With his excellent Arcana roll, Aeleth understands both that this is undoubtedly a wizard's workshop (therefore probably Glasstaff's), and that the rat is in fact probably Glasstaff's familiar (because, well... what would an ordinary rat do, roaming free in the laboratory of a wizard?). Aeleth also remembers that a familiar has a telepathic link with its wizard... so, if you don't do something quickly, Glasstaff could be warned about you by his familiar - or even, if he concentrates, spy on you using the familiar's senses (seeing you with the eyes of the rat, hearing you with its ears...).
Given the tense situation and the possibility of alerting Glasstaff, Aeleth decides to act quickly and shoot an arrow at the rat before alerting the others. He knows that it's important to take out the rat as soon as possible to prevent it from telepathically communicating with Glasstaff.
With a swift motion, Aeleth draws his shortbow and takes aim at the rat, which is still cowering under the worktable. He releases the arrow, and it flies through the air with a whoosh.
Attack roll: 11 + 6 = 17
The arrow strikes the rat in the head. It falls to the ground with a thud.
Aeleth turns to the other party members and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but I thought it was important to take out that rat. It's probably Glasstaff's familiar, and if it had escaped, it could have alerted him to our presence."
The others nod in understanding. They know that Aeleth had made the right decision.
"Well done, Aeleth!" Lola smiles "Your experience in the arcane arts proves more and more useful!"
"Speaking of which..." Sildar raises an eyebrow "Do you think you can find any clues here that can help us defeat Glasstaff?"
Looking at the reagents scattered around the lab, Aeleth realizes that Glasstaff is trying to master the art of brewing potions of invisibility. The books and notes scattered around the room are basic texts on alchemy - so basic that, probably, the wizard has not yet managed to discover the secret of brewing magical potions. Three small bottles hold rare reagents: mercury, dragon bile, and powdered nightshade. These are worth 25 gp each to an apothecary or alchemist.
Among the books is a tome written in a language that Aeleth doesn't know... but Torrga's eyes light up when she sees it: "It's written in Dwarvish!" the cleric exclaims - and she begins to read it with interest and curiosity "It is the journal of an adventurer named Urmon! It describes the history of the Lost Mine of Phandelver and the Forge of Spells!"
"More than five hundred years ago," the dwarf reads "clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver's Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path. A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magical treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost".
"In addition," concludes the cleric, "Urmon records that a magic mace named Lightbringer was commissioned by priests of Lathander, the god of dawn, from the mages working with the gnomes and dwarves of the Phandelver's Pact. The mace was lost when Wave Echo Cave and its mine vanished from history".
The information contained in the dwarven tome is highly valuable to Aeleth and the other members of the party. It provides them with a better understanding of the history of the area and the potential for discovering magical items.
Aeleth is particularly interested in the mention of the Lost Mine of Phandelver and the Forge of Spells. He knows that these locations could be very dangerous, but he also believes that they could hold immense power. He is determined to find them and explore their secrets.
Aeleth is still thinking about the Lost Mine of Phandelver and the Forge of Spells, which Torrga has just read about in the journal of the adventurer Urmon, when a familiar telepathic voice speaks to him - that of the mysterious creature that guarded the room with the ravine!
"Guess who's here at my place now?" the telepathic voice chuckles "Glasstaff is here! He's questioning me about any intruders who have entered the hideout... He must have noticed you somehow! I think he now wants to escape... hurry and come to me! I didn't tell him nothing about you... since you treated me better than he usually does! Hurry, while he is still here!"
The elf wizard realizes that the voice was only speaking in his mind... his adventure companions, in fact, are continuing to control the room, unaware of what is happening.
A surge of panic washes over Aeleth as the creature's voice echoes in his mind. Glasstaff is here, questioning it about intruders! He feels a desperate urge to act quickly, to stop the wizard's escape before it's too late.
But first, information is key. With lightning speed, Aeleth focuses his thoughts, crafting a telepathic response. "Thank you for the warning, friend," he transmits, his voice urgent but calm. "Where is Glasstaff now? Is he planning to escape? Tell me anything you can, and I promise discretion."
Simultaneously, Aeleth reaches out with his invisible mage hand, gently tapping Sildar's shoulder. He mouths the words "Glasstaff" and "escaping," his expression grim, before gesturing subtly towards the direction of the creature's lair. He hopes this cryptic message will alert his companion without attracting unwanted attention.
