The elf appears pleased by the exchange between Bulwark and the Yuan, likely the only entertaining thing she had seen in a while, even if it had hostile undertones.The yuan seems like she is barely holding back a biting remark about 'never being able to 'feel' anything again, but since he had, in her mind, turned away from the conversation, she let it go - waiting only a few moments before grabbing a book in front of her that would need to be placed somewhere on the large shelf behind her.
The elf addressing Rose after she speaks of more important, dire issues. A frown gracing the casters lips at the news. Her posture straightening, as if what was a minor amusement of a situation had become a huge bother, though it also seemed like some dots had been connected, and her tongue lapped her teeth within her mouth. Ssethsara... can you go fetch the boy from upstairs? I think I finally understand what he was blabbering about.The Yuanti frustrated by the sudden and repeated interruptions hisses through her teeth but seems to come to a similar conclusion after a few passing moments. Starting to head for the stairwell with a swift 'gait.'
Bell steps forward, describing the details of what she saw when her spell had been cast, and the wizard racked her brain for a solid few minutes but ultimately shrugged, not recognizing it at all. Her mood was however shifting to more positive thoughts. I couldn't honestly say. But it sounds like the work of a cult of some sort. Who they worship though is anyone's guess. Looking back to the group gathered before her, with new interest. However....They say the stars align themselves at the most unusual times. But a boy came here about a week ago, from the Edificant Library off in the Snowflake Mountains near Tethyr. Kept babbling about some curse but the way he was going on, its clear the boy is .... Sheltered. Little did I expect that Letelian, and all these other events may indirectly coincide. I can't go with you, and if what you say is true I am not willing to risk myself for one of Mystra's chosen. If she can't control her own city, then she is unworthy of the mantle.
During this time, footsteps could be heard quickly coming down the stairs, though it seems the snake lady had chosen not to join them. He's a cleric.. or a preist... or so he claims, his name is.... Cadderly. he interrupted as he burst through the door.
He appeared young, and exciteable. His grey eyes sparkled with wonder, though it was tempered with worry at the moment. He wore the robes of a clergyman of Denier. Though he held many things that seemed odd. Aside from his satchel, he had a bandoleer across his shoulder containing what looked like darts, and his wrist was mounted with what seemed to be a crossbow of some sort, though it was tiny. Attatched to his belt was what appeared to be a Yo-Yo-like object, whatever purpose it served likely escaped most minds, though Bulwark might hazard a guess at the various trinkets. Of the Edificant library. I hear you have news of a certain problem arising? And that symbol you described sounds like something I recently encountered! please, let's swap stories in the Study over yonder. I'm sure our mutual friends would prefer to not continue to be disturbed! Shall we? We can trade information and see how we might aid one another!
He seems eager to go there, though if the party ultimately refused to leave he'd reluctantly speak here.
Rose wonders to herself if she should know the name of the man before her but settles for recognizing the library he spoke of. I see, well then yes I believe we can certainly help each other. Let's talk then. Rose follows Cadderly to the next room. Taking a seat somewhere comfortable she proceeds to retell the story of Silverymoon again if he needed the details. Regardless if he did or not she would ask You've encountered something similar have you not? Please tell us what happened and anything you might have learned about whatever this madness is. Perhaps between all of us we can find a source and put an end to it.
With an eager nod, and a bright, inquisitive smile, Cadderly heads to the study - down a hall opposite the kitchen path - opening, then, holding the door open like a proper gentleman for the two ladies, and shutting the door behind him before taking a seat near a few scrolls that he pushed out of the way, should the other two decide to sit as well as Rose begins to speak, him indeed wanting a retelling of what she experienced, though he asked for specifics where he could until he believed he had the full story. His eyes never seemed to lose that inquisitive luster even when darkened by the news.
He took on a ponderous position as he seemed to chew on the news, despite Rose's question, leaving her hanging for atleast several minutes before seemign to realize the question had been asked. Ah! Sorry, was thinking. I do a lot of that... he said seeming almost embarrassed. The man, in fact now that you had a better look at him, you saw he stood 6 feet tall, at just under 200 lbs, Cadderly was a notably handsome man. He had a warm smile, curly brown hair, and gray eyes that could cut through someone on the occasions that he got angry.....
He cleared his throat and nodded - placing his left elbow on the table as he looked to Rose, who seemed to be the 'talker' of the pair. (or Trio if Bulwark decided to join them) and said In... a sense. His smile falling to a guilt ridden glance... You could say I'm the reason it's happening. his eyes cast away even as he said it. I.. didn't mean to, but at the time I wasn't aware of what it was... or would do. A colleague of mine... Keirkan Rufo kicked me down the stairs of the Edificant Libraries cellar, into the catacombs... And though at first I was scared, I wandered in the darkness. Luckily I had this made.... he says, shifting a small tube with a cylinder base... sort of like if a UFO had a (for its size) comically large telescope poking out of it. And he twisted the tube a bit, though facing it away from the pair....
