With as much money as Sybil has given this innkeeper in your name, he's more than happy to part with an entire bottle of a very stout Dwarven whiskey named Dragonskar. It burns like fire on the way down, but the proceeding warmth that spreads throughout the rest of your body is quite comforting. You're able to use their bathing house, little more than a medium sized room with two wooden tubs, heated from underneath. Though quaint, it's clean and more than enough to freshen you up.
Usul You pull out the rectangular black box once more, tracing your fingers along some of the inlaid patterns. While the others read you begin to fiddle with it again, turning it over and pressing or pushing in different spots. Eventually, you try pressuring both ends of it lengthwise, and are rewarded with a slight click, as both ends extend out slightly. They extend along brass rods, about an inch outwards on both ends. You find both pieces now freely spin, clicking softly with slight resistance in regular intervals numbering 60.
At last, you've unlocked the first layer of this puzzling box!
Syl It's still early enough in the night that you have time to copy the spell over, consuming 100gp worth of the inks in the process.
Kal | Velyra | Silthras
Before settling in for the night, the group(minus Syl) gather in one of the rooms for a sort of study session. Kal takes a deep dive into Iven's book, while Velyra and Silthras dig into the 1st's and 13th's books.
1st Book: Leucius, First Watcher of the Lady of Winter The language in this one is even older than the 4th's, and thus more difficult to decipher. Many of the letters are similar to Common, but it's so old and removed from the modern form of the language that it's essentially a different one entirely. Working with Silthras, and calling up guidance from her deity, Velyra tries to make sense of it...But an experimental dip into it proves to be too difficult. You get the sense that something like this would work best in the hands of an expert linguist, or read with assisting spell work.
13th Book: Priscilla Nome, Thirteenth Watcher of the Lady of Winter After unsuccessfully trying to crack the 1st's book, the pair move onto the 13th's - which is much easier to read. Particularly focused on the details surrounding Calamities(I think this is what you were going for? Correct if I'm wrong), you skip to the later parts of the tome. Immediately you are drawn to descriptions of the awakening Unmade of the era, Nashren - also referred to as the Elderwyrm. While this book doesn't speak to the origins of the Unmade, there are mentions of the warning signs.
As these creatures wake, lesser minions of the Abyss begin to slip through the cracks into Ravere. They're first seen on the outskirts of civilization, perhaps ransacking isolated towns or villages before heading underground to consolidate around the awakening Unmade. These creatures take many forms - sometimes as ethereal shadowy beings, dead raised from eras long past, or fleshy monstrosities whose forms defy logic. In all cases, they are simply referred to as wraiths.
Other creatures of the world take on more erratic behavior. Animals become more aggressive towards the humanoid races, and creatures of the night encroach more on civilized territory.
The longer the Unmade is awake, the more the environment of Ravere is dramatically changed. In the case of Nashren, this took of the form of radical changes in geography. It began with increased volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Geological activity ramped up to calamitous levels over time, in some cases pushing entirely new mountain ranges into being, splitting apart continents, and the sinking of entire regions.
There is also talk of a longstanding civilization of dwarves that made their home beneath Ravere, living in a large network of cavernous tunnels. They were always the first to encounter the Abyssal forces in large number, but you know of no such civilization living today.
Eventually, the army of wraiths would burst from the ground across the continent, typically overwhelming local forces in a blitz-like rush to take as much territory as possible. Because of the unpredictable nature of when and where they might appear, it typically took time for the Watchers to rally a proper defense. Most casualties of the Calamities past took place during this period.
14th Book: Iven Quavein, Fourteenth Watcher of the Lady of Winter Taking the time to read Iven's book from the beginning(if you had a more specific period in my let me know), you start to dig into the young man's history. As the others had found earlier, The fourteenth watcher began his life as a slave, under the thumb of a large organization that plagued the nation of the time. When he was still young, perhaps 6 or 7, Priscilla and several knights under her command ran through the slaver encampment where he was held, rescuing him and freeing the others.
Afterwards the book describes their journey back to Verglas Keep, the apparent home of Amah's Watcher. Iven's training was started along the way, with Cilla beginning to teach him the philosophy, purpose, and tenants of their order. Though this account is taken from the perspective of someone watching Iven, you get the sense that the young Watcher certainly started to look up to the Thirteenth as a motherly figure very early on. The attendant notes that Iven was an absolute natural with a sword, taking to bladework as naturally as breathing. Their journey to Verglas Keep was a long one, with many stops along the way. At times they would stop and stay in a city or village for months, simply living life as the folk there might. All in all, the return trip took about three years.
As you come to a stopping point, your eyes are little bleary from focusing on the text for so long. You're hit wit a sense of vertigo, and the world seems to disappear around you.
The next thing you see are the bars of a wooden cage, and a hastily constructed camp beyond that. You feel cold, as a freezing mist permeates the air. Something feels wrong, and you realize that you're much smaller than you remember. With a start, you realize that you occupy a child's body, with skin lightly tinted a dusky color. You look back out to the camp, fingers curling around the wood bars. You can see men and women in scraps of clothing, carrying crates and sacks from tents into horse drawn carts. Armed men carrying cudgels force them along, delivering a viscous beating to any who seem to move too slow.
The world goes dark briefly, and when it comes to again you're greeted with the thunderous sound of hooves. Plate wearing knights tear through the camp, slicing through the camp's guards with shining long swords. The massacre is over almost as quickly as it began - the slaves and knights themselves the only ones left standing in the camp. Your vision begins to fade once more, but not before you catch sight of an half-elven woman with blonde hair, almost appearing to glow with an icy blue aura in the mist. Dismounting from her steed, she locks eyes with you and begins to stride forward just as the vision fades to black.
Staring at the pages of the book once more, you feel a slight tingling in the back of your head.
((When ready, let me know and we'll move onto the next day!))
Kal rubs his eyes, closing the book sharply with his other hand. "I think that's enough for me tonight, didn't think I was going to be reliving his life." He slides the book back over to Silthras or Velyra and stands up.
Velyra raises an eyebrow as the knight exits, nodding an acknowledgement. "Sleep well, we have quite a complicated day ahead of us tomorrow." Deciding to take a break herself, she puts down the book she was reading, letting out a long sigh. "I think it's safe to say what happened here can be interpreted as one of the omens of a coming calamity. Though it appears we might have disrupted the usual chain of events." She says, glancing at the other two still left in the room.
"Wherever we go from here, it might not be a bad idea to start putting out feelers, seeing if we can track down any rumors of activity that rings familiar to what we've just learned."
Silthras nods, "Contacting your colleagues would be sensible." He pauses for a moment, considering options, "Would you be able to contact my mother? She has many sources she might call upon. If not, I might send her a more mundane message, describing what we have found, and the signs to look for. I'm sure she could find a way to contact me back if she needed more information."
(( I know the answer to the question; Silthras doesn't ))
He waits for an answer, then nods. "Very well, I shall write a message then get some sleep I think. It has been a long day."
When he has finished the note he bids Usul and Velyra farewell and goes to his room.
While the others read, Usul is tinkering away at his box until suddenly something clicks and it begins to open up. He lets out a small gasp and is about to call out to the others to share when he sees them busy in work. He keeps playing with it for a bit until he gets sleepy and begins to yawn. Putting the cube, now slightly opened, back into his bag he says good night to the others and heads to his room, crawling into bed with his companions and curling up to sleep.
Velyra shakes her head, "I would, but the spell doesn't work that way. If I meet her at some point I can. Maybe ask her to send the message to Sybil, and I can check in with her from time to time?"
"Have a good night, I'll see the both of you in the morning."
As Silthras leaves, Velyra also heads to her own room. Before settling in, she writes out her own message to leave with Sybil, for when the next team from the Astrium arrives. She details everything they've uncovered so far, going into particular detail about the omens to watch out for.
The night passes with incident - as a matter of fact the celebration in the tavern proper goes on for much of the night, easily heard even from your rooms.
