After some time of walking the halls of this grand library, Amitola and Jek find their man.
Qiwut is a stressed looking, brown owl, some feathers seeming to not want to be tamed. His eyes are frantic as he seems very busy sorting through a few piles of books, checking some off a self written list, marking others up for return. He greets both Amitola and Jek pleasantly and grabs one specific pile of books off the table as he agrees to meet with the group and follows the pair back, every so often he darts into a room or down a set of large bookshelves to place one of his pile back to where they belong until they are all safely returned.
Once returned, Krille has made sure to keep a bit of distance from Darla, even through her persistence, and is busying himself in helping the group find what they need.
The two Aarakocra greet eachother with a respectful bow before Qiwut addresses the group, "Greetings. My assistance has been requested, I take it the subject matter for research is highly specific, especially if Krille here could not fulfil the demand with his high level of aptitude" there is an almost undetectable note of sarcasm in the tired looking librarians voice as he smiles toward the group and continues, "pray tell, what would you fine people be looking for, specifically?"
Jek goes over to Qiwut "Hello, I'm Jek Utinni. I think everyone is looking for different things. I'm looking for... something, I'm not sure what. Let me explain. My magic comes from within me. I just know how to do it, how to move shadows, it is just comes naturally. But I want to see if I can get my shadows to do something new. I have an idea. But... I don't know how to make something new, something I don't already know. What I would like to do is make it harder for people to see us, enveloping the shadows around us. So... I mean this is the biggest library I've ever seen. Maybe if you have scroll or book on shadow magic, manipulating shadows, something like that. Maybe something about my people? Something to get me started. Oh... And we are also looking for information on Tarrasques, the Triforce of Courage and its affects on things. Somebody mentioned a goose, I don't know what that is, but could that be helpful to us? Are there any books on that?"
Assuming it is just Shirin and Dageron sitting and brooding over the depressing literature, Shirin closes the book says to him,“I think we are overlooking a huge advantage here - the advantage of flight. Krille has mentioned the large avian creatures they have control of, and I’ve found no mention of the Tarrasques ability to fly. Perhaps we ought to request a fly over of the crater and survey the area. That way we can secure any advantages of the crater before we commit to any plan.” He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms and seeing what this tactician has to say.
Qiwut turns on his heel to face Jek as he speaks, the brown owl gives a wide eyed sigh before sharply inhaling in preparation to power into his answers "Development and control of one's magic is always beneficial and these things should always begin with research, so I commend you for that young... Um. Jek Utinni." He looks somewhat confused as he avoids assuming the gender of the faceless humanoid before him.
"However this will require more than just reading, practice and determination should be your next thought once you have what you need from us. knowing the source of one's power would help narrow down the search, we have many books on sorceries, even those covering the ...ahem, 'less divine' sources of power, but I will warn you that we don't go handing out instructional manuals on how to make pacts and the sort of magics that come from demonic or evil sources, you understand, I'm sure.
Ahhh let's see, Tarrasques, and your people, as you put it. I'm sure there's an in depth beastiary around. Krille will help you with that.
Scrolls on the Triforce and other relics of massive power are kept with our high priestess Skraih.
And I'm sure the children's section will have everything you will ever need to know about geese, and even some other ...farmable animals." Qiwut casts a slightly confused glance over toward Darla and then Krille, who in return looks away quickly.
Qiwut speaks fast, as fast as someone who may have had one too many coffees today and has a workload that would exhaust an ox, but he does seem open to answering more questions as he looks round the group, ruffling his unkempt feathers as he does.
"I'll be busy while alla the rest o ye are searchin fer answers. Got me some business to tend to.
Slade taps the Enchiridion
"Darla, mind ye leave Krille alone now. He's a very busy creature and has no time ta play with ye now. Why don't ye tag along with Jek here and give him some help learning about what it means to be a fine Goose such as yerself eh? Daddy will have a nice fat snake for ye when he's done with his learning me sweet."
What follows is a rather embarrassing display of affection from Slade to Darla before he finds a table to settle in and begin his work. Darla glues herself to Jek.
"Darla, mind ye leave Krille alone now. He's a very busy creature and has no time ta play with ye now. Why don't ye tag along with Jek here and give him some help learning about what it means to be a fine Goose such as yerself eh? Daddy will have a nice fat snake for ye when he's done with his learning me sweet."
What follows is a rather embarrassing display of affection from Slade to Darla before he finds a table to settle in and begin his work. Darla glues herself to Jek.
Jek blinks slowly, then looks down at Darla. "Wait, you are a goose?!? By the Bright Lady, I've been calling you a duck! I've never heard of a goose before. I am very sorry for not correctly identifying you. But still, if we had more of you, we could make short work out of this Tarrasque and Vader! Are all ...." looking to Qiwut for confirmation, then back to Darla "Geese is the plural, right? Are all geese as amazing as you are?"
