Aryn & Jinara- At the mention of Lightbringers the guards' attitudes change from slightly defensive to a relaxed attention. It is obvious that while your faces may not be recognized your names and deeds most certainly are. The dragonborn who addressed you earlier bows and says, "Welcome Lightbringers. We will send word of your arrival. Please follow me." You watch one of the other dragonborns mutter a short message spell as you exit through the large iron door. You enter into a dark stone hallway with smooth curved walls lit by intricately spaced glowing orbs of arcane energy. Iris examines the walls and structure of the hallway for a moment then exclaims, "Lava tubes... so that means..." The dragonborn guard turns his head back and nods. "Correct. We are in a dormant volcano." and continues forward. You walk about a hundred feet and stop by another iron door that seems to have been cut into the stone. The guard opens the door with a key and you enter into a relatively large lounge space with multiple chairs and a few couches. A short table on the eastern side of the room holds three ceramic pitchers containing different liquids. You smell ale, from one , nothing from the second and a savory wine from the third. "Please wait here until a representative comes to escort you."
"Thank you." Iris says politely as the guard shut the door behind him and walks back to his station. You wait for about 5 minutes before the door opens. A black scaled female dragonborn wearing a short blue and purple robe smiles revealing her pointy teeth and says, "Welcome to Sonas. I am Elexcis. I understand you are here on a research mission. How can we be of service?"
Gaelin & Torq- Torq quickly and easily lifts Gaelin and the two of you fly off towards the east. The cool air from the mountain nips at Gaelin's cheeks causing them to turn pink. As you climb higher into the sky you see the full extent of the devastation. To the south a three mile wide path of charred and cut down forest stretches out. As you approach the remains of the village you begin to notice a shift in the pattern of the trees. Where the once natural random spacing of trees ends a new linear pattern begins. Evenly spaced trunks now guide you on the last mile of your journey until they open to a collection of streams that are fed by the mountain to connect into a single river that flows southeast. Scattered around the streams and river are the charred remains of clay and mud structures. A few large semi-curved chunks lie embedded in the ground while most of the remnants are smaller than a foot. The snow is slightly deeper here, nearly 6 inches in depth and it takes you a few minutes to take in the area before the subtle variations in shape and color denote skeletal remains. Both of you make a perception and investigation check!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perception: 9 Investigation: 25 Insight on Torq: 16
Gaelin remains silent. He feels completely out of place here and will only speak if spoken to. He understands he is only there to assist in Torq's return home so he won't do anything to disturb him unless he see danger. He will keep an eye of Torq to gauge his mental state while looking around at the horrible scene.
"Greeting Elexcis. It is an honor and pleasure to meet you and lay eyes on your beautiful city. We hav come across some... information (noticeably choosing his words) regarding the cataclysm. Given the nature of that great event, visiting the city of dragonkin may prove fruitful in historical information of all things dragons. Please excuse my...verbal limitations. Might there be a place that would provide some (pauses again) assurances of privacy from all outlets natural and arcane?" Jinara says not sure of Neltharion's reach or presence given their recent crystal experience.
Mucor would nod to his mother and give her another hug. "I suppose Aryn is my girlfriend although we have not officially declared ourselves a couple. I would hope that some day she might agree to be my wife. She has helped me during out time together more than anyone else I've met." He would add, not intentionally trying to hurt his mothers feelings. "As far as my passion goes.. I feel it burning brighter and hotter than ever.." As he finishes his sentence, he looks away from his mother towards the scorched earth. "I need to go see someone. I'll return soon." He says abruptly before making his way towards Herbert. "Herbert. I need to see Inara."
Torq will hover about 15 feet above the ground surveying the area. Torq isn't the type to wear his feelings on his sleeve but Gaelin would probably be able to tell Torq isn't happy.
Mucor- Your mother nods and give you a kiss on the forehead. "I like her, you'd be smart to keep her around. Now go... I'll be here whenever you need me." she smiles and waves as you rush off in the direction of Herbert. He greets you and says, "Simple enough. She is currently at the Elanaetas grove. If you are unable to transport yourself there I can. I'll let her know you're coming." the tight skin around his mouth stretches slightly into what you think is a smile as his eyes close and he hums a soft incantation.
