all could hear, a lovely tune rich with long smooth notes, and then his voice rose from the humming into elvish words sung fluently and with an accent obviously picked up from Master Elaria herself. When he finished a few minutes later a tear rolled down his cheek and he did not stop it.
"So far as I am aware Master Elaria never knew I'd watch her each morning, listen to that song, to her singing, and each morning be touched once more by her performance. It was much later I learned the meaning of the words...it was a simple song that didn't come close to the grandeur I had first dreamed of that morning, in fact it was a song about the cow..." Maelaryn chuckled a bit, just then reaching up to push that tear off his cheek and onto his sleeve, "...but I think that's the finest lesson Master Elaria ever taught me, even more so than the craft, that we can touch an affect people without ever intending to do so, and in a major way. To Master Elaria" Maelaryn raised his glass to toast to his mentor then rejoined the others.
A woman in black clothes with a thick veil covering her face silently stands and steps up to speak last. She nervously clears her throat and begins to speak.
"U-um... good day to you all..." She pauses and clears her throat again "Master Elaria was always very kind, even during the lessons when I felt like I was being put through the nine hells." She chuckles nervously "Many people loved her and owe their skills and life to her. My father trained to become one of her students, unfortunately... he failed and decided that I'd be the next best option I suppose. Master Elaria- oh..." Sercender stumbles as she drops some notes and scrambles to recollect them. She smiles awkwardly and appologises. "Master Elaria was an amazing figure, someone who inspired greatness in people, she will be greatly missed." She nods to indicate her conclusion and rejoins the others quickly.
As Sercender finishes sharing, some begin to clap, others begin to cry. Golonna thanks you all for your words and continues with the ceremony, calling up others to give their own eulogies before lastly giving one herself.
The funeral ends quickly, as Elaria wished, and one by one people begin to leave. As you are leaving, Yelsa Hodwick, the only solicitor in town, approaches. The middle-aged gnome pushes up her half moon spectacles, wiping years from her eyes as she embraces each of you, barely holding back hysterical tears. "Ms Feywing spoke fondly of all of you. In fact, you are all mentioned in her last will and testament. If you have time today, would you please stop by my office? I know it is a lot to ask but..." Yelsa cannot finish the sentence as the tears finally burst. She turns away, honking into her handkerchief. "Please... stop by... later...." She barely manages to get the words out through her tears before running off, wailing.
(OOC: Wulfgar, Maelaryn, and Ayer each get inspiration for their very detailed memories. This inspiration can be used to gain advantage on a roll)
Wulfgar will spend the next few minutes or so talking with the others from town that had shown up before politely excusing himself. After doing so he will take 10 minutes to himself quietly weeping before he cleans himself, puts on his brave face and makes his way back over to Yelsa's.
"I apologize for coming back so soon. I.. I just dont know what to do with my time right now," he says a little wearily.
Yelsa smiles softly and leads Wulfgar to a seat where she sits besides him and holds his hands in her own. "Its alright. I understand how you feel as well. Elaria was such a beautiful and wonderful person. She had such a strong impact on my life and now... now..." Yelsa's eyes begin to tear up and she quickly rushes away to grab her handkerchief to blow her nose. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I can barely keep it together. How about I go get you some tea as we wait for the others? It'll be sure to calm both of us down."
(OOC: I forgot to mention but if there's anything you guys want to do in town before going to Yelsa's, let me know.)
Maelaryn takes his time following the funeral before heading to Yelsa's, he wasn't sure he was ready to hear Elaria's last will and testament, it was almost too much of a punctuation to her life. Where it sat now it felt good, 'But maybe that's just my own hesitation to move forward without her' he thought to himself as he walked down the street. He pulled a small piece of cloth from his vest pocket absentmindedly and began to change it's color with his craft. He sighed heavily as he stared up momentarily at the sky, it seemed so large and empty but as he stared longer it began to morph into endless possibility. He nodded and then changed his direction and headed towards Yelsa's home.
Once there he rapped a few times on the door before opening it slightly, "Yelsa? It's Maelaryn Dompur, Elaria's student, may I come in?"
Wulfgar sees Yelsa come out with a tray of tea for them to drink when Sercender knocks on the door. She places the tray down quickly before rushing over and opening the door, welcoming her in. "Oh, you're just on time. Come in, come in. Wulfgar had just arrived as well and tea is ready." Despite her welcoming personality, Sercender can see her eyes are red from a very recent cry session.
