Those who destroy knowledge, with ink, fire, or sword, are themselves destroyed.
A Deep and Creeping Darkness came to Candlekeep with another group of adventurers, given to them by a villager who found it among her grandfather's old possessions. Her grandfather—a traveling bard in his youth—claimed to have written it. Though appearing to be nothing more than a combination of diary and penny dreadful, the book satisfied the requirement of a unique work to grant that party entrance to Candlekeep. It chronicles the death of a mountain village called Vermeillon by slow, unknown means. Following a terrible accident in the platinum mine, survivors and other villagers began disappearing. Eventually Vermeillon's population all vanished or fled, leaving the village abandoned.
The book, bound in black leather with "A Deep and Creeping Darkness" embossed on the thin spine, shows minimal signs of wear and tear other than a few pages creased through carelessness and a spot here and there. The work is neat though not flawless, containing notable spelling errors and ink blotches.
You've been assembled in the private rooms of Keeper of the Emerald Door Saskia Jaezred. A stunning, wise, and courtly wizard who's taken a liking to you over the years, months, or weeks you've been at Candlekeep. You've made friends here too or at least acquaintances from all areas of the Keep but Keeper Jaezred has been a kind benefactor who has hand in some small way in all your success.
The letter came just after dinner. You are now seated together with your companions or people who you are aware. Keeper Jaezred has asked a favor but was vague on paper which means a request of some delicacy. Whether it's a conflict of interest for the Emerald Door or a personal request. You are unsure but the motley crew sat or standing around in Keeper Jaezred salon.
This room defies description! Soaring 15ft ceilings dotted with celestial bodies illuminating a arcanely lit night sky. There's several bookshelves heaving with books and tables with odd curiosities some know are for astronomy and divination. While others the assembled company have no idea. The furniture is lush and oversized in a mix of jewel tones. There are portraits of the founders of Candlekeep as well as a woman with similar dark skin as Saskia Jaezred but with a more stern expression unlike Keeper Jaezred resting smile. There's plants of various types as well. The most curious are literally floating around the base stalk seeming to ignore gravity!
Seated or standing the party has arrived over serveal minutes and were greeted by a servant who offered refreshments while the party waits.
Not wanting to be late, Ryan arrives early to the meeting. He is impressed by the splendor of the room, which only serves in making him more nervous. He gladly accepts a cup of tea hoping the hot beverage will help him relax. Alcohol probably would have done that job more efficiently, but he wanted to remain as clear headed as possible. The invitation, even though it light on specifics, it was clear that this was not a social gathering. Much too nervous to sit, Ryan walks the room looking through the books and wondering if it would be okay to page through one while he waits. His curiosity overtakes him and he picks up a book on divination. He flips threw the book waiting for something else to arrive.
A tall half-orc strides into the room, working to maintain his composure at being chosen for what must be an auspicious gathering, given the status of their host. He eyes the collection of tomes, the marvelous ceiling, and Ryan, to whom he nods and allows the briefest of smiles.
Wanting to read some, or all, of the volumes adorning the walls, yet fearful of the embarrassment of pulling one off of the shelves that would be viewed as inappropriate for his station, Umkhonzi contents himself with the proferred tea and a chair out of the way, quietly awaiting the rest of the invitees.
The goblin could be heard outside before he entered the room. "Yes! I've been summoned by Keeper Jaezred salon! Oh.. this way? OH OK! Thanks!" He could be heard shouting anxiously. He had hoped he wasn't late as he quickly pushed open the door and stuck his head inside. "Sorry! I hope I'm not late." He would announce as he slid his way past the heavy door. As he moved through the doorway the sleeve of his black and silver robes would catch on the doorhandle, sending his jeweled spell book tumbling to the ground. "Sorry! Tome!" he would cry as he quicky scooped up the book. The red silken bookmark that hung from the book began to wave about wildly as the goblin picked him up into his arms. "Calm down, I didn't mean to drop you.." He would whisper causing, the now slightly red colored gem in the center of the book to shift to a calm blue and the bookmark to go limp once more.
