Chapter 2a - Checking in at the University

posted: 30 November 2019
RedSquad - game
Dungeon Master 12-Apr-19 06:38 PM
@Octavious @Xavavor @Bongo As you leave the docks you turn south. You pass warehouses, storefronts, and eventually come to a large open square. There are fountains, well-kept gardens, and plenty of benches - most of which are occupied. There are a few food stalls in the square as well, selling meat pies and other street fare. You cross the square and begin walking west along a wide road full of people and shops. You see signs including Everyday Elixers, The Soul Apothecary, and The Secret Scepter. You notice many of them seem to be arcane shops selling magical items - wands, scrolls, components, etc. There are mundane stores as well - Harkin's Dry Goods, The Crying Cow, Featherfall Emporium. Eventually you come to a large walled section of the city. The walls seem to be more for show though, as you see many open gates and doorways leading in. Beyond the walls are numerous towers, some stretching so high into the sky they make you uncomfortable. You pick the nearest gate and walk through. After passing a few buildings which almost seem to grow out of the stone wall you come to a large courtyard. People of all shapes and sizes are walking around or sitting on benches. Some seem focused and intent, others appear completely lost in books. Still others argue in languages you don't recognize. You have reached The University. Directly across the courtyard is one edifice that towers above the rest - you can barely see the top hundreds of feet above you. It attracts your attention for one simple reason - it is the only building you can see with guards standing out front.
Bongo 12-Apr-19 06:40 PM
Okay, its been a couple weeks for me. What are we doing in town? And why did we split the party??
Dungeon Master 12-Apr-19 06:47 PM
The party was of two minds when you got to the capital - Octavious wants to speak to someone at the university and warn them about the failed barrier which caused the destruction of Hythe. Ramza and Durawin felt the citadel should be informed first. Ramza ran into an old soldier buddy on the docks who told him their old sergeant hangs out in a nearby pub and suggested they talk to him to maybe get an audience at the citadel. Octavious figured you and xavavor would be interested in tagging along to the university (being arcane casters), so the three of you headed that way while the rest of the party went to the pub
Bongo 12-Apr-19 06:47 PM
got it. Thanks
Hey guys, do you think that large building is the university? Let's go ask and see if they'll admit us.
Octavious 12-Apr-19 07:33 PM
It’s this way. Octavious walks as if he knows the way confidently
Towards the large complex of buildings and towers and directly towards a large building with light white stone walls and azure blue roof.
Dungeon Master 12-Apr-19 07:39 PM
You make your way to the building with no issues, no one even seems to notice you pass
Octavious 12-Apr-19 07:41 PM
‘Just stay close. It’s easy to get lost if you’ve never been here before. ‘
I continue walking with purpose to a side door which goes to a stairwell.
I hold the door for my friends and then start climbing the stairs
Bongo 12-Apr-19 07:43 PM
I hope these stairs aren't too high, I've got short legs
Dungeon Master 12-Apr-19 07:46 PM
they do seem to go up and up, but you only have to climb 8 or 9 flights before you get to where Octavious seems to be taking you
Octavious 12-Apr-19 07:48 PM
We go up four flights of stairs and bump right through to a wide hall and I walk straight across the hall past a dozen or so libraries, laboratories, and learning rooms.
Bongo 12-Apr-19 07:52 PM
I'll follow, intrigued by Octavious' familiarity with the place. I'll also keep an eye out for the bathroom (Halfling's have small bladders)
Dungeon Master 12-Apr-19 07:53 PM
lol
make a perception check
Bongo 12-Apr-19 07:54 PM
/r d20 +1
Sidekick BOT 12-Apr-19 07:54 PM
@Bongo: d20 +1 = (2) +1 = 3
Bongo 12-Apr-19 07:54 PM
errr
Dungeon Master 12-Apr-19 07:54 PM
apparently wizards don't pee - you can't find a toilet anywhere! (edited)
Octavious 12-Apr-19 08:07 PM
Almost there.
