Kordmemian takes a few moments to glare at both imps, and his face shows quite clearly how troubled he is by their presence in the House of Knowledge. In response to Elsa, he says, "These creatures care nothing for knowledge unless it can be used to deceive or manipulate. I cannot force either of them to speak the truth, but I also cannot believe the presence of these imps is a matter of coincidence. They have trespassed in Oghma's House, I believe, because the four of you are here."
Rubnub, the imp trapped within Gale's grip, blurts out angrily, "You fool! You know nothing."
The clerk ignores the imp's remarks and continues addressing the four dragonborn. "Temple regulations are quite clear; any creature who attempts to steal from Oghma's House must explain himself to the temple steward, who then determines the appropriate punishment. I must ask you to surrender these fiends to me."
Kordmemian then holds up a small corundum gemstone in each hands and says, "Each imp will be safely imprisoned in one of these stones until the steward can deal with them."
Kordmemian simply touches the imp with the stone, and an instant later the tiny fiend is, remarkably, even tinier. Standing no more than one inch in height, the imp can be seen standing inside the magical stone. The clerk looks at Preah as if to say, "May I do the same for Grummerzap?"
"Honestly I can think of endless uses for an item like that." Elsa says with a wry smile. "Hopefully it makes them rethink their allegiance and everyone can go on their merry. Kordmemian, let me apologize, on behalf of all of us, that we have brought trouble to the House of Knowledge. We don't wish to cause further issue, but would it be all right if we continued our research for a short time at least? Your crystal will prevent any further scrying from the dragon, Klauth I hope."
Preah holds out the remaining Imp to the stone. “Is there anywhere in the temple we would be safe from scrying? If that orb true indicates that we were being watched, then we should move.”
"Any further scrying attempts will reveal only darkness and silence," Kordmemian says as he places the imps in a drawer in his desk. "It is not Oghma's wish that his followers take sides in the struggle between good and evil, but any creature who dares to disregard the purpose of this temple must be taught the error of its ways."
To whom the clerk addresses his last statement is unclear. Responding to Elsa, he says, "Of course. Read at your leisure. Take your notes. The temple never closes, for knowledge never should be hidden."
He then looks at Havi and says, "Well done."
Their minds filled with questions about what just transpired with the two imps, the dragonborn siblings resume the research that was so suddenly interrupted. The glowing orbs overhead illuminate the pages of the various books that were retrieved from the rooms above, and each dragonborn writes down anything that might seem relevant to the prophecy of Kuyutha. Within an hour or so, the brothers and sisters close their books, confident there's nothing else to glean from the House of Knowledge.
Irthos...
...while reading The Exarchs of Bahamut, uncovers the identity of Kuyutha. He was Bahamut's emissary to the dragonborn race and, furthermore, was the last of the dragonborn paladins of Arkhosia, a lost empire. Many legends state that Kuyutha now lives somewhere within Mount Celestia where he is training a new order of dragonborn knights for Bahamut. Within The Book of Dragons, Irthos reads about the relationship between the chromatic dragons and metallic dragons, especially their origins with Bahamut and his evil sister Tiamat. Additionally, the words in the prophecy "Rays of Morn" take on a new meaning when Irthos uncovers that an ancient temple to Bahamut had that same title.
Gale...
...whose time is spent in Warriors of Heaven and Deities and Demigods jots down a few things about the divinity of Bahamut, including his various vassals and any sort of religious dogma that has been established by the platinum dragon's followers and worshipers. Temples to Bahamut are nearly non-existent. He prefers worship to be done through actions rather than observations within a shrine. Bahamut's home, or palace, is said to be somewhere within Mount Celestia, but is always moving and never easy to find. Of most interest to Gale is the information he finds about the gold dragons who first served Bahamut as the Seven Great Gold Wyrms:
Troannaxia the Presence- a terribly intimidating female gold dragon whose role was to subdue resistance
Sonngrad the Wing - a female gold dragon who served as Bahamut's messenger
Kurya the Eye - a female gold dragon who served as Bahamut's spy
Marroshok the Tail - a massive gold dragon who served as Bahamut's bodyguard
Borkadd the Claw - a male gold dragon known as "The Hand of Justice"
Urgala the Fang - a female gold dragon who led Bahamut's armies
Gruemar the Voice - a male gold dragon who served as Bahamut's negotiator; he was peaceful and avoided bloodshed if at all possible
Preah...