Barely a moment passes after Yelsa closes the door that Maelaryn and Ayre arrive. She opens the door with a smile and welcomes them in, offering everyone a cup of tea. "Oh, we still need to wait for Alyrn but please have some tea. It'll be sure to calm us down." She makes her self a cup and sits by her desk.
Maelaryn enters the home, accepting a cup of tea with an appreciative nod. He joins the others, taking a seat in the office with them. "It was a beautiful service" he says solemnly
(OOC: I'm just going to assume Alryn doesn't need to do anything in town and move on. If there's anything you want to do, let me know and I can retcon)
A few more minutes pass before Alryn finally arrives. She welcomes in him, offering him a cup of tea, before realising there isn't a place for him to sit. As you look around her office, you realise nearly every surface is covered in papers, files and books of all sorts. She manages to clear enough off of a couch you didn't know was there for Alryn to sit. "Well then, let us get started." She tries to put on an air of confidence and authority as she makes her way back to her desk but her shaky voice gives away her true emotions.
Yelsa takes out and unseals a small envelope with an E.F. pressed into its wax seal. As she pulls forth the letter within the gnome speaks in a grave tone. “Now, as I said at the services, Elaria included you in her last will and testament. She has no family and you are the only people mentioned in the document. She wanted me to read aloud and then give you the following instructions to take with you."
My gold has dwindled in 800 years But there’s some left, so be all ears. My mansion, my treasures are all yours, If you can open the last of my doors. The vault in the backyard is my final test, You must work together to complete this quest. The door can be opened with strength of the mind, But before you attempt, find the tiles - all nine! Three are hidden where she creeps and crawls, The one with eight legs and venomous jaws. Three are entrusted to one born of dragons, Who cannot be reached by boats or by wagons. Three still are buried with a friend long forgotten Who lingers long after her body is rotten. Unlock the vault! Do not delay. For others are hunting my treasure this day. Every moment you wait puts people at risk. So take up the task and please do be brisk. All will make sense when you open the vault, And realize my death was not nature’s fault.
The last line of The Master’s will chokes up Yelsa and she sucks in her breath to compose herself. Elaria’s property now belongs to all of you. During your time there, you all remember there is a stone trapdoor behind the mansion that was always locked and had no key, but rather nine square shaped divots in it. You also remember a few stories she had told you before that seem to match with the descriptions given...
Memory 1 "If you travel up the Miranthi River you'll find a waterfall coming down off the Icebound Peaks. Behind this waterfall is a cozy cave, but enter with caution. For inside lairs Vixthra. She is a spider as large as an ogre with an unforgiving appetite."
Memory 2 "I may be old but I’m still an adventurer. I even climb the Staircase Cliffs from time to time. I have to. My dragonborn friend Alcaeus Scaevola won't climb down so I must climb up. Trust me! His company and cooking are worth the effort."
Memory 3 "Of all my old pupils I remember Helene Aerdune best. She was so passionate about adventuring! When she retired, she came back here to teach with me. So dedicated was she to me that even in death her soul could not rest. That's probably why I remember her so well. Her ghost still haunts the Dolor Forest where I buried her. My guilt drives me to see her, hoping to convince her to depart this world and be at rest. I fear as long as I'm alive she will continue to haunt those woods. It can be impossible to find one's way through the Dolor Forest and that is why I marked the path to get to Helene's grave by carving my initials into the trees."
"This is so like her, to tell us we graduate and then pass along a surprise test," he says with a gentle smile. "Well, I'm in. Not so much for the treasure or likes but one last hurrah to make her proud."
Yelsa smiles softly at Wulfgars statement. "Indeed it is... Well then! Is there anything else you wish to ask of me? If not, I'd suggest heading out as soon as possible. Elaria made sure to tell me that this is a quest of extreme importance and must be completed quickly."
(OOC: One last chance if you guys want to do anything in town, if not we'll see off to the first location.)
The riddle rattled around inside Maelaryn's mind, he was nearly catatonic as he worked through it. Then as Sercender suggests purchasing essential supplied he snaps out of it, "The first set of tiles must be with Vixthra, at the waterfall." he then stood and headed toward the door of the office before turning back around to look at Yelsa, "The quest is afoot! Thank you for delivering Elaria's last will and testament, when we are finished I'll come back by and check on you. Stay safe."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Welcome to The Master's Vault! For your first post, take a moment to introduce your character and share a fond memory you had with Elaria.