If you need his assistance in transport he walks over to a large tree and taps the bark opening a large portal. Regardless of who opens the portal, you feel warmth from the opposite side and step through to the grove and find breathe in the fresh smells of eternal spring. You look around the vast grove standing on the wooden deck that surrounds the grove and a smile unconsciously grows on your face as a peaceful feeling washed over you. You close your eyes for a moment and feel that inner warmth and then a thump in your chest. Your eyes open and you look around you to see if anyone else felt a similar shake and see all of the druids moving about normally. You begin your journey down to the ground and with your sharp eye catch Inara walking up a side path to the north. You find an intersection and quickly make your way towards her. She smiles as your eyes meet and she greets you warmly. "Ah, Mucor. Herbert tells me we might just have a new wildfire spirit. I... I don't suppose you know what that means. That explains your need of me...well, come along." she says her eyes picking up on your confused expression as she mentions a wildfire spirit. She quickly ascertains the situation and smiles. She locks her arm within yours as she guides you down the path and through the grove. "So, tell me what happened at your grove with Button."
Gaelin & Torq- You both are able to discover the location of multiple skeletons and charred bits of material that resemble pottery or tools. However, as you try to pick up or examine these items they crumble and break, whether too damaged by fire or exposure to the harsh elements. You resign to simply look about the area for a good 15 minutes before you both locate a halfdome partially submerged in the ground. Originally mistaken for a snow drift you both attempt to carefully clean off the snow but Torq leans a bit too close and the dome shatters around your hand. You manage to turn over the broken third of the half dome and find an intricate painting of a winged aarakocra warrior wielding a hammer. Beside it is the partial wing of what you assume would be another aarakocra. Torq, you would recognize this painting from your daughter's nest.
Aryn & Jinara- Elexcis cocks her head slightly as if somewhat confused by the precaution. "We are in the tower of the Seven. Only the most powerful of magics could stand a chance at penetrating our defenses. Our libraries here are some of the most ancient historical texts. However, these texts are quite delicate. You will need to speak to headmaster Epos to gain access." Make a persuasion check. (this is to convey the gravity of your words.)
"Please accept my sincerest apologies for the...limited nature of our dialogue. Our...adventures have forced caution as a primary means of safety. We have worked with members of the Seven in previous...(pauses to choose his words carefully) adventures. If you are aware of what we have accomplished in service of the Seven, then I can assure you our visit here would constitute a similar magnitude. (In Draconic) I thank you in advance for the introduction to your headmaster as well as the time to research in your hallowed libraries." Jinara says trying to present himself in a manner of confidence and respect to that familiar of dragon-kin (given his affinity and relatively new history lol) while not presenting dominance or arrogance in this moment. Jinara (Saregos) secretly wants to create a positive connection here.
Torq stares at the painting for a minute straight holding it carefully. Tears form in his eyes and drip down his feathered face. He looks around at the village then back to the painting pulling it closer to his chest that heaves deeply. A low wobbly chirp escapes his beak that you would equate to a sob. He stands there for another 10 minutes or so sobbing quietly oblivious to the world around him clutching the last remnant of his family that he has left. He looks up to Gaelin and apologizes holding out the fragment they found., "I'm sorry you had to witness this. This was my daughter's. It's from her nest. We make clay spheres that hang high in the trees and put our little valuables inside." He pauses for a moment exhaling and taking a deep breath. He takes a final look at the painting then lets it fall to the ground and shatter to pieces.
"My daughter she loved colors and painting. It took nearly a year to collect the coin for the every color she wanted. You said you lost your father I believe. You said you and your sister went out for revenge and killed the man who took his life no? Even though we defeated Daegon, and slaughtered countless orcs I still feel it. Does it ever go away? The pain, does it ever stop?"
"It doesn't." Gaelin responds with a gulp and fights back tears. "The only thing you can do is try to remember the good times of the ones you've lost and enjoy the time you have with those you still have. I'm glad we got revenge but it was a hollow victory. That emptiness you feel, it never goes away but you can try to fill it with those you love. I'm sorry Torq. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."
Aryn & Jinara- Elexcis nods, "I understand. No offense intended. We were unaware of such an important mission. I'll take you to the headmaster now." she says looking somewhat fearful, more out of respect than actual fear. You exit the room following Elexcis who's tail wiggles back and forth in short movements as you walk. You climb up the lava tunnel for what feels like 20 minutes slowly increasing your altitude until you reach a fork in the tunnel. Elexcis guides you to the right and you can see the stairway carved into this steep lava tunnel. You ascend the dark basalt stairway for another 5 minutes before it begins to level out and the tunnel opens up wider and wider. You stop for a moment and see in front of you a huge wall of dark obsidian that seems to sparkle in the light from the hovering arcane orbs. Centered at the bottom of the 200ft wall is a large arched doorway.
