bridgescribble | Take a look, it's in a book

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Take a look, it's in a book

The Magic Library

Haunted: There are ghosts in the stacks, and they are definitely disturbing the other patrons.
Way into this book: No, literally--you are now in this book. Maybe it's the Great American Novel or maybe it's a suspense thriller. Whatever the plot, the only way out is to see it to the end.
The characters are so real...! and in front of you, demanding your attention. That could be the other person in the thread! Or it could be frickin' Sauron.
Dynamic Dewey Decimal: The shelves in here are curiously mobile. Whether you see it happening or not, it's soon obvious that the place has become a maze--and you're in the middle.
Forbidden section: Every good magical library has one. Eldritch runes, lurking curses, a necromancer who's been waiting for someone to read him back to life--it's all in here, waiting to be uncovered.
Magic for Dummies: Ever wanted to learn magic? Great! There's a bunch of easy how-to books right here! They're a little light on safety precautions, though....
Sir you need a library card for that: You work here and you're trying to deal with an unruly patron... and the library is still magic. This is the most harrowing prompt on the list.
Magic library? Really? Somehow, you are having a completely normal-ass time in here. That's remarkable in of itself.
Wildcard!

(ooc: since Essek does not have an actual sheet, I am using Caleb's level 14 character sheet of which intelligence has a sizeable proficiency. Luckily I can pull that up whew)

[ His mind latched onto the answer nearly immediately although he was graceful not to just blurt the answer out however he decided to perhaps insert the answer into a cleverly wordered response to Taryon, just in case he needed assistance-- this was to make the other man feel like he was contributing, which was very important. ]

Well I suppose since you've given me but one directive, I have no choice.

[ And then he was bending over one of the gold locks which was a puzzle of a more hands-on variety, much like a rubix cube. The good news was that he was fairly good at those sorts of games since he had very little of a social life when he had been at the Marble Tomes Conservatory ]

[The gears in Taryon's head turn quickly, snapping up the tidbits of information he hears. Directives, vaults, treasures, choices...

That's it! A choice offers two choises!] The answer is choice! That's a clever one. Doty, take this down:

"As our dashing hero scaled the massive wall of treasure chests, his sidekick investigated the many small containers for new secrets. A mysterious riddle appeared on the face of the drawer: What is it that given one, you’ll have either two or none? The answer came swiftly to me: a choice! As I gave my answer, the lock gave way revealing..."

[He peers into the holding spot.]

"A thin, rectangular object. On its front was a woven cover of red and brown, where a time-worn title was etched. On the Secrets of Life and Death. Such a tantalizing title for a book! The tome was about one hundred pages in thickness and embedded with dark stones. The arcane magic emanating from the object was intense ans clear to one as well-versed in magic as I. Could the source of the power be the decorations...or the text itself?"

That's all, Doty.

[ That was exactly what Essek was hoping for; he did not need to take any sort of credit and this was after all Taryon's Travelogue and thus it would make a nice tidbit there, so he was rather relieved when Darrington seized upon the breadcrumbs. Though as he was fiddling with the magical rubix cube, his fingers going through, he did smile to himself and would offer congratulations at a later date. Though it came apart with a click and then the drawer slid out of place to reveal a rather neat and tidy stack of golden coins imprinted with the insignia of the Ancient Magic City of Aeor. ]

Currency from another time.

[ He was thumbing through it though delicately, as he did not want to disturb the peace of it though if he could guess, he would imagine that there were hundreds of Plat that was represented here within this vault box, a literal fortune; and he was only averaging the fact that Aoerian currency would be a collector's item by this point, and not for it's true value withint current Exandrian Currency systems.

Though what Darrington says pulls him right out of his musings and he straights back up. ]

Please do not touch that until I have a chance to cast identify.. unless you know how to do so?

[Taryon whips around, no easy feat when he's precariously holding onto ancient shelves, but it does make his hair flip dramatically as he declares:] Of course I do, drow boy! I'm an expert in the arcane and in enchantments. I just need to...

[He sticks an arm into the drawer, getting his hand close enough to the book to cast Identify.]

A book bound in...elf-hide leather? [He hesitates and speaks slowly while half of his brain processes this first fact.] And sewn with a cloth book cover. The inside is written in Infernal, with nine chapters. Each chapter offers a component for a necromantic spell. On the trim is an enchantment that corrupts those who touch it over a prolonged period of time...

[Taryon steps away from the drawer.]

Gross.

