SeverinR
Valar Lord
Aliron
"I might be able to read the book. (decipher script) "
Decipher script/Traps: [1d20+2] = 14+2 = 16 (bonus lvl-prime=Int+1,additional: race+1 to traps only)
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Dragon's Egg - Act IV
- Thread starter Steerpike
- Start date
Aliron
"I might be able to read the book. (decipher script) "
Decipher script/Traps: [1d20+2] = 14+2 = 16 (bonus lvl-prime=Int+1,additional: race+1 to traps only)
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
"Thank you for your help, Alin, but I think I have it figured out."
((Liadan got a 20, so I think she'd decipher more than he would.))
"Thank you for your help, Alin, but I think I have it figured out."
((Liadan got a 20, so I think she'd decipher more than he would.))
Baldhart
With the dead buried, and a few extra goodberries in hand, I suggest we set off. It seems Zoran and Nissa had no luck with the knife, but Nissa plans to study it on wolf-back. I wonder if Masama's meditation with the ring uncovered any secrets, or if anyone figured out what that book says.
I say as I offer a piggyback ride to Abbi, "To Ballara." Then add, "Or to that caravan if we happen across it on the way." There's also the possibility we'll run into deadly adversaries, but I'll keep that to myself.
With the dead buried, and a few extra goodberries in hand, I suggest we set off. It seems Zoran and Nissa had no luck with the knife, but Nissa plans to study it on wolf-back. I wonder if Masama's meditation with the ring uncovered any secrets, or if anyone figured out what that book says.
I say as I offer a piggyback ride to Abbi, "To Ballara." Then add, "Or to that caravan if we happen across it on the way." There's also the possibility we'll run into deadly adversaries, but I'll keep that to myself.
Philster401
Scribal Lord
Zoran stated, "I say we try and find that caravan, so if no one disagrees I suggest we start heading out." Then he waited for Baldhart's decision.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
I look through the drows' book, and shudder at what I read. Most of it seems to be a journal -- it tells of the drows' coming to Mittelstadt a few months before, and of a cult within that city that aims to help Aeron return to power. The drow apparently came north to aid in taking down Aslaug; they were supposed to find help in a place called Jotundar. The journal also speaks of the knife the drow priestess used -- it contains life energy, not souls, and was also meant as a tool to defeat Aslaug. The priestess chose children as victims because of the youthful strength of their life energy.
Past the journal are pages of spells. The lightning spell is described in detail, and there is also some sort of blessing spell to aid allies. That spell seems to require calling on some dark gods for support. Then there is a spell for casting spider-like webs, another for identifying the properties of magic items, and finally one to summon forth a demon.
The final spell makes me shudder as I remember the pact I made with the demon Calexa had summoned. I wonder if it's still wreaking havoc somewhere. Is that the demon the spell would summon? I dare not test it to find out. I look back at the names of the dark gods worshiped by the drow, trying to recall if I've heard them before.
((Liadan will be keeping the journal to study it more in-depth as time allows.))
I look through the drows' book, and shudder at what I read. Most of it seems to be a journal -- it tells of the drows' coming to Mittelstadt a few months before, and of a cult within that city that aims to help Aeron return to power. The drow apparently came north to aid in taking down Aslaug; they were supposed to find help in a place called Jotundar. The journal also speaks of the knife the drow priestess used -- it contains life energy, not souls, and was also meant as a tool to defeat Aslaug. The priestess chose children as victims because of the youthful strength of their life energy.
Past the journal are pages of spells. The lightning spell is described in detail, and there is also some sort of blessing spell to aid allies. That spell seems to require calling on some dark gods for support. Then there is a spell for casting spider-like webs, another for identifying the properties of magic items, and finally one to summon forth a demon.
The final spell makes me shudder as I remember the pact I made with the demon Calexa had summoned. I wonder if it's still wreaking havoc somewhere. Is that the demon the spell would summon? I dare not test it to find out. I look back at the names of the dark gods worshiped by the drow, trying to recall if I've heard them before.
((Liadan will be keeping the journal to study it more in-depth as time allows.))
