The rest of your dinner finishes quietly and the following morning Triäsa and Ludolf set out for Matreous. The rest of you go about your day reading and learning everything you can. In addition to your prior discoveries you do find a surprising amount on Intellect Devourers. In short they are nasty but soft and fragile creatures. They are denizens of the Far Realm and often act as spies and saboteurs for Mind Flayers. They can serve other masters though this is less frequent. Intellect devourers try to incapacitate a foe by draining it's intellect then gain control of the host body. They can be very difficult to detect while inside a host but you find one report of a cleric who was able to drive one out by casting protection for evil on the host body. Unfortunately, the host did not survive the experience as the brain was completely lost.
Another week and a half pass. During that time you each get small packages wrapped in white paper. Inside you find your boon's that asked of Bookwyrm with a small note in his handwriting. Thank you again for all you have done. For the sake of Candlekeep I hope your success continues.
Daventry, you package contains only the rapier, no dagger.
Two days after your packages arrive you get a summoning to the Hearth. It seems Bookwyrm is looking for you. As group you make your way to the Court of Air and find the Hearth bustling with activity. Friendly smiles greet you as you enter and even a few of the patrons come to shake your hands and pat you on the back. You get a number of offers of folks to buy you a drink or meal.
You turn down these offers though and make your way through the fan club to the second floor of the Hearth to Bookwyrm's make shift office. You knock and enter. The room is just as you remember it with one striking addition, a dwarf. The dwarf has a perfectly maintained beard that is comb and trimmed elegantly hanging to his chest. His red hair is perfectly braided with gold and silver rings worked into it. His arms and chest bulge with muscles through a light tunic. He smiles a perfect smile with glistening teeth that sparkle in the room's dim light. He smells of roses.
He looks at all of you and let's out a hearty chuckle, "Well met again my friends. It is my deep pleasure and honor to be in the presence of such, beauty." He locks eyes with first Triäsa and the Daventry. With a slight bow he moves to kiss each of the ladies hands.
Bookwyrm is there at his desk. He doesn't say anything for the moment content to let the dwarf speak and see what happens.
Triäsa gives the dwarf a slight bow and politely offers her hand to him. "You are quite kind sir. I am Triäsa Galadon, though perhaps you already knew that. I am afraid I cannot recollect your name."
She gives a quick glance to the others, wondering if they know who this might be.
Ludolf gives the foppish dwarf a cold stare as he kisses Triäsa's hand but he quickly composes himself again and gives the dwarf a polite smile. "Yes, I am certain we would have remembered meeting someone of your...grandeur." He says with a slight hint of sarcasm.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Some cleanup before diving into the present)
Upon researching the usefulness of the Protection from Evil spell, Daventry conscripts Pardot and herself to use every ounce of magical energy the duo have one day to give all seven members of the C.I.A. a bill of clean health - casting the spell on each party member, Fembris, and Davy in turn. Assuming all members of the C.I.A. have no ill effects, and with buddy system protocols in place, she is confident none of her friends have been devoured. She might also suggest it to Matreous at their next meeting. (I'll mark off 7 charges for my holy water.)
Daventry is not disappointed in her gift, noting that it never hurts to aim for the stars. After her shopping "excursion" with Triasa, (more like, pouring over catelogues of what is available in the Upper City smithies and dressmakers in Baldur's Gate), she is delighted to find another package arrive the night prior to the summons.
The Daventry that meets you for the summons does not look the same as the well-traveled woman you're used to. Instead of pants and shirt under thicker leather armor, she's wearing a flowing dress, blue with black ruffles, set underneath a slim black leather breastplate. Only very short sleeves, more decorative then functional, cover a few inches of her shoulders, and her collarbone and back are exposed. Under the skirt, you see boots of matching black leather and polished steel buckles. Steel-backed black bracers are affixed to each arm.
Like this, but colors per the text. Thanks Culuril!
Her dark blue brands are prominent with these clothes - the strange runic symbols from the center of her back to her right elbow, the shooting star surrounded by angled lines on her left collarbone, and the all-too familiar five-sided pyramid pair, two inches long on the outside of her left forearm. Each brand is like a constellation in and of itself, with focus points connected by lines of light. This is the first time you've seen her be so public about them.