Looking to the others "Why did no one tell me she's not a duck! We don't have water birds in the Shem, I don't know what they are. I'm so embarrassed!" Jek will turn back to Qiwut. "Don't worry, Qiwut. I plan on doing the work. I just need some help getting started. And no, I will not make any pacts with any of those creatures. I am a shade of the Bright Lady, and I draw my power from her and her alone. I am a shadow, so I can exert control of the shadows around me. Is that enough to narrow your search? Oh, I can read common, Celestial, and Deep Speech, if that is helpful in your search for a book. I'll also take some books on geese, please. I would like to learn more of my friend here. And maybe if there is some books on other animals of the world, that would be helpful."
After Qiwut pulls some books for Jek, he wonders to himself why they separate out books for children. Why can't they read the same books as other. When he gets the kids books on barn animals, he flips through it quickly. "Umm, Qiwut? While I appreciate the pictures in the book, it does seem rather low on substance. For example, this page just says ' G is for Goose'. I mean, that seems rather obvious. Where are the books that explain about the exploding eggs, or how geese strike fear in the deadliest foes? It seems like this is maybe to teach a language or something. I've never learned how to read a new language before, so I don't really know there effectiveness."
"well young Jek 'G is' indeed 'for Goose', I believe if you turn the page it will tell you what H is for.
But perhaps a more encyclopedic informational on the workings, of geese will be more beneficial"
Qiwut darts off and can be seen speedily running back and forth between stacked shelves, even disappearing at some points only to emerge somewhere else in the library, "Geese are rather mundane so I'm not sure what you'll find on their explosive capabilities in there. however, I have this tome which should interest you, it contains full research and data on sorceries which have been then cross examined by powerful mages, this is from a limited access section, and as such this won't leave my sight." Qiwut gives a glance to Krille who returns a knowing nod.
Inside the sorceries book, Jek flips through, back and forth until he finds the relevant chapter in the time. He reads about powerful shadow sorcerer's who are able to completely become shadow themselves, or step from one shadow to the next unseen, hiding in plain sight, one brief paragraph stands out to him. Shadow self manipulation is one thing but drawing on the shadows from one's surroundings seems to be a whole other brand of magic, a trick used by druids and rangers who have a strong link to the lands are able to envelop themselves in shadow from natural sources. Conclusion; if Jek wants to expand his skill and control over shadows, he will need to practice connecting with nature.
Darla, on the other hand, is a more complex matter. Jek learns the relative life cycles of geese, their migration patterns, mating rituals, dietary requirements, variable species, territorial behaviours, physical traits, and finally offensive capabilities, all of which point to Darla being a mundane goose, however Jek cannot find any mention of exploding eggs. Conclusion; Darla is a weird goose, but a goose nonetheless.
Assuming it is just Shirin and Dageron sitting and brooding over the depressing literature, Shirin closes the book says to him,“I think we are overlooking a huge advantage here - the advantage of flight. Krille has mentioned the large avian creatures they have control of, and I’ve found no mention of the Tarrasques ability to fly. Perhaps we ought to request a fly over of the crater and survey the area. That way we can secure any advantages of the crater before we commit to any plan.” He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms and seeing what this tactician has to say.
"In truth, it is strange there aren't any records of them trying that already. These people seem security-minded, and live close to such a massive threat to any civilization. We should ask, but I suspect they have tried, and that the beast can unleash some sort of long range attack. But even so, what about stealth?" Dageron rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Jek nods to Qiwut and begins reading. From the descriptions in the book, he has a good fundamental grasp of what he needs to do. He never considered the natural world, that would help. But it will take some time to figure this out, but now he has a start.
Jek then starts reading about Geese, reading sections aloud to Darla. "Hmm, Darla, I think you need more fiber in our diet. And you are definitely a special Goose!"
Realizing he has been letting his training slack, Jek eyes twinkle mischievously. Time for a prank! "Well Darla, I think we're done here. Do you want to go get a snack? Thank you Qiwut. I'll clean this up for you." He winks at Krille. With a snap of his fingers, he casts Silent Image. He makes it look like the table he was sitting at is engulfed in flames which die down quickly, leaving a pile of smoldering ashes where the books were. He looks over to Qiwut and gives a thumbs up. "That should save you some time, yes?"
After a few moments to allow Qiwut to grasph the situation, Jek will laugh and wave his hand, dismissing the illusion and revealing the unharmed books. "Hahaha, sorry, its just, you were being so serious! Let's go Darla!"