Aeleth awaits the creature's response, his mind racing with possibilities. Should he warn the others directly? Try to intercept Glasstaff himself? He clenches his fist, channeling his anxiety into resolve. He will act, but he must act wisely.
"Glasstaff is in front of me, in the room with the ravine!" the creature informs Aeleth, his telepathic voice full of urgency "If you go back along the same corridor you took when leaving me, you will see him about 20' in front of you, just beyond the northernmost bridge. You will surprise him, if you arrive immediately! He does not suspect that I am warning you! But hurry, come now, or he will go away".
Meanwhile, Sildar immediately understands the elf wizard's message and draws his sword, ready to follow him. He approaches, waving to the others and muttering: "Come, we have to stop Glasstaff before he flees".
And so Torrga, Lola and Merric also tag along, curious but ready.
"Guide us, Aeleth, we are all with you" the mulatto warrior confidently fixes her eyes on those of the elf wizard. "We won't let that dangerous criminal simply go away".
Aeleth considers the options presented to him. While he is tempted by the speed and potential advantage of striking alone, he ultimately decides against it. Glasstaff is a powerful wizard, and underestimating him could prove disastrous. Additionally, Aeleth values the strength and support of his companions. He knows that working together, they have a much better chance of defeating Glasstaff and ensuring their own safety.
Turning to his companions, Aeleth speaks in hushed tones, outlining the situation. "Glasstaff is just beyond the northernmost bridge," he reveals, "questioning the creature in the room with the ravine. He doesn't suspect we're coming. This is our chance to surprise him and prevent his escape."
With urgency in his voice, he concludes, "We need to move quickly and quietly. Stay close, and be ready for anything."
Aeleth leads the way, Sildar flanking him. Torrga, Lola, and Merric follow closely behind, their weapons drawn and faces grim. They move with practiced stealth, their footsteps light and their movements coordinated. The element of surprise remains their best advantage, and Aeleth is determined to use it to their fullest.
As they approach the northernmost bridge, Aeleth signals for silence. He peeks around the corner, taking in the sight of Glasstaff standing before the creature in the room with the ravine, the wizard's attention fully captured by the creature's words.
This is their moment. With a silent nod to his companions, Aeleth unleashes a burst of magical energy, a Fire Bolt soaring through the air towards Glasstaff.
The mote of fire that starts with precision from Aeleth's slender and agile fingers hits the dark-bearded evil mage right in the chest, setting his robe on fire. Glasstaff screams in surprise and furiously smothers the flames, pressing the Princely Mantle of Ermine that he carries around his shoulders onto it with his left hand. In his right hand he is holding a beautiful and elegant glass staff.
Taking advantage of the moment of surprise, Sildar rushes forward, sword in hand, saying: "Damned spellcasting bandit! You will soon tell me where you are holding prisoner..." but the veteran stops, inexplicably, stunned "...Iarno?" he asks, incredulous, eyeing the evil mage "Is it you? But, how..."
"What's the matter with you, Sildar!?" Lola, impatient, avoids the other, who has stopped in surprise and therefore, involuntarily, is now obstructing the passage. She climbs onto the bridge and arrives in front of the evil mage, delivering a horizontal slash with her Greataxe.
The dark-bearded evil mage tries to lower his glass staff to intercept the blow, but, still surprised, he is too slow and the heavy blade hits him in the side, making him groan in pain and leaving a wound that must be deep, judging by how the clothes are rapidly becoming soaked in blood...
Torrga arrives as well, brandishing her warhammer and holding her shield high to defend herself.
Merric meanwhile moves to the side, taking aim with his short bow. "Goodbye, evil mastermind!" he sneers, shooting the arrow.
Glasstaff was about to say something, but the halfling's arrow hits him in the mouth and, penetrating his brain, kills him instantly.
The evil wizard drops the staff that had earned him his nickname and falls heavily backwards, on his back, to the ground, dead.
"Iarno..." Sildar, still in disbelief, says "The infamous Glasstaff, the Redbrands' chief... was Iarno Albrecht! The wizard who I thought was my friend!"
As the life drains from Glasstaff's eyes, a heavy silence descends upon the group. The initial adrenaline of the fight fades, replaced by a chilling realization. Sildar, his face pale and etched with disbelief, staggers back a step. His sword clatters to the ground with a dull thud, echoing in the cavernous room.
Aeleth, ever the perceptive observer, watches Sildar's reaction with a pang of understanding. He knew Sildar had harbored hope for finding Iarno alive, a friend reunited. Witnessing the truth, the shattering of that hope, must be like a knife twisting in his gut.
Without hesitation, Aeleth moves towards Sildar, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. His voice, usually full of vibrant curiosity, takes on a softer tone, laced with empathy. "Sildar," he murmurs, "I know this is... overwhelming. We all believed Iarno was lost, a friend to be found. This revelation... it's a heavy burden to bear."
He squeezes Sildar's shoulder lightly, offering both silent support and a reminder that he's not alone in this struggle. "But remember, we didn't know the truth. We did what we thought was right, protecting the innocent from a threat. That burden, we share it together."
Aeleth pauses, allowing his words to sink in. He knows there's no quick fix for such emotional turmoil, but he hopes his presence, his understanding, offers a small measure of solace in this dark moment. "We'll mourn the loss of the friend we thought we knew," he adds softly, "but we'll also remember the truth we uncovered. And together, we'll ensure his darkness doesn't cast a shadow over Phandalin any longer."
As Aeleth speaks, he keeps his gaze steady, meeting Sildar's eyes with compassion and shared sorrow. His hope is that by acknowledging the pain and offering quiet support, he can help Sildar begin to navigate the choppy waters of grief and betrayal.
"Yes, you are right, Aeleth, my friend..." Sildar's hand, rough with the scars of numerous battles, comes to rest on the elegant one of the elf wizard "We have freed Phandalin from a grave threat... this is that that matters. Iarno... I don't know whether he changed when he came here or was always a deceitful scoundrel - but I know he was now leading a gang of criminals" his look becomes more hard than pained. "This settles the matter, as far as I am concerned".
“Bloodballs like Glasstaff have no friends” Merric states offhandedly. “Except, perhaps, themselves”.
"Now it will be much easier to bring peace and civilization to Phandalin!" Lola steps forward, putting away her Greataxe and passing her now free arms one over the veteran's shoulders and the other over Aeleth's "We did a great job, guys!"
"Hopefully we will soon also be able to free my cousin Gundren" concludes Torrga. "Glasstaff may have notes with him..." and the dwarf cleric bends over the dead body, searching it. "Two scrolls!" she exclaims, triumphant, showing you what she found in an inside pocket of the evil wizard's cloak. "But they are incomprehensible... What language are they written in?!" she growls, frustrated. “Aeleth, can you understand what there is written?” she asks, passing them to the elf wizard.
Aeleth, thanks to his impeccable arcane training, understands at first glance what they are: they are two Spell Scrolls. A Spell Scroll bears the words of a single spell, written in a mystical cipher. You can read the scroll and cast its spell without providing any material components. Casting the spell by reading the scroll requires the spell's normal casting time. Once the spell is cast, the words on the scroll fade, and it crumbles to dust. Of these two Spell Scrolls that Glasstaff had with him, one has written the runes corresponding to the Charm Person spell, the other the runes corresponding to the Fireball spell.
Another thing that Aeleth immediately understands is that the glass staff of the evil mage must also be magical... An ordinary glass staff would have broken, falling to the ground like that one when Iarno died. Instead, the staff rattled, but without shattering. Perhaps Aeleth could learn its powers, by keeping it with him to studying it, with time, later.
With a thoughtful glint in his eyes, Aeleth kneels down beside the fallen Glasstaff. He carefully picks up the ornate glass staff, its smooth surface cool against his touch. Curiosity thrums within him, eager to unravel the secrets this magical implement might hold.
Taking a deep breath, Aeleth closes his eyes and focuses his mind. He begins chanting the arcane words of the Detect Magic ritual, weaving a shimmering net of magical energy around the staff. The air crackles with unseen power as the spell takes hold.
As the ritual concludes, Aeleth opens his eyes, their sapphire depths gleaming with newfound insight. The staff radiates a faint aura, indicating its magical nature. But there's more. A hum of residual energy lingers, hinting at enchantments woven into its very fabric.
Intrigued, Aeleth carefully examines the staff, tracing its intricate design with his fingertips. He searches for sigils, runes, or any inscription that might offer clues to its origins or purpose. Any hidden compartments or mechanisms wouldn't escape his keen elven senses.
No hidden compartments or mechanisms are found, but that hum of residual energy... Aeleth focuses on it and discovers that the school of magic of the Staff's magical powers is Abjuration. The Staff must be an item that helped Iarno with defensive spells - which, fortunately for Aeleth and his friends, were not enough. One last thing the elf wizard realizes is that the Staff requires Attunement... Attuning to an item requires to spend about an hour focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it. Once this hour-long procedure is completed, Aeleth may have access to the full powers of this mysterious glass staff...
"Everything okay, Aeleth?" Lola smiles at the elf wizard, confident in his abilities "Did you discover something?"
Aeleth's sapphire eyes gleam with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue as he finishes examining the staff. Its intricate design and the hum of residual energy hold him captive. As Lola's voice breaks through his concentration, he quickly looks up, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Indeed, Lola," he replies, his voice warm and melodic. "This staff seems to have been imbued with protective magic, belonging to the school of Abjuration. Thankfully, that shield failed Iarno today." He runs a hand along the smooth glass surface, feeling a faint but undeniable tingle of power emanating from it.
"However," he continues, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow, "there's more. This staff requires attunement before its full potential can be unlocked. A one-hour ritual, focusing solely on the object..." He trails off, weighing the possibilities in his mind.
"Do you believe it's worth it, Aeleth?" Merric asks, his voice laced with skepticism. "There could be hidden dangers... It was an evil mage's staff! Or we could get discovered in the meantime".
Aeleth considers the halfling's concern. The possibility of dangers is real, but the potential of unlocking powerful defensive magic could be invaluable in their future endeavors. His sapphire eyes glimmer with determination.
"It's a risk," he concedes, "but one I believe we should consider. With careful study and understanding, who knows what secrets this staff might reveal? Knowledge is power, and in this fight for Phandalin's freedom, every advantage matters".
He glances at each of his companions, seeking their input. "What say you? Do we delve into the mysteries of this staff, or leave it be?"
The decision hangs in the air, charged with anticipation. The fate of the mysterious staff, and perhaps the fortunes of their adventure, rests upon the party's collective choice. What will they decide?
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With his excellent Arcana roll, Aeleth understands both that this is undoubtedly a wizard's workshop (therefore probably Glasstaff's), and that the rat is in fact probably Glasstaff's familiar (because, well... what would an ordinary rat do, roaming free in the laboratory of a wizard?). Aeleth also remembers that a familiar has a telepathic link with its wizard... so, if you don't do something quickly, Glasstaff could be warned about you by his familiar - or even, if he concentrates, spy on you using the familiar's senses (seeing you with the eyes of the rat, hearing you with its ears...).
A Friend Of Mine:
Given the tense situation and the possibility of alerting Glasstaff, Aeleth decides to act quickly and shoot an arrow at the rat before alerting the others. He knows that it's important to take out the rat as soon as possible to prevent it from telepathically communicating with Glasstaff.
With a swift motion, Aeleth draws his shortbow and takes aim at the rat, which is still cowering under the worktable. He releases the arrow, and it flies through the air with a whoosh.
Attack roll: 11 + 6 = 17
The arrow strikes the rat in the head. It falls to the ground with a thud.
Aeleth turns to the other party members and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but I thought it was important to take out that rat. It's probably Glasstaff's familiar, and if it had escaped, it could have alerted him to our presence."
The others nod in understanding. They know that Aeleth had made the right decision.
"Well done, Aeleth!" Lola smiles "Your experience in the arcane arts proves more and more useful!"
"Speaking of which..." Sildar raises an eyebrow "Do you think you can find any clues here that can help us defeat Glasstaff?"
Looking at the reagents scattered around the lab, Aeleth realizes that Glasstaff is trying to master the art of brewing potions of invisibility. The books and notes scattered around the room are basic texts on alchemy - so basic that, probably, the wizard has not yet managed to discover the secret of brewing magical potions. Three small bottles hold rare reagents: mercury, dragon bile, and powdered nightshade. These are worth 25 gp each to an apothecary or alchemist.
Among the books is a tome written in a language that Aeleth doesn't know... but Torrga's eyes light up when she sees it: "It's written in Dwarvish!" the cleric exclaims - and she begins to read it with interest and curiosity "It is the journal of an adventurer named Urmon! It describes the history of the Lost Mine of Phandelver and the Forge of Spells!"
"More than five hundred years ago," the dwarf reads "clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver's Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path. A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magical treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost".
"In addition," concludes the cleric, "Urmon records that a magic mace named Lightbringer was commissioned by priests of Lathander, the god of dawn, from the mages working with the gnomes and dwarves of the Phandelver's Pact. The mace was lost when Wave Echo Cave and its mine vanished from history".
A Friend Of Mine:
The information contained in the dwarven tome is highly valuable to Aeleth and the other members of the party. It provides them with a better understanding of the history of the area and the potential for discovering magical items.
Aeleth is particularly interested in the mention of the Lost Mine of Phandelver and the Forge of Spells. He knows that these locations could be very dangerous, but he also believes that they could hold immense power. He is determined to find them and explore their secrets.
Aeleth is still thinking about the Lost Mine of Phandelver and the Forge of Spells, which Torrga has just read about in the journal of the adventurer Urmon, when a familiar telepathic voice speaks to him - that of the mysterious creature that guarded the room with the ravine!
"Guess who's here at my place now?" the telepathic voice chuckles "Glasstaff is here! He's questioning me about any intruders who have entered the hideout... He must have noticed you somehow! I think he now wants to escape... hurry and come to me! I didn't tell him nothing about you... since you treated me better than he usually does! Hurry, while he is still here!"
The elf wizard realizes that the voice was only speaking in his mind... his adventure companions, in fact, are continuing to control the room, unaware of what is happening.
A Friend Of Mine:
A surge of panic washes over Aeleth as the creature's voice echoes in his mind. Glasstaff is here, questioning it about intruders! He feels a desperate urge to act quickly, to stop the wizard's escape before it's too late.
But first, information is key. With lightning speed, Aeleth focuses his thoughts, crafting a telepathic response. "Thank you for the warning, friend," he transmits, his voice urgent but calm. "Where is Glasstaff now? Is he planning to escape? Tell me anything you can, and I promise discretion."
Simultaneously, Aeleth reaches out with his invisible mage hand, gently tapping Sildar's shoulder. He mouths the words "Glasstaff" and "escaping," his expression grim, before gesturing subtly towards the direction of the creature's lair. He hopes this cryptic message will alert his companion without attracting unwanted attention.
Aeleth awaits the creature's response, his mind racing with possibilities. Should he warn the others directly? Try to intercept Glasstaff himself? He clenches his fist, channeling his anxiety into resolve. He will act, but he must act wisely.
"Glasstaff is in front of me, in the room with the ravine!" the creature informs Aeleth, his telepathic voice full of urgency "If you go back along the same corridor you took when leaving me, you will see him about 20' in front of you, just beyond the northernmost bridge. You will surprise him, if you arrive immediately! He does not suspect that I am warning you! But hurry, come now, or he will go away".
Meanwhile, Sildar immediately understands the elf wizard's message and draws his sword, ready to follow him. He approaches, waving to the others and muttering: "Come, we have to stop Glasstaff before he flees".
And so Torrga, Lola and Merric also tag along, curious but ready.
"Guide us, Aeleth, we are all with you" the mulatto warrior confidently fixes her eyes on those of the elf wizard. "We won't let that dangerous criminal simply go away".
A Friend Of Mine:
Aeleth considers the options presented to him. While he is tempted by the speed and potential advantage of striking alone, he ultimately decides against it. Glasstaff is a powerful wizard, and underestimating him could prove disastrous. Additionally, Aeleth values the strength and support of his companions. He knows that working together, they have a much better chance of defeating Glasstaff and ensuring their own safety.
Turning to his companions, Aeleth speaks in hushed tones, outlining the situation. "Glasstaff is just beyond the northernmost bridge," he reveals, "questioning the creature in the room with the ravine. He doesn't suspect we're coming. This is our chance to surprise him and prevent his escape."
With urgency in his voice, he concludes, "We need to move quickly and quietly. Stay close, and be ready for anything."
Aeleth leads the way, Sildar flanking him. Torrga, Lola, and Merric follow closely behind, their weapons drawn and faces grim. They move with practiced stealth, their footsteps light and their movements coordinated. The element of surprise remains their best advantage, and Aeleth is determined to use it to their fullest.
As they approach the northernmost bridge, Aeleth signals for silence. He peeks around the corner, taking in the sight of Glasstaff standing before the creature in the room with the ravine, the wizard's attention fully captured by the creature's words.
This is their moment. With a silent nod to his companions, Aeleth unleashes a burst of magical energy, a Fire Bolt soaring through the air towards Glasstaff.