...reads through two books that record the various--and sometimes conflicting accounts--of the great war between the metallic dragons (led by Bahamut) and chromatic dragons (led by Tiamat). Much of what she reads is familiar to her, but she is quick to write down some information about Gruemar.
One account claims that Gruemar was sent to meet with a stone giant lord to negotiate an alliance that would be mutually beneficial to both the giants and the metallic dragons. Upon arriving at the arranged meeting place, Gruemar was besieged, murdered, and mutilated by a host of evil creatures, including giants.
A differing account claims that Gruemar abandoned his allegiance to Bahamut and fled his responsibility in the great war against the chromatic dragons. What became of Gruemar is a matter of debate and the stuff of bards and storytellers.
Elsa...
...amused, flips through a collection of songs--most of them drinking songs--and finds one, disturbingly enough, that contains the following words:
Tired she was! Angry she was! For all he did was cuss and drink!
Sharp it was! And quick it was! For all she did was cut and wink!
"Gruemar's fate for you, my dear! Gruemar's fate indeed.
Cut and scattered, scattered and cut, pour me a glass o' mead!
A dragon's doom for you, my dear! A dragon's doom indeed.
Cut and scattered, scattered and cut, pour me a glass o' mead!"
After finishing her research and taking note of the lyric, Elsa sits by Havi and waits for her siblings. She pets the cat gently if it lets her, looking pensive.
When everyone is ready to go, she thanks Kordmemian and as they exit the House of Knowledge, she looks up at the sky and around her. "I wonder if we should stay the night, since Klauth knows that we are here. And if we do leave, I wonder if there's a lesser known exit, or some other way to throw him off of our scent?"
Irthos takes his time reading through the books, enjoying bits of trivia that aren't actually relevant to their research while hes going. Eventually finishing he heads over to join Elsa with a smirk on his face, clearly having enjoyed a good rummage through the books. Looking to Kordmemian he says briefly:
"Excellent collection you've got here, it amazes me once more! Candlekeep would be jealous of some these tomes for sure, but what else would you expect in the house of knowledge? Thank you for your help today, and apologies for the tag-a-longs that we accidentally brought with us."
After this he looks back to his sister while waiting for the others to finish and ponders her question for a moment.
"We still haven't decided how to travel. Do we have the money for horses and supplies as we stand sister? I made a few coins selling books but I doubt it will get us that far as we are. Perhaps we could find a caravan to assist as guards." Then with a wink he finishes: "It seems we've all learn how to handle ourselves haven't we Elsewhere?"
Elsa shrugs at Irthos's last statement, "The College of Fochlucan is more than a place to sharpen one's musical aptitude."
Her expression turns more serious, "A caravan seems prudent by some respects, they are guarded which might help if we are expecting to be assailed. More people and wagons means more places to hide, more potential spies. I know you may think I'm being paranoid, but I need to say it. However, if a caravan is what's decided, I will help how I can." She smiles slightly, "Where I lack for coin, I make up for with charm and entertainment."
Gale leaves with the others, pensive. In response to Elsa and Irthos, Gales contributes, "Being paranoid is perfectly reasonable, given our current circumstances. However, we can't let paranoia eliminate reasonable options either. Speaking of being paranoid, we'll all talk about what we found when we're not out in public, eh?"
Shaking his head slightly at the nervousness of his siblings Irthos waves his hand briefly showing his annoyance at everyone's extreme caution. "Yes yes brother! Do we have somewhere to go once Preah joins us?"