Qiwut panics and attempts to suffocate the flames with his wingspan before realising his error, once only the illusory ashes remain, he looks highly restrained and disgruntled, Krille reacts similarly but stifles a laugh before receiving a cutting glare from Qiwut, "well that was quite the exit, I cannot say that such disregard and cause for panic amongst bookkeepers has happened to this degree before under this roof, nor is it appreciated, but here we are. No harm no foul as they say, so what specifically are you all looking for with the Tri-force? Perhaps you can be occupying high Preistess Skraih's time instead of mine, what say you Krille?"
Krille, still restraining himself from laughter, goes silent at this suggestion "Ahh, yes, quite... There was also a suggestion of a resurrection, and I'm not sure what was decided on that front, but yes high Preistess Skraih' should be our next stop. Does everyone have what they need?" Krille asks the group as a whole, before Qiwut begins gathering his precious books and leaving, he mutters something under his breath about foolishness and ressurection, he does not turn back as he begins darting back and forth amongst the large shelves once more.
Slade notices Jeks interest in the book he had been studying, and while the illusory flames are distracting everyone does a quick switch of the tome for another.
In Qiwut's haste and panic with the flames he does not notice the switch. Slade makes easy work of obtaining the book, but he does wonder with such a meticulous Aarakocra, how long it will be until the theft is noticed.
Dageron shakes his head negatively. "Not quite. How close have your people flown to the Tarrasque. Can it attack someone mid-air? If not, have your scouts been able to map out the area its in? What level of reconnaissance can you provide us?"
Krille takes a thoughtful beat, before answering, "we try to not go near that thing, happy to have the ability to keep high up out of its range, happy to leave it well enough along, and like I said before, we have guards posted and protocols to fall back on should we need. I can tell you that has never left the crater. The crater itself is extensive and so I would suggest some up to date recon if you are to attempt to go in there, which I can of course arrange.
As far as it's abilities I cannot give you more information than you may have gleaned from the scrolls you have there." Again Krille takes a thoughtful beat before a lightbulb moment, the Aarakocra bedöms unusually excited for a moment as things slot together in his brain, "Oh! Perhaps learning more about the Tri-force and its effects when creatures are exposed to it may give you the lacking information."
Slade interjects himself into the conversation, looking up briefly from his book.
If it comes to it I can always take a pass or two over the crater. Might be the monster won't take notice of a wee man pokin round it's home. Might need to get meself a spyglass to see much though.....
Shirin nods at Krille, "Of course - we need to know more about this Triforce. We should go to find this priestess." Shirin will stand up from his seated position, and ready himself to leave.
"Yes, please animate the dead princess however you can. We have many questions that it seems only she can answer..." Dageron's voice is cold and detached.
Krille's head bobs, not unlike a wild owl may bob its head on a branch while hunting. He looks at Dageron, then back to Shirin, not acknowledging Dageron's...what? Protest? Sarcasm? Whatever it is, the Aarakocra doesn't seem amused.
He fans both of his hands in a guiding gesture, as if guiding winds. It directs the Order of the Phoenix to follow him into the dark but ornate corridors of the Hall, and they journey through lengthy channels until they come upon a huge foyer, and the two massive oaken doors within. The doors stand open and trimmed with gold hardware, and inside a multitude of candles and braziers burn to light the interior. It's a chapel of some sort, adorned with many rows of pews. The dais at the far end of the central walkway leads up to a vacant lectern. Emerald green drapery embroidered with gold adorn the walls, and beautiful stained glass windows spill the images of many flying beasts on the floor; griffins and Rocs, Death Hawks and dragons.
An almost perfectly white Luck Dragon is on one of them.
The temple is empty until Krille makes a sort of whistling sound with his beak and then clicks it together. Shortly thereafter a bedraggled Owlin emerges from the back. She is gaunt and pale-feathered, with part of her face terribly damaged and missing an eye. One wing, her left one, the same side as the damage to her face, is missing. She walks with an obvious limp and too light, too gaunt to look healthy, even for a bird.
"Augh, inter. Lopers." She says, her speech strange and strained as she steps toward her lectern. She raises both of her arms; her right comes up well over her head; she struggles to get her left up shoulder height. "Augh, Krille. May you. Tell me who."
Krille nods and gestures at the Order of the Phoenix and introduces them as such. He then introduces each of them by name, then introduces her to the Order of the Phoenix as High Priestess Skraih.
"They were six this morning, but alas, one warrior, Hrothgar, has lost his way. We have aided him elsewhere."
Skraih pays this little mind. She pulls out a massive tome from beneath the lectern and opens it, letting it come down with a thump.