Players:
Bduds2006: Wulfgar Phoenixfang, Human Variant Rogue
Harry_: Sercender Syrindir, Wood Elf Ranger
Madclergy: Maelaryn Dompur, Human Wizard
Nemes1s: Alryn Nirnguard, Aasimar Cleric
Rylentlar: Ayer, Air Genasi Monk
At Golonna's urging, a smallish, thin man dressed in his finest (but still pretty plain) clothing stepped up. He casts his swollen, red eyes, across the crowd, takin in the group gathered but also taking a moment to compose himself. "Welcome all for gathering here to pay your respects and come to share in the memory of our late master Elaria."
He pauses a moment and wipes a tear from his eye, "For neigh eight centuries she graced the world with her presence, and I cannot fathom how many lives she has touched. How much good she has done, but we all hold her memories th dear."
"I, myself, came to her a poor sickly thing. My body weak and no cure. Not even The Master could cure me of this but she taught me to work with what I have. Build up what strengths we have, cultivate friendship and alliances and we will have lessened our weaknesses."
"I recall once during training. She gave me a sword and told me strike a dummy. I swung until my arms nearly fell off. For the lot of you, that was twice back then. After that, I could barely lift it and the dummy had barely a scratch. "
"Dejected, I nearly died myself of embarrassment. More so when she laughed at the scene. My spirits were crushed in that moment. Then as I started to walk away, she placed a hand upon my shoulder and said, 'If you can only swing that blade once then I'll teach how to make it count.' I swear to you then she took that blade and with one cleaved that dummy, armor and all in half."
"That day my broken spirit was reforged and I'm sure that pales in comparison to other stories but it sticks with me. The power one has to shape the world through words and actions and the ripples it creates. To Elaria," he finishes and holds up a flask and takes a drink.
"To Elaria." Ayer will stand with polite applause.
"That was excellent Wulfgar, the Master would be proud." They will then raise a glass.
"Hello all who have come to morn the loss of our beloved Elaria. I wish to further Wulf's sentiment with this. I too came to Elaria in a state of infirmity, not of body, but of soul. I was headed down a path of self destruction that would have me on prison... Or hanged." Ayer then pauses for a deep breath. (Purely for emotional stability, since they don't need to breath)
"I cannot express how deeply I'll miss her, but she did leave me with this wise saying. 'Better to walk knowingly on broken glass, than unknowingly on a broken twig.' which to me meant stop, take a look at what you have and don't single blindly toward what you think you want." Ayer looks around, making eye contact with their fellow students.
"Well, we'll miss you Master Elaria. Safe journey in the second life. To Elaria." Ayer will raise their glass above their head, take a sip, then sit back down.
As Wulfgar and Ayer tell their stories, Golonna clasps her hands together and smiles warmly, as though reminiscing her own memories of Elaria through their words. She briefly unclasps her hands and wipes away a tear as Ayer finishes sharing. "Indeed, we will all miss her presence within our lives greatly. Such magnificent memories. No other words could have reflected Elaria's kindness and wisdom as beautifully as yours. Thank you for sharing them with us today." She turns to the remaining three students with curiosity in her eyes. "And what about you three? What memories do you wish to share?"
Alryn is crying openly while listening to the stories the others tell. He wipes his tears away for a moment and steadies his voice. "My memories are all good ones of Elaria, which is some comfortable, I suppose. I only came here recently to learn from her, and likely didn't know her as long as many of you. To me, she was a warm, and wonderful person with a unique zest for life. As with others, she showed me great kindness. In my case, a kindness I'd never shown myself. I will miss her very much." he finishes, waiting for the next person to share their story.
Roland Drask: Human Rogue - Lost Mine of Phandelver
Maelaryn put a hand on Alryn's shoulder to comfort him before taking the up his glass and addressing the crowd, "In the Circus we had a saying, the show doesn't end, till the next one begins. It reminded us that all of life is a performance, whether it's the menial tasks of the day to day or job of great importance, each moment can be made a memory. Master Elaria and I had many moments that I will forever hold as some of my most precious memories, but one in particular holds a special place in my heart" Maelaryn placed his hand over his heart gently not out of showmanship, but instinctual as he delved into his emotions he was feeling in that moment at the loss of his mentor.
