Kel kept his own counsel and instead took in the surroundings. He watched as the crate was taken and a purse exchanged by a Mr. Quartermain. He watched and listened as the proprietor of the shop ferreted out answers. He moved in silence as they descended into some sort of workshop and for a moment, stood quietly looking down at a limb he severed only yesterday. He would have laughed if it wasn't something that would have drawn undue attention to him. Kel opened his mouth to speak, thought better of it, and instead shifted the weight of his gear bag with a short sigh. Deciding to forgo the obvious and the pun, Kel spoke, glancing up from the hand to the proprietor.
"Well, if there are books to be gone through, let us get started."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Had I not, I doubt I would have believed him,” the man replied to the uninterested Goliath. Uthal: 6
The weapons around the room were of either foreign looking, or ornate, or a combination of the two. Uthal noticed a sizeable warhammer on the floor in a corner, a partial inscription on it ‘Whosoever holds this hammer, if they be worthy, shall possess the power of …’ One final word of the inscription appeared to be worn away. The other potential weapon of interest was a large sword laying on one of the tables that looked much like those hanging around the interior of the Arbitrator’s spire; the only difference that where every sword held a different symbolic flourish at the cross guard, this one was blank.
“Book. Singular.” He waved his hand around the library. “Of course there are many written on the subject, though if your goal is to save the arbitrator and he has already left, then I assume time is of the essence.” He walked towards Uthal and reached around the goliath to pull a book from a stack on the same table as the sword. He allowed two books to tumble to the ground as he returned with one in hand. “Rather than swimming through a sea of shit, in search of one or two worthwhile truths. I suggest using what time you have with the trickle from a legitimate source. The beast may not be the primary topic, but you’ll likely find what you need within it.” He set the book on the table, it was a simple leather bound book, smaller in size than most, and in black ink on the front it said ‘Helsreach’
After reading the title of the book, Anearis looked at the shop owner quizzically. "Forgive my ignorance. This land is not familiar to me. What is this ‘Helsreach’? I do not believe I have heard this name before when discussing the Black Beast."
He quickly glanced around at his companion to see if they shared his lack of knowledge.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Huh,"Atal says, inspecting the flayed hand. "Glad you got the little bastard after all. … you mind if I dip a few more of my arrowheads in the blood of this thing, Mr... uh... did we ever get your name?" he asks, pointing from a safe distance away at the black ooze dripping out of the creature. He's not particularly concerned about the word games Mr. Perfect was playing with them; the man caught and killed the Demon Hand, and so Atal is willing to cut him some slack for the good deed.
The room is interesting enough for Atal to spare a glance around at his surroundings. (Because everyone is doing it, and I feel left out! Perception: 18)
When Perfect presents the book, Atal hovers close by in order to read with everyone else. "Straight and to the point. I like that," Atal says to the shopkeeper as he flips open the book carefully and begins skimming the contents.
(For Anaeris: has Atal ever heard anything about Helsreach is before? Would that be history? Clawing something out of his trance from the communal memory of elves? IDK just take the roll or leave it :P 15 )
"Tepes, Adrian Tepes. And forgive me, but I'd rather contain the secretion, as much as possible. At least until we truly understand what more it can do."
Seemingly ready to answer Anearis's question, before it had been asked, the man responded. "Unless one of you is an ancient scholar, I wouldn't expect you to be familiar with the name. It's where you are standing right now. Helsreach is, WAS, the territory in which the dragon clans were in power. The Arbitrator's Spire is the only thing remaining, and even that was rebuilt hundreds of years ago, so truly, only its base was original stone. This was back in a time when dragonborn could not only trace their heritage back to a specific type of dragon, but to a specific individual dragon itself."
He looked down to the book, showing the most emotion you'd seen from him thus far. A look of both sorrow and respect. "Much has happened since then. With the exception of the Arbitrator, who really has no choice in the matter, you'd be hardpressed to find a dragon born anywhere on Therivanne, that can trace back to Helreach, now." He let out a short chuckle, though it seemed forced. "In fact, I think the only thing that's stood the test of time, is that damn child's song, 'Seven Dragons and a Baby.’ This book is an abridged history, compiled from multiple sources. And it includes the creation of the eight, as well as the downfall of Aaaargh."
As Anearis listened to the shop owner, he found himself with more question after than before. What were those 'Eight' he mentionned? He also had never heard the child’s song he mentioned. Perhaps the book could provide the answers.