As Jek and Darla are about to leave, he hears about the priestess, and remember they still have a task to do. He hangs his head a little as he realizes he spent time pranking instead of helping his team.
He'll follow the others as they are led to the priestess. When they get to the temple, Jek looks around in awe at the temple, then he see's the Luck Dragon. He goes up to the stained glass window and peers up at the depiction of the Dragon. He thinks to Atoh, and the raid the Khans did of the tower of the Elephant. So many were sacrificed. He hopes Atoh and Tola are safe and that they survived. Maybe all the forces going to the Ivory Tower gave a chance for the Khans to win or retreat. Jek will raise a hand a touch the image of the Luck Dragon, knowing that at least the Khans had Luck on there side.
Krille's whistle jostles Jek out of his thoughts. As the Skraih is introduced, Jek will stay near the window, taking comfort in the reminder of his friend. He looks to the others, then realizes, he should probably speak up, as the AUYRN bearer.
"Hello Skraih. Ummm, I mean High Priestess Skraih... What would you prefer to be called? Anyway, we have some questions and are hoping you can help us. I'm not sure if you have heard, but the Childlike Empress has fallen. We have brought her body with us. Do you know of a way we can revive her? Bring her back? We have been given a lead and we don't think she should stay like this. The other reason we are here is the Triforce of Courage. Do you have any information on the best way to retrieve it? Maybe what longterm exposure of the Triforce would have on an evil being, such as the giant Tarrasque that is currently trapped underneath it? Oh, umm, maybe you can help us interpret this poem!
Courage waits long hidden deep Guardian slumbers now and sleeps Beneath the whirlpool Atlantis' Bane Waits silent for Division's reign.
Stars blue and lit on horizon's edge A watery grave for Atlantis, tis said Hyboria weakens, slow and groaning Three shards apart and all atoning.
Let not the Empress lie there cold Last light of the world afore it grows old Weak and mourning, like Atlantis gone Chaos won't rest, but marches on."
Jek will wait a moment, then he gesture to the Luck Dragon. "Umm, who is this? I have a friend who is the leader of the Khan's, Atoh. She had a partner who I was friends with as well, a Luck Dragon named Tola. I hope they are okay."
"Skraih is. Skraih." The High Priestess says ass he takes a deep breath. "Empress. Childlike. We would have to. See. Krille. Us. Leave."
Krille nods and steps toward the great oaken doors of the chapel and then shuts them behind him, leaving the Order of the Phoenix with Skraih in the chamber.
"The soul. Has its own voice." Skraih says as she steps amidst the Order of the Phoenix. She pulls a roll of sage from her pocket and burns the ends a bit with a flicker of flame from her fingers and then begins to fan the smoke around the heads of the Order as she walks among them. Her taloned feet, adorned with claws that are razor sharp and pristinely painted an obsidian black with flecks of sparkling white in them like stars, clack in rhythm on the tile floor as she moves about. "We shall have. Ask two questions. One, the Godesses to. One, Empress Child to."
She steps past the Order and gently fans her hands out, and the pews begin to turn until their backs are all aligned with the walls, and slowly they slide away until their backs rest against the walls.
"The goddesses must first. Bless us. Try to revive Empress Child." Skraih says as she moves into the center of this open floor and draws a short, pencil sized golden rod from her robes. She bends over, fanning the sage with one hand, and tracing invisible lines on the floor. All straight, all seeming to make a series of triangles. "We can ask. Should any of you wish. But to summon the goddesses. Hold their council. No easy task."
She fans the sage and replaces the golden rod to her pocket and listens as Jek asks his questions about the Triforce of Courage.
"The Venerable Piece." She says as if exalting the Triforce of Courage. "One in. Another realm. One lost. One here. The Guardian, safely keeps. The Venerable Piece, keeps us safe. Separated, either can do. Great evil. As for Guardian of the Venerable Piece, nothing. I know. Many trine, crushed beneath its duty. Its ward. Its prison. Poem..."
She pulls a vial from her pocket but stops as Jek recites the poem to her. She bristles as though her flesh has turned to goosebumps...goosebumps on an owl. Her feathers ruffle and stand up, even those on her disfigured head, and her ruined eye glistens more fiercely than before.
"Hear this, where?" She asks Jek, her good eye squinting. She unstoppers the vial. "This legend..****y but whispered. The bane. Guardian's bane. Lies beneath Atlantis."
She ruffles her feathers again and blinks before she shakes off her discomfort and begins to sprinkle the liquid in the vial across the place on the floor where she has drawn the series of triangles. A faint blue light begins to glow from the floor.
"Ah. That." She says, looking at the Luck Dragon, then back to her work. "Falkor. Greatest Luck Dragon."
