Nym was once again struck by the sheer multitude of tomes in the library and now in not so tense of a situation as when they had been here prior, she allowed herself to peruse. Two books caught her attention in particular. Of course Helpful Herbs and Their Habits was of interest to her but even as she had it in her hands and was flipping through the pages she heard Kess read off the elvish translation of Warriors of Sehanine Book III and couldn't help but stop and look up, moving to look over the other women's shoulders at the book. Putting the first one up back where she had pulled it from, she walked up to Kess and Chrys again saying, "Reading the book that Fivin wrote himself might shed some light on the situation. Even if not, I admit I'm curious about your group and would like to read more."Nodding to Aelar.
This was the most animated the drow had seen Vesper since meeting her and wondered if this was what she was normally like when not trudging through forests being stalked by a dragon. Pale lilac eyes flicking between the older elf and young half elf, Nym brought up, "I'm sure there's no rush for you to leave, Vesper. If that's something you're interested in I mean." Unsure if she was overstepping both on Vesper's behalf and Aelar's.
Aelar nods and tells Lumen that he's free to borrow the Curse of the Wolf book.
At Nym's mention to Vesper, the young half elf looks at her and smiles, as she replies, "Perhaps you read my mind, Nym. I have actually been considering that very notion. I do like it here, and after the... the events of yesterday, I think I need some time to rest and reflect. This is a beautiful place, and I think spending some time here could heal my soul and perhaps give me some clarity on what the future holds for me. Of course, I would miss all of you, but I need to reconsider whether the adventuring life is for me, or if I just need some time to put myself back together after nearly being eaten by a dragon. Which, by the way, I would NOT recommend!"
"Of course, this would be up to Aelar. And of course, I'd be happy to help with whatever you need to help put things back together here."
Aelar answers with a kind voice, "After what you have done for us, my child, you are absolutely welcome to remain here for as long as you wish. In fact, I think it would be good for the children, too. They could use a breath of fresh air in their home after what we've gone through. Truth be told, so could I, and I think that Lia would feel the same way."
Aelar then turns to Nym and you see a more serious expression cross his face. His voice remains calm, though as he speaks.
"There is something that you should know about us, and I would rather you hear the secret from me than have you read it in one of our tomes."
"We are a cursed people. We are all infected with lycanthropy. All of us in our tribe, and it has been so for many many years, and that is why we choose to live in seclusion, away from civilization. Itis often a difficult existence for us, but with the genuine love and sympathy of our goddess Sehanine Moonbow, we are able to live in peace and happiness despite our plight, for she has granted us with some control over our transformation. We repay her generous gift to us by dedicating ourselves to protecting this part of the forest an its inhabitants."
He then looks at you, obviously curious as to how you'll respond.
((OOC: I was totally about to have her say that she's completely down with them but I think I was thinking of Selune and her feelings on good aligned lycanthropes, not Eilistraee. What would Nym know about werewolves/Lycanthropes? Not sure if that's a History or Religion roll or what.))
Nym has heard quite about about lycanthropy, which is certainly an affliction that is present in the world beneath the surface, although with quite as much prevalence. She knows that while many lycanthropes are inherently evil, as werewolves often are, there are some that actually display good tendencies, like many werebears are, although these statistics are hardly true all the time.
One gains the affliction, or curse, as many call it, after being wounded by a lycanthrope, or if one or both of its parents are lycanthropes. Nym has heard that a natural born lycanthrope can be freed of the curse only with a wish.
A humanoid that's overcome with lycanthropy, can either resist its curse or embrace it. By resisting the curse, a lycanthrope retains its normal moral compass and personality while in humanoid form. It lives its life as it always has, burying deep the bestial urges raging inside it. However, when the full moon rises, the curse becomes too strong to resist, transforming the individual into its beast form — or into a horrible hybrid form that combines animal and humanoid traits. When the moon wanes, the beast within can be controlled once again. Especially if the cursed creature is unaware of its condition, it might not remember the events of its transformation, though those memories often haunt a lycanthrope as bloody dreams.
Some individuals see little point in fighting the curse and accept what they are. With time and experience, they learn to master their shapechanging ability and can assume beast form or hybrid form at will. Most lycanthropes that embrace their bestial natures succumb to bloodlust, becoming evil, opportunistic creatures that prey on the weak.
Either way, in most cases, people who become lycanthropes usually flee civilized lands not long after becoming afflicted. Those that reject the curse fear what will happen if they remain among their friends and family. Those that embrace the curse fear discovery and the consequences of their murderous acts.
Meeting Vesper's smile with one of her own, Nym replied, "There is no shame in taking time to rest and reflect. It shows your wisdom." Hearing Aelar's response to Vesper set some of her worries about them overstepping at ease. Though just as she began to relax, the elf dropped quite the revelation on them. Blinking several times, Nym tried to keep any emotion off her expression as the information truly began to sink in. Practically subconsciously, the drow began to shift herself between Vesper and Aelar before saying, "I think you'll understand my reasoning in me asking if Vesper would be safe here should she stay."Pale lilac eyes flicking between Aelar's as she tried to get a read on him. "You did say "some" control, after all."
Her hand twitching, not towards her blade but rather in the midst of almost making the somatic gesture for a spell, though few would likely recognize that it was for Zone of Truth. Not casting it, but just on the verge of feeling that she should.
Aelar answers Nym, keeping a very calm tone in his voice.
"I fully understand your need for concern, but I can assure you, your friend is safe here, and the invitation to have her remain as long as she wishes stands open. Regarding our affliction, our control is contingent upon our continued revere to Sehanine Moonbow above all other deities, a request that is easy for us to honor. With her blessing, we can change shape at will, and the only times we usually exercise this change is in battle. It gives us extra strength during those times, but we find no need to take the other shape while we are at our home and during times of peace."
"On rare occasion, a member of our tribe might change in an outburst of anger, but that is quite rare, and we are prepared for that if it does happen. Otherwise, we live our lives as our true elven selves."
Nym
Listening to Aelar, he seems very trustworthy, and you find no reason to doubt what he's saying, or that Vesper would be in any danger if she were to remain here.
Silver had waited while Aelar explained the elves' situation. Like Nym, initially concern gripped her - lycanthropy was a known curse, and she had heard stories of folk who had traveled as far as the Vale to separate themselves from more populous civilisation, though none in her lifetime. However as Aelar went on, the tension left Silver's body. If they had meant to attack, they would have done so by now, and would certainly have sent more than one of their number to do it. She sensed that they were a good people, doing their best. Though one thing jumped out at her...
"If I may ask," she opened, "we have heard previously of a now ruined werewolf city, Vehlarr. Is there a connection between Ravensglade and Vehlarr, or is it simply an unfortunate coincidence?"
She remembered how Velarken had claimed to Duskbringer that he had been betrayed by the people of Ravensglade Keep, though from what she had heard all of Velarken's dealings had been with Vehlarr. She suspected there was more to this than mere coincidence, but would be interested to hear what Aelar had to say.
Aelar answers, and as he brushes his long copper locks away from his face, you see for the first time since you met at Dauric's tree, that he now wears a patch over the that he lost in the battle when Duskibringer first attacked the keep.
"The connection is that our tribe fought against the lycanthropic army that Velarken had amassed at with at Vehlarr with General Ikhal. That was where I was turned. I was the first of The Setting Sun, which is what we call ourselves, to be afflicted with this curse. When Velarkan later recruited Duskbringer, he brought his revenge to us here at our home in Ravenglade Keep, where we have lived for over a century."
"So it is sadly, not an unfortunate coincidence at all. It was retribution, and I fear that as long as Velarken's twisted soul remains in this world, he will keep trying to seek his revenge upon us. I do not know what form that will take next time, but he has been defeated for now."
Nodding along in interest at Aelar's explanation and eyebrows raising at the fact that their reverenced to this Sehanine Moonbow allowed them control over their curse. Realizing he was being very polite considering her rudeness, the drow bowed, "Thank you for explaining. I am glad that your tribe was able to find such balance. Forgive me if I seemed hostile. I...know all too well what it is like to be judged based on what you are. I should have judged you based on your actions." Raising her eyes to meet the older elf's, Nym hope her sincerity was evident.
Glancing to the side at Silver's question, her head tilted in interest, not having thought about that possible tie in. Lips thin at the thought of the shade still around she asked, "Did anyone happen to see any sign of the wisp during Duskbringer's final moments?"Not having been present. "With any luck it will take him over another century to gain enough strength to attempt another retaliation."
An errant thought then occurred to her and Nym murmured aloud, "I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Syllin and Faen growing up with such a curse. Though perhaps it was easier for them having been naturally as lycanthropes."
"Do you want this truth of your tribe to be known far and wide? I understand if not, but honestly, it's heroic what you have done and what you have facing you. It deserves to be told, trumpeted. And also, if there is any chance that it becoming more well-known makes it easier to fight and defeat Velarken, well, it seems worth it."Lumen says.
He also tries to think back to the last moments of the battle with Duskbringer and what he remembers about what happened to the will-o-wisp.
Lumen remembers that when Duskbringer fell from the roof and you went outside to finish her off, you noticed that the will-o-wisp was gone. There's no evidence that indicates whether ithe undead spirit of Velarken died or merely left upon realizing that the dragon was of no more use to him.
Aelar answers Nym, "I take no offense, and you are correct that even those who are judged themselves often revert to judging others. It seems to be the nature of us all, but we can all strive to do better and consider folk by their actions ant not other criteria, which may often be misleading."
"Regarding Faen and Syllin, they seem to have grown up with little consequences or negative effects of their affliction. It is all they know. Occasionally, they will transform into a hybrid form when they fell they're lives are threatened, which gives them more strength and fighting prowess. However, like the rest of us, they are able to control their change and from what I've seen, it doesn't affect them much, thanks to our Goddess of the Moonlight."
"As for the spirit of Velarken, there is no telling what a being like that is still capable of. With his host and army gone, I don't know if he would linger here, still looking for his revenge, or if he would simply move on. In my heart, I think that, being the twisted soul that he is, he would seek revenge on us somehow, but I am no expert on the undead."
Lumen shares the memory of the will-o-wisp being gone.
He's ready to move along to the next room and try to clear the keep and the city. "I am glad to have done this and helped your people but I would like to begin the trek back before not too long. We have a lot to do."
"Of course," Aelar says as he leads you out of the library and back into the large entry hall. "There is one more room on this floor."
Walking across the large defaced floor mosaic, the elf leads you to the room on the opposite corner of the armory. Opening the door, you are met with thin shafts of light that pierce this large stone chamber. The light illuminates thousands of dust particles that drift through the air. You can make out the outlines of bunk beds and trunks, although they’re covered with dust and cobwebs. A few moth eaten rugs cover the grimy cobblestone floor.
"This room was a barracks that was used by the previous elves that lived here. We have our own sleeping quarters upstairs, and so for the most part, this chamber is mostly unused by us."
Lumen sniffs, sneezes, and looks around briefly, not wanting to obviously loot in front of Aelar. "No one's been here for a while, it seems. Upstairs then?"
"It seems strange that Fivin would use this room," Silver muses. "He must have his own accomodation upstairs. What could be in here that he has use for? Clearly he has not made an attempt to clean the room for more regular use."
Can Silver see any places where the dust has been cleared away, or moved?
"I could understand if he wanted his own private study or practice room or something, but Silver is right. If he does use this room, why not clean it?" Nym will assist Silver in investigating, murmuring a prayer to Eilistraee under her breath as she does so. Before cursing at her lack of finding anything and then taking time to cast Detect Magic, just to be thorough.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lumen sees Silver and Nym taking care and trying to observe where dust has been disturbed. After a minute of watching them use brains and care to examine things, he grows impatient and walks over to the trunks and other containers and opens them one by one. (Lumen is impatient -- I am not!).
When Lumen opens the trunks, he finds that they are all empty, save for a disinfect musty smell, and by his deduction, there hasn't been anything inside them for a very long time.
Niether Nym nor Silver find anything unusual here, and there's nothing in this room that triggers Nym's arcane senses.
Aelar answers Nym, "I do not know what he does in here. Fivin can be a bit... eccentric. He is a scholar and chronicler, not a warrior. Compared to the rest of us, he has a peculiar style, but he is very knowledgable about history and matters of the arcane, so we have learned not to judge his methods."
Finding nothing unusual in this seemingly unused, dusty room, Aelar leads you back out into the main entry hall. You've now covered all of the rooms on the ground floor, and all that's left are the bedchambers upstairs, the Raven's Council up the other stairs, which is the room where you fought Duskbringer, and the four guard towers.
Nym was once again struck by the sheer multitude of tomes in the library and now in not so tense of a situation as when they had been here prior, she allowed herself to peruse. Two books caught her attention in particular. Of course Helpful Herbs and Their Habits was of interest to her but even as she had it in her hands and was flipping through the pages she heard Kess read off the elvish translation of Warriors of Sehanine Book III and couldn't help but stop and look up, moving to look over the other women's shoulders at the book. Putting the first one up back where she had pulled it from, she walked up to Kess and Chrys again saying, "Reading the book that Fivin wrote himself might shed some light on the situation. Even if not, I admit I'm curious about your group and would like to read more." Nodding to Aelar.
This was the most animated the drow had seen Vesper since meeting her and wondered if this was what she was normally like when not trudging through forests being stalked by a dragon. Pale lilac eyes flicking between the older elf and young half elf, Nym brought up, "I'm sure there's no rush for you to leave, Vesper. If that's something you're interested in I mean." Unsure if she was overstepping both on Vesper's behalf and Aelar's.
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Aelar nods and tells Lumen that he's free to borrow the Curse of the Wolf book.
At Nym's mention to Vesper, the young half elf looks at her and smiles, as she replies, "Perhaps you read my mind, Nym. I have actually been considering that very notion. I do like it here, and after the... the events of yesterday, I think I need some time to rest and reflect. This is a beautiful place, and I think spending some time here could heal my soul and perhaps give me some clarity on what the future holds for me. Of course, I would miss all of you, but I need to reconsider whether the adventuring life is for me, or if I just need some time to put myself back together after nearly being eaten by a dragon. Which, by the way, I would NOT recommend!"
"Of course, this would be up to Aelar. And of course, I'd be happy to help with whatever you need to help put things back together here."
Aelar answers with a kind voice, "After what you have done for us, my child, you are absolutely welcome to remain here for as long as you wish. In fact, I think it would be good for the children, too. They could use a breath of fresh air in their home after what we've gone through. Truth be told, so could I, and I think that Lia would feel the same way."
Aelar then turns to Nym and you see a more serious expression cross his face. His voice remains calm, though as he speaks.
"There is something that you should know about us, and I would rather you hear the secret from me than have you read it in one of our tomes."
"We are a cursed people. We are all infected with lycanthropy. All of us in our tribe, and it has been so for many many years, and that is why we choose to live in seclusion, away from civilization. It is often a difficult existence for us, but with the genuine love and sympathy of our goddess Sehanine Moonbow, we are able to live in peace and happiness despite our plight, for she has granted us with some control over our transformation. We repay her generous gift to us by dedicating ourselves to protecting this part of the forest an its inhabitants."
He then looks at you, obviously curious as to how you'll respond.
((OOC: I was totally about to have her say that she's completely down with them but I think I was thinking of Selune and her feelings on good aligned lycanthropes, not Eilistraee. What would Nym know about werewolves/Lycanthropes? Not sure if that's a History or Religion roll or what.))
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Nym
Nym has heard quite about about lycanthropy, which is certainly an affliction that is present in the world beneath the surface, although with quite as much prevalence. She knows that while many lycanthropes are inherently evil, as werewolves often are, there are some that actually display good tendencies, like many werebears are, although these statistics are hardly true all the time.
One gains the affliction, or curse, as many call it, after being wounded by a lycanthrope, or if one or both of its parents are lycanthropes. Nym has heard that a natural born lycanthrope can be freed of the curse only with a wish.
A humanoid that's overcome with lycanthropy, can either resist its curse or embrace it. By resisting the curse, a lycanthrope retains its normal moral compass and personality while in humanoid form. It lives its life as it always has, burying deep the bestial urges raging inside it. However, when the full moon rises, the curse becomes too strong to resist, transforming the individual into its beast form — or into a horrible hybrid form that combines animal and humanoid traits. When the moon wanes, the beast within can be controlled once again. Especially if the cursed creature is unaware of its condition, it might not remember the events of its transformation, though those memories often haunt a lycanthrope as bloody dreams.
Some individuals see little point in fighting the curse and accept what they are. With time and experience, they learn to master their shapechanging ability and can assume beast form or hybrid form at will. Most lycanthropes that embrace their bestial natures succumb to bloodlust, becoming evil, opportunistic creatures that prey on the weak.
Either way, in most cases, people who become lycanthropes usually flee civilized lands not long after becoming afflicted. Those that reject the curse fear what will happen if they remain among their friends and family. Those that embrace the curse fear discovery and the consequences of their murderous acts.
