Back to Silvermoon
Silvermoon being a quarantined area, Seldan opts to teleport in some distance away. The word twists, turns, spirals in on itself, then with a small *pop!*, spirals back outwards, reality re-coalescing into an area at the edge of a forest that is - wilted. Blackened. Twisted. -Changed.- Some, at least, will have been here before, and know where they are, and the paladin, armed and dressed for travel and, if need be, battle, shakes his head sharply in a fly of ginger-blonde hair and looks around him purposefully to get his bearings.
Malik pops out with Seldan, the wizard taking a breath and leaning against the paladin's shoulder for a moment, very much looking like he might be sick. But it passes quickly enough, and he straightens once more, shifting the bag that he carries strapped across his chest as he looks out at the city of Silvermoon. It's almost a nervous look, for some reason, but his voice is determined as he says, "No time to waste, then."
Mikilos is dressed for travel. Or study. Or hanging out at the bar. It's a robe, he wears it everywhere. Wizard 'fashion'. The elf frowns mildly at the surroundings, but also focuses on getting oriented.
Acedia is still squeaking in surprise when the teleport spell moves them between places, her eyes shut tight. Once things have solidified, she wobbles away a few steps, bending over and leaning on her knees. If she were not already a deep ebony in colour, one might be able to note a tinge of green in her complexion. "I truly hate that spell.", she says between breaths.
Serene pops into being just like the others. A tightness around her eyes, lips pressed thinner than normal are the only indications of any discomfort she has with the transportation. Hands go to her weapons and equipment out of habit, ensuring everything is there and secure. "Indeed. Let us be about it," she says, supporting Malik's suggestion. Then she slips off one of her gauntlets and puts her fingers to her lips and lets out a sharp, piercing whistle. Seconds later, the 'whump whump' of heavily beating wings and a brief shadow indicate the arrival of the gryphon, Silver.
There's an echoing silence in the forest. A lack of insect chatter or birds chirping. It's a hollow noiselessness that sends an uncomfortable shiver down the spine. Around the city itself there is a fog, thick and dense enough to cover the majority of it from sight. Yet this fog does not stop a pair of voices from calling out to you. One deep and rugged, the other lighter and musical.
"Speak quickly your business here. No one is welcome in Silvermoon." This from the deeper voice.
"It's not safe here. You should be on your way back to where you come from."
GAME: Acedia rolls perception: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Seldan rolls perception: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Malik rolls Perception: (4)+21: 25 GAME: Mikilos rolls perception: (16)+24: 40 GAME: Serene rolls perception: (3)+21: 24
"Silvermoon's plight is known to us," Seldan calls out, peering into the fog as if it might part to show him who speaks. He straightens himself still further, when no sign of the speakers are forthcoming, standing tall and proud. "I am Seldan Padaryn, servant of Ni'essa Sky-Singer. I bear news of a potential cure, and say to you that Silvermoon may hold the key to locating and defeating the one responsible for its anguish."
The Goblin is then violently ill, thankfully facing away from the others, and the voices that speak from the shadows. She wipes at her face with a handkerchief, and turns, squinting into the fog. "We would seek the downfall of an immortal, and the scattering of her demon pets to the nine hells.", she says, before turning and making a few more terrible noises.
Mikilos smiles mildly, looking towards to source of the voices. "And if I'm from SilverMoon? I am Lord Mikilos Mithralla, Archmage, currently of Alexandros. We are very aware of the plague, and come bearing additional options for treatment. Our purpose is on the source of the plague, and ways to stop her." He seems unbothered, and waves vaguely to the sources. "You can show yourselves, we've been here before and have seen the side effects of infection. Some of us experienced them firsthand."
Malik stays silent. Very, very silent. The mage is known for opening his mouth at all the wrong times, but he's focused on a point in the fog, a small frown forming. Mikilos' words cause him a moment's distraction, but he finds his mark again, waiting for those better with negotiation to talk their way through.
Serene remains silent as well, for the moment, letting her gaze sweep about in the direction of the voices initially, then broadening the area she examines. From the look of her, she's doing more than just looking.
"Your name is known Lord Mithralla, and yours as well Sir Padaryn." The two voices move forward, revealing two individuals. The first has the head of a wolf, and long claws that seem dexterous enough to still hold his blade. His eyes are black, and so too is the saliva that drips from his maw as he speaks. "I remember you well from your last visit here. Yet things have changed. The dead walk the streets of Silvermoon, and our sickness has slipped into the forest itself. There will be no cure for us. You are too late."
The second elf looks far more 'normal' than his companion, being only more gaunt and pale than is perhaps natural. Though such can be hard to tell in elves. "We are being punished for our choices. Best you turn back before one of you is caught by this illness and spread it beyond our borders."
Mikilos practically glowers. "The dead walk the streets? Far fewer by the end of our visit, I'll wager. As for changes to the plague, I was unaware, but not surprised. The Endless Winter has proven versatile in her torments. And I hold hope of cures. We long thought the plague unstoppable, but have proven otherwise time and again."