Preah, taking longer than the others to finish her readings, eventually emerges from the House of Knowledge. “I can’t tell if that was enlightening or useless. Some accounts I found spoke of Gruemar’s death during negotiations, while others say he deserted, and still others came up with outlandish tales. The most defeinitive thing that I found is that no one else knows anything either, and this is my deity’s servant we speak of.”
As the dragonborn siblings step into the still-busy streets of Neverwinter, the last rays of daylight shine weakly over the city walls. Minor decisions, such as where they will find their evening meal and where they will lodge for the night, weigh upon their minds, but greater yet is the decision regarding their next destination now that they've learned an ancient and powerful dragon seems to have a vested interest in them.
As Preah returns to them talking about what she has learned Irthos gives a quick glance in Gale's direction that says "and what about her?" before he lets out a little sigh and gives up. His customary cheeky smile returning to his face he says to the others "I know Elsa won't freeze out here but I don't fancy my chances as the night sets in. Shall we go find a place for the night where we can discuss things a little more privately?"
Gale also lets out a little sigh as he makes a 'blah blah blah' motion with his hand and agrees, "Let us find a room to stay the night and talk there."
(Assuming that Preah is on board with procuring a meal and a night's lodging at the Winged Wyvern. The inn qualifies as "comfortable." Total cost, therefore, for food, drink, and lodging is 13 pieces of silver for each player).
The four siblings make the return trip to the Winged Wyvern, where Zimrick continues to dart through the crowd, delivering platters of food and mugs of ale. They make arrangements for lodgings for the night and enjoy a decent meal. The inn, as it was earlier in the day, is filled with lively talk and hearty laughter.
The remainder of the evening passes without incident, giving the four dragonborn plenty of time and freedom to sort through the events of the day and the details they found at the House of Knowledge.
Once settled at the Winged Wyvern, Gale recounts what he learned from his research: "The seven golden dragons all had distinct responsibilities, and Gruemar was the diplomat, the negotiator. He avoided bloodshed if at all possible. I couldn't find anything about his dishonor, or being bound by it. Nor anything about feathers. That has to be a metaphor that we need to figure out.
Bahamut doesn't have many shrines, if any at all. Bahamut's home is in Mount Celestia, but it moves, I think? If I understood correctly? That doesn't leave me with much of a lead or anywhere to go next."
Kordmemian takes a few moments to glare at both imps, and his face shows quite clearly how troubled he is by their presence in the House of Knowledge. In response to Elsa, he says, "These creatures care nothing for knowledge unless it can be used to deceive or manipulate. I cannot force either of them to speak the truth, but I also cannot believe the presence of these imps is a matter of coincidence. They have trespassed in Oghma's House, I believe, because the four of you are here."
Rubnub, the imp trapped within Gale's grip, blurts out angrily, "You fool! You know nothing."
The clerk ignores the imp's remarks and continues addressing the four dragonborn. "Temple regulations are quite clear; any creature who attempts to steal from Oghma's House must explain himself to the temple steward, who then determines the appropriate punishment. I must ask you to surrender these fiends to me."
Kordmemian then holds up a small corundum gemstone in each hands and says, "Each imp will be safely imprisoned in one of these stones until the steward can deal with them."
Gale is more than willing to be rid of the squirming imp and holds it out in Kordmemian's direction.
Kordmemian simply touches the imp with the stone, and an instant later the tiny fiend is, remarkably, even tinier. Standing no more than one inch in height, the imp can be seen standing inside the magical stone. The clerk looks at Preah as if to say, "May I do the same for Grummerzap?"
Gale is really impressed, "I could use one of those stones for when Lucky tries to steal my thunder. Again."
"Honestly I can think of endless uses for an item like that." Elsa says with a wry smile. "Hopefully it makes them rethink their allegiance and everyone can go on their merry. Kordmemian, let me apologize, on behalf of all of us, that we have brought trouble to the House of Knowledge. We don't wish to cause further issue, but would it be all right if we continued our research for a short time at least? Your crystal will prevent any further scrying from the dragon, Klauth I hope."
~♡~
Preah holds out the remaining Imp to the stone. “Is there anywhere in the temple we would be safe from scrying? If that orb true indicates that we were being watched, then we should move.”
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
"Any further scrying attempts will reveal only darkness and silence," Kordmemian says as he places the imps in a drawer in his desk. "It is not Oghma's wish that his followers take sides in the struggle between good and evil, but any creature who dares to disregard the purpose of this temple must be taught the error of its ways."
To whom the clerk addresses his last statement is unclear. Responding to Elsa, he says, "Of course. Read at your leisure. Take your notes. The temple never closes, for knowledge never should be hidden."
He then looks at Havi and says, "Well done."
Their minds filled with questions about what just transpired with the two imps, the dragonborn siblings resume the research that was so suddenly interrupted. The glowing orbs overhead illuminate the pages of the various books that were retrieved from the rooms above, and each dragonborn writes down anything that might seem relevant to the prophecy of Kuyutha. Within an hour or so, the brothers and sisters close their books, confident there's nothing else to glean from the House of Knowledge.
Irthos...
...while reading The Exarchs of Bahamut, uncovers the identity of Kuyutha. He was Bahamut's emissary to the dragonborn race and, furthermore, was the last of the dragonborn paladins of Arkhosia, a lost empire. Many legends state that Kuyutha now lives somewhere within Mount Celestia where he is training a new order of dragonborn knights for Bahamut. Within The Book of Dragons, Irthos reads about the relationship between the chromatic dragons and metallic dragons, especially their origins with Bahamut and his evil sister Tiamat. Additionally, the words in the prophecy "Rays of Morn" take on a new meaning when Irthos uncovers that an ancient temple to Bahamut had that same title.
Gale...
...whose time is spent in Warriors of Heaven and Deities and Demigods jots down a few things about the divinity of Bahamut, including his various vassals and any sort of religious dogma that has been established by the platinum dragon's followers and worshipers. Temples to Bahamut are nearly non-existent. He prefers worship to be done through actions rather than observations within a shrine. Bahamut's home, or palace, is said to be somewhere within Mount Celestia, but is always moving and never easy to find. Of most interest to Gale is the information he finds about the gold dragons who first served Bahamut as the Seven Great Gold Wyrms:
Preah...
...reads through two books that record the various--and sometimes conflicting accounts--of the great war between the metallic dragons (led by Bahamut) and chromatic dragons (led by Tiamat). Much of what she reads is familiar to her, but she is quick to write down some information about Gruemar.
Elsa...
...amused, flips through a collection of songs--most of them drinking songs--and finds one, disturbingly enough, that contains the following words:
Tired she was! Angry she was! For all he did was cuss and drink!
Sharp it was! And quick it was! For all she did was cut and wink!
"Gruemar's fate for you, my dear! Gruemar's fate indeed.
Cut and scattered, scattered and cut, pour me a glass o' mead!
A dragon's doom for you, my dear! A dragon's doom indeed.
Cut and scattered, scattered and cut, pour me a glass o' mead!"
After finishing her research and taking note of the lyric, Elsa sits by Havi and waits for her siblings. She pets the cat gently if it lets her, looking pensive.
When everyone is ready to go, she thanks Kordmemian and as they exit the House of Knowledge, she looks up at the sky and around her. "I wonder if we should stay the night, since Klauth knows that we are here. And if we do leave, I wonder if there's a lesser known exit, or some other way to throw him off of our scent?"
~♡~
Irthos takes his time reading through the books, enjoying bits of trivia that aren't actually relevant to their research while hes going. Eventually finishing he heads over to join Elsa with a smirk on his face, clearly having enjoyed a good rummage through the books. Looking to Kordmemian he says briefly:
"Excellent collection you've got here, it amazes me once more! Candlekeep would be jealous of some these tomes for sure, but what else would you expect in the house of knowledge? Thank you for your help today, and apologies for the tag-a-longs that we accidentally brought with us."
