Razgerah points to the end of the hall where Varus headed to, and he nods, then going to back up Varus, speaking half over his shoulder. "I'll come down and speak with you after breakfast."
It remains quiet, and they allow you an hour to recuperate. A darker, blue skinned half elf with the apparent age of a teenager enters from the west wing in a few minutes. He wears ranger's equipment emblazoned with regalia matching Razegerah's breastplate. His expression looks none too pleased to be here. In one hand, he holds a bow, and in the other, a few scrolls. He looks to you as you speak to him in greeting, with bright yellow eyes and long, warm bronze hair. He only frowns in response, avoiding your eyes thereafter. He sets the scrolls on the table. Ron speaks in a hush to the group, even as the half-elf listens. "This is Aelar. He's..."
Aelar interrupts him as he picks up a scroll with one hand, continuing to hold his bow. "I know what you are, Mr. Pallando. Miss... Lavendar... she told me before lights out."
Ron stares at Aelar with a furrowed brow. Aelar raises a finger toward Ron with his bow-hand as though to delay any response as he begins reading the scroll. Right away, his voice seems to echo as though in a cavern, and the scroll brightens and burns away in a golden light, leaving an aura around his hand. He gently touches Anahn, the bulk of his burns sizzling with golden wisps of energy back into healthy skin. He quickly picks up another scroll, keeping his bow in hand, and repeats with Van. (18 healing Anahn, 15 healing Van)
The young half-elf swipes the last scroll, merely glancing at Amandil before turning on his heel to return to the stairs. "You didn't have to risk your lives, little heros. My father could have handled it."
Ron looks down, sighing as the half-elf quietly returns to the west wing. "That boy is what's keeping her here."
((Another chance at an hour's rest. As Razgerah suggested, the other staff offer you breakfast, the wonderful smell of pancakes coming from the open doors. For now, they seem unaware of the fate of the servant.))
Anahn will let out a deep sigh and give a deep thanks to the half elf healing him, flexing his hands as sensation replaces the pain from before. Looking between both Aelar and Ron at their tense interaction, he will look to Ron with sympathy as the young half elf leaves the room. Once they have the room to themselves, and with Ron, Anahn will sit next to the older stranger. With a huff, he will casually look to Ron before asking in a tired but quiet voice, “I hope your situation with that young man won’t complicate things Ron. Bad enough we got attacked the moment we’d entered, can’t have drama as well.” He says the last part with a humorous tone, hoping not to make Ron feel attacked but genuinely worried that they’ve entered a complicated situation that his treasure hunting group may be better off avoiding. Throughout this conversation and rest Anahn will indulge himself, devouring any food delivered to him with gusto. He always remembers to give a kind thanks to the servants delivering his food to him as he does so.
(Van took 1 HD short rest but I'm not rolling. After healing scroll I was only down 2 HP so I'm back at full)
Choosing to ignore the half-elf's spoiled brat tone he thanks him and finds a place at the table for breakfast. For being so small Van tucks away a good amount of food.
Ron tries to get some rest while waiting, barely eating the food brought for him. "He was raised well- I trust he won't endanger anything. Considering his revelation, I think we can afford him a little tolerance for his indignity. I implore you to find a way to convince the Lady to depart."
Shortly after breakfast, Razgerah and Varus come, a few things in their hands. Razgerah speaks as he comes down the stairs. "The oozes erupted from the shield without any reason. I have reason to believe these are safe to use, and would like to lend them to you. Adventurers, perhaps you'd be willing to do some adventuring?" The two of them lay down four things; a map, a green metallic whip, a gnarled wand, and an arcane tome that vanishes when you look directly at it. Varus unrolls the map, and motions for you to look upon it, pulling out a chair for Van to stand on to see.
"Sir Razgerah and I agree, the current situation calls for attention to a few places nearby. Our first priority, however, is in the town. The constables asked for our help and it seems warranted. I'll gather the militia. As outsiders, we believe you would be most useful if you were to check these locations as soon as possible." He points to C on the map.
"First, this is Fort Riachy. There is a small detachment there that we need to recall to the town. If you show them these weapons, they'll trust you when you say we sent you. Then, this is a special training ground." He points to F and looks to Razgerah.