"It is as we have said. But one of us who stands before you has not already faced this illness and conquered it," Seldan tells them, making no move to leave. "Silvermoon's records are the only hope to locate one who might have had a link to She who brought it upon you. We seek her now, that your fate not be visited upon all of Alexandros, and indeed all of Ea. If we cannot cure you, then we seek at the least safe passage to your records. We need no contact with you to do this."
Malik briefly opens his mouth, and then closes it once more, finding discretion where he sometimes doesn't. He looks to Seldan, offering a small smile, but keeps his attention focused on the other two -- especially the one with the wolf's head.
Acedia dabs at her mouth with the handkerchief, and tucks it away. She moves forward, looking to the wolf-headed one. "I was ill with the plague, and I have been cured of it. Seldan, too, has been ill and cured. And so has Malik." She gestures to the two men in turn. "It can be cured. Your changes might not be reversible, but you will live, and your future generations should be safe from the plague. Once we destroy Salina."
"Perhaps it is punishment, perhaps it is not, but I find the term often used too quickly and too liberally," Serene comments, fixing upon the odd pair of emissaries, before turning to Silver and leaning close, a hand on his neck as she speaks to him, her voice lowered. After a moment of this, the gryphon headbutts her lightly, then sidesteps away.
"We can not allow you to wander the city. Even if these were not such dire times... But they are." The wolf glances toward his companion and the other elf takes up his words.
"Your research is not worth your lives, nor your health against that which ails us. Tell us of your cure if you will, but do not make it a bargain for your lives as we can not accept."
GAME: Malik rolls Diplomacy: (16)+6: 22 GAME: Serene rolls diplomacy: (17)+40: 57 GAME: Acedia rolls diplomacy: (2)+10: 12 GAME: Seldan rolls diplomacy+2: (7)+19+2: 28
Mikilos frowns mildly. "Our lives, perhaps not. The lives of those we seek to protect? Without hesitation."
GAME: Mikilos rolls diplomacy: (6)+17: 23
"The dispelling of magic," Seldan answers simply, continuing to stand straight and tall, although he does offer Malik a tight smile in return. "Done by an accomplished mage, or one strong in the faith, and done properly and with absolute focus, it can remove the creature, for a creature it is indeed, one crafted by magic from the Source. One must get it all, or it will regrow swiftly, but it is possible. I myself have so done." He waits.
"Our lives are our own to risk... not one of us is an untried novice unfamiliar with danger and we make this choice accepting the consequences," Serene tells the elves as she lets her hand fall from her gryphon and turns fully to face them. "We have the means to cure this, it is true, and so carrying this plague beyond your borders will not be an issue. Should any of us become infected, it will be dispelled before we leave. You have my word. Beyond that... the chance for the knowledge we may gain from this foray may prove vital in bringing an end to this once and for all. If this Endless Winter is not stopped, then no amount of attempting to limit your troubles to your own borders will protect the rest of the world."
Malik leans on his bow, glancing back over to Serene and Seldan as the pair talk. "There is no certainty that we can even be infected again," Malik says. "To my knowledge, none have so far. We might be the people best in a position to help. Safer than almost anyone else, really. Experienced and possibly immune."
The Gobbo nods at what the others have said. "It is as Serene says, our lives are ours to risk. We would go where Angels fear to tread, we would face our own mortality in order to save those we can save. We do so to rid the world of an insidious Evil, one which is so alien as to be almost incomprehensible."
"If you swear, that any of you infected will /stay/ in Silvermoon until cured or not, we will grant you entry." The wolf responds quietly, drawing a startled look from his companion, but one that is followed by an accepting nod.
Mikilos glances to Malik. "Reinfection is possible. I personally have been cured twice."
"That shall I do." Seldan nods, with a look over at Malik, then at the others, and takes a deep breath, nodding in agreement with Mikilos. "We would seek a place to isolate ourselves from others, as much as may be done."
"I swear to stay in Silvermoon for the length of time it takes for Seldan to cure me, should I be infected. If I cannot be cured, I would stay. If I can be cured in a reasonable amount of time, then I would go. Is that a fair compromise?", Acedia asks of the Wolf-headed man.
Malik looks at Seldan and Mikilos, the briefest flicker of annoyance on his face, but he too simply accepts with a nod.
"Your terms are reasonable," Serene agrees. "We shall gird ourselves against exposure as much as possible, but should infection happen, I will abide by your wishes."
"So shall it be then." Says the wolf, turning with his companion toward the city. It doesn't take long to reach it, even on foot as you are. There's no one on the streets save you and those leading you. "We will take you to the library since you mentioned that you were here for research. The librarian should be able to help you locate what you are looking for."
That is exactly where you end up. The empty streets had been a little eerie, but libraries are naturally quiet places, so finding this one as such is not out of the ordinary. The librarian, a woman with old eyes but a youthful disposition coughs as you draw close to her desk, setting aside a blackened cloth and rising to her feet somewhat unsteadily. "How may I be of service?"