"It was early, the sun had not risen, but I was more awake and humming with energy than I'd ever felt. I had been with Master Elaria a year at that point and made my first major breakthrough in my studies. I couldn't sleep, I thirsted for more knowledge, more progress; and as I lay there in the simple bed in my simple room I heard a stirring outside and then the beginning notes of the most beautiful song I'd ever heard. I jumped up and ran to the window to see what was happening...well long story short she was milking a cow, but she had a smile on her face and her song exuded happiness, even in such a simple moment I felt as if I was watching a bard perform a touching piece, and I couldn't help but smile. I hadn't learned the language of the Elves at that point, but I imagined she sang of great beautiful meadows gleaming with dew and early dawn, I memorized the words as she sang them, they painted onto my soul like I was a blank canvass and her voice was a brush overflowing with rich paint..."
Maelaryn began to hum the melody of the song so that all could hear, a lovely tune rich with long smooth notes, and then his voice rose from the humming into elvish words sung fluently and with an accent obviously picked up from Master Elaria herself. When he finished a few minutes later a tear rolled down his cheek and he did not stop it.
"So far as I am aware Master Elaria never knew I'd watch her each morning, listen to that song, to her singing, and each morning be touched once more by her performance. It was much later I learned the meaning of the words...it was a simple song that didn't come close to the grandeur I had first dreamed of that morning, in fact it was a song about the cow..." Maelaryn chuckled a bit, just then reaching up to push that tear off his cheek and onto his sleeve, "...but I think that's the finest lesson Master Elaria ever taught me, even more so than the craft, that we can touch an affect people without ever intending to do so, and in a major way. To Master Elaria" Maelaryn raised his glass to toast to his mentor then rejoined the others.
A woman in black clothes with a thick veil covering her face silently stands and steps up to speak last. She nervously clears her throat and begins to speak.
"U-um... good day to you all..." She pauses and clears her throat again "Master Elaria was always very kind, even during the lessons when I felt like I was being put through the nine hells." She chuckles nervously "Many people loved her and owe their skills and life to her. My father trained to become one of her students, unfortunately... he failed and decided that I'd be the next best option I suppose. Master Elaria- oh..."
Sercender stumbles as she drops some notes and scrambles to recollect them. She smiles awkwardly and appologises.
"Master Elaria was an amazing figure, someone who inspired greatness in people, she will be greatly missed."
She nods to indicate her conclusion and rejoins the others quickly.
As Sercender finishes sharing, some begin to clap, others begin to cry. Golonna thanks you all for your words and continues with the ceremony, calling up others to give their own eulogies before lastly giving one herself.
The funeral ends quickly, as Elaria wished, and one by one people begin to leave. As you are leaving, Yelsa Hodwick, the only solicitor in town, approaches. The middle-aged gnome pushes up her half moon spectacles, wiping years from her eyes as she embraces each of you, barely holding back hysterical tears. "Ms Feywing spoke fondly of all of you. In fact, you are all mentioned in her last will and testament. If you have time today, would you please stop by my office? I know it is a lot to ask but..." Yelsa cannot finish the sentence as the tears finally burst. She turns away, honking into her handkerchief. "Please... stop by... later...." She barely manages to get the words out through her tears before running off, wailing.
(OOC: Wulfgar, Maelaryn, and Ayer each get inspiration for their very detailed memories. This inspiration can be used to gain advantage on a roll)
Wulfgar will spend the next few minutes or so talking with the others from town that had shown up before politely excusing himself. After doing so he will take 10 minutes to himself quietly weeping before he cleans himself, puts on his brave face and makes his way back over to Yelsa's.
"I apologize for coming back so soon. I.. I just dont know what to do with my time right now," he says a little wearily.
Yelsa smiles softly and leads Wulfgar to a seat where she sits besides him and holds his hands in her own. "Its alright. I understand how you feel as well. Elaria was such a beautiful and wonderful person. She had such a strong impact on my life and now... now..." Yelsa's eyes begin to tear up and she quickly rushes away to grab her handkerchief to blow her nose. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I can barely keep it together. How about I go get you some tea as we wait for the others? It'll be sure to calm both of us down."
(OOC: I forgot to mention but if there's anything you guys want to do in town before going to Yelsa's, let me know.)
Sercender nods curtly at Yelsa's instruction and waits for around 10-15 minutes before swifty making her way to Yelsa's office.
Maelaryn takes his time following the funeral before heading to Yelsa's, he wasn't sure he was ready to hear Elaria's last will and testament, it was almost too much of a punctuation to her life. Where it sat now it felt good, 'But maybe that's just my own hesitation to move forward without her' he thought to himself as he walked down the street. He pulled a small piece of cloth from his vest pocket absentmindedly and began to change it's color with his craft. He sighed heavily as he stared up momentarily at the sky, it seemed so large and empty but as he stared longer it began to morph into endless possibility. He nodded and then changed his direction and headed towards Yelsa's home.