After taking a second to wipe any dirt or dust off of his spell book companion, he would make his way farther into the room. Wizbang's normally green skin almost looked purple at the moment due tohis embarrassing entrance. When offered a drink, he would take a tea from the tray and give a quick nod of appreciation. His face would scrunch and his nose would crinkle at the first sip, prompting him to put down his spell book on the table mutter a few words. After casting Prestidigitation on the tea, he would take another sip of the now-much-sweeter liquid and smile.
Seeing Ryan and Umkhonzi already inside, he would make his way over to them, carrying his drink in one hand and his spell book under the other arm. "Oh hey guys! Did you both get summoned here as well? What do you think we'll be doing?! I hope it is something exciting! I have a few new spells I can't wait to try out!" He would shout excitedly. Then realizing how loud his voice was, he would lower his voice to a whisper. "You guys don't think it will be anything dangerous do you?"... His eyes would then scan the room... for the first time taking in the beauty of the environment... and fighting the urge to touch everything.
Tine, trying her best to maintain her composure amidst the grandeur of Keeper Jaezred's salon, observed her fellow companions with a mix of curiosity and understanding. She was no stranger to the nervous anticipation that often accompanied such summons.
With a calm smile, she acknowledged Ryan's arrival, her eyes meeting his briefly before flickering to Umkhonzi, the stoic half-orc who seemed deep in thought. When the exuberant goblin, Wizbang, made his rather enthusiastic entrance, Tine couldn't help but be amused. She appreciated his infectious energy, finding it oddly reassuring in this unfamiliar setting.
As they waited for whatever request Keeper Jaezred had in store for them, Tine approached Wizbang, her tone soft and reassuring."Don't worry, Wizbang. We're all here together, and I'm sure whatever task Keeper Jaezred has for us, we're more than capable. As for danger, well, it wouldn't be an adventure without a little risk, would it?" She offered him a warm smile, trying to ease his obvious concerns.
Taking a sip of her tea, Tine continued to observe the room, her eyes wandering over the celestial-themed decorations and the floating plants. Her fingers brushed lightly against the spine of a nearby tome, her curiosity piqued. Yet, she refrained from delving into the books just yet, choosing instead to focus on the unfolding situation and the enigmatic request that hung in the air. The camaraderie of her companions provided a reassuring anchor in this moment of uncertainty, reminding her that they were all in this together.
Soft and quiet footsteps pad toward the floating plants. Eyes darting and a smile on his face he tries to hide, Brim loosens his scarf and takes in the room. He does as he always naturally does without thinking, find the shadows and the corners. Moving from the floating wonders to the bookshelves, Brim eyes the books he passes appreciating the artwork put in to the leather bound tomes. Although he's been let in by a member of the keep, he is still on guard because of the vague mystery behind his letter. However, as familiar faces and recent acquaintances enter the room he drops his guard and decides to quietly wait for whatever else may unfold. He grabs a glass of water, nodding to Umkhonzi as he passes his chair, and takes a spot near Tine giving her and the rest of the group a wave "hello" as well.
The party lingers for a couple of minutes as the last of those summoned arrive. As the arcane lights seem to soften as a ripple effect opens up a doorway from within a wall of stone that seemed by all accounts to be solid!
"Good evening everyone," Saskia Jaezred, Keeper of the Emerald Door, enters from the rippling doorway. "I appreciate the haste which all of you assembled tonight," the stunning woman says moving gracefully with her familiar white robes and large Ioun amulet hanging from her long neck.
Keeper Jaezred's amber eyes flicker around the room as a chair, a large one nearest the fireplace, animates and moves towards the largest concentration of the party. It thucks into place before Keeper Jaezred crosses her salon to seat herself.