You enter in and find an ornately carved nexus library that appears to be built around one of the main vents of a volcano. The cylindrical wall that encases the library is cut into and holds countless bookshelves. Stretching nearly 12 stories high you can hardly contain your amazement at the craftsmanship. Stone stairways carved into the rock follow the natural curvature of the vertical vent and create a beautiful twisting pattern within the architecture. Continuing the stone theme you find little to no traces of wood. The bookshelves are all carved out of the stone and stretch from floor to ceiling acting as both support pillars and shelves. From what you can see the whole library appears to resemble a beehive more than a library. Elexcis smiles showing her sharp teeth once again and says to a clerk sitting at a long stone table, "Send for headmaster Epos. They need to speak with him privately." the clerk nods and recites a short incantation. She looks back at the group and admires the respect and awe on your faces. "Quite the spectacle isn't it. Headmaster Epos will be here shortly." she says.
You wait at the lobby continuing to admire the layout when you hear a jingling sound and heavy footsteps. A tall black scaled dragonborn approaches from the eastern stairway. Were it not for the elegant red and white robes, he would be near perfectly camouflaged against the dark volcanic rock. Standing 6 and a half feet tall he towers over the other dragon born and his glowing yellow eyes glare at each member of the group as he investigates your faces. "I am headmaster Epos... Welcome to the archives of Sonas Lightbringers...come..." Epos says in draconic, his voice low and gutteral. Again the pronunciation of each s lingers in a short hiss. You follow him to a small chamber cut into the rock on the eastern wall. A few small stone benches sit on one side of a large granite table. Epos sits on the opposite side and says, "What occasion grants us such a visit?"
"Gracious headmaster. We thank you for your time and your willingness to meet with us. Might we speak in Common so my fellow compatriots may interact with the discussion if they wish?" Jinara asks with reverence.
(Assuming he agrees)
In common "Thank you. As you may know, the Lightbringers have been privy to and orchestrated many responses to posing threats to Eraas on each side of your great lands. Through misfortunes unto me in my past, the name Neltharion became a prominent figure of our attention today. Our research has brought forth history of the cataclysm and the great negative impact that was had on the lands by Neltharion's actions and general presence. We wish to continue our research here, in the home of dragon-kin to learn as much as we can about several key elements."
Jinara pauses for a moment, passes a discrete glance at Aryn and Iris then refocuses on the Epos, and switches to Draconic "I need to speak with you privately at some point during our time here." He then switches back to common. "Apologies. Hearing the language brings out my nature (Aryn and Iris will understand given I was an ancient dragon). Neltharion is aiming to return. Our research is vital to understanding and working to prevent this from occurring."
"I uhh.. Well I don't know what a fire spirit is." Mucor acknowledges with a snort. "But well... Button had tried to kill me. So in the grove... my anger I burned him. I scortched button and his cave until all that was left was a pile of ash... and a strange green flame. The flame actually then flew at me and covered my body... and healed me of some of the burns I got while exacting my revenge." The elf says as he thinks back a few days ago.
Torq looks at Gaelin and stares at his eyes and lets out a deep sigh. His head will begin to nod a bit and he'll say through a partially hoarse voice. "Thank you. I like the way you put it. Hollow." he sighs again takes a final 360 degree look around and says, "Let's go home. I don't think there's anything left for me here." his voice cracks on the word home. A word that used to mean the location he stands on but now somewhere else entirely. "Maybe there is hope after all." he mutters under his breath. "Thank you again for coming with me. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer, another day and another time."
Inara listens intently to your retelling of events and an amused but also curious smile grows on her face. "Green flame you say... Interesting. You say it was shaped like a regular flame but flew at you and healed you. I assume you're having random hot flashes or feelings of internal warmth that are not of your own making. It appears as though your body is beginning to shed its affinity for spores and is embracing the power of flame. Fire, though destructive is also a precursor for growth and creation. When a fire consumes a forest, the old forest is turned to ash and destroyed but the ashes provide the nutrients and landscape for new life to sprout up and flourish." she says with a grin as you arrive to a scorched area of forest within the grove. You see a handful of druids who each appear to be staring at figures wreathed in flames of red, orange and yellow. The figures appear in many different shapes and sizes, some as beasts, plants and others as people clothed in vines or treebark. All are surrounded by flames and seem to have an semi-ethereal quality to them. "The path of the flame druid is never chosen but bestowed upon a druid. You have been selected by a primal spirit of fire, one you helped create when you destroyed Button. Essentially you birthed your primal spirit. It is bound to you... and don't worry it will never leave you or try to kill you." As Inara speaks you see one of the druids, a dark skinned human male who appears to be instructing the others, recite an incantation and conjures a sphere of flame that rolls around the ground. A moment later the other druids each mimic the incantation and summon their own spheres. The instructor nods and the spheres vanish. He then points to the wildfire spirit and mutters another familiar spell. The ground around his spirit, a 4 ft tall eagle that glows red and has flames for feathers, begins to sprout grass, vines and small flowers instantly.
"You will need to train so you can unlock the full potential of your bond. The duration of your training will depend on how well you can bond with your wildfire spirit. Some druids only take a few hours, while others can take years. A druid can be called to the flame at any point in their life. Typically the more advanced you are the easier it is to bond with the spirit. Your ability to transform into a beast, or conjure spores... use that feeling to try and conjure your spirit." Inara says with an encouraging smile. Make a DC10 nature check! if successful expend a wildshape charge and summon your green wildfire spirit and describe how it looks.
Aryn & Jinara-
Epos nods in agreement to your request to speak in common. "Very well." He says in common and listens with a look of concern and a bit of pride. "I see. Neltharion's tyrannical ascension was a terrible stain on the world but it was that stain that gave birth to our race. Your group has done a great service to our world. If what you say is true you will need to look over the ancient texts. Perhaps you can glean some information that we could not." he replies standing to his feet. He looks at you curiously when you speak of your nature and sniffs the air and looks over your face and skin closely. Then he turns and looks at the others in the group, "That can be arranged." he replies in draconic. He motions you to exit and follows you through the doorway of his chambers then leads you up 3 flights of stairs. Once on the 4th level he leads you past rows of stone shelves and stops between two rows. You look towards the wall and see a dark metallic door secured into the basalt wall. Epos walks towards the door and opens it with a similarly colored metallic key. Iris examines the door and remarks, "Adamantine. Very resistant and masterfully crafted." Epos turns back and nods then continues through the door down a long hallway. The hallway ends in another door that matches the first almost exactly.
Epos pauses at the door and says, "It is only because of your position and gravity of your accusation that you are being granted entry to this chamber of the archives. Many of the relics in this chamber have been carefully preserved due to their importance and delicate nature. When we enter you are to sit in pairs at the tables I assign you. Each pair will be granted one item to examine at a time. When I direct you, you will stand and follow me. You may select whatever item you wish to study. One of our archivists will procure it and bring it to your table. You are not to touch any item. Should a page in a book need to be turned an archivist will do so for you. If any of you damage an item your access here will come to an abrupt end. Varian himself could not reinstate your access should such a thing happen. These relics are the property of our race and beyond the jurisdiction of the Seven." he looks at each of you to ensure the message has sunk in and waits for your nod of agreement. Upon receiving it he opens the door and directs you each to a table. Iris and Kelgos are assigned the front table, Aryn and Cedany the second table and Jinara the third. The interior of the chamber is larger than you expected. A nearly 200ft by 200ft expanse of stone shelves lies around you. Each contains a variety of bound books, stone tablets and some other artifact fragments. 10 tables sit in the middle of the giant U shaped archive. You see at least 6 dragonborn archivists each carefully tending to the relics around you. Every head turns your way as you walk in silently and sit. Epos looks at Jinara and says, "What topic would you like to research?"
Jinara- you will make straight investigation checks for yourself, Aryn and Iris can make their investigation checks at advantage since they will have assistance from Kelgos and Cedany.
Gaelin & Torq-
The cold mountain air chills your bodies as you mourn. Though you feel the intense pain of loss you find a small thread of comfort as you drop the painting and watch it shatter. While you converse the winds continue to chill the air and your body begins to go numb from the cold and sadness that fills your heart. A thump of hope sends a wave of warmth through your body as you encourage one another and reluctantly you say your final goodbye to the remains of your home. Gaelin, knowing the snow covered ground will not allow a circle to be drawn, begins casting a spell and you watch the arcane runes dance around his hand before your stomach lurches and you both magically teleport back to the castle courtyard.
Torq-
The cold air and snow covered ground cause the "hollow" feeling within you to take your breath away for a moment and you feel tears welling up again. You look up and see the twins over by the entrance of the grove waiting patiently for you to return. There's an internal conflict as pain and warmth flow through you simultaneously. Your thoughts are flooded by images and memories of your deceased family, the war, your friends and the twins. The last memory you see is of your daughter, flying through the branches alongside you. She looks at you with what you recognize as an aarakocra smile and nods in approval. You remember this moment as the day you left to join the war effort. Your daughter pauses in the air while you continue to fly away and you remember the look of acceptance and forgiveness in her eyes. Tears stream down your face and you look up to the sky. The clouds seem to part and a ray of sunlight seems to carry two figures down from the sky. Though you know it isn't real you see your daughter and wife flying high in the sky the same look of acceptance and forgiveness on their faces. The ray of sun heats your body and you close your eyes as the warmth seems to feel more like and embrace from your family. You open your eyes and the clouds have moved, the figures and sensation faded and ray of sunlight disappeared.
