Varnyr takes the book and unlocks the trap door that leads out of the cellar. "Thank you all for helping us with this cursed book. We're hoping it won't be a problem anymore. I'll take it and have it locked up in Candlekeep's secure vaults. It won't be a problem anymore. Crinkle?" she turns to the kenku. "No more opening up strange books."Crinkle lowers her head. Point taken. "Hopefully now we'll all have a pleasant night."
Ecko’s eyes alighted with glee as Shemshime was summarily Shemsquished. The ditty Ecko had been singing is immediately replaced by another one - in Auran, presumably - that is just as annoying an infectious. At least Ecko’s has zero chance of spreading a plague. Probably.
He then nervously turns towards Ysabell. He runs a hand through the ruffled feathers on his back in nervousness - really, the only person who made Ecko scared was the ntimidating Elf. Even if she didn’t direct any animosity towards Ecko. “That thing was undead, right? Is your queen happy?” A beat. “Are you happy? Can you even be happy? Not sure if that’s insensitive or not, but Hupperdookians know how to live a good life. Have you ever been to a party, Ysabell? You don’t seem like you have. And those are the people who should be going to parties,” he babbles, scatterbrained head moving along several tangents as his beak struggles to mimic as quickly as his mind belts out words.
"Well, I'm glad it all worked out. And it's good to know that the book will be locked up as well." she shared to Varnyr. "I think we will take this as our cue to leave though if there's nothing else?" Without waiting for an answer, she walked past the man to scoop up Little Nameless before heading up and out of the the cellar. Once the party had a bit of separation from the inhabitants of Firefly Cellar, she turned to the party and commented lightly to the others, "I think this whole keep needs to be locked up at the rate these books cause havoc."
Waiting for the Kenku to finish speaking, Ysabell smiled at Ecko before replying. "It didn't seem undead. To be honest I haven't the foggiest what it might've been; probably just your run-of-the-mill extra-dimensional horror. And the Goddess is never pleased. Nor is she ever truly angry, sad or excited. She simply is." She replied as if that answered the question.
"As for your other questions..." she paused for a beat as she thought, "... I've never thought of it before. But yes, I suppose I am quite happy. I've enjoyed our time together so far. It's probably the longest I've been with the same group besides my sibling priests which has been a nice. And of course I've been to a party." Ysabell added lightly. "There were many that I've attended to celebrate the wisdom and grace of Pharasma." Were they anything remotely like those Ecko experienced in Hupperdook (or even truly a party) was the real question.
”Mammering harpy I might be. I need to check in with the scholars - it’s about time. I have a few spells I‘m working on that I think you’ll enjoy,” he winks. Oh, the joys of Magic Weapon and Haste.
Great idea! I think we've spent enough time in here already.
”And you! Eralynn! Come on, there’s a scroll I should show you. For Sending! It’ll allow you to speak - limited, of course - but in other people’s minds!” A mischievous grin spreads across his avian features. “You’ll be able to talk to people whenever you want. Even if they don’t want you to. There’s no distance limit.”
Eralynn gives you a look like you ****in' cray cray, dude. That would redefine her whole...well...charm? However. She was curious. She was scared of the notion of hearing her voice, or others hearing it. It had literally been over twenty years since she uttered a word audibly. It scared her. Suddenly, she was terribly insecure. Yet, intrigued.
"Sure! It's just a spell. Think of a few words and whoever you specify hears them. Come on, I've been needing to pick up a few scrolls - Blink and Tiny hut..." Ecko rattles on about far too many spells, jumping between explanations of different spells at random. Truly, it is difficult to keep up with his absentminded self, but Ecko does his best to explain how the Sending spell works as he climbs outside and begins trotting towards the spellbook vendor.
Ecko makes a face at Ysabell's words. It wasn't offensive. Just surprised. "Come on, Ysabell. I'm sure there's a party in Candlekeep somewhere. Maybe a rave!" Ecko replies. "Worshiping isn't celebrating. Well, worshiping can be an excuse to celebrate and have some fun - but do you really need an excuse? I sure don't." Ecko rambles off on some more tangents, really only happy to get the chance to talk.
"Sure! It's just a spell. Think of a few words and whoever you specify hears them. Come on, I've been needing to pick up a few scrolls - Blink and Tiny hut..." Eraylnn considered the notion for many minutes and followed Ecko to wherever he wanted to go.
(Go ahead and do whatever you guys would like. I'm hoping to start the next mystery by the weekend, maybe sooner!)
Ecko makes a face at Ysabell's words. It wasn't offensive. Just surprised. "Come on, Ysabell. I'm sure there's a party in Candlekeep somewhere. Maybe a rave!" Ecko replies. "Worshiping isn't celebrating. Well, worshiping can be an excuse to celebrate and have some fun - but do you really need an excuse? I sure don't." Ecko rambles off on some more tangents, really only happy to get the chance to talk.
"To each their own I suppose Ecko." Ysabell replied lightly. "And perhaps at some point you can show us all just how you Hooperdookian's like to celebrate." She added on afterwards; Little Nameless also poked his head out of his traveling case to meow twice in agreement!
Ysa would spend the next (fill in the number of) day(s) continuing to research cures for the plague that originally brought her here; eventually feeling confidant enough to begin practical tests and experimentation. She'd also spend a bit of time continuing to search for a proper name for Little Nameless (though that seemed tougher to her than defeating a plague!)
"Generally a party means ya get ta drink and I'm all fer that." Garmus adds as he follows along behind the group, tuning out everything else that Ecko is blabbering on about. He has little use for information on magic.
A nervous muttering precedes the approach of one of the Avowed behind you, Ysa, as you're researching. An older man is scanning the tomes on the surrounding shelves right next to you as he draws near to you. “She must have been here … I don’t understand …”he murmurs as he catches sight of you.
“Ah. Forgive this disturbance,”the acolyte says. “But I’m looking for …”He stops short as he catches sight of a book called The Price of Beauty. “Yes, I’m looking for that.” Then, looking over to you, the acolyte appears saddened. “But you haven’t seen anyone else … well, you haven’t seen Falthrax, have you?”
"I'm sorry we haven't..." Ysa replied to the Avowed, looking up from her stack of books; Little Nameless seemingly shaking it's little head as well. "I've been quite busy with my own work. But I suppose I could keep and eye out for this person if you'd like?" She politely offered. "What are they like?"
Ecko, in his own rite, rapidly traveled between Candlekeep's bakery and Candlekeep's spellbook vendor with all sorts of baked goods stickying up his jet-black feathers and the scrolls he carries. A mage hand holds aloft and copies some spells as Ecko walks.
I had previously purchased Blur and Tiny Hut. Would any other spells be on the table for purchase and copy?
"I'm sorry we haven't..."Ysa replied to the Avowed, looking up from her stack of books; Little Nameless seemingly shaking it's little head as well. "I've been quite busy with my own work. But I suppose I could keep and eye out for this person if you'd like?" She politely offered. "What are they like?"
"That would be fantastic! I am Lorris. I'm searching for a missing friend, Falthrax Loderr. He is a shield dwarf acolyte whom I last saw two days before."Lorris is clearly upset but maintains his composure as he shares the following information. "Falthrax is a dear friend who has been troubled of late by depression; he talked of feeling as though his life is passing him by. His mood had improved in the last tenday after he discovered a book, here, in the Candlekeep stacks—The Price of Beauty. Already a worshiper of Sune, god of beauty, Falthrax talked of how the book spoke to him, and how its advice on meditation and self-worth was helping him. The last time I saw Falthrax, he was in a sad mood and said that he was going to spend time with the book. Falthrax didn’t return to his quarters that night and hasn’t been seen since. He was noticed entering the stacks where The Price of Beauty is kept, here, but no one saw him leave. I think this book might be some sort of portal!"
The book is most likely literally talking to him, Ysa thought to herself though she did not share that with the upset Lorris. "I see. Well, I'll make sure to keep an eye out for this person then. And if my friends are interested, they may come and investigate themselves." Not having anything more to say she'd give Lorris a polite nod and return to her studies (unless he's got more to say to her)
"So apparently, there's another book that leads to another realm or plane." Ysa shared with her friends later in that day when she next ran into them. "And it sounded like the book was talking to this Falthrax as well, maybe even charming him. The books here really are frightening." she added lightly
"Who da thought a bunch books could be so blasted dangerous. Never thought I go from huntin' criminals ta huntin' books." Garmus shakes his head in bewilderment. "Well, guess it gives me somethin' ta do! I suppose we better check it out and see what it's all about."
Ecko dusts off some crumbs - clearly from numerous different treats - and pipes up when he hears about another book leading to a potential interdimensional space. "Really? I enjoy being sucked into a book. I didn't know they meant it literally in Candlekeep!" he chirps, already beginning to wander off in a random direction with confidence that it was the correct one. "Let's investigate."
If we end up in another mansion i'm going to...to... Eralynn thought, but she wasn't very threatening at all, so it fizzled out and she smiled. Aw, heck. Let's go see this book.
You return to the bookshelf. The Price of Beauty is bound in soft green leather, eight inches wide and fourteen inches tall, and set with golden clasps. The book gives off the unmistakable scent of lilies. Set into its cover is a polished oval mirror with a delicate gold frame styled like locks of hair, which appear to spill down around the face of anyone who looks into the mirror.
The book is filled with beautiful illustrations of woodland scenes, art, and jewelry. Delicate handwriting accompanies the illustrations, in the form of short prayers and meditations dedicated to seeking self-worth, techniques for massage and healing, and recipes for creating balms and cosmetics.
On the last page is an inscription by the author, Sylvarie Silversong, which reads: “A mirror is a gateway to happiness, truth, and to accepting ourselves.”
You have an overwhelming desire to look in the mirror.
Ecko curiously eyes the strange book. "Lilies," he utters once before violently sneezing. A few spurts of flame jets from his armor and shield as several blades that look totally unsafe spring up from somewhere, caused by Ecko inadvertently hitting some buttons from the sudden motion. He shrugs.
"The book is quite pretty, but-"Ecko begins before his attention is captured elsewhere. He looks into the mirror and narrows his eyes as he approaches his worst enemy.
When Ecko holds The Price of Beauty and gazes into the mirror, the image of Sune replaces their own reflection and speaks in a soft voice, saying, “Well met, dearest one. How do you feel today?”
Eralynn visibly startles, astonished at what has just happened.
"Incredible!" Ecko exclaims. He wasn't answering the question; simply surprised at the thing. He approaches, not an air of concern around him. His eyes flicker over the construction of the mirror. "Who are you? What are you? Who made this? How was this made? Are you real? An illusion? Construct? Conjuration magic, maybe, or Illusion? Ah! Enchantment, perhaps. How did you get here? Why are you in a book? I mean, sure, I like to get immersed in my literature, but you're on a whole new level!" A breath. "My apologies. I'm a curious Kenku. How are you?"
"Ach! Put that thing down before it eats ya or somethin'!" Garmus yells, trying to grab the book from Ecko but missing due to the Kenku's excited, jerky motions.
"Incredible!" Ecko exclaims. He wasn't answering the question; simply surprised at the thing. He approaches, not an air of concern around him. His eyes flicker over the construction of the mirror."Who are you? What are you? Who made this? How was this made? Are you real? An illusion? Construct? Conjuration magic, maybe, or Illusion? Ah! Enchantment, perhaps. How did you get here? Why are you in a book? I mean, sure, I like to get immersed in my literature, but you're on a whole new level!" A breath."My apologies. I'm a curious Kenku. How are you?"
The woman in the mirror goes to answer, but with the string of questions, it's difficult to get a word in.
"Ach! Put that thing down before it eats ya or somethin'!" Garmus yells, trying to grab the book from Ecko but missing due to the Kenku's excited, jerky motions.
"And you, my friend. You seem tense, agitated. If rest, relaxation, or transformation is what you need, then follow the lilies, dearest one. I am sure Sylvarie will see to your needs.”
The mirror then glows softly, and a 5-foot-wide, 7-foot-high portal appears to your right. Eralynn takes a step back. The portal appears to leads to an old woodland trail marked by posts that resemble sculpted stone lilies. As the characters will discover, the portal leads to a temple and bathhouse run by three elf sisters, where all is not as it seems.
"My word!! Maybe that's where Falthrax went?" Lorris exclaims.
"Looks like we're going into another book then." Ysa replied rather matter-of-factly after the portal appeared. "Please take care of him until we return if you would." She told Lorris as she handed little Nameless over to him. Then pulling out her Scythe, normal sized though gleaming particularly bright at the moment, she turned to the group and said, "Well into the portal we go again." before nonchalantly walking through to the woodland trail beyond.
"Well, I'm glad it all worked out. And it's good to know that the book will be locked up as well." she shared to Varnyr. "I think we will take this as our cue to leave though if there's nothing else?" Without waiting for an answer, she walked past the man to scoop up Little Nameless before heading up and out of the the cellar. Once the party had a bit of separation from the inhabitants of Firefly Cellar, she turned to the party and commented lightly to the others, "I think this whole keep needs to be locked up at the rate these books cause havoc."
Waiting for the Kenku to finish speaking, Ysabell smiled at Ecko before replying. "It didn't seem undead. To be honest I haven't the foggiest what it might've been; probably just your run-of-the-mill extra-dimensional horror. And the Goddess is never pleased. Nor is she ever truly angry, sad or excited. She simply is." She replied as if that answered the question.
"As for your other questions..." she paused for a beat as she thought, "... I've never thought of it before. But yes, I suppose I am quite happy. I've enjoyed our time together so far. It's probably the longest I've been with the same group besides my sibling priests which has been a nice. And of course I've been to a party." Ysabell added lightly. "There were many that I've attended to celebrate the wisdom and grace of Pharasma." Were they anything remotely like those Ecko experienced in Hupperdook (or even truly a party) was the real question.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
”Mammering harpy I might be. I need to check in with the scholars - it’s about time. I have a few spells I‘m working on that I think you’ll enjoy,” he winks. Oh, the joys of Magic Weapon and Haste.
Great idea! I think we've spent enough time in here already.
”And you! Eralynn! Come on, there’s a scroll I should show you. For Sending! It’ll allow you to speak - limited, of course - but in other people’s minds!” A mischievous grin spreads across his avian features. “You’ll be able to talk to people whenever you want. Even if they don’t want you to. There’s no distance limit.”
Eralynn gives you a look like you ****in' cray cray, dude. That would redefine her whole...well...charm? However. She was curious. She was scared of the notion of hearing her voice, or others hearing it. It had literally been over twenty years since she uttered a word audibly. It scared her. Suddenly, she was terribly insecure. Yet, intrigued.
Tell me more, you harpy, she teased.
"Sure! It's just a spell. Think of a few words and whoever you specify hears them. Come on, I've been needing to pick up a few scrolls - Blink and Tiny hut..." Ecko rattles on about far too many spells, jumping between explanations of different spells at random. Truly, it is difficult to keep up with his absentminded self, but Ecko does his best to explain how the Sending spell works as he climbs outside and begins trotting towards the spellbook vendor.
Ecko makes a face at Ysabell's words. It wasn't offensive. Just surprised. "Come on, Ysabell. I'm sure there's a party in Candlekeep somewhere. Maybe a rave!" Ecko replies. "Worshiping isn't celebrating. Well, worshiping can be an excuse to celebrate and have some fun - but do you really need an excuse? I sure don't." Ecko rambles off on some more tangents, really only happy to get the chance to talk.
"Sure! It's just a spell. Think of a few words and whoever you specify hears them. Come on, I've been needing to pick up a few scrolls - Blink and Tiny hut..."
Eraylnn considered the notion for many minutes and followed Ecko to wherever he wanted to go.
(Go ahead and do whatever you guys would like. I'm hoping to start the next mystery by the weekend, maybe sooner!)