"I've gathered you from your respective positions within the Keep to ask you for your aid. As you might know we currently have no formal leader of the Avowed. As Keeper of the Emerald Door I have been asked to assume the position until we vote another leader into place. As the bureaucracy pulls focus I have not forgotten about those of us far afield. I wish to engage your talents to seek out a lost settlement where an...associate of mine was last seen," Keeper Jaezred says producing a tome from her wide inner sleeve.
It floats through the air before resting in Wizbang's lap! The goblin looks down to see it is a journal more than a novel. The book, bound in black leather with "A Deep and Creeping Darkness" written on the inner page but the author is smudged and illegible. The journal itself shows minimal signs of wear and tear other than a few pages creased through carelessness and a spot here and there. The work is neat though not flawless, containing notable spelling errors and ink blotches as Wizbang flipps through the pages.
"This was brought to my attention just this week. The woman who had it insisted it was her grandfather but I know for a fact that could not be true. In my way," Keeper Jaezred sighs before continuing, "I found her memories altered. I...I hope you will discover the subject of this journal as well as what became of it's author, " she explains. "The journal is about the slow demise of a mining town in the Cloud Peaks called Vermeillon. I have not been able to find it on any map in our possession but know all of you are very capable," she finishes. "I will open up our discussion to questions, " she explains.
Keeper Jaezred's posture is alert but open. She has a soft expression with subtle flickers of curiosity as she observes the party awaiting their response to her request.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"I'm OK with a little risk I guess." The goblin would reply with a smile as he looked up to Tine. When the portal appeared in the wall and the Keeper stepped out, he would take a couple steps back. "That's her" He would whisper to the book clutched tightly in his arms. The eye-like gem in the center of the book would get slightly brighter as though trying to focus fir a moment while the goblin looked onward.
Once the keeper was done talking, Wizbang would struggle to contain his excitement 'Wow! Thank you for this opportunity!" The goblin would exclaim while adjusting his pointed hat. He would then look down and begin scanning the book, quickly trying to make note of names and locations that might prove useful in locating the town. "I promise I'll try hard and do my best! You'll see Keeper Jaezred." he would add, looking up from the book with his large eyes and eager smile. His eyes
"That's....That's just it," Keeper Jaezred begins. She then pausing looking slightly uncomfortable before composing herself again to look on serenely as she explains. "Over a hundred years ago," the seemingly human woman answers Umkhonzi. To the half-orc Keeper Jaezred doesn't look a day over thirty if that! "A bard and adventurer. His name is...was...is," she seems slightly flustered again, "Saxon Cuthbert," she adds moving back to relax in the chair as an attendant appears from the rippling doorway.
This man of fey heritage moves with grace has a decanter of wine as well as a poured glass balanced on an ebony tray. Keeper Jaezred takes the glass when it's offered before the attendant moves to offer wine to others. Keeper Jaezred takes a sip of wine closing her eyes with a exhale of breath. She then comes to attention looking out at the party.
Wizbang would shift the books around in his lap, moving the new book and setting Tome on top. Then with a flick of his wrist, an ornate black and silver quill with a long white feather stretching from the back would appear in his hand. he would then quickly write "Saxon Cuthbert - 100 years ago" on an empty page in his spellbook.
The young goblin would then raise his hand as though asking a question in class. "So how soon do you want us to leave to begin our quest?" The excitement in his voice was slowly being replaced with nervousness. "I... I need to prepare. I dont own any adventuring supplies...Almost all of my possessions are still from my time at Strixhaven. I know how to cast spells that may be useful in our journey but I don't have the components needed to complete them." Quickly the excitement on the goblins face is completely gone, now replaced entirely with anxiety and worry.
Brim stays standing where he is, the thoughts of tracking down a lost town building excitement inside him. "Im sorry to hear of your associate, but someone missing for over a hundred years could be anywhere. What brought him there in the first place? Are you saying that he is the author of this book?" He says pointing at the journal Whizbang holds.