Aryn would follow Jinara's lead and request whatever he or Iris wanted. She was good at digging through documents to find important information when she knew what she was looking for. She knew Neltharion and the cataclysm were important topics but she'd listen and see if there were any other keywords to focus on.
Aryn & Jinara- At the mention of Lightbringers the guards' attitudes change from slightly defensive to a relaxed attention. It is obvious that while your faces may not be recognized your names and deeds most certainly are. The dragonborn who addressed you earlier bows and says, "Welcome Lightbringers. We will send word of your arrival. Please follow me." You watch one of the other dragonborns mutter a short message spell as you exit through the large iron door. You enter into a dark stone hallway with smooth curved walls lit by intricately spaced glowing orbs of arcane energy. Iris examines the walls and structure of the hallway for a moment then exclaims, "Lava tubes... so that means..." The dragonborn guard turns his head back and nods. "Correct. We are in a dormant volcano." and continues forward. You walk about a hundred feet and stop by another iron door that seems to have been cut into the stone. The guard opens the door with a key and you enter into a relatively large lounge space with multiple chairs and a few couches. A short table on the eastern side of the room holds three ceramic pitchers containing different liquids. You smell ale, from one , nothing from the second and a savory wine from the third. "Please wait here until a representative comes to escort you."
"Thank you." Iris says politely as the guard shut the door behind him and walks back to his station. You wait for about 5 minutes before the door opens. A black scaled female dragonborn wearing a short blue and purple robe smiles revealing her pointy teeth and says, "Welcome to Sonas. I am Elexcis. I understand you are here on a research mission. How can we be of service?"
Gaelin & Torq- Torq quickly and easily lifts Gaelin and the two of you fly off towards the east. The cool air from the mountain nips at Gaelin's cheeks causing them to turn pink. As you climb higher into the sky you see the full extent of the devastation. To the south a three mile wide path of charred and cut down forest stretches out. As you approach the remains of the village you begin to notice a shift in the pattern of the trees. Where the once natural random spacing of trees ends a new linear pattern begins. Evenly spaced trunks now guide you on the last mile of your journey until they open to a collection of streams that are fed by the mountain to connect into a single river that flows southeast. Scattered around the streams and river are the charred remains of clay and mud structures. A few large semi-curved chunks lie embedded in the ground while most of the remnants are smaller than a foot. The snow is slightly deeper here, nearly 6 inches in depth and it takes you a few minutes to take in the area before the subtle variations in shape and color denote skeletal remains. Both of you make a perception and investigation check!
Perception: 9 Investigation: 25 Insight on Torq: 16
Gaelin remains silent. He feels completely out of place here and will only speak if spoken to. He understands he is only there to assist in Torq's return home so he won't do anything to disturb him unless he see danger. He will keep an eye of Torq to gauge his mental state while looking around at the horrible scene.
"Greeting Elexcis. It is an honor and pleasure to meet you and lay eyes on your beautiful city. We hav come across some... information (noticeably choosing his words) regarding the cataclysm. Given the nature of that great event, visiting the city of dragonkin may prove fruitful in historical information of all things dragons. Please excuse my...verbal limitations. Might there be a place that would provide some (pauses again) assurances of privacy from all outlets natural and arcane?" Jinara says not sure of Neltharion's reach or presence given their recent crystal experience.
Mucor would nod to his mother and give her another hug. "I suppose Aryn is my girlfriend although we have not officially declared ourselves a couple. I would hope that some day she might agree to be my wife. She has helped me during out time together more than anyone else I've met." He would add, not intentionally trying to hurt his mothers feelings. "As far as my passion goes.. I feel it burning brighter and hotter than ever.." As he finishes his sentence, he looks away from his mother towards the scorched earth. "I need to go see someone. I'll return soon." He says abruptly before making his way towards Herbert. "Herbert. I need to see Inara."
Torq will hover about 15 feet above the ground surveying the area. Torq isn't the type to wear his feelings on his sleeve but Gaelin would probably be able to tell Torq isn't happy.
Mucor- Your mother nods and give you a kiss on the forehead. "I like her, you'd be smart to keep her around. Now go... I'll be here whenever you need me." she smiles and waves as you rush off in the direction of Herbert. He greets you and says, "Simple enough. She is currently at the Elanaetas grove. If you are unable to transport yourself there I can. I'll let her know you're coming." the tight skin around his mouth stretches slightly into what you think is a smile as his eyes close and he hums a soft incantation.
Gaelin & Torq- You both are able to discover the location of multiple skeletons and charred bits of material that resemble pottery or tools. However, as you try to pick up or examine these items they crumble and break, whether too damaged by fire or exposure to the harsh elements. You resign to simply look about the area for a good 15 minutes before you both locate a halfdome partially submerged in the ground. Originally mistaken for a snow drift you both attempt to carefully clean off the snow but Torq leans a bit too close and the dome shatters around your hand. You manage to turn over the broken third of the half dome and find an intricate painting of a winged aarakocra warrior wielding a hammer. Beside it is the partial wing of what you assume would be another aarakocra. Torq, you would recognize this painting from your daughter's nest.
Aryn & Jinara- Elexcis cocks her head slightly as if somewhat confused by the precaution. "We are in the tower of the Seven. Only the most powerful of magics could stand a chance at penetrating our defenses. Our libraries here are some of the most ancient historical texts. However, these texts are quite delicate. You will need to speak to headmaster Epos to gain access." Make a persuasion check. (this is to convey the gravity of your words.)
(I'll roll then respond)
Persuasion = 27
"Please accept my sincerest apologies for the...limited nature of our dialogue. Our...adventures have forced caution as a primary means of safety. We have worked with members of the Seven in previous...(pauses to choose his words carefully) adventures. If you are aware of what we have accomplished in service of the Seven, then I can assure you our visit here would constitute a similar magnitude. (In Draconic) I thank you in advance for the introduction to your headmaster as well as the time to research in your hallowed libraries." Jinara says trying to present himself in a manner of confidence and respect to that familiar of dragon-kin (given his affinity and relatively new history lol) while not presenting dominance or arrogance in this moment. Jinara (Saregos) secretly wants to create a positive connection here.
Torq stares at the painting for a minute straight holding it carefully. Tears form in his eyes and drip down his feathered face. He looks around at the village then back to the painting pulling it closer to his chest that heaves deeply. A low wobbly chirp escapes his beak that you would equate to a sob. He stands there for another 10 minutes or so sobbing quietly oblivious to the world around him clutching the last remnant of his family that he has left. He looks up to Gaelin and apologizes holding out the fragment they found., "I'm sorry you had to witness this. This was my daughter's. It's from her nest. We make clay spheres that hang high in the trees and put our little valuables inside." He pauses for a moment exhaling and taking a deep breath. He takes a final look at the painting then lets it fall to the ground and shatter to pieces.
"My daughter she loved colors and painting. It took nearly a year to collect the coin for the every color she wanted. You said you lost your father I believe. You said you and your sister went out for revenge and killed the man who took his life no? Even though we defeated Daegon, and slaughtered countless orcs I still feel it. Does it ever go away? The pain, does it ever stop?"
(duuuuude)
"It doesn't." Gaelin responds with a gulp and fights back tears. "The only thing you can do is try to remember the good times of the ones you've lost and enjoy the time you have with those you still have. I'm glad we got revenge but it was a hollow victory. That emptiness you feel, it never goes away but you can try to fill it with those you love. I'm sorry Torq. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."
Aryn & Jinara- Elexcis nods, "I understand. No offense intended. We were unaware of such an important mission. I'll take you to the headmaster now." she says looking somewhat fearful, more out of respect than actual fear. You exit the room following Elexcis who's tail wiggles back and forth in short movements as you walk. You climb up the lava tunnel for what feels like 20 minutes slowly increasing your altitude until you reach a fork in the tunnel. Elexcis guides you to the right and you can see the stairway carved into this steep lava tunnel. You ascend the dark basalt stairway for another 5 minutes before it begins to level out and the tunnel opens up wider and wider. You stop for a moment and see in front of you a huge wall of dark obsidian that seems to sparkle in the light from the hovering arcane orbs. Centered at the bottom of the 200ft wall is a large arched doorway.
You enter in and find an ornately carved nexus library that appears to be built around one of the main vents of a volcano. The cylindrical wall that encases the library is cut into and holds countless bookshelves. Stretching nearly 12 stories high you can hardly contain your amazement at the craftsmanship. Stone stairways carved into the rock follow the natural curvature of the vertical vent and create a beautiful twisting pattern within the architecture. Continuing the stone theme you find little to no traces of wood. The bookshelves are all carved out of the stone and stretch from floor to ceiling acting as both support pillars and shelves. From what you can see the whole library appears to resemble a beehive more than a library. Elexcis smiles showing her sharp teeth once again and says to a clerk sitting at a long stone table, "Send for headmaster Epos. They need to speak with him privately." the clerk nods and recites a short incantation. She looks back at the group and admires the respect and awe on your faces. "Quite the spectacle isn't it. Headmaster Epos will be here shortly." she says.
You wait at the lobby continuing to admire the layout when you hear a jingling sound and heavy footsteps. A tall black scaled dragonborn approaches from the eastern stairway. Were it not for the elegant red and white robes, he would be near perfectly camouflaged against the dark volcanic rock. Standing 6 and a half feet tall he towers over the other dragon born and his glowing yellow eyes glare at each member of the group as he investigates your faces. "I am headmaster Epos... Welcome to the archives of Sonas Lightbringers...come..." Epos says in draconic, his voice low and gutteral. Again the pronunciation of each s lingers in a short hiss. You follow him to a small chamber cut into the rock on the eastern wall. A few small stone benches sit on one side of a large granite table. Epos sits on the opposite side and says, "What occasion grants us such a visit?"
"Gracious headmaster. We thank you for your time and your willingness to meet with us. Might we speak in Common so my fellow compatriots may interact with the discussion if they wish?" Jinara asks with reverence.
(Assuming he agrees)
In common "Thank you. As you may know, the Lightbringers have been privy to and orchestrated many responses to posing threats to Eraas on each side of your great lands. Through misfortunes unto me in my past, the name Neltharion became a prominent figure of our attention today. Our research has brought forth history of the cataclysm and the great negative impact that was had on the lands by Neltharion's actions and general presence. We wish to continue our research here, in the home of dragon-kin to learn as much as we can about several key elements."
Jinara pauses for a moment, passes a discrete glance at Aryn and Iris then refocuses on the Epos, and switches to Draconic "I need to speak with you privately at some point during our time here." He then switches back to common. "Apologies. Hearing the language brings out my nature (Aryn and Iris will understand given I was an ancient dragon). Neltharion is aiming to return. Our research is vital to understanding and working to prevent this from occurring."
"I uhh.. Well I don't know what a fire spirit is." Mucor acknowledges with a snort. "But well... Button had tried to kill me. So in the grove... my anger I burned him. I scortched button and his cave until all that was left was a pile of ash... and a strange green flame. The flame actually then flew at me and covered my body... and healed me of some of the burns I got while exacting my revenge." The elf says as he thinks back a few days ago.
Torq looks at Gaelin and stares at his eyes and lets out a deep sigh. His head will begin to nod a bit and he'll say through a partially hoarse voice. "Thank you. I like the way you put it. Hollow." he sighs again takes a final 360 degree look around and says, "Let's go home. I don't think there's anything left for me here." his voice cracks on the word home. A word that used to mean the location he stands on but now somewhere else entirely. "Maybe there is hope after all." he mutters under his breath. "Thank you again for coming with me. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer, another day and another time."
Jinara roll a persuasion check.
28
Mucor-
Inara listens intently to your retelling of events and an amused but also curious smile grows on her face. "Green flame you say... Interesting. You say it was shaped like a regular flame but flew at you and healed you. I assume you're having random hot flashes or feelings of internal warmth that are not of your own making. It appears as though your body is beginning to shed its affinity for spores and is embracing the power of flame. Fire, though destructive is also a precursor for growth and creation. When a fire consumes a forest, the old forest is turned to ash and destroyed but the ashes provide the nutrients and landscape for new life to sprout up and flourish." she says with a grin as you arrive to a scorched area of forest within the grove. You see a handful of druids who each appear to be staring at figures wreathed in flames of red, orange and yellow. The figures appear in many different shapes and sizes, some as beasts, plants and others as people clothed in vines or treebark. All are surrounded by flames and seem to have an semi-ethereal quality to them. "The path of the flame druid is never chosen but bestowed upon a druid. You have been selected by a primal spirit of fire, one you helped create when you destroyed Button. Essentially you birthed your primal spirit. It is bound to you... and don't worry it will never leave you or try to kill you." As Inara speaks you see one of the druids, a dark skinned human male who appears to be instructing the others, recite an incantation and conjures a sphere of flame that rolls around the ground. A moment later the other druids each mimic the incantation and summon their own spheres. The instructor nods and the spheres vanish. He then points to the wildfire spirit and mutters another familiar spell. The ground around his spirit, a 4 ft tall eagle that glows red and has flames for feathers, begins to sprout grass, vines and small flowers instantly.
"You will need to train so you can unlock the full potential of your bond. The duration of your training will depend on how well you can bond with your wildfire spirit. Some druids only take a few hours, while others can take years. A druid can be called to the flame at any point in their life. Typically the more advanced you are the easier it is to bond with the spirit. Your ability to transform into a beast, or conjure spores... use that feeling to try and conjure your spirit." Inara says with an encouraging smile. Make a DC10 nature check! if successful expend a wildshape charge and summon your green wildfire spirit and describe how it looks.
