You travel as a group to Arnak's tower. It stands about 30' tall. There is a lovely flower garden surrounding it. You see a small rabbit and a hedgehog wending their way through the plants and flowers as you walk up. A single iron-bound oaken door faces the town square. There are two sconces set into the stone that have smokeless torches burning at tall times. The door has a small door set about 4' off the ground with a wrought iron grate covering it. The door is 6' tall and 4' wide with a single, simple handle to the right side. There is an iron fish set on the door at 5' high. It appears to be swimming to the left of the door. Knocking on the door using the fish results in Hennah greeting you and welcoming you inside, "Welcome back Master Starker, AND Master Cyrus." The last part she adds with added emphasis and offers two dried dates to the monkey. Cyrus Magnus chitters in delight while grabbing both dates and beginning to happily munch in Starker's left ear. "Greetings to the rest of you as well. Arnak is waiting for you in the salon." She then turns to lead you through a door and a stairwell up into a plushly decorated room with dark wood paneling, overstuffed chairs, a crackling fireplace and shelves lining the walls that hold books, curiosities and other interesting items. Hanny and Arnak are sitting in chairs near the fireplace. Arnak is smoking his owl-decorated pipe. Both turn to greet you upon your entry, "Welcome, all. Please takes seats," Arnak gestures to the various chairs and settees. "Hannah, be a dear and bring some pastries and sherry." She curtsies and returns back down the steps.
Hennah returns shortly after you all settle into seats. Cyrus is happily enjoying his two-fisted treats. She sets trays of beautiful, delicious looking pastries on the tables. A carafe of sherry and small crystal glasses are also set out. She pours six of these and hands them about. She then returns back downstairs. Arnak smiles, "I am glad to see that you have returned intact from the journey to retrieve our lost neighbors. Your service to Shalecliff has been as pronounced as it was unexpected upon your arrival. We are in debt to you all." He puffs on his pipe for a moment blowing delicate rings of smoke, "How can I be of service to you?"
“We think we found the bodies of Iarlo and his henchmen among the corpses to the south and Iarlo’s notebook in his room at the inn” hands the notebook and its contents (map and note) over to Arnak. “We also found his signet ring, which appears to have been on a finger which had been bitten off of his hand.”
”Do you have any idea who AG might be? And to what area this map fragment might be pointing us?”
Sir, thank you for receiving us and your hospitality. I haven't ever had sherry before, but it is most pleasing (he pauses trying to come up with a comparison) sort of like drinking a date with a raisin on top.
Chadwick pauses for another sip, then continues.
In addition to the on going issues and mystery surrounding the arcane brotherhood, Mr. Mannol from the livery told me that our old colleague Erbert and left a note with you for us. We are hoping he is well, and looking forward to hearing what he has been up to.
Arnak accepts the notebook and papers. He thumbs through the book's pages. He looks at the map and then reads the letter. The letter he hands over for Hanny to examine. You seen Hanny take a quick breath as he ends reading the letter. "Do you think it is...," he says to Arnak. Arnak nods. He then looks to Starker, "The current leader of the Arcane Brotherhood is a lich. In his mortal life his initials were AG. We will not speak his name."
He picks up the map fragment, "This is hard to say. There must be more of this map, at least at some point in time. I would need that for more context about the importance of this."
To Chadwick he replies, "I'm glad you enjoy the sherry. It is from Cormyr. Perhaps you are familiar with it, Trolkarl. It is from a winery at the foothills of the Stormhorns by the name of Bessenta," he takes an appreciative sip. "Drinking a date with a raisin on top is a wonderful description, Chadwick!," he says with a smile. "Yes, Erbert was here. He arrived a day or two after you all left. Said something about being in a hurry, 'off on a mission for Xagyg' or something like that. He did bring a tome with him and asked me to keep it safe until you could take possession of it. I have it on the shelf over there," he points behind you. You see the tome lying flat on the shelf.
Trolkarl smiles, both in reflecting on his homeland and sincere appreciation of Arnak's graciousness.
"Ah, a fine sherry from Cormyr" Trolkarl begins, voice filled with more pride than he has expressed at anytime before with his companions "This Bessenta holds the essence of my homeland. I only add to Chadwick's assessment, that you feel the warmth of Cormyrean sun captured in each drop."
Raising his glass to toast "To the graciousness of Arnak and the bonds that connect us, no matter how far we travel!"
Taking another sip "Arnak, here in the distant Sword Coast, your kindness brings a piece of home to me. If ever you should find yourself in Cormyr, I would be honored to reciprocate your hospitality"
Starker goes over to the shelf with the tome. “If noone objects ….?” He brings it over to the group, sets it on the table so everyone can see, and, if noone objects, opens it.
”This was an unbalanced individual. His delight in the aesthetics of evil caused him to act inefficiently. Here are some passages of potential interest:”
3:Summoned a demon to bargain for knowledge. Price was steep, but the power gained is invaluable. Now searching for the described map.
14:Scrying on distant lands to locate the map. One step closer to unlocking its secrets.
16:Contacted an ancient lich to serve as my advisor. Its wisdom in necromancy is unparalleled
21:Researched the former wizard Kellistor at the leader’s behest
24:Forged an alliance with the Cragmaw goblins. Their raids will distract my enemies while I prepare for the final conquest.
32:Attended an arcane auction to acquire a grimoire of forbidden spells. Outbid rival wizards with a show of magical prowess.
38:Made plans to travel east to Kellistor’s tower. There is likely power within to be gained.
40:Negotiated with a dragon for an alliance. Promised it riches and territories in exchange for its fiery wrath against my enemies.
43:Explored the ruins of an ancient city buried beneath the sands. Found a tuning fork related to the map.
44:Attended a clandestine meeting of Brotherhood wizards. Discussed plans for the ritual to open a gateway to the Abyss.
47:Found the map to the tomb of Illiandil. No one has spoken of looting this to date.
48:Commenced construction of a towering citadel imbued with dark magic. Its spires pierce the heavens, a testament to my power.
49:Invoked the wrath of ancient spirits to curse a ring. I will leave it where Tarkan will surely find it searching my rooms in my upcoming absence.
Starker takes out Iarno’s signet ring, makes an envelop out of a piece of paper, puts the ring in, seals the envelope using wax from a candle, and write’s “Don’t” on the envelope in all the languages he knows.
"A tuning fork? That is interesting," Arnak says in response to 43 as Starker is reading it. "That could be a component for a specific destination using Teleport or Plane Shift."
Hanny looks at him with surprise, "Really?! That is what stood out to you? What about the mention of Illiandil? Any concerns there??" The sarcasm is rich in Hanny's obviously a bit unnerved response.
Arnak has a look of pure innocence, "I don't know what you could mean by that, Mr Peddlestump."
Hanny regains some his usual composure and after giving Arnak a scathing look turns to the group of you, "Illiandil was a Necromancer who made his home somewhere in the Spine of the World mountains north of here. He was last seen about......50-60 years ago, I believe." He looks right at Arnak, "It was the worst kept secret in Faerûn that Illiandil was seeking to cross over the threshold of undeath to become a lich." Hanny pauses, "You have a book that talks of a map to his tomb, you have a portion of a map to who knows what that is obviously very old, and there is mention of a potential key component of a spell to take you places. Very unsettling."
Arnak puffs on his pipe, "Tales to keep young children from wandering too far, old friend. I imagine Illiandil's aspirations led him to deal with an entity that cut those aspirations short. That is usually how those things transpire."
Starker examines the binding and finds a mobile tab. Pushing that opens a small flap in the base of the binding. A small rectangular compartment is found measuring about 10" x 1" x 3/4". As he opens this compartment a tuning fork made of an unfamiliar dark grey metal slides out.
Starker Investigation = 24
Hoid & Kragen Investigation = (Kragen at advantage with Hoid's help) 12
Hanny's eyes grow wide with surprise; Arnak's narrow with caution.
