Until now, Sekkar did not pay much attention to the ghostly apparitions of the former and future visitors around him, but this gathering forced his scale to stand up and made the tail twitch. He knew it! The Society of Brilliance his scaly a**! They reported to a mindflayer (and took Zeno to Menzoberranzan!). It's truly a wonder the group made this far, unless, of course that is what the mindflayer planned.

Sekkar was not sure if the ghosts could see him, but tried his best to sneak up on them anyway - with the hood and all - to listen to the conversation. (Stealth 30 )

"Well then. This place keeps the surprises coming. Hello, I'm Kirin Orisis,"  Kirin gives a  short wave while keeping his distance and ignoring some of his words, "An echo of a red wizard told me you could be a help in my search for information pertaining to the demon lords and their recent arrival in the Underdark?"

Kaylyn woke up more refreshed than she had ever felt before in her life.  A small grove of trees had sprung up in one corner and she wandered through them for a time.  Even Pensive seemed stronger and more alert.  He took to darting among the trees as fast as he could.

Having lost track of how long she had slept, or had walked among the trees Kaylyn began to remember the plan, the mission and why she was at the library in the first place.  She look a couple moments Mending her clothing and cleaning up (Prestidigitation) she then left the room and walked out into the hallway.

"Now where could Rhayna and the others have gone?" she spoke quietly to herself. Looking around she called out in a louder voice. "Hourm? Are you there?  Do you know where my companion Rhayna has gone?  I need to find her."

Kaylyn

In response to Kaylyn's call, a galeb duhr appears out of the wall. It could be Huorn - they all look the same - but no, this one has a slightly different voice as it requests Kaylyn to follow it. Kaylyn is led downstairs a few levels until she sees Pax standing just outside one of the archive rooms talking to one of the echo-apparitions - a majestic tall figure with a dark aura that grates on Kaylyn's senses.

Sekkar

Sekkar is even more indistinct than the ghostly apparitions themselves as he glides along behind the unsuspecting Society of Brilliance, easily able to hear their dialogue. Blurg and Sloopidoop are discussing how peaceful the library is, how it might form a bastion of safety for other peace-loving travelers of the Underdark, and how they might circumvent the magic that prevents anyone from visiting more than once. The other three are engaged in a different conversation. Skriss and Y suggest compiling a list of as many detrimental events as possible from the archives of the future, and work on preventing them. The mind flayer, who is called Grazilaxx, speaks awkwardly but argues against this plan by surmising that future events probably can't be prevented, by suggesting there is more to be gained by understanding the past and using that to knowledge to help mitigate future disasters, and by pointing out that almost all the records of the future pertain only to the stone giants anyway which limits their scope. There is also a desire by Y to research the means of crafting a ring that will smother Skriss's natural stench, which he claims will help her to move around more stealthily.

Pax

The figure stoops down ever so slightly - enough to facilitate communication but not so much as to be condescending. The being's reply to Pax comes from a voice as smooth and sensuous as satin. Every subtle gesture of the hand or expression of the face lends a distinct alluring charm to his words, and the fire behind his eyes sends a warm thrill through Pax's body: Greetings to you, and to your curious friend there. Yes, we can communicate, although it seems that you are not really here as I am, but merely a shadow of the past or future, as I see are many such around me. I have been learning much about this kingdom that is called Under-dark, in which I find myself. I have read about the city of Gracklstugh, but I find the inhabitants somewhat prudish. I am most interested in this place known as Menzoberranzan. Tell me, what part of this kingdom are you from?

Kirin

The drow appears mildly surprised by Kirin's comment, but quickly resumes his imperious composure. Red Wizard? I have beheld several here that fit that description, but thou can only mean that meddling fool Elminster. Vizeran turns back to the tablet he is reading, but continues speaking with the same aloofness as before: Undoubtedly I could help you, but I see no reason why I should wish to. What interest have you in the matter?

Pax's internal alarm bells begin ringing as the figure speaks. Anything so smooth and alluring must be handled with care. "Well, proper introductions should be had, wouldn't you say? And for me, YOU are the ghost. I am from another realm, not the Underdark. My name is Pax, a scholar, and warrior, and I hail from the sword coast. What is your name? I wonder, which of us is in the future? Do you know what year it is, by Dale reckoning?  For me, this year is 1489 DR."  She glances at the doorframe and takes out a dagger. She glances about, as if she's about to do something she shouldn't, which of course she probably is, and attempts to carve a small line into the doorframe.  "Has this line appeared for you?  If yes, then I am in the past. If not, then....I may still be in the past, but perhaps I can't not alter this place. Or I'm in the future." 

The peaceful conversation did not convince Sekkar the slightest! If "the only good drow is a dead drow", then mindflayers can not be considered "good" even when cut to pieces - the ranger would expect every piece to spring another monster. However, the observation was not a complete waste of time. He learned, that magic around here allows visiting that place only once. Most likely, others were aware of the fact, but Sekkar somehow missed it and now contemplated the meaning of the news. First, it meant the group will never see Derendil again. Not that he regretted much - the quaggoth found its place in the world, but something to remember. With this off the way, he realized, that if there is something he wanted from this place, he had to ask it now. But what would that be?

