Calistril 7, 4712
After their discovery of the crypt underneath the mausoleum, Darelle and Daryle spend time exploring the meager records left behind in Shadowborn Manor's library. After a day and a half of searching, they decide that they will not find any more information about the origins of the family, whether in their book Shadowborn, Leaders of the River, or from any of the archival material present in the manor.
They thus decide to travel to Thronestep, the capital of Razmiran. There the government archives may contain more information about their family. This could be dangerous, however, as there is still a price on their heads for having escaped the evil clutches of the Living God over a year ago. They will disguise themselves so they appear to not be related. The Coopers will travel overland, avoiding Mosswater and its creatures. The trip there should take between six and eight days. The Coopers ride to Fort Inevitable where they notify their brothers. They then begin the trek back to their homeland.
Calistril 9, 4712
Gerald borrows the gem of true seeing from the Hellknights, and he heads to Dr. Mordel. There he meets both the good doctor and Cassandra. Mordel uses the gem and examines the scar on Gerald's chest. Once again he remarks that the cut was done by a professional and was very precise, more precise in fact that even Mordel could achieve. After carefully looking through the gem, the doctor passes it to Cassandra and asks her what she sees. She reports that she sees a large gem embedded in Gerald's heart. She casts identify on the gem, and she detects necromancy and abjuration. Gerald tells the story of his birth and how his father was of the fey. Sometimes he leaves no tracks. He also has a few extra spells, such as a deep slumber. The sorcerer speculates that the gem may or may not be compatible with the bloodline. Could it be acting as a mild poison to him? Cassandra speculates that maybe it is a tracker for scrying, but then Mordel points out it would have been easier to hide the gem in a different spot, such as the buttocks, somewhere the scar would not have been seen. No, clearly Greenhide wanted Gerald to know something had been done to him. But what exactly? In any case, there is no way to remove the gem at the moment without killing Gerald. Mordel also points out that the only person in the area who could have made such a precise cut is Karlyle the Butcher.
Gerald then heads home to do more research on the six funeral masks he found on the 7th level of the Emerald Spire. These masks were used in Sartoss' evil rituals. The masks themselves are made with tarnished gold and feature several gems inlaid in various locations to lend a shimmering effect to the mask. Each mask uses different gems: peridot, topaz, citrine, garnet, tumaline and zircon. Many gems are missing from each mask. The craftmanship is exquisite, but the masks themselves are non-magical.
Calistril 10, 4712
Gerald goes to Falandra Nolm's bookstore and borrows some of her books to do further research on the masks. He eventually comes across several ancient references to the Children of Kabess, an obscure Azlanti cult who worshipped a demon lord. The Children of Kabess all wore elaborate funeral masks to demonstrate their willingness to die in service of their lord. It is rumored that the Masks could be used as focus for spells or as components of ancient rituals. They haven't been seen in over 10,000 years and are presumed destroyed during Earthfall.
The masks are slightly smoke-stained, and require a good cleaning and polishing. If properly cleaned, they would be incredibly valuable, despite missing several gems each and their overall poor condition after being used by Sartoss.
Calistril 14, 4712
The Coopers sisters arrive in the capital of Razmiran after an uneventful seven day trip. The city of Thronestep is only forty years old, and was built on the shores of Lake Encarthan by the Living God himself to serve as the glorious capital of his growing empire. The heart of the city is made of expensive and beautiful masonry and exotic wood from throughout the Inner Sea. But the city has grown too large too quickly, as the slums outside the city walls attest. Never having visited such a large city, Daryle and Darelle are suitably impressed, despite the chills they see at the number of soldiers deployed in the street and the omnipresent Mask of Razmir on unfurled banners and flattering portraits of the Living God placed everywhere. The streets are packed with people and wagons, and the noise is deafening.
Searching for suitable lodging, the Coopers eventually elect to stay at Merciful Inn, located inside the walls close to one of the many gates. The inn appears well run, and has a stable where they can leave their horses. They exchange pleasantries with the owner, who asks them if they are here to celebrate Razmir's historic speech, which he will pronounce tomorrow. He tells them that rumors abound that the Living God will announce new measures concerning the healing of the nation with a renewed call for religious crusades against all of their neighbors. The Coopers reply they were unaware the great Razmir would appear on the balcony of his palace, but now that they knew they would surely attend. In their room they find another portrait of Razmir. The eyes seem to be following them wherever they go. Daryle decides to cover it with a blanket.
