Quote from Hrothbert_Neruca >>

Merkas, and only Merkas, starts hearing, "Myeah, see... never gonna catch me...Tryta' put a hit on me? Well I don't fall that easy, wise guy!"

“What are you talking about Barkly? I would never….”

You feel the weight of new jewelry around your neck, and look down to see a bronze pentacle with an etching of a rat's head in its center. "I'll be back, copper, with a pair of concrete shoes for ya's!"

The pendant appears and the voice continues “Oh, for crying out loud, another thing talking in my head, y’know, getting sick of things talking to me like this” Attempting to pull it off his neck he points it to Buckeran“What you think about this strange thing….” 

 

Buckeran seems way too concerned about the giant demon, whos butt is facing him and emanating the absolute worst smells imaginable, to really help with advice. But you do notice that you're unable to remove the necklace.

Quote from Larskolstad>>

She glanced at her friends. The armor’s quiet confidence made her words sound firmer than she felt. “It’s a daemon,” she said flatly. “Not an efreet. Both dangerous.” She met Hastos and Buckeran’s eyes. “I command it. Somehow. Don’t worry.” The “don’t worry” came out thin; she knew as well as anyone that a bound daemon was like a tamed bear — useful until it wasn’t. 

Gizelcumab bows again. "As you command... I shall not worry."

And then, the creature vanishes... the cloud left behind, vile in its scent glows with a red "1" in its center before dissipating. Buckeran, catching a mouthful of the noxious gas, promptly vomits.

Merkas can still hear a frenzied battle going on in his mind. "You'll pay fer this, see! When my boys here about this you'll be swimmin' with the fishes!"

Then suddenly, the voice goes silent. A few moments later, Jasper comes out with his apparent Treat... a dead rat in her mouth. She seems quite proud of herself for another successful hunt. Then, her face scrunches up unpleasantly and she paws at her nose, before scurrying away into a deeper reach of the mansion.

Merkas tugs at the necklace to no avail, cursing the cursed item, Buckeran not sparing it a glance as he’s still clearing sulfur from his lungs and eyes watering from the acrid odour. (Arcana = 8 for info on the pendant). “Stupid things that stick to you, how am ‘spose to sleep with this thing poking me all night, I hat having thing ‘round my neck, never feels right. There’s gotta be a catch or link or saying or….”

He glances up as the demon disappears and Jasper comes in with her catch. Glancing back down at the image on the necklace and at the dead rat. “ Hmm if that’s…” (Insight = 18 to piece together context clues) 

The demons final words register and he asks Sera, “Did you just command it to not worry? Or was it being cheeky with its disgusting scent?” 

When the daemon vanished in a puff of sulfurous smoke, Sera let out a long, shaky breath. The smell lingered, acrid and foul. She could only hope it didn’t twist her orders too badly. Every instinct in her screamed that the fang was cursed — a wicked thing, bound to bring trouble sooner or later.

Across the room, Merkas muttered about his medallion again, grumbling that he couldn’t take it off. Then he added a sharp comment about the daemon’s cheek.

Sera gave him a weary smile. “Merkas, I’ll pray to Paladine and see if there’s a way to lift that curse for you,” she said gently. “And yes… that kind of daemon is notoriously bad-mannered. Cheeky, cruel, and full of tricks. Let’s just hope it doesn’t decide to interpret my command creatively and blow up in my face.”

Her smile turned wry. “But then, you and I both know how things go when magic gets stubborn. Remember the horn of blasting?”

She gave him a teasing look, then stretched, suddenly feeling the exhaustion catch up to her. “I’m heading to bed before anything else decides to appear out of thin air.”

Her eyes drifted—just a little too long—toward Hastos and Orr. The armor stirred beneath her skin, warmth spreading where it touched her nerves. A flurry of indecent images flickered unbidden through her thoughts.

—Sigh… armor, you’re making me act like a ***** in heat, she scolded silently, pressing her palm to her temple.

With a deep exhale, Sera turned away, letting her robe sway around her as she made for her room. A night’s rest was what she needed—before her own cursed armor decided to make more trouble than the daemon ever could.

Hastos, still processing the sudden appearance and exit of the demonic monstrosity and trying to get the pungent smell of what could only be wet, putrid sulfur out of his nasal passages, stammers. “Uh.. Buckeran. Do… do you know anything about… this?” He holds up the tome that has appeared in his pack just moments ago.

Buckeran wipes his face with a silk handkerheif and gathers his nerves. "These... these kinds of things seem so normal to you," he mumbles as Hastos presents him the book. "Did everyone else witness what I just witnessed? Smell what I just smelled? That thing was... horrifying! Yet you're all as calm as if you saw a slightly disappointing play."

Orr the Unseen who hasn't spoken in a while finally moves. It's a deliberate, liquid movement. "Demons of the Plane of Abaddon are indeed fearsome, Councilor Buckeran. But the plane represents one of law. Therefore, there are always rules, of which they must abide. We should count ouselves lucky Mistress Sera did not summon a creature from The Gray." As he approaches Buckeran, he reaches out a hand. "Come. Let me clean you. You mentioned there were baths."

Buckeran's eyes are still wild, but he locks in to the simple instruction. "Yes... of course. A bath would be nice. Hastos, please meet me in my study in one hour, and we will figure out this mystery of your book then."

The storm rages on, outside. But in here, the temperature is pleasant and the wind is barely more than a pleasant lullaby. Orr guides Buckeran upstairs along the grand stone staircases to the upstairs hall. Then they walk slowly down the hall into the darkness beyond until eventually you hear a door creak open and shut.

Barkly seems to have slept through the whole thing, and only just now peeps an eye open, before sighing and shifting on her coals. It's just you three, a giant strider, and a shy psuedodragon now. But you have the run of the place.

You're currently in the main hall. There is a large fireplace, comfortable sofas, and a chandelier. Further back, there is a dining hall, a ballroom, a kitchen, a lounge, and a game room, filled with billiards, darts, cards, and dice. Most of Buckeran's Library is still at HQ, But he keeps a private fiction section in his lounge. In the cellar, you'll find the larder, containing stored meats, vegetables, nuts, and grains. They can be carried up to the kitchen via a dumb waiter. There laundry room, and a large dry storage room, presumably where the treasure will go once it is brought in.

Up the grand staircase, on the second floor, there are bedrooms, a bath house, and a massive bordoir, featuring modesty blinds, and a massive selection of suits, robes, gowns, gloves, hats, and jewelry of varying cuts and sizes, from different periods... from fashion dating back over a century to current. You also find more practical clothing made of thick materials or leather. Clearly for travel and adventure. On one kender-sized mannequin, there is Buckeran's old bandit equipment. Still with Buckeran's penchant for style, it contains leather tooling and filigree to give it a sense of style, and a lovely teal kercheif tied over the nose and mouth. In all other ways, it seems practical: dense, but supple leather vest lined with hidden pockets, tailored and slimming breeches that won't get snagged while performing daring escapes, handsome shiny boots of sturdy waterproofed leather with buckles painted black to reinforce the ankle, a striped grey-and-teal undershirt that is incredibly soft, and a dashing hat with a single plume in it. It's unclear if the purpose of the outfit was to be flashy or provide camouflage. And it's all draped with a daring overcoat, also filled with hidden pockets and secret spring-loaded contraptions, perfect for producing a hidden playing card, or knife. On one wrist, there is a spring-loaded dart contraption. And all ten fingers of the manequin are decorated with rings. Every inch of his body seemed to be equipped with the ability to store something. One can only imagine what he must've been like in his youth, but it's easy to imagine a bold, dashing ruffian with a swashbuckler's laugh, and a mischeivous twinkle in his eye.

There is another staircase leading upwards. Here, you find rooms for research and study. There is a kender-sized arcanum, featuring fastened wooden measuring cups and a cabinet filled with odd materials. Across the room is an alchemy bench and a non-demoninational altar for studying religious rites and relics. And in the center of the room, there is a scorched summoning circle. Placed on top of it, is a lodestone with etched runes on it, written in Kenderspeak. The next chamber has another quite study. Unlit and half-melted candles hang from sconces. There is a dry waterclock on an ironwood desk with old maps of krynn, cartography tools, charcoal sticks, and various writing and coloring utensils. Behind it, there is a plush, leather chair that's a bit small for medium sized creatures to sit in, but rather ostentatious for a small sized creature.