Sekkar could not decide right away, but left the disturbing company and went to search the party.

Kaylyn silently followed the creature.  She tried to remember the stairs and paths she took if she needed to return her.  She was normally very good with directions.  But this was a strange place.

As she approaches Pax she slows.  The creature?  Apparition?  She was not sure what it was.

"Uh, excuse me?  My guide?  I did not catch your name.  Do you know who that woman, my companion Pax, is speaking to?  Is that person here in the library or somewhere else?"

Whatever answer she is given she casts Detect Thoughts on the figure.

"On a personal level, the more information I can bring forth about the demon lords and their arrival into the underdark, how and why if possible, the more I taunt my colleagues I was right," Kirin search himself for a moment before pulling some papers and looking through his notes "On a grander scale, demon lords I believe have certain effects by their mere presence which causes madness which is dangerous even if they did nothing," Kirin shuffles some pages, "However the demon lords are quite active, destroying quite a few villages and town in the Underdark already. More information I can bring to the surface, more likely we can bring get proper response that may send the demon lords back to their realms with less last damage to the Underdark. I doubt anywhere is safe. I also assume Underdark holds your home right? All I ask is some information to attempt to clear any ignorance I may have,"

After the vision regarding Zuggtmoy's arrival, Rhayna takes a deep breath to calm herself down, then looks towards where she thinks Pax would be. She sees that her colleague is nowhere to be seen. She collects the tablets, and archive them back to their original places. With her research finished for the moment, she goes out the room to look for Kaylyn and the others. She must inform them of her finds.

Rhayna

Rhayna doesn't have far to go. Pax is standing just outside the room in conversation with one of the echo-ghosts - a tall, graceful being that seems somehow familiar to Rhayna.

Pax

A scholar and a warrior, and a comely one at that. The figure reaches out a hand as if to stroke Pax's cheek, but being insubstantial there is no contact felt at all. Well met, Pax of the sword coast. I am known by many names, but you may call me Prince. Pax's small experiment is inconclusive, chiefly because no sooner has she made her mark than one of the galeb duhr attendants appears and smooths it over with one hand, then departs with the slightest disapproving glance at Pax. Prince seems to understand the intent however, and while looking around continues in his slow, smooth tone: A clever idea, Pax of the sword coast, but it seems this place is well maintained. So peaceful. So sterile. It has been instructive, but I crave for somewhere with... more stimulation. Perhaps we shall meet again... in the flesh. You and... your companions. And with that Pax sees Prince turn his head to look up at Kaylyn, standing a level above them with a look of horror on her face...

Kaylyn

The galeb duhr answers Kaylyn with the typical flat, emotionless but grating voice: I am called Terberis. That visitorr you rreferr to is the demon lorrd Grazzt. He was herre in the librrarry severral months beforre you. Hearing the identity of the figure, Kaylyn carefully casts her spell, unsure if it will work on a mere echo of the past. It does work, but Kaylyn soon wishes it hadn't, because the surface thoughts of the Demon Prince of Pleasure are lascivious beyond anything Kaylyn has ever contemplated. Even as he speaks to Pax, Kaylyn is assaulted with images of lustful fantasies and depraved acts that curdle her blood, scenes of unbridled debauchery involving both Pax and Rhayna as well as a host of vile demons in all manner of horrific forms. And whether the demon lord is aware of Kaylyn's spell, or just simply of her presence, a fresh wave of mind-**** crashes into Kaylyn as the seductive, savage eyes of Grazzt turn toward her...

Kaylyn, please make a Wisdom saving throw.

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Sekkar

The library is one of the most bizarre places Sekkar has ever tried to navigate. It seems to matter little how many levels he descends by stairs and walkways, there always seems to be more going further down, and yet when he looks back up the well, the ceiling at the top floor doesn't seem far away. Furthermore, while Sekkar's mind is occupied with other matters, such as thinking about the Society and their illithid imperator, he makes no progress through the library's halls. But when his mind returns to finding his companions, he seems to progress along steadily until he comes to a room... inside which Kirin is speaking to an elderly male drow with a death slaad companion!

Kirin

Vizeran smirks at Kirin's mention of taunting his colleagues. The humiliation of thy rivals... that is a commendable sentiment, but offers me no reciprocal advantage. He pauses briefly, pondering his next statement before continuing with noticeable less contempt in his voice. But if thou seeks to resolve the calamity and reverse the incursion, then... perhaps I can not only remedy thy ignorance, but provide the means of fulfilling thy desire... for it aligns with my own. I doubt thou could accomplish the task on thy own, however. Have ye any other means at thy disposal?    Ah... perhaps thou does. This last is said as Vizeran looks curiously past Kirin to the lizardman that has just appeared at the entrance to the room, cloaked in a drow garment.

Great! Now the new elf found himself some new friends! A drow and a lesser demon (close enough at least). Why not demon lords themselves then? The place was crazier than he even thought! 

Fortunately, every lizardman is born with a "poker face" and general suspicion of strangers is part of Underdark etiquette, Kirin's converser should not have got the wind of Sekkar's thoughts. "He does," answered the ranger drow's vague question and stepped closer. Death slaad or not, but the drow had to know, Kirin is not alone here. "But why would you want the demons gone from the place?"

Rhayna recognizes the very tall humanoid figure as The Dark Prince, but thankfully it is just a ghostly apparition from the past. Which means, he was here at some point, concludes the Cleric. Rhayna goes next to Pax. "Hummm... Pax, deary, do you know who this gentleman is?" Rhayna says in a hush voice, not because she doesn't want the other person to hear her, but because they are in a library. Before she gets an answer, she traces who the Prince is looking at. She notices that Graz'zt is actually looking at Kaylyn, and that something is not right with her colleague.

Rhayna Perception: 27 (Does Rhayna knows what is happening to Kaylyn?)

Wisdom 25 (Rolled with advantage because Kaylyn always has Pensive with her but not sure if this is a spell or magical effect.)

Kaylyn, a little too quick to cast her spell, regrets that she didn't pause and wait a moment after Terberis told her who Pax was speaking to.  The images that flooded her mind made her face go pale and she almost vomited.  She tried to break the spell and stop reading the demon lord's mind.

Pax looks over at Rhayna, then up at Kaylyn, and realizes something is terribly wrong.  She watches as the creatures moves away from her and frowns, a sinking feeling in her telling her that despite everything she's been lured aside by evil.  A hardness starts to settle in her eyes and in her mind. If this thing did anything to Kaylyn.......  she quickly moves towards Kaylyn to make sure she's ok. 

"I have come across several people with strong ties to organizations. I believe another scholar is part of the Candlekeep, if you ever heard of that. Another departs for the surface and spreading information the demon lords have appeared. Everyone should be able top understand the danger that imposes," Kriin explains, gesturing Sekkar to keep a distance for now, "If you have a method, I do hope you share it, It information and it's not like passing the information causes you to forget it. Should something happen to you, the ability to deal with the problem can be continued on,"

Sekkar/Kirin

Vizeran waves his hand sage-like, as though delivering a lecture to a student, as he answers Sekkar: Demons have their uses, when properly summoned and controlled. But this invasion... it is disruptive to say the least. And it will not be resolved through strength of arms. Should even a few of the demon lords gain a foothold here and establish permanent domains, there would be nothing to prevent an overwhelming tide of demons from swarming the world. And I mean thy world as well as my own.

As distasteful as he finds the surface elf, Vizeran seems to suppress this as he responds to Kirin: It seems thou has more than a mere passing interest in the matter, as well as the means to enact thy plans. As for the solution... My research has been fruitful. However the walls of this place have ears. Quite literally in fact. And echoes linger forever. Thou would be wise to guard thy tongues. We must not speak of specifics while in the library. However, if thou are willing, I invite thee to my home to discuss the matter further.

Vizeran smiles a thin smile at Kirin and Sekkar.

Rhayna/Pax/Kaylyn

The Prince smiles as he sees the discomfort he has caused, especially the powerful revolt Kaylyn experienced. The last thought that Kaylyn detects from Graz'zt is the satisfaction he feels at his thoughts having potentially sown the seeds of corruption in the half-elf's otherwise pure soul. With a mocking courtly bow, the demon lord turns to depart, and his ghostly echo flickers away. Rhayna and Pax both check on Kaylyn, and determine that there is no immediate damage, and that she will be okay... except perhaps for the scar that the vile thoughts might have left.

Pax gives Kaylyn a hug. "I hope you're ok. I'm sorry. Curse these demons. I suppose they're already cursed. Come, Rhayna is making progress on her research. Let us focus on that and replace that filth's influence with thoughts of his destruction." 

Pax looks to Rhayna, "Where were we?"

Rhayna makes sure Kaylyn is ok. "We must get to find the others. I have found the caused the demons to be summoned to the Underdark."

(In order to research about present/future, does Rhayna need to take a long rest, or it's just to use the crystal to ask questions?)

Ah, here it was! "Come to my house". Sure thing. Sekkar did not express his skepticism in some visible way, though, but instead asked bluntly "Where would we find you?" (He did see Kirin's gesticulation but the drow spotted the ranger already and the was no point pretending he was not here)

"I am shaken but otherwise unhurt.  I made a grave error and touched the mind of one I barely had the strength to resist. It was a close call but I have survived, wiser for it I hope." She says in a whisper. She accepts the hug from Pax and it seems to strengthen her.  "Better now that it , or he, is gone.  I was foolish and I truly hope I never make that mistake again." 

Glad for a small change in subject. "Yes, let us find the others.  This is a strange place.  I felt like I rested for days yet I deem we have not been separated long.  Time works strangely here."  

She'll follow along with Rhayna and Pax, assuring them she is feeling better already as she tries not to recall the images that filled her head.