Attack: 24
Damage: 6 (fire)
The mote of fire that starts with precision from Aeleth's slender and agile fingers hits the dark-bearded evil mage right in the chest, setting his robe on fire. Glasstaff screams in surprise and furiously smothers the flames, pressing the Princely Mantle of Ermine that he carries around his shoulders onto it with his left hand. In his right hand he is holding a beautiful and elegant glass staff.
Taking advantage of the moment of surprise, Sildar rushes forward, sword in hand, saying: "Damned spellcasting bandit! You will soon tell me where you are holding prisoner..." but the veteran stops, inexplicably, stunned "...Iarno?" he asks, incredulous, eyeing the evil mage "Is it you? But, how..."
"What's the matter with you, Sildar!?" Lola, impatient, avoids the other, who has stopped in surprise and therefore, involuntarily, is now obstructing the passage. She climbs onto the bridge and arrives in front of the evil mage, delivering a horizontal slash with her Greataxe.
Attack: 11 Damage: 10 (slashing)
The dark-bearded evil mage tries to lower his glass staff to intercept the blow, but, still surprised, he is too slow and the heavy blade hits him in the side, making him groan in pain and leaving a wound that must be deep, judging by how the clothes are rapidly becoming soaked in blood...
Torrga arrives as well, brandishing her warhammer and holding her shield high to defend herself.
Merric meanwhile moves to the side, taking aim with his short bow. "Goodbye, evil mastermind!" he sneers, shooting the arrow.
Attack: 23 Damage: 8 (piercing) + 3 (sneak attack) = 11
Glasstaff was about to say something, but the halfling's arrow hits him in the mouth and, penetrating his brain, kills him instantly.
The evil wizard drops the staff that had earned him his nickname and falls heavily backwards, on his back, to the ground, dead.
"Iarno..." Sildar, still in disbelief, says "The infamous Glasstaff, the Redbrands' chief... was Iarno Albrecht! The wizard who I thought was my friend!"
A Friend Of Mine:
As the life drains from Glasstaff's eyes, a heavy silence descends upon the group. The initial adrenaline of the fight fades, replaced by a chilling realization. Sildar, his face pale and etched with disbelief, staggers back a step. His sword clatters to the ground with a dull thud, echoing in the cavernous room.
Aeleth, ever the perceptive observer, watches Sildar's reaction with a pang of understanding. He knew Sildar had harbored hope for finding Iarno alive, a friend reunited. Witnessing the truth, the shattering of that hope, must be like a knife twisting in his gut.
Without hesitation, Aeleth moves towards Sildar, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. His voice, usually full of vibrant curiosity, takes on a softer tone, laced with empathy. "Sildar," he murmurs, "I know this is... overwhelming. We all believed Iarno was lost, a friend to be found. This revelation... it's a heavy burden to bear."
He squeezes Sildar's shoulder lightly, offering both silent support and a reminder that he's not alone in this struggle. "But remember, we didn't know the truth. We did what we thought was right, protecting the innocent from a threat. That burden, we share it together."
Aeleth pauses, allowing his words to sink in. He knows there's no quick fix for such emotional turmoil, but he hopes his presence, his understanding, offers a small measure of solace in this dark moment. "We'll mourn the loss of the friend we thought we knew," he adds softly, "but we'll also remember the truth we uncovered. And together, we'll ensure his darkness doesn't cast a shadow over Phandalin any longer."
As Aeleth speaks, he keeps his gaze steady, meeting Sildar's eyes with compassion and shared sorrow. His hope is that by acknowledging the pain and offering quiet support, he can help Sildar begin to navigate the choppy waters of grief and betrayal.
"Yes, you are right, Aeleth, my friend..." Sildar's hand, rough with the scars of numerous battles, comes to rest on the elegant one of the elf wizard "We have freed Phandalin from a grave threat... this is that that matters. Iarno... I don't know whether he changed when he came here or was always a deceitful scoundrel - but I know he was now leading a gang of criminals" his look becomes more hard than pained. "This settles the matter, as far as I am concerned".
“Bloodballs like Glasstaff have no friends” Merric states offhandedly. “Except, perhaps, themselves”.
"Now it will be much easier to bring peace and civilization to Phandalin!" Lola steps forward, putting away her Greataxe and passing her now free arms one over the veteran's shoulders and the other over Aeleth's "We did a great job, guys!"
