Leaving Py outside for the moment to keep watch, Auger collects up the uniforms and uses belts to tie them in bundles which he leaves at the top of the stairs. Then he returns to the doorway, hesitating for a moment before sending Py down the stairs after the others.
Let them know things are still quiet. And see if they are making any progress. I will recall you if I need help.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Looking around, Snow can't help but be impressed by the High Priestess's rooms. A mixture of comfort and learning, he can imagine the High Priestess herself sitting in one of the comfy chairs reading one of the books she has just retrieved from the shelf.
He whispers a short prayer to Idiwala, honouring them and asking for forgiveness for entering this room unbidden. Explaining it was necessary and that the dissemination of knowledge was paramount, and knowledge was after all what he sought.
As he passes the small side table he picks up the keys and stack of letters and places them in his pack.
Looking around, he also focusses on anything that might be giving off a magical aura, apart from the lights that is, or anything that might be opened by the keys he now possesses
He quickly scans the books on the shelves looking for any that might be diaries, well aware that there is no writing desk in this particular room. Could it be that she wrote in her diaries elsewhere? He invokes his invisible spectral hand as he looks in case he needs to look at something out of reach.
Varielky thanks the acolyte again, then takes the scroll to study as once instructed by the priestess herself. She reads through it again, trying to recall and assign pieces of information she learned during and since her last visit here as best she can.
Eventually, she decides to ask for help. Varielky draws Dreygaard, setting it by the scroll, one hand laying on the blade. ["Are you there, can you speak?"] Varielky tries to communicate with Veleif. It's been a while, so he should have some energy to communicate, she hopes. ["What do you make of it? The names, the dates. Are they relevant to my past, my present, my future?"]
It now occurs to her that many of the questions she had back then have already been answered, but it was worth making sure in case there was something she's missing. And, of course, the names she could not identify back then.
There is indeed a small, low, tilted table on wheels for writing correspondence.
One of the keys probably fits the lock Snow just defeated magically. The others? Unknown.
There are a few magical trinkets on the shelves, which make music or cast tiny illusions when picked up. It takes at least five minutes to give the books a glance, so varied and numerous are they, of every kind, touching on a wide breadth of topics, and in a variety of languages. No diaries reveal themselves to such a cursory inspection.
VARIELKY
The shield-maiden takes up a magnifying glass to examine the scroll as the high priestess had showed her. “I am here, my Queen,” Valeif’s voice sounds in Varielky’s mind. “And I see through your eyes. Yes. This scroll illustrates a Shian prince’s journey to visit your forefather in your ancestral seat, Hvittrborg.”
(OOC: I rolled Investigation: 14.)
The shield-maiden is having a hard time with the magnifying glass.
AUGER
The southerner sees rats begin to advance out of the sewers, taking an interest in the battleground. A beggar at the edge of the courtyard tries to furtively take the boots off of one of the fallen.
Snow moves from the drawing room through the arch into the dining room whilst he still has the ability to see the magical auras, taking note of any closed cupboards and looking to open them using the keys he found.
If he finds nothing of note there with a cursory look, he will move down the hall to the bed chamber and bath area.
If there is still no sign of what he is looking for, he knows it is time to start a more thorough search.
Concentration: Detect Magic - likely finished by the end of this Investigation: 18+7=25 (Passive: 17)
["Is there any more that I should know? How did we reach the state we're in right now?"] Varielky lies the magnifying glass aside. In all truth, the whole story felt distant from her. Even if the evidence pointed that way, she didn't feel like some exiled queen, nor any queen for that matter. She knows some of her people's customs, but she doesn't really know them, the land, or the history. For that matter, since most she knew was the language and religion, the only thing discriminating between her as Dreyen and an Indallian was the blood running through her veins. If she just appeared and claimed to be a descendant of some long-exiled royalty, would she be accepted? She probably wouldn't accept herself, not truly. Perhaps as leader, but not as one of their own.
["You told me before there is much more for me to learn. How can I do that? Will you teach me, will life? Should I seek the knowledge myself, or perhaps, more important, what kind of knowledge am I supposed to seek?"] For now she still remains there, but she realises she'll have to go back to the others soon. If not to help them find the diaries, then because they've found them and would have to leave. And yet, one can not just look away when destiny reveals itself, even if only a little at a time.
‘You are correct,’ replies the old mentor’s gravelly voice. ‘Your people will not recognize you or accept you without proof and without a trial-at-arms. Drey is the only nation in all of Yurrielli to have defied Imperial rule for so long. But not without defeats. Fifty years ago, using evil sorcery, the empire caused a revolt in Drey, the royal family were the object of an assassination attempt, had to flee to Indallia, and lies were spread that they were Jenghen sympathizers, and for your own protection, that the assassinations were successful. The leader of the revolt has since perished, leaving Drey under the weak command of a regent, Brrjota Tryggvi.’
‘You are now ready to learn about your past and heritage. This scroll shows Hallad I Guttormsonne, King, at the height of his glory but only in passing as a milestone in a foreign prince’s travel log. You must learn the history at its source, in Drey, in the great hall of knowledge, Mimisbrunnersholl.
You will need allies. Help the Shians to defeat their foe and they will support you in your ascension to the throne if your powerful friends do not. But a Dreyen keeps her vows to her dying breath. You must complete the quest you began in service to the Sindarrin. His people will owe you a debt as well.’
SNOW
There are more rooms. A small kitchen, a larder, closets, a guest room, and behind the main bedroom, a large walk-in closet and behind that, a storage cellar, in a slightly less refined state of organization than the rest. There are many small magical trinkets, paintings and portraits, not to mention very interesting looking books and scrolls. Interesting from an academic perspective, that is to say.
Beside the priestess’ bed, Snow finds a diary with a fine ribbon sewn into the binding as a bookmark, only a few pages so far bearing entries. There is also a writing desk in the bedroom, the kind which through deft carpentry neatly folds up and is locked. One of the keys opens it. A series of diaries over the last ten years is discovered therein.
In the storage cellar, crates are marked with painted numbers, their contents sealed in beeswax wrappers.
A thin volume within the folding desk holds cryptic entries in shorthand regarding the contents of the numbered crates in the cellar.
Thirty minutes have passed investigating the chambers to discover the above, and detect magic no longer functions.
Py, shortly, buzzes into the room and lands upon Snow’s shoulder. In its whispery voice it relays that Auger sent it to help and tells Snow what the warlock and Varielky, whom it briefly circled while she examined the historical scroll, have been up to.
["So just a step at a time."] Varielky says, mostly to herself. She wonders if the priest is worried that someone speaks in an unknown language, to herself, over one of his scrolls. Anyway, it seems like she's got all the information she could get for now. ["Thank you. I'll go contribute what I can to said quest."]
Varielky sheathes Dreygaard again, rolls the scroll and puts it back into its case. She would try to put the scroll back in its place on her own if she remembers exactly where it was, preferring to avoid making the acolyte stand up again. If she can't find the place alone, though, she'll have no choice and it bring it back to him. Either way, she'll then thank the acolyte. "Thank you. We'll be leaving soon, I assume. Surely by morning. You should do the same if your life matters to you. The garrison will be back at the sunshine, if not earlier, and I doubt they'll let you be." There's a lot more than Varielky can say, but she chooses not to. She delivered the information she thought she should, and beyond that was the acolyte's choice.
Varielky will then search for Auger or Snow, whichever she finds first.
"Thank you", Snow replies to Py. "You can tell Auger that I am still searching for the diaries from the period when the axe was gifted", he adds as he places the diaries he has found into his pack.
He then takes up his violin and focusses his magical essence into it, running the bow across the strings as he speaks some lyrics in the Kingdoms tongue. The magical energy moves from the violin into him, imbuing him with greater clarity of thought.
Putting the violin away again, he concentrates on the cryptic shorthand, trying to work out how it relates to the numbers on the crates in the storage room.
If needed he will search for further clues as to the code.
Auger rests by the door, keeping his eyes on the streets and doing his best to relax while waiting for the others, even thinking to eat some food to refresh himself. He tries not to think about the time as he is unsure if he will be able to get back to Baylen before midnight. Soon they would have to not just leave the Temple but also find a way out of this city.
(OOC questions:
Is Py within 100'? If so then it would probably be relaying what it learns to Auger.
Total time in the temple has been a little over 30 minutes, correct? Auger was active with uniform hunting for a bit there and so on, but still is seeking a short rest if possible
)
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The oldest diaries, from the period Snow is looking for, are written in an unfamiliar Shian dialect, with some orcish words thrown in, called Bantu. They are organized with study guides, scholastic texts, and other such academic items, all arranged in chronological order vis-a-vis their usage by Safiyah, and cross-referenced profusely. The bard almost gives up figuring out which are diaries and which are field guides or other writings, except that, with the added clarity his bardic magic grants him, he notices another volume he might otherwise have ignored, which turns out to be a Jenghen/Bantu dictionary. The high priestess herself had written this rosetta stone, decades in the past, and it allows further progress. In two hours’ time, Snow has gathered up ten large volumes, 50lbs, of diaries from those years before the Shian Rebellion, and before Safiyah’s journey to Khazaran.
During this time, nothing more happens except that Py informs Auger that archers have returned or formed up atop the facing buildingtop once again. Varielky and Auger have time for a short rest.
With Py keeping watch Auger is able to close his eyes for a short time as he meditates and focuses on the Sea of Stars, not attempting to use its powers, but just to feel himself within it. Floating. Observing. Recovering. As his eyes open, Auger believes he has found some sustenance in this rest. (OOC: Auger takes a short rest and expends 3 Sorcerer hit dice for 16 healing - he also recovers two Level 3 spell slots)
From this point, Auger is wakeful and watchful. Through Py, Auger checks on the progress of the others and informs them of the arrival of fresh archers. He also lets them know that he has acquired a few Imperial uniforms that they could possibly use as disguises, if they want to walk out through the front door. Have they found any alternative form of leaving? An unwatched back door, perhaps? With his rest, Auger now has the ability to make two of them disappear from view, an effect which will continue if they can avoid taking any direct actions. Perhaps one can wear a disguise out while the other two try to quietly leave the area?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky doesn't plan to rest at first, but when Auger tells her about the archers, she decides gathering some more strength would be best. After all, it's not like there was a lot she could do to help Snow in this matter. He was the scholar between the two of them.
"Wouldn't they suspect if we leave as guards? They don't expect any guards here." Varielky questions Auger's plan. At least he had one, which might be better than none, but it was hard to believe it will lead to anything that rushing out blades drawn wouldn't.
Before rest: Second Wind, healing 8+7=15 to max.
Short rest replenishes Second Wind, Superiority Dice.
Auger finds himself nodding at the relayed points that Varielky makes and through Py replies, "I thought we might be charged and overwhelmed if we tried to stand our ground. So if we have to let them come in later, then we can retreat, hide, change into the uniforms and then perhaps walk out as just another set of Imperials."
Auger pauses to let the message be relayed before continuing, "But for right now, I agree. In fact if we can leave soon, we might be able to avoid notice entirely by just moving quickly. In fact I'll pull Py back to scout around more to see if there are any opponents on the ground to deal with as yet."
Auger takes the time to ensure that Py relays this conversation to Snow as well before bringing Py back and sending it further outside to find where more of the Imperials may be, they did not take care of any of those Lizards, and more could come at any time.
(OOC: To start with Py will cover all near streets per the map of the area outside the Temple. Time allowing he will ask Py to go further to see if they are gathering anywhere further out.)
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow collects all the tomes together that he has found, looking to find an easy way of transporting them, putting as many as he can in his backpack and then calling out to Varielky.
If she doesn't hear, he will go and find her, using his whisper magic so as to not attract undue attention.
"Varielky, I could use your strength downstairs if you are amenable".
He will ask her if she would be able to bear the load of the books, being far stronger than he.
When Py mentions Auger's plans for escape, he replies, "There is a corridor downstairs with roots growing through it that may present a way to escape, although I haven't explored it yet. I hope it is how the Red cypress got in and out though. If not, your plan might be the best we have. I am able to disguise myself as well, using my magic".
If, and when, Varielky receives the message, one way or another, she'll go down to help Snow. A few books probably wouldn't bother her, though when she sees the number of books Snow chose to take with them, she wonders if they'll even be able to fit them all into their bags. "As expected from a priestess of Idiwala, I suppose." She remarks, marvelling at just how many words the woman had to write. She could never find so many.
The acolyte is asleep in his chair and we’ll say Varielky quietly joins Snow in his investigation of the recently-deceased high priestess’ personal belongings. The books do not fit in your bags but you easily find a satchel specifically made for the transport of books, and this box-shaped leather case comes with a strap to throw over one’s shoulder. Between your two packs and the book-satchel, you gather everything.
A detail to which Varielky was oblivious but now filters through — perhaps to her surprise that she noticed — pertaining to the scroll. It was not the old one. It was the copy. As the shield-maiden helps Snow pack books, some detail he mentions about the old parchment catalyzes her understanding of her difficulty with the magnifying glass. It wasn’t the glass that was the problem. It was the scroll itself. It had been substituted for the original.
Py is perhaps at the door at this moment, invisible, keeping watch, where it observes two figures, a woman in a slinky and revealing evening dress, and a muscular— nay, perfectly formed man, with extraordinary pecs and well-oiled biceps — float upon the air out of the night sky, then gently land on the far side of the fountain courtyard facing the broken Temple entrance. The pair step forward and seem to walk on water over the rectangular pond. Slowly, confidently, like predators which have cornered their prey.
‘Master,’ the Fey alyasub sends, in a tense whisper. ‘The Lord and Lady Tazellayt are approaching the Temple steps!’
Auger hears from Py and immediately steps into action. He cannot approach the pair or hope to fight them on his own so he retreats from the door, grabs the bundled uniforms and heads down to the others.
Come on in Py. Do not risk yourself but let me know of their progress.
When he reaches the others Auger lets them know what is going on.
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The Tazellayts. Last time they fought, the two beat them even while drugged by the opium, at times even standing still for a few moments. Varielky feels she grew stronger, but was she strong enough? It probably wasn't worth the risk.
"Shall we try the Cypress' corridor, then?" Varielky suggests. "Either that or we get a rematch with the two. I'm sure they'll be shocked to see us alive again."Even though they probably heard about them following recent events, having been in that same castle, Varielky remembers. And yet, it's not every day that a victim you not only killed but tried to destroy its corpse for all eternity comes back to face you.
Snow shakes his head, "I have to confess I am not eager to face those two again".
"Especially not when my resources are so depleted. We came here for a purpose and we have achieved that. The most prudent course now is to escape without confrontation. I agree we should try the Cypress' corridor", he concurs with Varielky.
Turning to Auger, he asks, "Do you have means of slowing them down? Even the darkness you have created in the past might give them pause".
He then makes his way to the corridor with the roots growing around it.
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Leaving Py outside for the moment to keep watch, Auger collects up the uniforms and uses belts to tie them in bundles which he leaves at the top of the stairs. Then he returns to the doorway, hesitating for a moment before sending Py down the stairs after the others.
Let them know things are still quiet. And see if they are making any progress. I will recall you if I need help.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Looking around, Snow can't help but be impressed by the High Priestess's rooms. A mixture of comfort and learning, he can imagine the High Priestess herself sitting in one of the comfy chairs reading one of the books she has just retrieved from the shelf.
He whispers a short prayer to Idiwala, honouring them and asking for forgiveness for entering this room unbidden. Explaining it was necessary and that the dissemination of knowledge was paramount, and knowledge was after all what he sought.
As he passes the small side table he picks up the keys and stack of letters and places them in his pack.
Looking around, he also focusses on anything that might be giving off a magical aura, apart from the lights that is, or anything that might be opened by the keys he now possesses
He quickly scans the books on the shelves looking for any that might be diaries, well aware that there is no writing desk in this particular room. Could it be that she wrote in her diaries elsewhere? He invokes his invisible spectral hand as he looks in case he needs to look at something out of reach.
Concentration: Detect Magic - 8 minutes-ish?
Action: Cast Mage Hand
Investigation: 8+5=15 (Passive: 17)
Varielky thanks the acolyte again, then takes the scroll to study as once instructed by the priestess herself. She reads through it again, trying to recall and assign pieces of information she learned during and since her last visit here as best she can.
Eventually, she decides to ask for help. Varielky draws Dreygaard, setting it by the scroll, one hand laying on the blade. ["Are you there, can you speak?"] Varielky tries to communicate with Veleif. It's been a while, so he should have some energy to communicate, she hopes. ["What do you make of it? The names, the dates. Are they relevant to my past, my present, my future?"]
It now occurs to her that many of the questions she had back then have already been answered, but it was worth making sure in case there was something she's missing. And, of course, the names she could not identify back then.
Varielky
SNOW
There is indeed a small, low, tilted table on wheels for writing correspondence.
One of the keys probably fits the lock Snow just defeated magically. The others? Unknown.
There are a few magical trinkets on the shelves, which make music or cast tiny illusions when picked up. It takes at least five minutes to give the books a glance, so varied and numerous are they, of every kind, touching on a wide breadth of topics, and in a variety of languages. No diaries reveal themselves to such a cursory inspection.
VARIELKY
The shield-maiden takes up a magnifying glass to examine the scroll as the high priestess had showed her. “I am here, my Queen,” Valeif’s voice sounds in Varielky’s mind. “And I see through your eyes. Yes. This scroll illustrates a Shian prince’s journey to visit your forefather in your ancestral seat, Hvittrborg.”
(OOC: I rolled Investigation: 14.)
The shield-maiden is having a hard time with the magnifying glass.
AUGER
The southerner sees rats begin to advance out of the sewers, taking an interest in the battleground. A beggar at the edge of the courtyard tries to furtively take the boots off of one of the fallen.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow moves from the drawing room through the arch into the dining room whilst he still has the ability to see the magical auras, taking note of any closed cupboards and looking to open them using the keys he found.
If he finds nothing of note there with a cursory look, he will move down the hall to the bed chamber and bath area.
If there is still no sign of what he is looking for, he knows it is time to start a more thorough search.
Concentration: Detect Magic - likely finished by the end of this
Investigation: 18+7=25 (Passive: 17)
["Is there any more that I should know? How did we reach the state we're in right now?"] Varielky lies the magnifying glass aside. In all truth, the whole story felt distant from her. Even if the evidence pointed that way, she didn't feel like some exiled queen, nor any queen for that matter. She knows some of her people's customs, but she doesn't really know them, the land, or the history. For that matter, since most she knew was the language and religion, the only thing discriminating between her as Dreyen and an Indallian was the blood running through her veins. If she just appeared and claimed to be a descendant of some long-exiled royalty, would she be accepted? She probably wouldn't accept herself, not truly. Perhaps as leader, but not as one of their own.
["You told me before there is much more for me to learn. How can I do that? Will you teach me, will life? Should I seek the knowledge myself, or perhaps, more important, what kind of knowledge am I supposed to seek?"] For now she still remains there, but she realises she'll have to go back to the others soon. If not to help them find the diaries, then because they've found them and would have to leave. And yet, one can not just look away when destiny reveals itself, even if only a little at a time.
Varielky
VARIELKY
‘You are correct,’ replies the old mentor’s gravelly voice. ‘Your people will not recognize you or accept you without proof and without a trial-at-arms. Drey is the only nation in all of Yurrielli to have defied Imperial rule for so long. But not without defeats. Fifty years ago, using evil sorcery, the empire caused a revolt in Drey, the royal family were the object of an assassination attempt, had to flee to Indallia, and lies were spread that they were Jenghen sympathizers, and for your own protection, that the assassinations were successful. The leader of the revolt has since perished, leaving Drey under the weak command of a regent, Brrjota Tryggvi.’
‘You are now ready to learn about your past and heritage. This scroll shows Hallad I Guttormsonne, King, at the height of his glory but only in passing as a milestone in a foreign prince’s travel log. You must learn the history at its source, in Drey, in the great hall of knowledge, Mimisbrunnersholl.
You will need allies. Help the Shians to defeat their foe and they will support you in your ascension to the throne if your powerful friends do not. But a Dreyen keeps her vows to her dying breath. You must complete the quest you began in service to the Sindarrin. His people will owe you a debt as well.’
SNOW
There are more rooms. A small kitchen, a larder, closets, a guest room, and behind the main bedroom, a large walk-in closet and behind that, a storage cellar, in a slightly less refined state of organization than the rest. There are many small magical trinkets, paintings and portraits, not to mention very interesting looking books and scrolls. Interesting from an academic perspective, that is to say.
Beside the priestess’ bed, Snow finds a diary with a fine ribbon sewn into the binding as a bookmark, only a few pages so far bearing entries. There is also a writing desk in the bedroom, the kind which through deft carpentry neatly folds up and is locked. One of the keys opens it. A series of diaries over the last ten years is discovered therein.
In the storage cellar, crates are marked with painted numbers, their contents sealed in beeswax wrappers.
A thin volume within the folding desk holds cryptic entries in shorthand regarding the contents of the numbered crates in the cellar.
Thirty minutes have passed investigating the chambers to discover the above, and detect magic no longer functions.
Py, shortly, buzzes into the room and lands upon Snow’s shoulder. In its whispery voice it relays that Auger sent it to help and tells Snow what the warlock and Varielky, whom it briefly circled while she examined the historical scroll, have been up to.
(OOC: We are now synchronous once again.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
["So just a step at a time."] Varielky says, mostly to herself. She wonders if the priest is worried that someone speaks in an unknown language, to herself, over one of his scrolls. Anyway, it seems like she's got all the information she could get for now. ["Thank you. I'll go contribute what I can to said quest."]
Varielky sheathes Dreygaard again, rolls the scroll and puts it back into its case. She would try to put the scroll back in its place on her own if she remembers exactly where it was, preferring to avoid making the acolyte stand up again. If she can't find the place alone, though, she'll have no choice and it bring it back to him. Either way, she'll then thank the acolyte. "Thank you. We'll be leaving soon, I assume. Surely by morning. You should do the same if your life matters to you. The garrison will be back at the sunshine, if not earlier, and I doubt they'll let you be." There's a lot more than Varielky can say, but she chooses not to. She delivered the information she thought she should, and beyond that was the acolyte's choice.
Varielky will then search for Auger or Snow, whichever she finds first.
Varielky
"Thank you", Snow replies to Py. "You can tell Auger that I am still searching for the diaries from the period when the axe was gifted", he adds as he places the diaries he has found into his pack.
He then takes up his violin and focusses his magical essence into it, running the bow across the strings as he speaks some lyrics in the Kingdoms tongue. The magical energy moves from the violin into him, imbuing him with greater clarity of thought.
Putting the violin away again, he concentrates on the cryptic shorthand, trying to work out how it relates to the numbers on the crates in the storage room.
If needed he will search for further clues as to the code.
Action: Cast Enhance Ability (Fox's Cunning)
Investigation (with Advantage): (16,
4)+7=23Concentration: Enhance Ability - 1 hour
Auger rests by the door, keeping his eyes on the streets and doing his best to relax while waiting for the others, even thinking to eat some food to refresh himself. He tries not to think about the time as he is unsure if he will be able to get back to Baylen before midnight. Soon they would have to not just leave the Temple but also find a way out of this city.
(OOC questions:
)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
It takes time.
The oldest diaries, from the period Snow is looking for, are written in an unfamiliar Shian dialect, with some orcish words thrown in, called Bantu. They are organized with study guides, scholastic texts, and other such academic items, all arranged in chronological order vis-a-vis their usage by Safiyah, and cross-referenced profusely. The bard almost gives up figuring out which are diaries and which are field guides or other writings, except that, with the added clarity his bardic magic grants him, he notices another volume he might otherwise have ignored, which turns out to be a Jenghen/Bantu dictionary. The high priestess herself had written this rosetta stone, decades in the past, and it allows further progress. In two hours’ time, Snow has gathered up ten large volumes, 50lbs, of diaries from those years before the Shian Rebellion, and before Safiyah’s journey to Khazaran.
During this time, nothing more happens except that Py informs Auger that archers have returned or formed up atop the facing buildingtop once again. Varielky and Auger have time for a short rest.
The hour is now half past 11 bells at night.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
With Py keeping watch Auger is able to close his eyes for a short time as he meditates and focuses on the Sea of Stars, not attempting to use its powers, but just to feel himself within it. Floating. Observing. Recovering. As his eyes open, Auger believes he has found some sustenance in this rest. (OOC: Auger takes a short rest and expends 3 Sorcerer hit dice for 16 healing - he also recovers two Level 3 spell slots)
From this point, Auger is wakeful and watchful. Through Py, Auger checks on the progress of the others and informs them of the arrival of fresh archers. He also lets them know that he has acquired a few Imperial uniforms that they could possibly use as disguises, if they want to walk out through the front door. Have they found any alternative form of leaving? An unwatched back door, perhaps? With his rest, Auger now has the ability to make two of them disappear from view, an effect which will continue if they can avoid taking any direct actions. Perhaps one can wear a disguise out while the other two try to quietly leave the area?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky doesn't plan to rest at first, but when Auger tells her about the archers, she decides gathering some more strength would be best. After all, it's not like there was a lot she could do to help Snow in this matter. He was the scholar between the two of them.
"Wouldn't they suspect if we leave as guards? They don't expect any guards here." Varielky questions Auger's plan. At least he had one, which might be better than none, but it was hard to believe it will lead to anything that rushing out blades drawn wouldn't.
Before rest: Second Wind, healing 8+7=15 to max.
Short rest replenishes Second Wind, Superiority Dice.
Varielky
Auger finds himself nodding at the relayed points that Varielky makes and through Py replies, "I thought we might be charged and overwhelmed if we tried to stand our ground. So if we have to let them come in later, then we can retreat, hide, change into the uniforms and then perhaps walk out as just another set of Imperials."
Auger pauses to let the message be relayed before continuing, "But for right now, I agree. In fact if we can leave soon, we might be able to avoid notice entirely by just moving quickly. In fact I'll pull Py back to scout around more to see if there are any opponents on the ground to deal with as yet."
Auger takes the time to ensure that Py relays this conversation to Snow as well before bringing Py back and sending it further outside to find where more of the Imperials may be, they did not take care of any of those Lizards, and more could come at any time.
(OOC: To start with Py will cover all near streets per the map of the area outside the Temple. Time allowing he will ask Py to go further to see if they are gathering anywhere further out.)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow collects all the tomes together that he has found, looking to find an easy way of transporting them, putting as many as he can in his backpack and then calling out to Varielky.
If she doesn't hear, he will go and find her, using his whisper magic so as to not attract undue attention.
"Varielky, I could use your strength downstairs if you are amenable".
He will ask her if she would be able to bear the load of the books, being far stronger than he.
When Py mentions Auger's plans for escape, he replies, "There is a corridor downstairs with roots growing through it that may present a way to escape, although I haven't explored it yet. I hope it is how the Red cypress got in and out though. If not, your plan might be the best we have. I am able to disguise myself as well, using my magic".
If, and when, Varielky receives the message, one way or another, she'll go down to help Snow. A few books probably wouldn't bother her, though when she sees the number of books Snow chose to take with them, she wonders if they'll even be able to fit them all into their bags. "As expected from a priestess of Idiwala, I suppose." She remarks, marvelling at just how many words the woman had to write. She could never find so many.
Varielky
The acolyte is asleep in his chair and we’ll say Varielky quietly joins Snow in his investigation of the recently-deceased high priestess’ personal belongings. The books do not fit in your bags but you easily find a satchel specifically made for the transport of books, and this box-shaped leather case comes with a strap to throw over one’s shoulder. Between your two packs and the book-satchel, you gather everything.
A detail to which Varielky was oblivious but now filters through — perhaps to her surprise that she noticed — pertaining to the scroll. It was not the old one. It was the copy. As the shield-maiden helps Snow pack books, some detail he mentions about the old parchment catalyzes her understanding of her difficulty with the magnifying glass. It wasn’t the glass that was the problem. It was the scroll itself. It had been substituted for the original.
Py is perhaps at the door at this moment, invisible, keeping watch, where it observes two figures, a woman in a slinky and revealing evening dress, and a muscular— nay, perfectly formed man, with extraordinary pecs and well-oiled biceps — float upon the air out of the night sky, then gently land on the far side of the fountain courtyard facing the broken Temple entrance. The pair step forward and seem to walk on water over the rectangular pond. Slowly, confidently, like predators which have cornered their prey.
‘Master,’ the Fey alyasub sends, in a tense whisper. ‘The Lord and Lady Tazellayt are approaching the Temple steps!’
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger hears from Py and immediately steps into action. He cannot approach the pair or hope to fight them on his own so he retreats from the door, grabs the bundled uniforms and heads down to the others.
Come on in Py. Do not risk yourself but let me know of their progress.
When he reaches the others Auger lets them know what is going on.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The Tazellayts. Last time they fought, the two beat them even while drugged by the opium, at times even standing still for a few moments. Varielky feels she grew stronger, but was she strong enough? It probably wasn't worth the risk.
"Shall we try the Cypress' corridor, then?" Varielky suggests. "Either that or we get a rematch with the two. I'm sure they'll be shocked to see us alive again." Even though they probably heard about them following recent events, having been in that same castle, Varielky remembers. And yet, it's not every day that a victim you not only killed but tried to destroy its corpse for all eternity comes back to face you.
Varielky
Snow shakes his head, "I have to confess I am not eager to face those two again".
"Especially not when my resources are so depleted. We came here for a purpose and we have achieved that. The most prudent course now is to escape without confrontation. I agree we should try the Cypress' corridor", he concurs with Varielky.
Turning to Auger, he asks, "Do you have means of slowing them down? Even the darkness you have created in the past might give them pause".
He then makes his way to the corridor with the roots growing around it.