Razgerah leans forward, hands on the table and looking at the map. "The master there might have some useful information regarding the time phenomenon. Even if he does not, we need to know if something happened to him. The Alliance would like to get their hands on him, even if the war is over. It would be best for everyone for that not to happen. He is too dangerous a man to let his contingencies go into action."
Varus sighs, shaking his head in disapproval. Without comment on that, however, he points to J. "This is a special Gatehouse. It protects a one-way portal out of Empyrean. If something were to happen here, that is our last resort evacuation plan. We need to know if it still works."
Razgerah looks up to you. "Of course, you'll be paid handsomely for your timely aid. I'll lend you these relics toward this end. Each of these were made by or chiefly used by Heroics long ago."
He stands straight, lifting up the whip and the wand, offering them to Anahn and Amandil, respectively. Varus pushes the tome, without looking at it, on the table toward Van. "I am needed elsewhere. Is there anything you need to know?"
Ron clears his throat. "I don't mean to press the issue, but I do hope you've reconsidered what I said yesterday. With a wagon, I can bring proof. It would need escort, though... if you'd lend the detachment from Fort Riachy or from our new friends."He turns away, showing he didn't mean to discuss the matter further.
Sir Razgerah frowns at Ron, but returns his attention to you three.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Anahn will gently take the metallic whip from Sir Razgerah, examining it with interest and excitement. He can already feel his mind analyzing how best he may use it, and how he plans to train using both this and a scimitar. For those watching they notice a childlike excitement in Anahn as he begins to slightly rest out his new found weapon. Unconsciously making whipping sounds every time, though he thinks they’re just in his head. He catches himself however once noticing this may not be the time and awkwardly coughs, straightening his posture. He speaks up as his hosts finish explaining what, to him, sounds like a well laid out plan of attack for their short stay here. “I can get behind this plan, seems like a great way to get as much done in the short amount of time we may have. It helps that we’d also be working for a greater cause, but it’s even better that we might learn some more as we go! And I wouldn’t mind helping Ron if it’s already on our way, or would it pull us away from our main goals?” Anahn then looks to both of his companions with a big smile and says, “But we do work as a team, so my two friends must also find this to be what we need to do.” Anahn will then closely watch Sir Razgerah throughout the discussion, his position of power and natural instinct to give out orders that he naturally expects will be followed rubbing Anahn the wrong way. He is also interested by the dynamic between him and Ron. There must something to this lord...(Insight:16)
Van eyes the items with interest. "Thank you SIr. We appreciate your confidence in us. Is there anything more you can tell us about these items? (Van will ritual cast Identify if not. Starting with the tome and on all 3 if they have the 1/2 hour). Anahn speaks for me as well."
Recognizing that look that Anahn sometimes gets when he's trying to figure something out Van will refrain from speaking further as to not distract his friend.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Once Amandil shares his piece regarding the mission, )
After watching Razgerah throughout the discussion Anahn will nervously rub the palms of his hands on his trousers before saying with as upbeat a tone he can muster, “However excellent the plan may be good sirs, it is still quite a lot of information to take in! I hope it wouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience if we could have some time to ourselves to discuss? And perhaps explore these new gifts you’ve been so kind to grant us?” (If needed, Persuasion: 4)
If given time to themselves Anahn will share his insights on what had taken place during his observation of the meeting. He talks of how Razgerah is definitely withholding information regarding the master, and that Varus' reaction had all but confirmed it. Anahn also talks about how, to him, Razgerah seemed very confident that he's not risking a lot in this situation. His intent with the weapons seeming to be true. Though Anahn is 100% confident that whatever he has in mind, it has little or nothing to do with the relics themselves. Throughout this kind of outburst of information Anahn has been pacing back and forth, his hands moving rapidly to keep up with his words. Suddenly he takes a seat and watches the main door of the chamber as he places a hand atop the area where his heart would be. Slightly disoriented being lost in the memory, Anahn catches himself then explains to Amandil and Van of the strange vision he’d felt during the meeting. Of how he’d felt a sudden flash in his mind when he’d realized that Razgerah’s focus was not on the relics, the flashing leading to a vision of the young half-elf emerging from a shadow in the forest, grinning with wicked intent. Anahn appears panicked, his hands shaking, as he describes that despite the vision only being seconds long he can still clearly remember the absolute terror. Of how he’d felt truly terrified of the boy, about how he just knew for some unknown reason that the boy could‘ve killed him, right then and there. And that he was only alive because the half elf was satisfied enough with his fear.
After the healing and resting, his friends have recovered quite a bit, but his own resources were still quite depleted. Unlikely they'd have a chance to sleep anytime soon, though. Amandil accepted the wand. "Thank you. We'll accept the mission, of course. We'll visit these places in the order you suggested, starting with Fort Riachy,since you know the area and we don't. What do these items do?"
Once they were alone, he went into his motivational speech routine again. At least there was that much he could do.
"You've heard of weapons becoming extensions of the self? Living Link actually does, conveying a sense of itself to its user. It possesses no intelligence, nor any locomotion, but it does feel as though an added part of the body, without pain or strange sensation. If you've a good sense of self, you can use the weapon to perform such precise blows as a master who has practiced years with the same whip, with such ease as though reaching out and touching with a finger. The tool seems to do more than move as a whip should within itself, and can crack with the force of a warhammer with it's weight. It's Heroic was a master of survival, whom traversed many worlds rife with natural disaster in search of a temple that possessed secrets of the Alpha. It is said that the Heroic surrendered Living Link to his people to enter the temple and was never heard of again- and that a part of him not allowed in the temple remained with it."
He turns to Amandil.
"The Wand of the Wishwood Dryad possesses the power to aid it's wielder with potent druidic powers proportionate to the potency of the wielder, somewhat exceeding them. It channels power both helpful and destructive, but doesn't behave predictably. Nonetheless, it was made to follow the will of its user and responds to commands... hmm... CenaCeu against enemies, and CenenRo for allies. And then the shapeshift command, OntCerr, which also is unpredictable. It was gifted to the dryad's most beloved when she foretold that she would have to go on an epic journey from her world in anticipation of encroaching threats, in fear that the ensuing battles would cause devastation to her world. Though her beloved have long since passed on, her tree still stands on her world, and legend says the wand will some day find itself in the hands of another the dryad will come to love- and that user is the one who can control the wand's powers exactly as he wills."
He looks to Van, glancing toward the tome as he does so, though he seems to try not to.
"The Arcane Diary of Ashtoreth is easily the most potent. Within its pages are an unknown, vast compendium of spells- perhaps every spell that ever has or will exist- and not just that, but the perfected forms of them. To wizards, it reveals the form of their spells made in various ways that include the powers of sorcerers- metamagic of various kinds applied to the spells they prepared. And with it, a portion of the awareness of the presumed-dead Heroic, a psionic who had no magical talent herself. This awareness lends its power directly to the user, giving them a weaker telekinesis at will. It was created by a very powerful wizard who created numerous tomes to catalogue and sort the memories of this psionic whom breached the veil of reality to take a long look into the mysteries of the beyond in an attempt to piece her mind back together. This particular tome contained the arcane mysteries. Despite the protections of the wizard and the psionic, the tome was stolen, but one protection remained. The tome itself refused to reveal any insight to the thieves, who eventually sold it as curio. After a long history of subsequent owners and never returning to the wizard or psionic, it seems to have resigned itself as an immortal and indestructible tome and lends bits of power to its various owners when promised adventure. It cannot act on its own, except for control over allowing its secrets to be seen."
With that, he gestures to the balcony where one of the servants now stoically cleans up the charred body. "Feel free to use the guest room for privacy. Last door in the hall, third floor."
((You'll each be attuned to the items after Amandil's speech. I'll PM the particulars of the items. Don't forget your potions, off the top of my head you have two that provide the effects of a full rest with a short rest, though the rest must be uninterrupted or the potion is wasted. You might be able to get more of that from a certain someone you know...))