"Maybe we should try finding out how the Beast was trapped the first time around. Perhaps that could hint at some form of weakness?"
Uthal looks down at Adrian. "You're going to need to give us more than your average folk. I believe the horned one is the only one of us who may be familiar with anything. These three are new to the continent and I haven't been in the kingdom long. I come from the clans. We aren't the most educated group on things that folks here consider common knowledge."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"Don't sell yourselves short. If you're new to the continent, simply 'uninformed' may be more appropriate. Everything of use that can be offered, is within these pages." Adrian replied to Uthal, but addressed the entire group as he did. "You can read draconic and celestial, correct?" "Nevermind, I'll save you the trouble and only provide the important or fun parts." Answering his own, possibly rhetoric question, Adrian flips through the pages, and begins talking, though never actually looking at the pages.
"The origin of the black beast is something unknown. It was just there all of a sudden, it's reach already widespread. What it is exactly is difficult, because even reliable sources refer to its actions and influences metaphorically as much as literally. Some compare its influence to the spread of a poison, transferred by its touch, infecting all; while others talk about it as a disease that infects and controls its minions who then do the physical spreading."
He turned to a page showing a sketch of seven dragonborn clad in armor, and holding swords similar to those within the Arbitrator's Spire, as well as the sword on the table just feet away from the group. The dragonborn all had very pronounced features, looking more like the mythical beasts themselves, than the scaly plain features of those one may see today.
"The eight were originally seven champion warriors, one from each of the seven noble clans that made up the upperclasses of Helreach. There were more before the initial invasion of Helsreach, but that is a different story altogether. The seven champions led an assault on the castle, destroying much of the structure and legions of undead as they did. However, they alone entered to throne chamber of the black beast. None survived. Reports from that initial assault spread through the population, rumors that while the clan's armies easily dispatched of thousands of the beast's minions, no blade could hurt the beast. No matter how many times the champions landed a strike, it did nothing. The beast felt no pain and continued on, as if nothing had happened."
A few pages later, another sketch showed the back of a lone dragonborn, wearing common clothing and holding a hammer above his head, as one of the swords rested on an anvil. It's unclear whether it was as a frame around the picture, or part of the depiction itself, but surrounding the scene were flames.
"The eighth, of the Eight, was a champion not of a noble clan, but instead of a nameless caste, and came from the south. The eighth was neither part of that initial assault, nor did held any type of influence or approval by the Helsreach clans. SHE was the one who ended the black beast's reign. I can't say I know much in the study of theology, but its said that she was a convert of some newly practiced religion, at the time. Whether or not you believe in gods or not, the one thing that can be said, is that this allowed her insight in making her blade to be more than just steel."
Adrian flipped through a few more pages, before coming to a third sketch, which he then held up showing the party, for each to see. It showed the lone dragonborn again, this time wearing black armor with two red lines, one horizontal and one vertical, intersecting each other in the middle of the torso; nearly identical to the Arbitrator's armor. She held the same sword aloft, with one hand, while a white light emanated from it. "She imbued her weapon with light and flame. Something that I know sounds like something that can be easily done in today's world, as long as you have the right coin, or know the right spells. But this was a time when such a magic was much more rare, and the purity of which could not be replicated today."
Kel looked on as Adrian swept through the tale, leaning towards the book. He tried to spy anything else on the pages in the written language of draconic as the proprietor wove his words. As he approached the end, the details falling into place, Kel closed his eyes and spoke.
"Let me hazard a guess. The First Fire, The Great Flame, The Eternal Pyre, whom my people have called Azzeal since the beginning." He shifted his weight. "The Fire was there, but we didn't always have converts..." He glanced at the others. "Perhaps I'm wrong..."
Adrian set the book down and walked over to the sword, that Uthal had noticed earlier. “Whether the power came from the blade itself, or was channeled through it from her, is anyone’s guess.” He picked up the blade, holding it, admiring it almost, as he spoke. “But it’s speculated that every Arbitrator since her, has been capable of producing the same effect, if the time should come.”
He stared for a few seconds, lost in thought, though just as quickly returned to addressing the group once more. “Is there anything else I can assist with? Purchasing wares? I would be more than happy to tell more tales of Theviranne’s ancient history, but I assume that that’s better spent for another time. Perhaps when you return from your journey.”
Adrian set down the blade. “It’s a fresh forged blade. Fresh being a relative term. It was one made for the purpose, but never given to an Arbitrator. A blank slate, unnamed, untested, and still unaccomplished in its feat.” He pointed to the blank spot at the cross guard, lacking the flourish or welded depiction.
“I would assume the current Arbitrator, Pas D’armes, has his with him.”
"So all those swords in his spire belonged to past Arbitrators." Uthal stops for a moment before continuing. "But if D'armes is the last then who was this one made for?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
While up until now, Adrian has been a fountain of information, in his own right, the response to Uthal’s latest question was different to say the least. He shrugged his shoulders and looked at Uthal. However, to ease back into the standard of his character, after a brief pause, he chimed in.
”There’s nothing written about how the Arbitrator lineage works. I’d have assumed it was a bloodline thing, but the arbitrator’s are a nameless clan. They could just as well be several bloodlines, or no connection at all. I hate to admit, but I have no answer.”
Uthal looks puzzled and slightly annoyed. "So basically we just have to follow the Arbitrator to the castle and hope he can actually call upon this sacred power or everyone in the land is dead. Bloody fantastic."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Uthal had a point. While interesting, the history lesson left the party with little to go on. Anearis stepped forward towards the tome.
"There has to be more. Something that we can do to help Ser D’armes. Assist him in this battle. Otherwise, we’re all just marching to our death."
He reached for the book, flipping through its pages. Since it was written in a language he did not understand, he simply looked at the pictures in search of clues.
"I'm thinking more we follow him in, let him do his thing, and pull him out if it gets too hot so we can all live and regroup to fight another day. But hey," Atal says with a slight smile. "Maybe fate will surprise us and D'Armes will actually be able to finish off whatever is causing this mess in town, and we can come back with him as useless accessories. That would be my ideal scenario." He spreads his arms helplessly when no-one looks like they believe this will actually happen. "What? An elf can dream."
"I prefer to be an active participant in things but if we all live then that's better. We certainly can't leave a one-armed man all by himself." Uthal gestures to the hand currently half-dissected on the table.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
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Kel kept his own counsel and instead took in the surroundings. He watched as the crate was taken and a purse exchanged by a Mr. Quartermain. He watched and listened as the proprietor of the shop ferreted out answers. He moved in silence as they descended into some sort of workshop and for a moment, stood quietly looking down at a limb he severed only yesterday. He would have laughed if it wasn't something that would have drawn undue attention to him. Kel opened his mouth to speak, thought better of it, and instead shifted the weight of his gear bag with a short sigh. Deciding to forgo the obvious and the pun, Kel spoke, glancing up from the hand to the proprietor.
"Well, if there are books to be gone through, let us get started."
Exitus Acta Probat
“Had I not, I doubt I would have believed him,” the man replied to the uninterested Goliath.
Uthal: 6
The weapons around the room were of either foreign looking, or ornate, or a combination of the two. Uthal noticed a sizeable warhammer on the floor in a corner, a partial inscription on it ‘Whosoever holds this hammer, if they be worthy, shall possess the power of …’ One final word of the inscription appeared to be worn away. The other potential weapon of interest was a large sword laying on one of the tables that looked much like those hanging around the interior of the Arbitrator’s spire; the only difference that where every sword held a different symbolic flourish at the cross guard, this one was blank.
“Book. Singular.” He waved his hand around the library. “Of course there are many written on the subject, though if your goal is to save the arbitrator and he has already left, then I assume time is of the essence.” He walked towards Uthal and reached around the goliath to pull a book from a stack on the same table as the sword. He allowed two books to tumble to the ground as he returned with one in hand. “Rather than swimming through a sea of shit, in search of one or two worthwhile truths. I suggest using what time you have with the trickle from a legitimate source. The beast may not be the primary topic, but you’ll likely find what you need within it.” He set the book on the table, it was a simple leather bound book, smaller in size than most, and in black ink on the front it said ‘Helsreach’
After reading the title of the book, Anearis looked at the shop owner quizzically. "Forgive my ignorance. This land is not familiar to me. What is this ‘Helsreach’? I do not believe I have heard this name before when discussing the Black Beast."
He quickly glanced around at his companion to see if they shared his lack of knowledge.
"Huh," Atal says, inspecting the flayed hand. "Glad you got the little bastard after all. … you mind if I dip a few more of my arrowheads in the blood of this thing, Mr... uh... did we ever get your name?" he asks, pointing from a safe distance away at the black ooze dripping out of the creature. He's not particularly concerned about the word games Mr. Perfect was playing with them; the man caught and killed the Demon Hand, and so Atal is willing to cut him some slack for the good deed.
The room is interesting enough for Atal to spare a glance around at his surroundings.
(Because everyone is doing it, and I feel left out! Perception: 18)
When Perfect presents the book, Atal hovers close by in order to read with everyone else. "Straight and to the point. I like that," Atal says to the shopkeeper as he flips open the book carefully and begins skimming the contents.
(For Anaeris: has Atal ever heard anything about Helsreach is before? Would that be history? Clawing something out of his trance from the communal memory of elves? IDK just take the roll or leave it :P 15 )
"Tepes, Adrian Tepes. And forgive me, but I'd rather contain the secretion, as much as possible. At least until we truly understand what more it can do."
Seemingly ready to answer Anearis's question, before it had been asked, the man responded. "Unless one of you is an ancient scholar, I wouldn't expect you to be familiar with the name. It's where you are standing right now. Helsreach is, WAS, the territory in which the dragon clans were in power. The Arbitrator's Spire is the only thing remaining, and even that was rebuilt hundreds of years ago, so truly, only its base was original stone. This was back in a time when dragonborn could not only trace their heritage back to a specific type of dragon, but to a specific individual dragon itself."
He looked down to the book, showing the most emotion you'd seen from him thus far. A look of both sorrow and respect. "Much has happened since then. With the exception of the Arbitrator, who really has no choice in the matter, you'd be hardpressed to find a dragon born anywhere on Therivanne, that can trace back to Helreach, now." He let out a short chuckle, though it seemed forced. "In fact, I think the only thing that's stood the test of time, is that damn child's song, 'Seven Dragons and a Baby.’ This book is an abridged history, compiled from multiple sources. And it includes the creation of the eight, as well as the downfall of Aaaargh."
As Anearis listened to the shop owner, he found himself with more question after than before. What were those 'Eight' he mentionned? He also had never heard the child’s song he mentioned. Perhaps the book could provide the answers.
"Maybe we should try finding out how the Beast was trapped the first time around. Perhaps that could hint at some form of weakness?"
Uthal looks down at Adrian. "You're going to need to give us more than your average folk. I believe the horned one is the only one of us who may be familiar with anything. These three are new to the continent and I haven't been in the kingdom long. I come from the clans. We aren't the most educated group on things that folks here consider common knowledge."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"Don't sell yourselves short. If you're new to the continent, simply 'uninformed' may be more appropriate. Everything of use that can be offered, is within these pages." Adrian replied to Uthal, but addressed the entire group as he did. "You can read draconic and celestial, correct?" "Nevermind, I'll save you the trouble and only provide the important or fun parts." Answering his own, possibly rhetoric question, Adrian flips through the pages, and begins talking, though never actually looking at the pages.
"The origin of the black beast is something unknown. It was just there all of a sudden, it's reach already widespread. What it is exactly is difficult, because even reliable sources refer to its actions and influences metaphorically as much as literally. Some compare its influence to the spread of a poison, transferred by its touch, infecting all; while others talk about it as a disease that infects and controls its minions who then do the physical spreading."
He turned to a page showing a sketch of seven dragonborn clad in armor, and holding swords similar to those within the Arbitrator's Spire, as well as the sword on the table just feet away from the group. The dragonborn all had very pronounced features, looking more like the mythical beasts themselves, than the scaly plain features of those one may see today.
"The eight were originally seven champion warriors, one from each of the seven noble clans that made up the upperclasses of Helreach. There were more before the initial invasion of Helsreach, but that is a different story altogether. The seven champions led an assault on the castle, destroying much of the structure and legions of undead as they did. However, they alone entered to throne chamber of the black beast. None survived. Reports from that initial assault spread through the population, rumors that while the clan's armies easily dispatched of thousands of the beast's minions, no blade could hurt the beast. No matter how many times the champions landed a strike, it did nothing. The beast felt no pain and continued on, as if nothing had happened."
A few pages later, another sketch showed the back of a lone dragonborn, wearing common clothing and holding a hammer above his head, as one of the swords rested on an anvil. It's unclear whether it was as a frame around the picture, or part of the depiction itself, but surrounding the scene were flames.
"The eighth, of the Eight, was a champion not of a noble clan, but instead of a nameless caste, and came from the south. The eighth was neither part of that initial assault, nor did held any type of influence or approval by the Helsreach clans. SHE was the one who ended the black beast's reign. I can't say I know much in the study of theology, but its said that she was a convert of some newly practiced religion, at the time. Whether or not you believe in gods or not, the one thing that can be said, is that this allowed her insight in making her blade to be more than just steel."
Adrian flipped through a few more pages, before coming to a third sketch, which he then held up showing the party, for each to see. It showed the lone dragonborn again, this time wearing black armor with two red lines, one horizontal and one vertical, intersecting each other in the middle of the torso; nearly identical to the Arbitrator's armor. She held the same sword aloft, with one hand, while a white light emanated from it. "She imbued her weapon with light and flame. Something that I know sounds like something that can be easily done in today's world, as long as you have the right coin, or know the right spells. But this was a time when such a magic was much more rare, and the purity of which could not be replicated today."
Uthal scratches his chin. "Is there any knowledge of what god she prayed to that allowed her to access this magic?"
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Kel looked on as Adrian swept through the tale, leaning towards the book. He tried to spy anything else on the pages in the written language of draconic as the proprietor wove his words. As he approached the end, the details falling into place, Kel closed his eyes and spoke.
"Let me hazard a guess. The First Fire, The Great Flame, The Eternal Pyre, whom my people have called Azzeal since the beginning." He shifted his weight. "The Fire was there, but we didn't always have converts..." He glanced at the others. "Perhaps I'm wrong..."
Exitus Acta Probat
Adrian set the book down and walked over to the sword, that Uthal had noticed earlier. “Whether the power came from the blade itself, or was channeled through it from her, is anyone’s guess.” He picked up the blade, holding it, admiring it almost, as he spoke. “But it’s speculated that every Arbitrator since her, has been capable of producing the same effect, if the time should come.”
He stared for a few seconds, lost in thought, though just as quickly returned to addressing the group once more. “Is there anything else I can assist with? Purchasing wares? I would be more than happy to tell more tales of Theviranne’s ancient history, but I assume that that’s better spent for another time. Perhaps when you return from your journey.”
Uthal looks at the blade in his hand. "Is that the blade you have there? In that case why did the Arbitrator not take it with him when he went?"
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Adrian set down the blade. “It’s a fresh forged blade. Fresh being a relative term. It was one made for the purpose, but never given to an Arbitrator. A blank slate, unnamed, untested, and still unaccomplished in its feat.” He pointed to the blank spot at the cross guard, lacking the flourish or welded depiction.
“I would assume the current Arbitrator, Pas D’armes, has his with him.”
"So all those swords in his spire belonged to past Arbitrators." Uthal stops for a moment before continuing. "But if D'armes is the last then who was this one made for?"
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
While up until now, Adrian has been a fountain of information, in his own right, the response to Uthal’s latest question was different to say the least. He shrugged his shoulders and looked at Uthal. However, to ease back into the standard of his character, after a brief pause, he chimed in.
”There’s nothing written about how the Arbitrator lineage works. I’d have assumed it was a bloodline thing, but the arbitrator’s are a nameless clan. They could just as well be several bloodlines, or no connection at all. I hate to admit, but I have no answer.”
Uthal looks puzzled and slightly annoyed. "So basically we just have to follow the Arbitrator to the castle and hope he can actually call upon this sacred power or everyone in the land is dead. Bloody fantastic."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Uthal had a point. While interesting, the history lesson left the party with little to go on. Anearis stepped forward towards the tome.
"There has to be more. Something that we can do to help Ser D’armes. Assist him in this battle. Otherwise, we’re all just marching to our death."
He reached for the book, flipping through its pages. Since it was written in a language he did not understand, he simply looked at the pictures in search of clues.
"Well, we can make sure he doesn't get knifed and robbed by brigands on the way. I'm not fond of leaving my life up to fate after that, though."
"I'm thinking more we follow him in, let him do his thing, and pull him out if it gets too hot so we can all live and regroup to fight another day. But hey," Atal says with a slight smile. "Maybe fate will surprise us and D'Armes will actually be able to finish off whatever is causing this mess in town, and we can come back with him as useless accessories. That would be my ideal scenario." He spreads his arms helplessly when no-one looks like they believe this will actually happen. "What? An elf can dream."
"I prefer to be an active participant in things but if we all live then that's better. We certainly can't leave a one-armed man all by himself." Uthal gestures to the hand currently half-dissected on the table.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne