Candlekeep Mysteries Group 2

Barbär gives a nod of acknowledgement, but his attention is draw to the book that seems to be speaking out loud. Not knowing too many spells that hold recordings or even something sentient to be transferred onto a book, he wracks his brain...

Arcana w20 (does it seem portal-y?)

Quote from CrispyDM >>

When Hino 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?” 

 “I feel sexy and unbelievably desired right now!” Hino responds back to the book. 

Orvok arrives up, slightly out of breath having taken a moment to don his armour, and then rushing to catch up. 'What's this I hear about Falthrax? Missing?'

Perception: 12

Despite his exertion he notices Hino paying *significantly* more attention than usual to the book, and immediately moves to distract her from it

'Perhaps you shoud let me take that until we know if it's dangerous, Hino...?' he says, reaching out for the book.

Hino tosses the boring book to Orvok.  "Seems broken, anyway.  I already know I'm drop dead gorgeous.  I don't need no book tellin' me so!"

When Orvok holds The Price of Beauty and gazes into the mirror, the image of Sune replaces your own reflection and speaks in a soft voice, saying, “Well met, dearest one. How do you feel today?” 

Orvok places the book, front-down, on a table next to him. 'What do we know about what Fathrax had found, Lorris?' he asks, looking at the book with a (well-earned) sense of distrust...

I know this place is book-centric, but there are so many oddities here. Clearly those who have turned these books in as admittance into the city care not for those who receive them. If this book can somehow open a portal or the like, where would it even lead?

"Perhaps I can learn some answers for us." Says Emporious. He places his left hand on the book while he holds an owl feather and a pearl in the right. He begins the ritual casting of identify by waving the feather and pearl over his left hand. Occasionally he taps the book with feather while slowly chanting "Dic hoc secreta cognoscere"

A minute later he looks up and shares what was revealed to the rest.

Orvok places the book, front-down, on a table next to him. 'What do we know about what Fathrax had found, Lorris?' he asks, looking at the book with a (well-earned) sense of distrust...
"That's just it! Nothing! I have not seen him for days." he admits.

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.” The book is obviously magical - and some sort of conduit to another place. Perhaps speaking with Sune in the mirror might activate it in some way? 

Emporious turns the book over snd tries his luck with the mirror. When asked how he feels he answers, "Unhappy,  Falthrax is missing."

"Unhappy? Come! Rest at the Temple of the Restful Lily. Wash your unhappiness away."

A portal explodes into existence to your left. Beyond is a gorgeous trail that leads to a large structure off in the distance. You can hear birds and smell lilies.

Emporious eyes the portal warily. "Uhh...I'm not going in there till I know we can get back." he says as he takes a couple steps back.

Hino cups her hands together, megaphone style, and yells into the newly formed portal “Falthrax!  Falthrax?!  You in there?”

No answer.

Is that what its supposed to look like? Im sorry, I've never been. Also never met any book that claims to be an object of a God...

Barbär, from about 10 feet back, peers into the portal. (First insight on the book, 14, and a perception into the portal, 5)

"Perhaps this Fathrax is at the Temple of the Restful Lily?" and Mav walks through the portal

Not to be left behind, Hino jumps in to the portal just after Mav. 

Barbär shakes his head in disbelief

Well, compatriots, it looks like we have yet another mystery on our hands.

And will step in as well

Isa, being a day late and a gold coin short for the party, comes strolling in right as Emporious says 'Unhappy, Falthrax is missing' and a portal appears to his left.  "Oh, hey, another portal to explore!" she exclaims not knowing anything that is going on.  "What's on the other side of THIS portal?"

"Well I guess we don't have a choice now." mutters the mage. "Might as well follow them lass." he says to Isa. He scoops up the book and will follow Isa through the portal. On Emporious' shoulder Archie ruffles his feathers a bit as the mage steps through.