After this he looks back to his sister while waiting for the others to finish and ponders her question for a moment.
"We still haven't decided how to travel. Do we have the money for horses and supplies as we stand sister? I made a few coins selling books but I doubt it will get us that far as we are. Perhaps we could find a caravan to assist as guards." Then with a wink he finishes: "It seems we've all learn how to handle ourselves haven't we Elsewhere?"
Elsa shrugs at Irthos's last statement, "The College of Fochlucan is more than a place to sharpen one's musical aptitude."
Her expression turns more serious, "A caravan seems prudent by some respects, they are guarded which might help if we are expecting to be assailed. More people and wagons means more places to hide, more potential spies. I know you may think I'm being paranoid, but I need to say it. However, if a caravan is what's decided, I will help how I can." She smiles slightly, "Where I lack for coin, I make up for with charm and entertainment."
She wraps her lyre with a flourish.
~♡~
Gale leaves with the others, pensive. In response to Elsa and Irthos, Gales contributes, "Being paranoid is perfectly reasonable, given our current circumstances. However, we can't let paranoia eliminate reasonable options either. Speaking of being paranoid, we'll all talk about what we found when we're not out in public, eh?"
Shaking his head slightly at the nervousness of his siblings Irthos waves his hand briefly showing his annoyance at everyone's extreme caution. "Yes yes brother! Do we have somewhere to go once Preah joins us?"
Preah, taking longer than the others to finish her readings, eventually emerges from the House of Knowledge. “I can’t tell if that was enlightening or useless. Some accounts I found spoke of Gruemar’s death during negotiations, while others say he deserted, and still others came up with outlandish tales. The most defeinitive thing that I found is that no one else knows anything either, and this is my deity’s servant we speak of.”
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
As the dragonborn siblings step into the still-busy streets of Neverwinter, the last rays of daylight shine weakly over the city walls. Minor decisions, such as where they will find their evening meal and where they will lodge for the night, weigh upon their minds, but greater yet is the decision regarding their next destination now that they've learned an ancient and powerful dragon seems to have a vested interest in them.
As Preah returns to them talking about what she has learned Irthos gives a quick glance in Gale's direction that says "and what about her?" before he lets out a little sigh and gives up. His customary cheeky smile returning to his face he says to the others "I know Elsa won't freeze out here but I don't fancy my chances as the night sets in. Shall we go find a place for the night where we can discuss things a little more privately?"
Gale also lets out a little sigh as he makes a 'blah blah blah' motion with his hand and agrees, "Let us find a room to stay the night and talk there."
"We ingratiated ourselves with the Winged Wyvern, I wonder if we should inquire as to available rooms there?"
~♡~
“Works for me, they had nice wine there! I’m just keen to find out what you all discovered and figure what we are doing next.”
(Assuming that Preah is on board with procuring a meal and a night's lodging at the Winged Wyvern. The inn qualifies as "comfortable." Total cost, therefore, for food, drink, and lodging is 13 pieces of silver for each player).
The four siblings make the return trip to the Winged Wyvern, where Zimrick continues to dart through the crowd, delivering platters of food and mugs of ale. They make arrangements for lodgings for the night and enjoy a decent meal. The inn, as it was earlier in the day, is filled with lively talk and hearty laughter.
The remainder of the evening passes without incident, giving the four dragonborn plenty of time and freedom to sort through the events of the day and the details they found at the House of Knowledge.
Once settled at the Winged Wyvern, Gale recounts what he learned from his research: "The seven golden dragons all had distinct responsibilities, and Gruemar was the diplomat, the negotiator. He avoided bloodshed if at all possible. I couldn't find anything about his dishonor, or being bound by it. Nor anything about feathers. That has to be a metaphor that we need to figure out.
Bahamut doesn't have many shrines, if any at all. Bahamut's home is in Mount Celestia, but it moves, I think? If I understood correctly? That doesn't leave me with much of a lead or anywhere to go next."