The worried goblin would take a glass of wine while when the tray passes by. WIthout looking at the drink he would take a sip before scrunching his face and shaking his head in disgust. With a few mumbled words and a wiggle of his fingers, the color of the wine would change ever so slightly before he took another sip. This time his the goblin smiled and seemed to relax as the warm fluid seemed to make him forget some of his worries.
The book that Ryan is paging through is put back into its place as soon as Umkhonzi enters the room. When Wizbang enters he smiles and shakes his head in amusement. From his place Ryan watches in interest to see who else was invited. He takes a sit next to his friend Wizbang as the Keeper makes their entrance. He listens intently as the tale unfolds, and questions are asked answered. Finally he decides to voice his own question.
"Don't worry Wiz, we'll make sure you have everything you need before we leave."
He then turns his attention back to the Keeper. "As you know I will help you and this group anyway I can, but I am curious, why us? Surely there are, um more seasoned experts that would be better suited for this task?"
"Ah, well he disappeared in Vermeillon you see," Keeper Jaezred answers Brim. "I received letters but they took some time to reach me where I lived at the time in Neverwinter nearly a hundred years ago," she adds. Looking to Ryan she cocks her head to the side. "I think the question you should ask yourself is why not you? Ypu all are talented and capable. More to the point," she sighs swirling the wine in her glass. "This is for my piece of mind not just for Candlekeep's records. I trust you will be able to handle the task at hand. Vermeillon is a mystery worth solving, yes?" She asks curiously with a soft expression.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
The grin on his face tells more than words every could. Keeper Jaezred know just the right words to say. "Yes, I believe you are correct Keeper Jaezred, Vermeillon is a mystery worth solving. And of course I am honored that yo chose me to be a part group. I have every confidence that will will not let you down."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tine just listened to the conversation as a smile began to appear on her face and her already bright demeanor seemed to brighten more with excitement. Finally, she was about to partake in her own adventure. As the name Saxon Cuthbert is mentioned she began to think on the stories and history she knew to see if she remembered anything.
Wizbang would begin to relax in his chair. He wasn't sure if it was the drink or the reassurance from Ryan that put him at ease more. Helping the energetic goblin overcome his anxieties was something Ryan had become used to during their time together at Strixhaven, and probably one of the main reasons that Wizbang was able to complete his studies there. "Thanks Ryan" The small wizard would reply with a smile. The red silken bookmark would stretch over from within the pages of his spell book and pat Ryan on his knee before disappearing back into the pages of his book. As his anxiety seemed to fade, his excitement quickly returned. "So when do we leave?! Will we get to use a portal of some kind to get us to the Cloud Peaks? Will we be setting out from here on foot? Will we get horses?!" he would ask in rapid-fire succession.
Tine is very familiar with the famous bard. The man is a legend in Baldur's Gate and everywhere in between! He's even a graduate of Strixhaven's Silverquill! His disappearance was quite a mystery too but it having been passed down over a hundred years there was more than one theory of what happened to the famous bard!
"I trust you will succeed where others have failed," Keeper Jaezred says to Ryan. As Wizbang excitedly spouts questions about the coming trip Keeper Jaezred chuckles then sighs. "Well, I think that's entirely up to you and your party here," the Keeper adds gesturing at the party smiling softly ar Wizbang. "We have no portal to the Cloud Peaks but there are means of traveling there by the Way of the Lion then onto the Coast Way. I suggest stopping in Nashkel and making inquiries. This was the last settlement I received letters before Vermeillon," she explains. "So, what's your plan? I will see that your duties are taken care of here. Your free to leave whenever you wish but I suggest a good night's rest. It's two days by horse to the foothills of the Cloud Peaks," she explains.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
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A Deep and Creeping Darkness came to Candlekeep with another group of adventurers, given to them by a villager who found it among her grandfather's old possessions. Her grandfather—a traveling bard in his youth—claimed to have written it. Though appearing to be nothing more than a combination of diary and penny dreadful, the book satisfied the requirement of a unique work to grant that party entrance to Candlekeep. It chronicles the death of a mountain village called Vermeillon by slow, unknown means. Following a terrible accident in the platinum mine, survivors and other villagers began disappearing. Eventually Vermeillon's population all vanished or fled, leaving the village abandoned.