On her belt is the new rapier, the crossguard a fine silver filigree and set with large ruby and two smaller emeralds, the long blade marked with the glowing runes of her weapon bond. She doesn't have a sheathe for this weapon, instead a silver metal holster about two inches long affixes the blade to a black belt. A similar holster for her silver dagger rests on the opposite side, and you can just make out the bright colors of Thavol's bag peeking out from a black leather cover next to the dagger. A new shield has replaced the worn wooden round shield of days past, this one a small polished steel buckler with an engraving of the Warrior Women constellation on the front.
Her hair is different. Instead of the usual tight ponytail, she leaves it combed long and loose. It's now a platinum white, dyed from the sun-bleached dirty blonde, with exception of a single inch-wide streak of black on the right side. You are all perceptive enough to notice that her eyes seem different somehow, off. On closer look, you see that her bright blue irises surround pupils shaped more like trapezohedrons then circles. (If pressed, she simply says, "Later...")
Ludolf:
This all seems very familiar to something you thought you saw over a week ago, a vastly changed Daventry in appearance and purpose. But that vision faded in an instant and was replaced by expected normalcy, only to reappear now?
Daventry allows the dwarf his kiss to her hand, and gives a small bow in return, obviously trying to mimic Tri's poise. She tries her 'polite' accent. "Thanks to you for your kindness."
Meanwhile she is racking her brain thinking about recent dwarves she's encountered. There was that one she drank with the night of the party... no, he ended up wandering off with that busty gal that was after Klin. There was a guy in the Hearth, wasn't there? Ugh. Barleybreath? No way.
Ludolf doesn't even recognize the woman in the blue flowing dress at first. He let's out a small gasp as he recognizes her. He also notices something is off with her eyes, which intrigues him immensely but that would have wait until after the meeting. "Exquisite."He says in a lowered voice as Daventry passes him, then glancing over at Triäsa with raised eyebrows and a smile.
As Daventry surmises the spell does not affect any of her companions nor Fembris or Davy. "Whew, glad I wasn't one of those things. I didn't think I was... but you never know... do you think you know if you are one...." Her thoughts trail off as she wanders away."
The dwarf smiles at Triäsa his teeth perfectly aligned and white, "Aye I suppose I'm a bit different now. Well I am more me now than I was then. M'name is Rudolf A'dunna but I you might know me as ol'Bottlegut." As he says this you can see similarities in the bone structure of his face but that is where any semblance of the drunken dwarf you met at the gates ends. He looks over at Klin, "Glad I didn't squash you at the gate my friend. I hope I didn't make a mess of any of your hard work!"
Bookwyrm smiles at the awkwardness of the situation, "And this is why you are here my friends. You see Mr A'dunna claims to have found a way to restore his true self to bring out that which was buried deep inside of him all along... As you can see this might be pertinent to our gnomish friends problem. Have any of you heard of the Temple of the Restful Lily?"
Triäsa you may make a History check with advantage. None of the rest of you would know of this location.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf shakes his head and looks at the dwarf again, trying fathom the extent of change the miserable drunkard had gone through. This Temple of the Restful Lily must hold some powerful magic indeed he thought.
When Triäsa first sees Daventry's new outfit, she gives her a smile. "Wonderful! Everything arrived!" However, she gives the changes to her hair and eyes an odd look. But she doesn't say anything at the moment.
As she tries to recall what she can about the Temple of the Restful Lily, Triäsa asks the dwarf, "So what had happened to you Mr. A'dunna? And how did this miraculous change come about?"
"It was my berry wasn't it?"Pardot says, remembering the drunk back when he'd first arrived. "Those things are quite tasty and healing after all. Even if not so filling."
"This place the Reader mentioned... it has left you a changed man, from the kind to crawl from the depths of the bottle to the kind who'll toast the launch of their third yacht. I'd like to hear the tale, either over a drink, or not... if that's a road no longer traveled, that is."
Daventry looks over the dwarf, and then down to her own new fancy clothes and attempts to be more refined and less... swamp trash. "Not too different, you and I, and I could have just as easily been the washed up drunk hawkin' trashy romance novels. Now you could find yourself on the cover of one."
(Sorry all just a bit busy the last two days with work. Should be better over the weekend.)