And a beam of light shot out, concentrated like a flashlight, and when twisting another part, the light expanded, and though its focus dimmed, its width grew. I had this specially made fo- Sorry i'm getting off topic... But I had this to aid me. After wandering there for what felt like hours, I located a room that seemed ... recently inhabited, and in the center of it was a vial. I felt drawn to it... and my curiosity took over... and a red mist or smoke began pouring from it... knocking me out from the potency. he sighed then, as he recalled the events after.
When I awoke, I found myself back in the library, as if it had never happened. Everything seemed normal for a while, and I left for a few days on an errand. When I returned, I found the library in a state of uproar.... People fornicating in the preistes of Sune's room.. obviously this is normal behavior for her kind... but not on this scale.... People gorging themselves to death, or seemingly cookingendless amounts of food.
Some were venting their frustrations beyond reason, like Ivan and Pikel... my close friends, they fight a lot but this fight seemed pointless. There are a myriad of other examples I could give - however, the long and short is .. after some time, I figured out that people seemed to have a desire of some sort, and then that desire gets amplified to the extreme. Even if it is ultimately to their detriment.
It's... possible to snap them out of it but the longer the exposure, the more the effect can wear on the mind, and ... the harder it becomes to resist. It's also possible to "Logic" people into other states.... I don't believe the curse does anything but amplify the immediate desire of the person. What I mean is... if you can convince them to be ... 'obsessed' with something else you can alter the course of what they do.
In some cases you can even bring them back to their senses... for a while. I do not know if spells work, for my spellcraft is weak.. I'm not a very good cleric. But just when I was about to defeat Barjin... the one who brought it upon the library, he managed to flee, with the vial.
It seems he set up somewhere in Silverymoon by your account. But if the curse is growing then... the longer we wait, the more dangerous this all becomes....
Rose takes in the news with some glee, happy to finally have something she can name as a source, something she can fight if need be to out an end to this problem plaguing her home. I see. Just who, or what, is this Barjin? Is he some sort of Djinn or Litch? Something else entirely? Can you describe him at all? Perhaps if we can find him, destroy or banish him, we can put an end to all this. And what happened to the Library since he left? Are the people there still suffering from the curse? I believe we can cure them, at least ling enough to get them somewhere where his influence isn't felt. It seems to be a poison, so spells protecting one from poison should work. Selûne has also granted me the ability to clear the minds of those around me from affects clouding their minds. It seemed to work in Silverymoon but it takes a lot out of me and I can't do it often or for very long but it definitely works.
Fallan looks the dwarven chef over once or twice, although her gaze did get pulled away from him toward the freshly hot loaf. Then she laughed and addressed the cook.
"A story it is you want? And from someone who is not a ne'er-do-well? Aren't those two things often extreme opposites? I mean, I am no bard and don't claim to be a storyteller of any skill or reknown, but I can likely pique your interest fairly easily... Suppose I were to tell you that, while I was drawn into your kitchen by the wonderful aroma of your bread, no sooner had I walked through the doorway than an unknown, eerie, disembodied voice filled my head telling me that YOU needed to be KILLED immediately, by ME! And this isn't the first time my brain has been assaulted, always seeming to thirst for the blood of those I might encounter. I fight any impulse that might accompany these unbidden thoughts, of course, but they plague me nonetheless. Who (or what) might the voice be? I don't know. Why it would want you attacked? I don't know. I only know that I have been traveling with my friends almost entirely to ensure I have some degree of protection should whatever is behind this actually attack me!"
Fallan paused to let her "story" sink in a bit, and to observe the dwarf's reaction. She does, however, add: "But if that loaf tastes half as good as it smells, I suspect I will need much more than half a loaf - but I would ensure you were properly paid for the provisions."
Bulwark watches the cleric with a raised brow as he begins to ramble on about things. As they walk he clearly seems to be paying attention to the various contraptions Cadderly is carrying on him. He tries to guess at just what some of them do but that is all he can do without a closer look at them.
Cadderly looks away but not in shame, holding that gaze-at-nothing for a few moments as he collects his thoughts, Nodding and returning his steel grey gaze at Rose. Ha, no.. no, thank my dear Denier that he is neither of those. But he is a wizard or a warlock of some sort. And has the aid of an Imp. He was the mastermind behind it all -I assume- but we somehow managed to force him to flee. And unfortunately, Pikel had been poisoned, and Ivan bound through some spell or another so he was quite successful in his escape. After that the Library returned to normal... more or less. Aside from the dead.. including some preists of Illmater, and those whom gorged unto death, as well as a few other outliers, things returned to normal.
After hearing that spells did, in fact work his face took on a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Though you wouldn't have to speculate on why as Cadderly volunteered the information mere moments later... That is good, though I'm afraid I'll have to rely on you and yours for that. I can barely conjure a spell of light.... So instead I use these weapons to make up for my shortcomings. Though ultimately i'm not very used to fighting, and I only have rudimentary skills even in that. I usually rely on the Bouldershoulders to pick up for my slack, or my Danica, who's still there trying to perfect a technique. I'm confident she will.
