The only thing Akkron really has to do right now is stop by one of the local archives (probably at the same time that Mal is in the underbelly chatting with King). He simply pours through the archives looking for basically anything that might prove useful while dealing with the Zemochs and their allies... also... he is still skeptical that no liches exist at all in this entire land, and he would like to verify that.
Investigation: 12
You dig through some ancient scrolls, and texts, until you do come across folklore and tales of the walking undead. You read about your typical vampires, which are in Eosia, as well as the standard undead creatures that re influences or created by magic. Then you do find something specific to liches, an evaluation of a creature known as a Devkarin Lich. The Devkarin is an off shoot of Elves that were found in Eosia, generally their land straddled what is the land where the Zemochs are coming from, and Agartha.
Powerful spellcasters of the Devkarin elves, steeped in Golgari magic, can transcend death to become liches. For them, life and death don’t merely chase each other in an inevitable cycle; the two can intersect, and at that nexus the liches find immense power, which commands the awe, envy, and fear of other Golgari of that time, the original inhabitants of the land between Agartha, and the land of Vigrid before the rise of the Virgidian Empire.
Unlike the shambling zombies they command, these liches still retain their memories, their personalities, and especially their ambition. They also retain the grace and stature of living elves, but their bodies are in a constant state of slow decay. Various forms of fungus grow in and over the rotting flesh to hold the body together. They are never seen in the light of day, rather underground in catacombs or burial vaults, only coming out at night. It was believed that some of the early inhabitants of this region saw these liches, which spun may tales of the walking dead and other horror stories.
Akkron runs a finger along one of the pages as he reads the text.
"I KNEW that there were others like me, even on this distant shore," he says. "Hmmm... interesting, no mention of phylacteries. Granted, the secrets of lichdom are not exactly common knowledge, but still... I wonder if the undead of this land may have used techniques more like my own ritual of ascension than the common practices of Vecna's or Orcus' followers. Most curious indeed... Khessa, I think that after we speak to the trolls, it may be worth it to seek out these Devkarin liches... I doubt that many of them will be 'friendly,' per se, but as ancient beings who have likely seen the original war against the Zemochs first-hand they may have valuable insights, and they may be willing to negotiate as I am, at least superficially, like them."
Khessa, for the sake of completeness, also informs her undead mentor about what she has found regarding the 'vampires' of Eosia, concluding: "In any case, making yourself an ambassador to the undead can be an interesting idea and certainly worth trying! Even though they will probably be much more evil, corrupt and power-hungry than you, they should respect you, at least because of their shared nature and awareness of great power. And we may still be able to forge a valuable alliance with them, perhaps, in addition to obtaining information It's an excellent second stage".
After all of the research and assembling is complete, and after a good night's rest, the party is formed in the courtyard for departure. Your horses are saddled, and there are two additional horses with extra bags and baskets of supplies. Sparhawk's warhorse Faran has barding to protect it. Sparhawk comes out wearing his full plate armor of the Pandion Order. Accompanying him is another man wearing chain and carrying a great sword over his back. "This is Dillion, who will be serving as my squire to assist in my arming and keeping my gear in good shape." Dillion bows to the group before mounting his own horse.
Sparhawk mounts, and another page brings him a lance. Faran starts to high step in place, almost smiling. "Yes, yes, you can show off on the way out. We have to make sure we are seen."
Brother Maynard arrives on a stout horse, with extra saddles bags and bundles tied behind him. He is wearing his normal monk's habit, but the hem of his chainmail can be seen sticking out from under the habit. He nods to Sparhawk he is ready to ride.
Vanion and Sephrenia come down to wish everyone a good journey and the best of luck. Once Sparhawk sees everyone is mounted and ready to go, leads the group out of the Chapterhouse. He takes a route that winds through the markets and streets, Faran strutting for a warhorse. He keeps a pace slow enough to make sure they are well observed heading to and through the western gate. Once through the gate, and the outer markets and hovels, Sparhawk leads you to the bridge that crosses the river. Once across the bridge, Sparhawk tells Faran he can stop showing off.
He leads you to the road that heads due north, a road sign that has "Arcanum Academy" written on it, pointing to the north. Another arow pointing to the west says "Demos." Sparhawk sets an easy pace as you take in the area around you as you ride north.