She ignores Jek's concerns about Atoh Khan and Tola, then shakes her head as if ridding herself of so many questions.
"Shadowed one asks. Many questions." She says, then pulls a quail egg from her pocket. She smashes it violently against the ground, and then suddenly blue lines form on the floor, outlining the combined pieces of the Triforce in bright blue. A lightless triangle forms in the center. "All. Lay something. Precious in the center. The goddesses, we ask."
After some time of walking the halls of this grand library, Amitola and Jek find their man.
Qiwut is a stressed looking, brown owl, some feathers seeming to not want to be tamed. His eyes are frantic as he seems very busy sorting through a few piles of books, checking some off a self written list, marking others up for return. He greets both Amitola and Jek pleasantly and grabs one specific pile of books off the table as he agrees to meet with the group and follows the pair back, every so often he darts into a room or down a set of large bookshelves to place one of his pile back to where they belong until they are all safely returned.
Once returned, Krille has made sure to keep a bit of distance from Darla, even through her persistence, and is busying himself in helping the group find what they need.
The two Aarakocra greet eachother with a respectful bow before Qiwut addresses the group, "Greetings. My assistance has been requested, I take it the subject matter for research is highly specific, especially if Krille here could not fulfil the demand with his high level of aptitude" there is an almost undetectable note of sarcasm in the tired looking librarians voice as he smiles toward the group and continues, "pray tell, what would you fine people be looking for, specifically?"
Jek goes over to Qiwut "Hello, I'm Jek Utinni. I think everyone is looking for different things. I'm looking for... something, I'm not sure what. Let me explain. My magic comes from within me. I just know how to do it, how to move shadows, it is just comes naturally. But I want to see if I can get my shadows to do something new. I have an idea. But... I don't know how to make something new, something I don't already know. What I would like to do is make it harder for people to see us, enveloping the shadows around us. So... I mean this is the biggest library I've ever seen. Maybe if you have scroll or book on shadow magic, manipulating shadows, something like that. Maybe something about my people? Something to get me started. Oh... And we are also looking for information on Tarrasques, the Triforce of Courage and its affects on things. Somebody mentioned a goose, I don't know what that is, but could that be helpful to us? Are there any books on that?"
Assuming it is just Shirin and Dageron sitting and brooding over the depressing literature, Shirin closes the book says to him, “I think we are overlooking a huge advantage here - the advantage of flight. Krille has mentioned the large avian creatures they have control of, and I’ve found no mention of the Tarrasques ability to fly. Perhaps we ought to request a fly over of the crater and survey the area. That way we can secure any advantages of the crater before we commit to any plan.” He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms and seeing what this tactician has to say.
Qiwut turns on his heel to face Jek as he speaks, the brown owl gives a wide eyed sigh before sharply inhaling in preparation to power into his answers "Development and control of one's magic is always beneficial and these things should always begin with research, so I commend you for that young... Um. Jek Utinni." He looks somewhat confused as he avoids assuming the gender of the faceless humanoid before him.
"However this will require more than just reading, practice and determination should be your next thought once you have what you need from us. knowing the source of one's power would help narrow down the search, we have many books on sorceries, even those covering the ...ahem, 'less divine' sources of power, but I will warn you that we don't go handing out instructional manuals on how to make pacts and the sort of magics that come from demonic or evil sources, you understand, I'm sure.
Ahhh let's see, Tarrasques, and your people, as you put it. I'm sure there's an in depth beastiary around. Krille will help you with that.
Scrolls on the Triforce and other relics of massive power are kept with our high priestess Skraih.
And I'm sure the children's section will have everything you will ever need to know about geese, and even some other ...farmable animals." Qiwut casts a slightly confused glance over toward Darla and then Krille, who in return looks away quickly.
Qiwut speaks fast, as fast as someone who may have had one too many coffees today and has a workload that would exhaust an ox, but he does seem open to answering more questions as he looks round the group, ruffling his unkempt feathers as he does.
"I'll be busy while alla the rest o ye are searchin fer answers. Got me some business to tend to.
Slade taps the Enchiridion
"Darla, mind ye leave Krille alone now. He's a very busy creature and has no time ta play with ye now. Why don't ye tag along with Jek here and give him some help learning about what it means to be a fine Goose such as yerself eh? Daddy will have a nice fat snake for ye when he's done with his learning me sweet."
What follows is a rather embarrassing display of affection from Slade to Darla before he finds a table to settle in and begin his work. Darla glues herself to Jek.
Jek blinks slowly, then looks down at Darla. "Wait, you are a goose?!? By the Bright Lady, I've been calling you a duck! I've never heard of a goose before. I am very sorry for not correctly identifying you. But still, if we had more of you, we could make short work out of this Tarrasque and Vader! Are all ...." looking to Qiwut for confirmation, then back to Darla "Geese is the plural, right? Are all geese as amazing as you are?"
Looking to the others "Why did no one tell me she's not a duck! We don't have water birds in the Shem, I don't know what they are. I'm so embarrassed!" Jek will turn back to Qiwut. "Don't worry, Qiwut. I plan on doing the work. I just need some help getting started. And no, I will not make any pacts with any of those creatures. I am a shade of the Bright Lady, and I draw my power from her and her alone. I am a shadow, so I can exert control of the shadows around me. Is that enough to narrow your search? Oh, I can read common, Celestial, and Deep Speech, if that is helpful in your search for a book. I'll also take some books on geese, please. I would like to learn more of my friend here. And maybe if there is some books on other animals of the world, that would be helpful."
After Qiwut pulls some books for Jek, he wonders to himself why they separate out books for children. Why can't they read the same books as other. When he gets the kids books on barn animals, he flips through it quickly. "Umm, Qiwut? While I appreciate the pictures in the book, it does seem rather low on substance. For example, this page just says ' G is for Goose'. I mean, that seems rather obvious. Where are the books that explain about the exploding eggs, or how geese strike fear in the deadliest foes? It seems like this is maybe to teach a language or something. I've never learned how to read a new language before, so I don't really know there effectiveness."
"well young Jek 'G is' indeed 'for Goose', I believe if you turn the page it will tell you what H is for.
But perhaps a more encyclopedic informational on the workings, of geese will be more beneficial"
Qiwut darts off and can be seen speedily running back and forth between stacked shelves, even disappearing at some points only to emerge somewhere else in the library, "Geese are rather mundane so I'm not sure what you'll find on their explosive capabilities in there. however, I have this tome which should interest you, it contains full research and data on sorceries which have been then cross examined by powerful mages, this is from a limited access section, and as such this won't leave my sight." Qiwut gives a glance to Krille who returns a knowing nod.
Inside the sorceries book, Jek flips through, back and forth until he finds the relevant chapter in the time. He reads about powerful shadow sorcerer's who are able to completely become shadow themselves, or step from one shadow to the next unseen, hiding in plain sight, one brief paragraph stands out to him. Shadow self manipulation is one thing but drawing on the shadows from one's surroundings seems to be a whole other brand of magic, a trick used by druids and rangers who have a strong link to the lands are able to envelop themselves in shadow from natural sources. Conclusion; if Jek wants to expand his skill and control over shadows, he will need to practice connecting with nature.
Darla, on the other hand, is a more complex matter. Jek learns the relative life cycles of geese, their migration patterns, mating rituals, dietary requirements, variable species, territorial behaviours, physical traits, and finally offensive capabilities, all of which point to Darla being a mundane goose, however Jek cannot find any mention of exploding eggs. Conclusion; Darla is a weird goose, but a goose nonetheless.
"In truth, it is strange there aren't any records of them trying that already. These people seem security-minded, and live close to such a massive threat to any civilization. We should ask, but I suspect they have tried, and that the beast can unleash some sort of long range attack. But even so, what about stealth?" Dageron rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Jek nods to Qiwut and begins reading. From the descriptions in the book, he has a good fundamental grasp of what he needs to do. He never considered the natural world, that would help. But it will take some time to figure this out, but now he has a start.
Jek then starts reading about Geese, reading sections aloud to Darla. "Hmm, Darla, I think you need more fiber in our diet. And you are definitely a special Goose!"
Realizing he has been letting his training slack, Jek eyes twinkle mischievously. Time for a prank! "Well Darla, I think we're done here. Do you want to go get a snack? Thank you Qiwut. I'll clean this up for you." He winks at Krille. With a snap of his fingers, he casts Silent Image. He makes it look like the table he was sitting at is engulfed in flames which die down quickly, leaving a pile of smoldering ashes where the books were. He looks over to Qiwut and gives a thumbs up. "That should save you some time, yes?"
After a few moments to allow Qiwut to grasph the situation, Jek will laugh and wave his hand, dismissing the illusion and revealing the unharmed books. "Hahaha, sorry, its just, you were being so serious! Let's go Darla!"
Qiwut panics and attempts to suffocate the flames with his wingspan before realising his error, once only the illusory ashes remain, he looks highly restrained and disgruntled, Krille reacts similarly but stifles a laugh before receiving a cutting glare from Qiwut, "well that was quite the exit, I cannot say that such disregard and cause for panic amongst bookkeepers has happened to this degree before under this roof, nor is it appreciated, but here we are. No harm no foul as they say, so what specifically are you all looking for with the Tri-force? Perhaps you can be occupying high Preistess Skraih's time instead of mine, what say you Krille?"
Krille, still restraining himself from laughter, goes silent at this suggestion "Ahh, yes, quite... There was also a suggestion of a resurrection, and I'm not sure what was decided on that front, but yes high Preistess Skraih' should be our next stop. Does everyone have what they need?" Krille asks the group as a whole, before Qiwut begins gathering his precious books and leaving, he mutters something under his breath about foolishness and ressurection, he does not turn back as he begins darting back and forth amongst the large shelves once more.
Slade notices Jeks interest in the book he had been studying, and while the illusory flames are distracting everyone does a quick switch of the tome for another.
Sleight of hand 18
In Qiwut's haste and panic with the flames he does not notice the switch. Slade makes easy work of obtaining the book, but he does wonder with such a meticulous Aarakocra, how long it will be until the theft is noticed.
Dageron shakes his head negatively. "Not quite. How close have your people flown to the Tarrasque. Can it attack someone mid-air? If not, have your scouts been able to map out the area its in? What level of reconnaissance can you provide us?"
Krille takes a thoughtful beat, before answering, "we try to not go near that thing, happy to have the ability to keep high up out of its range, happy to leave it well enough along, and like I said before, we have guards posted and protocols to fall back on should we need. I can tell you that has never left the crater. The crater itself is extensive and so I would suggest some up to date recon if you are to attempt to go in there, which I can of course arrange.
As far as it's abilities I cannot give you more information than you may have gleaned from the scrolls you have there." Again Krille takes a thoughtful beat before a lightbulb moment, the Aarakocra bedöms unusually excited for a moment as things slot together in his brain, "Oh! Perhaps learning more about the Tri-force and its effects when creatures are exposed to it may give you the lacking information."
Slade interjects himself into the conversation, looking up briefly from his book.
If it comes to it I can always take a pass or two over the crater. Might be the monster won't take notice of a wee man pokin round it's home. Might need to get meself a spyglass to see much though.....
Shirin nods at Krille, "Of course - we need to know more about this Triforce. We should go to find this priestess." Shirin will stand up from his seated position, and ready himself to leave.
"Yes, please animate the dead princess however you can. We have many questions that it seems only she can answer..." Dageron's voice is cold and detached.
Krille's head bobs, not unlike a wild owl may bob its head on a branch while hunting. He looks at Dageron, then back to Shirin, not acknowledging Dageron's...what? Protest? Sarcasm? Whatever it is, the Aarakocra doesn't seem amused.
He fans both of his hands in a guiding gesture, as if guiding winds. It directs the Order of the Phoenix to follow him into the dark but ornate corridors of the Hall, and they journey through lengthy channels until they come upon a huge foyer, and the two massive oaken doors within. The doors stand open and trimmed with gold hardware, and inside a multitude of candles and braziers burn to light the interior. It's a chapel of some sort, adorned with many rows of pews. The dais at the far end of the central walkway leads up to a vacant lectern. Emerald green drapery embroidered with gold adorn the walls, and beautiful stained glass windows spill the images of many flying beasts on the floor; griffins and Rocs, Death Hawks and dragons.
An almost perfectly white Luck Dragon is on one of them.
The temple is empty until Krille makes a sort of whistling sound with his beak and then clicks it together. Shortly thereafter a bedraggled Owlin emerges from the back. She is gaunt and pale-feathered, with part of her face terribly damaged and missing an eye. One wing, her left one, the same side as the damage to her face, is missing. She walks with an obvious limp and too light, too gaunt to look healthy, even for a bird.
"Augh, inter. Lopers." She says, her speech strange and strained as she steps toward her lectern. She raises both of her arms; her right comes up well over her head; she struggles to get her left up shoulder height. "Augh, Krille. May you. Tell me who."
Krille nods and gestures at the Order of the Phoenix and introduces them as such. He then introduces each of them by name, then introduces her to the Order of the Phoenix as High Priestess Skraih.
"They were six this morning, but alas, one warrior, Hrothgar, has lost his way. We have aided him elsewhere."
Skraih pays this little mind. She pulls out a massive tome from beneath the lectern and opens it, letting it come down with a thump.
"What is it. Skraih can do for Or. Der of."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
As Jek and Darla are about to leave, he hears about the priestess, and remember they still have a task to do. He hangs his head a little as he realizes he spent time pranking instead of helping his team.
He'll follow the others as they are led to the priestess. When they get to the temple, Jek looks around in awe at the temple, then he see's the Luck Dragon. He goes up to the stained glass window and peers up at the depiction of the Dragon. He thinks to Atoh, and the raid the Khans did of the tower of the Elephant. So many were sacrificed. He hopes Atoh and Tola are safe and that they survived. Maybe all the forces going to the Ivory Tower gave a chance for the Khans to win or retreat. Jek will raise a hand a touch the image of the Luck Dragon, knowing that at least the Khans had Luck on there side.
Krille's whistle jostles Jek out of his thoughts. As the Skraih is introduced, Jek will stay near the window, taking comfort in the reminder of his friend. He looks to the others, then realizes, he should probably speak up, as the AUYRN bearer.
"Hello Skraih. Ummm, I mean High Priestess Skraih... What would you prefer to be called? Anyway, we have some questions and are hoping you can help us. I'm not sure if you have heard, but the Childlike Empress has fallen. We have brought her body with us. Do you know of a way we can revive her? Bring her back? We have been given a lead and we don't think she should stay like this. The other reason we are here is the Triforce of Courage. Do you have any information on the best way to retrieve it? Maybe what longterm exposure of the Triforce would have on an evil being, such as the giant Tarrasque that is currently trapped underneath it? Oh, umm, maybe you can help us interpret this poem!
Courage waits long hidden deep
Guardian slumbers now and sleeps
Beneath the whirlpool Atlantis' Bane
Waits silent for Division's reign.
Stars blue and lit on horizon's edge
A watery grave for Atlantis, tis said
Hyboria weakens, slow and groaning
Three shards apart and all atoning.
Let not the Empress lie there cold
Last light of the world afore it grows old
Weak and mourning, like Atlantis gone
Chaos won't rest, but marches on."
Jek will wait a moment, then he gesture to the Luck Dragon. "Umm, who is this? I have a friend who is the leader of the Khan's, Atoh. She had a partner who I was friends with as well, a Luck Dragon named Tola. I hope they are okay."
"Skraih is. Skraih." The High Priestess says ass he takes a deep breath. "Empress. Childlike. We would have to. See. Krille. Us. Leave."
Krille nods and steps toward the great oaken doors of the chapel and then shuts them behind him, leaving the Order of the Phoenix with Skraih in the chamber.
"The soul. Has its own voice." Skraih says as she steps amidst the Order of the Phoenix. She pulls a roll of sage from her pocket and burns the ends a bit with a flicker of flame from her fingers and then begins to fan the smoke around the heads of the Order as she walks among them. Her taloned feet, adorned with claws that are razor sharp and pristinely painted an obsidian black with flecks of sparkling white in them like stars, clack in rhythm on the tile floor as she moves about. "We shall have. Ask two questions. One, the Godesses to. One, Empress Child to."
She steps past the Order and gently fans her hands out, and the pews begin to turn until their backs are all aligned with the walls, and slowly they slide away until their backs rest against the walls.
"The goddesses must first. Bless us. Try to revive Empress Child." Skraih says as she moves into the center of this open floor and draws a short, pencil sized golden rod from her robes. She bends over, fanning the sage with one hand, and tracing invisible lines on the floor. All straight, all seeming to make a series of triangles. "We can ask. Should any of you wish. But to summon the goddesses. Hold their council. No easy task."
She fans the sage and replaces the golden rod to her pocket and listens as Jek asks his questions about the Triforce of Courage.
"The Venerable Piece." She says as if exalting the Triforce of Courage. "One in. Another realm. One lost. One here. The Guardian, safely keeps. The Venerable Piece, keeps us safe. Separated, either can do. Great evil. As for Guardian of the Venerable Piece, nothing. I know. Many trine, crushed beneath its duty. Its ward. Its prison. Poem..."
She pulls a vial from her pocket but stops as Jek recites the poem to her. She bristles as though her flesh has turned to goosebumps...goosebumps on an owl. Her feathers ruffle and stand up, even those on her disfigured head, and her ruined eye glistens more fiercely than before.
"Hear this, where?" She asks Jek, her good eye squinting. She unstoppers the vial. "This legend..****y but whispered. The bane. Guardian's bane. Lies beneath Atlantis."
She ruffles her feathers again and blinks before she shakes off her discomfort and begins to sprinkle the liquid in the vial across the place on the floor where she has drawn the series of triangles. A faint blue light begins to glow from the floor.
"Ah. That." She says, looking at the Luck Dragon, then back to her work. "Falkor. Greatest Luck Dragon."
She ignores Jek's concerns about Atoh Khan and Tola, then shakes her head as if ridding herself of so many questions.
"Shadowed one asks. Many questions." She says, then pulls a quail egg from her pocket. She smashes it violently against the ground, and then suddenly blue lines form on the floor, outlining the combined pieces of the Triforce in bright blue. A lightless triangle forms in the center. "All. Lay something. Precious in the center. The goddesses, we ask."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York