You find Sybil and Bertrand waiting for you in the common area when you emerge in the morning. The military officer you notice, looks a little worse for wear, with dark rings of exhaustion under his eyes. They wave you over to a table, the innkeeper bringing over food and drink at your request. Bertrand is the first to speak, "I've got your meeting with Baroness. Was actually easier than I thought. Word of what's happened has gotten to her, and she was eager to meet you all herself."
"Whenever you're ready to go, we can make way for the keep."
Silthras hands his two identical notes to Sybil, asking her to arrange for one to be sent to his mother. The other is for Sybil herself. "I am sure you have contacts...perhaps the ones who could trace Elirion for me? They might also be asked to keep a watch for...signs."
He then settles down for a hearty breakfast, willing to answer any questions Sybil might have before heading off with Bertrand.
Velyra likewise hands off a message for Sybil to pass on, "there will be a team coming from the Astrium to investigate the ruins...That note contains some things they need to know before going in."
Sybil takes the pieces of writing from both of you, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like I have some reading to do. I'll make sure these are passed on to the appropriate people. though."
As you all begin to finish getting through your breakfast, Bertrand clears his throat and begins to stand. "I think it's time we head out."
Leading your group through the streets of Silverfair westward, towards the keep that is visible from most any point in the city, the man begins to fill you in on relevant things to know before the meeting. "Baroness Anet Sholte has been in charge here basically her entire adulthood. As I understand she was part of the group that more or less group up around King Lidae. Though make no mistake, she more than did her part to earn the position here."
"I'll be honest, even I've been confused by her inaction these past few months...Truly, throughout my tenure she has been a great leader. If she has been compromised as you suggest, necessary as it may be, I'll not be happy to see her disposed."
"I'd warn you against trying to deceive her, she's quite sharp and insightful. She'll also be joined by an 'advisor' from the High King's court, so be wary of that. Her relationship with House Astre is much more strained than the one with Lidae's court." Eventually he leads you up the outer gate of the walls surrounding the keep, motioning to those manning the guardhouse to raise the gate. Walking through, he continues. "Whatever your suspicions, take care of your tongue and don't show her disrespect, it won't get you anywhere but thrown out."
You're lead into the keep itself, opening into a foyer grand in size and architecture, but rather spartan in terms of decoration. In lieu of cushioned chairs there are stone benches. The stone floor is without even a single carpet, and few pieces of art decorate the walls. Bertrand notifies an aide of your arrival, quietly exchanging words with the man. He runs off, and Bertrand turns back to you all. "We'll be summoned shortly now. Any last questions?"
Silthras clears his throat, glances at Kal, then speaks softly, "Can you tell us anything of this 'advisor'? Because...to be honest...the mad ravings of House Astre regarding the Abyss Heralds seems, now, like wise counsel...do you know anything of the advice they have been giving?"
(( @DM: In all of our readings so far, has there been any mention of the more intelligent undead (eg. Vampires) and on which side they fought in the wars against the incursions? ))
((Not a word. What happened in Gorzhadia seems to be unrelated.))
Bertrand's eyebrows raise, and he takes a moment to consider the question. "Calmaius is his name. He's a very private and secretive man. Quiet, and stoic. Honestly I don't think his mouth is even possible of making a smile, and I've rarely heard him actually speak."
"His conversations with the Baroness are known only to her I'm afraid. You get the same result talking to a brick wall as you would him."
((Not a word. What happened in Gorzhadia seems to be unrelated.))
(( So no mention of a grand alliance of Men, Elves, and .... Vampires fighting against the void? 8-( ))
Silthras nods, "Sounds like a professional. They keep their counsel for whom it is intended and noone else. Well..." he glances around, "...I think I'm ready if noone else has questions?"
"I'm just ready to get this over with," Kal says to Betrand. "The stiffness of things like this are...Uncommon to me." To Silthras suggestion, he nods. Whenever they're taken before the Baroness, he will immediately activate his divine sense.