His eyes drifted off for a moment, a pleasant smile on his face before coming back to the present, and as if noticing for the first time that Bulwark was here.... his eyes shot wide open with excitement. Oh my, it walks! I saw it in the Foyer, but I thought it merely a new statue or curio the two downstairs had commissioned! Is it yours? Did you make it? at this point his eyes were scanning all over Bulwarks frame, and touching without asking permission, not yet realizing that he was sentient -considering he wasn't present during the breif moment Bulwark spoke and he simply stood aside after that!- How was it made? Can it fight? Or is it more of a tool.. like for gardening or heavy lifting? and another litany of similar questions barraging the room, always eager to learn something new. Not noticing the eyes of the 'thing' had been oggling his various trinkets
Back with Fallan.... At the first few lines of her litany he seemed genuinely confused as she declared them to be opposites, as to him everyone had a story to tell! Even the pauper down on blumph road. And his neutral smile shifted slowly over time, as her story went on, about 'killing him' and voices in the back of her head and such and he eventually seemed half-tempted to reach for the loaf-knife .. and in fact he realized it was already in his hand a moment or two later... W-Well then. I'm glad ye chose not tae stab me in the back in me own kitchen... It's g-good that ye have a plan... But I don't see any friends with ye.... Are they the sort to not be seen by others? or are... uh, they simply not with ye.... The chef was poised to strike, muscles tensing and as the blade came down, the loaf was cut with precision.
And soon butter was being poured like syrup as it was kept warm in a nearby pot. The chef had been smart enough to realize that the lass was either telling a tall tale, or that even if it was true, she had chosen not to act on it. ... Admittedly the compensatory promise at the end helped.... Well I'm afraid ye'll have tae wait till the next loaf is done then lass. I can't very well go sellin' me product to someone what aint ordered it! And the one who did wouldn't be very pleased either. So settle for half o' this one fer now, and we'll break bread together while we wait for the next one, eh?
But .. by story I was more meanin' like "I grew up in X" or summat like that, ye ken? I'm from here. Born n' raised. Lived on the streets till I were taken in, and taught this trade. Pays well, and.. I get all the free food I want. Gonna make a hearrty stoo fer dinner, but for now, bread for lunch, with butter n honey if ye wish!
Rose clears her throat as Cadderly pokes and prods Bulwark while stifling a giggle. His name is Bulwark, as no I didn't make him. As far as I can tell he's perfectly sentient. We've only just met however so he will have to tell you the rest if he wants but I wouldn't keep poking him that way if I were you. Rose let's any interaction between the two play out before returning to buisness. I'm relieved to hear he isn't such a formidable creature and merely a mortal. Frankly I wasn't sure we could do much against such creatures but a wizard we can handle. My friends and I would be happy to help, and perhaps you might even help us too Bulwark? I would be willing to help you with whatever it is you're seeking but I can only do so after I know Silverymoon is safe again.
"Oh, you just want my background? I thought you were looking for something more INTERESTING!"Fallan smiled at the chef as he poured the delicious-looking butter on the bread. "Really, I've not been anything other than a nosy busy-body most of my life. Sometimes it has gotten me in trouble, once more than I would have ever have hoped for. So much so, I have been 'on the go' ever since, lest something worse than bad luck should catch up with me. The 'invisible friends', are true and real - as far as I know, they are still back there..."she jerks a thumb in the direction of the door to the outer chamber "... making a fuss with the elf and the snake lady. Me, I lost interest pretty quickly when the slither-woman started to look irked, and the much more enjoyable scent of your bread caught my nose. That's what brought me here."
She finds herself having to wipe her lips with the back of her sleeve, as her mouth has begun to seriously salivate thinking about this half loaf. "I'd be happy to break bread with you, and we can swap tales... real or imagined... to keep our minds entertained while our stomachs are blessed with good food. Sound like a plan to you?"
Bulwark had to resist the urge to slap the hand of the cleric but instead moves to use the chance to look over a few of the things that he has. He stays quiet though as he focuses on doing that. He reaches out and begins to poke at some of the things on Cadderly's contraptions.
Even as Cadderly and Bulwark Lovingly embrace one another, Rose informs him that Bulwark isn't simply a thing, but that only seems to pique his interest more Fascinating.... I would love to learn more about hi... you he says, correcting from speaking to Rose as though Bulwark was an object, to speaking to bulwark directly midsentence.. If only to sate my own curiosity! As bulwarks hands begin to explore Cadderly's body (atleast the various trinkets) he proceeds to explain them... This... it's a Hand Crossbow fashioned in the same vein as the D.... well it was on a tapestry and Ivan, skilled worker that he is, managed to make an exact replica, that works quite well, I assure you! ...... That is a Spindle disk, an apparently famed weapon of the smallfolk in ancient times... I chose to weild it instead of a traditional weapon since I .. don't particularly like fighting but Dean Thobicus and Headmaster Avery make all those at the library train with a weapon. But this isn't just a weapon, it can be used as a plaything as well! I might show you sometime. However, as Bulwarks fingers traced along Cadderly's body, nearing the bandlier Cadderly backsteps protectively over it.
And those are very dangerous to touch.... It wouldn't end pleasantly for either of us.. especially me if you were to hit them the wrong way... As for this....