Once there he rapped a few times on the door before opening it slightly, "Yelsa? It's Maelaryn Dompur, Elaria's student, may I come in?"
As Maelaryn is rapping on the door, Ayer approaches from the street. She gives a stoic nod to her colleague as they wait to enter.
Wulfgar sees Yelsa come out with a tray of tea for them to drink when Sercender knocks on the door. She places the tray down quickly before rushing over and opening the door, welcoming her in. "Oh, you're just on time. Come in, come in. Wulfgar had just arrived as well and tea is ready." Despite her welcoming personality, Sercender can see her eyes are red from a very recent cry session.
Barely a moment passes after Yelsa closes the door that Maelaryn and Ayre arrive. She opens the door with a smile and welcomes them in, offering everyone a cup of tea. "Oh, we still need to wait for Alyrn but please have some tea. It'll be sure to calm us down." She makes her self a cup and sits by her desk.
Maelaryn enters the home, accepting a cup of tea with an appreciative nod. He joins the others, taking a seat in the office with them. "It was a beautiful service" he says solemnly
(OOC: I'm just going to assume Alryn doesn't need to do anything in town and move on. If there's anything you want to do, let me know and I can retcon)
A few more minutes pass before Alryn finally arrives. She welcomes in him, offering him a cup of tea, before realising there isn't a place for him to sit. As you look around her office, you realise nearly every surface is covered in papers, files and books of all sorts. She manages to clear enough off of a couch you didn't know was there for Alryn to sit. "Well then, let us get started." She tries to put on an air of confidence and authority as she makes her way back to her desk but her shaky voice gives away her true emotions.
Yelsa takes out and unseals a small envelope with an E.F. pressed into its wax seal. As she pulls forth the letter within the gnome speaks in a grave tone. “Now, as I said at the services, Elaria included you in her last will and testament. She has no family and you are the only people mentioned in the document. She wanted me to read aloud and then give you the following instructions to take with you."
The last line of The Master’s will chokes up Yelsa and she sucks in her breath to compose herself. Elaria’s property now belongs to all of you. During your time there, you all remember there is a stone trapdoor behind the mansion that was always locked and had no key, but rather nine square shaped divots in it. You also remember a few stories she had told you before that seem to match with the descriptions given...
Memory 1
"If you travel up the Miranthi River you'll find a waterfall coming down off the Icebound Peaks. Behind this waterfall is a cozy cave, but enter with caution. For inside lairs Vixthra. She is a spider as large as an ogre with an unforgiving appetite."
Memory 2
"I may be old but I’m still an adventurer. I even climb the Staircase Cliffs from time to time. I have to. My dragonborn friend Alcaeus Scaevola won't climb down so I must climb up. Trust me! His company and cooking are worth the effort."
Memory 3
"Of all my old pupils I remember Helene Aerdune best. She was so passionate about adventuring! When she retired, she came back here to teach with me. So dedicated was she to me that even in death her soul could not rest. That's probably why I remember her so well. Her ghost still haunts the Dolor Forest where I buried her. My guilt drives me to see her, hoping to convince her to depart this world and be at rest. I fear as long as I'm alive she will continue to haunt those woods. It can be impossible to find one's way through the Dolor Forest and that is why I marked the path to get to Helene's grave by carving my initials into the trees."
"This is so like her, to tell us we graduate and then pass along a surprise test," he says with a gentle smile. "Well, I'm in. Not so much for the treasure or likes but one last hurrah to make her proud."
Yelsa smiles softly at Wulfgars statement. "Indeed it is... Well then! Is there anything else you wish to ask of me? If not, I'd suggest heading out as soon as possible. Elaria made sure to tell me that this is a quest of extreme importance and must be completed quickly."
(OOC: One last chance if you guys want to do anything in town, if not we'll see off to the first location.)
"Where do you suppose we should head to first? Perhaps we should purchase essential supplies for our quest before heading out."
Sercender pulls her hood over her head and opens the door
"My thanks to you, Yelsa." She says as she nods and exits the office, pondering the last line of the riddle.
The riddle rattled around inside Maelaryn's mind, he was nearly catatonic as he worked through it. Then as Sercender suggests purchasing essential supplied he snaps out of it, "The first set of tiles must be with Vixthra, at the waterfall." he then stood and headed toward the door of the office before turning back around to look at Yelsa, "The quest is afoot! Thank you for delivering Elaria's last will and testament, when we are finished I'll come back by and check on you. Stay safe."