"It seems we should return to our books and tomes then." Ludolf says plainly, looking around for the cherry pie to arrive. "We should at least look more into this Haunter Pardot mentioned, this phenomena with heads exploding due to something bursting out of them, and see if we can find out anything more about this Jack Walters. I suspect the creature that embeds itself into the brains has some control over them before bursting out. That would explain Crinkle's behaviour and why this Jack Walters came here without borrowing any books. The parasite likely wanted to get into Candlekeep for some reason. If that is the case we are hunting at least two such creatures. Bursting out through the window suggests it flies. It could of course have grown but I suspect it is still small, well unless it somehow evolves into a Man in Black that is. Perhaps it is even the creature that burst out of Jack Walter's head that is responsible for the attack on Matreous? But someone took the time and effort to hide the body of Jack Walters, suggesting another person in Candlekeep. Or maybe the creature that burst out of Jack Walters' brain then moved on into Crinkle's, using Crinkle to hide the body of Jack Walters. The hiding of Jack Walters body in the Firefly cellar suggests there was someone familiar with the place hiding it there, possibly Crinkle. We should then be prepared for the creature to take possession of someone else in Candlekeep. If we have a suspect I believe I can use my powers to ascertain whether they are infected or not. Well, we certainly have a lot of work ahead of us." Ludolf finishes his jumbled thoughts, turning to the team.
It seems so simple now that you say it out loud. Only one thing makes sense, Intellect Devourers. Only a creature of the Far Realm could hide so perfectly from your superficial mental probing. Crinkle's mind did not exist anymore, so all you found was a void. If you only you had pushed a layer deeper... you might have found it before it got away...
You know they assault one's mind and once incapacitated they transport themselves into the skull of the host feeding on the brain while assuming their victims identity. You know they are most associated with Illithids but there are rumors of them serving others. Regardless you feel rather certain one is now on the loose in Candlekeep.
(Also kudos to Kev who guessed this a few weeks ago in a DM)
"That must be it!"Ludolf suddenly exclaims, slamming his hand into the table. "There is a creature known as the Intellect Devourer that enters its victims brain, devours it and controls the victim until it moves on. We have at least one such creature loose in Candlekeep and it may already have taken a new host. It would be a slow process but if we would be given the authority to do that I could scan the minds of those present in Candlekeep to ferret out this abomination." Ludolf says, mostly thinking aloud.
He then turns to Klin. "It is perhaps not so strange Crinkle was suspicious of you considering she had an Intellect Devourer embedded in her skull. She did help the Shemshine by hiding the tome we needed to destroy it if you remember. These secret tunnels under Candlekeep though, perhaps you could tell us more about them? Maybe it is down there we will find our answers?"Ludolf says curiously.
"A creature that devours your brain before taking controlling your body?" Pardot says with a shiver. "That's nightmare fuel right there." Then listening to the good, but slow, plan to find it, asks, "Is there any other way to detect one? Or any telltale signs we might look for to help narrow down the search?"
I actually had a character here fail his save to it b/c he'd dumped in and straight up die just a couple rooms into a dungeon... them things scary!
"I'm not sure we can really go after everyone in Candlekeep to search for this thing? Wouldn't it likely be someone who was around Crinkle when her head exploded? Or can they survive outside a body for a time?" Triäsa asks, looking to Ludolf for the answers.
"It seems the Intellect Devourer broke out of the window and I believe it can move about on small legs, so I fear it might have gotten to almost anyone."Ludolf starts turned to Triäsa. "I don't know any other way to detect them, I suppose there could be some ritual detecting evil creatures or aberrations, or perhaps wards can be setup in key locations." He suggests turning to Pardot.
"Beshaba's bust. Nightmare fuel's right... What protections can one have against such a creature? Literally anyone could've been taken by this thing."
Daventry pauses. "Maybe the protections of the stars'll help... The spell works against aberrant creatures, the same as undead or fiends. I'd think your Far Realm qualifies."
