Toben nods. "Is this something you expect we should do here, or wait until we reach the Heath?"

"A ritual of this power will require time, security, and supplies we simply do not have in this place.  We should get some sleep and proceed to the Heath.  The dragons there, at least those Shock is aligned with, will provide protection enough and supplies."  He looks around at the group and then at Delunar.  "I will keep watch this night with the dragons.  Please, get rest while there is rest to be had."

Ano makes his way over to Toben. "perhaps we should ask Kairo'uonar about some of the things we found in his father's horde.  He may have some idea about what they are.

Ryland looks down at the banjo sitting next to him and recalls he has no idea exactly what it does, and nods in agreement with Ano.

Klale follows the excellent advice; it's been a long and somewhat eventful day.

Toben nods in agreement. "He would certainly have some insight, however, the only things I collected was the tome and this crystalline key." He pulls out the key used to unlock Kairo.

"I don't exactly recall what everyone else took from that room. It was all quite a blur."

Ano digs in his pack and pulls out a mask and 3 metal rods "I have these"

"Say, Kairo" inquires Ryland. "Could we bother you to have a look at what we've found? Certainly if anyone knows about these items it would be you".

Kairo'uonar rises and walks over to Ryland and the others.  He lowers his head to examine the items.  "Hmm, these are from my father's horde.  I honestly never met him or saw his horde, but perhaps I can still help.  Let me see the rods."

When Ano holds up the rods, the young dragon's eyes narrow.  He obviously does not know the words he reads.  "Jakartis, Malfandar, Dragonhaste?"

"Those are the names of dragons, artificers who learned from dwarves and elves in the second age.  Prisoners most likely.  Those rods are very old."  Shock does not bother to open her eyes as she explains.  "Hold a rod in any place in the air or on the ground that you want and speak the name on the rod with a will for the rod to remain as you have positioned it."

Toben puts the book away for the time being and takes a better look at the crystalline key. "Aside from the obvious, it appears to be some sort of polymorphic skeleton key. Is there anything else you can make of it?"

Shock peers closely at the key.  Then, with Toben's permission, casts a number of spells at it, including a pretty impressive lightning bolt.  Each time, the spell seems to shrink or fade as it touches the key, leaving the key unharmed, unchanged even.  "Very interesting.  That is a powerful artifact.  I'm not sure what all it does, and an identifying spell won't work on it.  The key negates magic of all types.  However, it may have a magic of its own not affected by the anti-magic field surrounding it.  Such a key would negate any magic binding a lock the key is inserted into.  A marvelous treasure indeed."

Her eyes narrow contemplatively as she reluctantly hands the key back to Toben.

Tobe nods appreciatively. "Certainly explains how it freed Kairo." He thinks for a moment, and even eyes Klale. "Imagine if such a thing was forged with a suit of armor or shield."

Ryland produces his banjo. "Pardon, Shock. Could you tell me anything about this? We identified it had some sort or another magic property when we found it, but figuring out what it is, is far beyond my skill".

The blue dragon moves her head over to Ryland and peers at the banjo.  "It's got some kind of strong enchantment capability, but I don't recall any lore that fits this particular device.  Perhaps if you were to play something on it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Mon 30 Oct 2017.

Ryland runs his fingers along the strings, getting a feel for the instrument. "It's not quite what I'm accustomed to, but I believe I can work with this. Here's a little tune by the famous bards "Crossbows and Petunias", called Paradise City".

18:39, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 31 using 1d20+13.  perform check

The song is a rousing song, even if a little one dimensional on a single instrument.  The effect, however, is evident to everyone.  A slight red glow surrounds all those present except the dragons and the Maiar.  The music washes away doubt, confusion, and makes everyone feel as if they could take on a horde of evil together.

[Effectively it grants everyone Ryland's CHA mod as a bonus to Attack (including spell attacks), Will Saves, and Skill Checks involving INT, WIS, or CHA.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

"That's quite the little ditty." Toben walks over to Ryland and takes a quick look at the instrument. "That'll certainly come in handy for one of your talents."

He looks back to Gwaelind and Delunaur. "I'd like to start understanding this text a bit more. Which of you would be best suited to help translate this tome as I start going through it?"

"Neither.  The curse would affect either of us because of our nature."

"I was under the impression the curse would only be set off if you opened and read it. Do you think me reading it aloud and you translating my words would set off the curse?"

"Hmmm.  That is not a chance I'd like to take here.  I imagine you could copy the text and I could help you translate it that way.  Your scribing would have to be exact, though."

Toben nods. "Understood. We can follow up on this more once we get to the Heath."

"Unless there are more questions, you folks should get some sleep.  Delunar and I will stand guard, though the dragons will no doubt remain aware of their surroundings whether they sleep or not."  Gwaelind gives a nod of respect to the dragons.

Shock gives a toothy smile in confirmation.

Satisfied with the answers they received Ano spends a bit of time meditating before bed.

Toben nods. "I see a lot of long nights up ahead, might as well stock up on sleep for the time being."