When Van puts his hand on the book he gets a far away look in his eyes. Similar to how he looks when identifying an item. (ooc: In a conversation in my head. I'll post and reply when it's finished)
Amandil concentrated on establishing a connection with the wand they were provided. It was quite powerful and versatile, though somewhat random, and he spent some time thinking of ways to use its powers. He hoped, though, that it wouldn't just decide to animate and attack them like that shield and figurine did.
When everyone seemed to be done resting, he asked. "Shall we go, then? Ron, are you with us?"
Van finally coming back to himself says "Well, that is a most unusual experience." Seeing the look on Anahn face he's sure he must have had a similar experience. Then hearing of this vision he put his hand on Anahn's shoulder "It's alright my friend. Was the half elf you saw Aeler?"
Van also shares his experience. "The book has a unique personality and shared some important information. There are 2 things that I need to share with you all. First is that the time stop in this world is not arcane in nature. There are also things here that are hunting the living. Her way of speaking is a little on and often presented in images but she refereed to the hunters as 'spectacular'. She also says they are near. Not in this building but in a building somewhere close. Although I must say that she doesn't necessarily perceive distance the same way we do."
Van rubs his hand over the books cover in a reverent way "You will also see that my spells will be delivered with greater power and skill with her help"
Van thanks Amandil for the extra rest (HP) and replies "I am ready to continue on"
Anahn will pull his companions away from Ron for a brief moment, explaining to him with as genuine a smile he can muster that it’s inter-group business. Once alone with Amandil and Van, he shares with a worried look on his face and loudly whispered voice, “There’s much going on in this world we do not understand, sure these people are helpful and they grant us useful equipment but I cannot say that I trust them. Razgerah keeps many secrets, and yes the half elf I’d seen was Aelar. That alone has me hesitant to trust Razgerah, and even Ron if I’m being honest because I’m pretty sure that Aelar is his son. If I get that natural instinct of terror from the young one then perhaps Ron is simply hiding a more dangerous side of himself." Anahn begins to pace, wiping his sweaty hands onto his trousers as he does so before continuing, "I’m sorry if I’m being difficult but I just cannot shake the feeling that we can’t trust them, and that to them we are nothing but expendable tools. How much do we even know about these men before this war that’d stopped their time? Nothing but what they’ve told us that's what, what are we even getting ourselves into?” Anahn says in a single breath, his words spoken rapidly and with a lot of hand gestures to go with it.
Finishing his little tirade Anahn runs his hands through his long black hair in pure nervous energy, his eyes wide and looking to his companions, desperate for some answers. He suddenly stops pacing with a bright look in his eyes, “Also if we ever need potions we can return to Eleana through the portal! It'd be great to see Eleana again, if even for a brief moment! She probably has something amazing already cooked up!”
Amandil nodded gravely. "We're in deep waters, so we need to find a way to balance on the surface. Thanks for letting us know, Anahn. We should be careful and not step on anyone's toes. The relations - and relationships - between these people don't have anything to do with us. If that young man was afraid, there could be various reasons why, and not all of them have bad repercussions for us. You know? Maybe he's afraid of his secret getting out..?
So let's not panic. We've been treated pretty well so far and I'm for finding a way of working with these people, rather than against them."
Van nods "What's that saying about being forewarned. I think if we stay cautious and expect traps or tricks around every corner we will be OK. I don't mind going on our own. I trust you both but I think we can find out more about what's going on by doing what the Razgerah asks"
Anahn will stop in his tracks and reply, “I trust the both of you with my life and if you say this is our path, then it is what we will do. Just keep an eye on Ron if he joins us, we can only trust each other. Let’s just get what we need while we’re here and make it home.” He says this with as serious a look on his face as he can muster.
"That sounds good to me Anahn" Van says. "I'm concerned about the short amount of time we have here but consulting with Eleana and the others may be valuable. I agree a brief visit with them is a good idea"
Razgerah points to the end of the hall where Varus headed to, and he nods, then going to back up Varus, speaking half over his shoulder. "I'll come down and speak with you after breakfast."