Mal will enjoy the ride and the scenery while keeping an eye out for anyone following them from behind or the side. She will also keep an eye on the sky as well to see if anyone is following them that way.
Akkron does his best not to feel too self-conscious when civilians stare at him. He went ahead and attuned to his grimmoire again as now he feels power is of greater importance than subtlety. Now he's ready to let the Zemochs be afraid... Though perhaps it would be worth considering picking up a mask and some other clothing items so his undead nature isn't too obvious to civilians. Granted, a mysterious man whose entire body is covered from head-to-toe would only be marginally less creepy, but at least won't attract instant smiting from every Paladin in the vicinity.
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
As you ride northward, you pass mostly farmlands and open fields. To the west you see the tall, snowcapped peaks of mountains, and the green line of a forest at their feet. As you ride, Brother Maynard explains the land of Elania, which you are traveling through. He points out that the capital where the queen resides is to the west past Demos in the City of Cammoria. He talks of the people, mostly an agriculture land and also where the entire Pandion Order is based. Within the great forest to the north of the capital is Eldamar, the last bastion of their version of High Elves in Eosia.
As the sun begins to set, Sparhawk leads the party into some woods just off the road, and dismounts. "We'll camp here tonight and go to the university in the morning." Sparhawk squire helps him out of his plate armor, and then take care of their horses. Brother Maynard takes care of his horse, "old habits die hard I guess," he comments with a grin. He gets a fire going for making meals.
Setting up her place to sleep for the night, Mal causally asks Maynard, "I was wondering whose turn it was to make dinner or how we were going to handle that task. I will apologize now as my cooking skills are are very much lacking, unless of course you count ordering off a menu."
Khessa remains alert, but every time the situation seems calm, he relaxes and looks at the still delightfully peaceful panorama... The cultivated fields... to which he still pays attention, but even more so if they are cabbage fields! And the imposing and reassuring mountains to the west, which remind her of the mountains near Phandalin!
'By now, at home, Jasper will have finished some ritual prayers... which will have taken too long due to the constant interruptions from our children...' the blonde arcane warrior thinks, unable to help but smile 'But he, as usual, will not have become impatient and, with his enviable elven calm, will have stoically given thanks to his goddess... and now he will be playing with Yondar and Sarvin! It's been a few days, but I would already like to see them again! I think I'll contact them tonight...'
The tall adventuress also listens with great attention to Brother Maynard's explanations, often taking notes in her spellbook with the disturbing cover decorated with spider web motifs and thanking him: "You are really kind and patient to explain all this to us. It's so interesting to discover your culture ...Gradually, we will become more and more... part of you!" then she lights up, struck by a new idea "When all this is over, maybe you too might want to come and visit Faerûn! I could be your guide, to reciprocate. Or maybe Akkron," she jokingly nudges him, taking great care not to use excessive strenght "who lives there much longer than me and who can teleport better than me!"
When Sparhawk decides to camp for the night and Mal worries about who will cook, Khessa answers by pointing the finger at the brave knight: "Sparhawk, of course! Can't you see he's already prepared the fire? Surely it's because he's decided to take on the role of cook for the company tonight!"
However, if no one actually seems enthusiastic about cooking, the blonde arcane warrior improvises a dinner of corned beef and cabbage for everyone:
She places the corned beef in large pot and cover with water, then she adds some spice (conjured by magic, if not available). She covers the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, until tender. She adds whole potatoes and carrots, and cooks until the vegetables are almost tender. Finally, she adds cabbage and cooks for maybe 15 more minutes. She removes the meat and let rest another 15 minutes. She places some vegetables in a bowl and cover, then adds a few broth, slices the meat across the grain... and enjoy your meal!
At night, the tall adventuress protects the camp with the wards she usually casts (Private Sanctum and Alarm - audible version) winking at Sparhawk: "Old habits die hard, I guess!"
After which Khessa dedicates herself to magic knowledge again (presumably with Master Akkron?) partly by studying the spells of the Zemoch (OOC: @DM: She finally manages to master the ritual to summon the Yochol or the enchantment of the dagger? Or is it too different magic?), partly trying to copy another of the scrolls he had bought before leaving into his spellbook (Let's try Intellect Fortress).
Late at night, before falling asleep, the blonde arcane warrior contacts her family by sending one of them a beautiful dream, in which they all ride together amidst the beautiful panorama seen today and in which she explains to them that everything is going well, she asks them how the day went - and, after having pleasantly chatted, joked and laughed together, she bids them farewell with a kiss.
Setting up her place to sleep for the night, Mal causally asks Maynard, "I was wondering whose turn it was to make dinner or how we were going to handle that task. I will apologize now as my cooking skills are are very much lacking, unless of course you count ordering off a menu."
"Normally, and I do say that with a grain of salt, no pun intended, that responsibility is normally rotated amongst the squad, or in our case, our group. I am more than happy to do the cooking this evening." Maynard replies with a smile as he is pulling his cooking gear, and spices from a saddle bag. Then he goes over to one of the pack horses to get the rations.
Khessa remains alert, but every time the situation seems calm, he relaxes and looks at the still delightfully peaceful panorama... The cultivated fields... to which he still pays attention, but even more so if they are cabbage fields! And the imposing and reassuring mountains to the west, which remind her of the mountains near Phandalin!
'By now, at home, Jasper will have finished some ritual prayers... which will have taken too long due to the constant interruptions from our children...' the blonde arcane warrior thinks, unable to help but smile 'But he, as usual, will not have become impatient and, with his enviable elven calm, will have stoically given thanks to his goddess... and now he will be playing with Yondar and Sarvin! It's been a few days, but I would already like to see them again! I think I'll contact them tonight...'
The tall adventuress also listens with great attention to Brother Maynard's explanations, often taking notes in her spellbook with the disturbing cover decorated with spider web motifs and thanking him: "You are really kind and patient to explain all this to us. It's so interesting to discover your culture ...Gradually, we will become more and more... part of you!" then she lights up, struck by a new idea "When all this is over, maybe you too might want to come and visit Faerûn! I could be your guide, to reciprocate. Or maybe Akkron," she jokingly nudges him, taking great care not to use excessive strenght "who lives there much longer than me and who can teleport better than me!"
When Sparhawk decides to camp for the night and Mal worries about who will cook, Khessa answers by pointing the finger at the brave knight: "Sparhawk, of course! Can't you see he's already prepared the fire? Surely it's because he's decided to take on the role of cook for the company tonight!"
However, if no one actually seems enthusiastic about cooking, the blonde arcane warrior improvises a dinner of corned beef and cabbage for everyone:
She places the corned beef in large pot and cover with water, then she adds some spice (conjured by magic, if not available). She covers the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, until tender. She adds whole potatoes and carrots, and cooks until the vegetables are almost tender. Finally, she adds cabbage and cooks for maybe 15 more minutes. She removes the meat and let rest another 15 minutes. She places some vegetables in a bowl and cover, then adds a few broth, slices the meat across the grain... and enjoy your meal!
At night, the tall adventuress protects the camp with the wards she usually casts (Private Sanctum and Alarm - audible version) winking at Sparhawk: "Old habits die hard, I guess!"
After which Khessa dedicates herself to magic knowledge again (presumably with Master Akkron?) partly by studying the spells of the Zemoch (OOC: @DM: She finally manages to master the ritual to summon the Yochol or the enchantment of the dagger? Or is it too different magic?), partly trying to copy another of the scrolls he had bought before leaving into his spellbook (Let's try Intellect Fortress).
Late at night, before falling asleep, the blonde arcane warrior contacts her family by sending one of them a beautiful dream, in which they all ride together amidst the beautiful panorama seen today and in which she explains to them that everything is going well, she asks them how the day went - and, after having pleasantly chatted, joked and laughed together, she bids them farewell with a kiss.
And, finally, she sleeps.
Sparhawk, who has changed into a light leather armor, longsword at his side, notices you setting wards. "I thank you for watching out for us and our well-being. While we are only 1 days ride away, who knows what threats could be following, and wanting to harm us. You have my thanks." He walks away to check on the rest of the party.
The evening passes quietly, Maynard is providing a history lesson to Sparhawk's squire, so he knows what they are facing. You all go through your nightly rituals and activities, and settle down to sleep. (Khessa, you are successful in copy the spell to your book. The magic dagger is a magical dagger that appears and attacks who the caster wants).
You sleep is undisturbed, and you rise refreshed. Maynard has a small breakfast ready. Once everyone is done eating, the camp is taken down, while Sparhawk is helped by his squire into his plate armor.
After everyone is mounted, Sparhawk leads you back to the road, and continue northward. It is just before noon when in the distance, you see a large complex of multiple buildings and towers. Sparhawk stops on top of a small hill.
"The University as we like to call it, where all of the leading scholars from across Eosia come to share their knowledge, and those seeking it come to learn."
You hear Brother Maynard snort and chuckle, "Learned scholors, bah." he says softly. Sparhawk chuckles himself. "There is a lot of debate on how much they really know, but we need to make a show of it, as I am sure there are eyes and ears here waiting to see if we truly arrive." With that, he knees Faran and lead you all down towards the University.
"I haven't eaten in two thousand years," Akkron chuckles. "So my cooking skills are consequently... not spectacular. Feel free to ask Khessa about the time I tried to bake a casserole by casting a fireball on it... that was embarrassing..."
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Khessa in turn smiles at Sparhawk and explains: "I do it gladly... and not only for a question of safety, but also of privacy... these wards, among other effects, also have that of not allowing any curious to spy on us from a distance with divinations... for the purposes of possible divinations, it is as if we were not there. So, at least, while we rest we can also feel completely free to talk to each other!"
At the lich's anecdote, the blonde arcane warrior laughs heartily: "It's true! You should have seen the kitchen afterwards! Luckily, the Unseen Servants we summoned managed to restore a certain degree of order... It's not by chance, if the spell that I started studying the next day with the help of Master Akkron was Counterspell..."
The next day, when it's time to put on the armor, the tall adventuress, used to getting by without squires, gets help from her trusty Alfred... and from a mysterious force that every now and then hands her the pieces or fastens her straps more difficult to reach.
In view of the University, hearing how Sparhawk and Maynard talk about it, the tall adventuress wonders: "But how! A unique place that collects knowledge... And 'there is a lot of debate on how much they really know'? Is this knowledge untested? If it is knowledge that is unproven... or cannot be trusted... it makes little sense to even call it 'knowledge'!"
Mal lets out a snort of laughter at hearing about cooking with a fireball, "As much as I would love to see you cooking with a fireball, maybe we don't recreate that while we are out here, well at least not in our campfire."
"Well hopefully we can get leave this library city as soon as we can and potentially under cover of darkness, so we can get a move on our mission, I doubt the Zemochs are taking thier time." she warns.
As you approach, you see the Arcanum Academy, or simply known as the University, is the size of a small city. There are no walls around it, just the road that leads in. The streets are perfectly aligned North-South; East-West. At every intersection is a sign, pointing in the direction of one area of study or another. Around the intersections, are Coffee and Tea Houses, Taverns and Inns, shops, book wrights, general sales, everything a scholar would need to study or live while studying. There are also signs to the different libraries, corresponding with the different study specialties, and there appear to be dorms that look like barracks.
Sparhawk leads you through a few intersections, before turning right and going down until he stops before a good-sized walled inn. He dismounts from Faran, and goes to the side door, and ring a bell. After a short moment, the door opens a crack, and then seeing it is Sparhawk, open the door wide enough to allow your horses in. Shaped like a great "L" The main Inn that is three stories tall with several chimneys, and the base of the L the stable. Stable hands come out and assist you with your horses.
"One of our safe places," Sparhawk comments. "They'll see to the horses and the gear, we will head indoors." Sparhawk leads them to a back door that takes them past the kitchen. You are nearly overwhelmed by the smell of fresh baking bread, various meats roasting, vegetables, gravies, all the best meals for an Inn. Sparhawk points to some tables and benches as he goes over to the bar keep.
"Make yourself comfortable and get something to drink or eat if you so desire. We will stay here a day or two, see what ancient texts that Brother Maynard or you learned scholars find that may help our cause." He turns and walks to the bar.
Fascinated by finding herself in such a large center of knowledge, but still troubled by what emerged on the possible reliability of the information available here, Khessa is overcome by mixed feelings... She therefore dedicates herself to searching for information, but with a critical spirit, always examining how plausible what is written seems and possibly comparing multiple sources to detect any contradictions.
The blonde arcane warrior focuses above all on magical knowledge (interested in any new/different forms of magic that have developed here in Eosia and not in Faerûn) and on the lore/history of the Zemoch and/or Azash... because she wants to try to understand how deep the bond between the two really is and whether perhaps it could be conceivable to remove the Zemochs from Azash's influence. Her belief that the evil god is simply using the Zemochs, without really caring about them, never goes out of her mind... and if it were possible to make the Zemochs understand this and perhaps offer them an alternative... perhaps the god could be left without believers to carry out his cruel plans?
(OOC: If there are rolls I should do, just tell...)
Brother Maynard takes a seat at the table, and orders some mulled wine. "This my friends, may be an even more daunting task than seeking out Zemocks. There are many different schools of thought here in the university we can seek at, and their libraries. There are some different schools we could search at. There are of course the applied theological schools on the gods, schools on ancient and current histories, the studies of the ancient lands and races, and who knows what. We may have to divide and conquer so to say. So where do we start or go? I can help in the history department, more so than anything with religion. "
After grabbing a drink and some food Mal disappears, "I will be back later, going to go walk the Academy and see what I see."
Mal will wander throughout the lanes going into shops here and there and if any tea houses smell particularly good, will wander in. She will again be looking for any signs of the local thieves guild and make contact letting them know she is in their area.
Khessa explains to Maynard: "I think the lore/history of the Zemoch and/or Azash might be important... I want to try to understand how deep the bond between the two really is and whether perhaps it could be conceivable to remove the Zemochs from Azash's influence. I strongly believe that the evil god is simply using the Zemochs, without really caring about them... and if it were possible to make the Zemochs understand this and perhaps offer them an alternative... perhaps the god could be left without believers to carry out his cruel plans!"
The blonde arcane warrior thus concludes: "So, I'd take your help in the history department - unless you think my idea is hopeless (very possible, since you certainly know Eosia much better than me)".
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Akkron runs a finger along one of the pages as he reads the text.
"I KNEW that there were others like me, even on this distant shore," he says. "Hmmm... interesting, no mention of phylacteries. Granted, the secrets of lichdom are not exactly common knowledge, but still... I wonder if the undead of this land may have used techniques more like my own ritual of ascension than the common practices of Vecna's or Orcus' followers. Most curious indeed... Khessa, I think that after we speak to the trolls, it may be worth it to seek out these Devkarin liches... I doubt that many of them will be 'friendly,' per se, but as ancient beings who have likely seen the original war against the Zemochs first-hand they may have valuable insights, and they may be willing to negotiate as I am, at least superficially, like them."
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Khessa, for the sake of completeness, also informs her undead mentor about what she has found regarding the 'vampires' of Eosia, concluding: "In any case, making yourself an ambassador to the undead can be an interesting idea and certainly worth trying! Even though they will probably be much more evil, corrupt and power-hungry than you, they should respect you, at least because of their shared nature and awareness of great power. And we may still be able to forge a valuable alliance with them, perhaps, in addition to obtaining information It's an excellent second stage".
After all of the research and assembling is complete, and after a good night's rest, the party is formed in the courtyard for departure. Your horses are saddled, and there are two additional horses with extra bags and baskets of supplies. Sparhawk's warhorse Faran has barding to protect it. Sparhawk comes out wearing his full plate armor of the Pandion Order. Accompanying him is another man wearing chain and carrying a great sword over his back. "This is Dillion, who will be serving as my squire to assist in my arming and keeping my gear in good shape." Dillion bows to the group before mounting his own horse.
Sparhawk mounts, and another page brings him a lance. Faran starts to high step in place, almost smiling. "Yes, yes, you can show off on the way out. We have to make sure we are seen."
Brother Maynard arrives on a stout horse, with extra saddles bags and bundles tied behind him. He is wearing his normal monk's habit, but the hem of his chainmail can be seen sticking out from under the habit. He nods to Sparhawk he is ready to ride.