The baker places a half loaf on a wooden plate for Fallan to feast upon, before taking a seat while he awaited the next loaf to properly rise, eating from his half in smaller bites to allow himself to respond to Fallan in kind. I mean, either works. I didn't think asking to swap a tale would confuse ye so. I rarely get a chance to go to the pub, and hear tales of adventure with me job here, so I make up for it when people sneak into muh kitchen. And I dunno what yer 'one bad time' was but I doubt that whatever it were could be so bad as to warrant that. Unless you followed through with 'the voice' that time.... he said, unintentionally letting the possibility linger in the air. Ah Sseths a sweet'art but she 'as a shorter temper than we are tall. Has no patience fer games though, much to Allera's chagrin... he couldn't help but laugh then, the dwarf seeming to have none of the typical elf/dwarf hate.
And most definitely. As fer me, I grew up 'ere in Everlund, but me ma n pa died of some disease or other before I were five. So.. I took to theivin to live for a while, and managed to get away with it, most of the time. And there's plenty o' crops and even more farmers, so as long as ye didn't stick to one farm too long you could make a 'cycle' out of it. Spent a few years doin that afore i got arrested and that's when me master found me, and taught me how to ply yeast instead of plunder vegetables. Though now I can cook much more than just bread. And I'd say i'm half decent at it too.
Your turn!
When Rose speaks up again, Cadderly lets out an acknowledging nod in her direction but caveats with I wouldn't call Barjin lacking in formidibility. He was able to keep both myself and Ivan off him in close quarters. And in that case shall we leave on the morrow? Or do you need time to prepare? The longer we let this curse .. poison... whatever it truly is go on, the more people who will suffer.
I would like to leave as soon as possible but my allies and I need to purchase supplies. We were waylaid by drow on our journey to Silverymoon, and I'm afraid when they couldn't make off with slaves they decided to make off with our things. As it stands we need food, water, and shelter as well as other items for the road. We could do our shopping quickly and meet you at the gate in a few hours though. And I'd ask again Bulwark, would you care to join us? We could certainly use the extra help and in return we could help you find this woman you're looking for.
Regardless of the answer, unless Belle had more to say, Rose would leave to gather Fallan from where she ran off too, probably.the kitchen, and go shopping for rations, new water skins and camping gear for the party before finally meeting Cadderly at the gates.
Bulwark raises a brow and shrugs as he steps back since he to had something to keep safe from being touched, namely the crystal in the middle of the body that kept his soul anchored into the body. "I have made similar eccentric items before. You could call this body you seem one such thing."
Bell speaks up. "I could do with a meal and bed. Shall we head back to silvery moon tomorrow then? I can only protect two people, including myself, from poison at a time, and only for an hour. Between I and Rose, we might be able to do something, but we should also look for perhaps some scrolls or potions that could protect us from poison as well."
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
Cadderly seemed to have something on the tip of his tongue but he wasn't quite able to grasp the idea fully enough to force the thought far enough to speak it. A rare thing for the studiously curious being that he was - and seeming not to notice the defensive recoil he had just taken.. Well you'll have to tell me more about it if we travel together! I'm curious as to how you achieved such a thing! Such a curious construct I have never before seen. I know I've read up on such things somewhere but my memory has failed me... his expression revealing the betrayal he felt from his own mind, his feelings effectively on his sleeve.
Cadderly noted that Bulwark hadn't answered Rose's question, and wondered why but didn't push,nor did he have the time, as Bell chimed in with her own assertions. I see. Between both of you, It'd be quite rude of me to expect you all not to want a restful sleep off of the hard ground. How the Dwarves can sleep on rock like it's a featherbed will ever elude me. But I understand, it seems you all have been on the road and require some rest and a hot meal. Shall we meet at two hours past high-sun then? Should be plenty of time for rest, atleast two good meals, and if you mention my name at the Farmers Market Inn the Bouldershoulders will likely give you a better mean than you pay for. They're the Library's chefs, so I can assure you of the quality of their food! Though you'll still have to pay for your rooms.
In my case, I'll gather my things, and prepare to meet you all tomorrow. And being in the FMI you'll be just outside the market area! So it should work out well! There are mostly food stalls, but if you peruse the buildings limning the edge I'm sure you may find something!
As before, shopping is something that takes a LOT of time, even IRL, so to save time, in a spoiler, please put the item you seek, and roll a 1d4. If it lands on 2, or 4 the item is available. Then roll a 1d6-2 and that is how much of the item is 'available' to purchase. Items will be sold at-cost.
Each person may only make 1 attempted find and purchase.
"I do not know if I have the time to go on such a journey if I wish to find her. Although if she has truly chosen another then it was her that broke the vow of marriage. For now I shall come with you but I may leave at any time." Bulwark tells the halfling honestly.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Shopping for Antitoxin
Put your spoiler here.1
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"Sounds good to me! Shall we shop first and then eat?"Bell suggests, turning to look for Fallan's reaction to an imminent meal. "...Where's Fallan? ... FALLAN! WE GONNA GO EAT!" she shouts. After any ensuing conversation Bell goes looking for some Antitoxin.
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
Bellerain steps forwards and describes the symbol she saw in her vision.