Since the day is still young, the sisters decide to go to the Razmiran archives. The inn owner provides them with helpful directions, and they head into the heart of Thronestep. They cross over the large Absolution Bridge and enter the government quarter on the Holy Island. The Coopers are surprised that there are not as many soldiers in the streets as there are in Fort Inevitable.
The Coopers head to the archives. Located in the heart of the government sector, the archives sits across from the grand Cathedral of the Living God. The archives are housed in a large gothic building with a large portrait of Razmir on the outside. They enter the building, and head to the large counter in the center of the entrance hall. After a few questions and answers from the archivist manning the desk, they are directed to the second floor, in the north wing of the building. There Darelle discovers tax records of the Shadowborn family, that indicates several individuals departed what became Razmiran for the River Kingdoms back in 4132, after selling their estate, Ivymore, as well as their possessions. The archivist on this level tells them that older records are likely to be found in the Xer area, located on the third floor in the east wing.
The east wing's third floor is covered by large piles of books, papers, maps, and other archival materials. No one appears to be here. How will they find what they're looking for? A small voice suddenly arises from behind a gigantic pile. An old wizened man carefully steps over large volumes strewn on the floor, and tells them he's the archivist in this section. Darelle asks him where they could find familial information from the Xer area from the 3900s. The archivist asks them if there's anything they are specifically looking for, but Darelle dodges the question. The man sighs, and directs them towards one of the alcove. He tells them he's afraid not much has been cataloged and classified in this section since the archives moved here thirty odd years ago, and he wishes them luck.
The Coopers locate the alcove, and, hiding behind a desk stacked with materials, begin sifting through old records...
Showing posts with label Razmir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Razmir. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2016
Friday, July 1, 2016
Tale of the Crypt
Calistril 4, 4712
Daryle spends the morning in town and she hears the gossip that the Millers have returned from their trip to the Emerald Spire and turned in over 20 pairs of goblin ears. Daryle suspects that they are a plant for Razmir.
The Coopers are relaxing in the evening with a nice glass of wine and a good book in the newly renovated library. Darelle is reading River Kingdoms Herbs: Not Just Folk Remedies, while Daryle is consulting an ancient tome about the history of the Shadowborn family, titled Shadowborn, Leaders of the River. She comes across a very strange reference to the mausoleum that sits in the corner of the estate. It appears that it was once part of a much larger crypt. Daryle tells her sister, and they vow to explore it come morning.
Calistril 5, 4712
Daryle continued to read the book last night, and she tells her sister that the last people buried here were buried over four hundred years ago. The dates span from 4218 to 4323. Shadowborn Manor was built in 4087, and the Shadowborn family itself can trace its origins from roughly 3550.
Daryle decides to search the tomb where they first discovered the dirt. She digs for fifteen minutes, but she finds nothing.
The sisters move to the left, and look at the second tomb. It is that of Anna Tirolia Shadowborn, wife of Baltazar Shadowborn, (4190-4245) the last male identified in her book as having been buried here. The corpse is wearing black funeral garb but holds a very well preserved carnation. Darelle takes a closer look and discovers that the carnation is in fact real, and appears to be as old as the body itself. She leaves the flower behind.
Lukas Shadowborn, brother of Baltazar (4231-4281). He had two broken legs, which predated his death by a few years. It would have been very difficult for him to walk. Most likely it would have been the result of accident or warfare.
Leopolda Shadowborn (4301-4323), sister of Perisic and Rudolf, was Johann's third child. Her extremities are tainted green and orange, suggesting she was poisoned. Twenty-two years old when she died, there are no records indicating that she was married to anyone, which Darelle finds strange
Rudolf (4290-4321) was Johann's second son. He also shows signs of having been poisoned. He too did not seem to have a spouse.
Perisic (4285-4298) was Johann's first son. He also shows signs of having been poisoned at the age of thirteen.
Aman Shadowborn (4277-4301) was Johann's wife. She also holds a faded red carnation. The Coopers decide not to touch that one either.
Johann Shadowborn (4210-4298) was Baltazar's brother. The body that once was Johann emerges shrouded in darkness, and casts deeper darkness. Everything goes dark. He casts ray of enfeeblement, and Darelle is hit. Fortunately, Daryle comes to her rescue and the two of them are able to neutralize this threat. All of these names are mentioned in Daryle's history book. But where is Baltazar's tomb?