We cross the wide marble floors with white accented by colored marbles the likes of which most of us have never seen before.
Some of the colored marble forms shapes or symbols some of which are familiar as arcane but many are unreadable to us all.
We approach a grand door made of metal in the form of various arcane symbols and accented with rich woods. A fat old man sits at a small desk just outside.
“I come seeking an audience with Arch-Magi Caelmesh. He is expecting me.” And I write my name in the small ledger book at The front of his desk.
(The name lights up as it finishes being written and goes from black ink to blue ink)
I also beckon my friends to sign in as well.
Durawin 12-Apr-19 08:15 PM
Bongo will need a stepstool
Octavious 12-Apr-19 08:16 PM
You notice one is just to the side of the desk.
Octavious slides it over.
Bongo 12-Apr-19 08:19 PM
I sign the book as well
Octavious 12-Apr-19 08:20 PM
In a whisper to my friends “the Master, he’s kind of a big deal in the kingdom. he’s old and eccentric but he’s probably one of the most brilliant wizards ever. And he pays well. So ask anything you feel. He will pick what he answers. Not always in the same order you asked.”
The door opens and a young wizard steps forward. “Ahhh Jaymes, good to see you. How are your studies? How is master Caelmesh?”
(It’s his wizards apprentice)
(The fat old man at the desk begins snoring loudly)
Octavious 12-Apr-19 08:59 PM
Perception check:
/r d20+4
Sidekick BOT 12-Apr-19 08:59 PM
@Octavious: d20+4 = (7)+4 = 11
Octavious 12-Apr-19 09:00 PM
Do I notice anyone needing to use the bathroom?
Octavious 19-Apr-19 06:36 PM
Bongo why are you turning kind of yellow?
Bongo 19-Apr-19 07:37 PM
Need to find the loo. Small bladder (halfling ya know!)
Octavious 20-Apr-19 08:11 PM
as we enter the door I point immediately to the two doors on both sides of the hallway. "the one to the right is the men's room, dont forget to wash your hands after. There is a magic mouth which will tell everyone you didnt wash your hands above each of the doors if you dont and it's pretty embarrassing."
Bongo 22-Apr-19 11:55 PM
Bongo head to the door on the right...washes up afterward
Bongo 23-Apr-19 01:24 PM
When we meet the wizard, I will ask him how I can best serve my divinity in this adventuring party.
Octavious 23-Apr-19 11:11 PM
Oh good question good sir!
Dungeon Master 26-Apr-19 04:40 PM
The three of you are led to a small sitting room. In the room are a few couches and chairs. The floor is polished marble and there is a single large black door on the west wall. The wizard indicated you should take a seat. (edited)
After around ten minutes the door opens but no one comes through. Octavious, having been through this before, stands and walks through the door while motioning for the others to follow.
Sitting at a large wooden desk in the middle of the room is a very old well-dressed dwarf. He continues to write in his book for a few seconds before waving his hand - you see three chairs (which definitely were not there before) appear in front of the desk. He looks up, expectantly. (edited)
Octavious 26-Apr-19 06:14 PM
“Lord Arch-Mage Caelmesh,” Octavious takes a seat in the middle, “thank you for seeing me, us, actually.” “I was unable to make speak with the person you sent me for, it appears he was driven him mad and the Druid tried to kill us. I lost my own horse and if not for the help of these gentlemen, and a few others I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Dungeon Master 26-Apr-19 06:16 PM
"Oh? Hmm... Well, probably for the best."
Octavious 26-Apr-19 06:17 PM
“We bring other disturbing news as well. A powerful magic which held a volcano in check has failed allowing lava flows to erupt and destroy a fishing village known as Hythe. It was only by pure chance we were able to save the villagers at the total loss of our things in the process.”
Dungeon Master 26-Apr-19 06:18 PM
"Hmmm.... Another one to add to the list I guess. I shall inform the council."
Octavious 26-Apr-19 06:18 PM
“It was so sudden.”
“Another one?”
Dungeon Master 26-Apr-19 06:18 PM
"Ah, well, you see, we've been hearing... things...."
"Strange reports"
"The council actually asked me to investigate, but I've been so busy, you see..."
"At first we didn't believe the reports."
Octavious, please roll a perception check with advantage
in fact, Bongo and Durawin can make checks too if they like, though not with advantage
Durawin 26-Apr-19 07:15 PM
(*I'm not with this silly rogue. I'm at the bar with my good buddy Ramza *)
Dungeon Master 26-Apr-19 07:17 PM
oh, that's right
then @Octavious @Bongo @Xavavor you may make perception checks. Octavious may make his with advantage
Xavavor 26-Apr-19 07:18 PM
/r d20+2
Sidekick BOT 26-Apr-19 07:18 PM
@Xavavor: d20+2 = (17)+2 = 19
Xavavor 26-Apr-19 07:23 PM
/r d20+4
Sidekick BOT 26-Apr-19 07:23 PM
@Xavavor: d20+4 = (5)+4 = 9
Xavavor 26-Apr-19 07:26 PM
I telepathically speak to octy-boy "you're friend here is a bit twitchy with his hands..."
Octavious 26-Apr-19 10:56 PM
/r d20+4
Sidekick BOT 26-Apr-19 10:56 PM
@Octavious: d20+4 = (18)+4 = 22
Octavious 26-Apr-19 11:00 PM
And second advantage roll. /r d20+4
/r d20+4
Sidekick BOT 26-Apr-19 11:01 PM
@Octavious: d20+4 = (19)+4 = 23
Octavious 26-Apr-19 11:01 PM
One better!
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:47 AM
@Octavious as Caelmesh is talking you glance down and see his fingers moving in a pattern you recognize as thieve's cant. his fingers ask: [Can your companions be trusted?]
Octavious 27-Apr-19 12:05 PM
[trusted enough. Good people. On the side of knowledge. Saved people at at great risk to themselves.]
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 01:28 PM
he seems thoughtful for a moment then nods. "Actually, there may be something you can help me with. I mentioned the council has tasked me with investigating the Diminishing, that's the fancy name they're calling it these days, but there is something I need. I should say, somethings" (he chuckles)
Octavious 27-Apr-19 01:31 PM
I nod.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 01:36 PM
"I'm not sure if you are aware, but the rate of... diminishing seems to be slowly increasing. Ever since we realized our random spell failures were possibly connected I've had the university masters quietly making notes on when and how often magic fails. As far as we can tell the occurrence is random, but the rate is not. When our records started the rate of failure was roughly one in one thousand. As of this morning it has risen to one in twenty." (edited)
"Once I realized the rate was increasing I began looking into ways to shield oneself from being robbed of magic at inopportune moments. I found a reference to something called an "Altilium" - an item that may be of use to all of us on the council. I'm not completely sure how it works, but I believe it is able to siphon a small amount of magical essence while in the presence of magic, and stores the magic until it is needed."
Octavious 27-Apr-19 01:42 PM
(Gasp) “One in twenty?” “That is considerable to say the least.”
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 01:43 PM
"It is indeed considerable. And frightening for those of us who rely so heavily on the arcane."
Octavious 27-Apr-19 01:44 PM
“What can you tell us about the Altilium or it’s parts? What does it look like? Where would we find it? Are there any safety issues? Who else might be searching for it or already has it?”
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 01:44 PM
"Hah, that is the interesting part!"
"These 'altiliums'.. Altilis? Altilii?...." (he seems to get momentarily distracted) "Whatever the plural is, they are relatively easy to construct. They can be made into many forms, though rings are the most common. What is not easy though, is finding the components."
"You see, each Altilium requires seven components, one for each school of magic. And these components are not easy to acquire..."
Octavious 27-Apr-19 01:48 PM
“Of course they aren’t,” I smile
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 01:48 PM
(he gives you a piercing look) "But if you and your... friends... could help us obtain the pieces, the council would be quite in your debt."
