Hearing Dev's exclamation, Normont briefly turns to him in time to see him shake his head as he repacks his healing kit.
"They attacked us Dev. And would rather die than talk", he says pointing to the one on the bed whom he had given a chance to live. "They made their choice, do not regret your own".
With that, he puts away his shield and moves to the body of the assassin, taking a look to see if there are any clues on them. As he does, he speaks a few words in Gnomish to focus his senses.
He also speaks again to Blainith, "Care to elaborate?".
Lokilia had no interested in running after the others. Especially once Dev comes back into the room. She listens to the information Normont is getting from the Blainith.
Blainith again looked to Magnus before continuing after receiving a tight nod.
" I am Blainith Windspear, an Adjudicant Expositor with the Cobalt Soul, recently through some happenstance I ran into my old friend Tlu...", he indicated the woman on the bed. "....in rather a bad way. We went to college together but our careers diverged a little since then and.....well....through speaking with her as she has been recovering it seems that some months ago The Cerberus Assembly dispatched a team of their agents to find a pre-Cataclysm ruin, and what lay within it."
" They apparently landed somewhere north of here in the fall and crossed somewhere called the Last Pass. Beyond the boundary mountains, past the edges of the Alabaster Sierras, they found a sprawling, ruined complex of the Old Ones, larger than any seen before, filled with forbidden knowledge."
" From what I have gleaned from her journal and what little she has spoken, half the team was certain it was the secrets they sought which had infected and brought about the end of this enclave, but the others maintained that the library held the secrets of the ages ready to be used once more. The leader of the Cereberus expedition, Ubo, was driven mad, she says, by the choice set before him, certain the ruin was filled with secrets mortals were not meant to know."
" She recorded that, deep in the mountains...at the height of winter, one by one, he killed his compatriots. Only one — Tlu — managed to hide in the huge ruins, dodging Ubo and other, unknown threats, to escape into the snow."
" Despite the weather, she managed to march south. Certain contacts of mine ranging out of Whitestone discovered her and I brought her here to this safe house along with her journal which contains the map that tracks the Cerberus team’s path through the Sierras north of these lands. "
"Somehow word of Tlus sudden arrival at the gate has already been carried to the Assembly though luckily they sent only Assassins and not more sorcerous agents this time."
" Now that I am discovered I need to take Tlu to Emon where the Soul can protect her and her knowledge properly but I must implore you Magnus to take this journal and follow the map within to secure whatever knowledge you can before the Assembly can send another party to do so."
" Can I rely on you and these stalwart companions?"
Normont’s words serve their purpose, and Dev has collected his wits and listens with curiosity to Blainith’s tale. (OOC: I rolled a crit IC on History, so I assume somehow Dev has some idea of where these places are and who Blainith is speaking of.)
“Ummm… follow the map to the Alabaster Sierra Mountains?,” he says, his voice soft but filling the room with incredulity. He looks to Magnus. “Isn’t that far away?”
At first, Dev shakes his head. Journeying to distant places was not something he had ever imagined for himself. Other than the escape of reading and listening to stories, when, all right, yes, he had wondered what it would be like to leave Drynna for far away lands.
But, it’s just not possible, with my parents…, a familiar thought begins. However, the tiefling realizes that things have changed. Jasper has been checking on the Hornd cabin regularly. And after their last adventure, they – Dev and his parents – had been eating well and now, all three of them were healthier than ever.
Normont looks up from his search, “It’s not conclusive of course, but this man is wearing a cloak made in Wildemount, which certainly ties in with the Cerberus Assembly”.
”You mention Alabaster Sierras and forbidden knowledge, as well as Whitestone itself. I feel I must accompany those that go to represent the Chamber of Whitestone, at least until I know their thoughts on this matter”, he adds after Blainith recounts the story.
"Wow, ummm, yes, it appears we have a mission in front of us friends and thank you for the support in wanting to go." Magnus says to the group, then turns back to Blainith, "And what about compensation for my friends here? They are not a part of the Soul and considering just how big of a task this apparently is turning into, I assume the compensation will be adequate. As long as they agree to the terms I woudl say we could head out in the morning." At which point Magnus will move over to the lady on the bed and rest a glowing hand on her shoulder healing her wounds. Then he takes the journal and whatever other notes she might have to go over with the group later before they head out.
"We will seek out the ruins and accomplish this task. Are there any winter provisions we can gain access to or do my friends and I need to do some shopping before we head out?"
Blainith looks to Magnus and nods, " Whilst I have little in the way of funds accesible currently I can provide you with tokens that will grant you access to records and volumes kept with Cobalt Soul libraries that Magnus does not yet have access to that may prove useful in whatever personal research you may have. I also have a small number of items that I've picked up in my travels that will hopefully be useful. In terms of winter clothing and the like, yes, though the season is breaking the cold lingers longer at altitude....there are supplies for winter convoys downstairs, feel free to take what you will....though if you can return most of it in one piece it would be appreciated."
Blainith takes a small travel pack out from beneath the bed and spreads the items within on the table, as he does so Magnus reads through the journal quickly....
- Many of the last pages are just mad feverish scrawlings repeating ' Stay Away' and ' Don't go there..'
- A bit further back “Once we got there, it wasn’t easy. If knowing something gives you power, what does knowing everything give you? They were everywhere.”
- " The outer city was empty, flanked by dark towers and crisscrossed in sand-covered streets. We could feel eyes on us the entire time we were there. We fled along the secret path north, leaving Thylacala behind us as quickly as we could.'
Seeing Magus' expression Blainith looked back at Tlu, " Before she succumbed to her exhaustion she said two things to me ' Ubo is still there, He's waiting for us.' and “Ubo is alone in the library, but he’s not alone! No one who enters that place is alone! No one!”."
" From her early notes in the journal I believe Ubo was the one leading the mission she was on.....whether its a nickname or even a surname I am unsure."
Dev’s eyes latch almost immediately on the armor. The pattern of the rivets is set in a red dye which together is a closely match for his magic shoes. At least, to him the pairing works. But too, the leather’s shiny surface… it’s as if it knows it’s being watched and evades his glance. One moment, a rigid protective layer, the next moment, a hooded half-cloak. Maybe it looks different to others when they see it. He glances around the room as his finger absently marks the spot on his belly from which so recently the tip of a short sword had erupted. Maybe, he thinks, if I were in this, that wouldn’t have happened.
Normont takes a look at the items on the table and across to Dev.
"I think you having the armour is a good idea, Dev. Just remember, it doesn't make you invincible, you should still try and keep your distance if we get into another fight", he suggests.
"Thank you Blainith, these will come in handy, and we will grab what items we might need on our way out. If thee isn't anything else, we should all retire to a private room and go over these notes some more and our route of travel tomorrow." Then his shoulder slump a little but, "not to mention I could really use a rest as IO am sure the others can as well."
Blainith nodded, " I best get moving as well, I assume that Herth and Milne are dead outside? Otherwise those three wouldn't have gotten in. I'll write to their families, they were only apprentices."
" Hopefully Tlu and I can take a wagon to Turst Fields and then on to Emon without anymore interference...."
He pressed a key into Magnus hand, " My rooms just down the hall, I moved all my stuff into here a few days ago so feel free to use it. But I would make haste, you've likely been marked."
Lokilia looks at the items. She seems intrigued by the boots. "This would be quite useful if we're headed for the mountains. And I really like them - unless someone else wants them?" She looks around to see what others thing.
As Blainith gets ready to depart, she nods at his suggestion. "Yea, we'd best keep moving and not stick around here too long. Perhaps a bit of rest to recover. But we should get moving - wherever we decide to go."
"Indeed, I am afraid there are two bodies under the table outside. My condolences", Normont confirms to Blainith as he picks up the brooch. "I guess this might come in handy, my thanks".
He nods to Lokilia as she mentions getting moving, after declining the boots, "It's still early and the supplies we need are downstairs, I think you are right, Lokilia. We should rest for only a short time in Blainith's room whilst we take a good look through the journal and then grab some gear and move on".
(OOC: @Damian_May, correct me if I am wrong, but it must only be mid morning right?)
Dev looks at the equipment for cold weather and takes a heavy cloak with pockets and a hood, half-gloves, and knee-high boots that are large enough to fit over his magic shoes. He runs his fingers down the length of the fur lining, marveling at the tailoring and recalling several recent winters where he’d lay shivering in the windy cabin all night. Never again, he tells himself.
He rests (OOC regaining 9 HP), and sings himself a calming song to forget his nervousness at traveling so far from home.
Lokilia immediately tries on the boots, enjoying their design and the fur trimmings. She hadn't thought about other warm weather clothes until Dev starts grabbing some. "I'm not sure I'll need other clothes than these boots, but might as well grab something," she says as she looks over the items. Finally, she picks out a hooded surcoat that she can wear over her usual garments. It is long enough to cover her legs and seems to fit her quite well. "The color's not my favorite, but it should be nice and warm," she announces to whoever might be listening.
She takes a moment to rest, though she has no wounds to recover from. She asks if any of the others have been to the Alabaster Sierras. If they have, she pesters them with various questions about what it's like there. She's particularly interested in the plants and wildlife.
Normont also collects some cold weather gear, although it takes some rooting around to find his size. He also looks for any climbing gear. He then spends the hour relaxing and recuperating whilst hopefully Magnus allows him to look at Tlu's journal.
When Lokilia starts to ask about the Alabaster Sierras, he is able to provide an answer.
"Well, I have lived in Whitestone for the past 26 years, ever since the Chroma Conclave...well you know", he says with a slight frown. "On the way we will be passing through the Parchwood Timberlands. A dense forest of pine trees, but I wouldn't suggest you go exploring too much. Tales of nasty creatures and corrupted trees inhabiting the forest are told in Whitestone, and the advice is to always stick to the roads and pathways, and even then be on your guard. Of course there is the Mooren River Run than runs through the Parchwood Timberlands, full of freshwater fish", he explains.
"And then there's the mountains and the Salted Bluffs along the coastline. Again they are not particularly safe, being home to harpies and wyverns and who knows what else. It is all so very cold and windy. Even the forest when you get to the northern most edges", he continues. "And then in amongst it all is Whitestone, beautifully gothic and built around the most wonderful tree. The Sun Tree! A blessing from the Dawnfather himself. And there is the Heart of Whitestone. That is a clock tower, very grand", he says reverently speaking of his home of the last two and a half decades. "Did you know the street lights are lit by electric lamps, not by oil lamps?".
Getting back to business, he finishes by saying, "We should plan our journey carefully. I don't know exactly where we need to go, but we should certainly stick to the main routes until we absolutely have to leave them".
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Quinn will notice dev and try to rest his hand on the young teflings shoulder. “Thank you for saving my life.”
Hearing Dev's exclamation, Normont briefly turns to him in time to see him shake his head as he repacks his healing kit.
"They attacked us Dev. And would rather die than talk", he says pointing to the one on the bed whom he had given a chance to live. "They made their choice, do not regret your own".
With that, he puts away his shield and moves to the body of the assassin, taking a look to see if there are any clues on them. As he does, he speaks a few words in Gnomish to focus his senses.
He also speaks again to Blainith, "Care to elaborate?".
Investigation (with guidance): 17+5+4=26
Lokilia had no interested in running after the others. Especially once Dev comes back into the room. She listens to the information Normont is getting from the Blainith.
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
Blainith again looked to Magnus before continuing after receiving a tight nod.
" I am Blainith Windspear, an Adjudicant Expositor with the Cobalt Soul, recently through some happenstance I ran into my old friend Tlu...", he indicated the woman on the bed. "....in rather a bad way. We went to college together but our careers diverged a little since then and.....well....through speaking with her as she has been recovering it seems that some months ago The Cerberus Assembly dispatched a team of their agents to find a pre-Cataclysm ruin, and what lay within it."
" They apparently landed somewhere north of here in the fall and crossed somewhere called the Last Pass. Beyond the boundary mountains, past the edges of the Alabaster Sierras, they found a sprawling, ruined complex of the Old Ones, larger than any seen before, filled with forbidden knowledge."
" From what I have gleaned from her journal and what little she has spoken, half the team was certain it was the secrets they sought which had infected and brought about the end of this enclave, but the others maintained that the library held the secrets of the ages ready to be used once more. The leader of the Cereberus expedition, Ubo, was driven mad, she says, by the choice set before him, certain the ruin was filled with secrets mortals were not meant to know."
" She recorded that, deep in the mountains...at the height of winter, one by one, he killed his compatriots. Only one — Tlu — managed to hide in the huge ruins, dodging Ubo and other,
unknown threats, to escape into the snow."
" Despite the weather, she managed to march south. Certain contacts of mine ranging out of Whitestone discovered her and I brought her here to this safe house along with her journal which contains the map that tracks the Cerberus team’s path through the Sierras north of these lands. "
"Somehow word of Tlus sudden arrival at the gate has already been carried to the Assembly though luckily they sent only Assassins and not more sorcerous agents this time."
" Now that I am discovered I need to take Tlu to Emon where the Soul can protect her and her knowledge properly but I must implore you Magnus to take this journal and follow the map within to secure whatever knowledge you can before the Assembly can send another party to do so."