The elf appears pleased by the exchange between Bulwark and the Yuan, likely the only entertaining thing she had seen in a while, even if it had hostile undertones.The yuan seems like she is barely holding back a biting remark about 'never being able to 'feel' anything again, but since he had, in her mind, turned away from the conversation, she let it go - waiting only a few moments before grabbing a book in front of her that would need to be placed somewhere on the large shelf behind her.
The elf addressing Rose after she speaks of more important, dire issues. A frown gracing the casters lips at the news. Her posture straightening, as if what was a minor amusement of a situation had become a huge bother, though it also seemed like some dots had been connected, and her tongue lapped her teeth within her mouth. Ssethsara... can you go fetch the boy from upstairs? I think I finally understand what he was blabbering about. The Yuanti frustrated by the sudden and repeated interruptions hisses through her teeth but seems to come to a similar conclusion after a few passing moments. Starting to head for the stairwell with a swift 'gait.'
Bell steps forward, describing the details of what she saw when her spell had been cast, and the wizard racked her brain for a solid few minutes but ultimately shrugged, not recognizing it at all. Her mood was however shifting to more positive thoughts. I couldn't honestly say. But it sounds like the work of a cult of some sort. Who they worship though is anyone's guess. Looking back to the group gathered before her, with new interest. However....They say the stars align themselves at the most unusual times. But a boy came here about a week ago, from the Edificant Library off in the Snowflake Mountains near Tethyr. Kept babbling about some curse but the way he was going on, its clear the boy is .... Sheltered. Little did I expect that Letelian, and all these other events may indirectly coincide. I can't go with you, and if what you say is true I am not willing to risk myself for one of Mystra's chosen. If she can't control her own city, then she is unworthy of the mantle.
During this time, footsteps could be heard quickly coming down the stairs, though it seems the snake lady had chosen not to join them. He's a cleric.. or a preist... or so he claims, his name is.... Cadderly. he interrupted as he burst through the door.
He appeared young, and exciteable. His grey eyes sparkled with wonder, though it was tempered with worry at the moment. He wore the robes of a clergyman of Denier. Though he held many things that seemed odd. Aside from his satchel, he had a bandoleer across his shoulder containing what looked like darts, and his wrist was mounted with what seemed to be a crossbow of some sort, though it was tiny. Attatched to his belt was what appeared to be a Yo-Yo-like object, whatever purpose it served likely escaped most minds, though Bulwark might hazard a guess at the various trinkets. Of the Edificant library. I hear you have news of a certain problem arising? And that symbol you described sounds like something I recently encountered! please, let's swap stories in the Study over yonder. I'm sure our mutual friends would prefer to not continue to be disturbed! Shall we? We can trade information and see how we might aid one another!
He seems eager to go there, though if the party ultimately refused to leave he'd reluctantly speak here.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"Nice to meetcha, I'm Bell. Sounds like a plan." Bell turns to the others and gives a thumbs up before following Cadderly. "Lead the way!"
Rose wonders to herself if she should know the name of the man before her but settles for recognizing the library he spoke of. I see, well then yes I believe we can certainly help each other. Let's talk then. Rose follows Cadderly to the next room. Taking a seat somewhere comfortable she proceeds to retell the story of Silverymoon again if he needed the details. Regardless if he did or not she would ask You've encountered something similar have you not? Please tell us what happened and anything you might have learned about whatever this madness is. Perhaps between all of us we can find a source and put an end to it.
With an eager nod, and a bright, inquisitive smile, Cadderly heads to the study - down a hall opposite the kitchen path - opening, then, holding the door open like a proper gentleman for the two ladies, and shutting the door behind him before taking a seat near a few scrolls that he pushed out of the way, should the other two decide to sit as well as Rose begins to speak, him indeed wanting a retelling of what she experienced, though he asked for specifics where he could until he believed he had the full story. His eyes never seemed to lose that inquisitive luster even when darkened by the news.
He took on a ponderous position as he seemed to chew on the news, despite Rose's question, leaving her hanging for atleast several minutes before seemign to realize the question had been asked. Ah! Sorry, was thinking. I do a lot of that... he said seeming almost embarrassed. The man, in fact now that you had a better look at him, you saw he stood 6 feet tall, at just under 200 lbs, Cadderly was a notably handsome man. He had a warm smile, curly brown hair, and gray eyes that could cut through someone on the occasions that he got angry.....
He cleared his throat and nodded - placing his left elbow on the table as he looked to Rose, who seemed to be the 'talker' of the pair. (or Trio if Bulwark decided to join them) and said In... a sense. His smile falling to a guilt ridden glance... You could say I'm the reason it's happening. his eyes cast away even as he said it. I.. didn't mean to, but at the time I wasn't aware of what it was... or would do. A colleague of mine... Keirkan Rufo kicked me down the stairs of the Edificant Libraries cellar, into the catacombs... And though at first I was scared, I wandered in the darkness. Luckily I had this made.... he says, shifting a small tube with a cylinder base... sort of like if a UFO had a (for its size) comically large telescope poking out of it. And he twisted the tube a bit, though facing it away from the pair....
And a beam of light shot out, concentrated like a flashlight, and when twisting another part, the light expanded, and though its focus dimmed, its width grew. I had this specially made fo- Sorry i'm getting off topic... But I had this to aid me. After wandering there for what felt like hours, I located a room that seemed ... recently inhabited, and in the center of it was a vial. I felt drawn to it... and my curiosity took over... and a red mist or smoke began pouring from it... knocking me out from the potency. he sighed then, as he recalled the events after.
When I awoke, I found myself back in the library, as if it had never happened. Everything seemed normal for a while, and I left for a few days on an errand. When I returned, I found the library in a state of uproar.... People fornicating in the preistes of Sune's room.. obviously this is normal behavior for her kind... but not on this scale.... People gorging themselves to death, or seemingly cookingendless amounts of food.
Some were venting their frustrations beyond reason, like Ivan and Pikel... my close friends, they fight a lot but this fight seemed pointless. There are a myriad of other examples I could give - however, the long and short is .. after some time, I figured out that people seemed to have a desire of some sort, and then that desire gets amplified to the extreme. Even if it is ultimately to their detriment.
It's... possible to snap them out of it but the longer the exposure, the more the effect can wear on the mind, and ... the harder it becomes to resist. It's also possible to "Logic" people into other states.... I don't believe the curse does anything but amplify the immediate desire of the person. What I mean is... if you can convince them to be ... 'obsessed' with something else you can alter the course of what they do.
In some cases you can even bring them back to their senses... for a while. I do not know if spells work, for my spellcraft is weak.. I'm not a very good cleric. But just when I was about to defeat Barjin... the one who brought it upon the library, he managed to flee, with the vial.
It seems he set up somewhere in Silverymoon by your account. But if the curse is growing then... the longer we wait, the more dangerous this all becomes....
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Rose takes in the news with some glee, happy to finally have something she can name as a source, something she can fight if need be to out an end to this problem plaguing her home. I see. Just who, or what, is this Barjin? Is he some sort of Djinn or Litch? Something else entirely? Can you describe him at all? Perhaps if we can find him, destroy or banish him, we can put an end to all this. And what happened to the Library since he left? Are the people there still suffering from the curse? I believe we can cure them, at least ling enough to get them somewhere where his influence isn't felt. It seems to be a poison, so spells protecting one from poison should work. Selûne has also granted me the ability to clear the minds of those around me from affects clouding their minds. It seemed to work in Silverymoon but it takes a lot out of me and I can't do it often or for very long but it definitely works.
Fallan looks the dwarven chef over once or twice, although her gaze did get pulled away from him toward the freshly hot loaf. Then she laughed and addressed the cook.
"A story it is you want? And from someone who is not a ne'er-do-well? Aren't those two things often extreme opposites? I mean, I am no bard and don't claim to be a storyteller of any skill or reknown, but I can likely pique your interest fairly easily... Suppose I were to tell you that, while I was drawn into your kitchen by the wonderful aroma of your bread, no sooner had I walked through the doorway than an unknown, eerie, disembodied voice filled my head telling me that YOU needed to be KILLED immediately, by ME! And this isn't the first time my brain has been assaulted, always seeming to thirst for the blood of those I might encounter. I fight any impulse that might accompany these unbidden thoughts, of course, but they plague me nonetheless. Who (or what) might the voice be? I don't know. Why it would want you attacked? I don't know. I only know that I have been traveling with my friends almost entirely to ensure I have some degree of protection should whatever is behind this actually attack me!"
Fallan paused to let her "story" sink in a bit, and to observe the dwarf's reaction. She does, however, add: "But if that loaf tastes half as good as it smells, I suspect I will need much more than half a loaf - but I would ensure you were properly paid for the provisions."
Bulwark watches the cleric with a raised brow as he begins to ramble on about things. As they walk he clearly seems to be paying attention to the various contraptions Cadderly is carrying on him. He tries to guess at just what some of them do but that is all he can do without a closer look at them.
Chef Wis: 18
Cadderly looks away but not in shame, holding that gaze-at-nothing for a few moments as he collects his thoughts, Nodding and returning his steel grey gaze at Rose. Ha, no.. no, thank my dear Denier that he is neither of those. But he is a wizard or a warlock of some sort. And has the aid of an Imp. He was the mastermind behind it all -I assume- but we somehow managed to force him to flee. And unfortunately, Pikel had been poisoned, and Ivan bound through some spell or another so he was quite successful in his escape. After that the Library returned to normal... more or less. Aside from the dead.. including some preists of Illmater, and those whom gorged unto death, as well as a few other outliers, things returned to normal.
After hearing that spells did, in fact work his face took on a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Though you wouldn't have to speculate on why as Cadderly volunteered the information mere moments later... That is good, though I'm afraid I'll have to rely on you and yours for that. I can barely conjure a spell of light.... So instead I use these weapons to make up for my shortcomings. Though ultimately i'm not very used to fighting, and I only have rudimentary skills even in that. I usually rely on the Bouldershoulders to pick up for my slack, or my Danica, who's still there trying to perfect a technique. I'm confident she will.
His eyes drifted off for a moment, a pleasant smile on his face before coming back to the present, and as if noticing for the first time that Bulwark was here.... his eyes shot wide open with excitement. Oh my, it walks! I saw it in the Foyer, but I thought it merely a new statue or curio the two downstairs had commissioned! Is it yours? Did you make it? at this point his eyes were scanning all over Bulwarks frame, and touching without asking permission, not yet realizing that he was sentient -considering he wasn't present during the breif moment Bulwark spoke and he simply stood aside after that!- How was it made? Can it fight? Or is it more of a tool.. like for gardening or heavy lifting? and another litany of similar questions barraging the room, always eager to learn something new. Not noticing the eyes of the 'thing' had been oggling his various trinkets
Back with Fallan.... At the first few lines of her litany he seemed genuinely confused as she declared them to be opposites, as to him everyone had a story to tell! Even the pauper down on blumph road. And his neutral smile shifted slowly over time, as her story went on, about 'killing him' and voices in the back of her head and such and he eventually seemed half-tempted to reach for the loaf-knife .. and in fact he realized it was already in his hand a moment or two later... W-Well then. I'm glad ye chose not tae stab me in the back in me own kitchen... It's g-good that ye have a plan... But I don't see any friends with ye.... Are they the sort to not be seen by others? or are... uh, they simply not with ye.... The chef was poised to strike, muscles tensing and as the blade came down, the loaf was cut with precision.
And soon butter was being poured like syrup as it was kept warm in a nearby pot. The chef had been smart enough to realize that the lass was either telling a tall tale, or that even if it was true, she had chosen not to act on it. ... Admittedly the compensatory promise at the end helped.... Well I'm afraid ye'll have tae wait till the next loaf is done then lass. I can't very well go sellin' me product to someone what aint ordered it! And the one who did wouldn't be very pleased either. So settle for half o' this one fer now, and we'll break bread together while we wait for the next one, eh?
But .. by story I was more meanin' like "I grew up in X" or summat like that, ye ken? I'm from here. Born n' raised. Lived on the streets till I were taken in, and taught this trade. Pays well, and.. I get all the free food I want. Gonna make a hearrty stoo fer dinner, but for now, bread for lunch, with butter n honey if ye wish!
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Rose clears her throat as Cadderly pokes and prods Bulwark while stifling a giggle. His name is Bulwark, as no I didn't make him. As far as I can tell he's perfectly sentient. We've only just met however so he will have to tell you the rest if he wants but I wouldn't keep poking him that way if I were you. Rose let's any interaction between the two play out before returning to buisness. I'm relieved to hear he isn't such a formidable creature and merely a mortal. Frankly I wasn't sure we could do much against such creatures but a wizard we can handle. My friends and I would be happy to help, and perhaps you might even help us too Bulwark? I would be willing to help you with whatever it is you're seeking but I can only do so after I know Silverymoon is safe again.
"Oh, you just want my background? I thought you were looking for something more INTERESTING!" Fallan smiled at the chef as he poured the delicious-looking butter on the bread. "Really, I've not been anything other than a nosy busy-body most of my life. Sometimes it has gotten me in trouble, once more than I would have ever have hoped for. So much so, I have been 'on the go' ever since, lest something worse than bad luck should catch up with me. The 'invisible friends', are true and real - as far as I know, they are still back there..." she jerks a thumb in the direction of the door to the outer chamber "... making a fuss with the elf and the snake lady. Me, I lost interest pretty quickly when the slither-woman started to look irked, and the much more enjoyable scent of your bread caught my nose. That's what brought me here."
She finds herself having to wipe her lips with the back of her sleeve, as her mouth has begun to seriously salivate thinking about this half loaf. "I'd be happy to break bread with you, and we can swap tales... real or imagined... to keep our minds entertained while our stomachs are blessed with good food. Sound like a plan to you?"
Bulwark had to resist the urge to slap the hand of the cleric but instead moves to use the chance to look over a few of the things that he has. He stays quiet though as he focuses on doing that. He reaches out and begins to poke at some of the things on Cadderly's contraptions.
Even as Cadderly and Bulwark Lovingly embrace one another, Rose informs him that Bulwark isn't simply a thing, but that only seems to pique his interest more Fascinating.... I would love to learn more about hi... you he says, correcting from speaking to Rose as though Bulwark was an object, to speaking to bulwark directly midsentence.. If only to sate my own curiosity! As bulwarks hands begin to explore Cadderly's body (atleast the various trinkets) he proceeds to explain them... This... it's a Hand Crossbow fashioned in the same vein as the D.... well it was on a tapestry and Ivan, skilled worker that he is, managed to make an exact replica, that works quite well, I assure you! ...... That is a Spindle disk, an apparently famed weapon of the smallfolk in ancient times... I chose to weild it instead of a traditional weapon since I .. don't particularly like fighting but Dean Thobicus and Headmaster Avery make all those at the library train with a weapon. But this isn't just a weapon, it can be used as a plaything as well! I might show you sometime. However, as Bulwarks fingers traced along Cadderly's body, nearing the bandlier Cadderly backsteps protectively over it.
And those are very dangerous to touch.... It wouldn't end pleasantly for either of us.. especially me if you were to hit them the wrong way... As for this....
The baker places a half loaf on a wooden plate for Fallan to feast upon, before taking a seat while he awaited the next loaf to properly rise, eating from his half in smaller bites to allow himself to respond to Fallan in kind. I mean, either works. I didn't think asking to swap a tale would confuse ye so. I rarely get a chance to go to the pub, and hear tales of adventure with me job here, so I make up for it when people sneak into muh kitchen. And I dunno what yer 'one bad time' was but I doubt that whatever it were could be so bad as to warrant that. Unless you followed through with 'the voice' that time.... he said, unintentionally letting the possibility linger in the air. Ah Sseths a sweet'art but she 'as a shorter temper than we are tall. Has no patience fer games though, much to Allera's chagrin... he couldn't help but laugh then, the dwarf seeming to have none of the typical elf/dwarf hate.
And most definitely. As fer me, I grew up 'ere in Everlund, but me ma n pa died of some disease or other before I were five. So.. I took to theivin to live for a while, and managed to get away with it, most of the time. And there's plenty o' crops and even more farmers, so as long as ye didn't stick to one farm too long you could make a 'cycle' out of it. Spent a few years doin that afore i got arrested and that's when me master found me, and taught me how to ply yeast instead of plunder vegetables. Though now I can cook much more than just bread. And I'd say i'm half decent at it too.
Your turn!
When Rose speaks up again, Cadderly lets out an acknowledging nod in her direction but caveats with I wouldn't call Barjin lacking in formidibility. He was able to keep both myself and Ivan off him in close quarters. And in that case shall we leave on the morrow? Or do you need time to prepare? The longer we let this curse .. poison... whatever it truly is go on, the more people who will suffer.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
I would like to leave as soon as possible but my allies and I need to purchase supplies. We were waylaid by drow on our journey to Silverymoon, and I'm afraid when they couldn't make off with slaves they decided to make off with our things. As it stands we need food, water, and shelter as well as other items for the road. We could do our shopping quickly and meet you at the gate in a few hours though. And I'd ask again Bulwark, would you care to join us? We could certainly use the extra help and in return we could help you find this woman you're looking for.
Regardless of the answer, unless Belle had more to say, Rose would leave to gather Fallan from where she ran off too, probably.the kitchen, and go shopping for rations, new water skins and camping gear for the party before finally meeting Cadderly at the gates.
Waiting on responses from appropriate parties
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Bulwark raises a brow and shrugs as he steps back since he to had something to keep safe from being touched, namely the crystal in the middle of the body that kept his soul anchored into the body. "I have made similar eccentric items before. You could call this body you seem one such thing."
Bell speaks up. "I could do with a meal and bed. Shall we head back to silvery moon tomorrow then? I can only protect two people, including myself, from poison at a time, and only for an hour. Between I and Rose, we might be able to do something, but we should also look for perhaps some scrolls or potions that could protect us from poison as well."
Arcana: 10
Cadderly seemed to have something on the tip of his tongue but he wasn't quite able to grasp the idea fully enough to force the thought far enough to speak it. A rare thing for the studiously curious being that he was - and seeming not to notice the defensive recoil he had just taken.. Well you'll have to tell me more about it if we travel together! I'm curious as to how you achieved such a thing! Such a curious construct I have never before seen. I know I've read up on such things somewhere but my memory has failed me... his expression revealing the betrayal he felt from his own mind, his feelings effectively on his sleeve.
Cadderly noted that Bulwark hadn't answered Rose's question, and wondered why but didn't push,nor did he have the time, as Bell chimed in with her own assertions. I see. Between both of you, It'd be quite rude of me to expect you all not to want a restful sleep off of the hard ground. How the Dwarves can sleep on rock like it's a featherbed will ever elude me. But I understand, it seems you all have been on the road and require some rest and a hot meal. Shall we meet at two hours past high-sun then? Should be plenty of time for rest, atleast two good meals, and if you mention my name at the Farmers Market Inn the Bouldershoulders will likely give you a better mean than you pay for. They're the Library's chefs, so I can assure you of the quality of their food! Though you'll still have to pay for your rooms.
In my case, I'll gather my things, and prepare to meet you all tomorrow. And being in the FMI you'll be just outside the market area! So it should work out well! There are mostly food stalls, but if you peruse the buildings limning the edge I'm sure you may find something!
As before, shopping is something that takes a LOT of time, even IRL, so to save time, in a spoiler, please put the item you seek, and roll a 1d4. If it lands on 2, or 4 the item is available. Then roll a 1d6-2 and that is how much of the item is 'available' to purchase. Items will be sold at-cost.
Each person may only make 1 attempted find and purchase.
Also waiting on Fallan.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"I do not know if I have the time to go on such a journey if I wish to find her. Although if she has truly chosen another then it was her that broke the vow of marriage. For now I shall come with you but I may leave at any time." Bulwark tells the halfling honestly.
Shopping for Antitoxin
Put your spoiler here.1
1
"Sounds good to me! Shall we shop first and then eat?" Bell suggests, turning to look for Fallan's reaction to an imminent meal. "...Where's Fallan? ... FALLAN! WE GONNA GO EAT!" she shouts. After any ensuing conversation Bell goes looking for some Antitoxin.