Meeting Vesper's smile with one of her own, Nym replied, "There is no shame in taking time to rest and reflect. It shows your wisdom." Hearing Aelar's response to Vesper set some of her worries about them overstepping at ease. Though just as she began to relax, the elf dropped quite the revelation on them. Blinking several times, Nym tried to keep any emotion off her expression as the information truly began to sink in. Practically subconsciously, the drow began to shift herself between Vesper and Aelar before saying, "I think you'll understand my reasoning in me asking if Vesper would be safe here should she stay." Pale lilac eyes flicking between Aelar's as she tried to get a read on him. "You did say "some" control, after all."
Her hand twitching, not towards her blade but rather in the midst of almost making the somatic gesture for a spell, though few would likely recognize that it was for Zone of Truth. Not casting it, but just on the verge of feeling that she should.
Does Nym believe him? Insight: 19
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Aelar answers Nym, keeping a very calm tone in his voice.
"I fully understand your need for concern, but I can assure you, your friend is safe here, and the invitation to have her remain as long as she wishes stands open. Regarding our affliction, our control is contingent upon our continued revere to Sehanine Moonbow above all other deities, a request that is easy for us to honor. With her blessing, we can change shape at will, and the only times we usually exercise this change is in battle. It gives us extra strength during those times, but we find no need to take the other shape while we are at our home and during times of peace."
"On rare occasion, a member of our tribe might change in an outburst of anger, but that is quite rare, and we are prepared for that if it does happen. Otherwise, we live our lives as our true elven selves."
Nym
Listening to Aelar, he seems very trustworthy, and you find no reason to doubt what he's saying, or that Vesper would be in any danger if she were to remain here.
Silver had waited while Aelar explained the elves' situation. Like Nym, initially concern gripped her - lycanthropy was a known curse, and she had heard stories of folk who had traveled as far as the Vale to separate themselves from more populous civilisation, though none in her lifetime. However as Aelar went on, the tension left Silver's body. If they had meant to attack, they would have done so by now, and would certainly have sent more than one of their number to do it. She sensed that they were a good people, doing their best. Though one thing jumped out at her...
"If I may ask," she opened, "we have heard previously of a now ruined werewolf city, Vehlarr. Is there a connection between Ravensglade and Vehlarr, or is it simply an unfortunate coincidence?"
She remembered how Velarken had claimed to Duskbringer that he had been betrayed by the people of Ravensglade Keep, though from what she had heard all of Velarken's dealings had been with Vehlarr. She suspected there was more to this than mere coincidence, but would be interested to hear what Aelar had to say.
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Aelar answers, and as he brushes his long copper locks away from his face, you see for the first time since you met at Dauric's tree, that he now wears a patch over the that he lost in the battle when Duskibringer first attacked the keep.
"The connection is that our tribe fought against the lycanthropic army that Velarken had amassed at with at Vehlarr with General Ikhal. That was where I was turned. I was the first of The Setting Sun, which is what we call ourselves, to be afflicted with this curse. When Velarkan later recruited Duskbringer, he brought his revenge to us here at our home in Ravenglade Keep, where we have lived for over a century."
"So it is sadly, not an unfortunate coincidence at all. It was retribution, and I fear that as long as Velarken's twisted soul remains in this world, he will keep trying to seek his revenge upon us. I do not know what form that will take next time, but he has been defeated for now."
Nodding along in interest at Aelar's explanation and eyebrows raising at the fact that their reverenced to this Sehanine Moonbow allowed them control over their curse. Realizing he was being very polite considering her rudeness, the drow bowed, "Thank you for explaining. I am glad that your tribe was able to find such balance. Forgive me if I seemed hostile. I...know all too well what it is like to be judged based on what you are. I should have judged you based on your actions." Raising her eyes to meet the older elf's, Nym hope her sincerity was evident.
Glancing to the side at Silver's question, her head tilted in interest, not having thought about that possible tie in. Lips thin at the thought of the shade still around she asked, "Did anyone happen to see any sign of the wisp during Duskbringer's final moments?" Not having been present. "With any luck it will take him over another century to gain enough strength to attempt another retaliation."
An errant thought then occurred to her and Nym murmured aloud, "I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Syllin and Faen growing up with such a curse. Though perhaps it was easier for them having been naturally as lycanthropes."
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
"Do you want this truth of your tribe to be known far and wide? I understand if not, but honestly, it's heroic what you have done and what you have facing you. It deserves to be told, trumpeted. And also, if there is any chance that it becoming more well-known makes it easier to fight and defeat Velarken, well, it seems worth it." Lumen says.
He also tries to think back to the last moments of the battle with Duskbringer and what he remembers about what happened to the will-o-wisp.
Lumen remembers that when Duskbringer fell from the roof and you went outside to finish her off, you noticed that the will-o-wisp was gone. There's no evidence that indicates whether ithe undead spirit of Velarken died or merely left upon realizing that the dragon was of no more use to him.
Aelar answers Nym, "I take no offense, and you are correct that even those who are judged themselves often revert to judging others. It seems to be the nature of us all, but we can all strive to do better and consider folk by their actions ant not other criteria, which may often be misleading."
"Regarding Faen and Syllin, they seem to have grown up with little consequences or negative effects of their affliction. It is all they know. Occasionally, they will transform into a hybrid form when they fell they're lives are threatened, which gives them more strength and fighting prowess. However, like the rest of us, they are able to control their change and from what I've seen, it doesn't affect them much, thanks to our Goddess of the Moonlight."
"As for the spirit of Velarken, there is no telling what a being like that is still capable of. With his host and army gone, I don't know if he would linger here, still looking for his revenge, or if he would simply move on. In my heart, I think that, being the twisted soul that he is, he would seek revenge on us somehow, but I am no expert on the undead."
Lumen shares the memory of the will-o-wisp being gone.
He's ready to move along to the next room and try to clear the keep and the city. "I am glad to have done this and helped your people but I would like to begin the trek back before not too long. We have a lot to do."
"Of course," Aelar says as he leads you out of the library and back into the large entry hall. "There is one more room on this floor."
Walking across the large defaced floor mosaic, the elf leads you to the room on the opposite corner of the armory. Opening the door, you are met with thin shafts of light that pierce this large stone chamber. The light illuminates thousands of dust particles that drift through the air. You can make out the outlines of bunk beds and trunks, although they’re covered with dust and cobwebs. A few moth eaten rugs cover the grimy cobblestone floor.
"This room was a barracks that was used by the previous elves that lived here. We have our own sleeping quarters upstairs, and so for the most part, this chamber is mostly unused by us."
Lumen sniffs, sneezes, and looks around briefly, not wanting to obviously loot in front of Aelar. "No one's been here for a while, it seems. Upstairs then?"
Aelar remarks, "Come to think of it, I believe that I have seen Fivin use this room, but for what, I do not know."
"It seems strange that Fivin would use this room," Silver muses. "He must have his own accomodation upstairs. What could be in here that he has use for? Clearly he has not made an attempt to clean the room for more regular use."
Can Silver see any places where the dust has been cleared away, or moved?
Investigation: 11
Perception: 10
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
"I could understand if he wanted his own private study or practice room or something, but Silver is right. If he does use this room, why not clean it?" Nym will assist Silver in investigating, murmuring a prayer to Eilistraee under her breath as she does so. Before cursing at her lack of finding anything and then taking time to cast Detect Magic, just to be thorough.
Investigation with Guidance: 7
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Lumen sees Silver and Nym taking care and trying to observe where dust has been disturbed. After a minute of watching them use brains and care to examine things, he grows impatient and walks over to the trunks and other containers and opens them one by one. (Lumen is impatient -- I am not!).
Investigation: 18
When Lumen opens the trunks, he finds that they are all empty, save for a disinfect musty smell, and by his deduction, there hasn't been anything inside them for a very long time.
Niether Nym nor Silver find anything unusual here, and there's nothing in this room that triggers Nym's arcane senses.
Aelar answers Nym, "I do not know what he does in here. Fivin can be a bit... eccentric. He is a scholar and chronicler, not a warrior. Compared to the rest of us, he has a peculiar style, but he is very knowledgable about history and matters of the arcane, so we have learned not to judge his methods."
Finding nothing unusual in this seemingly unused, dusty room, Aelar leads you back out into the main entry hall. You've now covered all of the rooms on the ground floor, and all that's left are the bedchambers upstairs, the Raven's Council up the other stairs, which is the room where you fought Duskbringer, and the four guard towers.
He asks,
"Where should we proceed next?"