The book, bound in black leather with "A Deep and Creeping Darkness" embossed on the thin spine, shows minimal signs of wear and tear other than a few pages creased through carelessness and a spot here and there. The work is neat though not flawless, containing notable spelling errors and ink blotches.
You've been assembled in the private rooms of Keeper of the Emerald Door Saskia Jaezred. A stunning, wise, and courtly wizard who's taken a liking to you over the years, months, or weeks you've been at Candlekeep. You've made friends here too or at least acquaintances from all areas of the Keep but Keeper Jaezred has been a kind benefactor who has hand in some small way in all your success.
The letter came just after dinner. You are now seated together with your companions or people who you are aware. Keeper Jaezred has asked a favor but was vague on paper which means a request of some delicacy. Whether it's a conflict of interest for the Emerald Door or a personal request. You are unsure but the motley crew sat or standing around in Keeper Jaezred salon.
This room defies description! Soaring 15ft ceilings dotted with celestial bodies illuminating a arcanely lit night sky. There's several bookshelves heaving with books and tables with odd curiosities some know are for astronomy and divination. While others the assembled company have no idea. The furniture is lush and oversized in a mix of jewel tones. There are portraits of the founders of Candlekeep as well as a woman with similar dark skin as Saskia Jaezred but with a more stern expression unlike Keeper Jaezred resting smile. There's plants of various types as well. The most curious are literally floating around the base stalk seeming to ignore gravity!
Seated or standing the party has arrived over serveal minutes and were greeted by a servant who offered refreshments while the party waits.
Ryan's up!
Umkhonzi on deck!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Not wanting to be late, Ryan arrives early to the meeting. He is impressed by the splendor of the room, which only serves in making him more nervous. He gladly accepts a cup of tea hoping the hot beverage will help him relax. Alcohol probably would have done that job more efficiently, but he wanted to remain as clear headed as possible. The invitation, even though it light on specifics, it was clear that this was not a social gathering. Much too nervous to sit, Ryan walks the room looking through the books and wondering if it would be okay to page through one while he waits. His curiosity overtakes him and he picks up a book on divination. He flips threw the book waiting for something else to arrive.
A tall half-orc strides into the room, working to maintain his composure at being chosen for what must be an auspicious gathering, given the status of their host. He eyes the collection of tomes, the marvelous ceiling, and Ryan, to whom he nods and allows the briefest of smiles.
Wanting to read some, or all, of the volumes adorning the walls, yet fearful of the embarrassment of pulling one off of the shelves that would be viewed as inappropriate for his station, Umkhonzi contents himself with the proferred tea and a chair out of the way, quietly awaiting the rest of the invitees.
The goblin could be heard outside before he entered the room. "Yes! I've been summoned by Keeper Jaezred salon! Oh.. this way? OH OK! Thanks!" He could be heard shouting anxiously. He had hoped he wasn't late as he quickly pushed open the door and stuck his head inside. "Sorry! I hope I'm not late." He would announce as he slid his way past the heavy door. As he moved through the doorway the sleeve of his black and silver robes would catch on the doorhandle, sending his jeweled spell book tumbling to the ground. "Sorry! Tome!" he would cry as he quicky scooped up the book. The red silken bookmark that hung from the book began to wave about wildly as the goblin picked him up into his arms. "Calm down, I didn't mean to drop you.." He would whisper causing, the now slightly red colored gem in the center of the book to shift to a calm blue and the bookmark to go limp once more.