Vanion and Sephrenia come down to wish everyone a good journey and the best of luck. Once Sparhawk sees everyone is mounted and ready to go, leads the group out of the Chapterhouse. He takes a route that winds through the markets and streets, Faran strutting for a warhorse. He keeps a pace slow enough to make sure they are well observed heading to and through the western gate. Once through the gate, and the outer markets and hovels, Sparhawk leads you to the bridge that crosses the river. Once across the bridge, Sparhawk tells Faran he can stop showing off.
He leads you to the road that heads due north, a road sign that has "Arcanum Academy" written on it, pointing to the north. Another arow pointing to the west says "Demos." Sparhawk sets an easy pace as you take in the area around you as you ride north.
Mal will enjoy the ride and the scenery while keeping an eye out for anyone following them from behind or the side. She will also keep an eye on the sky as well to see if anyone is following them that way.
Perception:
17Reliable Talent: 18Sigh, damn you Dice Gods.
Akkron does his best not to feel too self-conscious when civilians stare at him. He went ahead and attuned to his grimmoire again as now he feels power is of greater importance than subtlety. Now he's ready to let the Zemochs be afraid... Though perhaps it would be worth considering picking up a mask and some other clothing items so his undead nature isn't too obvious to civilians. Granted, a mysterious man whose entire body is covered from head-to-toe would only be marginally less creepy, but at least won't attract instant smiting from every Paladin in the vicinity.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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As you ride northward, you pass mostly farmlands and open fields. To the west you see the tall, snowcapped peaks of mountains, and the green line of a forest at their feet. As you ride, Brother Maynard explains the land of Elania, which you are traveling through. He points out that the capital where the queen resides is to the west past Demos in the City of Cammoria. He talks of the people, mostly an agriculture land and also where the entire Pandion Order is based. Within the great forest to the north of the capital is Eldamar, the last bastion of their version of High Elves in Eosia.
As the sun begins to set, Sparhawk leads the party into some woods just off the road, and dismounts. "We'll camp here tonight and go to the university in the morning." Sparhawk squire helps him out of his plate armor, and then take care of their horses. Brother Maynard takes care of his horse, "old habits die hard I guess," he comments with a grin. He gets a fire going for making meals.
Setting up her place to sleep for the night, Mal causally asks Maynard, "I was wondering whose turn it was to make dinner or how we were going to handle that task. I will apologize now as my cooking skills are are very much lacking, unless of course you count ordering off a menu."
Khessa remains alert, but every time the situation seems calm, he relaxes and looks at the still delightfully peaceful panorama... The cultivated fields... to which he still pays attention, but even more so if they are cabbage fields! And the imposing and reassuring mountains to the west, which remind her of the mountains near Phandalin!
'By now, at home, Jasper will have finished some ritual prayers... which will have taken too long due to the constant interruptions from our children...' the blonde arcane warrior thinks, unable to help but smile 'But he, as usual, will not have become impatient and, with his enviable elven calm, will have stoically given thanks to his goddess... and now he will be playing with Yondar and Sarvin! It's been a few days, but I would already like to see them again! I think I'll contact them tonight...'
The tall adventuress also listens with great attention to Brother Maynard's explanations, often taking notes in her spellbook with the disturbing cover decorated with spider web motifs and thanking him: "You are really kind and patient to explain all this to us. It's so interesting to discover your culture ...Gradually, we will become more and more... part of you!" then she lights up, struck by a new idea "When all this is over, maybe you too might want to come and visit Faerûn! I could be your guide, to reciprocate. Or maybe Akkron," she jokingly nudges him, taking great care not to use excessive strenght "who lives there much longer than me and who can teleport better than me!"
When Sparhawk decides to camp for the night and Mal worries about who will cook, Khessa answers by pointing the finger at the brave knight: "Sparhawk, of course! Can't you see he's already prepared the fire? Surely it's because he's decided to take on the role of cook for the company tonight!"