Looking to the group. "Between Ludolf and the archives, we should try to find out everything we can before this thing causes more havoc."
Ludolf listens to Klin with a look of slight confusion. "Yes, I think we have established we have at least one enemy within Candlekeep, likely someone controlled by this Intellect Devourer. These secret archives though, surely someone like Bookwyrm would know about them and would help us to access them?"
Daventry gets quiet a moment. "It's been, what, a day since this thing split Crinkle like a ripe melon? It this critter is as devious and terrifying as Ludolf makes it seem to be... It has to know WE are its greatest threat. We ruined its first plan... And we damn sure aren't going to stop until we ruin its next plan as well."
She looks down, then drains the remainder of her glass in an instant. She states at the empty crystal stemware in her hand as she contemplates.
"So if I were an unfathomable body snatching node of evil, I'd pop one of my greatest foes while they were alone, take 'em for a ride, and be the knife in the dark and the wrench in the gear all at the same time. Even if I couldn't get them... I'd get someone close to them."
She glances around the table. "We can't control the rest of Candlekeep... But perhaps we can control the five of us, Fembris, and Davy. No one else allowed in our home. And no one outside alone. Not til this is settled."
Fembris listens intently to the discussion around her, "Sounds good Dav. I'll shut down entrance and tell Davy no one but the Fab Five, him and I are allowed inside. I'll get Matreous to work on the creepy brain eating thing first thing in the morning."She shudders noticeably. "He is our Far Realm expert, well besides Mr Ludolf of course. We already had alot on our plates now this... I hope we can start solving problems instead of finding new ones..."
Her eyes look weary as she stands up, "I am going to go to bed it's late. I'll see you all in the morning."
(Feel free to continue with any discussion or plans. Seems like things are winding down. I'll move you along to the next event soon. If you'd like to to add one topic to your research/one additional activity for the group with this new information that would be fine just let me know here or in the DMs what you would like to do.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa says, "From looking into helping Fistandia, it seems like we would need a wish or some divine intervention to reverse what has happened to her. Is there anyone at Candleeep that might be able to help with something like that?" She frowns a bit, "I mean, that magic is well beyond me. And I am not exactly a devout follower of any god, so I can't help there either. I guess if there is nothing else for it, I will continue to look into ways we might get a wish-like power, maybe from some artifact or something?"
(Triäsa would keep up her research but focus more on the specific things to help Fistandia. A spell, an item, maybe some ritual.)
“Though I have heard of magicks that can help locate specific creatures, the stars have not yet shown me how to do so,” Pardot says quietly in return. “But this… Intellect Devourer… Clearly something must be done. And we must all be on watch.”Then looking to Ludolf adds, “Though we cannot check the entirety of the Keep, if you are easy able to scan? people, please at least check those around us as often as possible.” Then, ready to take his leave to let his body begin to digest adds, “I will look more into this Haunter. The symbol… though I have managed to avoid it’s obvious impacts, I still cannot get it from my mind. How something so simple could be so devious…” he trails off.
Ludolf nods as he listens to the others. "Perhaps we should also go back and look into this attack on Matreous that occured while he exited Fistandia's Mansion. I admit it didn't seem so important to me at the time but I more and more get the feeling that everything that has happened to us is connected somehow. I could try to do an interview with the man about the attack and the Far Realm, while also trying to ascertain he is not become a host to this Intellect Devourer of course. Perhaps you could help me with talking to him?" He says, turning to Triäsa.
Daventry nods. "All seem good plans. I'll go for the obvious... How do you safely approach a devourer and stab it in the gods-cursed face? Anything weakness we can exploit to not end with our brains fried like an egg... Hopefully our gifts arrive soon."
She looks to Klin. "Time'll come that you and I are in the mix with this thing, for sure. Could use your help."