" Can I rely on you and these stalwart companions?"
Normont’s words serve their purpose, and Dev has collected his wits and listens with curiosity to Blainith’s tale. (OOC: I rolled a crit IC on History, so I assume somehow Dev has some idea of where these places are and who Blainith is speaking of.)
“Ummm… follow the map to the Alabaster Sierra Mountains?,” he says, his voice soft but filling the room with incredulity. He looks to Magnus. “Isn’t that far away?”
At first, Dev shakes his head. Journeying to distant places was not something he had ever imagined for himself. Other than the escape of reading and listening to stories, when, all right, yes, he had wondered what it would be like to leave Drynna for far away lands.
But, it’s just not possible, with my parents…, a familiar thought begins. However, the tiefling realizes that things have changed. Jasper has been checking on the Hornd cabin regularly. And after their last adventure, they – Dev and his parents – had been eating well and now, all three of them were healthier than ever.
The teenager continues listening. Maybe… maybe.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"We're going to the Alabaster Sierras?" Lokilia says as she hears Blainith's tale. "That sounds really interesting. I'd love to go!"
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
Normont looks up from his search, “It’s not conclusive of course, but this man is wearing a cloak made in Wildemount, which certainly ties in with the Cerberus Assembly”.
”You mention Alabaster Sierras and forbidden knowledge, as well as Whitestone itself. I feel I must accompany those that go to represent the Chamber of Whitestone, at least until I know their thoughts on this matter”, he adds after Blainith recounts the story.
He then looks to Magnus for affirmation.
"Wow, ummm, yes, it appears we have a mission in front of us friends and thank you for the support in wanting to go." Magnus says to the group, then turns back to Blainith, "And what about compensation for my friends here? They are not a part of the Soul and considering just how big of a task this apparently is turning into, I assume the compensation will be adequate. As long as they agree to the terms I woudl say we could head out in the morning." At which point Magnus will move over to the lady on the bed and rest a glowing hand on her shoulder healing her wounds. Then he takes the journal and whatever other notes she might have to go over with the group later before they head out.
"We will seek out the ruins and accomplish this task. Are there any winter provisions we can gain access to or do my friends and I need to do some shopping before we head out?"
Blainith looks to Magnus and nods, " Whilst I have little in the way of funds accesible currently I can provide you with tokens that will grant you access to records and volumes kept with Cobalt Soul libraries that Magnus does not yet have access to that may prove useful in whatever personal research you may have. I also have a small number of items that I've picked up in my travels that will hopefully be useful. In terms of winter clothing and the like, yes, though the season is breaking the cold lingers longer at altitude....there are supplies for winter convoys downstairs, feel free to take what you will....though if you can return most of it in one piece it would be appreciated."
Blainith takes a small travel pack out from beneath the bed and spreads the items within on the table, as he does so Magnus reads through the journal quickly....
- Many of the last pages are just mad feverish scrawlings repeating ' Stay Away' and ' Don't go there..'
- A bit further back “Once we got there, it wasn’t easy. If knowing something gives you power, what does knowing everything give you? They were everywhere.”
- " The outer city was empty, flanked by dark towers and crisscrossed in sand-covered streets. We could feel eyes on us the entire time we were there. We fled along the secret path north, leaving Thylacala behind us as quickly as we could.'
Seeing Magus' expression Blainith looked back at Tlu, " Before she succumbed to her exhaustion she said two things to me ' Ubo is still there, He's waiting for us.' and “Ubo is alone in the library, but he’s not alone! No one who enters that place is alone! No one!”."
" From her early notes in the journal I believe Ubo was the one leading the mission she was on.....whether its a nickname or even a surname I am unsure."
The items spread out on the table are:-
- https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4591-boots-of-the-winterlands
- https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4593-bracers-of-archery
- https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4596-brooch-of-shielding
- https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4607-cloak-of-protection
- https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4645-glamoured-studded-leather
Dev’s eyes latch almost immediately on the armor. The pattern of the rivets is set in a red dye which together is a closely match for his magic shoes. At least, to him the pairing works. But too, the leather’s shiny surface… it’s as if it knows it’s being watched and evades his glance. One moment, a rigid protective layer, the next moment, a hooded half-cloak. Maybe it looks different to others when they see it. He glances around the room as his finger absently marks the spot on his belly from which so recently the tip of a short sword had erupted. Maybe, he thinks, if I were in this, that wouldn’t have happened.
“Ummm… can I try this on?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Normont takes a look at the items on the table and across to Dev.
"I think you having the armour is a good idea, Dev. Just remember, it doesn't make you invincible, you should still try and keep your distance if we get into another fight", he suggests.
"Thank you Blainith, these will come in handy, and we will grab what items we might need on our way out. If thee isn't anything else, we should all retire to a private room and go over these notes some more and our route of travel tomorrow." Then his shoulder slump a little but, "not to mention I could really use a rest as IO am sure the others can as well."
Quinn will step up, "This cloak will grant me and this party great favor."
Blainith nodded, " I best get moving as well, I assume that Herth and Milne are dead outside? Otherwise those three wouldn't have gotten in. I'll write to their families, they were only apprentices."
" Hopefully Tlu and I can take a wagon to Turst Fields and then on to Emon without anymore interference...."
He pressed a key into Magnus hand, " My rooms just down the hall, I moved all my stuff into here a few days ago so feel free to use it. But I would make haste, you've likely been marked."
Lokilia looks at the items. She seems intrigued by the boots. "This would be quite useful if we're headed for the mountains. And I really like them - unless someone else wants them?" She looks around to see what others thing.
As Blainith gets ready to depart, she nods at his suggestion. "Yea, we'd best keep moving and not stick around here too long. Perhaps a bit of rest to recover. But we should get moving - wherever we decide to go."
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
"Indeed, I am afraid there are two bodies under the table outside. My condolences", Normont confirms to Blainith as he picks up the brooch. "I guess this might come in handy, my thanks".
He nods to Lokilia as she mentions getting moving, after declining the boots, "It's still early and the supplies we need are downstairs, I think you are right, Lokilia. We should rest for only a short time in Blainith's room whilst we take a good look through the journal and then grab some gear and move on".
(OOC: @Damian_May, correct me if I am wrong, but it must only be mid morning right?)
( Approx. 1000)
Dev looks at the equipment for cold weather and takes a heavy cloak with pockets and a hood, half-gloves, and knee-high boots that are large enough to fit over his magic shoes. He runs his fingers down the length of the fur lining, marveling at the tailoring and recalling several recent winters where he’d lay shivering in the windy cabin all night. Never again, he tells himself.
He rests (OOC regaining 9 HP), and sings himself a calming song to forget his nervousness at traveling so far from home.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia immediately tries on the boots, enjoying their design and the fur trimmings. She hadn't thought about other warm weather clothes until Dev starts grabbing some. "I'm not sure I'll need other clothes than these boots, but might as well grab something," she says as she looks over the items. Finally, she picks out a hooded surcoat that she can wear over her usual garments. It is long enough to cover her legs and seems to fit her quite well. "The color's not my favorite, but it should be nice and warm," she announces to whoever might be listening.
She takes a moment to rest, though she has no wounds to recover from. She asks if any of the others have been to the Alabaster Sierras. If they have, she pesters them with various questions about what it's like there. She's particularly interested in the plants and wildlife.
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
Normont also collects some cold weather gear, although it takes some rooting around to find his size. He also looks for any climbing gear. He then spends the hour relaxing and recuperating whilst hopefully Magnus allows him to look at Tlu's journal.
When Lokilia starts to ask about the Alabaster Sierras, he is able to provide an answer.
"Well, I have lived in Whitestone for the past 26 years, ever since the Chroma Conclave...well you know", he says with a slight frown. "On the way we will be passing through the Parchwood Timberlands. A dense forest of pine trees, but I wouldn't suggest you go exploring too much. Tales of nasty creatures and corrupted trees inhabiting the forest are told in Whitestone, and the advice is to always stick to the roads and pathways, and even then be on your guard. Of course there is the Mooren River Run than runs through the Parchwood Timberlands, full of freshwater fish", he explains.
"And then there's the mountains and the Salted Bluffs along the coastline. Again they are not particularly safe, being home to harpies and wyverns and who knows what else. It is all so very cold and windy. Even the forest when you get to the northern most edges", he continues. "And then in amongst it all is Whitestone, beautifully gothic and built around the most wonderful tree. The Sun Tree! A blessing from the Dawnfather himself. And there is the Heart of Whitestone. That is a clock tower, very grand", he says reverently speaking of his home of the last two and a half decades. "Did you know the street lights are lit by electric lamps, not by oil lamps?".
Getting back to business, he finishes by saying, "We should plan our journey carefully. I don't know exactly where we need to go, but we should certainly stick to the main routes until we absolutely have to leave them".