"These people have need of your aid, we have information to take to the temples and the mages. We leave them in your care Mhaena." The woman blushes slightly at the use of her name and the wolf-elf ducks his head low to her before taking his companion out the way you came in.
Mikilos knows the way, but is careful to let the guards leads, chatting as much as they'll allow about things learn of the plague, and news of what's happened while he's been away. The mage may no longer live in SilverMoon, but it's still home to family and friends.
Seldan is content to let Mikilos chat, remaining silent as he walks, but once within the library, stops short of the desk, remaining a few feet away from it upon seeing the blackened cloth. There is real sympathy in his eyes as he watches her, though, and he turns his head again to Malik before addressing her. "We seek records of those who have lived within Silvermoon in centuries past," he begins. "Specifically, information regarding one Nenarulo Calanalata, one who lived within this city for a long while, but was not of it. Aught we might learn will help, but if it is known whence he came, that would help most."
Acedia follows along quietly, her head turning this way and that as she looks at the architecture and empty streets. "Has everyone fled, or are they hiding in their homes?", she wonders, at length, when they are left to the the care of Mhaena.
Before entering the town, Serene sends Silver off.. likely to circle the town and find some perch to observe as best he can with the fog as it is. Then she follows the procession, noting the emptiness of the town with a frown. When they get into the library she sets her pack aside, then looks to the others for direction.
"Hiding in their homes would be as unwise as huddling together for safety," Malik suggests. "At least when dealing with magic." The wizard looks to the librarian, nodding in Seldan's direction. "Also records of powerful magical crafting from the time, if such things are kept."
Mhaena nods politely to you, noticing Seldan's discomfort and tucking her cloth into the folds of her clothing to hide the evidence of her sickness. It's clear in any case. "I can bring you the census records, and anything pertaining to that name. You can check the shelves themselves. Personal records are in... *cough, cough, cough* In section six." She points towards the correct area and then looks at Malik. "There are not records of such things here, but I can send someone to the mages guild to see if they have anything from that time period while I gather the census records. How far into the past should I be looking?"
GAME: Acedia rolls perception: (18)+11: 29 GAME: Malik rolls Perception: (13)+21: 34 GAME: Mikilos rolls perception: (2)+24: 26
Seldan draws a deep breath, but nods, very slowly, his eyes lowering a little. "He died," and a hint of doubt lingers in that, "approximately two centuries past, in Alexandria, and records suggest that he was in Silvermoon long enough that few realizes he was not himself of this place. I think it no more than a millennium past, and would that I could be more exact. I know your strength is limited." There is real sympathy in his tone - and he seems to be hesitating.
Mikilos is familiar with the library, and certainly is familiar with most of the systems the records might follow. He might have been a bit of a bookworm growing up... and still…
Acedia looks to Malik, and nods slowly, her ears perking up when Mhaena speaks. The Gobbo gasps and grins, running off enthusiastically into the library proper, searching for this 'Section Six'.
It takes Malik some time, but eventually he finds something of use. "A book in his own hand," Malik offers. "Concerning extraplanar entities. Volume One," he says, turning the spine and looking through the book to see if there's anything useful. "It does not say how many volumes there are." A glance at the shelf reveals that the other volumes are not there, however.
Serene remains as where she is as others move off to search the stacks, as it were. This section six. "I will assist you," she tells Seldan, then withdraws a little bit as he discusses their needs with the librarian. As she looks at Mhaena, seeing what is likely signs of the plague, she nods in approval of Seldan's sympathy though her own expression shows little.
The woman nods to Seldan, then heads outside to briefly talk to someone. She returns a moment later. "I told them to let the mages guild know what you were looking for. Someone will be sent to retrieve the documents we have. I will be right back." Coughing quietly into her handkerchief she disappears once more into the bowls of the library. It's a /long/ wait for her to return, and yet she does with several heavy books. She carries them to a table with great care and sets them down. Carefully she dots sweat from her brow and begins coughing heavily into her little cloth. It takes her several long moments to recover and when she does she's wheezing as she talks. "That... should be what you are looking for. I will go check on the rest."
GAME: Seldan rolls perception: (18)+6: 24 GAME: Serene rolls perception: (9)+21: 30
"There is no hurry," Seldan tells her gently, letting her recover before speaking. "You need not overtax yourself unduly. This shall take us some time to pore through," he adds to Mhaena, turning towards the books and beginning his search.
GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/the planes+1: (2)+11+1: 14 GAME: Seldan rolls knowledge/the planes+1: (15)+11+1: 27 GAME: Serene rolls knowledge/the planes: (1)+25: 26 (EPIC FAIL)
Mikilos browses his selected part of the collection, running across a couple familiar names, a lot of interesting information, but nothing relevant to the current quest at hand. He does look up at Maliks words. "His own words, in his own hand? I might be able to put that to use."
GAME: Malik rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (13)+6: 19 GAME: Serene rolls knowledge/the planes: (12)+25: 37
The Gobbo huffs. "There seems to be nothing about him...", she complains. "Or by him. 'Cept for what Malik found." There's a bit of moving about by her, followed by a thump. "I'll ... keep looking."
Serene just nods again at Seldan's care for the librarian; too many offering sympathy is likely to be cloying, at least in her mind, so with one last look at Mhaena, she turns to the books, selecting one to star the process of searching for a needle in a haystack. Pages turn. Carefully, sensitive of how time can make such records frail. The finger which helps skim through names and entries does so hovering just above the page itself.
Some amount of time passes, and Serene finds herself frowning. Then reading aloud. "Nenarulo Calanalata. Refugee. From the plane of Xoriat, arrived seeking asylum. It seems he was accepted upon the condition that breaking any laws here would have him face immediate deportation to his home plane." She frowns as she leans back away from the book. "The plane of madness."
Malik hands the book off to Mikilos. "I think you better versed in the arts than I, so this might be something you're more adept at." Whatever distrust he has for traditional forms of magic, it seems that he's willing to put it aside for now. And then SErene says that name, and he pales. "Well. That's.... good news." Not that there is anything like enthusiasm behind the words.
The woman curtsies to Seldan, but pushes herself to retrieve the records from the mages' guild just the same. She returns a few moments later with another large tome in hand and lays it at the end of the table. With that she smiles at the group of you and turns to return to her desk. "If you need any other help locating items just let me know."
Seldan, who had been looking over her shoulder, nods slowly. "The plane of madness," he murmurs, frowning unhappily, but when she returns with the other tome, he looks up and nods. "We have already found information of use," he tells her, simply. "You should rest." He waits until she has turned away to retrieve the volume from the mages' guild, and begin reading through it.
Acedia returns to the others, and lets out a huff of breath. "Nothing else, at least, that I can find." She looks to Mhaena, and offers up a hand. "Let me take you to a place where you can rest. Rest is important, it gives you a fighting chance against the plague."
Mikilos moves a short distance away to not bother the reading, pulling a large silver mirror and a few candles from his pack. Not that he lights the candles, not in a library, but placing them helps with the spell.
GAME: Mikilos casts Legend Lore. Caster Level: 14 DC: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d4: (3): 3
Malik retreats after handing the book off to Mikilos, watching the man work. If nothing else, can can respect the different style of another caster.
Serene draws her hands away from the book, as if in distaste. Likely the subject matter, not the book itself. She looks away from it to Seldan, and then to the others. "The Kari. It is likely he was one of them. An aberrant member, if the record is to be believed. They are not... a pleasant people."
A shudder ripples through Seldan at Serene's words, but he continues reading, breaking only long enough to remark, "Eaters of the brains of sentient creatures," he murmurs. "That he was aberrant ... perhaps he did not." He subsides, though, and continues to read in silence, ignoring everyone else and the casting, until finally he seems to find something. "Ah. A necklace to prove himself a wizard ... an amulet of nondetection, which permits the wearer to resist scrying ... a staff, semi-sentient. _Creepy and troublesome._ An orb, that is capable of communication with extraplanar creatures. These items he yet had? Why did he depart Silvermoon?" he murmurs to himself, turning back to the census books, only searching in a different place.
Mikilos sits quietly for half an hour before taking a deep breath, peering around in mild disorientation. "Trilogy. The books are a trilogy, they should be around here somewhere. In the library, I mean. The nature of outsiders, free will, nature of good and evil." The mage rubs he eyes a moment. "Sounds quite interesting, really, I hope we can find them and have time to read over them." He nods to Serene. "The Kari were a major topic. I would assume he was not typical of his people."
"The fact that he is atypical for his people will not make dealing with his people any easier," Malik sighs. "Assuming that it comes to that. Which we should hope it does not." Though it sounds like the wizard has little faith. "Locating the objects will be difficult. Especially the amulet, which might protect not only itself, but the others. It could be all but impossible. Though the staff might be able to be appealed to."
Serene grunts quietly, then nods. Careful not to jostle anyone, she pushes back from the table. "Are those the titles of the book, Mikilos, or the topics? Seldan has the right.. we ought not tax our host too much, but we may need her help locating them."
Seldan is mostly quiet, his eyes going to Malik, one hand left resting on the page. "How did Salina come to learn of him, and why did she seek these objects? Not idly did she bid Kol take them. Is it perhaps these texts that she sought?"
Mikilos shakes his head. "Topics. The series is 'Questions of Morality' with the editions of 'Kari - Into the Mind', 'Stalker - Into the Spirit', and 'Demon - Into the Soul'."
"This is a series?" Malik asks. "Is it suggesting some sort of transformation, perhaps? From Kari to demon through the phase of stalker?" He's already up on his feet, looking around the library as if it might tell him where to start looking. Though he finally glances over at the librarian. "We -- may need your assistance once more."
Helpfully the woman stands back up and makes her way to your table. "How might I be of assistance?"
Acedia blinks and shrugs at the Mhaena then, and moves to the table with the others. "I'll be happy to search out those books, though it'd be easier if we had a reasonably smaller area to start searching in."
Mikilos shakes his head again. "I don't think so? I think it's the same core idea, covering three different creature types, starting with the one he was most familiar with. Though having yet to actually read the books, that's just a guess. As for the items, an Amulet of Non-detection would be very handy to Endless Winter right about now. Orb of Extra-Planar communication would also be handy for almost anyone. The staff, well, not knowing the extent of its powers, but intelligent items are seldom weak."
"If we may locate them, it may aid us in understanding." Seldan rises, gently closing the volume from the mages' guild and pushing it back down to the end of the table. "We have found a single volume of his, that would seem to be part of a trilogy. We seek the other two, if they are to be found here. Mikilos, which volume have you there, and what are the names of the other two?"
Malik nods to the librarian. "Our friend believes that the other two volumes are in this library. Yet they don't seem to be here," he mentions. "Would you happen to know if books are kept anywhere else? Rare collections, perhaps?" Or more likely some manner of restricted section, though he doesn't say that out loud.
"The same story of answers bringing more questions," Serene surmises, not entirely thrilled. But at least they have a trail to continue following. "Perhaps this... Calanalata sought answers for what made him different from his kind. Or sought a means to break his kind free from a perceived lack of choice. This topic of study is not unique. Is a demon evil because it is a demon? Or is it a demon because it is evil? Is an outsider trapped by its nature, be it demonic, angelic... or fey. I wonder if this is why she seeks his possessions."
The librarian looks curiously at the book that Mikilos is holding, tilting her head slightly to get a look at the title. "OH! That series isn't supposed to be in section six anymore. That one must have gotten left behind by mistake. I'll retrieve the other two for you." She nods politely to you all and then quickly vanishes into the stacks of books. She's not gone long, and returns with a pair of books that look remarkably like the one that Mikilos was already holding. She puts them on the table for your perusal as well. "Anything else I can do for you?"
While she is gone, Seldan turns his eyes again to Malik, watching him intently, but only when she returns with them does he speak again. "I need nothing further for now, thank you." He then turns to the others. "It is known that Calanalata was of questionable origin, and was executed in Alexandria for consorting with demons," he tells the others, keeping his tones low. "What we have learned thus far but confirms my thought. Place protections against evil, and possibly against chaos, upon yourself, ere you open those books. We know not whether those writings are safe to read, unguarded."
Mikilos nods to Serene. "I've met a range of extra planar creatures. While the majority fit their stereotype, there are exceptions. Mul'niessa spring to mind."
Malik looks at Seldan, curiosity on his face. "That is a powerful protection," he says. "And not something I have prepared in such numbers as it might be helpful. Though at this point I am beginning to believe perhaps I should." He glances at the others. "Is everyone here capable of protecting themselves as such, should the need arise?"
"I am protected," Serene assures, "And remaining close to me will offer some protections as well. It seems we know little of what may.. or may not.. happen." She looks in Mhaena's direction first, then around the room, settling upon the direction of the door. "As it seems we are often one step behind our foe.. and a misplaced book such as this, while could simply be a coincidence, could also be something else.. we should be on guard against intrusion."
The librarian arches her eyebrow at you all. "Try not to do anything that will damage the books okay?" She looks pointedly at the candles, and then walks away back to her desk.
Mikilos grins at the admonishment, but nods. "I have general protections I'm confidant in. Not knowing what might happen, it's all a guess. I doubt the books have any sort of enchantments upon them, but, 've been wrong before."
"I have not asked today for the protection from chaos, Mal." Seldan does not move, and although he nods to Serene, does not make any more towards the book. "Were I to guess, for a work written by one from the plane of madness, it is that that we will need. Come evensong, when I do my meditations, I will ask for such a spell, and I am loath indeed to open such a work, ere I do such. It may be that one of such, so protected, may attempt the opening, while another watches with detect magic, to see if such enchantments may exist upon the book."
Malik listens. Sort of. He seems distracted by something. While the others debate, he follows the librarian. "You said that these books were not supposed to be in that section anymore," he starts. "The other two volumes -- what section did they get reclassified to?"
The librarian looks up from the book she has been reading off and on since your arrival and looks at Malik curiously for a moment. "Oh, they were originally in the self-published section for historical life-documents. But due to the controversial nature of them they were moved a bit ago to the restricted documents area."
Serene looks mildly unhappy with the collection of books on the table. Unhappiness with the wait? Unhappiness at their contents? Is she just an unhappy person? But with the decision to take things slow and make sure the proper preparations are in place, she confers with the librarian briefly.. and then is given a quick tour of the grounds as the older paladin evaluates it for a defensive stand. Windows and other egress points. Is there a hearth? How many doors. Do the catacombs lead anywhere? These are all questions she seeks answers to, either from Mhaena or from her own observations. After this she confers with Seldan upon which magics to pray for this coming evening.
Mikilos likes books, tends to trust books. But, all things considered, a little paranoia might be a good thing. So the wizard keeps quiet and stays put, entertaining himself with reading some non-controversial books. Libraries are good for that sort of thing.
Malik, meanwhile, busies himself with looking around the library's collection. Occasionally attempting to get a peek into the restricted section, though that likely proves fruitless. The librarian seems the keen sort. So instead he moves between the shelves, looking at angles, cover. Whatever they might need in case things decide to turn Suddenly and Unexpectedly Frenetic.
While Serene tours the area, Seldan stacks the books in the middle of the table, then joins Malik in his examination of the area, returning only when Serene does. When she does, though, the two sit down and confer for some time.
Time passes. Until the light of the day dies away into lengthening shadows of the night. The guard comes in to check on you once and are hurried off by the librarian who indeed shoos Malik from the restricted area and begins the lengthy process of sweeping the library. All in all, it seems like the peaceful beginning to a peaceful evening.
When the shadows lengthen, the two Elunans find a quiet corner of the library for their prayers and evening greetings to the moon, and Seldan follows his with a few extra minutes of meditations. At length, though, he too is finished, and unfolds himself, peering at the windows and doors of the library thoughtfully, to see if any might want blocking.
GAME: Serene casts Greater Magic Weapon. Caster Level: 20 DC: 25 GAME: Malik casts Overland Flight. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19 GAME: Malik casts S1: Mage Armor With Rod of Extend. Caster Level: 15 DC: 15
After conferring with Seldan in regards to plans for prayers, Serene walks away from the conversation more or less satisfied. "In some ways this will be easy to defend.. the windows in the front and the door seem to be the only way in. The catacombs seems to be self contained as well. It also leaves us without a convenient avenue of escape, or a fighting retreat, unless one of you has another teleportation on hand. I am hoping we are overpreparing, and that nothing occurs. If something does.. we need to limit the damage here." She looks over at Mhaena. "You have been nothing but courteous and helpful. I fear this night may bring trouble."
GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Serene rolls perception: (15)+21: 36 GAME: Malik rolls Perception: (7)+21: 28 GAME: Seldan rolls perception: (4)+6: 10 GAME: Mikilos rolls perception: (7)+24: 31
There's no warning from the guards, or even from Silver above them. Just the realization - mostly from Serene and Mikilos, that you are not alone. They're the ones that notice first the figures stalking down the halls made up of bookshelves. Figures that flicker in and out of sight. Figures that look elvish, and yet drip with black ichor from their mouths that lingers where it drops on the floor. Then, Malik notices as well, his attention drawn by the howl. The low, mournful call that echoes from the beings as they glide effortlessly toward you. It sounds like death calling.
Mikilos squints at the... things, and gestures, a number of long oily black tentacles (don't judge) springing forth to grab at the presumed undead. Sadly, these are the ghostly sort of incorporeal undead, so physical tentacles don't do much but wave at as they pass.
GAME: Mikilos casts Black Tentacles. Caster Level: 14 DC: 23 GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+19: (7)+19: 26 GAME: Malik rolls Will: (12)+15: 27 GAME: Mikilos rolls will: (15)+16: 31 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (5)+34: 39 GAME: Seldan rolls fortitude: (9)+24: 33 GAME: Aftershock rolls 7d6: (21): 21 GAME: Seldan rolls fortitude: (11)+24: 35 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (3)+34: 37 GAME: Malik used a Wand of Wand of Shield.
The ghosts didn't slow down or hesitate, simply passing through the front line of combatants - namely Seldan and Serene - without any resistance. Their passing was not entirely painless though, leaving both feeling somehow drained.
Malik frowns as the creatures start appearing. "Fucking ghosts," he sighs, squinting. "I hate ghosts." Reaching into his bag, he pulls out a slender brown wand with protective runes carved in it, speaking a word as the air in front of him starts to shimmer and shine like water poured over a bowl.
GAME: Serene casts Aura of Greater Courage. Caster Level: 20 DC: 24 GAME: Serene casts Mass Ghostbane Dirge. Caster Level: 20 DC: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+17: (8)+17: 25 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+32: (7)+32: 39 GAME: Seldan rolls reunion+se: aliased to weapon1+charisma: (2)+22+7: 31
Serene doesn't quite stagger.. as there was no resistance, nothing to force her one way or the other. That doesn't stop the perception of their movement and the thought that there should have been resistance. And the drain she experiences as they pass through is very real. If she hesitates at all, however, that moment is brief, and she is whirling about even as she draws forth her metamagic rod. "Gird yourselves!" she calls to the others as she enhances the fear suppressing aura she exudes, then with the rod pointed at the spectres she summons magic to bring them a little more into the world. A faint light seems to begin to settle upon them.. but then it slips away.
GAME: Seldan rolls reuniondmg+se2dmg: aliased to 1d8+9+16: (3)+9+16: 28 GAME: Mikilos casts Shield. Caster Level: 14 DC: 20
Seldan freezes a moment as the chill of the grave runs right through him, leaving him drained, but he is quick to pull Reunion and lash out at the unliving wisp before him. There's a flash of golden-silver magic, and it does - something.
Mikilos grumbles softly. Foes that don't bleed properly are bad enough, but ones that fail to properly interact with perfectly good tentacles are just annoying. Gesturing, the elf murmurs again, a translucent layer of protective magic hovering in the air before him. Fairly basic, but it works.... Hopefully.
GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (18)+34: 52 GAME: Seldan rolls fortitude: (10)+24: 34 GAME: Seldan rolls reunion+se: aliased to weapon1+charisma: (3)+22+7: 32 GAME: Seldan rolls reuniondmg+sedmg: aliased to 1d8+9+8: (1)+9+8: 18 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (19)+34: 53 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (6)+34: 40 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (1)+34: 35 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (5)+34: 39 GAME: Aftershock rolls 14d6: (48): 48
The two ghosts seemed to ignore Seldan now, one of them actively moving away from him and his attack which surely hit it to pass through Serene once again. It was clear this time that their efforts were purposeful.
GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+12+6+5+2+1-2-3+1: (14)+12+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1: 36 GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+12+6+5+2+1-2-3+1: (2)+12+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1: 24 GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+12+6+5+2+1-2-3+1: (5)+12+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1: 27 GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+7+6+5+2+1-2-3+1: (3)+7+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1: 20 GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+2+6+5+2+1-2-3+1: (9)+2+6+5+2+1+-2+-3+1: 21 GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (1)+5+3+6+2+(4): 21 GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (2)+5+3+6+2+(4): 22 GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (3)+5+3+6+2+(4): 23 GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (5)+5+3+6+2+(5): 26 GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (6)+5+3+6+2+(4): 26 GAME: Malik rolls 1d8+5+3+6+2+1d6: (1)+5+3+6+2+(1): 18
Malik drops the wand into the open bag, pulling the bow and unleashing a hair of arrows. They leave crackling streaks through the air as whatever energy is attributed to them slams into the corporeal undead. One, two, as fast as the eye can trace, until six arrows stick out of the back of one of the ghosts attacking Serene -- the one that passed through Seldan. "Master Mithralla, if you have magics to defend our friends, now would be an excellent time."
GAME: Serene rolls 12d6: (35): 35 GAME: Serene spends TWO uses of LAY ON HANDS. GAME: Serene spends ONE use of SMITE EVIL. GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+17: (18)+17: 35
Serene's lips part in a grimace as the ghosts pass through her again, causing invisible wounds that seem to diminish her rather than bleed her. Her rod slips from her fingers which then close upon her holy symbol and a wave of silver light pulses out from her in every direction. Then she draws her sword and faces the ghosts. If her breathing is coming a little bit heavier, it doesn't affect the clarity of her words. "Suffer no evil to leave these walls tonight." A similar silver radiance starts to cover her hands, weapon and shield.
GAME: Seldan rolls reunion: aliased to weapon1: (6)+22: 28 GAME: Seldan rolls reunion-5: aliased to weapon1-5: (19)+22+-5: 36 (THREAT) GAME: Seldan rolls reunion-10: aliased to weapon1-10: (3)+22+-10: 15 GAME: Seldan rolls reuniondmg: aliased to 1d8+9: (5)+9: 14 GAME: Seldan rolls reuniondmg: aliased to 1d8+9: (2)+9: 11 GAME: Seldan rolls reunion-5: aliased to weapon1-5: (3)+22+-5: 20 GAME: Seldan rolls reuniondmg: aliased to 1d8+9: (8)+9: 17 GAME: Mikilos casts Mage's Sword. Caster Level: 14 DC: 26 GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+14+9+3: (1)+14+9+3: 27 (EPIC FAIL)
Seldan, on the other hand, does not appear to be looking well, his color off. When the ghosts turn away and then one expires, he sets his lips in a thin line, ignoring the splattering of gossamer ghost-goo all over him, and steps to one side, lashing out with Reunion at the remaining ghost. He strikes one, the second one landing home pretty firmly, with a flash of magic.
GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (15)+34: 49 GAME: Serene rolls fortitude: (5)+34: 39
Mikilos glances to Malik. "I have several walls they can walk though, a whole lot of fire, and a magic sword. Several magic swords, really, but this one is made of magic." So saying the mage gestures, and a magic sword appears, floating in the air. It looks like a prop from a school play... and is just about as accurate. You try moving a magical sword with only your mind on the first try. Not so easy, is it?
GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12: (20)+20+5+5+12: 62 GAME: Serene rolls 1d20+20+5+5+12: (4)+20+5+5+12: 46 GAME: Seldan rolls reunion: aliased to weapon1: (19)+22: 41 (THREAT) GAME: Seldan rolls reunion: aliased to weapon1: (6)+22: 28 GAME: Serene rolls 1d8+5+5+40+2d6+1d8+5+5+40: (1)+5+5+40+(7)+(7)+5+5+40: 115 GAME: Seldan rolls reuniondmg: aliased to 1d8+9: (5)+9: 14
The ghost turns, no longer concerned with either of the two paladins but they? They have some concern with /it/. It wails and drifts purposefully toward Malik and Seldan lets /loose/ on the ghost. His cut takes it right through the center of its chest, and Serene is right in line with him, her body moving in perfect harmony to take its head. It's as though they've done this a thousand times together, the thing exploding in another splash of ooze.