"It seems we should return to our books and tomes then." Ludolf says plainly, looking around for the cherry pie to arrive. "We should at least look more into this Haunter Pardot mentioned, this phenomena with heads exploding due to something bursting out of them, and see if we can find out anything more about this Jack Walters. I suspect the creature that embeds itself into the brains has some control over them before bursting out. That would explain Crinkle's behaviour and why this Jack Walters came here without borrowing any books. The parasite likely wanted to get into Candlekeep for some reason. If that is the case we are hunting at least two such creatures. Bursting out through the window suggests it flies. It could of course have grown but I suspect it is still small, well unless it somehow evolves into a Man in Black that is. Perhaps it is even the creature that burst out of Jack Walter's head that is responsible for the attack on Matreous? But someone took the time and effort to hide the body of Jack Walters, suggesting another person in Candlekeep. Or maybe the creature that burst out of Jack Walters' brain then moved on into Crinkle's, using Crinkle to hide the body of Jack Walters. The hiding of Jack Walters body in the Firefly cellar suggests there was someone familiar with the place hiding it there, possibly Crinkle. We should then be prepared for the creature to take possession of someone else in Candlekeep. If we have a suspect I believe I can use my powers to ascertain whether they are infected or not. Well, we certainly have a lot of work ahead of us." Ludolf finishes his jumbled thoughts, turning to the team.
Ludolf -- after you finish speaking your words tickle a memory of something you have read in your uncle's library. Roll arcana please, DC12.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf Arcana to catch that elusive memory: 23
Ludolf
It seems so simple now that you say it out loud. Only one thing makes sense, Intellect Devourers. Only a creature of the Far Realm could hide so perfectly from your superficial mental probing. Crinkle's mind did not exist anymore, so all you found was a void. If you only you had pushed a layer deeper... you might have found it before it got away...
You know they assault one's mind and once incapacitated they transport themselves into the skull of the host feeding on the brain while assuming their victims identity. You know they are most associated with Illithids but there are rumors of them serving others. Regardless you feel rather certain one is now on the loose in Candlekeep.
(Also kudos to Kev who guessed this a few weeks ago in a DM)
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"That must be it!" Ludolf suddenly exclaims, slamming his hand into the table. "There is a creature known as the Intellect Devourer that enters its victims brain, devours it and controls the victim until it moves on. We have at least one such creature loose in Candlekeep and it may already have taken a new host. It would be a slow process but if we would be given the authority to do that I could scan the minds of those present in Candlekeep to ferret out this abomination." Ludolf says, mostly thinking aloud.
He then turns to Klin. "It is perhaps not so strange Crinkle was suspicious of you considering she had an Intellect Devourer embedded in her skull. She did help the Shemshine by hiding the tome we needed to destroy it if you remember. These secret tunnels under Candlekeep though, perhaps you could tell us more about them? Maybe it is down there we will find our answers?" Ludolf says curiously.
"A creature that devours your brain before taking controlling your body?" Pardot says with a shiver. "That's nightmare fuel right there." Then listening to the good, but slow, plan to find it, asks, "Is there any other way to detect one? Or any telltale signs we might look for to help narrow down the search?"
I actually had a character here fail his save to it b/c he'd dumped in and straight up die just a couple rooms into a dungeon... them things scary!
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"I'm not sure we can really go after everyone in Candlekeep to search for this thing? Wouldn't it likely be someone who was around Crinkle when her head exploded? Or can they survive outside a body for a time?" Triäsa asks, looking to Ludolf for the answers.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"It seems the Intellect Devourer broke out of the window and I believe it can move about on small legs, so I fear it might have gotten to almost anyone." Ludolf starts turned to Triäsa. "I don't know any other way to detect them, I suppose there could be some ritual detecting evil creatures or aberrations, or perhaps wards can be setup in key locations." He suggests turning to Pardot.
"Beshaba's bust. Nightmare fuel's right... What protections can one have against such a creature? Literally anyone could've been taken by this thing."
Daventry pauses. "Maybe the protections of the stars'll help... The spell works against aberrant creatures, the same as undead or fiends. I'd think your Far Realm qualifies."
Looking to the group. "Between Ludolf and the archives, we should try to find out everything we can before this thing causes more havoc."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ludolf listens to Klin with a look of slight confusion. "Yes, I think we have established we have at least one enemy within Candlekeep, likely someone controlled by this Intellect Devourer. These secret archives though, surely someone like Bookwyrm would know about them and would help us to access them?"
Daventry gets quiet a moment. "It's been, what, a day since this thing split Crinkle like a ripe melon? It this critter is as devious and terrifying as Ludolf makes it seem to be... It has to know WE are its greatest threat. We ruined its first plan... And we damn sure aren't going to stop until we ruin its next plan as well."
She looks down, then drains the remainder of her glass in an instant. She states at the empty crystal stemware in her hand as she contemplates.
"So if I were an unfathomable body snatching node of evil, I'd pop one of my greatest foes while they were alone, take 'em for a ride, and be the knife in the dark and the wrench in the gear all at the same time. Even if I couldn't get them... I'd get someone close to them."
She glances around the table. "We can't control the rest of Candlekeep... But perhaps we can control the five of us, Fembris, and Davy. No one else allowed in our home. And no one outside alone. Not til this is settled."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Fembris listens intently to the discussion around her, "Sounds good Dav. I'll shut down entrance and tell Davy no one but the Fab Five, him and I are allowed inside. I'll get Matreous to work on the creepy brain eating thing first thing in the morning." She shudders noticeably. "He is our Far Realm expert, well besides Mr Ludolf of course. We already had alot on our plates now this... I hope we can start solving problems instead of finding new ones..."
Her eyes look weary as she stands up, "I am going to go to bed it's late. I'll see you all in the morning."
(Feel free to continue with any discussion or plans. Seems like things are winding down. I'll move you along to the next event soon. If you'd like to to add one topic to your research/one additional activity for the group with this new information that would be fine just let me know here or in the DMs what you would like to do.)
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa says, "From looking into helping Fistandia, it seems like we would need a wish or some divine intervention to reverse what has happened to her. Is there anyone at Candleeep that might be able to help with something like that?" She frowns a bit, "I mean, that magic is well beyond me. And I am not exactly a devout follower of any god, so I can't help there either. I guess if there is nothing else for it, I will continue to look into ways we might get a wish-like power, maybe from some artifact or something?"
(Triäsa would keep up her research but focus more on the specific things to help Fistandia. A spell, an item, maybe some ritual.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
“Though I have heard of magicks that can help locate specific creatures, the stars have not yet shown me how to do so,” Pardot says quietly in return. “But this… Intellect Devourer… Clearly something must be done. And we must all be on watch.” Then looking to Ludolf adds, “Though we cannot check the entirety of the Keep, if you are easy able to scan? people, please at least check those around us as often as possible.” Then, ready to take his leave to let his body begin to digest adds, “I will look more into this Haunter. The symbol… though I have managed to avoid it’s obvious impacts, I still cannot get it from my mind. How something so simple could be so devious…” he trails off.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Ludolf nods as he listens to the others. "Perhaps we should also go back and look into this attack on Matreous that occured while he exited Fistandia's Mansion. I admit it didn't seem so important to me at the time but I more and more get the feeling that everything that has happened to us is connected somehow. I could try to do an interview with the man about the attack and the Far Realm, while also trying to ascertain he is not become a host to this Intellect Devourer of course. Perhaps you could help me with talking to him?" He says, turning to Triäsa.
Daventry nods. "All seem good plans. I'll go for the obvious... How do you safely approach a devourer and stab it in the gods-cursed face? Anything weakness we can exploit to not end with our brains fried like an egg... Hopefully our gifts arrive soon."
She looks to Klin. "Time'll come that you and I are in the mix with this thing, for sure. Could use your help."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Triäsa nods, "Of course I will help Ludolf. Then I'll get back to seeing if I can help Fistandia. Somehow."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer