... and agrees it has been more of a day than she could have ever imagined. AND that a cold drink and even some chocolate would help settle her down. Even as she starts dreading what tomorrow may bring.
Meredith holds the hug slightly longer than she probably should.....its been a big day.....then toddles off to write up all the details on the extradimensional cats and what possible effects on their physiology may occur due to their unusual habitat.......she also makes a rather hasty study of her existing notes on healing dweomers and their relationship to harmonics....she has an idea it will come in useful.
Finally exhausted she falls asleep where she sits, having forgotten entirely to have anything to eat or drink.....
The following morning, Erudisia, Bell, and Meredith have been summoned to the chambers of the Head Keeper of Candlekeep, Janussi.
Shadi, the harengon, escorts you through the Emerald Door and into the inner keep for the first time. A maze of curving passageways takes you to a long chamber with a long wooden table down its center with space for twenty to sit. Thousands of books fill cases along the walls.
When you arrive, the Keeper of the Emerald Gate from the prior night is already there, as is Janussi, just finishing a conversation. Janussi is a human woman, old and wrinkled but not ancient, whom you have all seen once or twice wearing simple gray robes with a recognizable headdress.
The pair stop speaking. The tall elf of the Emerald Gate looks at you three with measured disdain, then aims a withering glare at Janussi, whose lips draw into a dry pout, and whose chin rises defiantly, but who offers no other response. The Keeper of the Emerald Gate departs, her green and black robes swishing quietly.
Janussi nods thanks to Shadi, who takes that as their cue to leave, and whispers “good luck,” to the three of you. Rogi is not present, I will point out.
"Please sit down," Janussi offers, motioning to seats near her at the far end of the table. She asks you to recount your story from the prior night.
(No need to spell it out, but will anyone in particular take the lead in recounting events?)
"We should wait till Rogi is present," says Erudisia, "so that we might tell our tale in one complete sitting. Based on our original offerings, I am not fit to give an account by myself."
(As she's unaware of what was said when she went to fetch help, and I'm quite curious what the sages have done to Rogi, explicitly)
“I have already heard Rogi’s telling of events from last night. As young scholars yourselves, I’m sure I do not have to underline the importance of fact checking, independent observation and source agreement prior to accepting the views of lone observers.
Furthermore, I had a separate, confidential matter to discuss with Rogi. As a result of that conversation, he is… unavailable at this moment. You will see him soon. Please go on. In your own words.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Meredith looked to the other two trying to judge as best she could their intentions then explained as best she could everything that had happened the previous night.
She was extremely careful to phrase it so that all of the regretful incidents ( the destruction of the library, the release of the Imp, the hole in the floor and damage to the laboratory) were solely to be placed upon her and her unfamiliarity and inherent clumsiness and that it was only through the efforts of brave Rogi, intelligent Erudisia and irrepressible Bell that things did not turn out far worse.
Keeper Janussi nods, allowing Meredith to tell her tale uninterrupted. Meredith notes Janussi’s clear eyes flashing up in silent challenge each time Meredith’s telling denies or skirts the truth, but the Keeper says nothing to challenge the facts as Meredith lays them out. Janassi asks followup questions, however, which make perfectly clear that she perceives the holes in Meredith’s story. But Janassi does not poke at the holes. She simply nods.
There is a pregnant pause as you three perhaps wonder whether you will be dismissed, reprimanded, or worse. At least, it feels like a long moment, but really is over in a few seconds. Keeper Janassi seems to make up her mind, nods silently once again, to herself, then speaks, her attention focusing on each of you in turn as she does so.
“You have demonstrated unusual courage and dynamism in discovering the secret of Fistandia’s Mansion – which had been a mystery here at Candlekeep, for some time – on your own. You succeeded in unwinding the strands of this long-unsolved riddle using only your own intellects and powers. And in the meanwhile, saving the life of one of our Avowed.” She taps one finger on the table’s surface a few times, glancing at each of you, taking your measure one more time. Your impression is of an elder with great wisdom.
“I have a proposition I would like to offer,” Keeper Janassi says. “I have decided to create a new aggregation here at Candlekeep. A small circle of active investigators with the ability to defend themselves in the real world. They will, for the betterment of all, help me to solve particular riddles of import whose answers – for the nonce – prove unusually elusive. This group will be called the Scholar’s Shield. Payment will be granted: 200 gold pieces per month, per member, for a term of one calendar year. The members will report directly to me. The Scholar’s Shield will be empowered to enter and leave Candlekeep freely, without needing to bring a book to regain entry. They will be granted living quarters for the duration of their stay, as well as meals with the rest of the staff. More importantly, they will have free access to the Great Library. They will enjoy time and latitude in the pursuit of their own independent studies. In return, the Scholar’s Shield will prioritize the investigation of mysteries of significance which may arise, according to my judgment and express instructions. And members will consult with me when they perceive such a question arising of which I am not already aware.”
She pauses, allowing a moment for you to absorb her words.
“Will you — each of you — accept a position among the Scholar’s Shield?
”You need not answer immediately. However, this conversation takes place in confidence, and if you decide not to accept this offer, I will thank you – for the safety of this edifice and everything it represents – not to speak of it to any other person.” She pauses once again.
Meredith looks to the other two with interest, while she could certainly muddle on with her research without access to the library she knows the other two have rather more esoteric interests which could benefit a lot from the ancient store of knowledge here.
" Yes.....Please....um...thankyou? I mean to say I would love that as I believe my companions also would........"
" Uh.....not that I'm speaking for them. Sorry.....uh..................Yes."
“Very good,” Janussi says. “Take this as a symbol of your new privileges and responsibilities.” She hands Meredith a shield-shaped brooch, which could be worn pinned to a blouse, or fastened to a belt or necklace. She looks to Bell and Erudisia expectantly.
Bell is beaming. An opportunity to use the Great Library for a YEAR! Plus, getting paid while doing odd jobs for Candlekeep. This went so far beyond her original plan -- which was not much of a plan beside 'get into Candlekeep'.
"Yes, ma'am. It is an honor to serve Candlekeep. Plus the opportunities... thank you!"
Erudisiahesitates as the others make their choices. When it comes to be her turn, she demures.
"I am not certain that I am the best placed scholar for this role, but it is a role that I sorely want. However, I am not free to chose my own course alone. I must consult with my family and my family's patron. I do not have the power to decide this alone, though it is my belief that they will agree with the aims and membership of your Scholar's Shield."
Erudisiahesitates as the others make their choices. When it comes to be her turn, she demures.
"I am not certain that I am the best placed scholar for this role, but it is a role that I sorely want. However, I am not free to chose my own course alone. I must consult with my family and my family's patron. I do not have the power to decide this alone, though it is my belief that they will agree with the aims and membership of your Scholar's Shield."
“Certainly,” Janussi says. “To discuss your decision with those who will be affected by it is a rational course. However, until you agree to accept the rewards and responsibilities I have outlined, you must be subject to the rules of Candlekeep as they stand. Please take the next day to decide. After that, your tenday ends.”
Janussi cordially takes her leave after setting a meeting with Erudisia for the following morning at the same time.
(Let’s do a solo scene later that day or night with each of you. Erudisia will meet with her patron. Bell and Meredith, what should your scenes focus on?)
After catching up on sleep and studies, Meredith and Bell find each other at The Hearth. The Hearth’s heavy stained-glass door opens onto the Court of Air, where – from its outside – the Hearth appears to be a modest tavern of sturdy construction, with warm light emanating from a pair of small windows on either side of the front door. Upon entering the establishment, visitors quickly realize that it’s three times more spacious on the inside.
You have learned over the last few days that The Hearth gained its larger dimensions courtesy of extradimensional magic created by worshipers of Gond (god of craft). An intricate clockwork device is suspended in a two-foot-diameter, faintly glowing crystal orb embedded in the ceiling over the bar. The Avowed call this device a geometric amplifier. It is the source of the magic required to maintain the integrity of the enlarged space.