Aryn & Jinara-
Epos nods in agreement to your request to speak in common. "Very well." He says in common and listens with a look of concern and a bit of pride. "I see. Neltharion's tyrannical ascension was a terrible stain on the world but it was that stain that gave birth to our race. Your group has done a great service to our world. If what you say is true you will need to look over the ancient texts. Perhaps you can glean some information that we could not." he replies standing to his feet. He looks at you curiously when you speak of your nature and sniffs the air and looks over your face and skin closely. Then he turns and looks at the others in the group, "That can be arranged." he replies in draconic. He motions you to exit and follows you through the doorway of his chambers then leads you up 3 flights of stairs. Once on the 4th level he leads you past rows of stone shelves and stops between two rows. You look towards the wall and see a dark metallic door secured into the basalt wall. Epos walks towards the door and opens it with a similarly colored metallic key. Iris examines the door and remarks, "Adamantine. Very resistant and masterfully crafted." Epos turns back and nods then continues through the door down a long hallway. The hallway ends in another door that matches the first almost exactly.
Epos pauses at the door and says, "It is only because of your position and gravity of your accusation that you are being granted entry to this chamber of the archives. Many of the relics in this chamber have been carefully preserved due to their importance and delicate nature. When we enter you are to sit in pairs at the tables I assign you. Each pair will be granted one item to examine at a time. When I direct you, you will stand and follow me. You may select whatever item you wish to study. One of our archivists will procure it and bring it to your table. You are not to touch any item. Should a page in a book need to be turned an archivist will do so for you. If any of you damage an item your access here will come to an abrupt end. Varian himself could not reinstate your access should such a thing happen. These relics are the property of our race and beyond the jurisdiction of the Seven." he looks at each of you to ensure the message has sunk in and waits for your nod of agreement. Upon receiving it he opens the door and directs you each to a table. Iris and Kelgos are assigned the front table, Aryn and Cedany the second table and Jinara the third. The interior of the chamber is larger than you expected. A nearly 200ft by 200ft expanse of stone shelves lies around you. Each contains a variety of bound books, stone tablets and some other artifact fragments. 10 tables sit in the middle of the giant U shaped archive. You see at least 6 dragonborn archivists each carefully tending to the relics around you. Every head turns your way as you walk in silently and sit. Epos looks at Jinara and says, "What topic would you like to research?"
Jinara- you will make straight investigation checks for yourself, Aryn and Iris can make their investigation checks at advantage since they will have assistance from Kelgos and Cedany.
Gaelin & Torq-
The cold mountain air chills your bodies as you mourn. Though you feel the intense pain of loss you find a small thread of comfort as you drop the painting and watch it shatter. While you converse the winds continue to chill the air and your body begins to go numb from the cold and sadness that fills your heart. A thump of hope sends a wave of warmth through your body as you encourage one another and reluctantly you say your final goodbye to the remains of your home. Gaelin, knowing the snow covered ground will not allow a circle to be drawn, begins casting a spell and you watch the arcane runes dance around his hand before your stomach lurches and you both magically teleport back to the castle courtyard.
Torq-
The cold air and snow covered ground cause the "hollow" feeling within you to take your breath away for a moment and you feel tears welling up again. You look up and see the twins over by the entrance of the grove waiting patiently for you to return. There's an internal conflict as pain and warmth flow through you simultaneously. Your thoughts are flooded by images and memories of your deceased family, the war, your friends and the twins. The last memory you see is of your daughter, flying through the branches alongside you. She looks at you with what you recognize as an aarakocra smile and nods in approval. You remember this moment as the day you left to join the war effort. Your daughter pauses in the air while you continue to fly away and you remember the look of acceptance and forgiveness in her eyes. Tears stream down your face and you look up to the sky. The clouds seem to part and a ray of sunlight seems to carry two figures down from the sky. Though you know it isn't real you see your daughter and wife flying high in the sky the same look of acceptance and forgiveness on their faces. The ray of sun heats your body and you close your eyes as the warmth seems to feel more like and embrace from your family. You open your eyes and the clouds have moved, the figures and sensation faded and ray of sunlight disappeared.
OOC: So I was right correct? It was a green flame / light coming from the button corpse?
(Yes. It was a green flame.)
(goodness, now that's a post.)
Investigation whenever needed: 22
Aryn would follow Jinara's lead and request whatever he or Iris wanted. She was good at digging through documents to find important information when she knew what she was looking for. She knew Neltharion and the cataclysm were important topics but she'd listen and see if there were any other keywords to focus on.
"It is with great respect that we will adhere by your rules. We do not wish to put the relationship with the Seven in jeopardy." Jinara says
Investigation 10