After taking a second to wipe any dirt or dust off of his spell book companion, he would make his way farther into the room. Wizbang's normally green skin almost looked purple at the moment due tohis embarrassing entrance. When offered a drink, he would take a tea from the tray and give a quick nod of appreciation. His face would scrunch and his nose would crinkle at the first sip, prompting him to put down his spell book on the table mutter a few words. After casting Prestidigitation on the tea, he would take another sip of the now-much-sweeter liquid and smile.
Seeing Ryan and Umkhonzi already inside, he would make his way over to them, carrying his drink in one hand and his spell book under the other arm. "Oh hey guys! Did you both get summoned here as well? What do you think we'll be doing?! I hope it is something exciting! I have a few new spells I can't wait to try out!" He would shout excitedly. Then realizing how loud his voice was, he would lower his voice to a whisper. "You guys don't think it will be anything dangerous do you?"... His eyes would then scan the room... for the first time taking in the beauty of the environment... and fighting the urge to touch everything.
Tine, trying her best to maintain her composure amidst the grandeur of Keeper Jaezred's salon, observed her fellow companions with a mix of curiosity and understanding. She was no stranger to the nervous anticipation that often accompanied such summons.
With a calm smile, she acknowledged Ryan's arrival, her eyes meeting his briefly before flickering to Umkhonzi, the stoic half-orc who seemed deep in thought. When the exuberant goblin, Wizbang, made his rather enthusiastic entrance, Tine couldn't help but be amused. She appreciated his infectious energy, finding it oddly reassuring in this unfamiliar setting.
As they waited for whatever request Keeper Jaezred had in store for them, Tine approached Wizbang, her tone soft and reassuring. "Don't worry, Wizbang. We're all here together, and I'm sure whatever task Keeper Jaezred has for us, we're more than capable. As for danger, well, it wouldn't be an adventure without a little risk, would it?" She offered him a warm smile, trying to ease his obvious concerns.
Taking a sip of her tea, Tine continued to observe the room, her eyes wandering over the celestial-themed decorations and the floating plants. Her fingers brushed lightly against the spine of a nearby tome, her curiosity piqued. Yet, she refrained from delving into the books just yet, choosing instead to focus on the unfolding situation and the enigmatic request that hung in the air. The camaraderie of her companions provided a reassuring anchor in this moment of uncertainty, reminding her that they were all in this together.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Soft and quiet footsteps pad toward the floating plants. Eyes darting and a smile on his face he tries to hide, Brim loosens his scarf and takes in the room. He does as he always naturally does without thinking, find the shadows and the corners. Moving from the floating wonders to the bookshelves, Brim eyes the books he passes appreciating the artwork put in to the leather bound tomes. Although he's been let in by a member of the keep, he is still on guard because of the vague mystery behind his letter. However, as familiar faces and recent acquaintances enter the room he drops his guard and decides to quietly wait for whatever else may unfold. He grabs a glass of water, nodding to Umkhonzi as he passes his chair, and takes a spot near Tine giving her and the rest of the group a wave "hello" as well.
OOC please feel free to post at will
The party lingers for a couple of minutes as the last of those summoned arrive. As the arcane lights seem to soften as a ripple effect opens up a doorway from within a wall of stone that seemed by all accounts to be solid!
"Good evening everyone," Saskia Jaezred, Keeper of the Emerald Door, enters from the rippling doorway. "I appreciate the haste which all of you assembled tonight," the stunning woman says moving gracefully with her familiar white robes and large Ioun amulet hanging from her long neck.
Keeper Jaezred's amber eyes flicker around the room as a chair, a large one nearest the fireplace, animates and moves towards the largest concentration of the party. It thucks into place before Keeper Jaezred crosses her salon to seat herself.