Triäsa -- I just sent you a DM regarding your history check
Rudolph smiles again, "Ah, I see you do all remember me now! While your berry was delicious little one I was transformed by the power of love! Yes, the external transformation is dramatic indeed but that is the power of the Restful Lily and the beautiful sisters who make it their home! They showed me how to become what I was always meant to be. Now I shall find love! I shall woo the hearts of women from here to the moon. But how I found it when so many failed? Why it was fate of course!" He stands up from his chair as he begins to spin his tale. "I was perusing the stall of my favorite book seller, Sigmund's Smut, looking for a book that would get me through the gates." He rests a hand a tome that sits face down on Bookwyrm's Desk. "That's where I found this masterpiece, it was the mirror on the cover that first caught my eye. I knew it was special at once. Briefly I saw my reflection but then my haggard form was replaced by the visage of the most beautiful women I could ever imagine. Startled I turned cover away from me and bought the book at once." He runs his hand over the back cover. "On the road that night I again looked at the mirror excited to see what it was about and again I was greeted by the Women in the Mirror. She asked me 'Well met, dearest one. How do you feel today?' and so I told her and long story short a portal opened and through it I went. The Temple of the Restful Lily is paradise. No other way to describe it. Beautiful men and women roam the grounds basking the beauty of the land. Love is everywhere. I spent a fair amount of time just enjoying the people and amenities evetually I met the sisters. We spoke for a long time and I told them of my dreams of love and companionship. They offered to help, to bring the true me out and into the world. I was hesitant at first but the offer was too good to pass up all they asked was they paint me! So I posed for their painting and when it was done, I was transformed!" The now beautiful dwarf tears up as he finishes telling his tale.
Triäsa glances at Bookwyrm with a slight nod. "I have heard of the Temple of the Restful Lily. It is supposed to somewhere in an ancient grove in the High Forest of Silverymoon. It is rumored to be built around a hot spring infused with fey magic, making it a legendary place of serenity, beauty, and rest." She pauses, looking at the rest of the party. "It is said Sylvarie Silversong was granted visions by Sune to construct this temple to the Goddess."
She then looks back to address Bookwyrm. "Many expeditions have been made to try and find it, but I have never heard of any being successful. And I don't recall any mention of the ability to transform someone such as happened with this dwarf. Nor do I recall anything about any sisters."
She thinks on it a moment more. "What makes you think this was the Temple of the Restful Lily? Did the sisters tell you? Or was it in the book?" She addresses the question to both the dragonborn and dwarf. "For that matter Mr. A'dunna, how did you make it back here?"
Daventry keeps a hand on her hip as the dwarf tells his tale, contemplating something.
As Triäsa asks her questions, Daventry will ask "May I?" as she gives a nod to the face-down tome, as if she were to potentially peer into the mirrored surface herself.
She looks to first gauge the dwarf's response to someone asking for his book. Is he possessive? Suspicious? Wanting to encourage others to look upon it, as if it were a vector for a charm or something else?
Ludolf listens attentively to the foppish dwarf and then to Triäsa, pondering what he hears in silence. He tries to recall if he has ever read about any enchantments using paintings. There must have been a price to pay for this strange transformation. Arcana: 13
As Daventry looks at the book Ludolf too studies the reactions of the dwarf. Insight: 14
"Ah, excellent questions. Your beauty is surpassed by only your intellect I see!" The dwarf responds to Triäsa making uncomfortable eye contact with her as he speaks. "Well everyone, the sisters included, referred to it as the Restful Lily. It would be a strange thing to lie about if you ask me. Also, the whole place smelled of lilies so the name seemed appropriate. Getting back was simple there is only one road in and out. I just walked away and I found myself back at my camp outside Candlekeep in just a few moments."
Ludolf -- you are not aware of malevolent magics or enchantments regarding paintings but it is not a crazy idea. In fact you remeber an incredible work of fiction you read. It was the story of a young man in a place called London. He transferred his soul to a painting to stay young, Dorian something or other.
As you move toward the book you both get the impression Rudolf is indifferent to your action. He makes no to stop you from taking it. His hand does brush against Daventry's backside but she is 100% certain it was accidental, Ludolf is not so sure...
As for the book. The title reads, The Price of Beauty and 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.”
As Daventry's eyes settle on the mirror your image is replaced the most beautiful women you have ever seen. She has long full red hair and a near transparent with gown hangs from shoulder. She has skin of the purest ivory with blue eyes. She smiles and greets, "Well met dearest one. How do you feel today?"
Ludolf keeps his gray piercing eyes on the debauched dwarf, making sure he doesn't accidentally come in contact with Triäsa or Daventry again, ready to use his telekinetic powers to protect them if he tries.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Daventry brushes off the dwarf's accidental touch. Looking at the book, she notes the title right away... "Hmm. The Price of Beauty. So there must be a cost... but what?"
As Daventry sees her own image, one she barely recognizes herself - the hair still smelling a bit of bleach and dye, the eyes that now look strange, even her skin seems a bit more pale than she remembered... as one unfamiliar image fades and is replaced by another, she responds out loud to the question. "It's been a day."
You immediately recognize the women in the mirror, the exact likeness of the God of Beauty herself, Sune.
"You sound weary my beautiful child perhaps you require a respite from the task at hand. I can offer you that but tell me dear one. Is there something about yourself you wish to change. Perhaps your hair could be pulled back and up. Your dress is charming but I think a bit of make-up would do wonders for your look." As the Godess speaks the image in the mirror shifts and shimmers again showing you but not as you are but how you could be. Your hair is done elegantly with flowers mixed in light braids there is no dark taint to your hair and your eyes have returned to normal. In addition, simple make up perfectly accents your face which has taken a more feminine and less sea weary look. A fine blue white silk dress draped over shoulders."
Rudolf stands very close to you looking over your shoulder into the mirror. He let's out a soft whistle "Oh my. You should definitely do that..." His breathing has become a bit heavier.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ludolf has had it with this lecherous dwarf and gets a strong urge to just throw him out of the room, but tries to not make a scene. Instead he walks up to the dwarf and tries to get his attention. "So why is it you decided to return to Candlekeep then? Are you suggesting anyone in our team is in need of any help with their looks?"He says a bit scornfully, his gray piercing eyes seeking eye contact with the dwarf.
Intimidation: 15
(As this is a very important situation Ludolf will call upon his power to alter reality to hopefully improve his roll, a.k.a luck : 17 )
The rest of your dinner finishes quietly and the following morning Triäsa and Ludolf set out for Matreous. The rest of you go about your day reading and learning everything you can. In addition to your prior discoveries you do find a surprising amount on Intellect Devourers. In short they are nasty but soft and fragile creatures. They are denizens of the Far Realm and often act as spies and saboteurs for Mind Flayers. They can serve other masters though this is less frequent. Intellect devourers try to incapacitate a foe by draining it's intellect then gain control of the host body. They can be very difficult to detect while inside a host but you find one report of a cleric who was able to drive one out by casting protection for evil on the host body. Unfortunately, the host did not survive the experience as the brain was completely lost.
Another week and a half pass. During that time you each get small packages wrapped in white paper. Inside you find your boon's that asked of Bookwyrm with a small note in his handwriting. Thank you again for all you have done. For the sake of Candlekeep I hope your success continues.
Daventry, you package contains only the rapier, no dagger.
Two days after your packages arrive you get a summoning to the Hearth. It seems Bookwyrm is looking for you. As group you make your way to the Court of Air and find the Hearth bustling with activity. Friendly smiles greet you as you enter and even a few of the patrons come to shake your hands and pat you on the back. You get a number of offers of folks to buy you a drink or meal.
You turn down these offers though and make your way through the fan club to the second floor of the Hearth to Bookwyrm's make shift office. You knock and enter. The room is just as you remember it with one striking addition, a dwarf. The dwarf has a perfectly maintained beard that is comb and trimmed elegantly hanging to his chest. His red hair is perfectly braided with gold and silver rings worked into it. His arms and chest bulge with muscles through a light tunic. He smiles a perfect smile with glistening teeth that sparkle in the room's dim light. He smells of roses.
He looks at all of you and let's out a hearty chuckle, "Well met again my friends. It is my deep pleasure and honor to be in the presence of such, beauty." He locks eyes with first Triäsa and the Daventry. With a slight bow he moves to kiss each of the ladies hands.
Bookwyrm is there at his desk. He doesn't say anything for the moment content to let the dwarf speak and see what happens.
Interlude End
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa gives the dwarf a slight bow and politely offers her hand to him. "You are quite kind sir. I am Triäsa Galadon, though perhaps you already knew that. I am afraid I cannot recollect your name."
She gives a quick glance to the others, wondering if they know who this might be.
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
Ludolf gives the foppish dwarf a cold stare as he kisses Triäsa's hand but he quickly composes himself again and gives the dwarf a polite smile. "Yes, I am certain we would have remembered meeting someone of your...grandeur." He says with a slight hint of sarcasm.
(Some cleanup before diving into the present)
Upon researching the usefulness of the Protection from Evil spell, Daventry conscripts Pardot and herself to use every ounce of magical energy the duo have one day to give all seven members of the C.I.A. a bill of clean health - casting the spell on each party member, Fembris, and Davy in turn. Assuming all members of the C.I.A. have no ill effects, and with buddy system protocols in place, she is confident none of her friends have been devoured. She might also suggest it to Matreous at their next meeting. (I'll mark off 7 charges for my holy water.)
Daventry is not disappointed in her gift, noting that it never hurts to aim for the stars. After her shopping "excursion" with Triasa, (more like, pouring over catelogues of what is available in the Upper City smithies and dressmakers in Baldur's Gate), she is delighted to find another package arrive the night prior to the summons.
The Daventry that meets you for the summons does not look the same as the well-traveled woman you're used to. Instead of pants and shirt under thicker leather armor, she's wearing a flowing dress, blue with black ruffles, set underneath a slim black leather breastplate. Only very short sleeves, more decorative then functional, cover a few inches of her shoulders, and her collarbone and back are exposed. Under the skirt, you see boots of matching black leather and polished steel buckles. Steel-backed black bracers are affixed to each arm.
Like this, but colors per the text. Thanks Culuril!
Her dark blue brands are prominent with these clothes - the strange runic symbols from the center of her back to her right elbow, the shooting star surrounded by angled lines on her left collarbone, and the all-too familiar five-sided pyramid pair, two inches long on the outside of her left forearm. Each brand is like a constellation in and of itself, with focus points connected by lines of light. This is the first time you've seen her be so public about them.
On her belt is the new rapier, the crossguard a fine silver filigree and set with large ruby and two smaller emeralds, the long blade marked with the glowing runes of her weapon bond. She doesn't have a sheathe for this weapon, instead a silver metal holster about two inches long affixes the blade to a black belt. A similar holster for her silver dagger rests on the opposite side, and you can just make out the bright colors of Thavol's bag peeking out from a black leather cover next to the dagger. A new shield has replaced the worn wooden round shield of days past, this one a small polished steel buckler with an engraving of the Warrior Women constellation on the front.
Her hair is different. Instead of the usual tight ponytail, she leaves it combed long and loose. It's now a platinum white, dyed from the sun-bleached dirty blonde, with exception of a single inch-wide streak of black on the right side. You are all perceptive enough to notice that her eyes seem different somehow, off. On closer look, you see that her bright blue irises surround pupils shaped more like trapezohedrons then circles. (If pressed, she simply says, "Later...")
Ludolf:
This all seems very familiar to something you thought you saw over a week ago, a vastly changed Daventry in appearance and purpose. But that vision faded in an instant and was replaced by expected normalcy, only to reappear now?
Daventry allows the dwarf his kiss to her hand, and gives a small bow in return, obviously trying to mimic Tri's poise. She tries her 'polite' accent. "Thanks to you for your kindness."
Meanwhile she is racking her brain thinking about recent dwarves she's encountered. There was that one she drank with the night of the party... no, he ended up wandering off with that busty gal that was after Klin. There was a guy in the Hearth, wasn't there? Ugh. Barleybreath? No way.
Int? 21
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ludolf doesn't even recognize the woman in the blue flowing dress at first. He let's out a small gasp as he recognizes her. He also notices something is off with her eyes, which intrigues him immensely but that would have wait until after the meeting. "Exquisite." He says in a lowered voice as Daventry passes him, then glancing over at Triäsa with raised eyebrows and a smile.
As Daventry surmises the spell does not affect any of her companions nor Fembris or Davy. "Whew, glad I wasn't one of those things. I didn't think I was... but you never know... do you think you know if you are one...." Her thoughts trail off as she wanders away."
The dwarf smiles at Triäsa his teeth perfectly aligned and white, "Aye I suppose I'm a bit different now. Well I am more me now than I was then. M'name is Rudolf A'dunna but I you might know me as ol'Bottlegut." As he says this you can see similarities in the bone structure of his face but that is where any semblance of the drunken dwarf you met at the gates ends. He looks over at Klin, "Glad I didn't squash you at the gate my friend. I hope I didn't make a mess of any of your hard work!"
Bookwyrm smiles at the awkwardness of the situation, "And this is why you are here my friends. You see Mr A'dunna claims to have found a way to restore his true self to bring out that which was buried deep inside of him all along... As you can see this might be pertinent to our gnomish friends problem. Have any of you heard of the Temple of the Restful Lily?"
Triäsa you may make a History check with advantage. None of the rest of you would know of this location.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf shakes his head and looks at the dwarf again, trying fathom the extent of change the miserable drunkard had gone through. This Temple of the Restful Lily must hold some powerful magic indeed he thought.
(Triäsa History Check: 10)
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
When Triäsa first sees Daventry's new outfit, she gives her a smile. "Wonderful! Everything arrived!" However, she gives the changes to her hair and eyes an odd look. But she doesn't say anything at the moment.
As she tries to recall what she can about the Temple of the Restful Lily, Triäsa asks the dwarf, "So what had happened to you Mr. A'dunna? And how did this miraculous change come about?"
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 was my berry wasn't it?" Pardot says, remembering the drunk back when he'd first arrived. "Those things are quite tasty and healing after all. Even if not so filling."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"This place the Reader mentioned... it has left you a changed man, from the kind to crawl from the depths of the bottle to the kind who'll toast the launch of their third yacht. I'd like to hear the tale, either over a drink, or not... if that's a road no longer traveled, that is."
Daventry looks over the dwarf, and then down to her own new fancy clothes and attempts to be more refined and less... swamp trash. "Not too different, you and I, and I could have just as easily been the washed up drunk hawkin' trashy romance novels. Now you could find yourself on the cover of one."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
(Sorry all just a bit busy the last two days with work. Should be better over the weekend.)
Triäsa -- I just sent you a DM regarding your history check
Rudolph smiles again, "Ah, I see you do all remember me now! While your berry was delicious little one I was transformed by the power of love! Yes, the external transformation is dramatic indeed but that is the power of the Restful Lily and the beautiful sisters who make it their home! They showed me how to become what I was always meant to be. Now I shall find love! I shall woo the hearts of women from here to the moon. But how I found it when so many failed? Why it was fate of course!" He stands up from his chair as he begins to spin his tale. "I was perusing the stall of my favorite book seller, Sigmund's Smut, looking for a book that would get me through the gates." He rests a hand a tome that sits face down on Bookwyrm's Desk. "That's where I found this masterpiece, it was the mirror on the cover that first caught my eye. I knew it was special at once. Briefly I saw my reflection but then my haggard form was replaced by the visage of the most beautiful women I could ever imagine. Startled I turned cover away from me and bought the book at once." He runs his hand over the back cover. "On the road that night I again looked at the mirror excited to see what it was about and again I was greeted by the Women in the Mirror. She asked me 'Well met, dearest one. How do you feel today?' and so I told her and long story short a portal opened and through it I went. The Temple of the Restful Lily is paradise. No other way to describe it. Beautiful men and women roam the grounds basking the beauty of the land. Love is everywhere. I spent a fair amount of time just enjoying the people and amenities evetually I met the sisters. We spoke for a long time and I told them of my dreams of love and companionship. They offered to help, to bring the true me out and into the world. I was hesitant at first but the offer was too good to pass up all they asked was they paint me! So I posed for their painting and when it was done, I was transformed!" The now beautiful dwarf tears up as he finishes telling his tale.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Triäsa glances at Bookwyrm with a slight nod. "I have heard of the Temple of the Restful Lily. It is supposed to somewhere in an ancient grove in the High Forest of Silverymoon. It is rumored to be built around a hot spring infused with fey magic, making it a legendary place of serenity, beauty, and rest." She pauses, looking at the rest of the party. "It is said Sylvarie Silversong was granted visions by Sune to construct this temple to the Goddess."
She then looks back to address Bookwyrm. "Many expeditions have been made to try and find it, but I have never heard of any being successful. And I don't recall any mention of the ability to transform someone such as happened with this dwarf. Nor do I recall anything about any sisters."
She thinks on it a moment more. "What makes you think this was the Temple of the Restful Lily? Did the sisters tell you? Or was it in the book?" She addresses the question to both the dragonborn and dwarf. "For that matter Mr. A'dunna, how did you make it back here?"
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
Daventry keeps a hand on her hip as the dwarf tells his tale, contemplating something.
As Triäsa asks her questions, Daventry will ask "May I?" as she gives a nod to the face-down tome, as if she were to potentially peer into the mirrored surface herself.
She looks to first gauge the dwarf's response to someone asking for his book. Is he possessive? Suspicious? Wanting to encourage others to look upon it, as if it were a vector for a charm or something else?
Insight: 4
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ludolf listens attentively to the foppish dwarf and then to Triäsa, pondering what he hears in silence. He tries to recall if he has ever read about any enchantments using paintings. There must have been a price to pay for this strange transformation.
Arcana: 13
As Daventry looks at the book Ludolf too studies the reactions of the dwarf.
Insight: 14
"Ah, excellent questions. Your beauty is surpassed by only your intellect I see!" The dwarf responds to Triäsa making uncomfortable eye contact with her as he speaks. "Well everyone, the sisters included, referred to it as the Restful Lily. It would be a strange thing to lie about if you ask me. Also, the whole place smelled of lilies so the name seemed appropriate. Getting back was simple there is only one road in and out. I just walked away and I found myself back at my camp outside Candlekeep in just a few moments."
Ludolf -- you are not aware of malevolent magics or enchantments regarding paintings but it is not a crazy idea. In fact you remeber an incredible work of fiction you read. It was the story of a young man in a place called London. He transferred his soul to a painting to stay young, Dorian something or other.
As you move toward the book you both get the impression Rudolf is indifferent to your action. He makes no to stop you from taking it. His hand does brush against Daventry's backside but she is 100% certain it was accidental, Ludolf is not so sure...
As for the book. The title reads, The Price of Beauty and 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.”
As Daventry's eyes settle on the mirror your image is replaced the most beautiful women you have ever seen. She has long full red hair and a near transparent with gown hangs from shoulder. She has skin of the purest ivory with blue eyes. She smiles and greets, "Well met dearest one. How do you feel today?"
Daventry can make a religion check.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf keeps his gray piercing eyes on the debauched dwarf, making sure he doesn't accidentally come in contact with Triäsa or Daventry again, ready to use his telekinetic powers to protect them if he tries.
Daventry brushes off the dwarf's accidental touch. Looking at the book, she notes the title right away... "Hmm. The Price of Beauty. So there must be a cost... but what?"
As Daventry sees her own image, one she barely recognizes herself - the hair still smelling a bit of bleach and dye, the eyes that now look strange, even her skin seems a bit more pale than she remembered... as one unfamiliar image fades and is replaced by another, she responds out loud to the question. "It's been a day."
Religion: 18
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
You immediately recognize the women in the mirror, the exact likeness of the God of Beauty herself, Sune.
"You sound weary my beautiful child perhaps you require a respite from the task at hand. I can offer you that but tell me dear one. Is there something about yourself you wish to change. Perhaps your hair could be pulled back and up. Your dress is charming but I think a bit of make-up would do wonders for your look." As the Godess speaks the image in the mirror shifts and shimmers again showing you but not as you are but how you could be. Your hair is done elegantly with flowers mixed in light braids there is no dark taint to your hair and your eyes have returned to normal. In addition, simple make up perfectly accents your face which has taken a more feminine and less sea weary look. A fine blue white silk dress draped over shoulders."
Rudolf stands very close to you looking over your shoulder into the mirror. He let's out a soft whistle "Oh my. You should definitely do that..." His breathing has become a bit heavier.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Ludolf has had it with this lecherous dwarf and gets a strong urge to just throw him out of the room, but tries to not make a scene. Instead he walks up to the dwarf and tries to get his attention. "So why is it you decided to return to Candlekeep then? Are you suggesting anyone in our team is in need of any help with their looks?" He says a bit scornfully, his gray piercing eyes seeking eye contact with the dwarf.
Intimidation: 15
(As this is a very important situation Ludolf will call upon his power to alter reality to hopefully improve his roll, a.k.a luck : 17 )