"And with enough materials, we could possibly construct enough for your friends. I know you are not a man of the arcane (he frowns a bit), but your friends look like they are men of power."
Octavious 27-Apr-19 01:50 PM
Absolutely.
(I’m giving some time for them to speak as well.)
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 01:58 PM
"I have the list somewhere, where did I put it...."
Octavious 27-Apr-19 02:08 PM
(Shit)
What’s a beholder? Succubus? Illithid? Nightstone?
I’ve heard of dragon turtles in sea legends
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 03:13 PM
"I recommend talking to the Arcane Naturalist masters over in the green tower if you want more information about these... items... But from what I can recall a Beholder is a large bizarre creature that often lives deep underground. A Succubus is a form of demon. Or devil. I'm not sure, they are not in my area of study. Illithids are a race of powerfully intelligent creatures who live in colonies deep below mountains. Nightstone is in my area of expertise - it is very rare, a pure black form of iron which can only be sourced in the fragments of a massive meteor which fell in the mountains west of Crasmere millenia ago. I believe the smiths of that region are the only ones who can properly forge the metal. It is notoriously difficult to work."
"And as far as I was aware, dragon turtles only appear in legends, though I knew a mage once who swore he had seen one a few decades ago."
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 03:28 PM
Somewhere would be books on these things yes?
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 03:29 PM
"Well, this being the university, I imagine you could find books on all sorts of topics in the various libraries scattered around."
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 03:30 PM
where is the closest of the libraries?
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 03:35 PM
"Most towers have a library or two in them, mine is two floors below here. If you agree to help source these items, I may even let you peruse the stacks!"
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:04 PM
“Just so I’m clear, your research shows components made up of mostly creatures only known in legends are required. You are one of the smartest people I have ever met. You have never made one of these items. How are you certain it would work?”
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 04:07 PM
"I know it will work because I know someone who has one." (his fingers sign [don't push, I can't say who]
"That person has not had a single failure of magic, as far as we can tell"
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:11 PM
I nod. “Fair enough.” “We will need at least 6 maybe seven in our party to carry this out. We have three more currently tracking down another lead for contract work as we speak.” I stand and glance at both my companions. “We will need access to the library and some of the research sages.” I look at Caelmesh. “We will also need gold upfront for expenses, travel, supplies, and initial payment.
“We support the cause but we lost a lot just getting back here to warn you.”
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 04:13 PM
"And before you ask, we didn't know what that person's amulet was made of, though once I found the reference to the Altilium, I asked to see the amulet and its construction seems to match."
"You may have access to my library, and I can put in a good word with the council, but they are masters of their own towers, and they will be the ones to decide how much to help."
@Octavious make a persuasion check for the gold
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:16 PM
/r d20+2
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 04:16 PM
@Octavious: d20+2 = (19)+2 = 21
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:16 PM
Yes!
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 04:18 PM
"My, I have forgotten how you think the world belongs to you..." (he smiles, and brings out a hefty pouch from his desk) "Take this for expenses. If you want to go in front of the council and demand an initial payment, be my guest."
make an insight check
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:19 PM
/r d20+2
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 04:19 PM
@Octavious: d20+2 = (2)+2 = 4
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:19 PM
Fudge
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 04:28 PM
you think going in front of the council to ask for an up-front payment is a perfectly reasonable thing to do
the pouch has platinum, gold, silver, and copper totaling 572 gp equivalent
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:35 PM
“Most gracious of you m’lord”
And I scoop the bag up.
“Please let your sages know we will need assistance in the library and if you could put in a good word with the head of the arcane naturalist Dept for a direct conversation I think it will expedite this.”
I glance knowingly at my companions.
Octavious 27-Apr-19 04:56 PM
“Anything else we should know m’lord?”
Bongo 27-Apr-19 04:59 PM
I ask him the question I mentioned earlier.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 05:00 PM
"Just that if you don't die, and bring back the components for Altiliums, you will have the favor of the council"
@Bongo he gives you an odd look and says "That might be a question better asked across the river. We don't deal much with the gods over here. I don't deny they exist, I honestly don't think about that often. Is your magic of a divine source?"
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:02 PM
Yes it is, good wizard.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 05:03 PM
"Interesting. Tell me, have you noticed your magic failing as well? I haven't really looked into whether the rates of failure are the same for divine casters as they are for arcane"
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:04 PM
I have seen no decline in my magic; my Divinity provides for me.
But alas, the Divinity provided only a broad direction: seek an adventuring party and aid them. A little guidance from an enlightened wizard would be most appreciated.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 05:09 PM
make a persuasion check (you have +4)
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:09 PM
/r d20 +4
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 05:09 PM
@Bongo: d20 +4 = (16) +4 = 20
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:09 PM
Yes!
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 05:11 PM
"Hmmm... Well, this task I am asking you and your fellows to accomplish will not be easy. I imagine having varied sources of magic will help in that endeavor. All I can say is protect those who protect you, and things will turn out well in the end."
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:12 PM
Thank you kind sir.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 05:13 PM
"Happy to help. Now out of my office, all of you, I have work to do!"
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:15 PM
Bongo exits the room., and starts looking for the nearest library
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 05:16 PM
this tower's library is two floors down
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:16 PM
Our should we find the other guys and let them know?
@Octavious
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 05:18 PM
since we are here, i at least want to hit up this library
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:18 PM
Sounds good
Octavious 27-Apr-19 05:22 PM
I agree. We should begin immediately at the library.
I think if we can get an audience with the arcane naturalist we also have an opportunity to ask direct questions and possibly seek just a few answers there for which ever creature we decide to go after first.
also I have those magic beans.... perhaps we can sell them to the arcane naturalist dept to raise some more gold.
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:24 PM
We need more?? That's a lifetime of gold already
Octavious 27-Apr-19 05:24 PM
not split six ways.
horses, ship passage, additional gear... they all cost gold good sir.
depending on what we have also decides what we can afford to go after.
healing potions as well.
Bongo 27-Apr-19 05:25 PM
My wants are few. But this is just starter funds. I'm sure we'll come across more.
Octavious 27-Apr-19 05:27 PM
we shall.
like I said, he pays well.
when you can deliver.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 06:31 PM
As you leave the room the apprentice gives you the password to enter the library, which you use once you walk down two flights of stairs. The doors open and you see a fairly massive room full of books. No one else seems to be in the room.
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 06:32 PM
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKS
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 06:32 PM
lots of books 😄
@Xavavor roll 10d100
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 06:37 PM
/r 10d100
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 06:37 PM
@Xavavor: 10d100 = (99+97+60+63+43+63+94+2+83+43) = 647
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 06:40 PM
you peruse the shelf near you and see titles such as: Black Antlers of Misfortune: Book of Beshaba by Quarwar Niltum Designcraft of the Dwarves by Tom Thunderfoot Umberlee Below by Freed Shaat Eldath's Waterfall by Ralf Jayce Evocation Basics by Forowen Grimkeep Kelemvor's Rites by Nrec Darac Dragonic Art and Culture by Bradfort Luxan (edited)
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:01 PM
who has the bag of holding. and how mad would your friend be octy if we...borrowed...these?
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:02 PM
how mad would you be if someone borrowed your special book?
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:03 PM
Besides the arcane alarms likely to go off it would likely be the last time I ever see you again.
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:03 PM
fair enough...
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:03 PM
Of all the places to steal from... this is not on anyone’s list anytime soon.
Besides, the sages will copy any notes for us as we need them
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:04 PM
i want to skim through each book looking for information about the items we need
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:05 PM
hmm... make an investigation check, and tell me how much time you are going to spend perusing these books
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:06 PM
/r d20+4
about 5 mins
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 07:07 PM
@Xavavor: d20+4 = (4)+4 = 8
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:08 PM
and i just want to mention i spent my life growing up in a library...
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:10 PM
5 minutes isn't much - you skim through a few of the books in that time and the only relevant bit that jumps out is a reference in Designcraft of the Dwarves about Nightstone. the book mentions how difficult it is to work, and how even simple processes like forging bars of the metal can be without the right tools and techniques.
maybe if you spend more time.....
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:12 PM
well boys i can probably get some useful info out of these books, but im going to need some time. i could spend forever in here surrounded by all these books, but how long do we have/you guys want to spend here?
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:23 PM
Focus on that book.
I ask one of the sages, “what information can you find me on Nightstone? Where is it? How to get it? And which dwarven holds might have it?”
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:26 PM
room is empty except for you three
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:26 PM
Wtf are the sages of the library...
I go looking for sages.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:26 PM
this is Caelmesh's personal library - he doesn't exactly have librarians on retainer 😄
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:27 PM
At least with nightstone we have a direction to start on the first item
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:30 PM
you actually have directions for a few - Caelmash told you both beholders and illithids live deep underground, you know Nightstone can be found near Crasmere, and Bongo is a good man - just kill him and use his blood 😄
Ramza 27-Apr-19 07:31 PM
Sorry bongo, it's for the greater good
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:31 PM
by the time you three get to the library it is around 6-7p by the way
all you know of the other half of the party was that they were planning on meeting the half-elf girl at the Soldier's Grave tonight
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:42 PM
Wait we have to use all of a good man’s blood?!
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:42 PM
alright lets try to meet at the tavern at say...10/11?
maybe?
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:44 PM
Sounds good
Also saying ‘go underground’ isn’t really helping me where to go, however the extra questions about night shade will get us to the dwarves who definitely will be able to tell us where the deep underground locations the weird things live.
“So crasmere?”
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:48 PM
it might not help you, but if certain other members of the party have a think it might be a clue for them 😄
Octavious 27-Apr-19 07:48 PM
😉
Good point.
“Which dwarven holds might give us the best shot you think Xavavor?”
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:50 PM
how about ill stay here reading up on things for three hours or so, and meet up at the tavern? (do i know where the tavern is?)
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:51 PM
nope, but you know the general direction, and you could always ask someone
make another investigation check, this time with advantage
and anyone else who wants to peruse some books let me know
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 07:53 PM
/r 2d20k1+4
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 07:53 PM
@Xavavor: 2d20k1+4 = (4+1)+4 = 8
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 07:57 PM
You can't seem to focus much better - you keep getting distracted by all the books in the room. But you do have a lot more time to spend browsing, so you pick up a few other things of note. In Draconic Art & Culture you read how different colors of dragons tend to keep to certain biomes - greens in forests, blacks in swamps, blues in deserts, etc. The book says red dragons tend to be a bit more nomadic, but they are attracted to fire. Nearly one third of all sightings have been around volcanos, for example. No one seems to know whether volcanoes bring red dragons, or whether red dragons bring volcanoes.
You don't even skim Eldrath's Waterfall at first, as it appears to be a book of poetry. But after a few hours of the other books to give it a gander, and do find one odd poem that mentions "The savagery of the sea taken physical form". That piques your interest, but the poem doesn't have any other information.
Xavavor 27-Apr-19 08:01 PM
SO MANY BOOKS
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 08:03 PM
You are excited when you grab Umberlee Below, as you think it might have clues on things that live "deep underground".
Unfortunately it turns out to just be a collection of erotic fiction, written by a half-crazed Dragonborn
💦 1
Octavious 27-Apr-19 08:11 PM
/r20+3
/r d20+3
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 08:11 PM
@Octavious: d20+3 = (14)+3 = 17
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 08:15 PM
you wander over to a shelf with some interesting titles:
Lliira Rejoice by Cauton Jack Enchanting Ideas by Heath Moores Befuddling Your Enemies: Illusion Spells by Forowen Grimkeep Azuth: The Diety Spell by Osovar Leolanna Mielikki, Mielikki by Vivon Illustra Evocation Basics by Forowen Grimkeep Gond's Forge by Bunmand Dulmar The Tree of Silvanus by Wild Wyldes Tyr's Hammer by Hawk Ruuton (edited)
Octavious 27-Apr-19 08:16 PM
I grab the book the tree of Silva is
Silvanus
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 08:19 PM
You grab The Tree of Sylvanus and take a gander - it seems to be a guide for nature crafting aimed at druids
Octavious 27-Apr-19 08:20 PM
Befuddling your enemies...