Sera finds a room fairly easily. There are plenty of them. All the rooms are well-adorned, with a cozy bed surrounded by gauzian fabric, a small fireplace, a dried wash basin, and fresh towels. Art complements the high walls and wall sconces hold thick candles waiting to be lit. The night stands hold a spring-loaded contraption with flint in it that creates a spark when squeezed. Each room has a small complement of books, mostly stories of adventurers and fairies, and a small round table with a wooden teaset, locked in place under a cage. The cage has a bit of lace with a key tied to the end of it. Opposite of it, is a small liquor cabinet for a night cap. In the wardrobe, there is a handwritten note from Buckeran:

Simply borrow what you wish for the boudoir, and store it here during your stay. Your discarded clothes can be tossed down the chute to the left of the wardrobe. 

Regards,
Councilor Buckeran

He most likely held many stately balls and had dignitaries spend the night often before he came to Santekh. This palace was practically built to party in.

“Hardly normal.” Hastos begins, “but also… very normal since we got to Sanketh.”  

“Very well, in an hour.” He confirms and watches Buckeron and Orr ascend and disappear upstairs.

Hastos places the book on the table. “I’ll be back, Merkas.” He says and heads upstairs.

As Hastos gets to the top of the stairs and knocks on a couple before knocking on Sera’s door. “Sera?” He asks quietly.

Sera opens the door...have discarded the robe and standing in the dark wearing her living armor...she reach out and grab his shirt...then as if battling herself she let go and not pull him in but opens the door wide and let him in.."please..I am glad you are here" she hesitae a moment...looks down.

"I was afraid you dislike me after I started use this....armor. I must warn you  it is very passionate ...thing...." she bite her lips trembling. 

“I’ve noticed!” He responds gently with a half cocked smile. “But it hasn’t changed my feelings for you. And it is definitely a good look for you!” Hastos cheeks blush slightly.

”But I feel like there’s a lot about this that we don’t know.” He carefully touches the armor on her forearm. “I think we should be careful. At least until we understand more about it. What do you think?”

Buckeran, finished with his bath, and much more relaxed now, comes down, dressed in a fresh vest, over a lacy tunic, brightly colored braies, and polished leather boots that come up just below the knee. His bald head is bare, and freshly moisturized, and his eyebrows and beard have been trimmed back a bit, to give him a rakish, yet gentlemenly look. He's humming a little tune, and Jasper is wrapped around his neck. He abscentmindedly feeds Jasper tidbits of treats as he heads to his study. 

When he doesn't find Hastos there, he goes looking for him in the rooms, and overhears Sera and Hastos through the door. He smiles to himself, and decides to head downstairs to the kitchen. He grabs some pheasants and vegetables and prepares a meal for everyone. Barkly comes in, curious and hungry, and Buckeran tosses her a few cuts from the pheasant that he doesn't intend to cook. Barkly catches them middair, enjoying the game. Once the meal is roasting in the oven, he washes off his hands and heads over to the table where Hastos left the book. He sits down with a glass of brandy and starts thumbing through the book. Orr the Unseen slinks down, following the scent of cooking food.

"Jasper and I are going to decipher this tome. It's in Draconic, but it's an old dialect. My guess is that this is from before the War of the Lance. Some of these symbols are unknown to me. I don't suppose you can read ancient Draconic, can you?"

Orr the Unseen glides closer to stand behind Buckeran. They place an affectionate hand on Buckeran's shoulder, and lean forward to gaze at the texts. "These letters are known to me. It is from The Third Dragon War, when Takhisis was first cast out of Krynn. It is a chronicle of... knights." They turn the pages. "Knights of extraordinary strength and courage, that ventured out to hone weapons of untold magic power. Weapons specifically designed to slay gods. This book tells of the journey of one such knight who journeyed here." They point at a picture of an ancient kindgom. "In the land we now call Khuri-Khan."

"Destroy... gods? What kind of weapon could do such a thing?" Buckeran muses. Orr the Unseen keeps their lips tight as they read on. "I am uncertain if such a weapon can even exist. The final chapter is torn out. But I've heard no legend of knights slaying gods. But I believe the target of the assassination was Takhisis herself. And legend has it, she wasn't killed, but sealed away by two siblings, Jasla and Berem, the immortal, their memories and valor reflected in the desert stars. Their sacrifice kept peace on Krynn for centuries." Orr the Unseen makes a sacred gesture with their hands.

Buckeran reads on, pieceing together context from what they can read for several quiet minutes. "Orr... Hastos was mistaken. It's not a greataxe. This weapon... I am familiar with it. Fascinating..." He takes his glasses off and tucks them into his pocket, and closes the book. "This is not our first priority, but it should certainly become one. I need to speak with the rest of the council upon my return. I believe we have the means to turn the tide of this war. If only I had the prologue. I believe the prologue can teach us how to make more of these weapons."

Orr the Unseen nods. "There already are. The weapons were designed with components from dragons, correct?"

Buckeran puts his glasses back on and reads. "Yes, I believe so... or at least their designs were modelled after them."

"There may be one for each type of dragon that was prominent during the Third Dragon War. This one was made from a Red Dragon." Orr replies.

Buckeran nods excitedly. "That makes sense! But which dragons were prominent during that time? How many of these ancient relics exist?"

Orr the Unseen stands up. "Undoubtedly the Metallic and Chromatic Dragons were the first... patroned by Takhisis and Paladine themselves."

Buckeran kisses Orr the Unseen's hand. "Thank you for your wisdom, my friend. With the knowledge from these books, we can galvanize kingdoms. We can win a war we had little chance of surviving! I must rouse the others. Hastos has been gifted a rare treat, indeed. And gifts like this aren't bestowed lightly. I think it is a clue that we are close to discovering more of these ancient tomes."

Orr bows graciously. "I will see to Hastos and Sera."

A few moments later, Hasros and Sera receive a gentle knock on Sera's door. Merkas here's a more frantic knock on his. 

When Hastos entered her room, his voice was gentle — warm in a way that almost disarmed her. He spoke to her as if she were already his, as if war and danger and all the pain they had endured could simply be forgotten at the threshold of that door.

Sera gave a soft, breathless laugh. “We can be careful, as you say… or die tomorrow, Hastos. Either way, I need you tonight.” The words slipped out before she could stop them. She wanted to say more — something deeper, more honest — but there was no time for that. Not with war outside, and her old nightmares drawing near again.

She reached up, her arms folding around his shoulders, and kissed him — quick at first, then deeper, more urgent. The living armor shivered against her skin, softening, reshaping, showing more of her than she’d meant to. For a moment, she stopped thinking altogether. It was just warmth, the thrill of being alive, of being wanted.

Then came the knock.

Sera froze. A single, murderous thought flashed through her mind: No. Not now. I was so close…

She pulled away with a groan, slumping onto the bed and burying her face in a pillow. “You answer,” she muttered into the sheets, her voice muffled but full of exasperation. “If I do, I’ll probably say something wildly improper. Like I wanna have a great ****...go away"

Her fists thumped the pillow in frustration as she heard the knock again. Paladine help me, she thought bitterly. Even the gods have no mercy tonight.

You hear, through the door. "That can be arranged, if you wish. When one makes no time for pleasure, one forgets to live." It's Orr the Unseen's voice, who apparently overheard Sera's mild tantrum.

Hastos’ internal temperature went up dramatically as Sera’s kiss deepened. He dizzied. She had achieved the desired effect she was looking for.

The knock, however gentle, felt like a gong. Sera ran over to the bed and began assaulting it in frustration.

Hastos snorts and opens the door. Attempting to wipe the heat from his brow, and refocus his mind.  With a wry grin he asks “What can we do for you, Master Orr?”

Merkas spends most of the time Buckeran is away prying at the rat necklace. Trying to pull it off his head, open a link in the chain, undo the clasp, but to no avail. At one point he thought he got it off using both hand and feet to pry it free, only to have the chain lengthening and retracting at each pull.
“God’s forsaken, magical mind reading, thought injecting, gaudy baubles of stupid wizards. Oh forget it!” The kenders face, having turned a shade of purple in his exertion, looks utterly defeated before he says to Barkly. “Well, at least this thing can help find you food when we go out hunting, wonder if it only works on regular rats or if it’ll let me know about muskrats, giant rats, were-rats, capybara, mice, or pack rats. Bet there’s a bunch that are close but don’t match the enchantment.”