It remains quiet, and they allow you an hour to recuperate. A darker, blue skinned half elf with the apparent age of a teenager enters from the west wing in a few minutes. He wears ranger's equipment emblazoned with regalia matching Razegerah's breastplate. His expression looks none too pleased to be here. In one hand, he holds a bow, and in the other, a few scrolls. He looks to you as you speak to him in greeting, with bright yellow eyes and long, warm bronze hair. He only frowns in response, avoiding your eyes thereafter. He sets the scrolls on the table. Ron speaks in a hush to the group, even as the half-elf listens. "This is Aelar. He's..."
Aelar interrupts him as he picks up a scroll with one hand, continuing to hold his bow. "I know what you are, Mr. Pallando. Miss... Lavendar... she told me before lights out."
Ron stares at Aelar with a furrowed brow. Aelar raises a finger toward Ron with his bow-hand as though to delay any response as he begins reading the scroll. Right away, his voice seems to echo as though in a cavern, and the scroll brightens and burns away in a golden light, leaving an aura around his hand. He gently touches Anahn, the bulk of his burns sizzling with golden wisps of energy back into healthy skin. He quickly picks up another scroll, keeping his bow in hand, and repeats with Van. (18 healing Anahn, 15 healing Van)
The young half-elf swipes the last scroll, merely glancing at Amandil before turning on his heel to return to the stairs. "You didn't have to risk your lives, little heros. My father could have handled it."
Ron looks down, sighing as the half-elf quietly returns to the west wing. "That boy is what's keeping her here."
((Another chance at an hour's rest. As Razgerah suggested, the other staff offer you breakfast, the wonderful smell of pancakes coming from the open doors. For now, they seem unaware of the fate of the servant.))
ooc: Song of Rest in case any HD's get rolled to restore hp. Everyone who does gets an extra 1d6 hp.
A look of interest in and concern about the relationships here completely failed to cross Amandil's face. He really didn't want to know.
"Thank you very much." He said to the half-elf's back. While they rested, he played a soothing melody on his lute.
Anahn will let out a deep sigh and give a deep thanks to the half elf healing him, flexing his hands as sensation replaces the pain from before. Looking between both Aelar and Ron at their tense interaction, he will look to Ron with sympathy as the young half elf leaves the room. Once they have the room to themselves, and with Ron, Anahn will sit next to the older stranger. With a huff, he will casually look to Ron before asking in a tired but quiet voice, “I hope your situation with that young man won’t complicate things Ron. Bad enough we got attacked the moment we’d entered, can’t have drama as well.” He says the last part with a humorous tone, hoping not to make Ron feel attacked but genuinely worried that they’ve entered a complicated situation that his treasure hunting group may be better off avoiding.
Throughout this conversation and rest Anahn will indulge himself, devouring any food delivered to him with gusto. He always remembers to give a kind thanks to the servants delivering his food to him as he does so.
SR HD: 11 + 5
(Van took 1 HD short rest but I'm not rolling. After healing scroll I was only down 2 HP so I'm back at full)
Choosing to ignore the half-elf's spoiled brat tone he thanks him and finds a place at the table for breakfast. For being so small Van tucks away a good amount of food.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Ron tries to get some rest while waiting, barely eating the food brought for him. "He was raised well- I trust he won't endanger anything. Considering his revelation, I think we can afford him a little tolerance for his indignity. I implore you to find a way to convince the Lady to depart."
Shortly after breakfast, Razgerah and Varus come, a few things in their hands. Razgerah speaks as he comes down the stairs. "The oozes erupted from the shield without any reason. I have reason to believe these are safe to use, and would like to lend them to you. Adventurers, perhaps you'd be willing to do some adventuring?" The two of them lay down four things; a map, a green metallic whip, a gnarled wand, and an arcane tome that vanishes when you look directly at it. Varus unrolls the map, and motions for you to look upon it, pulling out a chair for Van to stand on to see.
"Sir Razgerah and I agree, the current situation calls for attention to a few places nearby. Our first priority, however, is in the town. The constables asked for our help and it seems warranted. I'll gather the militia. As outsiders, we believe you would be most useful if you were to check these locations as soon as possible." He points to C on the map.
"First, this is Fort Riachy. There is a small detachment there that we need to recall to the town. If you show them these weapons, they'll trust you when you say we sent you. Then, this is a special training ground." He points to F and looks to Razgerah.
Razgerah leans forward, hands on the table and looking at the map. "The master there might have some useful information regarding the time phenomenon. Even if he does not, we need to know if something happened to him. The Alliance would like to get their hands on him, even if the war is over. It would be best for everyone for that not to happen. He is too dangerous a man to let his contingencies go into action."
Varus sighs, shaking his head in disapproval. Without comment on that, however, he points to J. "This is a special Gatehouse. It protects a one-way portal out of Empyrean. If something were to happen here, that is our last resort evacuation plan. We need to know if it still works."
Razgerah looks up to you. "Of course, you'll be paid handsomely for your timely aid. I'll lend you these relics toward this end. Each of these were made by or chiefly used by Heroics long ago."
He stands straight, lifting up the whip and the wand, offering them to Anahn and Amandil, respectively. Varus pushes the tome, without looking at it, on the table toward Van. "I am needed elsewhere. Is there anything you need to know?"
Ron clears his throat. "I don't mean to press the issue, but I do hope you've reconsidered what I said yesterday. With a wagon, I can bring proof. It would need escort, though... if you'd lend the detachment from Fort Riachy or from our new friends." He turns away, showing he didn't mean to discuss the matter further.
Sir Razgerah frowns at Ron, but returns his attention to you three.
Anahn will gently take the metallic whip from Sir Razgerah, examining it with interest and excitement. He can already feel his mind analyzing how best he may use it, and how he plans to train using both this and a scimitar. For those watching they notice a childlike excitement in Anahn as he begins to slightly rest out his new found weapon. Unconsciously making whipping sounds every time, though he thinks they’re just in his head. He catches himself however once noticing this may not be the time and awkwardly coughs, straightening his posture.
He speaks up as his hosts finish explaining what, to him, sounds like a well laid out plan of attack for their short stay here. “I can get behind this plan, seems like a great way to get as much done in the short amount of time we may have. It helps that we’d also be working for a greater cause, but it’s even better that we might learn some more as we go! And I wouldn’t mind helping Ron if it’s already on our way, or would it pull us away from our main goals?” Anahn then looks to both of his companions with a big smile and says, “But we do work as a team, so my two friends must also find this to be what we need to do.”
Anahn will then closely watch Sir Razgerah throughout the discussion, his position of power and natural instinct to give out orders that he naturally expects will be followed rubbing Anahn the wrong way. He is also interested by the dynamic between him and Ron. There must something to this lord...(Insight:16)
Van eyes the items with interest. "Thank you SIr. We appreciate your confidence in us. Is there anything more you can tell us about these items? (Van will ritual cast Identify if not. Starting with the tome and on all 3 if they have the 1/2 hour). Anahn speaks for me as well."
Recognizing that look that Anahn sometimes gets when he's trying to figure something out Van will refrain from speaking further as to not distract his friend.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
(Once Amandil shares his piece regarding the mission, )
After watching Razgerah throughout the discussion Anahn will nervously rub the palms of his hands on his trousers before saying with as upbeat a tone he can muster, “However excellent the plan may be good sirs, it is still quite a lot of information to take in! I hope it wouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience if we could have some time to ourselves to discuss? And perhaps explore these new gifts you’ve been so kind to grant us?” (If needed, Persuasion: 4)
If given time to themselves Anahn will share his insights on what had taken place during his observation of the meeting. He talks of how Razgerah is definitely withholding information regarding the master, and that Varus' reaction had all but confirmed it. Anahn also talks about how, to him, Razgerah seemed very confident that he's not risking a lot in this situation. His intent with the weapons seeming to be true. Though Anahn is 100% confident that whatever he has in mind, it has little or nothing to do with the relics themselves. Throughout this kind of outburst of information Anahn has been pacing back and forth, his hands moving rapidly to keep up with his words.
Suddenly he takes a seat and watches the main door of the chamber as he places a hand atop the area where his heart would be. Slightly disoriented being lost in the memory, Anahn catches himself then explains to Amandil and Van of the strange vision he’d felt during the meeting. Of how he’d felt a sudden flash in his mind when he’d realized that Razgerah’s focus was not on the relics, the flashing leading to a vision of the young half-elf emerging from a shadow in the forest, grinning with wicked intent. Anahn appears panicked, his hands shaking, as he describes that despite the vision only being seconds long he can still clearly remember the absolute terror. Of how he’d felt truly terrified of the boy, about how he just knew for some unknown reason that the boy could‘ve killed him, right then and there. And that he was only alive because the half elf was satisfied enough with his fear.
ooc: Inspiring Leader to give everyone 7 temp HP.
After the healing and resting, his friends have recovered quite a bit, but his own resources were still quite depleted. Unlikely they'd have a chance to sleep anytime soon, though. Amandil accepted the wand. "Thank you. We'll accept the mission, of course. We'll visit these places in the order you suggested, starting with Fort Riachy, since you know the area and we don't. What do these items do?"
Once they were alone, he went into his motivational speech routine again. At least there was that much he could do.
Razgerah nods, first gesturing to Anahn.
"You've heard of weapons becoming extensions of the self? Living Link actually does, conveying a sense of itself to its user. It possesses no intelligence, nor any locomotion, but it does feel as though an added part of the body, without pain or strange sensation. If you've a good sense of self, you can use the weapon to perform such precise blows as a master who has practiced years with the same whip, with such ease as though reaching out and touching with a finger. The tool seems to do more than move as a whip should within itself, and can crack with the force of a warhammer with it's weight. It's Heroic was a master of survival, whom traversed many worlds rife with natural disaster in search of a temple that possessed secrets of the Alpha. It is said that the Heroic surrendered Living Link to his people to enter the temple and was never heard of again- and that a part of him not allowed in the temple remained with it."
He turns to Amandil.
"The Wand of the Wishwood Dryad possesses the power to aid it's wielder with potent druidic powers proportionate to the potency of the wielder, somewhat exceeding them. It channels power both helpful and destructive, but doesn't behave predictably. Nonetheless, it was made to follow the will of its user and responds to commands... hmm... CenaCeu against enemies, and CenenRo for allies. And then the shapeshift command, OntCerr, which also is unpredictable. It was gifted to the dryad's most beloved when she foretold that she would have to go on an epic journey from her world in anticipation of encroaching threats, in fear that the ensuing battles would cause devastation to her world. Though her beloved have long since passed on, her tree still stands on her world, and legend says the wand will some day find itself in the hands of another the dryad will come to love- and that user is the one who can control the wand's powers exactly as he wills."
He looks to Van, glancing toward the tome as he does so, though he seems to try not to.
"The Arcane Diary of Ashtoreth is easily the most potent. Within its pages are an unknown, vast compendium of spells- perhaps every spell that ever has or will exist- and not just that, but the perfected forms of them. To wizards, it reveals the form of their spells made in various ways that include the powers of sorcerers- metamagic of various kinds applied to the spells they prepared. And with it, a portion of the awareness of the presumed-dead Heroic, a psionic who had no magical talent herself. This awareness lends its power directly to the user, giving them a weaker telekinesis at will. It was created by a very powerful wizard who created numerous tomes to catalogue and sort the memories of this psionic whom breached the veil of reality to take a long look into the mysteries of the beyond in an attempt to piece her mind back together. This particular tome contained the arcane mysteries. Despite the protections of the wizard and the psionic, the tome was stolen, but one protection remained. The tome itself refused to reveal any insight to the thieves, who eventually sold it as curio. After a long history of subsequent owners and never returning to the wizard or psionic, it seems to have resigned itself as an immortal and indestructible tome and lends bits of power to its various owners when promised adventure. It cannot act on its own, except for control over allowing its secrets to be seen."
With that, he gestures to the balcony where one of the servants now stoically cleans up the charred body. "Feel free to use the guest room for privacy. Last door in the hall, third floor."
((You'll each be attuned to the items after Amandil's speech. I'll PM the particulars of the items. Don't forget your potions, off the top of my head you have two that provide the effects of a full rest with a short rest, though the rest must be uninterrupted or the potion is wasted. You might be able to get more of that from a certain someone you know...))