When the second ghost explodes, Seldan drops at once to one knee, Reunion clattering to the floor. "Mal," he manages, then stops, the cough that interrupts him a went rattle in his chest.
GAME: Malik casts Dispel Magic. Caster Level: 15 DC: 17 GAME: Malik rolls 1d20+17: (15)+17: 32
Serene staggers as well.. whatever harmony she and Seldan achieved for that moment of ghostbusting is broken as she reaches out with her shield arm to steady herself against a book case. She fights it, but the cough manages to roll out of her lips regardless. And her expression is... unique. One of bewilderment? A sort of 'so this is what feeling sick is like?' kind of look.
Mikilos sighs mildly, frowning at his magical prop sword. "....buyers regret. Always the way with new spells. Ah well." He leaves the magic blade to hover as he glances towards whatever Seldan and Malik are doing.
Malik moves to Seldan, kneeling down in front of him. But he's already starting to work. The mage clearly has some prior experience in this -- even though the magic is difficult and well rooted, Malik manages to rip it out of the paladin on his first attempt. Making it look almost easy, when it's anything but. "You're alright," he tells the man. "But you really have to stop proving me wrong like this," he teases.
Seldan stiffens as the chanting begins, expecting that horridly familiar - even though he has not experienced it in months, it is a thing one never forgets - heave ... and it does not come. _Is that what it felt like?_ the thought crosses his mind as his breathing and his head clear, his fever easing. He stays down for a breath or two, although Malik's remark draws a genuine enough laugh. "You were wrong? Truly shall I remind you of it, the next time your head swells."
He looks up, and over at Serene, that moment of perfect, divinely-inspired harmony a fleeting blur. "Serene ... are you all right?"
The librarian, over by her desk pokes her head up. "Did anything hurt the books?"
Serene frowns, leaning against the stack a moment longer before she pushes away from it. Then she holds up her shield hand.. not to wave away questions, but to simply request a moment as she goes to her pack, pulling out a cloth to wipe down her sword before she slips it back into its scabbard. "I think... the books are okay, Mistress Mhaena," Serene tells the librarian, effort taken to make her voice sound as normal as possible. Then she rises and turns to the others, "I believe I am infected as well."
GAME: Mikilos casts Greater Dispel Magic. Caster Level: 14 DC: 25 GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+14+1+2+1: (4)+14+1+2+1: 22 GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+14+1+2+1: (20)+14+1+2+1: 38
Mikilos tsks, and moves over to Serene. "This may be unpleasant. Ready yourself." Glancing to the others to make sure they're ready for an ooze fight, the archmage casts his spell... and apparently does a pretty good job of it.
Seldan stands, quickly enough, once Mikilos announces his intentions, his hand going swiftly to the mace at his belt. What should be clear to the librarian is that this group is -well- acquainted with the plague, know exactly what they are doing, and are well-rehearsed in its banishment. "A moment," he calls to the librarian. "We will see to them," his eyes never leave Serene, "and would you be rid of the plague, you may come to us as well."
He waits, while Mikilos works ... and nothing happens. The mace lowers, and he nods. "Well done, both of you. You have my thanks. Are either of you hurt?" He still looks weary, but not ill.
You take a few moments to carefully clean the books with spells, though the librarian hovers over the efforts with a careful eye. When that's done you heal her as well. She thanks you profusely, and sets down at your table to help with translating the books. Seems that /some/ of it is in code, but she's well versed in decoding thanks to her years here studying books and she's eager to help.
The books themselves are on three different species of extraplanar beings. Kari, Stalkers, and Demons. Each including an interview with a 'outlier' from that race. The first one is from the author himself, then from others like himself who do not feel the same compulsions as the others of their species, or in some cases - have found ways to circumvent their needs and desires for their own reasons. The books don't include the name of those who are interviewed, and graffiti in the books themselves speculate that the author made it all up. The book on demons is particularly so noted.
It's in the end the book that you find yourself reading more carefully than the others perhaps. There's something... familiar about it. In the interview with the demon, the author quoted the being as saying something that lingers with you. "As a demon we don't /need/ to do evil, but it calms us. Makes us feel better. I often find myself killing a few demons or even goats before I go to the prime material plane just to take the edge off. The angrier I become, the harder it is to control the impulses. I'm evil, I know that much, but I'm not sure that all of my race is. I think once we might have been something else sometimes. But I'm one of the rare ones that has the luxury of thinking about it. After all, as hated as my kind are, we're killed off rather quickly by the other races in existence; even preyed on by our own kind. There's no room for softness here. Maybe that's why you don't find good demons."
Later, you make a mansion, courtesy of Mikilos to sleep in, taking the librarian with you. Yet the words in the books linger, making you wonder endlessly if they are works of fiction, or if this man was as different from his own kind as his writings suggested. And if he'd drawn others like him to himself.
-End