Usul is staying rather quiet as he rides Muad towards the Keep, Dib also noticeably out of sight under Usul's vest. This is the first time he'll be anywhere near anyone this important, or any place this rich. He's focused on keeping his eyes (and Dib's nose) out for anything strange (or smells of undead). He's clearly out of his element here, and just wide eyed at what's going on.
Lowering her own voice, Velyra replies "Just the message yesterday about where and how to meet them. I guess we just bring the items we've found already."
The Sending for reference: 'Old Town district. Tavern named Ozmoto's Den. Tell any of the workers you're looking for a rare drink, a Black Cheshire. No funny business.'
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Velyra History(Silthras "helping" + guidance assumed: 17 + 2}
Kal: 8, 2
With as much money as Sybil has given this innkeeper in your name, he's more than happy to part with an entire bottle of a very stout Dwarven whiskey named Dragonskar. It burns like fire on the way down, but the proceeding warmth that spreads throughout the rest of your body is quite comforting. You're able to use their bathing house, little more than a medium sized room with two wooden tubs, heated from underneath. Though quaint, it's clean and more than enough to freshen you up.
Usul
You pull out the rectangular black box once more, tracing your fingers along some of the inlaid patterns. While the others read you begin to fiddle with it again, turning it over and pressing or pushing in different spots. Eventually, you try pressuring both ends of it lengthwise, and are rewarded with a slight click, as both ends extend out slightly. They extend along brass rods, about an inch outwards on both ends. You find both pieces now freely spin, clicking softly with slight resistance in regular intervals numbering 60.
At last, you've unlocked the first layer of this puzzling box!
Syl
It's still early enough in the night that you have time to copy the spell over, consuming 100gp worth of the inks in the process.
Kal | Velyra | Silthras
Before settling in for the night, the group(minus Syl) gather in one of the rooms for a sort of study session. Kal takes a deep dive into Iven's book, while Velyra and Silthras dig into the 1st's and 13th's books.
1st Book: Leucius, First Watcher of the Lady of Winter
The language in this one is even older than the 4th's, and thus more difficult to decipher. Many of the letters are similar to Common, but it's so old and removed from the modern form of the language that it's essentially a different one entirely. Working with Silthras, and calling up guidance from her deity, Velyra tries to make sense of it...But an experimental dip into it proves to be too difficult. You get the sense that something like this would work best in the hands of an expert linguist, or read with assisting spell work.
13th Book: Priscilla Nome, Thirteenth Watcher of the Lady of Winter
After unsuccessfully trying to crack the 1st's book, the pair move onto the 13th's - which is much easier to read. Particularly focused on the details surrounding Calamities(I think this is what you were going for? Correct if I'm wrong), you skip to the later parts of the tome. Immediately you are drawn to descriptions of the awakening Unmade of the era, Nashren - also referred to as the Elderwyrm. While this book doesn't speak to the origins of the Unmade, there are mentions of the warning signs.
14th Book: Iven Quavein, Fourteenth Watcher of the Lady of Winter
Taking the time to read Iven's book from the beginning(if you had a more specific period in my let me know), you start to dig into the young man's history. As the others had found earlier, The fourteenth watcher began his life as a slave, under the thumb of a large organization that plagued the nation of the time. When he was still young, perhaps 6 or 7, Priscilla and several knights under her command ran through the slaver encampment where he was held, rescuing him and freeing the others.
Afterwards the book describes their journey back to Verglas Keep, the apparent home of Amah's Watcher. Iven's training was started along the way, with Cilla beginning to teach him the philosophy, purpose, and tenants of their order. Though this account is taken from the perspective of someone watching Iven, you get the sense that the young Watcher certainly started to look up to the Thirteenth as a motherly figure very early on. The attendant notes that Iven was an absolute natural with a sword, taking to bladework as naturally as breathing. Their journey to Verglas Keep was a long one, with many stops along the way. At times they would stop and stay in a city or village for months, simply living life as the folk there might. All in all, the return trip took about three years.
As you come to a stopping point, your eyes are little bleary from focusing on the text for so long. You're hit wit a sense of vertigo, and the world seems to disappear around you.