Under Aman's tomb is a secret passage down, so Darelle and Daryle move Aman in Johann's now emptied tomb, and the Coopes pivot Aman's tomb, revealing a set of stairs. After a descent of about 20 feet they enter a large room with five more tombs.
The Coopers continue to explore the vast rooms that lay underneath Shadowborn Manor and discover countless tombs. Each large room contains tombs organized in rough centuries. In the last (or first) room built, they find tombs with inscriptions dating from the 3600s. Strangely, many candles line the walls and are burning. When Darelle takes a closer look, the candles suddenly attack, and the Coopers must defend themselves.
After defeating the candles, they explore the room and find yet another secret passage, this time leading to a smaller room containing one tomb. The inscription on it reveals it to be that of Karolina Shadowborn (? - 3531). Carefully opening the lid, they discover a well-preserved body wearing a beautiful white dress. She is also surrounded by red carnations that have not been faded by time. The white dress shimmers in the low light, and Darelle decides to carefully remove it from the body after a small female voice whispers in her ear that the dress should belong to her. She is now in possession of the Shadowborn dress. Both Coopers pick up a red carnation, then respectfully close the lid to the tomb.
They retrace their steps and enter an unexplored room. The tombs in this room are small. Daryle realizes that there have been no other children's tombs since the first room on this level. These are all the resting place of dead children. A sobbing sound emerges from the back of the room. The Coopers cautiously enter the room and walk towards the back. Two small children made of ash emerge from behind one of the tombs and open up their arms, as if meaning to be hugged. Daryle and Darelle launch arrows, which burn instantly when they hit the young ones. They continue forward and hug Darelle, who is immediately badly burned. The battle continues until Daryle realize that they in fact want hugs. She bends down and hugs one of the children, taking some damage but releasing his soul. Darelle does the same.
They check the room to see if any other ash children remain, but they do not discover any. They check each tomb, and realize that all of the young bodies in this room have been poisoned by a similar poison to the ones in the mausoleum. Why would anyone need to poison children?
Daryle spends the morning in town and she hears the gossip that the Millers have returned from their trip to the Emerald Spire and turned in over 20 pairs of goblin ears. Daryle suspects that they are a plant for Razmir.
The Coopers are relaxing in the evening with a nice glass of wine and a good book in the newly renovated library. Darelle is reading River Kingdoms Herbs: Not Just Folk Remedies, while Daryle is consulting an ancient tome about the history of the Shadowborn family, titled Shadowborn, Leaders of the River. She comes across a very strange reference to the mausoleum that sits in the corner of the estate. It appears that it was once part of a much larger crypt. Daryle tells her sister, and they vow to explore it come morning.
Calistril 5, 4712
Daryle continued to read the book last night, and she tells her sister that the last people buried here were buried over four hundred years ago. The dates span from 4218 to 4323. Shadowborn Manor was built in 4087, and the Shadowborn family itself can trace its origins from roughly 3550.
Daryle decides to search the tomb where they first discovered the dirt. She digs for fifteen minutes, but she finds nothing.
The sisters move to the left, and look at the second tomb. It is that of Anna Tirolia Shadowborn, wife of Baltazar Shadowborn, (4190-4245) the last male identified in her book as having been buried here. The corpse is wearing black funeral garb but holds a very well preserved carnation. Darelle takes a closer look and discovers that the carnation is in fact real, and appears to be as old as the body itself. She leaves the flower behind.
Lukas Shadowborn, brother of Baltazar (4231-4281). He had two broken legs, which predated his death by a few years. It would have been very difficult for him to walk. Most likely it would have been the result of accident or warfare.
Leopolda Shadowborn (4301-4323), sister of Perisic and Rudolf, was Johann's third child. Her extremities are tainted green and orange, suggesting she was poisoned. Twenty-two years old when she died, there are no records indicating that she was married to anyone, which Darelle finds strange
Rudolf (4290-4321) was Johann's second son. He also shows signs of having been poisoned. He too did not seem to have a spouse.
Perisic (4285-4298) was Johann's first son. He also shows signs of having been poisoned at the age of thirteen.
Aman Shadowborn (4277-4301) was Johann's wife. She also holds a faded red carnation. The Coopers decide not to touch that one either.
Johann Shadowborn (4210-4298) was Baltazar's brother. The body that once was Johann emerges shrouded in darkness, and casts deeper darkness. Everything goes dark. He casts ray of enfeeblement, and Darelle is hit. Fortunately, Daryle comes to her rescue and the two of them are able to neutralize this threat. All of these names are mentioned in Daryle's history book. But where is Baltazar's tomb?
Under Aman's tomb is a secret passage down, so Darelle and Daryle move Aman in Johann's now emptied tomb, and the Coopes pivot Aman's tomb, revealing a set of stairs. After a descent of about 20 feet they enter a large room with five more tombs.
- Matthias (4198-4279) and Maria Anna Shadowborn (4203-4254), husband and wife.
- Joseph (4200-4267) and Eleonora Magdelena Shadowborn (4199-4267), husband and wife.
- Margaret Teresa (4170-4208) is identified as Baltazar, Matthias and Joseph's mother. She never married and the father of the children is not identified in the book.
The Coopers continue to explore the vast rooms that lay underneath Shadowborn Manor and discover countless tombs. Each large room contains tombs organized in rough centuries. In the last (or first) room built, they find tombs with inscriptions dating from the 3600s. Strangely, many candles line the walls and are burning. When Darelle takes a closer look, the candles suddenly attack, and the Coopers must defend themselves.
After defeating the candles, they explore the room and find yet another secret passage, this time leading to a smaller room containing one tomb. The inscription on it reveals it to be that of Karolina Shadowborn (? - 3531). Carefully opening the lid, they discover a well-preserved body wearing a beautiful white dress. She is also surrounded by red carnations that have not been faded by time. The white dress shimmers in the low light, and Darelle decides to carefully remove it from the body after a small female voice whispers in her ear that the dress should belong to her. She is now in possession of the Shadowborn dress. Both Coopers pick up a red carnation, then respectfully close the lid to the tomb.
They retrace their steps and enter an unexplored room. The tombs in this room are small. Daryle realizes that there have been no other children's tombs since the first room on this level. These are all the resting place of dead children. A sobbing sound emerges from the back of the room. The Coopers cautiously enter the room and walk towards the back. Two small children made of ash emerge from behind one of the tombs and open up their arms, as if meaning to be hugged. Daryle and Darelle launch arrows, which burn instantly when they hit the young ones. They continue forward and hug Darelle, who is immediately badly burned. The battle continues until Daryle realize that they in fact want hugs. She bends down and hugs one of the children, taking some damage but releasing his soul. Darelle does the same.
They check the room to see if any other ash children remain, but they do not discover any. They check each tomb, and realize that all of the young bodies in this room have been poisoned by a similar poison to the ones in the mausoleum. Why would anyone need to poison children?
Friday, August 22, 2014
On why we had to leave home
Kuthona 31, 4710
The Riverbottom family lives in the hamlet of Novensia, a day's east of Xer in Razmiran. The matriarch of the family, Gertrude Riverbottom, owns a pleasant fifty acres farm on the bank of the West Sellen River. The harvest has been collected, and it is time to celebrate as the Night of the Pale makes way to another year.
The Riverbottom siblings are excited at the prospect of the feast Mother has made for them. At 25, Roscoe is the oldest and is looking forward to inheriting the farm in the spring, as Gertrude retreats from management and begins enjoying the fruits of retirement. Gerald, Daryle, and Darelle are triplets, with the two girls Daryle, and Darelle identical while Gerald, the oldest of the three bears a close resemblance to his sisters. At 17, the triplets are looking forward to beginning their adult lives, but so far their prospects are dim. At 15, Thorne is the youngest of the Riverbottoms, and is named appropriately as the rest of his family are often the victims of his sweet talk and roguish ways.
At noon time, as the roast goes into the pot, five riders came up from the main road and arrived at the farm. The captain's pennant flies the colors of the Living God, and he is accompanied by three constables and, more worrisome, a priest. Roscoe does not recognize any of the soldiers, indicating that none of them are local.
The captain reveals that by an edict of Razmir, the Living God, the triplets are to accompany him forthwith to First Step, the indoctrination monastery of the Living God's faith, and they will be escorted there. At first Roscoe is inclined to let them go, but Gertrude advises him there are rumors that circulate on how triplets are sacrificed to the ravenous craving for power of the Living God.
Meanwhile Thorne sets up a game of chance with the constables and discovers that they are indeed not from here, and that they are to accompany the triplets to Xer, and sail to Thronestep with them. After their arrival there, there are no further travel plans. Thorne reports his findings to Roscoe, who convinces the captain and the priest to stay for dinner instead of departing immediately. In the ensuing conversation, Roscoe comes to the realization that the priest, rather than the captain, is in charge of this group.
As the preparations for the Night of the Pale proceeds, Darrelle prepares a mixture of herbs that she then uses to poison the roast. Daryle and Gerald make preparations to leave the farm, while Gertrude organizes passage on a ship, the Aigle Soleil, so that her children can flee the farm and escape the clutches of the priest.
At the appointed hour the witnessing of the dead takes place, and is immediately followed by the extravagant yearly dinner. The captain and the constables are quickly taken sick along with Gertrude, but the poison appears to have no effect on the priest. Resorting to violence, Thorne stabs him, while Daryle hits him with a frying pan, causing his mask to fall. Surprised, the siblings realize that this is not a priest of the Living God, but a tattooed impostor from southern lands. Gerald pushes him into the fire place. The horrible death screams are enough to send the siblings out with their meager belongings and on board the ship heading upriver towards Fort Inevitable, Gertrude having provided them with a letter of introduction to her first cousin who resides there.
On board the ship, they meet Captain Rémi, who informs the siblings that they will now need to pay 50 crowns each for their safe passage, and that he will come collect in a year's time.
After an uneventful journey, the siblings finally arrive in Fort Inevitable ...
The Riverbottom family lives in the hamlet of Novensia, a day's east of Xer in Razmiran. The matriarch of the family, Gertrude Riverbottom, owns a pleasant fifty acres farm on the bank of the West Sellen River. The harvest has been collected, and it is time to celebrate as the Night of the Pale makes way to another year.
The Riverbottom siblings are excited at the prospect of the feast Mother has made for them. At 25, Roscoe is the oldest and is looking forward to inheriting the farm in the spring, as Gertrude retreats from management and begins enjoying the fruits of retirement. Gerald, Daryle, and Darelle are triplets, with the two girls Daryle, and Darelle identical while Gerald, the oldest of the three bears a close resemblance to his sisters. At 17, the triplets are looking forward to beginning their adult lives, but so far their prospects are dim. At 15, Thorne is the youngest of the Riverbottoms, and is named appropriately as the rest of his family are often the victims of his sweet talk and roguish ways.
At noon time, as the roast goes into the pot, five riders came up from the main road and arrived at the farm. The captain's pennant flies the colors of the Living God, and he is accompanied by three constables and, more worrisome, a priest. Roscoe does not recognize any of the soldiers, indicating that none of them are local.
The captain reveals that by an edict of Razmir, the Living God, the triplets are to accompany him forthwith to First Step, the indoctrination monastery of the Living God's faith, and they will be escorted there. At first Roscoe is inclined to let them go, but Gertrude advises him there are rumors that circulate on how triplets are sacrificed to the ravenous craving for power of the Living God.
Meanwhile Thorne sets up a game of chance with the constables and discovers that they are indeed not from here, and that they are to accompany the triplets to Xer, and sail to Thronestep with them. After their arrival there, there are no further travel plans. Thorne reports his findings to Roscoe, who convinces the captain and the priest to stay for dinner instead of departing immediately. In the ensuing conversation, Roscoe comes to the realization that the priest, rather than the captain, is in charge of this group.
As the preparations for the Night of the Pale proceeds, Darrelle prepares a mixture of herbs that she then uses to poison the roast. Daryle and Gerald make preparations to leave the farm, while Gertrude organizes passage on a ship, the Aigle Soleil, so that her children can flee the farm and escape the clutches of the priest.
At the appointed hour the witnessing of the dead takes place, and is immediately followed by the extravagant yearly dinner. The captain and the constables are quickly taken sick along with Gertrude, but the poison appears to have no effect on the priest. Resorting to violence, Thorne stabs him, while Daryle hits him with a frying pan, causing his mask to fall. Surprised, the siblings realize that this is not a priest of the Living God, but a tattooed impostor from southern lands. Gerald pushes him into the fire place. The horrible death screams are enough to send the siblings out with their meager belongings and on board the ship heading upriver towards Fort Inevitable, Gertrude having provided them with a letter of introduction to her first cousin who resides there.
On board the ship, they meet Captain Rémi, who informs the siblings that they will now need to pay 50 crowns each for their safe passage, and that he will come collect in a year's time.
After an uneventful journey, the siblings finally arrive in Fort Inevitable ...
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