When Van puts his hand on the book he gets a far away look in his eyes. Similar to how he looks when identifying an item. (ooc: In a conversation in my head. I'll post and reply when it's finished)
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Amandil concentrated on establishing a connection with the wand they were provided. It was quite powerful and versatile, though somewhat random, and he spent some time thinking of ways to use its powers. He hoped, though, that it wouldn't just decide to animate and attack them like that shield and figurine did.
When everyone seemed to be done resting, he asked. "Shall we go, then? Ron, are you with us?"
Van finally coming back to himself says "Well, that is a most unusual experience." Seeing the look on Anahn face he's sure he must have had a similar experience. Then hearing of this vision he put his hand on Anahn's shoulder "It's alright my friend. Was the half elf you saw Aeler?"
Van also shares his experience. "The book has a unique personality and shared some important information. There are 2 things that I need to share with you all. First is that the time stop in this world is not arcane in nature. There are also things here that are hunting the living. Her way of speaking is a little on and often presented in images but she refereed to the hunters as 'spectacular'. She also says they are near. Not in this building but in a building somewhere close. Although I must say that she doesn't necessarily perceive distance the same way we do."
Van rubs his hand over the books cover in a reverent way "You will also see that my spells will be delivered with greater power and skill with her help"
Van thanks Amandil for the extra rest (HP) and replies "I am ready to continue on"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Rin acknowledges his readiness. "I have all I need. Shall we?"
Anahn will pull his companions away from Ron for a brief moment, explaining to him with as genuine a smile he can muster that it’s inter-group business. Once alone with Amandil and Van, he shares with a worried look on his face and loudly whispered voice, “There’s much going on in this world we do not understand, sure these people are helpful and they grant us useful equipment but I cannot say that I trust them. Razgerah keeps many secrets, and yes the half elf I’d seen was Aelar. That alone has me hesitant to trust Razgerah, and even Ron if I’m being honest because I’m pretty sure that Aelar is his son. If I get that natural instinct of terror from the young one then perhaps Ron is simply hiding a more dangerous side of himself." Anahn begins to pace, wiping his sweaty hands onto his trousers as he does so before continuing, "I’m sorry if I’m being difficult but I just cannot shake the feeling that we can’t trust them, and that to them we are nothing but expendable tools. How much do we even know about these men before this war that’d stopped their time? Nothing but what they’ve told us that's what, what are we even getting ourselves into?” Anahn says in a single breath, his words spoken rapidly and with a lot of hand gestures to go with it.
Finishing his little tirade Anahn runs his hands through his long black hair in pure nervous energy, his eyes wide and looking to his companions, desperate for some answers. He suddenly stops pacing with a bright look in his eyes, “Also if we ever need potions we can return to Eleana through the portal! It'd be great to see Eleana again, if even for a brief moment! She probably has something amazing already cooked up!”
Amandil nodded gravely. "We're in deep waters, so we need to find a way to balance on the surface. Thanks for letting us know, Anahn. We should be careful and not step on anyone's toes. The relations - and relationships - between these people don't have anything to do with us. If that young man was afraid, there could be various reasons why, and not all of them have bad repercussions for us. You know? Maybe he's afraid of his secret getting out..?
So let's not panic. We've been treated pretty well so far and I'm for finding a way of working with these people, rather than against them."
Van nods "What's that saying about being forewarned. I think if we stay cautious and expect traps or tricks around every corner we will be OK. I don't mind going on our own. I trust you both but I think we can find out more about what's going on by doing what the Razgerah asks"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Anahn will stop in his tracks and reply, “I trust the both of you with my life and if you say this is our path, then it is what we will do. Just keep an eye on Ron if he joins us, we can only trust each other. Let’s just get what we need while we’re here and make it home.” He says this with as serious a look on his face as he can muster.
"That sounds good to me Anahn" Van says. "I'm concerned about the short amount of time we have here but consulting with Eleana and the others may be valuable. I agree a brief visit with them is a good idea"
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules