Finished with her recording, Aleis had begun to pack up her materials along with the book. Before leaving she made two copies of her notes. Presently she would begin to write a letter addressed to Deidra Dawnstar in the SIGIS Headquarters with one of the copies of the notes attached, along with a request not to publicize any information regarding the books and to especially avoid mentioning anything about them to a member of the Doomguard.
Afterwards she would deliver her recording to an attendant in the Festhall and request that it reside within in the Private Sensorium.
The Book Of Ulhar
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*Altair
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Altair made his way down the streets of the Clerk's ward, claws clasped behind his back as he stared up at the far side of Sigil thoughtfully. He'd been walking the little wheel for the better part of the cycle, the new book tugging at his mind. It was strange in several ways, according to the information he'd dug up from his sources on the others. There'd been no dragon, though that wasn't always consistent. It wasn't related to fire or ice. In so far the only reason he had any reason to believe it was part of the set was the dragon hide binding and the merchant's word. And the fact that there was a Lich trying to retrieve the book so desperately.
His feet turned a corner and he sneezed, scowling. That awful smell. That was a memory that would stick with him for a while. And there was a fifth book now. Although the dragon had specifically told Aleis four. What did that mean? The werewolf scratched his snout, tail lashing in thought behind him. The buildings of the Hive passed by him in a blur of inattention. To be honest, he had rarely ever seen dragons, outside of the odd one that passed through Sigil. They tended to be a bit too magical for the Beastlands, and he was too smart to feel the need for heroism. Did the color of the book mean something important?
He looked up as his feet stopped moving of their own accord, wondering where he'd wound up. Ah. The Greenhouse. He smiled a wry smile. Somehow it felt appropriate. He'd been thinking of going someplace far away from the city to look at the book, but there was always the danger of another attack if he did. But the Greenhouse was usually relatively quiet, compared to most of the city. Enough people that an attack would at least be ill advised, and few enough that he wouldn't draw too much attention.
Altair brushed the door open with a claw, and walked to the back of the artificial forest. Finding a quiet shaded bench, he sat down and produced the book from a small leather bag as he listened to the chirp of crickets. Or was it magic that sounded like crickets? As he cracked the book open, his tail thumped quietly against the bench. What secrets did this thing hold, that it would attract the attention of a dragon and a lich? Or... was the dragon the lich in a spell's shroud? With what little he knew of magic, would he even be able to tell what was so special about the book?
His feet turned a corner and he sneezed, scowling. That awful smell. That was a memory that would stick with him for a while. And there was a fifth book now. Although the dragon had specifically told Aleis four. What did that mean? The werewolf scratched his snout, tail lashing in thought behind him. The buildings of the Hive passed by him in a blur of inattention. To be honest, he had rarely ever seen dragons, outside of the odd one that passed through Sigil. They tended to be a bit too magical for the Beastlands, and he was too smart to feel the need for heroism. Did the color of the book mean something important?
He looked up as his feet stopped moving of their own accord, wondering where he'd wound up. Ah. The Greenhouse. He smiled a wry smile. Somehow it felt appropriate. He'd been thinking of going someplace far away from the city to look at the book, but there was always the danger of another attack if he did. But the Greenhouse was usually relatively quiet, compared to most of the city. Enough people that an attack would at least be ill advised, and few enough that he wouldn't draw too much attention.
Altair brushed the door open with a claw, and walked to the back of the artificial forest. Finding a quiet shaded bench, he sat down and produced the book from a small leather bag as he listened to the chirp of crickets. Or was it magic that sounded like crickets? As he cracked the book open, his tail thumped quietly against the bench. What secrets did this thing hold, that it would attract the attention of a dragon and a lich? Or... was the dragon the lich in a spell's shroud? With what little he knew of magic, would he even be able to tell what was so special about the book?
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*Mick64
- Posts: 490
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
A cycle or two after the events with the lich, Deidra wanders through the bazaar, rolling a dragon-stamped golden coin through her fingers. She offers a brief wave here, a smile there to some of the merchants she recognizes, though she doesn't stop to chat; She has someone very specific in mind to talk to, and she was in a hurry. She only had a bout a week before the ancient lich reformed it's body and started causing trouble again, give or take a few days depending on planar time flux. She comes to a halt at the local Planar Echange, greeting everyone's favorite coin trader with a friendly grin.
Hey Trevor, business going well this cycle. As always, I hope. Say, do you think I could call onto a little bit of your expertise, when you've got a minute to spare. I came across some odd coinage, I can't place it. No currency I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. So I told myself if anyone would know anything about it well, that person would definitly be you, wouldn't it mmm?
She ends her flattery with a light, musical laughter before settling close to him, an open palm with the object in question glittering in the middle of it.
Hey Trevor, business going well this cycle. As always, I hope. Say, do you think I could call onto a little bit of your expertise, when you've got a minute to spare. I came across some odd coinage, I can't place it. No currency I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. So I told myself if anyone would know anything about it well, that person would definitly be you, wouldn't it mmm?
She ends her flattery with a light, musical laughter before settling close to him, an open palm with the object in question glittering in the middle of it.
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*Lucadia
- Posts: 450
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Mother dreams a dream while curled up in her den. The Brux had been the favored place to spend and rend. She dreams of the Dark, curled up like a snake. Making them all slaves like dogs in collars. She dreams of the Fallen Golden Scale and the companions excitement over Magiked Books. She rolls in her sleep, claws flexing.
Her spines bristled and she wondered why she thought of these things. She considers the words of others spoken to her, the explanation of many meanings.
She finds a hunger now growing, but this time its not in the dwelling of bowels of her stomach. A taste for new things that only the mind uses to expand its limits.
She also wants to be the Alpha, and take back her diginity. The Beast of Shadow had stolen her from her home and she was going be sure to get her way.
And so the next cycle is spent, trudging Sigil grounds. She uses her acute senses tracking for familiar scents. The Overpowering degree of what was once the Fallen Golden scale, now made a book. She skulks the shadows, seeking out objects and people that smell the same.
Her spines bristled and she wondered why she thought of these things. She considers the words of others spoken to her, the explanation of many meanings.
She finds a hunger now growing, but this time its not in the dwelling of bowels of her stomach. A taste for new things that only the mind uses to expand its limits.
She also wants to be the Alpha, and take back her diginity. The Beast of Shadow had stolen her from her home and she was going be sure to get her way.
And so the next cycle is spent, trudging Sigil grounds. She uses her acute senses tracking for familiar scents. The Overpowering degree of what was once the Fallen Golden scale, now made a book. She skulks the shadows, seeking out objects and people that smell the same.
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*Ariella
- Posts: 308
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Deidra
he takes the coin and starts to inspect it after offering a nod and a smile
"Hmm no currency i have ever seen, its not made of gold either more like a very thin coat. wouldn't be worth much"
Altair
The book holds blank except two pages the first holding a slumbering green dragon in a lush forest, the second holds draconic text
"She hungers for it back but we can't let her have it, i have trapped all five within the tome it must now be destroyed or lost. there are many aspects still remaining however only portions of the greater whole they will still seek to reclaim it. i will go find Finrich, although a bit crazy even for a halfling i am sure he will know what to do."
"Protect me lord of the north wind for what comes next will not be easy"
he takes the coin and starts to inspect it after offering a nod and a smile
"Hmm no currency i have ever seen, its not made of gold either more like a very thin coat. wouldn't be worth much"
Altair
The book holds blank except two pages the first holding a slumbering green dragon in a lush forest, the second holds draconic text
"She hungers for it back but we can't let her have it, i have trapped all five within the tome it must now be destroyed or lost. there are many aspects still remaining however only portions of the greater whole they will still seek to reclaim it. i will go find Finrich, although a bit crazy even for a halfling i am sure he will know what to do."
"Protect me lord of the north wind for what comes next will not be easy"
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*Mick64
- Posts: 490
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Hall of Records, a week or so latter...
Slipping through the many rooms and corridors of the Hall of Records, Deidra navigates from one individual to the next, seeking out the archivist she had previously hired. When her inquiries finally lead her through the maze of the Hall to the person she wanted. After patiently waiting for him to be free, she approaches him with a smile and a friendly wave, hoping he remembers her.
Hello, again. I've got some more work for you, if you've the time - and the interest, of course. Same rate as before, if that's suitable. She chuckles amusedly. I do hope it'll be easier then last time. I have a name, old, but famous enough, from what I've been told. A celestial wizard by the name of Mirthal. I need to dig up as much as I can about him, but I can't do it alone, I could use the help of a professional. What do yo say?
Slipping through the many rooms and corridors of the Hall of Records, Deidra navigates from one individual to the next, seeking out the archivist she had previously hired. When her inquiries finally lead her through the maze of the Hall to the person she wanted. After patiently waiting for him to be free, she approaches him with a smile and a friendly wave, hoping he remembers her.
Hello, again. I've got some more work for you, if you've the time - and the interest, of course. Same rate as before, if that's suitable. She chuckles amusedly. I do hope it'll be easier then last time. I have a name, old, but famous enough, from what I've been told. A celestial wizard by the name of Mirthal. I need to dig up as much as I can about him, but I can't do it alone, I could use the help of a professional. What do yo say?
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*Ariella
- Posts: 308
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Mick:
The archivist turns to the nymph "A few coins and i will find you all you need to know" he would take a few coins before wondering off to research the man.
After a couple of days later he would bring the nymph a collection of books, children story's and bards tales old even by the standards of the immortal fey. In some they speak of a powerful angel able to call down the very might of the heavens upon his foes and in others he is a mighty dragon. Most of the tales resolve around an epic battle with a great evil although the evil often changes.
One stands out above the rest however, it tells of the mage using five books to seal away the talons of the beast, an odd choice of wording for the evil beast was depicted as a beautiful human women with long black hair and completely black eyes. The wizard succeeded in this tale although he hadn't in many of the others and it ended with him vowing to spend eternity ensuring the tomes would be forever lost to the world so this dark queen would never arise again
"I am afraid this is all i could find, although i might recommend you contact someone from his plane you might learn more there" The old man held out his hand as if expecting a tip from the nymph
The archivist turns to the nymph "A few coins and i will find you all you need to know" he would take a few coins before wondering off to research the man.
After a couple of days later he would bring the nymph a collection of books, children story's and bards tales old even by the standards of the immortal fey. In some they speak of a powerful angel able to call down the very might of the heavens upon his foes and in others he is a mighty dragon. Most of the tales resolve around an epic battle with a great evil although the evil often changes.
One stands out above the rest however, it tells of the mage using five books to seal away the talons of the beast, an odd choice of wording for the evil beast was depicted as a beautiful human women with long black hair and completely black eyes. The wizard succeeded in this tale although he hadn't in many of the others and it ended with him vowing to spend eternity ensuring the tomes would be forever lost to the world so this dark queen would never arise again
"I am afraid this is all i could find, although i might recommend you contact someone from his plane you might learn more there" The old man held out his hand as if expecting a tip from the nymph
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*Mick64
- Posts: 490
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Picking up the pile of books and securing them under her arm, Deidra digs into her pockets, handing the archivist a generous (but not outrageous) sum for his services.
Thanks, looks like you've been quite busy. And so will I be... good thing I never disliked tales. MMmm.... well. Better get to it. I'll keep in touch if I need you again. Someone reliable's hard to find...
With that, she saluted the elderly man and heads off to a quiet corner to review the books, searching them for likely places where the wizard may have lived, both the plane and, hopefully, somewhere more precise on it.