The next thing you see are the bars of a wooden cage, and a hastily constructed camp beyond that. You feel cold, as a freezing mist permeates the air. Something feels wrong, and you realize that you're much smaller than you remember. With a start, you realize that you occupy a child's body, with skin lightly tinted a dusky color. You look back out to the camp, fingers curling around the wood bars. You can see men and women in scraps of clothing, carrying crates and sacks from tents into horse drawn carts. Armed men carrying cudgels force them along, delivering a viscous beating to any who seem to move too slow.
The world goes dark briefly, and when it comes to again you're greeted with the thunderous sound of hooves. Plate wearing knights tear through the camp, slicing through the camp's guards with shining long swords. The massacre is over almost as quickly as it began - the slaves and knights themselves the only ones left standing in the camp. Your vision begins to fade once more, but not before you catch sight of an half-elven woman with blonde hair, almost appearing to glow with an icy blue aura in the mist. Dismounting from her steed, she locks eyes with you and begins to stride forward just as the vision fades to black.
Staring at the pages of the book once more, you feel a slight tingling in the back of your head.
((When ready, let me know and we'll move onto the next day!))
Kal rubs his eyes, closing the book sharply with his other hand. "I think that's enough for me tonight, didn't think I was going to be reliving his life." He slides the book back over to Silthras or Velyra and stands up.
"See you all in the morning."
(Good for the night!)
Velyra raises an eyebrow as the knight exits, nodding an acknowledgement. "Sleep well, we have quite a complicated day ahead of us tomorrow." Deciding to take a break herself, she puts down the book she was reading, letting out a long sigh. "I think it's safe to say what happened here can be interpreted as one of the omens of a coming calamity. Though it appears we might have disrupted the usual chain of events." She says, glancing at the other two still left in the room.
"Wherever we go from here, it might not be a bad idea to start putting out feelers, seeing if we can track down any rumors of activity that rings familiar to what we've just learned."
Silthras nods, "Contacting your colleagues would be sensible." He pauses for a moment, considering options, "Would you be able to contact my mother? She has many sources she might call upon. If not, I might send her a more mundane message, describing what we have found, and the signs to look for. I'm sure she could find a way to contact me back if she needed more information."
(( I know the answer to the question; Silthras doesn't ))
He waits for an answer, then nods. "Very well, I shall write a message then get some sleep I think. It has been a long day."
When he has finished the note he bids Usul and Velyra farewell and goes to his room.
(( Happy to move on ))
While the others read, Usul is tinkering away at his box until suddenly something clicks and it begins to open up. He lets out a small gasp and is about to call out to the others to share when he sees them busy in work. He keeps playing with it for a bit until he gets sleepy and begins to yawn. Putting the cube, now slightly opened, back into his bag he says good night to the others and heads to his room, crawling into bed with his companions and curling up to sleep.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Velyra shakes her head, "I would, but the spell doesn't work that way. If I meet her at some point I can. Maybe ask her to send the message to Sybil, and I can check in with her from time to time?"
"Have a good night, I'll see the both of you in the morning."
As Silthras leaves, Velyra also heads to her own room. Before settling in, she writes out her own message to leave with Sybil, for when the next team from the Astrium arrives. She details everything they've uncovered so far, going into particular detail about the omens to watch out for.
The night passes with incident - as a matter of fact the celebration in the tavern proper goes on for much of the night, easily heard even from your rooms.
You find Sybil and Bertrand waiting for you in the common area when you emerge in the morning. The military officer you notice, looks a little worse for wear, with dark rings of exhaustion under his eyes. They wave you over to a table, the innkeeper bringing over food and drink at your request. Bertrand is the first to speak, "I've got your meeting with Baroness. Was actually easier than I thought. Word of what's happened has gotten to her, and she was eager to meet you all herself."
"Whenever you're ready to go, we can make way for the keep."
Silthras hands his two identical notes to Sybil, asking her to arrange for one to be sent to his mother. The other is for Sybil herself. "I am sure you have contacts...perhaps the ones who could trace Elirion for me? They might also be asked to keep a watch for...signs."
He then settles down for a hearty breakfast, willing to answer any questions Sybil might have before heading off with Bertrand.
Velyra likewise hands off a message for Sybil to pass on, "there will be a team coming from the Astrium to investigate the ruins...That note contains some things they need to know before going in."
Sybil takes the pieces of writing from both of you, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like I have some reading to do. I'll make sure these are passed on to the appropriate people. though."
As you all begin to finish getting through your breakfast, Bertrand clears his throat and begins to stand. "I think it's time we head out."
Leading your group through the streets of Silverfair westward, towards the keep that is visible from most any point in the city, the man begins to fill you in on relevant things to know before the meeting. "Baroness Anet Sholte has been in charge here basically her entire adulthood. As I understand she was part of the group that more or less group up around King Lidae. Though make no mistake, she more than did her part to earn the position here."
"I'll be honest, even I've been confused by her inaction these past few months...Truly, throughout my tenure she has been a great leader. If she has been compromised as you suggest, necessary as it may be, I'll not be happy to see her disposed."
"I'd warn you against trying to deceive her, she's quite sharp and insightful. She'll also be joined by an 'advisor' from the High King's court, so be wary of that. Her relationship with House Astre is much more strained than the one with Lidae's court." Eventually he leads you up the outer gate of the walls surrounding the keep, motioning to those manning the guardhouse to raise the gate. Walking through, he continues. "Whatever your suspicions, take care of your tongue and don't show her disrespect, it won't get you anywhere but thrown out."
You're lead into the keep itself, opening into a foyer grand in size and architecture, but rather spartan in terms of decoration. In lieu of cushioned chairs there are stone benches. The stone floor is without even a single carpet, and few pieces of art decorate the walls. Bertrand notifies an aide of your arrival, quietly exchanging words with the man. He runs off, and Bertrand turns back to you all. "We'll be summoned shortly now. Any last questions?"
Silthras clears his throat, glances at Kal, then speaks softly, "Can you tell us anything of this 'advisor'? Because...to be honest...the mad ravings of House Astre regarding the Abyss Heralds seems, now, like wise counsel...do you know anything of the advice they have been giving?"
(( @DM: In all of our readings so far, has there been any mention of the more intelligent undead (eg. Vampires) and on which side they fought in the wars against the incursions? ))
((Not a word. What happened in Gorzhadia seems to be unrelated.))
Bertrand's eyebrows raise, and he takes a moment to consider the question. "Calmaius is his name. He's a very private and secretive man. Quiet, and stoic. Honestly I don't think his mouth is even possible of making a smile, and I've rarely heard him actually speak."
"His conversations with the Baroness are known only to her I'm afraid. You get the same result talking to a brick wall as you would him."
(( So no mention of a grand alliance of Men, Elves, and .... Vampires fighting against the void? 8-( ))
Silthras nods, "Sounds like a professional. They keep their counsel for whom it is intended and noone else. Well..." he glances around, "...I think I'm ready if noone else has questions?"
More quietly again, just to his companions, he says "I'm not sure we should mention the books just yet."
"I'm just ready to get this over with," Kal says to Betrand. "The stiffness of things like this are...Uncommon to me." To Silthras suggestion, he nods. Whenever they're taken before the Baroness, he will immediately activate his divine sense.
(( Also, it slipped my mind, and may have slipped Sithras' ))
As soon as he remembers, Silthras turns to Velyra, and asks quietly "Did our mysterious friend get back to you?"
Usul is staying rather quiet as he rides Muad towards the Keep, Dib also noticeably out of sight under Usul's vest. This is the first time he'll be anywhere near anyone this important, or any place this rich. He's focused on keeping his eyes (and Dib's nose) out for anything strange (or smells of undead). He's clearly out of his element here, and just wide eyed at what's going on.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Lowering her own voice, Velyra replies "Just the message yesterday about where and how to meet them. I guess we just bring the items we've found already."
The Sending for reference: 'Old Town district. Tavern named Ozmoto's Den. Tell any of the workers you're looking for a rare drink, a Black Cheshire. No funny business.'