[ Truth of the matter was that now that Essek knew what it was, he was very hesitant to touch it, even with Mage Hand, he furrowed his brows-- well that explained the putrid smell of forbidden magic, and even hemoturgy had it's uses. This though, well it explained quite a bit with the aura ]

Well, this means we are at a crossroad on how to handle it--

[ one of the options is to use Leomund's Secret Chest on it and then transport it into the Astral Sea and wait the requisite month until it destroys itself from planar implosion, but he is not sure of the possible ramifications of such a feat ]

I mean we could try burning it? Tossing it into a volcano? That does the trick for mamy cursed artifacts. [According to the stories he's read.] Or we can seal it in the depths of a dungeon, maybe dispel the enchantment on the object. With enough time, it can be done.

[He thinks. Taryon crawls down one row of drawers and drops onto the floor.] Unless the library wants this evil book for archival purposes...

[ There was something about the methods, and some of them were not entirely reliable. Now, previously-- Essek was not one with so many scruples but he'd learned how to be better and so he was a bit more circumspect about things that could potentially cause a great deal of damage. ]

There is a chance it may have something in it that causes instant necrotic damage to us if we attempt to physically destroy it. As far as getting it to a volcano, the 'why' is the main concern.

[ As long as they did not touch it currently, they would be fine while they discussed and debated ]

And if we protect ourselves from necrotic damage? Hire a cleric or two, and we could mitigate the worst of it. And staying far from the radius of effect would be the best protection.

[After the initial shock of the source of leather, Taryon is feeling confident that the two of them can handle any disposal method. It's just one book.]

Unless you have a standard method of destroying cursed objects, my idea sounds best.

[ It was sound but there was one last thing and that was a transport of the book, he very carefully lifted himself into an elegant float and then with somatics he was already casting Identify on the box that had contained the book to find traces of the warding spell, sure enough as he wove the spell he found traces of a strong anti-necrotic forcefield. ]

We need to find a receptible to carry it within, for safety's sake. Something with re-upped wards.

[ He would accept Darrington's idea as long as that condition was met ]

I will figure something out! [Taryon says with a confident swing of his arm.] It'd take, what, a month or two to enchant something strong? I'll ask the clerics around here for their knowledge.

[He has never don't anything like this before. It might not work at all, but a Darrington does not back down from a challenge. Plus, it would be unheroic of him to admit that he wasn't sure.]

Oh? You can enchant it yourself?

[ There was a mote of impressed that sneaks into Essek's eyes, but then he does admire talent when it comes to enchanting and magical work that is reliant upon intelligence; granted magic was magic and he was rather fascinated but an artificer? Yes, Darrington would likely intuit that it may be hard to impress the Drow so that the fact that he did? It definitely would cause a few rubs to that ego ]

[Taryon gets the sense that the Drow is intrigued about his work, but narrowly misses how genuinely impressed he is. Still, the fact that he has grabbed Essek's attention gives him a confidence boost. And how can he not continue extolling his own virtues when he has a captive audience?]

I'm entirely self-taught, but I am so skilled in understanding magical items that I figured out how to wield the power of this [He points to his Helm of Brilliance.] in a matter of minutes! Plus I made Doty myself. You can see for yourself how complex he is.

Doty, give him a wave. [Doty does do with as much emotion as an unamused robot can.]

I have always wanted to learn how to formulate magic items, but have never had the opportunity; however being a drow-- perhaps it is only a matter of time, there is still quite a bit of my life left for exploration.

[ And eventually he would go into the magic rogue business, which probably was more suited to him then say, artificing. He may no someone else who would amiable to being taught such a skill, however-- a man brilliant with imagination. ]

What a wonder you have in Doty, it appears that they have a very dry tone down pat-- [ Essek felt for Doty, he really did. ]

I know, Doty has such a personality, doesn't he? [Much of it can only be inferred, and Tary has projected his own impressions onto the automaton, but Doty is the best friend and confidante any adventurer could ask for.] I worked very hard to ensure he understood the basic rules of Combat Roleplay to act as a participant, and that has transferred into his role in battle.

[But Essek has also discussed Doty as his own person, which earns Taryon's respect without adding to his ego.] I'm glad you can see his individuality. Most people don't understand that he's not some toy I built.

[ Essek, as a wizard, had enough of an imagination, that he was able to intuit the personalities even of constructs of sorts, but also there was a feeling of the straight man and their comedic sidekick, with Doty (of course) being the straight man. (Essek had a feeling that Darrington was just as straight as he was.) ]

I've never seen anything like him, where did you meet him?

[ There would more enough time to build a box, they could return to this place and transport the cursed book safely somewhere that it could be destroyed, they had a battle plan, it would be fine. ]

[It would take one crazy group for Taryon to come off as the figurative straight man. But why should he be straight when it's less fun than being unique, creative, charming, and irresistible to distinguished gentlemen?