- Thread starter
- #566
((Some PMs have been sent out. This post will push things ahead a bit - a lot in summary form. If I've missed anything you're waiting for an answer on while I've been gone, either PM me or RP it here in the post and I'll make sure to catch it and respond)).
At the burned out farmhouse, the children pay their respects to the dead, and then huddle together amongst themselves, some of the older ones consoling the younger. Dalla looks greatly relieved that the group actually returned. She reports that there was no trouble at the farmhouse while she waited.
From further conversations with Tarlack, before leaving him, it is clear the caravan runs between Ballara and Alfoss, and does so twice a week. Before finding the dwarven ruins, the kobolds were living on the open land and weren't opposed to stealing food from the caravan from time to time. There is a well-worn road running between the two towns, and the caravan travels over it.
Masama's meditation with the ring takes him a couple of hours. When he is done, he returns to the main group, holding the ring up so everyone can see it. "This thing, it is bound to the source of magic. There is something...cleansing...in its powers. It appears to allow a spell-caster to draw power more easily, with less risk that a spell will fail, or that in failing it will do harm or corrupt the wearer." Masama shrugs and sets the ring down before the party. "I can say no more about it than that."
Burnbright and Dalla both help care for the children. Burnbright is cheerful, as she always seems to be eventually, no matter what is going on around her. Dalla's face looks haunted and she says little. When Baldhart tells the story of her oaths and gets to the part about the docks, Burnbright glances over occasionally, looking proud to hear the tale.
Branwen hasn't said much lately. The harpy child has grown around an inch since leaving Arendal, and now that she's around the other children it is more apparent. The kids give her a wide berth, though, and there is some whispering about her. Branwen gives up some early attempts to interact with the other children and ends up settling down near the adults. Burnbright snaps some words at the kids and the shake their heads and grow quiet.
Branwen takes the organ meat of the rabbits when offered, to some further whispering from the rescued farm kids. Branwen doesn't notice them. She stares at what is left of the organ meat, then the rabbit over the fire. Her face greasy, she points at the remaining uncooked rabbit and says "Waw." Then she points at the rabbit over the fire and says "Cook." She looks around at the group, her face somewhere between puzzlement and enlightenment.
When it is time to head out, traveling is slowed by the size and nature of the group. Luckily, the day is relatively warm, the sun out over the heads of the party. To the north, the edge of the Taint looms - it doesn't look sunny in there. The party has to camp for the night before there is any sign of roads, much less a village. The evening passes uneventfully, and by mid-morning of the next day the group comes along a wide dirt road that winds north and south. It seems to be the caravan road the kobolds talked about, though there is no sign of a caravan on it from what the party can see. Beyond the road, the group can also make out a lazy river, also winding north and south.
At the burned out farmhouse, the children pay their respects to the dead, and then huddle together amongst themselves, some of the older ones consoling the younger. Dalla looks greatly relieved that the group actually returned. She reports that there was no trouble at the farmhouse while she waited.
From further conversations with Tarlack, before leaving him, it is clear the caravan runs between Ballara and Alfoss, and does so twice a week. Before finding the dwarven ruins, the kobolds were living on the open land and weren't opposed to stealing food from the caravan from time to time. There is a well-worn road running between the two towns, and the caravan travels over it.
Masama's meditation with the ring takes him a couple of hours. When he is done, he returns to the main group, holding the ring up so everyone can see it. "This thing, it is bound to the source of magic. There is something...cleansing...in its powers. It appears to allow a spell-caster to draw power more easily, with less risk that a spell will fail, or that in failing it will do harm or corrupt the wearer." Masama shrugs and sets the ring down before the party. "I can say no more about it than that."
Burnbright and Dalla both help care for the children. Burnbright is cheerful, as she always seems to be eventually, no matter what is going on around her. Dalla's face looks haunted and she says little. When Baldhart tells the story of her oaths and gets to the part about the docks, Burnbright glances over occasionally, looking proud to hear the tale.
Branwen hasn't said much lately. The harpy child has grown around an inch since leaving Arendal, and now that she's around the other children it is more apparent. The kids give her a wide berth, though, and there is some whispering about her. Branwen gives up some early attempts to interact with the other children and ends up settling down near the adults. Burnbright snaps some words at the kids and the shake their heads and grow quiet.
Branwen takes the organ meat of the rabbits when offered, to some further whispering from the rescued farm kids. Branwen doesn't notice them. She stares at what is left of the organ meat, then the rabbit over the fire. Her face greasy, she points at the remaining uncooked rabbit and says "Waw." Then she points at the rabbit over the fire and says "Cook." She looks around at the group, her face somewhere between puzzlement and enlightenment.
When it is time to head out, traveling is slowed by the size and nature of the group. Luckily, the day is relatively warm, the sun out over the heads of the party. To the north, the edge of the Taint looms - it doesn't look sunny in there. The party has to camp for the night before there is any sign of roads, much less a village. The evening passes uneventfully, and by mid-morning of the next day the group comes along a wide dirt road that winds north and south. It seems to be the caravan road the kobolds talked about, though there is no sign of a caravan on it from what the party can see. Beyond the road, the group can also make out a lazy river, also winding north and south.
Philster401
Scribal Lord
"This Aslaug does it mention who he is and where to find him? Because if they want to kill him so badly I think we should see if we could get him to join us or at least make sure the drow don't kill him," Zoran asked.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
"Aslaug is a woman," I correct Zoran. "And she is not our ally. I'll have to read this in more detail later; perhaps it does say where to find her." For now I tuck the book into my pack for safekeeping.
* * *
Cadell
I keep an eye on Branwen as she tries to interact with the other children, and stay close to her when she returns to us adults. At her distinction between raw and cooked meat, I beam at her and nod encouragingly. "Yes, good girl! Raw--" I point to the raw meat, "--and cooked!" I point to the meat over the fire. "Clever Branwen!" I ruffle her hair gently with my good hand.
"Aslaug is a woman," I correct Zoran. "And she is not our ally. I'll have to read this in more detail later; perhaps it does say where to find her." For now I tuck the book into my pack for safekeeping.
* * *
Cadell
I keep an eye on Branwen as she tries to interact with the other children, and stay close to her when she returns to us adults. At her distinction between raw and cooked meat, I beam at her and nod encouragingly. "Yes, good girl! Raw--" I point to the raw meat, "--and cooked!" I point to the meat over the fire. "Clever Branwen!" I ruffle her hair gently with my good hand.
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During the day, Baldhart and Nissa spend time with the children, making sure they are well fed and as entertained as can be, considering the situation.
After studying the blade on wolf back, Nissa is relieved to know the fate of the little girl and the blade's other victims…
Nissa
"There are definitely not souls in the blade. The children are enjoying their eternal rest in a world without suffering. We could use the blade's energy to battle the evil forces we face, but… let's not forget the source of that energy came from the hearts of helpless children."
I drop it on the ground.
"If there is no one among you who would wield it, I will ask Baldhart to attempt to destroy it."
Baldhart
"Gladly," I tell Nissa, though not so confident that a simple hammer can smash a magical blade, even in my destructive arm.
I approach Dalla, who was never too crazy about our detour. But surely she sees the sense in it. "These poor kids… it's like they lost a mother twice. You and I are lucky to have loving mothers. If the road ahead leads to town, we should both take the time to write home, don't you think?"
After studying the blade on wolf back, Nissa is relieved to know the fate of the little girl and the blade's other victims…
Nissa
"There are definitely not souls in the blade. The children are enjoying their eternal rest in a world without suffering. We could use the blade's energy to battle the evil forces we face, but… let's not forget the source of that energy came from the hearts of helpless children."
I drop it on the ground.
"If there is no one among you who would wield it, I will ask Baldhart to attempt to destroy it."
Baldhart
"Gladly," I tell Nissa, though not so confident that a simple hammer can smash a magical blade, even in my destructive arm.
I approach Dalla, who was never too crazy about our detour. But surely she sees the sense in it. "These poor kids… it's like they lost a mother twice. You and I are lucky to have loving mothers. If the road ahead leads to town, we should both take the time to write home, don't you think?"