"I've gathered you from your respective positions within the Keep to ask you for your aid. As you might know we currently have no formal leader of the Avowed. As Keeper of the Emerald Door I have been asked to assume the position until we vote another leader into place. As the bureaucracy pulls focus I have not forgotten about those of us far afield. I wish to engage your talents to seek out a lost settlement where an...associate of mine was last seen," Keeper Jaezred says producing a tome from her wide inner sleeve.
It floats through the air before resting in Wizbang's lap! The goblin looks down to see it is a journal more than a novel. The book, bound in black leather with "A Deep and Creeping Darkness" written on the inner page but the author is smudged and illegible. The journal itself shows minimal signs of wear and tear other than a few pages creased through carelessness and a spot here and there. The work is neat though not flawless, containing notable spelling errors and ink blotches as Wizbang flipps through the pages.
"This was brought to my attention just this week. The woman who had it insisted it was her grandfather but I know for a fact that could not be true. In my way," Keeper Jaezred sighs before continuing, "I found her memories altered. I...I hope you will discover the subject of this journal as well as what became of it's author, " she explains. "The journal is about the slow demise of a mining town in the Cloud Peaks called Vermeillon. I have not been able to find it on any map in our possession but know all of you are very capable," she finishes. "I will open up our discussion to questions, " she explains.
Keeper Jaezred's posture is alert but open. She has a soft expression with subtle flickers of curiosity as she observes the party awaiting their response to her request.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"I'm OK with a little risk I guess." The goblin would reply with a smile as he looked up to Tine. When the portal appeared in the wall and the Keeper stepped out, he would take a couple steps back. "That's her" He would whisper to the book clutched tightly in his arms. The eye-like gem in the center of the book would get slightly brighter as though trying to focus fir a moment while the goblin looked onward.
Once the keeper was done talking, Wizbang would struggle to contain his excitement 'Wow! Thank you for this opportunity!" The goblin would exclaim while adjusting his pointed hat. He would then look down and begin scanning the book, quickly trying to make note of names and locations that might prove useful in locating the town. "I promise I'll try hard and do my best! You'll see Keeper Jaezred." he would add, looking up from the book with his large eyes and eager smile. His eyes
Umkonzi leans forward. "It sounds interesting, indeed. How long ago did your associate disappear, Keeper?"
"That's....That's just it," Keeper Jaezred begins. She then pausing looking slightly uncomfortable before composing herself again to look on serenely as she explains. "Over a hundred years ago," the seemingly human woman answers Umkhonzi. To the half-orc Keeper Jaezred doesn't look a day over thirty if that! "A bard and adventurer. His name is...was...is," she seems slightly flustered again, "Saxon Cuthbert," she adds moving back to relax in the chair as an attendant appears from the rippling doorway.
This man of fey heritage moves with grace has a decanter of wine as well as a poured glass balanced on an ebony tray. Keeper Jaezred takes the glass when it's offered before the attendant moves to offer wine to others. Keeper Jaezred takes a sip of wine closing her eyes with a exhale of breath. She then comes to attention looking out at the party.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Wizbang would shift the books around in his lap, moving the new book and setting Tome on top. Then with a flick of his wrist, an ornate black and silver quill with a long white feather stretching from the back would appear in his hand. he would then quickly write "Saxon Cuthbert - 100 years ago" on an empty page in his spellbook.
The young goblin would then raise his hand as though asking a question in class. "So how soon do you want us to leave to begin our quest?" The excitement in his voice was slowly being replaced with nervousness. "I... I need to prepare. I dont own any adventuring supplies...Almost all of my possessions are still from my time at Strixhaven. I know how to cast spells that may be useful in our journey but I don't have the components needed to complete them." Quickly the excitement on the goblins face is completely gone, now replaced entirely with anxiety and worry.
Brim stays standing where he is, the thoughts of tracking down a lost town building excitement inside him. "Im sorry to hear of your associate, but someone missing for over a hundred years could be anywhere. What brought him there in the first place? Are you saying that he is the author of this book?" He says pointing at the journal Whizbang holds.