He grins boldly at the question.] In my room. I was inspired by some old texts I purchased while my family was on holiday, but every single pulley, lever, and rune was created by me, Taryon Darrington. Doty here is the result of many years of upgrading his frame. I know, it's unbelievable, but it's true!

Impressive.

[ And Essek did not state such things lightly. A flick of his his wrist so that he illuminated the runes on the floor. Mainly of course so that he nor Darrington accidentally stepped on the floor traps. Then he stepped methodically closer so that he could take a closer look at Doty. ]

I do not find it unbelievable. It is actually quite clever; I've little experience with automation save for a few forays into Aeor, with most of the automations that were held in statis-- their were a few that had independently met with our group and attempted to treaty, I suppose?

[ He did not touch, he was very respectful; after all he did not have Doty's consent, and consent was very important to Essek ]

How long did repairs and upgrades on Doty take?

[Taryon's return to the entrance is faster than his initial approach now that the safe route illuminated for him.]

Depends on the upgrade. His most recent frame change took about...five months from first draft to completion? [That includes the days where he didn't get any work done, doesn't include the extra tinkering after he left home. Doty got some reinforcements in his limbs, and his enchantment expanded to include more offensive maneuvers.] I've never been to Aeor, actually, but I want to head there next if what you say is true. Countless proto-Dotys, holding secrets of thre past...and inspiration for upgrades...

[The perfect place for one chapter of his book.]

I think that you would be impressed by the wonders of Aeor-- Proto-Dotys, I suppose it would be like a family reunion then?

[ And then once he found his footing backward and away from the sigils on the ground, he continued. ] I have to thank you for this, it was a very unexpected and unlooked for and yet enjoyable adventure.

[ And Essek, dare he say, would not mind another adventure such as this ]

Did you hear that, Doty? [Tary turns to the automaton, who doesn't appear to care. Taryon can be excited for both of them.] You'll meet others just like you! Well, they wouldn't have been built by me but they'll be impressed at your construction.

[At least one of them will have a large group of friends like them.]

I can't wait to see the end of this cursed book. You've been a great help in this endeavor, little drow boy. I look forward to meeting you again to save this library from further evil.

[ There is a very distinct snort at the further words of 'little drow' boy, and it takes all of Essek's self control not to spout out his age, though in drow years he was young in comparison to human years, so Taryon was not wrong, the equivalent would be of a twenty-one year old and he'd stay that way for perhaps 10 years, maybe 20?

As it was, he rose himself up to his full height and then past that due to the joys of floating ] Merely Send to me when you have the receptacle in place, and then we shall make a trip of it.

[The drow is so cool. Taryon can't help but watch 3ssek in awe as he floats above Taryon in a display of magic power.

Imagine if he could build an accessory that grants the wearer the ability to levitate. Everyone could be as inspiring as his wizard.]

I will do so at the first opportunity! [He clutches his hand to his chest to show just how devoted he is to this task.]

[ His wizard, well if Taryon had voiced that aloud, there would've been a bit of surprise there though he was by no means unused to people adopting him, especially those of the more colourful sort (and Taryon was definitely as vibrant as any one of the Nein).

Out of the folds of his pocket, he pulled out a carved stone in the shape of a black cat, though it was not artisinal quality, it held little ridged grooves downward to denote vocal transmitters; with much ceremony he passed it to Taryon. ]

This is a sending stone with a direct line to me. Please contact me when you are ready for the next step in our grand adventure, yes? [ Oh no, Taryon-- you got Essek's phone number in essence ]

Edited 2023-10-04 14:59 (UTC)

[The people of Wildemount are a strange folk, Taryon and the Mighty Nein included. On his end, Tary gets attached to anyone he has a positive experience with; Essek is practically a friend at this point.

Now that he's gotten a Hot Boi's phone number, he is obligated to follow up. Taryon holds out both hands reverently to accept the sending stone. It must he stored somewhere safe - a small satchel hanging on the strap over his armor will do.]

I don't have one of my own, but I give you my word that I will update you on my progress. [The shine in his eyes is earnest, at least.]

[ Not unlike the Mighty Nein whom had adopted Essek as their own, so he was used to the adoption process, especially from a man whom seemed to be positively extroverted. He offered a smile up at the Artificer, an arch look of his brow. ] Then let us be away from this place, so that we may come to our mutual research.

Then they could return soon and finish the saga of the cursed books and become (at least Taryon, Essek did not intend on taking much of the credit) heros of the realm in the process. ]

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Take a look, it's in a book

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