Leaning back against the warm striders body he sighs, picking up the pendant to inspect the image “We’ll find a way to make this thing useful to us either way. For now I better get some of that sand outta my ears.” 

With that he pats his companion on the side and heads towards the rooms looking for one with an ensuite to wash off in. 
He’s halfway through undressing after he found a room fit for a kender when there’s a hurried knock at the door. Shirt halfway over his head his voice is muffled but loud enough to be heard. “C’mon in, it’s not locked”

Quote from MrUncleTio >>

Hastos’ internal temperature went up dramatically as Sera’s kiss deepened. He dizzied. She had achieved the desired effect she was looking for.

The knock, however gentle, felt like a gong. Sera ran over to the bed and began assaulting it in frustration.

Hastos snorts and opens the door. Attempting to wipe the heat from his brow, and refocus his mind.  With a wry grin he asks “What can we do for you, Master Orr?”

Orr the Unseen bows, a bit embarrassed for the first time since you've known them. "I am no master. Merely a servant. But for now, I am a messenger. Buckeran wishes to speak with you before we continue our expedition."

Quote from Hrothbert_Neruca >>

Merkas spends most of the time Buckeran is away prying at the rat necklace. Trying to pull it off his head, open a link in the chain, undo the clasp, but to no avail. At one point he thought he got it off using both hand and feet to pry it free, only to have the chain lengthening and retracting at each pull.
“God’s forsaken, magical mind reading, thought injecting, gaudy baubles of stupid wizards. Oh forget it!” The kenders face, having turned a shade of purple in his exertion, looks utterly defeated before he says to Barkly. “Well, at least this thing can help find you food when we go out hunting, wonder if it only works on regular rats or if it’ll let me know about muskrats, giant rats, were-rats, capybara, mice, or pack rats. Bet there’s a bunch that are close but don’t match the enchantment.”

Leaning back against the warm striders body he sighs, picking up the pendant to inspect the image “We’ll find a way to make this thing useful to us either way. For now I better get some of that sand outta my ears.” 

With that he pats his companion on the side and heads towards the rooms looking for one with an ensuite to wash off in. 
He’s halfway through undressing after he found a room fit for a kender when there’s a hurried knock at the door. Shirt halfway over his head his voice is muffled but loud enough to be heard. “C’mon in, it’s not locked”

Buckeran bursts in through the door, looking refreshed and dapper, with Jasper, the little pseudodragon, draped around his neck like a scarf. "Merkas, my boy! Adventure awaits! But first, a tale. Meet me downstairs in the main hall when you're freshened up! And bring the rest of the guild, if you can! Oh! And Barkly! You can speak with her yes? I think she may have something to contribute."

“We’ll be right down.” Hastos says. 

He walks over to Sera, who’s just laying on the bed, face down on the pillow. “Duty calls.” He says wryly and holds out his hand.

Sera rise up. Realize whatever passion she had it be better to bury it...and keep focus on the task. -get a grip girl. You are not 15- she scolds herself. "Thank you Orr...we join you. Let us hear what news Buckeran have for us. I bet a round of Ale it is something to do with a magical item. That is what make him eager." With that she follows 

Buckeran bursts in through the door, looking refreshed and dapper, with Jasper, the little pseudodragon, draped around his neck like a scarf. "Merkas, my boy! Adventure awaits! But first, a tale. Meet me downstairs in the main hall when you're freshened up! And bring the rest of the guild, if you can! Oh! And Barkly! You can speak with her yes? I think she may have something to contribute."

“Huh, What?” turning about to and fro as he tries to keep up with Bucky “Yeah Barkly can talk with me when I use the ring and stuff, you think I got time to clean up or should I just join you now, you know what, stuff it, this necklace isn’t helping me either, soon as I get it back on, I’ll be down” 

Merkas works his way back through the process of donning his gear and trudges downstairs to find out what the old treasure hunter was going on about. “Haz, Sera! Got some more info hurry up and get down to the common room” He shouts as he runs down the hall”

Arriving in the great hall he begins nestling into the curve of Barkly’s warm body he gets ready for a good story.