Ludolf's cheeks redden under the sideburns as Triäsa whispers to him, just nodding back and smiling as he follows Matreous from the House of Rests. As he enters through the Emerald Door he is awed by the sight beyond, memories of the first time he stood here flooding his mind, the day he met his team, his friends, her. He looks on them in turn before entering, glad to see them all in good health in spite of all that they'd been through these past tendays. He is again awed as he steps into Exaltation, silently hoping he will be allowed to spend more time here, seeking more knowledge.

As they enter the bedroom Ludolf is again overwhelmed with mindwracking memories as he sees Fistandia in the bed, remembering their nightmarish journey back from the Far Realm. He quickly walks up to Fistandia by her bed, kneeling by her side. "Are you alright?"

Quote from Viper15E >>

Daventry gives a pointed look to Pardot, a look that the halfling quickly picks up as "Will I sound insane if I tell him?"  She awaits news of Fistandia...but in the meantime holds a hand over her collarbone, where the comet brand appeared after her starfall dream. 

 
Seeing his friend’s expression Pardot simple nods, indicating that she can go ahead. He also breathes a sigh of relief as he sees Pocket here. And while the others check on the gnome or begin the tale he pulls out the rubbing, key, and cuff link, careful to keep the symbols covered until the right time. 

The old dragonborn furrows his leathery brow, "She is deeply troubled. Her mind is broken and fragmented. In the past 24 hours she had done nothing but thrash and ramble incoherently. We had the alchemists give her a strong sedative so she could find rest as even our strongest magics have not restored her mind. Thankfully her body is strong and she does not appear to be in danger." He paces thoughtfully in the small room, "It's not uncommon for a scholar to lose thier mind engrossed in some esoteric subject but this is different. If only we knew the nature of her madness we might have chance to restore her... how did you fund her and in what circumstances? Perhaps there is a clue there"

"It was Ludolf that found her and brought her back to our plane of existence. I think she was in the Far Realm for a considerable amount of time."  Triäsa explains this as she glances over towards Ludolf, hoping he could provide more information. 

(For flow purposes, Daventry would wait until after Ludolf spoke more on the far realm to add in the following... but I'm on a work trip so my posting might be rough to sync this in where it would make the most sense)

After Ludolf expounds on the Far Realm, as he is surely wont to do, Daventry nods at Pardot and then speaks to Bookwyrm.

"You asked about the stars, First Reader. We, or rather, Pardot... he was the the first to witness a starfall. A singular one, of the Warrior Women constellation. His charts are impeccable so seeing the star gone missing, he was rather alarmed. Thing is, that night I too saw a starfall... but for me it was a dream. Or maybe a vision. One where I was not myself, but was a star. I felt like I was being chased by a force of chaos, something so unimaginably horrifying that my only recourse was to flee."

Daventry fingers the bottom of her pack, almost subconciously, feeling for the case inside.

"So I hurled myself from the heavens, and fell to Faerun. I saw everything on the fall... from the entire expanse of the planet... rushing down until I recognized the Sword Coast. I saw Candlekeep, but it was wrong... corrupted, consumed by a purple writhing mass. I fled that too, and found my way to Baldur's Gate. There I slowed, and in the weirdest sensation, found myself. I was not Daventry in this dream, yet, I found Daventry sitting in her bed, by herself, her tome in hand. And... we... I?... we merged."

She pulls down her shirt, revealing the shooting star tattoo on her collarbone. "This shooting star brand had appeared when I awoke... and I found new talents with no other explanation to their source."

She pauses. "That was the first. A few nights later, the entire sky came raining down... but this felt like a portent."

((I'll add my part as well just to keep things easy for pbp sake))

Listening to Ludolf explain about his experience in the far realm, and then Daventry tell of how the stars fell he then adds his piece, saying, somewhat abashedly at first, "The stars falling... is something I still have yet to come to terms with. Though I imagine I'm not alone there, they have been what my family has studied for so long..." He then pauses and takes a deep breath before continuing, "But there is also more, and perhaps even with a connection to the recent events here in the Keep."

"The man in black that Ludolf mentioned, I heard his voice here when I fell under a bookcase." And seeing the Reader's eyes widen as he mentions being trapped under the bookcase quickly adds, hoping to brush off the embarrassment of that, "Don't ask..." He then quickly continues, "But more than that, there was a symbol written in blood on the walls where the body was found, and that symbol has seemed to have followed us from the house where Ludolf was lost and where we encountered the man in black."

Pardot then pulls out the paper rubbing of the symbol, still rolled up and places it in front of the First Reader, but places a hand on it when the Dragonborn reaches for it, causing him to pause, adding, "The symbol on this paper was first seen in a cave, but later was found on some cufflinks and a key, which I have in my pocket, and then, as I said, here last night. I warn you though, brace yourself before viewing it. The symbol may affect those who view it to be somewhat entranced."

As the First Reader then takes the paper Pardot quickly touches his hand giving him protection, hoping it would help him face the symbol. ((I don't think it'll mechanically help, but seems in theme so it's ok))

Ludolf puts his hand on Fistandia's as he kneels by her bed, then looking up at Bookwyrm, hesitating a bit, gathering strength to tell his tale. "We journeyed south, stopping in the town Maerin before proceeding up the mountain to Vermeillon. The miner town was indeed abandoned but we found the evil source of the disapperances in a platinum mine close to the town where nightmarish creatures from the Far Realm had their nest. We destroyed them all and we believe peace have returned to the village so that it once more is habitable. The next day we journeyed on to Chalet Brantifax. The chalet was in ruins and seemed deserted but in the back we found a small graveyard with graves for the family members, but also a grave for Fistandia, and finally an open grave with my name on it." He says and pauses briefly to be able to continue.

"A shadow wearing a bowl hat, the man in black, that we first spotted in Vemeillon tried to push me into the grave but finally I decided to go in there by choice as there seemed to be no other way to find the rumored portal we sought. I was transported to another place, the Far Realm. It was night and there was huge, horrible stars. Drifting among the fiery stars I saw strange creatures with long tentacles. The land itself is was dotted with strange tentacled creatures writhing in the dirt. I used my force of mind to transport me  at incomprehensible speed to a white domed building. When I reached the front of the white dome it had changed. The white walls and pillars were now blackened and over grown with strange vines and weeds and most of the walls had fallen and crumbled. I heard someone sobbing and found Fistandia." He pauses again, looking at the gnome in the bed beside him before continuing.

"Tears streamed down her face torn with anguish and dispair. An inhuman sound erupted from her, though her jaw and lips never moved. The voice said that it comes and cannot be stopped. That chaos crawls, the darkness howls and that Fareûn, Oerth and Krynn is gone. Then she collapsed and dropped into unconsciousness. I noticed the writhing mass on the horizon seemed to be closer and still all around. I tried to communicate with Fistandia's mind and she gave me a clue to how we could get back. I used my mind to rebuild the white dome and when I was finished I found a gold sarcophagus into which I took Fistandia and myself, pulling the lid closed. We were transported back and found ourselves being rescued by the rest of the team as they dug us out from one of the other graves. When we were reunited I was told one of the ravens that had watched over us since Vermeillon had turned into a woman to defend the team against the man in black who used his dark magic to kill her." He says and stops again, slowly shaking his head. "I think the others can tell you the rest." He finishes, seeming very weary again.

Bookwyrm listens to Ludolf's tale intently. "She was trapped for who knows how long in the Far Realm... We know little of what prolonged exposure to that place does to someone's mind or soul... Everyone who comes back is quite insane. It is impossible to learn anything useful of the place. In fact, Master Crawley you might be the first person in history to survive the Far Realm and be able to tell a coherent story. You should write a book for the collection." His thoughts wander off for a moment. "Unfortunately I don't think this helps cure Fistandia not yet at least."

As Bookwyrm consider's his next words Matreous speaks up, "As for your Man in the Black Hat and Fistandia's prophecy I might have a thought. In my work studying the planes I have come across the whispers of beings capable of traveling across planes of existence at a whim. If your Man is linked to the prophecy, which seems likely, he might be one of these planar travelers. Not much else is known of them or their goals."

Matreous continues after a slight pause, "Could the stars be related this man? I don't know any connection in this respect. Most scholar's assume the stars falling mean the God's have abandoned us." He shrugs.

As Pardot and Daventry speak the two scholars glance at the cufflinks and symbol. Both shudder and narrow their eyes before covering up the picture. "A simple geometric object... It should not make me feel.... like this..." Bookwyrm says with a bit of concern. "I don't know it's meaning but I am finding I do not know as much as I thought I did" He again drifts off into thought. 

Regaining his composure he continues once more, "Regardless two things are clear. One, you all are linked to whatever is happening across the land. You have each been touched by this phenomena in a variety of ways. Two, Candlekeep is under attack by the same force. The evidence on this end is clear, Matreous was assaulted, books from Baulder's Gate attacked people and then the curse." His face hardens and he clinches his claw in fist "Deliberate attacks on our home will not be tolerated. I have spoken to Fembris and we are in agreement the primary directive from here on is to dedicate all of the CIA's efforts to figure this out." 

Fembris stands taller and smiles. You notice she no longer wears the plain grey robes of the Avowed. Instead, she is pristine white robes with elegant gold embroidery. Bookwyrm pulls five broaches similar to the ones you already have except this are made of a lightly glowing, emerald. "These will give you access to the Inner Ward whenever you need it. I would not go wandering around without a guide though I would hate for you to become lost." As you are presented with your new broach, Matreous inhales sharply with a near audible gasp at what you are being given. "Furthermore, in recognition of you achievements the Keep shall commission for each of you one item, magical or not from Baulder's Gate. Consider this a thank you for returning Fistandia and ending that blasted song. Finally, we have moved the entrance to Fistandia's Mansion here just inside Exaltation I hope you find the new accommodations to your liking."

"In return, we ask you dedicate all your time and effort to sorting this mess out. Now I am sure you have questions or ideas. Lets hear them!" He beams at you all eager to hear your plans.

(OOC: You may each pick any common or uncommon magic item and Bookwyrm will find a way to get it for you. You are about to enter downtime after a few more activities today but start thinking about the following. During downtime you will have the freedom to do whatever you would like for an unknown period of time, it will be at least a week. Just as before your activities and research might help develop your power or help solve the mysteries you are facing. The more you focus on something the bigger your results with be but nothing is stopping you from taking on multiple projects if you wish. You have the full support of Candlekeep... probably...)

Triäsa looks at Bookworm, "Is your conjecture that the events might all be related? Matreous being attacked, the gingwatzim, and the cursed rhyme? I suppose some or all could be connected, but I certainly did not jump to that conclusion.  But in all of this, the stars falling seems most significant. Just as that happened my mother came and spoke to me. Or some vision of my mother; what it was is not important.  She told me 'They are coming. It is started.'  and she also indicated Fistandia would be our guide.  So, I still think helping her heal has to be at the top of our list."

Ludolf gratefully accepts the broach and nods in agreement with what Triäsa says. "Yes, I don't think we can be sure of that all this is connected, but I believe we should focus on finding out more about the stars falling, the Man in black, the symbol, and curing Fistandia."

"I would like to look into this prophecy, as well as what this symbol is, or where it comes from." Pardot says, putting the cufflinks and key back into his pocket.

He then looks to Pocket and sends a quick message to her, asking, "How well have you explored this place? It's quite large?" ((hoping that she could be his 'guide' to not get lost in here~))

Bookwyrm shurgs, "Candlekeep has been a neutral entity in the geopolitical landscape for centuries. Certainly strange things happen here but to have so many events occur in short order seems highly improbable. Have you heard of Oghma's Razor? 'Other things equal, explanations that posit fewer entities, or fewer kinds of entities, are to be preferred to explanations that posit more." But he seems to consider your words, "Perhaps you are right and all of this is just a strange confluence of unfortunate events but I suppose time will tell. If you have any other questions for me please feel free to ask otherwise I will give you your release and Fembris can show you back to the Mansion. Just send a note via one of the Avowed regarding your gift and topics of research. I have the utmost faith in your abilities, you have proven yourselves quite well." 

Pardot:

Pockets raises and head and cocks it to the side. Fisty is back! Smelled her right away.... Up down up down lots of hallways, just follow her smell and won't get lost! Gonna stay here till she wakes up and feeds me!

Daventry sees the pits and dings in her own blade, and recollects how the plain steel thrusting sword has failed her in recent times. She seeks out the Avowed charged with sorting out gifts from Bookworm.

"Sorcerous Sundries had a fine rapier, magically enhanced and set with gems. As a gift, and to help fight for my friends and for Candlekeep, I can think of nothing better to help the cause. There was a dagger of the same set offered by Rivalen Blackhand at a discount... which if procured I would owe a debt for or could eventually pay to your coster. If that blade is gone, then any magical sword suiting a keen edge over brute strength..." 

As the others discuss points of research, Daventry views Pardot's efforts into prophecy as most important. She tries to determine new insights from her own tome, but assuming the damned thing continues being obtuse in her attempts to access it, she will seek more mundane ways to help Pardot. 

Over the next few days ((or however long our downtime is)), Pardot is happy to work with Daventry scouring the stacks for information on prophecies involving the stars, specifically those on the stars dropping from the sky, or disappearing ((this is actually very close to his original research, though now slightly more focused)). Though he will also ask their assistants to find any information on simple geometric symbols that are known to have been used in magic or warding. He'll also pop in to check on their gnome friend semi regularly; half for concern of her, and half just to see how Pocket is doing.

Finally, he tells their avowed assistant to look for a weapon with a connection to the moon or stars.

((Let me know if you need any rolls or anything more specific from me for this))

Assuming the meeting with Bookwyrm is concluded Ludolf will leave and spend the time available to further research the Far Realm, The Man in Black and a possible cure for Fistandia, probably collaborating with Triäsa regarding some of these subjects, trying to apply the theory of Oghma's Razor to his conclusions. ;-)

You conclude your meeting with Bookwyrm he nods solemnly as you turn to leave. Fembris hops to her feet. "This all seems like a good place to start. Let's go to HQ and get you settled, again. Then we can get back to work."

Fembris leads back to the main entrance. The route she takes makes no sense as it seems a completely different set of doors, halls and stairs than Matreous took earlier. Eventually you find yourself back at the grand entrance. Fembris head to the first door on the left just inside the main entrance. It is a simple dark wooden door with a polished gold plaque next to it that reads simply, "C.I.A."

"Home sweat home!" Fembris swings the door open and hops through. As you follow you find yourself on the familiar grounds of Fistandia's Mansion. The exterior looks just as you remember it. The large stone structure surrounded by the strange indigo miasma. A shiver runs down Klin's spine as he remembers the strange feeling as he peered into on your last visit. Fembris throws open the front door and you see the first addition to the mansion, Davy.

Sitting behind a large wooden desk shuffling papers is the small previously, naked hafling. He smiles and looks like he is going to actually talk but Fembris beats him to it. "You all remember Davy right? Well I got him a job, here. He is the CIA's newest secretary. Anything you need he can help take care of!" Davy stands tall and proud as he gives a strong nod. "OK let's go upstairs!" She practically sprints up the stairs. On the upper level you find a new set of spiraling stairs that lead up to a new third floor. 

The third floor splits to the left and the right you see three doors the right and then three to the left. "OK let's start down here. Oh I do hope you like it. We worked very hard to get this all ready." The first door has simple gold plaque in the center that reads Daventry.

Fembris give you a minute to process before going to the next door. According the plaque it reads, Pardot. 

Leaving this room you head to the last door along this side of the corridor. The plaque says, Klin.

Closing the door to this room and heading to down the next hallway the first door says, Triäsa 

Fembris puffs up proudly as she opens the door and whispers. "Your notes were amazing! The gnomes... they were inspired!!"

You leave Triäsa's mansion room and head to the next door. Predictably it reads, Ludolf. 

You leave this room and head back to the hallway. You notice there is one final door. The plaque reads, Fembris and Davy. Fembris blushes when you notice and immediately pushes you back away from the door. 

Walking into the room Pardot pauses and immediately just takes a nice deep breath, feeling back in nature. Looking up to the sky and seeing the stars he experiences a feeling of peace and comfort he hasn't noticed in too long. The stars... in the sky. Even if it's only in his room, it feels real. Going back out he walks back up to Fembris and says slowly, "Thank you so much. This is amazing. It feels so peaceful in there." Very content he goes into his room to take a break and meditate for a while before beginning his research later.

"Congratulations Davy!" Triäsa says as they the halfling.

She then is amazed at Daventry's room. "Oh!  You have to let me visit from time-to-time Dav.  This is like a beautiful vacation home!"  She very much seems to like the forested setting of Pardot's room. And even Klin's marbled room is quite impressive.

Then they come to her room...  and Triäsa is staggered.  She walks around as though in a daze, inspecting the chairs, gazing at the fire, inspecting details of the woodwork.  "It is perfect," she says in a hushed voice. "Like everything in my head has been realized - with a few inspirations from the gnomes as you put it." She turns to Fembris, "Thank you.  And I am sure there are many others to thank as well."  

She then turns to look out the window which is now showing the Court of Air.  "I would love to hear more about how this is controversial.  If I found a tower with a window having the same view, then it is acceptable?  But to have a magical replication of that here is not acceptable?"  She pauses a moment, "I do not mean to be argumentative; it is actually an intriguing topic." 

Once they leave her room, Triäsa seems a tiny bit apprehensive as they enter Ludolf's.  She watches the old man closely to see how he reacts to the place. 

She smiles broadly as she sees the 'Fembris and Davy' plaque.  "Fembris! You have to let us see! The plaque is quite cute.  And at least at this moment we can be fairly sure there are no naked halflings in there!"  She pauses, making a dramatic face, "I mean, Davy is still downstairs, is he not?"

Sometime the next day, Triäsa is sitting at her immense desk.  She takes a single sheet of parchment and with pen in hand prepares to write. She goes slowly, thinking through each line. 

@DM:

It is less than a half hour and she is completed.  She seals the letter within an envelope, writing - 'Yalerion Highscroll' and 'Herald's Holdfast' on the outside.  She sets it aside, to take to see how it might be posted the next time she goes out.  She then returns to reading one of the books she was looking at earlier.  

Ludolf follows Fembris to the new CIA HQ, giving Davy a nod and a quick smile as they pass him by. Although not really interested in décor and furnishings he is very impressed with all the rooms they pass through. As they enter his own room he raises his eyebrows slightly at the use of white for the couch, but proceeds to put his books on the desk and summoning Edgar out of his pocket plane to let him rest on his golden perch. As he enters the bedroom he glances into the mirror quickly before sitting briefly on the bed, making sure it is not too soft. He then looks at Triäsa with a wide and grateful smile before standing again and turning to the gnome. "You and the others have done a remarkable good job Fembris, I'm sure I will like it here. I'll just need some books for my bookshelves now and this will be a complete home for me." He says with a warm smile. As they pass the last room he chuckles at Triäsa's joke, intentional or not. He then lingers a moment, looking at the plaque, turning to give Triäsa a brief smile, before following the others again.

Ludolf will then return to his strict daily routine from before, diligently reseaching the Man in Black, but also spending time with Triäsa trying to find a cure for Fistandia.
( Int check: 23 Arcana with advantage: 25 Medicine: 13 )