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
As Baldhart takes out her hammer, I speak up. "I can study the book in greater detail if you'll allow me time to do so -- it told me about the knife, and agrees with what Nissa found out. Maybe it will tell us how to wield the knife, or how to safely destroy it. A thing as evil and magical as that might not succumb to a simple hammer-blow."
As Baldhart takes out her hammer, I speak up. "I can study the book in greater detail if you'll allow me time to do so -- it told me about the knife, and agrees with what Nissa found out. Maybe it will tell us how to wield the knife, or how to safely destroy it. A thing as evil and magical as that might not succumb to a simple hammer-blow."
Baldhart
I put my hammer away, but say, "I don't think it's unsafe to wield. I just don't know if… I mean, even if the power in this knife could benefit us somehow, the power came from sacrificing innocents." I ask Nissa, "All children?"
Nissa
"From what I can tell… the younger the victim, the more life energy drawn from the heart. There are definitely no souls in it—which was my reason to object to destroying it earlier. But Liadan, if you think there's a risk to our own safety from trying to smash it… then yes, best you read the book. I do suggest we find our answer soon. This is not something we want back in the wrong hands—or our own, I will warn you. I am no deity, but I do work for one. And while not all of you are followers of Brynhild, none of you are evil—none of you are child-killers. And I don't want to see one of you become anything that resembles a child-killer.
"Your body will benefit from the use of this knife, yes, but the benefit is temporary and it pales in comparison to the irreparable harm you would do to your immortal soul. Whether you're human and lucky to live to a hundred or an elf that may live thousands of years, you will all go through what I have experienced myself. You will die. And when your time comes, what you don't want is this evil knife and your willingness to wield it to be the difference between eternal paradise and being confined to the abyss.
"What the evil gods do to the damned, I do not know. I suspect it may be similar to the lie the drow gave us about the knife—that the souls in there are tormented in darkness. The convincing lies are half-truths. Perhaps the truthful half is that the drow was thinking of her own eternal fate."
I put my hammer away, but say, "I don't think it's unsafe to wield. I just don't know if… I mean, even if the power in this knife could benefit us somehow, the power came from sacrificing innocents." I ask Nissa, "All children?"
Nissa
"From what I can tell… the younger the victim, the more life energy drawn from the heart. There are definitely no souls in it—which was my reason to object to destroying it earlier. But Liadan, if you think there's a risk to our own safety from trying to smash it… then yes, best you read the book. I do suggest we find our answer soon. This is not something we want back in the wrong hands—or our own, I will warn you. I am no deity, but I do work for one. And while not all of you are followers of Brynhild, none of you are evil—none of you are child-killers. And I don't want to see one of you become anything that resembles a child-killer.
"Your body will benefit from the use of this knife, yes, but the benefit is temporary and it pales in comparison to the irreparable harm you would do to your immortal soul. Whether you're human and lucky to live to a hundred or an elf that may live thousands of years, you will all go through what I have experienced myself. You will die. And when your time comes, what you don't want is this evil knife and your willingness to wield it to be the difference between eternal paradise and being confined to the abyss.
"What the evil gods do to the damned, I do not know. I suspect it may be similar to the lie the drow gave us about the knife—that the souls in there are tormented in darkness. The convincing lies are half-truths. Perhaps the truthful half is that the drow was thinking of her own eternal fate."
Philster401
Scribal Lord
"Are we sure of the damage it will do to the damage it will do to the soul because this is my opinion is that if we destroy the blade it means one of two things one that no one else could ever use it to take another life but my I ask this question is taking energy from one who is going to be killed any way and making use of their death. Which leads to my second point if we don't use this blade and destroy it I believe it means the children died for nothing. But if someone does decide to take the blade I will make whom ever does take it promise to never use it for evil and use my power to detect any evil within the holder. Finally Baldhart until we decide to destroy the blade or someone takes it I wish to continue to keep protection over it so if you would allow me," said Zoran.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
"I think I should keep the blade until I can find out more about it, and how to destroy it safely if that's possible." I look at Baldhart for her opinion.
((Still waiting for Steerpike's word on my last WIS check regarding the gods mentioned in the book.))
"I think I should keep the blade until I can find out more about it, and how to destroy it safely if that's possible." I look at Baldhart for her opinion.
((Still waiting for Steerpike's word on my last WIS check regarding the gods mentioned in the book.))
Baldhart
"I think Nissa's point is that to use this knife, knowing its power comes from the ritual sacrifice of children, it's like being a willing accomplice to the child's murder. The children didn't die for nothing. They died for an evil purpose and we avenged them by killing the witch. Destroying this evil thing means when we're dead and gone, no one can use this blade." I turn to Liadan. "Yes, if you can find a safe way to destroy it, that's fine by me."
I leave the knife on the ground. "I don't want to hold it unless you'll let me try my hammer on it."
"I think Nissa's point is that to use this knife, knowing its power comes from the ritual sacrifice of children, it's like being a willing accomplice to the child's murder. The children didn't die for nothing. They died for an evil purpose and we avenged them by killing the witch. Destroying this evil thing means when we're dead and gone, no one can use this blade." I turn to Liadan. "Yes, if you can find a safe way to destroy it, that's fine by me."
I leave the knife on the ground. "I don't want to hold it unless you'll let me try my hammer on it."
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
I pick up the knife, using my sleeve to shield my hand, and tuck it into my pack with the rest of my belongings so I don't have to touch it. At least until I need to examine it again.
I pick up the knife, using my sleeve to shield my hand, and tuck it into my pack with the rest of my belongings so I don't have to touch it. At least until I need to examine it again.
Baldhart
Liadan takes the knife, so I will not discuss it further for now. Instead, I hold up the witch's ring, thanking Masama for his discovery.
"Unless Mauve comes out of hiding and back to us, I wonder… who among us uses unsafe spells? Because whoever that is—that's who wears the ring I got from the witch." I look up at Nissa. "My days of using magic are over," I say with a grin.
Liadan takes the knife, so I will not discuss it further for now. Instead, I hold up the witch's ring, thanking Masama for his discovery.
"Unless Mauve comes out of hiding and back to us, I wonder… who among us uses unsafe spells? Because whoever that is—that's who wears the ring I got from the witch." I look up at Nissa. "My days of using magic are over," I say with a grin.
Keitsumah
Grandmaster
Batos
I consider the others as we travel and pause when they speak of destroying the knife. My gaze remains focused on it for a time after, even as it is handed off to Liadan. Something burns in the back of my mind and I curse the fact that I am not in my true form. That knife... I do not think it would doom me. I simply feel as if the blood poured upon it's edge would be wasted if I did not use the strength of those children to stop those who would kill still more. But I am not an elf. Have not been since I was a small child and my mother cast me off in an eagle's talons to escape my father's grasp.
A deep growl throbs in my chest and I quickly stifle it should the others glance my way. But i cannot hide the hatred in my eyes as i stare at the ground ahead of my paws.
I will kill my father for what he did.
Keitsumah
I look up upon hearing Baldhart speak of the ring. "I say Liadan or I should wear the ring to make our healing spells stronger. I use elven life magic mostly, but I do know a few small spells that you have all seen. Including the entangle one -which is by far the largest. Other than that, I cannot do too much because I do not know enough of magic."
Batos growls and I glance over at him, worried. He's been going off on his own more than usual. More protective of me, like a guard, but less of a companion. I worry for him, but as i reach out to try and feel his emotions as the binding spell should allow me to, my eyes suddenly narrow when i realize the connection isn't even there.
I halt, staring at the wolf in confusion. "I...I am not bonded to him. It's broken. The spell's snapped."
I consider the others as we travel and pause when they speak of destroying the knife. My gaze remains focused on it for a time after, even as it is handed off to Liadan. Something burns in the back of my mind and I curse the fact that I am not in my true form. That knife... I do not think it would doom me. I simply feel as if the blood poured upon it's edge would be wasted if I did not use the strength of those children to stop those who would kill still more. But I am not an elf. Have not been since I was a small child and my mother cast me off in an eagle's talons to escape my father's grasp.
A deep growl throbs in my chest and I quickly stifle it should the others glance my way. But i cannot hide the hatred in my eyes as i stare at the ground ahead of my paws.
I will kill my father for what he did.
Keitsumah
I look up upon hearing Baldhart speak of the ring. "I say Liadan or I should wear the ring to make our healing spells stronger. I use elven life magic mostly, but I do know a few small spells that you have all seen. Including the entangle one -which is by far the largest. Other than that, I cannot do too much because I do not know enough of magic."
Batos growls and I glance over at him, worried. He's been going off on his own more than usual. More protective of me, like a guard, but less of a companion. I worry for him, but as i reach out to try and feel his emotions as the binding spell should allow me to, my eyes suddenly narrow when i realize the connection isn't even there.
I halt, staring at the wolf in confusion. "I...I am not bonded to him. It's broken. The spell's snapped."
Baldhart
I give the ring to Liadan. "Well, let's just make the best use we can of what we find. Liadan's book mentions the lightning spell, and I can definitely say it was powerful. If I hadn't jumped out of the way, I think I would have been more than singed. Whoever casts that lightning better wear the ring. We've seen the effects of corruption."
I want to say how Nissa's warning about the knife is not the same as what magic does. I think the good gods can accept a soul tainted by corrupt magic. Evil acts are a greater concern. If my companions use the energy in the knife to do good, how will the gods judge it? I only know I can't rationalize it, and if Nissa can't, perhaps her stance is that of Brynhild's. Or perhaps she merely errs on the side of caution.
I give the ring to Liadan. "Well, let's just make the best use we can of what we find. Liadan's book mentions the lightning spell, and I can definitely say it was powerful. If I hadn't jumped out of the way, I think I would have been more than singed. Whoever casts that lightning better wear the ring. We've seen the effects of corruption."
I want to say how Nissa's warning about the knife is not the same as what magic does. I think the good gods can accept a soul tainted by corrupt magic. Evil acts are a greater concern. If my companions use the energy in the knife to do good, how will the gods judge it? I only know I can't rationalize it, and if Nissa can't, perhaps her stance is that of Brynhild's. Or perhaps she merely errs on the side of caution.
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Liadan
I slide the ring onto my finger when Baldhart hands it over, waiting to see if it has any ill effect on me. When nothing happens, I relax a little.
Then I turn to Keit. "What do you mean, you aren't bonded to him anymore? How can such a spell be broken?" Granted, I know little of the ways of druids, and less about the bonds between them and their animal companions, but it still seems strange to me. Keit and Batos were so close, it almost seemed they could read each other's minds.
I slide the ring onto my finger when Baldhart hands it over, waiting to see if it has any ill effect on me. When nothing happens, I relax a little.
Then I turn to Keit. "What do you mean, you aren't bonded to him anymore? How can such a spell be broken?" Granted, I know little of the ways of druids, and less about the bonds between them and their animal companions, but it still seems strange to me. Keit and Batos were so close, it almost seemed they could read each other's minds.
Keitsumah
Grandmaster
Keitsumah
"I don't know..." I reply to Liadan, and Batos turns his head to look at me in what i can swear is equal confusion to mine. "He's.... acting the same. Like it wasn't broken. But the link is definetly gone."
I bite the inside of my cheek, but continue walking after the others, alongside Batos. "The spell is more to simply bond and control an animal, yet he seems to still understand me. He still follows us. How...?" I shake my head and shrug, unable to come up with any solution as to why such a strange thing happened.
"I don't know..." I reply to Liadan, and Batos turns his head to look at me in what i can swear is equal confusion to mine. "He's.... acting the same. Like it wasn't broken. But the link is definetly gone."
I bite the inside of my cheek, but continue walking after the others, alongside Batos. "The spell is more to simply bond and control an animal, yet he seems to still understand me. He still follows us. How...?" I shake my head and shrug, unable to come up with any solution as to why such a strange thing happened.