Thanks, looks like you've been quite busy. And so will I be... good thing I never disliked tales. MMmm.... well. Better get to it. I'll keep in touch if I need you again. Someone reliable's hard to find...
With that, she saluted the elderly man and heads off to a quiet corner to review the books, searching them for likely places where the wizard may have lived, both the plane and, hopefully, somewhere more precise on it.
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*dogo
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Nyelthruna wasnt sure what the "shady business" would be. But she was pretty sure of who Altair was, so she followed in the werewolf's steps. She felt very out of place while searching the merchant's house, being a warrior healer and not a thief or even skilled in searching for clues and secrets. But Altair said he could use her help, and she wasnt about to let him, Quinn and Vyse down. She was mostly trying to make something out of the situation when the fire started, and finally she could make herself useful. Spells were cast to protect Vyse and Altair from the flames and she heard Quinn use the same magic on himself. Altair used his brute force to put the now locked door down, and they were soon outside. Literally out of the frying pan, and into the fire.
She had been told things could go south, so mending herself after the battle and doing the same to the others felt normal, expected. What wasnt expected was the Madness taking over her as Altair faced the supposed leader of the attackers.
"No hope... It is all for nothing... There is nothing for you here, nor anywhere... All is lost..." said the voice in her head and she hadnt the will to fight it back. It was only despair... And violence...
Altair was the first to attack. Seeing something familiar helped Nyel enough to focus for enough time to join the fray, but as her body delivered violence she lost the little of her mind she managed to regain, and when the villain fell, she turned to Altair, still full of battlelust. Thankfully for her the much stronger Werewolf only defended himself until the effects subsided and she fell in shame.
Vyse and Quinn werent any better, fighting whatever demons the Madness planted in their own minds. As Nyel approached to heal them from the battle Vyse responded better, but still affected. Quinn on the other hand...
They tried, and tried and tried, but for all they could see the mage's mind was too far gone. He would have to be taken to the Gatehouse for treatment they couldnt give him there, in the streets where fire, violence and Madness still cast their shadows.
And now Nyel prays to The Three to be rid of the lingering feeling of hopelessness that chases her in the back of her mind, a dark shadow waiting on the corners of her thoughts, ready to grab at them whenever her guard drops for only moments.
She had been told things could go south, so mending herself after the battle and doing the same to the others felt normal, expected. What wasnt expected was the Madness taking over her as Altair faced the supposed leader of the attackers.
"No hope... It is all for nothing... There is nothing for you here, nor anywhere... All is lost..." said the voice in her head and she hadnt the will to fight it back. It was only despair... And violence...
Altair was the first to attack. Seeing something familiar helped Nyel enough to focus for enough time to join the fray, but as her body delivered violence she lost the little of her mind she managed to regain, and when the villain fell, she turned to Altair, still full of battlelust. Thankfully for her the much stronger Werewolf only defended himself until the effects subsided and she fell in shame.
Vyse and Quinn werent any better, fighting whatever demons the Madness planted in their own minds. As Nyel approached to heal them from the battle Vyse responded better, but still affected. Quinn on the other hand...
They tried, and tried and tried, but for all they could see the mage's mind was too far gone. He would have to be taken to the Gatehouse for treatment they couldnt give him there, in the streets where fire, violence and Madness still cast their shadows.
And now Nyel prays to The Three to be rid of the lingering feeling of hopelessness that chases her in the back of her mind, a dark shadow waiting on the corners of her thoughts, ready to grab at them whenever her guard drops for only moments.
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*Altair
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The next few cycles would see Altair digging through the transaction log for any sort of clues to the last people or type of people the merchant had seen, and also searching the archives for any reference to the symbol of the crumbling tower caught aflame. A twinge of guilt also drove him to see if there was anything that could be done for Quinn's madness; having just recovered from some of his own, he knew what it was like to be trapped in a nightmare.