(( Description of Iarno Albrek's Diary updated. Iarno Albrek's Tuning Fork added as an item in Inventory. ))
Arnak responds to Trolkarl's invitation, "I am not in the area of Cormyr often, but would enjoy a cozy hearth should I find myself there. Where is your family's estate?"
Touch him! Love him! Liebe mein affe-mienke!
Starker apologizes, “I don’t know what came over me.”
Any *other* plans?
Off to Arnak’s Tower to discuss what we found in Iarlo’s room and retrieve what Ebert left for us? Who’s with me?
You travel as a group to Arnak's tower. It stands about 30' tall. There is a lovely flower garden surrounding it. You see a small rabbit and a hedgehog wending their way through the plants and flowers as you walk up. A single iron-bound oaken door faces the town square. There are two sconces set into the stone that have smokeless torches burning at tall times. The door has a small door set about 4' off the ground with a wrought iron grate covering it. The door is 6' tall and 4' wide with a single, simple handle to the right side. There is an iron fish set on the door at 5' high. It appears to be swimming to the left of the door. Knocking on the door using the fish results in Hennah greeting you and welcoming you inside, "Welcome back Master Starker, AND Master Cyrus." The last part she adds with added emphasis and offers two dried dates to the monkey. Cyrus Magnus chitters in delight while grabbing both dates and beginning to happily munch in Starker's left ear. "Greetings to the rest of you as well. Arnak is waiting for you in the salon." She then turns to lead you through a door and a stairwell up into a plushly decorated room with dark wood paneling, overstuffed chairs, a crackling fireplace and shelves lining the walls that hold books, curiosities and other interesting items. Hanny and Arnak are sitting in chairs near the fireplace. Arnak is smoking his owl-decorated pipe. Both turn to greet you upon your entry, "Welcome, all. Please takes seats," Arnak gestures to the various chairs and settees. "Hannah, be a dear and bring some pastries and sherry." She curtsies and returns back down the steps.
Hennah returns shortly after you all settle into seats. Cyrus is happily enjoying his two-fisted treats. She sets trays of beautiful, delicious looking pastries on the tables. A carafe of sherry and small crystal glasses are also set out. She pours six of these and hands them about. She then returns back downstairs. Arnak smiles, "I am glad to see that you have returned intact from the journey to retrieve our lost neighbors. Your service to Shalecliff has been as pronounced as it was unexpected upon your arrival. We are in debt to you all." He puffs on his pipe for a moment blowing delicate rings of smoke, "How can I be of service to you?"
“We think we found the bodies of Iarlo and his henchmen among the corpses to the south and Iarlo’s notebook in his room at the inn” hands the notebook and its contents (map and note) over to Arnak. “We also found his signet ring, which appears to have been on a finger which had been bitten off of his hand.”
”Do you have any idea who AG might be? And to what area this map fragment might be pointing us?”
Sir, thank you for receiving us and your hospitality. I haven't ever had sherry before, but it is most pleasing (he pauses trying to come up with a comparison) sort of like drinking a date with a raisin on top.
Chadwick pauses for another sip, then continues.
In addition to the on going issues and mystery surrounding the arcane brotherhood, Mr. Mannol from the livery told me that our old colleague Erbert and left a note with you for us. We are hoping he is well, and looking forward to hearing what he has been up to.
Arnak accepts the notebook and papers. He thumbs through the book's pages. He looks at the map and then reads the letter. The letter he hands over for Hanny to examine. You seen Hanny take a quick breath as he ends reading the letter. "Do you think it is...," he says to Arnak. Arnak nods. He then looks to Starker, "The current leader of the Arcane Brotherhood is a lich. In his mortal life his initials were AG. We will not speak his name."
He picks up the map fragment, "This is hard to say. There must be more of this map, at least at some point in time. I would need that for more context about the importance of this."
To Chadwick he replies, "I'm glad you enjoy the sherry. It is from Cormyr. Perhaps you are familiar with it, Trolkarl. It is from a winery at the foothills of the Stormhorns by the name of Bessenta," he takes an appreciative sip. "Drinking a date with a raisin on top is a wonderful description, Chadwick!," he says with a smile. "Yes, Erbert was here. He arrived a day or two after you all left. Said something about being in a hurry, 'off on a mission for Xagyg' or something like that. He did bring a tome with him and asked me to keep it safe until you could take possession of it. I have it on the shelf over there," he points behind you. You see the tome lying flat on the shelf.
Trolkarl smiles, both in reflecting on his homeland and sincere appreciation of Arnak's graciousness.
"Ah, a fine sherry from Cormyr" Trolkarl begins, voice filled with more pride than he has expressed at anytime before with his companions "This Bessenta holds the essence of my homeland. I only add to Chadwick's assessment, that you feel the warmth of Cormyrean sun captured in each drop."
Raising his glass to toast "To the graciousness of Arnak and the bonds that connect us, no matter how far we travel!"
Taking another sip "Arnak, here in the distant Sword Coast, your kindness brings a piece of home to me. If ever you should find yourself in Cormyr, I would be honored to reciprocate your hospitality"
Starker goes over to the shelf with the tome. “If noone objects ….?” He brings it over to the group, sets it on the table so everyone can see, and, if noone objects, opens it.
(( see Encoded Diary in inventory for the book ))
Starker reads the last bit out loud:
“ Alas my sweet blooded friend.
The key at your feet,
True North most discreet.
Keep sealed and fast Old Oak’s sword.”
Any thoughts, anyone?
Starker, reading through Iarno’s diary:
”This was an unbalanced individual. His delight in the aesthetics of evil caused him to act inefficiently. Here are some passages of potential interest:”
Starker takes out Iarno’s signet ring, makes an envelop out of a piece of paper, puts the ring in, seals the envelope using wax from a candle, and write’s “Don’t” on the envelope in all the languages he knows.
"A tuning fork? That is interesting," Arnak says in response to 43 as Starker is reading it. "That could be a component for a specific destination using Teleport or Plane Shift."
Hanny looks at him with surprise, "Really?! That is what stood out to you? What about the mention of Illiandil? Any concerns there??" The sarcasm is rich in Hanny's obviously a bit unnerved response.
Arnak has a look of pure innocence, "I don't know what you could mean by that, Mr Peddlestump."
Hanny regains some his usual composure and after giving Arnak a scathing look turns to the group of you, "Illiandil was a Necromancer who made his home somewhere in the Spine of the World mountains north of here. He was last seen about......50-60 years ago, I believe." He looks right at Arnak, "It was the worst kept secret in Faerûn that Illiandil was seeking to cross over the threshold of undeath to become a lich." Hanny pauses, "You have a book that talks of a map to his tomb, you have a portion of a map to who knows what that is obviously very old, and there is mention of a potential key component of a spell to take you places. Very unsettling."
Arnak puffs on his pipe, "Tales to keep young children from wandering too far, old friend. I imagine Illiandil's aspirations led him to deal with an entity that cut those aspirations short. That is usually how those things transpire."
Starker has been turning the diary about in his hands, looking at it from all angles.
“This is odd. The binding here [pointing to the spine of the book] seems oddly thick given the rest of the dimensions. Let me see …”
[pokes and prods, seeking a way into the ‘extra’ volume]
Starker examines the binding and finds a mobile tab. Pushing that opens a small flap in the base of the binding. A small rectangular compartment is found measuring about 10" x 1" x 3/4". As he opens this compartment a tuning fork made of an unfamiliar dark grey metal slides out.
Starker Investigation = 24
Hoid & Kragen Investigation = (Kragen at advantage with Hoid's help) 12
Hanny's eyes grow wide with surprise; Arnak's narrow with caution.
(( Description of Iarno Albrek's Diary updated. Iarno Albrek's Tuning Fork added as an item in Inventory. ))
“Well … I wonder if it is magical?”
[Performs Detect Magic ritual if Arnak doesn’t beat him to it.]
Arnak responds to Trolkarl's invitation, "I am not in the area of Cormyr often, but would enjoy a cozy hearth should I find myself there. Where is your family's estate?"
It is not magical.
Various things around the room are, though. Arnak gives you an appraising look, with one raised eyebrow.