However, if no one actually seems enthusiastic about cooking, the blonde arcane warrior improvises a dinner of corned beef and cabbage for everyone:
She places the corned beef in large pot and cover with water, then she adds some spice (conjured by magic, if not available). She covers the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, until tender. She adds whole potatoes and carrots, and cooks until the vegetables are almost tender. Finally, she adds cabbage and cooks for maybe 15 more minutes. She removes the meat and let rest another 15 minutes. She places some vegetables in a bowl and cover, then adds a few broth, slices the meat across the grain... and enjoy your meal!
At night, the tall adventuress protects the camp with the wards she usually casts (Private Sanctum and Alarm - audible version) winking at Sparhawk: "Old habits die hard, I guess!"
After which Khessa dedicates herself to magic knowledge again (presumably with Master Akkron?) partly by studying the spells of the Zemoch (OOC: @DM: She finally manages to master the ritual to summon the Yochol or the enchantment of the dagger? Or is it too different magic?), partly trying to copy another of the scrolls he had bought before leaving into his spellbook (Let's try Intellect Fortress).
Late at night, before falling asleep, the blonde arcane warrior contacts her family by sending one of them a beautiful dream, in which they all ride together amidst the beautiful panorama seen today and in which she explains to them that everything is going well, she asks them how the day went - and, after having pleasantly chatted, joked and laughed together, she bids them farewell with a kiss.
And, finally, she sleeps.
Arcana check to copy Intellect Fortress: 11
"Normally, and I do say that with a grain of salt, no pun intended, that responsibility is normally rotated amongst the squad, or in our case, our group. I am more than happy to do the cooking this evening." Maynard replies with a smile as he is pulling his cooking gear, and spices from a saddle bag. Then he goes over to one of the pack horses to get the rations.
Sparhawk, who has changed into a light leather armor, longsword at his side, notices you setting wards. "I thank you for watching out for us and our well-being. While we are only 1 days ride away, who knows what threats could be following, and wanting to harm us. You have my thanks." He walks away to check on the rest of the party.
The evening passes quietly, Maynard is providing a history lesson to Sparhawk's squire, so he knows what they are facing. You all go through your nightly rituals and activities, and settle down to sleep. (Khessa, you are successful in copy the spell to your book. The magic dagger is a magical dagger that appears and attacks who the caster wants).
You sleep is undisturbed, and you rise refreshed. Maynard has a small breakfast ready. Once everyone is done eating, the camp is taken down, while Sparhawk is helped by his squire into his plate armor.
After everyone is mounted, Sparhawk leads you back to the road, and continue northward. It is just before noon when in the distance, you see a large complex of multiple buildings and towers. Sparhawk stops on top of a small hill.
"The University as we like to call it, where all of the leading scholars from across Eosia come to share their knowledge, and those seeking it come to learn."
You hear Brother Maynard snort and chuckle, "Learned scholors, bah." he says softly. Sparhawk chuckles himself. "There is a lot of debate on how much they really know, but we need to make a show of it, as I am sure there are eyes and ears here waiting to see if we truly arrive." With that, he knees Faran and lead you all down towards the University.
"I haven't eaten in two thousand years," Akkron chuckles. "So my cooking skills are consequently... not spectacular. Feel free to ask Khessa about the time I tried to bake a casserole by casting a fireball on it... that was embarrassing..."
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Khessa in turn smiles at Sparhawk and explains: "I do it gladly... and not only for a question of safety, but also of privacy... these wards, among other effects, also have that of not allowing any curious to spy on us from a distance with divinations... for the purposes of possible divinations, it is as if we were not there. So, at least, while we rest we can also feel completely free to talk to each other!"
At the lich's anecdote, the blonde arcane warrior laughs heartily: "It's true! You should have seen the kitchen afterwards! Luckily, the Unseen Servants we summoned managed to restore a certain degree of order... It's not by chance, if the spell that I started studying the next day with the help of Master Akkron was Counterspell..."
The next day, when it's time to put on the armor, the tall adventuress, used to getting by without squires, gets help from her trusty Alfred... and from a mysterious force that every now and then hands her the pieces or fastens her straps more difficult to reach.
In view of the University, hearing how Sparhawk and Maynard talk about it, the tall adventuress wonders: "But how! A unique place that collects knowledge... And 'there is a lot of debate on how much they really know'? Is this knowledge untested? If it is knowledge that is unproven... or cannot be trusted... it makes little sense to even call it 'knowledge'!"
Akkron chuckles.
"I had hoped to surprise Bridgette with a nice meal for her birthday... oh well. At least everyone had a good laugh."
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Mal lets out a snort of laughter at hearing about cooking with a fireball, "As much as I would love to see you cooking with a fireball, maybe we don't recreate that while we are out here, well at least not in our campfire."
"Well hopefully we can get leave this library city as soon as we can and potentially under cover of darkness, so we can get a move on our mission, I doubt the Zemochs are taking thier time." she warns.
As you approach, you see the Arcanum Academy, or simply known as the University, is the size of a small city. There are no walls around it, just the road that leads in. The streets are perfectly aligned North-South; East-West. At every intersection is a sign, pointing in the direction of one area of study or another. Around the intersections, are Coffee and Tea Houses, Taverns and Inns, shops, book wrights, general sales, everything a scholar would need to study or live while studying. There are also signs to the different libraries, corresponding with the different study specialties, and there appear to be dorms that look like barracks.
Sparhawk leads you through a few intersections, before turning right and going down until he stops before a good-sized walled inn. He dismounts from Faran, and goes to the side door, and ring a bell. After a short moment, the door opens a crack, and then seeing it is Sparhawk, open the door wide enough to allow your horses in. Shaped like a great "L" The main Inn that is three stories tall with several chimneys, and the base of the L the stable. Stable hands come out and assist you with your horses.
"One of our safe places," Sparhawk comments. "They'll see to the horses and the gear, we will head indoors." Sparhawk leads them to a back door that takes them past the kitchen. You are nearly overwhelmed by the smell of fresh baking bread, various meats roasting, vegetables, gravies, all the best meals for an Inn. Sparhawk points to some tables and benches as he goes over to the bar keep.
"Make yourself comfortable and get something to drink or eat if you so desire. We will stay here a day or two, see what ancient texts that Brother Maynard or you learned scholars find that may help our cause." He turns and walks to the bar.
Fascinated by finding herself in such a large center of knowledge, but still troubled by what emerged on the possible reliability of the information available here, Khessa is overcome by mixed feelings... She therefore dedicates herself to searching for information, but with a critical spirit, always examining how plausible what is written seems and possibly comparing multiple sources to detect any contradictions.
The blonde arcane warrior focuses above all on magical knowledge (interested in any new/different forms of magic that have developed here in Eosia and not in Faerûn) and on the lore/history of the Zemoch and/or Azash... because she wants to try to understand how deep the bond between the two really is and whether perhaps it could be conceivable to remove the Zemochs from Azash's influence. Her belief that the evil god is simply using the Zemochs, without really caring about them, never goes out of her mind... and if it were possible to make the Zemochs understand this and perhaps offer them an alternative... perhaps the god could be left without believers to carry out his cruel plans?
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Brother Maynard takes a seat at the table, and orders some mulled wine. "This my friends, may be an even more daunting task than seeking out Zemocks. There are many different schools of thought here in the university we can seek at, and their libraries. There are some different schools we could search at. There are of course the applied theological schools on the gods, schools on ancient and current histories, the studies of the ancient lands and races, and who knows what. We may have to divide and conquer so to say. So where do we start or go? I can help in the history department, more so than anything with religion. "
After grabbing a drink and some food Mal disappears, "I will be back later, going to go walk the Academy and see what I see."
Mal will wander throughout the lanes going into shops here and there and if any tea houses smell particularly good, will wander in. She will again be looking for any signs of the local thieves guild and make contact letting them know she is in their area.
Khessa explains to Maynard: "I think the lore/history of the Zemoch and/or Azash might be important... I want to try to understand how deep the bond between the two really is and whether perhaps it could be conceivable to remove the Zemochs from Azash's influence. I strongly believe that the evil god is simply using the Zemochs, without really caring about them... and if it were possible to make the Zemochs understand this and perhaps offer them an alternative... perhaps the god could be left without believers to carry out his cruel plans!"
The blonde arcane warrior thus concludes: "So, I'd take your help in the history department - unless you think my idea is hopeless (very possible, since you certainly know Eosia much better than me)".