"Fascinating," Umkhonzi mutters, taking a glass of wine with a nod and faint smile toward the attendant. Then he returns his focus to the Keeper.
The worried goblin would take a glass of wine while when the tray passes by. WIthout looking at the drink he would take a sip before scrunching his face and shaking his head in disgust. With a few mumbled words and a wiggle of his fingers, the color of the wine would change ever so slightly before he took another sip. This time his the goblin smiled and seemed to relax as the warm fluid seemed to make him forget some of his worries.
The book that Ryan is paging through is put back into its place as soon as Umkhonzi enters the room. When Wizbang enters he smiles and shakes his head in amusement. From his place Ryan watches in interest to see who else was invited. He takes a sit next to his friend Wizbang as the Keeper makes their entrance. He listens intently as the tale unfolds, and questions are asked answered. Finally he decides to voice his own question.
"Don't worry Wiz, we'll make sure you have everything you need before we leave."
He then turns his attention back to the Keeper. "As you know I will help you and this group anyway I can, but I am curious, why us? Surely there are, um more seasoned experts that would be better suited for this task?"
"Ah, well he disappeared in Vermeillon you see," Keeper Jaezred answers Brim. "I received letters but they took some time to reach me where I lived at the time in Neverwinter nearly a hundred years ago," she adds. Looking to Ryan she cocks her head to the side. "I think the question you should ask yourself is why not you? Ypu all are talented and capable. More to the point," she sighs swirling the wine in her glass. "This is for my piece of mind not just for Candlekeep's records. I trust you will be able to handle the task at hand. Vermeillon is a mystery worth solving, yes?" She asks curiously with a soft expression.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
The grin on his face tells more than words every could. Keeper Jaezred know just the right words to say. "Yes, I believe you are correct Keeper Jaezred, Vermeillon is a mystery worth solving. And of course I am honored that yo chose me to be a part group. I have every confidence that will will not let you down."
Tine just listened to the conversation as a smile began to appear on her face and her already bright demeanor seemed to brighten more with excitement. Finally, she was about to partake in her own adventure. As the name Saxon Cuthbert is mentioned she began to think on the stories and history she knew to see if she remembered anything.
OOC:
History check: 13
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Wizbang would begin to relax in his chair. He wasn't sure if it was the drink or the reassurance from Ryan that put him at ease more. Helping the energetic goblin overcome his anxieties was something Ryan had become used to during their time together at Strixhaven, and probably one of the main reasons that Wizbang was able to complete his studies there. "Thanks Ryan" The small wizard would reply with a smile. The red silken bookmark would stretch over from within the pages of his spell book and pat Ryan on his knee before disappearing back into the pages of his book. As his anxiety seemed to fade, his excitement quickly returned. "So when do we leave?! Will we get to use a portal of some kind to get us to the Cloud Peaks? Will we be setting out from here on foot? Will we get horses?!" he would ask in rapid-fire succession.
Tine is very familiar with the famous bard. The man is a legend in Baldur's Gate and everywhere in between! He's even a graduate of Strixhaven's Silverquill! His disappearance was quite a mystery too but it having been passed down over a hundred years there was more than one theory of what happened to the famous bard!
"I trust you will succeed where others have failed," Keeper Jaezred says to Ryan. As Wizbang excitedly spouts questions about the coming trip Keeper Jaezred chuckles then sighs. "Well, I think that's entirely up to you and your party here," the Keeper adds gesturing at the party smiling softly ar Wizbang. "We have no portal to the Cloud Peaks but there are means of traveling there by the Way of the Lion then onto the Coast Way. I suggest stopping in Nashkel and making inquiries. This was the last settlement I received letters before Vermeillon," she explains. "So, what's your plan? I will see that your duties are taken care of here. Your free to leave whenever you wish but I suggest a good night's rest. It's two days by horse to the foothills of the Cloud Peaks," she explains.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.