"Hopefully we will soon also be able to free my cousin Gundren" concludes Torrga. "Glasstaff may have notes with him..." and the dwarf cleric bends over the dead body, searching it. "Two scrolls!" she exclaims, triumphant, showing you what she found in an inside pocket of the evil wizard's cloak. "But they are incomprehensible... What language are they written in?!" she growls, frustrated. “Aeleth, can you understand what there is written?” she asks, passing them to the elf wizard.
Aeleth, thanks to his impeccable arcane training, understands at first glance what they are: they are two Spell Scrolls. A Spell Scroll bears the words of a single spell, written in a mystical cipher. You can read the scroll and cast its spell without providing any material components. Casting the spell by reading the scroll requires the spell's normal casting time. Once the spell is cast, the words on the scroll fade, and it crumbles to dust. Of these two Spell Scrolls that Glasstaff had with him, one has written the runes corresponding to the Charm Person spell, the other the runes corresponding to the Fireball spell.
Another thing that Aeleth immediately understands is that the glass staff of the evil mage must also be magical... An ordinary glass staff would have broken, falling to the ground like that one when Iarno died. Instead, the staff rattled, but without shattering. Perhaps Aeleth could learn its powers, by keeping it with him to studying it, with time, later.
A Friend Of Mine:
With a thoughtful glint in his eyes, Aeleth kneels down beside the fallen Glasstaff. He carefully picks up the ornate glass staff, its smooth surface cool against his touch. Curiosity thrums within him, eager to unravel the secrets this magical implement might hold.
Taking a deep breath, Aeleth closes his eyes and focuses his mind. He begins chanting the arcane words of the Detect Magic ritual, weaving a shimmering net of magical energy around the staff. The air crackles with unseen power as the spell takes hold.
As the ritual concludes, Aeleth opens his eyes, their sapphire depths gleaming with newfound insight. The staff radiates a faint aura, indicating its magical nature. But there's more. A hum of residual energy lingers, hinting at enchantments woven into its very fabric.
Intrigued, Aeleth carefully examines the staff, tracing its intricate design with his fingertips. He searches for sigils, runes, or any inscription that might offer clues to its origins or purpose. Any hidden compartments or mechanisms wouldn't escape his keen elven senses.
No hidden compartments or mechanisms are found, but that hum of residual energy... Aeleth focuses on it and discovers that the school of magic of the Staff's magical powers is Abjuration. The Staff must be an item that helped Iarno with defensive spells - which, fortunately for Aeleth and his friends, were not enough. One last thing the elf wizard realizes is that the Staff requires Attunement... Attuning to an item requires to spend about an hour focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it. Once this hour-long procedure is completed, Aeleth may have access to the full powers of this mysterious glass staff...
"Everything okay, Aeleth?" Lola smiles at the elf wizard, confident in his abilities "Did you discover something?"
A Friend Of Mine:
Aeleth's sapphire eyes gleam with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue as he finishes examining the staff. Its intricate design and the hum of residual energy hold him captive. As Lola's voice breaks through his concentration, he quickly looks up, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Indeed, Lola," he replies, his voice warm and melodic. "This staff seems to have been imbued with protective magic, belonging to the school of Abjuration. Thankfully, that shield failed Iarno today." He runs a hand along the smooth glass surface, feeling a faint but undeniable tingle of power emanating from it.
"However," he continues, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow, "there's more. This staff requires attunement before its full potential can be unlocked. A one-hour ritual, focusing solely on the object..." He trails off, weighing the possibilities in his mind.
"Do you believe it's worth it, Aeleth?" Merric asks, his voice laced with skepticism. "There could be hidden dangers... It was an evil mage's staff! Or we could get discovered in the meantime".
A Friend Of Mine:
Aeleth considers the halfling's concern. The possibility of dangers is real, but the potential of unlocking powerful defensive magic could be invaluable in their future endeavors. His sapphire eyes glimmer with determination.
"It's a risk," he concedes, "but one I believe we should consider. With careful study and understanding, who knows what secrets this staff might reveal? Knowledge is power, and in this fight for Phandalin's freedom, every advantage matters".
He glances at each of his companions, seeking their input. "What say you? Do we delve into the mysteries of this staff, or leave it be?"
The decision hangs in the air, charged with anticipation. The fate of the mysterious staff, and perhaps the fortunes of their adventure, rests upon the party's collective choice. What will they decide?