The bar seats up to twenty customers, and patrons can also be seated comfortably at round tables with stout wooden chairs or at rectangular tables with benches. A dozen soft, cushy armchairs encircle the fireplace in the center of the room.
The Hearth’s patrons are a mix of fresh-faced adjutants, stodgy scholars, and eclectic guests. The vibe is relaxed. Someone is quietly strumming a lute while tapping rhythms on a tambourine fastened to her boot and blowing tunes on a pan pipe.
At the bar, already having downed two pints of ale, sits Rogi. The slender artificer, wearing plain clothes, is dwarfed by his neighbor. Next to him sits an ogre in front of whom six empty pint glasses, one tipped over, border a book laid upon the bar which the ogre is reading through small round spectacles. No one else is at the bar, just the pair sitting side-by-side. Rogi hasn’t noticed you yet.
ERUDISIA
Your patron finds you in your Genie’s Vessel. Kindly set the stage.
Bell grabs hold of Meredith's arm and directs her to a table and chairs. "Isn't this so exciting? From simple seekers to investigators for Candlekeep!" Bell's eyes glisten with a certain energy but then goes down a few notches when she notices her friend being so subdued.
"Meri, I totally forgot in all the excitement yesterday..." Bell brings a carry bag onto the tabletop and starts pulling out books. Every book they had encountered in Fistandia's magical mansion. Multiple copies of "The Joy of Extradimensional Spaces", the inventory list from the Monster Mash lab, and a few small tomes she had pulled 'to look at later' off the shelves in the main study where Matreus had been.
"They told me we could keep these copies since the library already has Fistandia's original book with all her handwritten notes. Matreus is still examining that one from his study room. But, I thought maybe you would like your own copy. Or a chance to look at these others?"
Bell winds down and look to her friend, curious as to why she is being so subdued.
Bell grabs hold of Meredith's arm and directs her to a table and chairs. "Isn't this so exciting? From simple seekers to investigators for Candlekeep!" Bell's eyes glisten with a certain energy but then goes down a few notches when she notices her friend being so subdued.
"Meri, I totally forgot in all the excitement yesterday..." Bell brings a carry bag onto the tabletop and starts pulling out books. Every book they had encountered in Fistandia's magical mansion. Multiple copies of "The Joy of Extradimensional Spaces", the inventory list from the Monster Mash lab, and a few small tomes she had pulled 'to look at later' off the shelves in the main study where Matreus had been.
"They told me we could keep these copies since the library already has Fistandia's original book with all her handwritten notes. Matreus is still examining that one from his study room. But, I thought maybe you would like your own copy. Or a chance to look at these others?"
Bell winds down and look to her friend, curious as to why she is being so subdued.
Meredith looked down at the book then back up at Bell, " Thankyou. For me? Thats so nice."
She couldn't remember the last time she had received a gift......probably Mother.......she looked around the strange drinking establishment, everything was so strange here.....for the first time in her life she actually missed Calimport......she even missed...work....
She felt herself tearing up slightly and clamped down on it forcing a wide smile, which wavered slightly when she saw Bell looking concerned....subject change.....that'll do it.
" Weren't you.....and Erudisia....terrified? I don't know about you but the most exiting thing that has happened to me previously is when I was doing research at the Pashas zoo and no one realised I was taking notes in the leopards sleeping quarters when they raised the gates..........I was fine, Palang is very old and very fat and very lazy.....I think she was just annoyed I was in her bed."
" We almost died! I don't know if I can do that on the daily......not that I'm really sure what our new job entails entirely....."
" I'm hungry.....do you think they have baklava? Or Qurabiya?"
" And wine. We should drink."
She leant forward suddenly and hugged Bell, " Thankyou again. We should look through these..."
Bell is thrown off her balance for a moment. "Yes, I was scared many times. But, I looked to you and Rogi and Erudisia and it gave me hope and the courage to press on."
She is stunned at Meredith's admission; Bell had always thought Meredith was 'The Rock' -- the steadiest one of them all. This 'crack' in Meredith's demeanor is surprising and endearing for Bell.
"You were amazing every step of the way,Meredith. I looked to you for MY strength and encouragement to continue. Thank you for saving ME many times in that place."
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Bell hugs everyone...
... and agrees it has been more of a day than she could have ever imagined. AND that a cold drink and even some chocolate would help settle her down. Even as she starts dreading what tomorrow may bring.
Meredith holds the hug slightly longer than she probably should.....its been a big day.....then toddles off to write up all the details on the extradimensional cats and what possible effects on their physiology may occur due to their unusual habitat.......she also makes a rather hasty study of her existing notes on healing dweomers and their relationship to harmonics....she has an idea it will come in useful.
Finally exhausted she falls asleep where she sits, having forgotten entirely to have anything to eat or drink.....
The following morning, Erudisia, Bell, and Meredith have been summoned to the chambers of the Head Keeper of Candlekeep, Janussi.
Shadi, the harengon, escorts you through the Emerald Door and into the inner keep for the first time. A maze of curving passageways takes you to a long chamber with a long wooden table down its center with space for twenty to sit. Thousands of books fill cases along the walls.
When you arrive, the Keeper of the Emerald Gate from the prior night is already there, as is Janussi, just finishing a conversation. Janussi is a human woman, old and wrinkled but not ancient, whom you have all seen once or twice wearing simple gray robes with a recognizable headdress.
The pair stop speaking. The tall elf of the Emerald Gate looks at you three with measured disdain, then aims a withering glare at Janussi, whose lips draw into a dry pout, and whose chin rises defiantly, but who offers no other response. The Keeper of the Emerald Gate departs, her green and black robes swishing quietly.
Janussi nods thanks to Shadi, who takes that as their cue to leave, and whispers “good luck,” to the three of you. Rogi is not present, I will point out.
"Please sit down," Janussi offers, motioning to seats near her at the far end of the table. She asks you to recount your story from the prior night.
(No need to spell it out, but will anyone in particular take the lead in recounting events?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"We should wait till Rogi is present," says Erudisia, "so that we might tell our tale in one complete sitting. Based on our original offerings, I am not fit to give an account by myself."
(As she's unaware of what was said when she went to fetch help, and I'm quite curious what the sages have done to Rogi, explicitly)
Bell chimed in, "Oh yes. I might not be alive if not for Rogi's assistance last night. He has his parts to tell."
“I have already heard Rogi’s telling of events from last night. As young scholars yourselves, I’m sure I do not have to underline the importance of fact checking, independent observation and source agreement prior to accepting the views of lone observers.
Furthermore, I had a separate, confidential matter to discuss with Rogi. As a result of that conversation, he is… unavailable at this moment. You will see him soon. Please go on. In your own words.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Meredith looked to the other two trying to judge as best she could their intentions then explained as best she could everything that had happened the previous night.
She was extremely careful to phrase it so that all of the regretful incidents ( the destruction of the library, the release of the Imp, the hole in the floor and damage to the laboratory) were solely to be placed upon her and her unfamiliarity and inherent clumsiness and that it was only through the efforts of brave Rogi, intelligent Erudisia and irrepressible Bell that things did not turn out far worse.
Persuasion-11
Deception ( if needed) -18
One can be certain Janussi noticed the expressions Bell made during Meredith's recitation -- the smiles, frowns, and moments of confusion.
Keeper Janussi nods, allowing Meredith to tell her tale uninterrupted. Meredith notes Janussi’s clear eyes flashing up in silent challenge each time Meredith’s telling denies or skirts the truth, but the Keeper says nothing to challenge the facts as Meredith lays them out. Janassi asks followup questions, however, which make perfectly clear that she perceives the holes in Meredith’s story. But Janassi does not poke at the holes. She simply nods.
There is a pregnant pause as you three perhaps wonder whether you will be dismissed, reprimanded, or worse. At least, it feels like a long moment, but really is over in a few seconds. Keeper Janassi seems to make up her mind, nods silently once again, to herself, then speaks, her attention focusing on each of you in turn as she does so.
“You have demonstrated unusual courage and dynamism in discovering the secret of Fistandia’s Mansion – which had been a mystery here at Candlekeep, for some time – on your own. You succeeded in unwinding the strands of this long-unsolved riddle using only your own intellects and powers. And in the meanwhile, saving the life of one of our Avowed.” She taps one finger on the table’s surface a few times, glancing at each of you, taking your measure one more time. Your impression is of an elder with great wisdom.
“I have a proposition I would like to offer,” Keeper Janassi says. “I have decided to create a new aggregation here at Candlekeep. A small circle of active investigators with the ability to defend themselves in the real world. They will, for the betterment of all, help me to solve particular riddles of import whose answers – for the nonce – prove unusually elusive. This group will be called the Scholar’s Shield. Payment will be granted: 200 gold pieces per month, per member, for a term of one calendar year. The members will report directly to me. The Scholar’s Shield will be empowered to enter and leave Candlekeep freely, without needing to bring a book to regain entry. They will be granted living quarters for the duration of their stay, as well as meals with the rest of the staff. More importantly, they will have free access to the Great Library. They will enjoy time and latitude in the pursuit of their own independent studies. In return, the Scholar’s Shield will prioritize the investigation of mysteries of significance which may arise, according to my judgment and express instructions. And members will consult with me when they perceive such a question arising of which I am not already aware.”
She pauses, allowing a moment for you to absorb her words.
“Will you — each of you — accept a position among the Scholar’s Shield?
”You need not answer immediately. However, this conversation takes place in confidence, and if you decide not to accept this offer, I will thank you – for the safety of this edifice and everything it represents – not to speak of it to any other person.” She pauses once again.
“What say you?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Meredith looks to the other two with interest, while she could certainly muddle on with her research without access to the library she knows the other two have rather more esoteric interests which could benefit a lot from the ancient store of knowledge here.
" Yes.....Please....um...thankyou? I mean to say I would love that as I believe my companions also would........"
" Uh.....not that I'm speaking for them. Sorry.....uh..................Yes."
“Very good,” Janussi says. “Take this as a symbol of your new privileges and responsibilities.” She hands Meredith a shield-shaped brooch, which could be worn pinned to a blouse, or fastened to a belt or necklace. She looks to Bell and Erudisia expectantly.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Bell is beaming. An opportunity to use the Great Library for a YEAR! Plus, getting paid while doing odd jobs for Candlekeep. This went so far beyond her original plan -- which was not much of a plan beside 'get into Candlekeep'.
"Yes, ma'am. It is an honor to serve Candlekeep. Plus the opportunities... thank you!"
“Very good,” Janussi says. “Take this as a symbol of your new privileges and responsibilities.” She hands Bell a shield-shaped brooch.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Erudisia hesitates as the others make their choices. When it comes to be her turn, she demures.
"I am not certain that I am the best placed scholar for this role, but it is a role that I sorely want. However, I am not free to chose my own course alone. I must consult with my family and my family's patron. I do not have the power to decide this alone, though it is my belief that they will agree with the aims and membership of your Scholar's Shield."
“Certainly,” Janussi says. “To discuss your decision with those who will be affected by it is a rational course. However, until you agree to accept the rewards and responsibilities I have outlined, you must be subject to the rules of Candlekeep as they stand. Please take the next day to decide. After that, your tenday ends.”
Janussi cordially takes her leave after setting a meeting with Erudisia for the following morning at the same time.
(Let’s do a solo scene later that day or night with each of you. Erudisia will meet with her patron. Bell and Meredith, what should your scenes focus on?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Interlude
BELL and MEREDITH
After catching up on sleep and studies, Meredith and Bell find each other at The Hearth. The Hearth’s heavy stained-glass door opens onto the Court of Air, where – from its outside – the Hearth appears to be a modest tavern of sturdy construction, with warm light emanating from a pair of small windows on either side of the front door. Upon entering the establishment, visitors quickly realize that it’s three times more spacious on the inside.