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 08:24 PM
That's a book which details illusion magic - it lists quite a few illusion spells and their effects, but doesn't actually say how to cast them. More of a scholarly study. You do notice while flipping pages there is a section on various creatures known for being strong in illusion magic. There is a paragraph on the Illithid race, who are said to be able to use their brains to project illusions from great distances. It mentions they are very rarely seen above ground however, preferring to stay in their vast colonies in the "underdark"
Octavious 27-Apr-19 08:33 PM
Gond’s forge....
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 08:35 PM
That one is in a language you don't recognize
Octavious 27-Apr-19 08:38 PM
Tyrs hammer?
Bongo 27-Apr-19 08:43 PM
I'm back
/r d20 -1
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 08:43 PM
@Bongo: d20 -1 = (15) -1 = 14
Bongo 27-Apr-19 08:43 PM
/r d20 -1
Sidekick BOT 27-Apr-19 08:43 PM
@Bongo: d20 -1 = (1) -1 = 0
Bongo 27-Apr-19 08:43 PM
Good thing for advantage
Ya know. I heard of a big fire source. That one near the village you mentioned. Perhaps there's a red dragon near there.
Octavious 27-Apr-19 09:13 PM
👍🏻
Perhaps the magic trapped a red wyrm in the mountain maybe?
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 09:24 PM
Tyr's Hammer seems to be a religious text. It is in Dwarvish, which you speak, but all you find is religious incantations to be spoken while forging holy items.
Bongo 27-Apr-19 09:38 PM
Dos I notice anything with those rolls?
Did
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 09:45 PM
Your shelf has the following books:
The Great Hunt and Malar the Great Hunter by Ran Bloodmire The Quiet Meadow by Hanning Twilight Leather, Fur and Hides by Ned Hunter Your Starlight, Corellon Larethian by Unknown The Black Mask by Dowson Richt Moradin's Forge by Frot Thunderfist Traversing the Inner Planes by Pulster Immerhin
Unfortunately you get bored looking through them and nothing seems particularly relevant except for one interesting tidbit - Malar the "Great Hunter" apparently wasn't a hunter of beasts like you first assumed he would be - he hunted gems. One chapter (one of many filled with hyperbole on how amazing of a treasure hunter Malar was) mentions the "night diamond" in relation to his time on the "Devil's Island". Could be relevant.
Bongo 27-Apr-19 09:51 PM
We do need a black diamond
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 09:51 PM
Those seem to be the only books of interest you three find over a few hours of searching. Well, other than Xavavor, who feels all the books are of interest.
Bongo 27-Apr-19 09:52 PM
Time to meet up with the others at the tavern
Octavious 27-Apr-19 09:55 PM
Agreed?
Bongo 27-Apr-19 09:56 PM
We had out to the tavern, keeping aware of our surroundings.
That would be "head out"
Octavious 27-Apr-19 09:59 PM
I think I might know how to get there.
Dungeon Master 27-Apr-19 10:00 PM
Feeling like you have sufficiently research this library for the time being, you head off in the general direction of the Soldier's Grave. You don't know exactly where it is, but even at this time of night there are plenty of folk around, though the shops all seem closed. You ask a few people here and there for directions, then around 10:30 PM you finally come to a large, well-kept tavern with a sign proclaiming it to be The Soldier's Grave. Two men stand outside, both with badges on their shoulders bearing a bloodred shield. You speak with them for a moment, and though they seem skeptical that any of you belong anywhere near this place, one of them ducks in for a moment, then comes back out, nods, and opens the door for the three of you.

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