"To each their own I suppose Ecko." Ysabell replied lightly. "And perhaps at some point you can show us all just how you Hooperdookian's like to celebrate." She added on afterwards; Little Nameless also poked his head out of his traveling case to meow twice in agreement!
Ysa would spend the next (fill in the number of) day(s) continuing to research cures for the plague that originally brought her here; eventually feeling confidant enough to begin practical tests and experimentation. She'd also spend a bit of time continuing to search for a proper name for Little Nameless (though that seemed tougher to her than defeating a plague!)
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"Generally a party means ya get ta drink and I'm all fer that." Garmus adds as he follows along behind the group, tuning out everything else that Ecko is blabbering on about. He has little use for information on magic.
CANDLEKEEP MYSTERIES - THE PRICE OF BEAUTY
A nervous muttering precedes the approach of one of the Avowed behind you, Ysa, as you're researching. An older man is scanning the tomes on the surrounding shelves right next to you as he draws near to you. “She must have been here … I don’t understand …” he murmurs as he catches sight of you.
“Ah. Forgive this disturbance,” the acolyte says. “But I’m looking for …” He stops short as he catches sight of a book called The Price of Beauty. “Yes, I’m looking for that.” Then, looking over to you, the acolyte appears saddened. “But you haven’t seen anyone else … well, you haven’t seen Falthrax, have you?”
"I'm sorry we haven't..." Ysa replied to the Avowed, looking up from her stack of books; Little Nameless seemingly shaking it's little head as well. "I've been quite busy with my own work. But I suppose I could keep and eye out for this person if you'd like?" She politely offered. "What are they like?"
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Ecko, in his own rite, rapidly traveled between Candlekeep's bakery and Candlekeep's spellbook vendor with all sorts of baked goods stickying up his jet-black feathers and the scrolls he carries. A mage hand holds aloft and copies some spells as Ecko walks.
I had previously purchased Blur and Tiny Hut. Would any other spells be on the table for purchase and copy?
(Sure.)
"I'm sorry we haven't..." Ysa replied to the Avowed, looking up from her stack of books; Little Nameless seemingly shaking it's little head as well. "I've been quite busy with my own work. But I suppose I could keep and eye out for this person if you'd like?" She politely offered. "What are they like?"
"That would be fantastic! I am Lorris. I'm searching for a missing friend, Falthrax Loderr. He is a shield dwarf acolyte whom I last saw two days before." Lorris is clearly upset but maintains his composure as he shares the following information. "Falthrax is a dear friend who has been troubled of late by depression; he talked of feeling as though his life is passing him by. His mood had improved in the last tenday after he discovered a book, here, in the Candlekeep stacks—The Price of Beauty. Already a worshiper of Sune, god of beauty, Falthrax talked of how the book spoke to him, and how its advice on meditation and self-worth was helping him. The last time I saw Falthrax, he was in a sad mood and said that he was going to spend time with the book. Falthrax didn’t return to his quarters that night and hasn’t been seen since. He was noticed entering the stacks where The Price of Beauty is kept, here, but no one saw him leave. I think this book might be some sort of portal!"
The book is most likely literally talking to him, Ysa thought to herself though she did not share that with the upset Lorris. "I see. Well, I'll make sure to keep an eye out for this person then. And if my friends are interested, they may come and investigate themselves." Not having anything more to say she'd give Lorris a polite nod and return to her studies (unless he's got more to say to her)
"So apparently, there's another book that leads to another realm or plane." Ysa shared with her friends later in that day when she next ran into them. "And it sounded like the book was talking to this Falthrax as well, maybe even charming him. The books here really are frightening." she added lightly
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"Who da thought a bunch books could be so blasted dangerous. Never thought I go from huntin' criminals ta huntin' books." Garmus shakes his head in bewilderment. "Well, guess it gives me somethin' ta do! I suppose we better check it out and see what it's all about."
Ecko dusts off some crumbs - clearly from numerous different treats - and pipes up when he hears about another book leading to a potential interdimensional space. "Really? I enjoy being sucked into a book. I didn't know they meant it literally in Candlekeep!" he chirps, already beginning to wander off in a random direction with confidence that it was the correct one. "Let's investigate."
If we end up in another mansion i'm going to...to... Eralynn thought, but she wasn't very threatening at all, so it fizzled out and she smiled. Aw, heck. Let's go see this book.
You return to the bookshelf. The Price of Beauty is bound in soft green leather, eight inches wide and fourteen inches tall, and set with golden clasps. The book gives off the unmistakable scent of lilies. Set into its cover is a polished oval mirror with a delicate gold frame styled like locks of hair, which appear to spill down around the face of anyone who looks into the mirror.
The book is filled with beautiful illustrations of woodland scenes, art, and jewelry. Delicate handwriting accompanies the illustrations, in the form of short prayers and meditations dedicated to seeking self-worth, techniques for massage and healing, and recipes for creating balms and cosmetics.
On the last page is an inscription by the author, Sylvarie Silversong, which reads: “A mirror is a gateway to happiness, truth, and to accepting ourselves.”
You have an overwhelming desire to look in the mirror.
Ecko curiously eyes the strange book. "Lilies," he utters once before violently sneezing. A few spurts of flame jets from his armor and shield as several blades that look totally unsafe spring up from somewhere, caused by Ecko inadvertently hitting some buttons from the sudden motion. He shrugs.
"The book is quite pretty, but-" Ecko begins before his attention is captured elsewhere. He looks into the mirror and narrows his eyes as he approaches his worst enemy.
When Ecko holds The Price of Beauty and gazes into the mirror, the image of Sune replaces their own reflection and speaks in a soft voice, saying, “Well met, dearest one. How do you feel today?”
Eralynn visibly startles, astonished at what has just happened.
"Incredible!" Ecko exclaims. He wasn't answering the question; simply surprised at the thing. He approaches, not an air of concern around him. His eyes flicker over the construction of the mirror. "Who are you? What are you? Who made this? How was this made? Are you real? An illusion? Construct? Conjuration magic, maybe, or Illusion? Ah! Enchantment, perhaps. How did you get here? Why are you in a book? I mean, sure, I like to get immersed in my literature, but you're on a whole new level!" A breath. "My apologies. I'm a curious Kenku. How are you?"
"Ach! Put that thing down before it eats ya or somethin'!" Garmus yells, trying to grab the book from Ecko but missing due to the Kenku's excited, jerky motions.
"Incredible!" Ecko exclaims. He wasn't answering the question; simply surprised at the thing. He approaches, not an air of concern around him. His eyes flicker over the construction of the mirror. "Who are you? What are you? Who made this? How was this made? Are you real? An illusion? Construct? Conjuration magic, maybe, or Illusion? Ah! Enchantment, perhaps. How did you get here? Why are you in a book? I mean, sure, I like to get immersed in my literature, but you're on a whole new level!" A breath. "My apologies. I'm a curious Kenku. How are you?"
The woman in the mirror goes to answer, but with the string of questions, it's difficult to get a word in.
"Ach! Put that thing down before it eats ya or somethin'!" Garmus yells, trying to grab the book from Ecko but missing due to the Kenku's excited, jerky motions.
"And you, my friend. You seem tense, agitated. If rest, relaxation, or transformation is what you need, then follow the lilies, dearest one. I am sure Sylvarie will see to your needs.”
The mirror then glows softly, and a 5-foot-wide, 7-foot-high portal appears to your right. Eralynn takes a step back. The portal appears to leads to an old woodland trail marked by posts that resemble sculpted stone lilies. As the characters will discover, the portal leads to a temple and bathhouse run by three elf sisters, where all is not as it seems.
"My word!! Maybe that's where Falthrax went?" Lorris exclaims.
"Looks like we're going into another book then." Ysa replied rather matter-of-factly after the portal appeared. "Please take care of him until we return if you would." She told Lorris as she handed little Nameless over to him. Then pulling out her Scythe, normal sized though gleaming particularly bright at the moment, she turned to the group and said, "Well into the portal we go again." before nonchalantly walking through to the woodland trail beyond.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM