"Still feels like we are taking advantage of your hospitality, but if you are sure about it..." Irmiel would not mind a couple of hours walk and though did think that sudden uninvited guests are rarely a welcome intrusion, that was not the main thing bothering her. "We can still just get rooms in the Inn closest to today's events. Learn what people think about it, maybe even what authorities have to say about it. Word on the street, you know. And it would be easier to get to Charlie's shop in the morning."She looked at others checking if the idea sounds at least considerable. "What do you say?"
The groups decision to head out of town and to Sistri's family is tossed after the group listens to Irmiel mention the chance to do a bit of digging for information while in town. With Kris having undergone her transformation and less of a need to hide her away from prying eyes, you decide a stay in town might be best. You all head through the quiet Suzail streets for an Inn close to today's action. The Leaning Post that Irmiel was at is in a quieter part of town, and the Roving Dragon that Llywd was staying in is actually outside the main walls of the city. Instead you find yourself the Wailing Wheel. Rooms are 5 silver per person per night, while the meals will cost another 3 silver. Another 5 copper for each beer or glass of wine you'd like to enjoy.
Group make a Persuasion roll! Sistri, please make the roll for the group, with advantage, since at least one other group member (Kris) is proficient.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Sistri Persuasion Check: 13)
Sistri will pay for a room and meal for herself at the Wailing Wheel. She would also enjoy a glass of wine with the meal, drinking it slowly to allow it to last. She tries to start up a conversation with a couple of the people already there.
Inside the inn, once everything was paid for, Irmiel sat uncharacteristically quietly with her warm wine and well-deserved (after all the events) meal. While Sistri was mingling with the crowd, her own communications were just wide-eyed emotional remarks about all the commotion outside to the inn-keeper and someone serving the food, in the hope that those people will be happy and eager to tell anything they can on the subject by themselves.
Kris lowers her voice, trying to sound gruff, and offers limited remarks on the state of things. She punctuates the points made by others with a hearty "Hear, hear!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they took care of changing Kris’ appearance and equipment, Llwyd took the time to ask about eh attack. It was fresh news, but everyone seemed to at least know that only the downtown was hit by the Shadovar. He didn’t know if the area had the weakest security or if everything of interest to the netherese rested there. Either was possible to the point that it was, maybe, a combination of both. Anyhow it was certain that the dexterous warrior family was not attacked and this not only made her breath in relief but diminished the urgency of sending any message to her parents.
The satyr still felt exhausted, but now his changing abilities were back at full strength, something that improved his spirits if ever so slightly. He was fast to agree with Irmiel idea of staying close to the affected area and collect information. They arrived at the Wailing Wheel and he paid for room and meal since it was better to keep his rations to travel. Before the meal he wandered the establishment, asking here and there if some patron or another knew about the attack. With his dinner served he focused on hearing any conversation about the same topic. The druid almost felt tempted to assume a form of an animal with keen hearing and make things easier, but instead he simply touched his shoulder and asked the Oak Father for guidance
Notes: Llwyd tries asking about the attack then casts Guidance upon himself and tries to hear any conversation about the attack.
Short Rest Hit Die:9 Perception Check (Passive Perception 17):20 Guidance:2
(I added the guidance into that group check, to push your check over 20...which gives you some more info!)
The Wailing Wheel is a three story building at the intersection of Dragon Path and King's Walk, just down the road a couple of blocks from the Procurement offices. The acrid smell of smoke still lingers in the air as you approach. The first two floors are set aside to the tavern, with a large open area in the middle and bannisters looking down into the center of the main floor that is crowded with tables. The place has that special combination of smells from stale beer, perfume, roast beef and body odour that seems baked into every wooden beam and floorboard. Rooms for rent are on the top floor as well as some cheaper spots downstairs. Though with the nonstop sound of a tavern directly overhead, you doubt they're good for sleeping in. The occasional pleasured grunting or female gasping from beneath the floor tells you what use they primarily serve.
The place is packed with people chatting about the days events, trying to ease off or drink away the fear and violence, and just generally have a good time. The group finds a big booth near under the 2nd level and off to one side and settles in. The experience for Kris is entirely shocking and exciting. Likewise, Llwyd finds the press of people and the background noise of so many people in one place all trying to talk over each other a bit shocking. You're forced to yell to each other in order to hear yourselves over the din of the place.
Drinks and food are delivered, hot pipping crushed potato covered in a thick beef gravy alongside some thick slices of beef flank. A piece of over cooked broccoli on each plate appears to be mostly for show. The food is...thick...is that an acceptable term...and salty...quite salty, but does it's job to fill you up.
Sistri isn't a veteran at places like this, but has been around soldiers and taverns and seems comfortable enough. Irmiel doesn't seem like she's frequented this sort of place, but she also seems comfortable enough in the environment. That said, Sistri is definitely a people person and leads the way into the room, getting conversations started, introducing Llwyd, Irmiel, and Kris to random people then heading off to start new conversations. In the spots between conversations, you've all spread out enough that you can overhear all sorts of conversations about the room. After a couple hours of this, you all gather back at the table to "shout-whisper" what you've each learned.
The consensus seems to be that the Shadovar attacked the city on the same day as the procurement office opening a high priced contract for mercs to secure Netheril ruins, anywhere and everywhere that they may be found.
People figure Shadovar agents must still exist in the government to have caught wind of the announcement and to have planned such an attack.
That the Shadovar attacked at such a point, is a clear declaration that they consider the Netheril ruins their property and don't want others claiming their....heritage.
Past that though, things begin to get very speculative. You hear rumors of some sort of 2nd spell plague coming to ruin the world, and the destruction of the Mythallars are the only way to stop it. Giants are fighting a giant war, and when they're done, the winners are going to lead all remaining giants to come take over the world, and the only way to stop them is with Mythallars. Another theory is that if the Shadovar manage to collect enough Mythallars, they can cast some powerful spell to change all of existence's history, one where they are in control.
People talk about the Netheril ruins that are known about as well. The floating city of Thulthanthar sitting amongst the ruins of Myth Drannor, people figure nothing could have survived such a thing and the contracts specifically required a surviving Mythallar. There was Undrentide which apparently was raised into the air by a Medusa Liche many many years ago, but she was stopped and the city crashed in the desert, it's Mythallar destroyed. The city known as Sakkors rose out of the sea of fallen stars a couple decades ago. It was seen over Sembia, and then crashed near the ruins of Ordulin. People think the Sembian state, and thus...the Shadovar control those ruins, if anything remains. Nhalloth is another city that was in the sea of fallen stars, across the other side near Thon's Fist. Apparently it's been well looted and people think it's probably empty.
Beyond that, conversation about the contract is all over the place. Apparently with the destruction of the Procurement office, it's going to be months before they can begin offering contracts to merc groups. That won't necessarily stop groups from trying to secure Mythallars, but apparently the information package that was distributed included a bunch of research as well as unique access to some libraries and information sources. From the conversations, the group picks up that the Flaming Fist, Red Ravens, Black Talons, and Bold Blades of Berdusk, along with two unknown groups, Frank's Group, and Terry's Terrible Twosome were all seen having completed the the contract signing. It seems Charlie's little side signing over at the license desk was missed. People figure that a lot of the smaller groups may sign sub-contracts with some of the bigger groups just to get in on the action.
Everyone sits, sipping drinks amidst the chaotic sounds of the tavern, contemplating this almost overload of information.
Gathered with the others, she sits back a bit, sipping at her drink. She smiles as she speaks about what she's heard and listens to what the others have found out. "Not only are there lots of rivals, these Shadovar seem likely to be coming after everyone too. And wow, such rumors!" Sistri says, at the end with a bit of a chuckle. "I can't really believe most of those things being said. Although, there must be some reason Cormyr suddenly wants them found. They must be important for something."
She actually kind of enjoys the chaotic scene - the voices, the laughter, the comradery. She's more than content to just scan the crowd and just watch the people during any lulls in their conversation.
Kris tastes her ale, finding herself to be extraordinarily thirsty. She sips rapidly (it's a sin against social graces to chug) until the pint is nearly gone. She burps gently into her hand. "Pardon me! Hmm alright. So the known Netheril ruins are Thulthanthar, Undrentide, Sakkors, and Nhalloth. And these ruins are said to contain Mythallars. Do we know anything more about Mythallars, in particular? Even if the ruins have been superficially explored, it's certain that there is plenty of territory there that's not been seen since the days of the Netherese empire. The Shadovar seem to think they're worth protecting, anyway. But the ruins are so large, where would we even begin? Any one of them might contain a Mythallar!"
"Charlie got lucky to get a contract! Those contracts give access to research and libraries. We'll have to discuss that with Charlie first thing tomorrow. That information would certainly contain some clues as to where to start. We could also try to tail one of the existing groups." Kris looks especially mischievous.
Irmiel looked both excited and concerned. She took off her glasses (and it was obvious now that they were a simple glass, not lenses) and was sipping her wine deep in thoughts. Finally she sighed and slowly said "I .. don't ... know..."She shook her head. "I mean, I do know - it all turns out more complicated than had to be. Kind of hoped for a ... faster task." She was taking more decisively and energetically - like her usual self. "I will be honest, I came here to get into the War Wizard Academy."She blushed but continued. "But they do not accept anyone without proof of loyalty and usefulness to Cormyr. Very... restrictive of them, but it is what it is. I thought a good quest would help but that task... Every city is hundreds of miles away from each other. No, not even cities - to rumoured places of those cities burial. And the closest one - Thulthanthar - is the one big graveyard of Myth Drannor, meaning, belong to the elves of Cormanthor. Not sure we can even enter it freely. Plus all the competition..." She suddenly smiled. "You know, it's great! If that would not be enough for these arrogant upstarts - nothing will. I'm in!"
"Which one do you think we have to begin with? The far off maybe not crawling with adventurers yet but not sure how we get there."
"So many questions. I wonderer if it's best just to see what Charlie can provide in the morning." Sistri continues looking around the room. "I'm not sure we have any reliable sources here anyway."
She is content to stay a while and just observe the crowd. But before it's too late she'll retire to her room.
Irmiel will do the same. It was a long day, very eventful. "You are right, at this point, we need to know what do we even have. Maybe Charlie picked up some useful rumours as well, besides, that bookshop of his... If the reading made him open the adventuring company, it had to be damn good reading! Man should know a lot." Irmiel firmly believed in self-education. "See you all in the morning!" She finished her wine and retired into the room.
The group retires to individual rooms for the evening. The sound of the pub below fading to a quiet evening hum. The next morning comes far too soon, with bright light peering between cracks in the shutters and reaching its way through the air in which flecks of dust slowly drift about. For everyone, this feels strange. A strange room, a strange bed with a pillow that is either softer than you're used to, or not soft enough. A bit at a loss, you go through your morning routines as best you can in this strange small dusty room. You push open the shutters and look out into the glorious city of Suzail and feel like a stranger.
You meet all of your new friends down in the pub to gather for breakfast. Some of you are early, some are late, but eventually you've all gathered, shared the breaking of your fasts, and are ready to head to Charlie's to learn more.
The group travels down the King's walk, taking a left on Blade Lane and then a right onto Griffon loop. Charlie's place is the 4th building on the left and is as described with an angel carved into the sign above the door. The shop is closed, but a quiet rap and a short wait and Charlie arrives to open up for you. He looks well dressed, groomed, and ready for the day, almost abuzz with excitement. The bookstore he owns is quite something. There are all manner of books, from simple fictional novels, to sketched picture books, to poetry or books on arcane arts. Cooking, hunting, how to throw a dinner party....all of these topics and more stack the shelves.
He ushers you all in, locking the door behind you and keeping the "Closed" sign turned outwards. He brings you to a table at the back of the library. There's a wall there that he's cleared and pinned up various material. There are also several books stacked on the table, a couple are open, and the papers he had are laid out all over.
"Welcome, welcome. It's a pleasure to have you hear at my shop. So, so, I hope you had a lovely night. I did some reading, and also I did a bit of digging through the shop, I knew I had a couple volumes that could be interesting. So, so, oh my, where to start. Ok. The packet contains information about the nature of Netheril, a bit of history, 101 on Mythllars, and existing known ruins. It also contains speculation about a few other ruins. Then it contains passes to three libraries. The royal library here in Suzail, the Arcane library in Arabel, and .....most fascinating, the great library of Candlekeep. it also includes a token for use of a teleportation circle to and from Candlekeep. As well, in my own library, I was able to find some reference to some ancient cities. I believe between all of these sources, I know the names of 12 ruins! Not that we know where they could be. The pesky thing with flying cities is...well....they end up all over the place. So...what shall we get into first? Let me first tell you of each city we know the name of, then we can go from there.
Thulthanthar - was destroyed in the ruins of Myth Drannor. The packet says that this Mythallar has already been secured by the elves, and to not venture there.
Jethaere - we have precious little information on this one.
Jockteleg - again, know next to nothing.
Lathery, aka Lachery - mentioned in one of my books over there, know very little.
Negarath, from the research packet, it says that the remnants of this enclave went on to form the kingdom known as Vassa. So, it's probably in Vassa somewhere.
Nhalloth, fell into the sea of fallen stars, 19 miles north of Thon’s fist. The package says that the Shadovar are in control of this city and not to attempt to venture there.
Orbedal, also known as Sanctuary, fell on the far west coast, next to the sea of fallen stars. It's now known as Warlock's Crypt. The paperwork tells us not to attempt to secure this location or visit there.
Sakkors, fell into the Sea of Fallen Stars, but was recently raised up, seen over Sembia, then crashed into the ruins of Ordulin. So, we probably know where that one is pretty well.
Selunarra also known as Opus, we know precious little about. But, the rumors say on the day that all the Netheril cities fell from the sky....it did not, it just...vanished.
Spiel, no idea about this one.
Undrentide fell in Anauroch. It was re-awaked and risen by some medusa liche, then fell again into the desert. The Mythallar was said to have cracked and broken. This location has already been searched by Elven forces. We're not forbidden from going there, but it's already been searched.
The last one is mentioned in the paperwork, is called Ythryn. Apparently it fell way up north near Icewind dale before all the other cities fell. But, that one is already been handled by the elves. I'm glad, because I'm sure traveling up in the icy north is a miserable affair. "
He taps his fingers on the desk full of paper, and scans the tables. "So much information...um...what would you like me to tell you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
That night, Kris peers out her window at the alleys behind the inn, marveling at all the buildings with their little windows, and the lives tucked away inside them. On this street alone, there's so much life, let alone in the block, the neighborhood, the district, and the city. It puts the tragedy of what happened today in perspective, to think about everyone who died or lost someone close. She realizes how lucky she is to be alive, and to have people looking out for her. Even if they're trying to make her take harp lessons. She wishes goodnight to her family, then shutters her windows and tucks herself into by with the light of her lamp. Beside her bed sits her equipment and her new armor and weapon. She yawns. "Tomorrow,"she murmurs to her lumpy pillow, "we're going to get to the bottom of this. We're going to..." but she lapses into sleep before she finishes the thought.
The next morning Kris bounces out of bed, full of energy. She makes herself presentable, admires her new outfit in the old mirror, and comes bounding down the stairs with the others. "I'm too excited to eat,"she announces as the others enjoy breakfast. "I'll have something later. Let's go!"
On the way to Charlie's, Kris walks beside Irmiel. "You were really impressive yesterday! Where did you learn about magic?"
"Good morning, Charlie!" she beams happily. "So very nice to see you again! It's a true honor to be a part of your company."
"Wow. That's... a lot of information! But at least there is some preliminary analysis. Assuming that the city is truly in search of Mythallars, and has some reason to tell us not to search certain spots, I suggest we focus on locations unexplored and unknown. Those have the best chance of holding a heretofore undiscovered Mythallar. What do Mythallars look like, anyway? Are they larger than a horse? Smaller than a teacup?"
By now, Irmiel spent a few days in the city. It was not absolutely new to her, the first "dizziness" of a newcomer was gone, but still amazed, of course. She was glad for the company, wandering alone was exciting, but tiresome too and the need to constantly ask for directions simply infuriating. Of course, Kriss's "makeup" was fixed for walking by the streets. "Just for safe passing,"reassured Irmiel, "will be back as soon as we are safe."She has nothing to hide and gladly shared that detail of her biography. "Archendale. It's a big city and has a magic school, but... we are trading Dales, you see. It is all about commerce. Magic is good, and still needed, of course, if only to fool your partner, but you can not exactly sell it. And if I have to be the "ever service" I'd rather "serve" a better cause."
The girl spent a moment to check the shop up from outside. Impressive location at least, he sure had to do good for himself. Once inside, though, Irmiel lost all pretence of a skeptical observer and simply admired the sea of knowledge presented here, fighting the urge to dive in and forget all the adventuring nonsense. She did not. Instead, she proceeded with others to the meeting table and listened to Charlie's report quite intently.
"You... have the pass into the Candlekeep? They just gave it to you?" Irmiel's newly found respect for Charlie jumped a few levels up. "Very impressive." She was, in fact, so impressed, that could not join the conversation for a few moments. But eventually, she did with the usual methodical approach (or an attempt of thereof). "Let's think logically. Any ruins mentioned in the packet are common knowledge. Meaning, not only shadovar, but all the adventurers gunning after the prise too". (Irmiel liked that expression and was happy for a chance to use it - like a true adventurer!) "I agree, our best bet is either the ruins no one knows about or those known, that are the most difficult to get the information about. Which would be those? Barring the forbidden/not recommended and well-known, we have Jethaere, Jockteleg, Lathery, and Spiel. Also Selunarra, but if it disappeared... It is hard enough to get the information about the existing one. Out of all of them, you have a book that mentions Lathery. The only clue and in the form of a book - sounds like a promising lead."
"I agree with Irmiel. If you have a book that reveals a site others may not know about, that seems best. So it seems Lathery should be our target." Sistri says, after listening to Charlie and then Kris' and Irmiel's responses.
She had gotten up 'late' had it been her brother's reckoning. But he ran a farm and was up well before the sun. As it was she was neither first nor last of the group to get breakfast.
"I imagine larger companies could have separate groups go to each known site. So best to pick one that is not widely known. Though if we can get a jump on traveling to one of these others besides Lathery we might jump at that," Sistri continues. "But I don't know much at all about Mythllars. Could you go over more about those?" she asks, looking to Charlie.
Charlie "hops to it" as the group asks for information. Taking on a more serious and studious tone that you've had from him in the past. He quickly organizes a few items and then starts "teaching".
"The word Mythallar is extended from the elven word Mythal. The 'lar' is an elven suffix that means 'greater'. The wizards of Netheril, impressed with the powerful magical fields that elves created around the outside of their cities...that the elves called Mythal's, decided to try and create even more powerful feats of magic. Likely showing the elves up a bit by calling them ...essentially... 'better than your thing'. Haha. Ha. Um, right, anyway. So, Mythal's are invisible fields anchored to a place in space. Mythallar's are physical manifestations of these field manipulations. The magic is all quite beyond me. Or I dare to say, beyond anyone left alive. They were created at a time when, as I understand it, the rules of magic...in the universe...were more lenient. It is likely the fall of Netheril that resulted in the gods tightening the reins on what mortals could achieve. But, the cat was out of the bag as it were. Oh my, I'm all over the place. Where was I? Oh yes. Mythallars." He pulls out a piece of paper and pins it to the wall. "Mythallars are universally spherical in shape. They range from 50 feet to 300 feet in diameter. They were the beating heart of Netheril cities, powering magical devices within a 1 mile radius and enabling the cities to fly. They were kept at the city center in a special room and either floated, or sat upon very special stands. Anything that touches a Mythallar, aside from perhaps the most powerful artifacts, or its special stand, ceases to exist. So, they're are large and at the center of the city, and they will always be free of rubble in the immediate area. That should make them easy to find! Mythallars and their more minor powers were as unique as the wizards that created them."
"As for Lathery, the book I have on it has precious few details. it was raised in the year -503 Dale Reckoning by the Netheril Archmage Veridon. He was the creator of the spells such as fog cloud and ice storm. It fell with the other cities in the year -339 Dale Reckoning. It was said to be a fishing based city, which meant it spent a lot of time over what was then called the narrow sea. The narrow sea used to lie near the northern most point of the Anauroch desert which was frozen and called the high ice for a thousand years. Only in the last 100 years or so did the Shadovar melt the high ice, created HighMelt Lake. Perhaps if you go looking there? However the lake itself is nearly the same size as all of Cormyr. So...its big."
"Oh, no, not right there, but to the library, of course!" (As if she was about to miss the chance to visit Candlekeep!) "It's quite a lot of information, actually - dates, the name of the Archmage, even the place! A very solid starting point. And while we are on it, we can check for the other names as well."Now that was what she understood - you go to the library and search for the clues. And anything else your soul desires too (great Oghma, the spells that place holds!) "Um... Do you know if shadovar are still there? Byt the HighMelt Lake?"
"Still feels like we are taking advantage of your hospitality, but if you are sure about it..." Irmiel would not mind a couple of hours walk and though did think that sudden uninvited guests are rarely a welcome intrusion, that was not the main thing bothering her. "We can still just get rooms in the Inn closest to today's events. Learn what people think about it, maybe even what authorities have to say about it. Word on the street, you know. And it would be easier to get to Charlie's shop in the morning." She looked at others checking if the idea sounds at least considerable. "What do you say?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
“With my new looks, I’m game for that!” Kris says.
The groups decision to head out of town and to Sistri's family is tossed after the group listens to Irmiel mention the chance to do a bit of digging for information while in town. With Kris having undergone her transformation and less of a need to hide her away from prying eyes, you decide a stay in town might be best. You all head through the quiet Suzail streets for an Inn close to today's action. The Leaning Post that Irmiel was at is in a quieter part of town, and the Roving Dragon that Llywd was staying in is actually outside the main walls of the city. Instead you find yourself the Wailing Wheel. Rooms are 5 silver per person per night, while the meals will cost another 3 silver. Another 5 copper for each beer or glass of wine you'd like to enjoy.
Group make a Persuasion roll! Sistri, please make the roll for the group, with advantage, since at least one other group member (Kris) is proficient.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
(Sistri Persuasion Check: 13)
Sistri will pay for a room and meal for herself at the Wailing Wheel. She would also enjoy a glass of wine with the meal, drinking it slowly to allow it to last. She tries to start up a conversation with a couple of the people already there.
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
Inside the inn, once everything was paid for, Irmiel sat uncharacteristically quietly with her warm wine and well-deserved (after all the events) meal. While Sistri was mingling with the crowd, her own communications were just wide-eyed emotional remarks about all the commotion outside to the inn-keeper and someone serving the food, in the hope that those people will be happy and eager to tell anything they can on the subject by themselves.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Kris lowers her voice, trying to sound gruff, and offers limited remarks on the state of things. She punctuates the points made by others with a hearty "Hear, hear!"
As they took care of changing Kris’ appearance and equipment, Llwyd took the time to ask about eh attack. It was fresh news, but everyone seemed to at least know that only the downtown was hit by the Shadovar. He didn’t know if the area had the weakest security or if everything of interest to the netherese rested there. Either was possible to the point that it was, maybe, a combination of both. Anyhow it was certain that the dexterous warrior family was not attacked and this not only made her breath in relief but diminished the urgency of sending any message to her parents.
The satyr still felt exhausted, but now his changing abilities were back at full strength, something that improved his spirits if ever so slightly. He was fast to agree with Irmiel idea of staying close to the affected area and collect information. They arrived at the Wailing Wheel and he paid for room and meal since it was better to keep his rations to travel. Before the meal he wandered the establishment, asking here and there if some patron or another knew about the attack. With his dinner served he focused on hearing any conversation about the same topic. The druid almost felt tempted to assume a form of an animal with keen hearing and make things easier, but instead he simply touched his shoulder and asked the Oak Father for guidance
Notes: Llwyd tries asking about the attack then casts Guidance upon himself and tries to hear any conversation about the attack.
Short Rest Hit Die: 9
Perception Check (Passive Perception 17): 20
Guidance: 2
(I added the guidance into that group check, to push your check over 20...which gives you some more info!)
The Wailing Wheel is a three story building at the intersection of Dragon Path and King's Walk, just down the road a couple of blocks from the Procurement offices. The acrid smell of smoke still lingers in the air as you approach. The first two floors are set aside to the tavern, with a large open area in the middle and bannisters looking down into the center of the main floor that is crowded with tables. The place has that special combination of smells from stale beer, perfume, roast beef and body odour that seems baked into every wooden beam and floorboard. Rooms for rent are on the top floor as well as some cheaper spots downstairs. Though with the nonstop sound of a tavern directly overhead, you doubt they're good for sleeping in. The occasional pleasured grunting or female gasping from beneath the floor tells you what use they primarily serve.
The place is packed with people chatting about the days events, trying to ease off or drink away the fear and violence, and just generally have a good time. The group finds a big booth near under the 2nd level and off to one side and settles in. The experience for Kris is entirely shocking and exciting. Likewise, Llwyd finds the press of people and the background noise of so many people in one place all trying to talk over each other a bit shocking. You're forced to yell to each other in order to hear yourselves over the din of the place.
Drinks and food are delivered, hot pipping crushed potato covered in a thick beef gravy alongside some thick slices of beef flank. A piece of over cooked broccoli on each plate appears to be mostly for show. The food is...thick...is that an acceptable term...and salty...quite salty, but does it's job to fill you up.
Sistri isn't a veteran at places like this, but has been around soldiers and taverns and seems comfortable enough. Irmiel doesn't seem like she's frequented this sort of place, but she also seems comfortable enough in the environment. That said, Sistri is definitely a people person and leads the way into the room, getting conversations started, introducing Llwyd, Irmiel, and Kris to random people then heading off to start new conversations. In the spots between conversations, you've all spread out enough that you can overhear all sorts of conversations about the room. After a couple hours of this, you all gather back at the table to "shout-whisper" what you've each learned.
The consensus seems to be that the Shadovar attacked the city on the same day as the procurement office opening a high priced contract for mercs to secure Netheril ruins, anywhere and everywhere that they may be found.
People figure Shadovar agents must still exist in the government to have caught wind of the announcement and to have planned such an attack.
That the Shadovar attacked at such a point, is a clear declaration that they consider the Netheril ruins their property and don't want others claiming their....heritage.
Past that though, things begin to get very speculative. You hear rumors of some sort of 2nd spell plague coming to ruin the world, and the destruction of the Mythallars are the only way to stop it. Giants are fighting a giant war, and when they're done, the winners are going to lead all remaining giants to come take over the world, and the only way to stop them is with Mythallars. Another theory is that if the Shadovar manage to collect enough Mythallars, they can cast some powerful spell to change all of existence's history, one where they are in control.
People talk about the Netheril ruins that are known about as well. The floating city of Thulthanthar sitting amongst the ruins of Myth Drannor, people figure nothing could have survived such a thing and the contracts specifically required a surviving Mythallar. There was Undrentide which apparently was raised into the air by a Medusa Liche many many years ago, but she was stopped and the city crashed in the desert, it's Mythallar destroyed. The city known as Sakkors rose out of the sea of fallen stars a couple decades ago. It was seen over Sembia, and then crashed near the ruins of Ordulin. People think the Sembian state, and thus...the Shadovar control those ruins, if anything remains. Nhalloth is another city that was in the sea of fallen stars, across the other side near Thon's Fist. Apparently it's been well looted and people think it's probably empty.
Beyond that, conversation about the contract is all over the place. Apparently with the destruction of the Procurement office, it's going to be months before they can begin offering contracts to merc groups. That won't necessarily stop groups from trying to secure Mythallars, but apparently the information package that was distributed included a bunch of research as well as unique access to some libraries and information sources. From the conversations, the group picks up that the Flaming Fist, Red Ravens, Black Talons, and Bold Blades of Berdusk, along with two unknown groups, Frank's Group, and Terry's Terrible Twosome were all seen having completed the the contract signing. It seems Charlie's little side signing over at the license desk was missed. People figure that a lot of the smaller groups may sign sub-contracts with some of the bigger groups just to get in on the action.
Everyone sits, sipping drinks amidst the chaotic sounds of the tavern, contemplating this almost overload of information.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Gathered with the others, she sits back a bit, sipping at her drink. She smiles as she speaks about what she's heard and listens to what the others have found out. "Not only are there lots of rivals, these Shadovar seem likely to be coming after everyone too. And wow, such rumors!" Sistri says, at the end with a bit of a chuckle. "I can't really believe most of those things being said. Although, there must be some reason Cormyr suddenly wants them found. They must be important for something."
She actually kind of enjoys the chaotic scene - the voices, the laughter, the comradery. She's more than content to just scan the crowd and just watch the people during any lulls in their conversation.
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
Kris tastes her ale, finding herself to be extraordinarily thirsty. She sips rapidly (it's a sin against social graces to chug) until the pint is nearly gone. She burps gently into her hand. "Pardon me! Hmm alright. So the known Netheril ruins are Thulthanthar, Undrentide, Sakkors, and Nhalloth. And these ruins are said to contain Mythallars. Do we know anything more about Mythallars, in particular? Even if the ruins have been superficially explored, it's certain that there is plenty of territory there that's not been seen since the days of the Netherese empire. The Shadovar seem to think they're worth protecting, anyway. But the ruins are so large, where would we even begin? Any one of them might contain a Mythallar!"
"Charlie got lucky to get a contract! Those contracts give access to research and libraries. We'll have to discuss that with Charlie first thing tomorrow. That information would certainly contain some clues as to where to start. We could also try to tail one of the existing groups." Kris looks especially mischievous.
Irmiel looked both excited and concerned. She took off her glasses (and it was obvious now that they were a simple glass, not lenses) and was sipping her wine deep in thoughts. Finally she sighed and slowly said "I .. don't ... know..." She shook her head. "I mean, I do know - it all turns out more complicated than had to be. Kind of hoped for a ... faster task." She was taking more decisively and energetically - like her usual self. "I will be honest, I came here to get into the War Wizard Academy." She blushed but continued. "But they do not accept anyone without proof of loyalty and usefulness to Cormyr. Very... restrictive of them, but it is what it is. I thought a good quest would help but that task... Every city is hundreds of miles away from each other. No, not even cities - to rumoured places of those cities burial. And the closest one - Thulthanthar - is the one big graveyard of Myth Drannor, meaning, belong to the elves of Cormanthor. Not sure we can even enter it freely. Plus all the competition..." She suddenly smiled. "You know, it's great! If that would not be enough for these arrogant upstarts - nothing will. I'm in!"
"Which one do you think we have to begin with? The far off maybe not crawling with adventurers yet but not sure how we get there."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"So many questions. I wonderer if it's best just to see what Charlie can provide in the morning." Sistri continues looking around the room. "I'm not sure we have any reliable sources here anyway."
She is content to stay a while and just observe the crowd. But before it's too late she'll retire to her room.
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
Irmiel will do the same. It was a long day, very eventful. "You are right, at this point, we need to know what do we even have. Maybe Charlie picked up some useful rumours as well, besides, that bookshop of his... If the reading made him open the adventuring company, it had to be damn good reading! Man should know a lot." Irmiel firmly believed in self-education. "See you all in the morning!" She finished her wine and retired into the room.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The group retires to individual rooms for the evening. The sound of the pub below fading to a quiet evening hum. The next morning comes far too soon, with bright light peering between cracks in the shutters and reaching its way through the air in which flecks of dust slowly drift about. For everyone, this feels strange. A strange room, a strange bed with a pillow that is either softer than you're used to, or not soft enough. A bit at a loss, you go through your morning routines as best you can in this strange small dusty room. You push open the shutters and look out into the glorious city of Suzail and feel like a stranger.
You meet all of your new friends down in the pub to gather for breakfast. Some of you are early, some are late, but eventually you've all gathered, shared the breaking of your fasts, and are ready to head to Charlie's to learn more.
The group travels down the King's walk, taking a left on Blade Lane and then a right onto Griffon loop. Charlie's place is the 4th building on the left and is as described with an angel carved into the sign above the door. The shop is closed, but a quiet rap and a short wait and Charlie arrives to open up for you. He looks well dressed, groomed, and ready for the day, almost abuzz with excitement. The bookstore he owns is quite something. There are all manner of books, from simple fictional novels, to sketched picture books, to poetry or books on arcane arts. Cooking, hunting, how to throw a dinner party....all of these topics and more stack the shelves.
He ushers you all in, locking the door behind you and keeping the "Closed" sign turned outwards. He brings you to a table at the back of the library. There's a wall there that he's cleared and pinned up various material. There are also several books stacked on the table, a couple are open, and the papers he had are laid out all over.
"Welcome, welcome. It's a pleasure to have you hear at my shop. So, so, I hope you had a lovely night. I did some reading, and also I did a bit of digging through the shop, I knew I had a couple volumes that could be interesting. So, so, oh my, where to start. Ok. The packet contains information about the nature of Netheril, a bit of history, 101 on Mythllars, and existing known ruins. It also contains speculation about a few other ruins. Then it contains passes to three libraries. The royal library here in Suzail, the Arcane library in Arabel, and .....most fascinating, the great library of Candlekeep. it also includes a token for use of a teleportation circle to and from Candlekeep. As well, in my own library, I was able to find some reference to some ancient cities. I believe between all of these sources, I know the names of 12 ruins! Not that we know where they could be. The pesky thing with flying cities is...well....they end up all over the place. So...what shall we get into first? Let me first tell you of each city we know the name of, then we can go from there.
Thulthanthar - was destroyed in the ruins of Myth Drannor. The packet says that this Mythallar has already been secured by the elves, and to not venture there.
Jethaere - we have precious little information on this one.
Jockteleg - again, know next to nothing.
Lathery, aka Lachery - mentioned in one of my books over there, know very little.
Negarath, from the research packet, it says that the remnants of this enclave went on to form the kingdom known as Vassa. So, it's probably in Vassa somewhere.
Nhalloth, fell into the sea of fallen stars, 19 miles north of Thon’s fist. The package says that the Shadovar are in control of this city and not to attempt to venture there.
Orbedal, also known as Sanctuary, fell on the far west coast, next to the sea of fallen stars. It's now known as Warlock's Crypt. The paperwork tells us not to attempt to secure this location or visit there.
Sakkors, fell into the Sea of Fallen Stars, but was recently raised up, seen over Sembia, then crashed into the ruins of Ordulin. So, we probably know where that one is pretty well.
Selunarra also known as Opus, we know precious little about. But, the rumors say on the day that all the Netheril cities fell from the sky....it did not, it just...vanished.
Spiel, no idea about this one.
Undrentide fell in Anauroch. It was re-awaked and risen by some medusa liche, then fell again into the desert. The Mythallar was said to have cracked and broken. This location has already been searched by Elven forces. We're not forbidden from going there, but it's already been searched.
The last one is mentioned in the paperwork, is called Ythryn. Apparently it fell way up north near Icewind dale before all the other cities fell. But, that one is already been handled by the elves. I'm glad, because I'm sure traveling up in the icy north is a miserable affair. "
He taps his fingers on the desk full of paper, and scans the tables. "So much information...um...what would you like me to tell you?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
That night, Kris peers out her window at the alleys behind the inn, marveling at all the buildings with their little windows, and the lives tucked away inside them. On this street alone, there's so much life, let alone in the block, the neighborhood, the district, and the city. It puts the tragedy of what happened today in perspective, to think about everyone who died or lost someone close. She realizes how lucky she is to be alive, and to have people looking out for her. Even if they're trying to make her take harp lessons. She wishes goodnight to her family, then shutters her windows and tucks herself into by with the light of her lamp. Beside her bed sits her equipment and her new armor and weapon. She yawns. "Tomorrow," she murmurs to her lumpy pillow, "we're going to get to the bottom of this. We're going to..." but she lapses into sleep before she finishes the thought.
The next morning Kris bounces out of bed, full of energy. She makes herself presentable, admires her new outfit in the old mirror, and comes bounding down the stairs with the others. "I'm too excited to eat," she announces as the others enjoy breakfast. "I'll have something later. Let's go!"
On the way to Charlie's, Kris walks beside Irmiel. "You were really impressive yesterday! Where did you learn about magic?"
"Good morning, Charlie!" she beams happily. "So very nice to see you again! It's a true honor to be a part of your company."
"Wow. That's... a lot of information! But at least there is some preliminary analysis. Assuming that the city is truly in search of Mythallars, and has some reason to tell us not to search certain spots, I suggest we focus on locations unexplored and unknown. Those have the best chance of holding a heretofore undiscovered Mythallar. What do Mythallars look like, anyway? Are they larger than a horse? Smaller than a teacup?"
By now, Irmiel spent a few days in the city. It was not absolutely new to her, the first "dizziness" of a newcomer was gone, but still amazed, of course. She was glad for the company, wandering alone was exciting, but tiresome too and the need to constantly ask for directions simply infuriating. Of course, Kriss's "makeup" was fixed for walking by the streets. "Just for safe passing," reassured Irmiel, "will be back as soon as we are safe." She has nothing to hide and gladly shared that detail of her biography. "Archendale. It's a big city and has a magic school, but... we are trading Dales, you see. It is all about commerce. Magic is good, and still needed, of course, if only to fool your partner, but you can not exactly sell it. And if I have to be the "ever service" I'd rather "serve" a better cause."
The girl spent a moment to check the shop up from outside. Impressive location at least, he sure had to do good for himself. Once inside, though, Irmiel lost all pretence of a skeptical observer and simply admired the sea of knowledge presented here, fighting the urge to dive in and forget all the adventuring nonsense. She did not. Instead, she proceeded with others to the meeting table and listened to Charlie's report quite intently.
"You... have the pass into the Candlekeep? They just gave it to you?" Irmiel's newly found respect for Charlie jumped a few levels up. "Very impressive." She was, in fact, so impressed, that could not join the conversation for a few moments. But eventually, she did with the usual methodical approach (or an attempt of thereof). "Let's think logically. Any ruins mentioned in the packet are common knowledge. Meaning, not only shadovar, but all the adventurers gunning after the prise too". (Irmiel liked that expression and was happy for a chance to use it - like a true adventurer!) "I agree, our best bet is either the ruins no one knows about or those known, that are the most difficult to get the information about. Which would be those? Barring the forbidden/not recommended and well-known, we have Jethaere, Jockteleg, Lathery, and Spiel. Also Selunarra, but if it disappeared... It is hard enough to get the information about the existing one. Out of all of them, you have a book that mentions Lathery. The only clue and in the form of a book - sounds like a promising lead."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I agree with Irmiel. If you have a book that reveals a site others may not know about, that seems best. So it seems Lathery should be our target." Sistri says, after listening to Charlie and then Kris' and Irmiel's responses.
She had gotten up 'late' had it been her brother's reckoning. But he ran a farm and was up well before the sun. As it was she was neither first nor last of the group to get breakfast.
"I imagine larger companies could have separate groups go to each known site. So best to pick one that is not widely known. Though if we can get a jump on traveling to one of these others besides Lathery we might jump at that," Sistri continues. "But I don't know much at all about Mythllars. Could you go over more about those?" she asks, looking to Charlie.
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
Charlie "hops to it" as the group asks for information. Taking on a more serious and studious tone that you've had from him in the past. He quickly organizes a few items and then starts "teaching".
"The word Mythallar is extended from the elven word Mythal. The 'lar' is an elven suffix that means 'greater'. The wizards of Netheril, impressed with the powerful magical fields that elves created around the outside of their cities...that the elves called Mythal's, decided to try and create even more powerful feats of magic. Likely showing the elves up a bit by calling them ...essentially... 'better than your thing'. Haha. Ha. Um, right, anyway. So, Mythal's are invisible fields anchored to a place in space. Mythallar's are physical manifestations of these field manipulations. The magic is all quite beyond me. Or I dare to say, beyond anyone left alive. They were created at a time when, as I understand it, the rules of magic...in the universe...were more lenient. It is likely the fall of Netheril that resulted in the gods tightening the reins on what mortals could achieve. But, the cat was out of the bag as it were. Oh my, I'm all over the place. Where was I? Oh yes. Mythallars." He pulls out a piece of paper and pins it to the wall. "Mythallars are universally spherical in shape. They range from 50 feet to 300 feet in diameter. They were the beating heart of Netheril cities, powering magical devices within a 1 mile radius and enabling the cities to fly. They were kept at the city center in a special room and either floated, or sat upon very special stands. Anything that touches a Mythallar, aside from perhaps the most powerful artifacts, or its special stand, ceases to exist. So, they're are large and at the center of the city, and they will always be free of rubble in the immediate area. That should make them easy to find! Mythallars and their more minor powers were as unique as the wizards that created them."
"As for Lathery, the book I have on it has precious few details. it was raised in the year -503 Dale Reckoning by the Netheril Archmage Veridon. He was the creator of the spells such as fog cloud and ice storm. It fell with the other cities in the year -339 Dale Reckoning. It was said to be a fishing based city, which meant it spent a lot of time over what was then called the narrow sea. The narrow sea used to lie near the northern most point of the Anauroch desert which was frozen and called the high ice for a thousand years. Only in the last 100 years or so did the Shadovar melt the high ice, created HighMelt Lake. Perhaps if you go looking there? However the lake itself is nearly the same size as all of Cormyr. So...its big."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Oh, no, not right there, but to the library, of course!" (As if she was about to miss the chance to visit Candlekeep!) "It's quite a lot of information, actually - dates, the name of the Archmage, even the place! A very solid starting point. And while we are on it, we can check for the other names as well." Now that was what she understood - you go to the library and search for the clues. And anything else your soul desires too (great Oghma, the spells that place holds!) "Um... Do you know if shadovar are still there? Byt the HighMelt Lake?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Charlie shrugs, "I've no idea. The Shadovar are spread wide and far. Their dream was always to restore the Netheril empire."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.