You have learned over the last few days that The Hearth gained its larger dimensions courtesy of extradimensional magic created by worshipers of Gond (god of craft). An intricate clockwork device is suspended in a two-foot-diameter, faintly glowing crystal orb embedded in the ceiling over the bar. The Avowed call this device a geometric amplifier. It is the source of the magic required to maintain the integrity of the enlarged space.
The bar seats up to twenty customers, and patrons can also be seated comfortably at round tables with stout wooden chairs or at rectangular tables with benches. A dozen soft, cushy armchairs encircle the fireplace in the center of the room.
The Hearth’s patrons are a mix of fresh-faced adjutants, stodgy scholars, and eclectic guests. The vibe is relaxed. Someone is quietly strumming a lute while tapping rhythms on a tambourine fastened to her boot and blowing tunes on a pan pipe.
At the bar, already having downed two pints of ale, sits Rogi. The slender artificer, wearing plain clothes, is dwarfed by his neighbor. Next to him sits an ogre in front of whom six empty pint glasses, one tipped over, border a book laid upon the bar which the ogre is reading through small round spectacles. No one else is at the bar, just the pair sitting side-by-side. Rogi hasn’t noticed you yet.
ERUDISIA
Your patron finds you in your Genie’s Vessel. Kindly set the stage.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
meredith stays slightly behind Bell, not really in the mood for socialising.
Bell grabs hold of Meredith's arm and directs her to a table and chairs. "Isn't this so exciting? From simple seekers to investigators for Candlekeep!" Bell's eyes glisten with a certain energy but then goes down a few notches when she notices her friend being so subdued.
"Meri, I totally forgot in all the excitement yesterday..." Bell brings a carry bag onto the tabletop and starts pulling out books. Every book they had encountered in Fistandia's magical mansion. Multiple copies of "The Joy of Extradimensional Spaces", the inventory list from the Monster Mash lab, and a few small tomes she had pulled 'to look at later' off the shelves in the main study where Matreus had been.
"They told me we could keep these copies since the library already has Fistandia's original book with all her handwritten notes. Matreus is still examining that one from his study room. But, I thought maybe you would like your own copy. Or a chance to look at these others?"
Bell winds down and look to her friend, curious as to why she is being so subdued.
Meredith looked down at the book then back up at Bell, " Thankyou. For me? Thats so nice."
She couldn't remember the last time she had received a gift......probably Mother.......she looked around the strange drinking establishment, everything was so strange here.....for the first time in her life she actually missed Calimport......she even missed...work....
She felt herself tearing up slightly and clamped down on it forcing a wide smile, which wavered slightly when she saw Bell looking concerned....subject change.....that'll do it.
" Weren't you.....and Erudisia....terrified? I don't know about you but the most exiting thing that has happened to me previously is when I was doing research at the Pashas zoo and no one realised I was taking notes in the leopards sleeping quarters when they raised the gates..........I was fine, Palang is very old and very fat and very lazy.....I think she was just annoyed I was in her bed."
" We almost died! I don't know if I can do that on the daily......not that I'm really sure what our new job entails entirely....."
" I'm hungry.....do you think they have baklava? Or Qurabiya?"
" And wine. We should drink."
She leant forward suddenly and hugged Bell, " Thankyou again. We should look through these..."
Bell is thrown off her balance for a moment. "Yes, I was scared many times. But, I looked to you and Rogi and Erudisia and it gave me hope and the courage to press on."
She is stunned at Meredith's admission; Bell had always thought Meredith was 'The Rock' -- the steadiest one of them all. This 'crack' in Meredith's demeanor is surprising and endearing for Bell.
"You were amazing every step of the way, Meredith. I looked to you for MY strength and encouragement to continue. Thank you for saving ME many times in that place."