Vellynne had retreated to her room to make the preparations. As stated, casting the spell was a simple matter of drawing up the short sequence of glyphs specific to the Host Tower's permanent Cirlce, which she did with glowing, light blue chalk on a large wooden board she'd leaned against the wardrobe. To make it easier to step through, the circle had been made oval. "Vectra nos visenti . . ." she drew a deep breath and spoke upon its completion. Not much proceeded to happen to the naked eye, but faint ripples on the surface of the board began to appear. Then it began to shimmer as the ripples intensified, the candlelight dancing upon it, and Vellynne reached a hand inside to reveal the surface was now but an ethereal film without form or substance. Like liquid dye floating atop water. She waved parts of it away to reveal the room at the other end.

The walls, ceiling, and floor were all black as the night, cast in what seemed like stone imitating the natural curves and bark-like texture of a tree. The entire room arced into an ascending staircase and was quite luxuriously decorated. A fine carpet, fit to the curve, led from the portal and up the steps, and embellishing, florid sconces carrying supernaturally lit candles bathed the room in a warm light and gave it far friendlier atmosphere than the architecture and material inspired.

"Here we are," Vellynne said after they'd all stepped through. She'd put on most of her outerwear not because it would be cold – the temperature difference was rather striking, actually, as Vellynne's room hadn't been kept particularly warm – but because she wouldn't be able to retrieve it. Likewise she was wearing a backpack and carrying a bag with the rest of her possessions. Mercuri flew inside and perched on her shoulder. "We'll be heading to the Southern Tower where we will meet with our interpreter. Do take care not to touch anything unduly."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:30, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

Mallory was awhirl in conflicting feelings and thoughts as she waited for the spell to be completed.  Excitement, concern, anticipation, curiosity, some underlying current of panic that was thankfully a low simmer.  For as eager as she was to be away from the brutal cold of Icewind Dale even for a short time, she found herself fretting in Rhydd's wake and had to consistently remind herself to stop worrying.  He'd lived his whole life doing such ranging tasks, after all, and he had all the others alongside him in company.  Skilled and capable, each and every one of them.  You've nothing to worry over, she told herself.  And had to keep telling herself as Rhydd's absence from her side - for really the first substantial time since they'd met - was felt so keenly.

Finally, off they went.  A deep sigh passed Mallory's painted lips as she felt the air warm around her; even if it was in the dead of winter, it'd still be warmer than Ten-Towns!  She looked forward to shedding her heavy coat for once.  Without Farwalker to carry the heavy items for them, Mallory had borrowed a small handcart - normally reserved for helping to haul heavy preserving jars in and out of storage - to load with their cumbersome samples.  She'd felt rather off about putting the bundled corpse of poor Apple on there alongside the Illithid and other assorted remains, but there was no helping it.  Just one more thing to compartmentalize away under detached necessity.

"Of course, certainly.  There's a good reason I've left Astre napping so far." Mallory sighed at mention of keeping one's hands to themselves.  The last thing she needed was her willful Tressym seeing something sparkly and causing mayhem.  She glanced about in hopes of a window, keen to see scenery that wasn't just blighted white snow everywhere.  "Where are we, precisely?"

“We are currently in what we call the Roots,” Vellynne answered as she began to move through the narrow corridor. “I hope you don’t mind climbing stairs.” The way she grimaced indicated it would be more of a challenge for her than for the guests of the Spire.

The curved corridor ended in a door which led into a larger corridor of a similar nature – deep, winding, and dark. There wasn’t much of interest here, just the same sconces carrying the perpetually lit candles, and a myriad of doors identical to the one that led to the portal winding downaward seemingly forever. Steps were interspersed so that it slanted upward, and it eventually ended in a doorway looking out into a great foyer.

And great it was. Eerie, echoing, and veritably massive. The architecture here was more rigid, though the walls still carried that bark-like texture, and the doorway Vellynne, Mallory, and Idrianthe had emerged from was one of five, all arranged in a hexagonal pattern. A distinct corner contained the main entry, an enormous double door one could question any ordinary person could push open with mundane might. Perhaps that was why it stood ajar. A marbled courtyard could be spied beyond it, and rifts of stained glass allowed the natural light of Luskan to seep through, but it and similar windows on the walls was inadequate to properly illuminate the gloomy interior. So to aid it and the candles by the ground level, balls of light resembling marigolds in both color and shape hovered in midair, interspersed in semi-random intervals up to the fifty foot high ceiling. In the center of the foyer was a spiral staircase which exhibited that throughline of natural, arboreal quality in the imperfection of its coil.

Two figures were present at the time of arrival. A short wizard, who seemed more corpse than man, was levitating a few inches above ground, engaged in muted conversation with an extravagantly clad noble wielding a cane. They both noticed the presence of Vellynne and her guests, but resumed their talking soon thereafter.

Dominating the room and in front of the entrance stood a hulking stone statue resembling some sort of Golem. It knelt on the ground, one hand rested atop a knee while the other held a sword whose tip was firmly planted to the ground.

“~Vellynne Harpell,~” an omni-present voice suddenly boomed in everyone’s mind. “~Overwizard Jendrik the Blue demands your presence in his study~.”

Vellynne pursed her lip and muttered an inaudible protest underneath her breath. “Fine,” she conceded, “tell him I’ll be with him in a moment. I have to see our guests to Harai.” She aggressively moved towards the spiraling stairs, past the conversing wizard and noble.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:55, Fri 15 Sept 2023.

The spiraling staircase went on for long. Several hundred of feet and longer than it had initially seemed. Above the foyer were a myriad of rooms, some closed and some open, until a larger landing was reached with four distinct halls extending in the cardinal directions. Vellynne led the way south.

There weren't many people here, mages or otherwise, going by how the corridors were mostly empty. One Tiefling with deep red skin hurried by, too absorbed by a parchment she was reading to pay Vellynne, Mallory, and Idrianthe any attention. Teaching rooms and audience halls were passed, and eventually more spiral stairs had to be climbed. Occasionally, windows allowed a glimpse of Luskan, its sprawling walls, and the North cut by the river Mirar beyond. The City of Sails basked in late fall, orange, dark, and sharp. The Tower, for those who knew, was located on the largest and centermost island at the mouth of Mirar and had since its reconstruction dominated the cityscape.

After what must have been an additional hundred feet, in a smaller, more cramped section of the Tower, Vellynne knocked on a door. A "please, enter!" sounded, and Vellynne opened it to a busy study. Full bookshelves lined the walls, alchemical equipment was arranged on a table, and ingredients sat stacked on a shelf. In one corner, by a mirror, was what appeared to be a shrine comprising a stone slab overlaid with a beige cloth, a branch, and some macadamia nuts. The room wasn't particularly spacious and so appeared fairly busy, but there was a tidiness to appreciate. Everything was neatly arranged and in its proper space, even though said space was contested. The only window was open, allowing in the briskly chill and salty wind of Luskan.

The resident of the study was a bespectacled Orangutan-like creature¹. He had sat by his desk with his legs drawn up to him, penning a tome, but he quickly put the quill down and went to the window. "I apologize, I'll close this. I have some stools by the cupboard, let me get those for you,"

"Good evening, Harai," Vellynne said. By the way her irritation gave way for a smile it was clear she was fond of this creature. "Thank you for allowing us to see you on such short notice."

"Oh, not at all," Harai answered as he put forth the stools. "I'm always happy to help, especially with such an intriguing project as yours, Madame Harpell. To whom do I owe the pleasure?" He extended a hand to shake Mallory's and Idrianthe's.

---

¹ That'll be a DC 15 Nature check to see if either of you know the race. Alternatively Arcana DC 20.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Sun 17 Sept 2023.

---

Mallory's Arcana to recognize Harai's race [25]: Aside from Humans, there weren't any intelligent Simians native to Faerûn. Those species who would in earnest be referred to as Ape- or Primate-like resided in Kara-Tur, the Eastern Realms, and Mallory knew of a couple. There was the Hadozee, perhaps the most known, though they resembled more of a crossbreed between a Baboon and a Human, with patagial wing flaps like a Bat's or a Flying Squirrel's. Then there was the Saru, an evolutionary enigma who grew into prominence on the Malatran Plateau only a couple of hundred years ago. Their appearance would typically be described as that of a Gorilla's and occasionally an Orangutan's.

There was also the Hengeyokai, intelligent natural shapeshifting animals, who similarly dwelt in the jungles and on the fringes of Human land. Only the magical eye could discern them from ordinary animals.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

Never would Mallory have thought she'd have been happy to see Luskan of all places.  She'd actually made sure to take a route that avoided the city itself on her way north in the first place but, after the endless winter and lowly excuse for civilization that was of Ten-Towns, even somewhere like Luskan was a wonderful sight to behold.  She was at the point that she'd even risk a visit out into the city itself... so long as she could manage a guard detail from the Host Tower first, at least.

The Tower itself was worth marveling over as well and it was a genuine struggle for Mallory to not fall to the same habits as gawking tourists when they first came to Neverwinter.  The various arcane towers of prominence throughout Toril were well-known but rarely visited, so to be on assignment for the Arcane Brotherhood was a unique opportunity worth appreciating.  She'd come north in hope of rebuilding her family fortune; while she'd yet to be able to connect with her uncle on the initial plan, building avenues into the Brotherhood could be a vital tool to take advantage of.  One she was not keen to squander.

"Lady Mallory Bonheur of Neverwinter." she took the offered hand in greeting with all the graceful etiquette she'd been hammered with her whole life long, paired with a half-curtsy and charming smile.  That Harai was such an exotic being didn't surprise her in the slightest, though she was naturally intrigued.  A conversation for another time, hopefully.  "And my most capable of partners; Dame Idrianthe of House Mar.  It's quite the pleasure to meet you.  Madame Harpell's assignment has given us quite a number of fascinating opportunities to study, and I'm eager to see what else we might explore together."

"I am sure," Harai commented as he greeted Idrianthe in turn. "Madame Harpell has told me you wish to commune with the dead. And that you have requested the Sending of a message?"

"I will leave you to it," Vellynne said from where she was lingering in the doorframe. "Jendrik wishes to speak with me. Likely about the funding from Longsaddle. How he knows I am here already I don't know. Did you tell him?" she asked Harai.

The Orangutan answered efficiently moved a stool to stand on to reach the higher shelves containing his alchemical ingredients. He took a jar, opened the lid, and sniffed the contents. It seems it was to satisfcation. "I did. The Overwizard asked, so I told him."

"Hrmh," was all Vellynne uttered further on the matter before she exited and closed the door behind her.

"Devices and politics and secrets and games . . ." Harai lamented as he went climbed down from the stool. "Oh, do I pine for the days when a researcher was simply left to his research . . ."

"An unfortunate reality of any formal organization, I'm afraid." Mallory offered a sympathetic smile for Harai's sake.  She felt such woe herself as she recalled her early days of study, when her education was fresh and exciting.  Being bogged down with the inner politics of the academic institutions she was part of always seemed such a tiring distraction from what really mattered.  Things were no better in the average daily affairs of nobility either.

"If I may, what is your field, sir?" she asked as she turned to address the many belongings and samples she'd stowed in that handy handcart.  Convenient as it had been, hauling it along the stairs was less so.  They had a lot to go through, but at least some of it would be best delayed until Vellynne returned from her task depending on how costly the spellwork was to perform.

"Wild Magic," Harai answered as he returned to his desk and put aside the tome, the inkwell, and cleaned his quill on a cloth. "Specifically divinely derived Wild Magic, though that constitutes the bulk of the practice. Did you know that since the Time of Troubles it has been by far the most widespread form of magic? A myriad of religious doctrines and the Gods they worship have adopted it into their portfolio since. My own body of work focuses on expanding the breadth of our knowledge on it. Of course, the very nature of Wild Magic is unpredictable – though that in itself is debatable – so my primary aim is to catalogue various cultures' usage of it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:43, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

"Wild Magic."

On that statement, Mallory inconspicuously took one long step back to put the cart in between herself and Harai while she continued to sort through things.

"Indeed, right alongside the generational increase of those who have innate Wild Magic affinity.  It's far from a steady expansion amid the population but it certainly is undeniable.  Given that Wild Magic was formerly the purview of arcanists alone, seeing it spread outside of conventional control is rather fitting a development." Despite her cautiously affording herself a bit of cover at the very mention of unstable mage craft, it was undeniably a fascinating subject.  Her own traditionalist schooling in magic always looked down its nose at Wild Magic's unpredictability and lack of cohesive control, which left her many tutors hardly bothering to mention it other than when speaking with disdain.

Naturally, a younger Mallory had been quite excited to study it however she could as a result.  The only thing more enticing to both a mage and teenager alike than knowledge was forbidden knowledge.

"Personally, I've always followed the theory that Wild Magic is simply a natural derivative of Raw Magic where it's been able to seep through the filtering presence of The Weave without wholly sundering it.  Given that it allows access to magic outside of Mystra's dominion yet still with some structure through her influence, it makes a very tempting subject for other divine forces who may begrudge her hold over magic in its entirety." the young noble was so delighted in being able to speak on such topics that it helped hearten her against the grim work at hand.  She gently gathered the still-bundled corpse of poor Apple with a pitying sigh and laid it out onto a nearby table space.  "I can only imagine there are quite a few Druidic circles out there keenly observing the shift of arcane power appearing outside of classical schools of control and back into the natural world."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Mon 25 Sept 2023.

"You're familiar!" Harai exclaimed. Though the excitement built in his intonation, his movements remained calm and pointed as he made a return-trip to his shelves. "Many of my colleagues hasten to declare my efforts futile, so I am happy to have found another likeminded individual. Yes, the Rifts are a big reason for its surge, and by my estimates they are more numerous than anyone originally anticipated. Especially in Kara-Tur, where there's a new one every tenth tree." On a wooden tray, he gathered parts of an incense burner kit – the burner, a bottle, a seal, a spoon, a press, a shovel, a mold, and a scarf. "But fret not, I am no longer a practitioner. Now," he said he returned with the tools and arranged them by Apple's corpse, "tell me of these spirits we will confer with. It is important to know them so one can best choose one's questions."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:17, Mon 25 Sept 2023.

"Of course, I am a modern witch, after all.  My seniors may be content to dismiss expressions of magic that operate outside their standards, but it is the true spirit of research to explore every avenue and take nothing for granted." Mallory chirped.  "With how many times The Weave has been disrupted and reinstated over the ages, along with some remnants of the dimensional integration of Abeir lingering in our world post-Spellplague, it's utter foolishness to ignore such tidings in favor of tradition.  Things are changing, as they always are, and we're best served by meeting the new and unfamiliar with open eyes.  I actually have a few samples here with my you might very well take interest in, with that in mind.  Very unusual magical formations."

The matter at hand, however, brought Mallory's mood back down to a more somber tone.  She uncovered the Halfling's face from amid the wrappings - still well-preserved thanks to the cold of Icewind Dale - with eyes having long been shut by hand.  "To be completely honest, I'm afraid we know very little of any of these souls initially.  The first two are a bit more personal and outside of Madame Harpell's project.  But, seeing as how she's indisposed presently, best we address them first and wait until she returns for her input on the more relevant remains."  A gloved hand stroked across the corpse's brow to brush away bits of hair from its face.  For as much as Mallory chose to compartmentalize and detach from sentiment where corpses were concerned, it was a hard thing to manage when it had been sympathy that drove her to pursue the lost adventurers in the first place.

"This was a mercenary named Apple, hired to seek out a Netherese ruin with two companions.  She died as a result of a wound and infection, cloistered within the ruins, alone.  She was long dead before we reached her yet... I still feel as though I failed her.  I never knew her in life but had tasked myself with finding her.  At least I can learn of her final moments and how she'd wish to be laid to rest.  Halflings always have family, after all... there must be someone left behind to tell." she hated to be the bearer of bad news, but it was a responsibility she'd taken on and would see through.  Harai was offered an apologetic shrug.  "I'm afraid that's all I really know."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

"I actually have a few samples here with my you might very well take interest in, with that in mind.  Very unusual magical formations."
"Certainly," Harai answered. "I am eager to be of assistance in any way I can."

He regarded Apple's lifeless face as Mallory explained the circumstances in which they found her. "A deeply tragic ending for one so young," he bemoaned, "but it is said no Halfling fears the gentle hand of Urogalan. I hope you can find comfort in that you did what you could and that perhaps someone somewhere appreciates she wasn't destined for eternal entombment in a strange and adverse place."

What followed was the delicate and pensive process of preparing the incense. The white, fine ash that served as the base for the incense to burn on was flattened in the burner before the mold was placed atop and the powdered myrrh was filled in by shovel. He kept a long stick wooden lighting stick next to him, but did not touch it to a candle flame just yet. "How she met her fate and how best to put her to rest . . . what else do you wish to learn about Apple? Once the spell has been cast, I am granted the ability to ask the vessel five questions. No more, no less."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:37, Wed 27 Sept 2023.

Harai's comforting words were of some value to Mallory.  She'd had a long ride back to Ten-Towns to dwell on Apple's fate and try to come to terms with it all, so she was able to appreciate his kindness honestly.  She accepted it with a soft smile and nod, but otherwise gave no further word on the matter.

"I'll leave the phrasing to you, given your expertise with the spell."  That particular form of magic was beyond her scope, though it didn't stop her from observing the ritual with keen interest.  Even if she couldn't employ such magic, it didn't mean there was nothing to be learned from studying it.  "But as for three remaining queries... Hmm...

First: the ruins were covered in a strange fractal pattern throughout.  I'd like to know whether or not those patterns were already present when Apple arrived, or if something she did while there caused them to form.

Second: when we found Apple's corpse, it had an unusual gem clutched in hand.  I'd also like to know whatever she knew of it, particularly if she found it in the ruins or whatever she knows of its nature.

Assuming that bit doesn't take up two questions all on its own... hmm..." Mallory paused a moment in consideration to drum her thumb against her chin.  "Well, I'd like to know what her favorite food and drink were.  After I lay her to rest, I'll raise a toast in her honor."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

"A fine five questions," Harai said as he reached for the stick to light the incense. "Although you are correct in assuming your fourth question would be better suited split. The vessel tends to get confused if a question is too complex, resulting in jumbled answers. And do bear in mind that some of the answers might be cryptic and will perhaps seem unsatisfactory, regardless of the clarity in which the questions are posed. Usually it is due to the limit of the deceased's knowledge, but I often find that pondering them reveals a hidden truth." In addition to the incense, Harai had prepared a sheet of paper and his quill to record the responses.

The myrrh began to burn with a resinous, earthy aroma. Harai drew a breath once it began to burn properly, twirling the smoke into a dance with his palm. "Lhuuc an ac akuul'dec shuulkokec . . ." he incanted. He then guided some of the smoke toward Apple's face, letting it fall and gather by her eyelids and mouth as a faint flicker of light appeared underneath.

"We awaken thee in thy slumber," Harai continued, "o' honored vessel, to ask thee these questions five. What didst thou experience in thy final moments?"

"A rosy sickbed . . ." a voice from Apple's corpse rang ethereally. "a distant land, aflow with milk and honey . . ." The echoes of the voice lingered chiming. ". . . peace."

Harai adjusted his spectacles as he dutifully noted the words. Then he proceeded with the next question. "How wouldst thou best be laid to rest?"

"Under the shade of my rooted tree . . . in Easthaven, by my Geese . . ." was the answer.

"The fractal pattern – was it caused by thee or by something or someone else?"

"Ever present, contingent not on my presence . . . a simmering broth, brought to boil generations past . . ."

"What dost thou know of the unusual gem that came to be in thine possession?"

"A soothing melody waiting for me . . ." the voice rang, ". . . a promise . . . a symphony grander than the very cosmos . . ."

"I see," Harai said, noting it down. "Didst thou find the gem in the ruins?"

"I found it . . . and it found me . . ."

The dancing smoke rose from Apple's face as the spell's hold on her body faded.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:01, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

There was an analytical part of Mallory's thoughts which always tried to dissect what she witnessed where magic was concerned.  She'd seen such a spell performed by others prior and it was always different in method, yet produced the same result; a feature of it being so deeply entrenched with the divine, she assumed.  The behavior of the animating spirit was always such an oddity though.  She'd seen some spirits be brutally literal in their reactions, to the point of "wasting" the caster's questions, while others spoke in obtuse riddles even they didn't seem to understand.  Such a curiosity... was something lost in translation, or was it some quirk of speaking with an echo rather than the soul itself?

Regardless, while the scientist in Mallory's brain muttered and simmered in the background, her thoughts at the fore were on Apple.

"Geese?  Was she a farmer, perhaps?  Or just fond of a particular lakeside?" the young noble pondered.  Migration patterns in Icewind Dale would've been absolutely ruined by the perpetual winter, so she was uncertain what the case might be.  Still, it was a concrete goal.  "Easthaven, then... she'll be known there, surely.  Very well.  I can ask around for the rest."

She lapsed into silence for the rest of the questions and, once the magic had faded and Apple's presence left, slowly hung her head.  The sting of muddied emotions and uncertainty still held within Mallory and, despite herself, she wasn't sure if they would ever truly go away.  But the ritual had brought to her some sense of relief as well.  An unspoken prayer passed her lips as she regathered the wrappings and once more shrouded Apple's remains from view.  "...thank you, sir.  Truly." she lifted her eyes to Harai with a grateful nod, then gently gathered the bundled corpse to take aside back to the cart again.

Another bundle was gathered in its place - another small corpse carried in the woman's arms.  She laid it gingerly down but didn't move to uncover it as readily.  Not without preparing Harai first.  "This next corpse is one of the samples I mentioned before.  While my group were exploring the ruins, we were quite surprised with the arrival of a pair of Illithids.  Why they were there, of all places, is a total mystery.  Yet even more unusual was their nature." she gave prelude before finally uncovering the tentacled face of the Aberration, withered and sunken in death.  "Successful Ceremorphosis of Gnomish hosts.  We also encountered a somewhat stable yet grotesquely mutated ceremorphic Bulette - I brought some of its remains with me, if you were interested in a look.

In any case, these Illithids actually did speak a verbal language rather than exclusively in telepathy, which just adds to the strangeness.  But it was a very unusual tongue.  I'll need a few moments to prepare a spell for translation first; may I borrow a bit of ash and salt, please?"

---

Assuming Harai loans her the necessary components, Mallory will ritually cast "Comprehend Languages" on herself before moving on with the rest of the conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

The Orangutan-esque arcanist scratched his round chin. "She sounded quite smitten by this gem. May I ask what it was?"

An obvious unease overcame Harai when the Illithid corpse was presented. Not only because of the subject matter, but also because the corpse was quite unsightly with its splattered, collapsed skull. Had Mallory not stated it was an Illithid, Harai wouldn't have been sure what he was looking at.

"That is . . . unnerving," he said. "And outside my purview. At the risk of showing my lack of knowledge, does this look like a complete case of Ceremorphosis to you? Unless I am mistaken, the process is usually flawless, producing a perfect Mindflayer each time." The hairs on his body stood on end as a shiver overcame him. "Should you wish to seek an expert on the matter, Dendybar of the Northern Spire is knowledgable about all things Underdark."

After a quick trip back to the shelves, the requested components were handed to Mallory – some white ash contained in a small vial, and a bag of coarse sea salt.

"I believe this corpse and the gem actually share some kind of connection.  I'd like to confirm my suspicions first though." Mallory certainly couldn't hold Harai's revulsion at the display against him.  She would've been in much the same way had she not seen the whole mess in the original heat of the moment... albeit late to the battle as she had ended up.

"This was indeed a complete Ceremorphisis though.  There were two of these Illithids we encountered.  One could be considered a fluke, but two is indicative of a process.  I intend to perform a thorough dissection of my own to see the full extent of its altered physiology.  I'll certainly look into speaking with this Dendybar as well, thank you." she said as she took the offered containers of components and busied herself with meting out a careful portion of each into her palm.  "Normally only certain species are compatible subjects for Ceremorphosis.  Gnomes are not one of them and every known instance has always resulted in the immediate death of both host body and Illithid spawn together.  Whatever bizarre circumstance or method made this possible is worth uncovering.  If Illithids have developed a means of expanding their range of potential hosts, the implications are frankly nightmarish.  Given the innate connection the Gnomish people share with the Feywilds, there's some possibility Wild Magic could factor in - either as a component or counter."

A grim subject all around and not one Mallory held any joy in discussing, despite the macabre fascination it held.  With luck, the Gnome Ceremorphs really were nothing more than a one-off fluke and not indicative of some grander problem lurking just beneath the surface.  Of course, the Frost Maiden might well have spared them all some trouble if there were more such entities in the Nautiloid she'd frozen.  Though Mallory could hardly thank her for the save when she was likely just snuffing out an obstacle to her own destructive pass time...

With the ash and salt mixed together, the young noble smudged careful lines of arcane intent across her gloved palm with a fingertip.  One stroke at a time was all it took to form a simple glyph that was quickly raised to her lips as if tossed into her mouth like a morsel of food, to infuse herself with a minor spell of incredible usefulness.  "There, that should last for a good long while.  Now then, to business:

First, I'd like to know where this Illithid came from; whether there is a hidden Illithid hive that it might have come from.

Second, I'd like to know for what purpose it came to Icewind Dale.

Third, I'd like to know whatever it knows of the gem, if anything.

Fourth, I'd like to know of its connection to the entity Hadar, if any.

Finally, I'd like to know whatever it knows of the processes that resulted in its own unusual Ceremorphosis.  Illithids share a hive-mind within a certain range; what one knows, they all know.  So if another Illithid developed a method to expand the capabilities of Ceremorphosis that resulted in this creature, it would presumably have that knowledge itself."

"A harrowing prospect," Harai commented when Mallory began explaining this new, previously unsuccesful form of Ceremorphosis. "I am uncertain if it was wise to bring this here as it could potentially be cause for a security risk. But nothing to do about it now."

Still not at ease, Harai prepared cast the spell again. "I am able to cast this twice more for the day." He stirred the smoke into motion, forming the reflection of eyes and mouth on the Illithid.

"We awaken thee in thy slumber, o'honored vessel . . ." There was less conviction in his proclamation of reverance this time around. "To ask you these questions five. From where hast thou come?"

"Prbt-frrt-brrrl . . ." was the nonsensical, at least to Harai, response. "From the sixth world, across the vast black . . ." Harai handed the quill and paper to Mallory after shaking his head.

"Why didst thee come to Icewind Dale?"

"To pluck and transmogrify its fruits . . . and mend our engine . . ."

"What dost thou know of the gem the Halfling Apple found in the ruins?"

"Nothing . . . of stone or being . . ."

"What art thy connection to the entity known as Hadar?"

"Fearful curiosity . . . a slumber carefully not disturbed . . ."

"And what dost thou know of the process which has turned you into a Ceremorph?"

"Irregularity . . . anti-magic fields woven by Thornbacks . . ."

In all honesty, Mallory wasn't entirely certain the spell would even work.  In theory there was no functional difference between an Illithid and any other mortal creature, but she was unsure if they actually had a soul from which an animating spirit conjured by the magic might reflect its recollections.  Under normal circumstances, the host body was most certainly long dead by the time the Illithid spawn implanted within it had matured, but what of the spawn itself?  Though with the sample being a bizarre Gnomish exception, it could hardly be taken as demonstrative of other Illithds' nature...

The young noble was quick to take notes with the offered quill.  Hurried scratching along the parchment to take down the words verbatim, though the responses were less than she'd hoped for.  Rather, she expected conspiracy and ended up with coincidence.  There was a part of her that felt dismayed over the confirmation that the Illithids had not been somehow drawn by the Pearl of Hadar... the idea that they just so happened to end up there at the same time was terribly unsettling.

The final words of the Illithid's spirit, however, made Mallory gasp sharply and nearly drop the writing tools in a reflexive flinch away.  It took her a moment to parse over the whole context before she calmed herself, though her brow remained knotted in upset over what she'd learned.

"Well now, that is... hm." she chewed at her lip in dismay.  "No immediate sort of threat, thankfully... likely not even an eventual one either, but rather simply unfortunate happenstance.  It appears these Illithids became stranded here with their ship in disrepair.  They were simply unfortunate enough to encounter would-be victims that could fight back.  To my knowledge, Illithids generally don't throw good coin after bad, so to speak, so I doubt their hive will be looking for them."

Despite the assurances, Mallory herself still looked concerned over what the Ceremorph had revealed.  She truly didn't believe there would be any coming danger from that specific encounter, but the greater context troubled her.  Honestly, she wasn't even certain of who to warn of such matters, let alone if literally anything even could be done about it.  "Thank you again, sir.  There are three remaining spirits to interview, but if you've only two castings left in you then best we pace ourselves and choose carefully.  The remaining two should be Madame Harpell's decision, as well as her line of questioning." she hurried to rebundle the Illithid corpse up once more, if for no other reason that to at least mask its awful visage.  "I won't trouble you with the details of what that creature said unless you'd like to hear them.  Perhaps it'd be better to rest yourself while we wait for Madame Harpell to return?  If you'd like, I have some lovely tea leaves from Neverwinter I'd be happy to share."

". . . but if you've only two castings left in you . . ."
"One," Harai corrected Mallory. "Three in total. And no, I would not like to hear what the Illithid here has told. Forgive me, but I am already involved enough upon just the communion . . . I would, however, love some tea. Let me put on the kettle. I'll be right back." He scurried out the room and headed down the winding corridor.

"Could you remind me, Lady Mallory, which skeletons we were to interrogate?"^* Idrianthe asked. After her initial introduction, she had taken a backseat to the communions as Mallory seemed to have it more sorted than she. It was her lot to remain fascinated, by both spell and Spire. The differences between this Host Tower and Witchholm were plenty, and yet the similarities just so. Except, this remained a trove of knowledge where Witchholm was emptied.

Harai returned soon with a tray carrying a set of teacups, a kettle with boiling water, and a jar of honey. He set a small table, letting Mallory prepare the tea she'd brought to steep. "It's been long since I visited Neverwinter, and I failed to try their tea then. A grave error – a fault on my character, even. Although I was skeptical at first, I now find the Sword Coast's way of tea quite delectable."

---

Maybe Idrianthe would have known, but I don't.

"Oh, I apologize for the misunderstanding.  I daresay that might well decide for us, then, given our options." Mallory noted as she returned the Illithid corpse to the cart and shuffled further about for other remains less gruesome in nature.  Still rather grim, however, as she retrieved a trio of skulls to set in a row along the table where the other bodies had been laid prior.

"The first and most likely candidate would be this skull here; it belonged to the Netherese scholar who lived within the ruins itself during its heyday.  The truest source of information we're likely to get, and surely the one Madam Harpell will wish to speak with.  I imagine we'll be conversing with this fellow many times to come, as availability allows." Mallory explained for both Idri and Harai's sake before she gestured wider to the two more monstrous-looking skulls to either side.

"This is the skull carapace of a Thri-Kreen that had been captured and held prisoner within the ruins, presumably by said Netherese scholar.  Likely a test subject of some kind.  An unlikely source for much information, surely, but it may have some insights to support whatever can be learned from the scholar's spirit." she said as she motioned a gloved hand over the insect-like head with its hollowed, dome eye lens and mandibles still intact.  To the other, a warped skull with knife-like teeth and three eye sockets; the center-most being large enough to bridge the space between the other two smaller gaps.  "And then there's this creature... which, honestly, I'm unsure of what it even is.  Some Aberration.  We found its remains in the midst of Black Ooze.  It might be another test subject, or perhaps some unfortunate monstrosity that wandered in somehow.  No way of knowing other than to ask.  If nothing else, I'd like to see if anyone here might be able to identify it in case there's some applications for the remains to be put to."

At last, tea time!  It was a wonderful distraction from all the trundling about in Ten-Towns, where even being seated in civilization there was still a rough experience.  A brief interlude, perhaps, but it was a lovely return to normalcy that Mallory found herself quite excited for even in the face of greater arcane opportunity.  Sometimes one just needed a cup of tea to set them right.  She'd packed light when she left home for the north but could never have dreamed of not bringing along a few of her favorite tins of her preferred teas for the sake of keeping herself sane for want of a good, familiar brew.  Normal travel rations might feature a tea brick of one was lucky, but a few slim tins of well-preserved and dried leaves were more her style.

"It's been months since I've been home and, in full truth, I've missed it dearly every day I've been away.  Hopefully there's a reliable courier in this city; I'd like very much to write to my family now that I'm nearer." the young noble cast her gaze southward, as if she might somehow see the distant skyline of Neverwinter through the wall.  She picked out one of the various containers of tea leaves and poured a small portion to fill the kettle's strainer with.  Rather than just let it steep all its own, however, she gingerly flexed her fingers over the bubbling water to enforce a little arcane influence onto it.  The most minor of cantrips, yet one that served endless uses as she carefully controlled the temperature of the water for the sake of that perfect cup.  "To be fair, the profile of local teas has changed quite a bit in recent decades thanks to the prior eruption of Mount Hotenow.  Though I personally find the heartiness of volcanically-enriched rooibos quite pleasant... one of the few good things to come of that disaster.

No need to mull on unpleasant topics one after another though.  Do tell, sir, what of your home beyond the Sword Coast?  A place like Luskan is quite the odd spot to end up in, arcane studies or otherwise."

"I am certain a courier can be found in the city proper. As a matter of fact, Madame Harpell might be able to arrange something for you, as the Tower typically employs a few," Harai said as he helped Mallory prepare the tea.

"I am from the lands of Kara-Tur," Harai began as the leaves were left to steep. "More precisely from Malatra, the jungle south of T'u Lung. I was a young Shaman for my tribe of Saru, who was wedged between the conflicts of the Purang and the Kuong Kingdom. The Purang tribes fought valiantly against the crusade of the Priest-King, but in the end the will of the Lords of Creation remained unyielding. My tribe was slaughtered in their homes, and those who weren't were driven from the Plateaus . . . A tragic tale, but one I am afraid is far too commonplace in the region." He let a somber silence linger. "But this was many years ago. I have traveled far since, learning of magecraft from many folks and civilizations. First I was captured by the Tuigans of the Hordelands and sold as a slave to the Mulhorandi in Neldorild. I was fortunate enough to have a benevolent Master who occasionally allowed me to pursue magic. But he and his family fell on hard times, and I was sold to a Clergyman from the Dragon Coast who set me free. I then aided the sturdy folk who resettled Starmantle. Finally, I was sought by the Harpell for academic tenure in Longsaddle due to my expertise on Wild Magic, and ever since, I have been involved in the revival of the Brotherhood, an opportunity for which I am forever grateful. And all this way, Chee'ah has guided me." He placed a thumb atop his forehead. "And if she's willing, I plan on living out my later years in peace here in Luskan."

At the conclusion of his tale, Harai poured the cups for everyone. "And what of you? What brought you to Icewind Dale? These days, it is hardly a place fair on fair Ladies. Adventurous spirit?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:11, Tue 17 Oct 2023.

The tragedy of Harai's past was one that Mallory took in with keen interest, seemingly as fascinated simply by the fellow himself as his tale.  She had questions that immediately rose to mind, curious for little tidbits and trivia, but knew better than to interject.  Oh, but she could pick the brain of such an exotic foreigner for days if only she had the opportunity!

"While I certainly hope you get your way, I would suggest at least visiting Neverwinter should you get the chance, especially during the holidays when the foot traffic really floods in.  You're exactly the sort of far traveler who'd find himself the talk of the town."  Under any other circumstance, she'd have been the one to extend an invitation to host him herself... but with the state of her House, Mallory had no such leisure to spare.  A matter which was pointedly in mind as Harai rounded the conversation over onto her own situation.

"Business, actually.  Though I'm an arcanist and scholar by nature, I'm a merchant by nurture.  House Bonheur is a trading family; we've routes all through the Sword Coast and even manage a small outpost near Chult."  While she was not one to boast, there was obvious pride in her voice as she recounted her family's success.  Though, as unpleasant thoughts drew clouds behind her eyes, her smile faltered ever so subtly at the edge before she masked it with a shrug.  "My uncle had gone north last year to establish a trade office in Bryn Shander but, for the life of me, I've yet to actually find the silly old stray.  It's always been in his blood to wander, certainly, but I've trekked across half of Ten-Towns without so much of a whisker!"

Of course, she didn't want to fill the chat with whining about her situation and spared Harai a retelling of what got them lost to Targos in the first place.  Though, given everything that had happened of late, some level of well-meaning whinging couldn't be denied.  "Honestly, it's been one disaster after another.  Trolls and backwater bigots and awful monstrosities aplenty.  But... I suppose it hasn't been without its good sides as well, despite everything." she offered a sidelong smile Idri's way.  "I've met Idrianthe and many other wonderful companions there.  I've been able to do a bit of good as well... oh!  And I've met the most novel creatures!  For worse, the White Dragon Arveiaturace - that was a terrible afternoon, indeed.  But, for the better, I befriended a group of the most darling Chwinga one could imagine, and a magically awakened Plesiosaur, of all things!  That was a very odd day, I assure you... ah... actually, now that I think of it... what day is it now?  I've totally lost track of the calendar because of the state of Icewind Dale's weather.  Is it already into Nightal?"

Meanwhile, as Mallory chattered away, the space on the floor immediately behind her shimmered faintly.  Hidden from view thanks to the drape of her coat off the back of her seat, Astre manifested silently into existence and sat with his head lifted to quietly sniff at the air a few moments, glanced about, then promptly disappeared once again.

---

While she's chatting, Mallory will covertly summon Astre out of sight.  Tressym can innately detect the presence of poison through scent, taste, and touch, and see Invisible things, so Astre is doing his usual job of sniffing out anything amiss from the tea set Harai prepared or if there's anything Invisible (such as a Scrying Orb) in the room with them, reporting to Mallory telepathically, and then going back to his pocket space regardless of the outcome.  Not sure if a Perception check is required here given the proximity, but Astre would roll for poison detection at Advantage from his Keen Smell ability.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:14, Tue 17 Oct 2023.

Idrianthe gave her background as well. Hers was that of an Elf torn from her family at a very young age, only to find a new one among the Dwarves underneath the Nether Mountains. When her adoptive father died, she then conscripted into the Order of the Witch Knights, an organization of chivalrous warriors and scholar-errants. It was, however, long dissolved and scattered, as the Time of Troubles sent Witchholm, their stronghold, to the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Lightning. Over the next centuries the Witch Knights found themselves with a new, final purpose – to empty the library of its tomes. When it was finally done and the Witch Knights were no more, she sought out the Ten-Towns where once again a deity walked the earth.

Harai found it surprising, then, that he had never heard of the Witch Knights. "It shouldn't be," Idrianthe told him. "Our presence was as subtle as it was old. It is increasingly likely I am the only one left."

"For worse, the White Dragon Arveiaturace . . ."
"You did?" Harai interjected. "If you're speaking of the White Dragon I think you are, I have no doubts Maccath the Crimson would be interested in a retelling of your encounter. She is the Tower's leading expert on Dragons and has been in extensive contact with Arauthator, the mate of Arveiaturace. She returned from Icewind Dale mere months ago."

On the topic of the date, "ah, it isn't quite Nightal yet. It is the 22nd of Uktar."

---

Harai Perception to see if he spots Astre [9]: Contested by a Stealth check from Mallory.

Astre's Poison Sense: While some of the alchemical components Harai kept on the shelf were Poisonous, the tea contained no Poisons.

Astre's scan for any invisible objects: There are no invisible objects nearby.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:15, Wed 18 Oct 2023.

"Enormous White Dragon, flies around the glacial waters with an Undead rider on her back, eats people?  Hard to miss, really." Mallory grimaced at memory of that terrifying encounter.  She wasn't certain she had much to tell that Maccath person, but any chance to make a helpful connection was one worth exploring.  For all she knew, the sighting alone might be valuable information.

With the mention of the date, Mallory gave a relieved sigh.  "Oh, thank goodness.  That means there's still time to lay poor Apple to rest before the Feast of the Moon.  Not to mention the upcoming observation of Orbar." she made a mental note to herself to help recall the passage of days going forward.  "Honestly, there's no helping it in Icewind Dale these days.  The entire region in is a state of perpetual twilight from the weather; there's no telling day from night anymore, and you hardly see the stars for the clouds and snow in the way.  Hopefully I can find a good Gnomish time piece while I'm here...

With the coming Winter Solstice, I can only imagine things will be far worse if the population of Auril-worshiping druids rile themselves up more than they already have."

---

Stealth
Mallory Bonheur rolled 6 using 1d20+2
Don't know if Astre specifically being out of Line of Sight/Behind Full Cover applies any sort of bonuses at all, since I don't know what kind of senses Harai may have.

"Head to the Half Moon Street in the southern district and look for Colmarr's Fantabulous Contraption and Magical Errata. It's hard to miss. If you can find a proper timepiece anywhere, it will be there," Harai said after he added a wad of honey and took the first sip of tea. "Good," he commented. "A subtle smoky flavor. I find it quite pleasant." ¹

It wasn't long before Vellynne made a reapparance, not quite as irritated as she had been when she had left. She pulled off her jacket and folded neatly on a nearby chest, only having now found the time to doff her winterwear. It was undoubtedly too warm, but not unbearably – while the Ten Towns were frigid, Luskan was still chilly.

"Welcome back. How was your meeting with the Overwizard?" Harai asked as he effortlessly reached a long arm for a fourth cup.

"Constructive, surprisingly," Vellynne commented as she found a seat within the relatively small study, exhausting the supply of stools. "We discussed matters inappropriate to repeat here. How has the communion gone? I trust you've already begun, yes?"

"We have. The spirits continue to be as truthy as they are enigmatic," was Harai's answer. He then looked to Mallory and Idrianthe to gauge whether or not they wished to expand upon it. "I believe we have one left, Lady Mallory?"

---

¹ Insight?
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:40, Tue 31 Oct 2023.

Insight
Mallory Bonheur rolled 16 using 1d20-1

---

He likes the tea :)

"I'd be happy to leave you with a sampling of a few teas I have on hand." Mallory seemed quite pleased to hear Harai's approval.  A bit of tea time was just what she needed to feel like a civilized person again.

A pleasant chat and refreshments made for a lovely way to spend the time it took for Vellynne to return.  While the elderly patron helped herself to a stool to take a load off, Mallory gathered up the kettle and filled the cup Harai supplied so they could show her a little hospitality together.  "Indeed, I'm quite grateful that you and Mister Harai here have given me the opportunity.  I have a path ahead of me worth walking, thanks to you two."  The actual information learned from both Apple and the Illithid was no secret as far as Mallory was concerned; were Vellynne to ask for a review, the young noble would supply it readily.

As for matters of the remaining interrogation, Mallory nodded and gestured to the trio of skulls she'd set out.  She explained their relevancy to Vellynne the same way she had to Harai prior, even as she picked the Netherese skull from the batch in hand to bring it front and center.  It was the most likely to have the sort of information Vellynne was most curious about, after all.  In addition, she retrieved a small, carefully folded bundle of fine, aged cloth from the cart that was similarly coated in that strange fractal pattern, just as the skull itself was.  "This skull here was retrieved from a private study within the ruin.  Given that it's the only occupant and there was only one bedchamber as well, I would presume this to be the Netherese arcanist in charge of operations there.  This robe and the personal effects we found in that chest prior all belonged to them." Mallory explained as she set the garment aside if either Vellynne or Harai wished to examine it.  She didn't know if any such details would be useful, but better to give full disclosure than not.  "The corpse was missing its ring finger as well, though there was no trace we could find at the time.

"In any case, I'll leave the subject of inquiries to you, Madame Harpell.  I've currently got a linguistic spell in effect on myself, so I can help translate whatever replies the spirit may offer." If she was correct in assuming the skull was a scholar or arcanist, it would surely speak in the loftier sister language of the Neth - Loross.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Thu 02 Nov 2023.

Vellynnne seemed listened intently to Mallory's explanation as she sipped the still-too-hot tea. "Mmh," she began when Mallory offered to translate, "that will be useful. I shall be able to pose the questions myself, but some of the finer details of Loross is occasionally lost on me. It can oft be a tricky tongue. And I will not be questioning the scholar's skull," she stated, ignoring Mallory's recommendation, "but rather this." She pointed to the three-eyed, malformed aberrant skull. "I believe you are mistaken in your analysis and that this is the more likely Master of the tower. Many of the residents and prisoners in late Ythryn were Nothics. With any luck this being, Nothic or otherwise, was even a High Wizard, I suspect of either Conjuration or Transmutation. Though the scholar may surely tell us something of value, so I hope we'll get to them in time. The Thri-Kreen skull is less interesting."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:50, Sat 04 Nov 2023.

The revelation that the misshapen skull of the trio was that of a Nothic made Mallory flinch away from it on reflex.  Immediate worry and fear flashed across her expression, but she calmed after a moment as reasonable thought eased in over instinct.  "This was a Nothic?  I've only seen them in illustrations, and even then hardly ever.  Let alone their skeleton..." the young noble grimaced as she regarded the skull warily.  Another thought crossed her mind and she gave Vellynne a sour glance.  "If you knew about the presence of Nothics ahead of time, I would rather you'd mentioned that before sending us into those ruins."

What's done is done, Mallory inwardly figured with a sigh.  She and her companions were all well over the time frame for symptoms of Arcane Blight to manifest, so clearly none of them had been infected.  If there even was trace of the disease still in the Spire to begin with.  It was entirely possible that not even a magical malady could endure such a hostile environment as the deep freeze brought on by Auril.  Or having its host being enveloped in the baleful acids of a Black Ooze for who knew how long.

Mallory drummed her gloved fingertips on her cheek thoughtfully.  "So the ravings in the journal may well have been as this poor soul fell to madness brought on by the Arcane Blight.  That's an intriguing line to study all on its own.  Would this other scholar have been an apprentice, perhaps?" she pondered aloud.  "Whoever they were, their replies are likely to be more... coherent... than what the Nothic may yield."

Given that Harai only had a single casting of the necessary spell at his disposal for the time being, it would seem either their stay would be extended at least a day, or the two Netherese skulls would remain with Vellynne to access at her leisure.  Well... so long as a fair sum could be agreed upon, Mallory had no qualm with that.  Especially if she could manage some line of communication with the Host Tower herself for future studies into what odd secrets the skulls' spirits might have to share.  Mention of the Thri-Kreen skull being of no real concern got a conceding shrug from Mallory.  "Certainly fair.  To be perfectly honest, I was really more interested in using it for crafting materials.  Thri-Kreen are innately psionic beings, so their carapace is of great use for enchantments that safeguard the mind, once rendered into a fine powder."

"Partially a Nothic," Vellynne said as she picked up the skull to examine it more closely. It was mostly intact, a few cracks here and there, and seemed to have fared well in the ooze. But skeletons usually did. "Nothics have one eye, not three. I assume this was once a Human skull. And forgive me for not warning you – it was improbable you'd encounter any still-living Nothics. And you didn't. As for the Arcane Blight, I knew of it, but I knew very little about it. Furthermore, I didn't want to dissuade you from the expedition. But should you undergo spontaneous transformation into a Nothic, do document it closely and report to me."

She regarded the skull for a few more moments before putting it down. "That was a joke. You probably wouldn't be willing to report anything in the case," she added dryly. "Although, it is true as you say – the answers it's going to give may or may not be sensible. The deterioration of its mental faculties may be severe . . . how does this work, Harai? Is the spirit we confer with the frozen image of how it was just prior to death? Is it too much to hope that whatever madness beset it in life has either mellowed out or that the Spirit is otherwise offered clarity of thought?"

"Yes, that is unfortunately too much to hope," Harai answered. "The Soul is not actually returned to the body, so it is not the 'true' individual you converse with. The Body is possessed by an animating filament, so it is only the Soul's experiences and memories up to that point, stored in the Body, that you question. The actual Soul resides in whatever afterlife it belongs in, lest it has been reincarnated."

Vellynne pondered it for a moment, glancing from the mutated skull to that of the ordinary – seemingly, at least – scholar. "We shall proceed with the Nothic, or Half-Nothic, or whatever it was. It's knowledge of Ythryn would run deeper than an apprentice's, who likely was new to the Enclave given its . . . humanity. If you would do the honors, Harai. Would you be so kind to do notation, Mallory?" she asked as she shoved the skull nearer the center of the table before detailing her line of questions. Since Harai didn't know Loross, she would have to speak them for him to then repeat and, by the account of Harai, that should work. Although, she did take the time to write them down phonetically over the course of her detailing so that Harai wasn't reliant on memory alone. Not that she doubted his faculties, quite the contrary, but it was best to be safe. First she wanted to ask if the owner of the skull was Master of the Spire it had died in. Then what they, or it, had researched in the Spire, followed by how Ythryn fell and if the research was connected to said fall. The latter was technically two questions, Harai informed her, so she shortened it to just concern the fall. Then she wished to know what likely became of Iriolarthas. Depending on the answer, she either wished to ask for the location of his Phylactery, or the Mythallar's.

The faded incense was lit anew and Harai went through the same motions as he had done in his prior castings. The smoke fell onto the face of the skull, but slipped off its two, normal eyes, leaving only a veil over the larger, third eye, and its fanged mouth.

"We awaken thee in thy slumber, o'honored vessel, to ask these questions five," he began in Common, then he nodded for Vellynne to say her question aloud in Loross, and he then reiterated it as best he could. "Lectus vestibulum mattis velit sed ullamcorper morbi tincidunt?" 'Were you the Master of the Spire in which you died?'

'I was . . .' the Skull answered, it's ethereal voice strained and creaking, like the bowels of a ship lost in a storm, 'Weaver of visions, lord to an Eighth . . .'

'How did Ythryn fall?'

'The Great Spindle . . . and the crescendo of even greater schemes . . .'

'What was the Spire's primary focus of research?'

'Visions . . .' it said again. '. . . and the Kingdom Colossal . . .'

'What became of High Prince Iriolarthas?'

'Forever, eternal . . . rotting in a catacomb of his own making . . .

Harai glanced at Vellynne for the last question, for she hesitated. 'Where is the Mythallar?' she finally said, and Harai repeated.

'Deep in the Well of Answers . . . watched by the former Eight . . .'

The spell's grip on the Body then faded and the smoke turned mundane, while Vellynne was absorbed in thought. Not long thereafter she asked to see Mallory's notation. "I got most of that, I believe. It was rather brief. What do you make of it?" she prompted.

Quick round of skill checks on specific subjects before a proper reply.  Mallory's Arcana and History bonuses are identical, though I'm not sure which would be apply to any given check.  I'll leave that up to DM discretion/exposition.

Arcana/History - Great Spindle
Mallory Bonheur rolled 8 using 1d20+7

Arcana/History - Iriolarthas
Mallory Bonheur rolled 13 using 1d20+7

Arcana/History - Well of Answers
Mallory Bonheur rolled 23 using 1d20+7

---

Mallory's History/Arcana on the Great Spindle [8]: Mallory knew of no such thing, let alone one connected to Ostoria.

Mallory's History on Iriolarthas [13]: There were nearly a hundred different Enclaves in total, all from different time-periods, and many of the High Princes didn't exactly have names that were easy to remember. Iriolarthas may or may not have been among the names Mallory has read of. But then Ythryn was one of the most obscure of the Enclaves, having disappeared from annals of history long before the whole of Netheril fell.

Mallory's History/Arcana on the Well of Answers [23]: Mallory knew of no such thing.

The preparation was the real trick of it all.  It wasn't too different from interviewing the Illithid, Mallory noted, at least as far as the overall framing went.  Both the Illithid and the Nothic were once mortal beings warped into aberrations, with questionable presence of lingering identity and sanity, who spoke alien languages of a sort.  But it was the finer details that were the point of the matter.  Mallory went over the questions Vellynne intended, with a fair bit of time back and forth in conversation amid the three very different mages in order to get everything arranged as intended.  Mallory's own understanding of Loross - both learned and supernaturally imbued - let her identify gnarls in Vellynne's phrasing that could cause issues.  In time, all was set and the young noble waited for the ritual's completion with bated breath.

As the skull yielded its spirit and answers alike, Mallory took rapt notes.  Not with the quill Harai had given her though; she produced her Emerald Pen and scribbled furiously to take down every word.  Though, by the time all was complete and the skull fell silent once more, she wore a look of consternation.  Vellynne's urging for her own appraisal was met with a scowl as she mulled about in deep thought.

"I wish you'd asked their name." she ultimately said with a shrug.  "The exact replies the spirit yielded were... difficult.  I can't quite tell if it was referencing names and terms I'm simply unfamiliar with, or if there's something lost in translation through the way my spell interprets messages very literally.  It doesn't do well with lingo or innuendo, if there was any mixed in there."

Mallory handed over the notes she'd taken to Vellynne so she could peruse them herself.  Though, if Harai looked over her shoulder to peek as well, he'd find the page filled with nothing but nonsense gibberish.  As if Mallory had wasted the entire event on nothing but scribbling.  To Vellynne's eyes, however, the diction was rendered in Mallory's tidy and graceful penmanship with a sharp attention to detail as ever.  "The illusory cypher on those notes will last for a tenday; be sure to copy them in your own code before then."  Mallory advised as she twirled her Emerald Pen between her fingers and slipped it back into her lapel for safe keeping.  "The spirit said it was a 'Weaver of Visions' and a 'Lord to an Eighth'.  These are the Netherese we're talking about, so I'd assume 'eight' refers to the classical schools of magic.  Thus, this person might have been a High Arcanist of Illusion, or possibly Divination.

It attributes the fall of Ythryn to some some kind of 'spindle', though whether this refers to an event or a literal object of some kind, I can't say." Mallory cradled her chin against her thumb in deep thought as she recalled the discoveries made in the Spire.  The notion that Ythryn had been studying the 'Kingdom Colossal' - the Jotun empire, obviously - tracked with the combination of classical magic craft and Jotun chant runes in the Spire's primary artifact.  Clearly whatever Ythryn had been researching, they'd found ways to legitimately apply it beyond mere theory.  An enticing concept, to be certain, though surely one rendered impossible without the might of a Mythallar to fuel the process at the very least.  Perhaps a lesser form could be emulated...?  While she trusted Idrianthe's knowledge of Jotun runes, she'd feel better if she could contact an actual Giant for such a matter, such as a Stone or Cloud Giant as the most likely candidates.  Of course, actually finding one was a whole other matter...

Before she continued, however, Mallory yielded Vellynne a curious glance.  "Tell me, Madame Harpell: what's your interest in High Prince Iriolarthas?"  The fate of a single specific individual stood out to her among the other questions as an oddity.

---

Mallory takes exact diction of everything the Nothic spirit tells them, copying the words both in Loross and translated into Common.  She casts "Illusory Script" via her Emerald Pen, which renders the writing totally unintelligible to anyone except herself, Idri, and Vellynne.  Because the writing itself is an illusion, once the spell ends in 10 days, it'll just disappear entirely.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Mon 13 Nov 2023.

"Clever, this," Vellynne said, indicating the Emerald Pen and Illusory Script. "Saves us from burning it later." The commentary Mallory proceeding to lay out was valued, and the elderly scholar listened raptly. She did, however, interrupt right at the start. "I'm not sure a name would have been useful. Perhaps for reference once Ythryn can be explored, but I will stake my carrier on this individual being completely unknown. Ythryn's later Cabals weren't recruited from the upper echelons of Netheril."

Once Mallory was done, she found herself overall agreeing with her assessments. Spindle, Ostoria, Schools, all. "Should our records be correct, Iriolarthas was High Prince in Ythryn for the majority of the Enclave's long and influential operation. The scripture mentions he was there when it was raised, and now recent uncoverings from Thulanthar makes it clear he was there when it fell. An impressively long tenure, even by Netherese standards. Iriolathas's history is Ythryn's history."

"It is exceedingly hard to kill a Lich, and many of the High Princes were Liches. This is not unique to Iriolarthas," she explained as she sat back, folding her hands. She'd done naught but stare at the tea, which had long since grown cold. "If he's still present within Ythryn, we'll need to take all manners of precaution."

Mallory bore a very deep sense of disagreement with Vellynne when it came to the relevancy of names.  She made no remark though - she knew better than to mouth off to both her elder and patron on her home turf, but no doubt Vellynne would still catch the look in the young noble's eye.  Perhaps it was just her nature as a diviner that made her bias on the matter, but she believed very much in the value of a name.  Of course, Vellynne had repeatedly spoken ill of reliance on magic, so it was entirely possible she simply didn't know of the sort of power a name could hold to a sufficiently crafty arcanist.

While Vellynne reviewed and mulled on their findings, Mallory returned to her tea and quietly sipped.  The mention of a Lich, however, had her pause mid-mouthful and lips pursed as she silently gawked into the near distance.  She gave a slow, audible swallow and cleared her throat sharply after the fact.

"I'm sorry, a what?" the young noble was by no means hard of hearing and fixed Vellynne with an incredulous look.  She needed a moment to wrap her head around the prospect as she took a long, deep breath, visibly coping in short order with how obvious it was to see the wheels turning in her head.  Weighing the risk-and-reward situation.  "Well, I've already eluded an Ancient Dragon and an irate deity while in Icewind Dale.  How much worse could a soul-devouring arch-mage from the most powerful magocracy of mankind be?"  Her sarcasm was far from subtle.  "This is going to require a considerable renegotiation of our contract, Madame Harpell."

---

Rolled Arcana/History just to verify my own context of Player vs Character Knowledge when it comes to Liches in general.  Apparently Mallory is quite well-read on the subject.
Mallory Bonheur rolled 26 using 1d20+7
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Mon 20 Nov 2023.

A less bemused expression befell Madame Harpell. "There is no contract. Need I remind you that we are currently cooperating out of mutual benefit and that I have already paid you handsomely for the information you gathered? And let me clarify, for I spoke too hastily – when I say we need to exert caution once Ythryn is ready to be explored, I mean we, the Arcane Brotherhood. Muscle will undoubtedly be required, but that is unlikely to involve you," she explained. "No offense. You seem talented enough and did well braving the Spire, but it was merely the starter and pales in comparison to the main course. So don't lose sleep concerning yourself with Liches, as that is my job."

---

Mallory's Arcana/History on Liches [26]: You did say the roll was on Liches in general, but there's too much to summarize on just one roll, so let's limit it to the context of Netheril. Assume Mallory knows most of how Liches function; for instance that they are bound to a phylactery which feeds on souls, that the ritual for ascension is expensive and convoluted, and that Szass Tam, regent of Thay, is the most known modern Lich.

It was true as Vellynne had said; the High Princes were loathe to relinquish their statuses and influences, so, when some couldn't simply extend their life through magical means any longer, they turned to Lichdom. Perhaps the most infamous is Larloch of Jiksidur, who seeded his ritual within the Empire and for all time to come.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:15, Fri 24 Nov 2023.

"Oh, thank goodness... you're actually one of the sensible ones." Mallory heaved a sigh of utter relief when Vellynne explained that she actually had a reasonable approach to setting up a properly outfitted campaign for Ythryn.  As Mallory had expressed plenty of times before, she didn't consider herself to be an adventurer at all, despite how a lot of influential folk in Ten-Towns had come to think of her.

On the matter of a contract, however - particularly Vellynne's insistence that there wasn't one - Mallory cleared her throat curtly.  She reached into her lapel to produce a small sheaf of papers: the very literal business contract she'd gotten Vellynne to sign and place her signet to when they first arranged for an expedition on her behalf.  When the elderly mage had been reluctant to make such a contract and griped about not seeing the necessity in the first place, that was a clear sign to Mallory - as a merchant - of just how much a contract was thus vital to have on hand.  She didn't want to think poorly of her patron since the Harpells were a reputable family, but her father had always taught her well that verbal contracts were worth the parchment they were written on.  Those who insisted on verbal agreements, especially where money was involved, were often the sort who would oh-so-conveniently forget the nature or existence of such agreements.

"I don't mean to be contrarian, Madame Harpell, but we very much do have a contract that has not yet been fulfilled.  You paid a preliminary sum of two hundred gold pieces and an additional four hundred gold pieces for the report of our expedition, but have not yet settled the actual meat of the fee.  As per our agreement, we would negotiate suitable compensation for the purchase of additional findings delivered to you as they relate to your investigation into Ythryn." she gestured to the Nothic skull in particular, though there were plenty of other elements to be sorted and discussed yet.  With all the talk of magic and history and arcane mysteries about, it was very easy to forget that Mallory was a merchant by trade.  Right up until the ledger and abacus came out.  "Of course, this need not be our only contract.  This entire endeavor - psychological trauma aside - has been a marvelous opportunity.  I would be more than happy to continue working alongside you in your project... as well as with the other tasks you've mentioned prior."

---

Mallory is referencing the agreement she and Vellynne signed back in the early 60s of the Caer-Konig thread.  It's been a long time since then, so it's understandable if anything slipped through the cracks.  Vellynne reiterated that she intended to pay the Party in 200 GP-per carat diamonds as of post #126, but no actual deals have been finalized or wealth traded.

As for the actual reward for the stuff the Party brought back from the Spire or anything Vellynne might want to purchase from their findings, I absolutely am not looking to browbeat or drag things out with a lengthy in-character haggling situation.  Just set whatever is a suitable quest reward and we'll assume the two hashed it out to an agreed-upon fee.

Also, Mallory is not willing to sell the Spellbook/journal recovered, as she wants to keep the original work for herself.  But she is entirely willing to let Vellynne make any copies of the information within and will happily assist her in doing so for the sake of translation and scribing.

The "other tasks" Mallory mentioned is referring things like Vellynne's stolen Professor Orb and other rivals she told the Party about prior.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Sun 26 Nov 2023.

"Hmm," Vellynne voiced calmly, but it was clear she wasn't in particular agreement, "I am willing to purchase anything off of you as stated twice now, but my part of the deal is very much done, girl. Unless you are dissatisfied with my payment? Your presence here is valued and you will be accommodated by the Brotherhood if that is your worry. But that is not part of any contract and will be agreed upon later. I shall warn you however – I do not enjoy being squeezed."

She then stood and waved a hand dismissively. "We are done here. Thank you kindly, Harai, for your continued cooperation. We shall reconvene at a later opportunity," she said as she made for the door, but stopped just short of exiting. "Ah, do you know if a meal will be served tonight?"

Harai adjusted his spectacles, having been more than content remaining quiet on the topic of financial settlements. "I don't believe so. The family Barleywood from the Seven Sails was here for a couple of days a Tenday or so ago while we had some guests from Waterdeep, but they have since left."

---

Edit: I realize I lost some OOC text in the redraft. I'll leave it here.

I had indeed forgotten about the contract. But for Vellynne it was only yesterday, so she would not have forgotten. The details of the contract was left vague as far as I can tell, so we can chalk the misunderstanding up to that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:25, Mon 27 Nov 2023.

"To be frank, there were quite a few incidentals..." Mallory began.  However, she slipped into a moment of consideration as she regarded Vellynne with a long, quiet look.

The young noble reconsidered.  Naturally she felt that, given the dangers she and her companions had faced, and the loss of Wifni, that a mere six hundred gold pieces was a rather paltry sum to be split five ways.  She regularly spent more than her cut of the fee on paper and ink.  But, while Vellynne clearly had funds backing her project, they were no doubt personal resources rather than drawing from her family's wealth.  Thus, limited and warily counted for effectiveness.  The elder mage had already endured setbacks as well, and those were always expensive to compensate for.  Whatever Vellynne's ultimate goal for her expedition really was, be it benevolent, selfish, or merely academic, it was likely the case she wasn't in any position to be as generous with her purse as Mallory would have preferred.  Which... in all honesty, was something the young noble herself sorely sympathized with, given her own situation.

"...but I don't like to squeeze, either, and I have no desire to sour our working relationship over mere coin." she ultimately conceded with a nod.  "I feel I may have overreached, Madame Harpell, and for that I am quite apologetic.  To be perfectly fair, taking on work with you has provided me with--" Mallory gestured to Harai and then about the Host Tower in general "--unanticipated opportunities that are certainly worth more than any fuss in fee.  Very well; consider our contract fulfilled and sealed."

No doubt Vellynne was glad to hear she no longer had to be nattered at about red tape that she clearly had no interest in to begin with.  But, for Mallory, such fine details required a keen eye and fair attention.  While the two Brotherhood mages discussed other matters, Mallory drew her pen once more to annotate the contract just above their signatures, marking it as completed on that date for the sake of her own personal ledgers.  She'd worry about making a copy to mail to the banker's guild in back in Neverwinter later.

"Speaking of dinner..." Mallory gently interjected when it seemed none would be served "...I did plan on doing a fair bit of shopping around the city while I had an opportunity.  Are there any local restaurants either of you would suggest?  That perhaps you may like to accompany me to later tonight?" She looked to both Vellynne and Harai with open invitation extended to them equally.  She had imposed on them each in a manner, after all, and felt it best to at least try to make up for her bother.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:25, Mon 27 Nov 2023.

"We shall see," Vellynne said, casting a glance over her shoulder still as cold as present Icewind Dale despite Mallory's concession, "I have matters to attend, matters which have piled up during my absence." She then made her leave, boots clacking on the black floor and the door left slightly ajar in her wake.

"I can join you," answered Harai as he removed his spectacles to clean them with a cloth. "Let us visit the Ghostly Minstrel in Delver's Square. It isn't too rambunctious like certain other establishments in the city, nor is it too expensive. I'll have to arrange a disguise for myself, however, as I don't like to draw too much attention while venturing outside. Should we say in two hours? That would also leave me with a bit of time to finish penning the draft of the section I'm working on." He smiled softly as his hairy hand moved to the large tome he had been caught with initially, with the myriad loose papers he kept within as annotations.

---

If you give me until Wednesday, I can provide a map of Luskan with some important locations.

As Vellynne left the chambers, Mallory just shrugged in her wake.  Well, it wasn't a 'no', so that was perhaps worth something.

"I'd be much obliged for the company." Harai's acceptance was greeted with a polite smile and bow of the noble's dark-haired head.  "If it's not a bother, I'd like to stay put and do a bit of paperwork of my own in the meantime.  I doubt your fellows in the tower would like me wandering about like a tourist."

Whether Harai was content with allowing Mallory and Idri to share his chambers a while longer or showed them somewhere else they could pass their time, Mallory set to her own scribing.  She'd meant to get to it prior but it was difficult writing while traveling out in the icy tundra of Icewind Dale.

---

No problem at all on the wait.  In the meantime, Mallory will scribe the spell "Mind Spike" into her spellbook.  It's a 2nd-level Divination spell, so she gets it at half price/time due to her class feature.  2 hours and 50 GP to scribe in, though she won't have it available for use until later on after her next Long Rest.

Also, I don't know if it's possible to Attune to a magic item while also doing other "resting" actions like scribing into a spellbook.  But, if it is, I'd also like to attune Mallory to the Shield Guardian Amulet she found while in the Spire.  If it can't be done right now, she'll just do it later after dinner.

"You may stay here, but you'll have to pardon my occasional murmur," Harai answered. "In old age I've developed the habit of speaking to myself. So if either of you would rather find some proper quiet, I can show you to the library here in the Southern Spire. It's not too extensive, and most of the restricted tomes are kept elsewhere. But it is nice. A bit dim, but nice. And I am certain Madame Vellynne will arrange a pair of sleeping quarters sooner than later. Heavens know we have plenty to go around."

On the topic of venturing outside the Tower's perimeters, Harai had some advice to offer; "Carry a dagger on you. Luskan can be . . . unfriendly at times. And whatever you do, do not approach the fortifications on the North Bank. The mercantile companies' guards there aren't the kind to ask questions before shooting, and there is a bounty on unauthorized personnel near the Whitesails Harbor. There has been more than one occasion where an erroneous bolt was loosed into the Mirabar District. Trust me, you'd before find yourself in the Undercity. The South Bank is for the most part safe. Still carry a dagger."

---

I'm not entirely sure what we agreed upon when it came to scribing new Spells, and after sifting through some old messages I'm still unsure. From memory, I think we said she could unquestionably do so without a source.

Here is a map of Luskan, with the two locations I have mentioned (Comarr's Fantabulous Contraption and Magical Errata and the Ghostly Minstrel) added. When you decide it's time to venture out, I can set up a new thread. I don't imagine we'll go into much detail at each location or shop she decides to stop by. It'll be more a like a montage akin to how we handled shopping in Bryn Shander.

"I didn't want to be rude and say it outright, but Luskan does have a certain reputation about it..." Mallory conceded on the dangers of traveling the city.  Stay away from the northern districts was the message she really got loud and clear.  "Frankly, I was hoping the Host Tower might have a guard or two who could be spared as an escort?  I'd be much more at-ease with someone who can both guide and defend me while I explore.  Naturally I would reimburse the Tower's coffers for the expense."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Sat 02 Dec 2023.

"Hmm," Harai said and scratched his chin. "That would certainly be wise. I believe we have an arrangement with the city watch, but I would have to confer with either Madame Vellynne or Overwizard Jendrik. I can't guarantee you one right away."

---

Sometime during the next two hours Harai contacts his colleagues and makes the arrangement for one on the rotating roster of guards that keep watch on the Host Tower's courtyard to escort Mallory around. They'll be ready once Mallory steps out the main entrance. There will be no need for Mallory to reimburse the Brotherhood.

Back in the Host Tower, handmaidens had been summoned for Idrianthe and Mallory, and the two guests were promptly showed them to their separate rooms in the upper sections of the Southern Spire. The interior was similar to Harai's room in both layout and size, only they both had access to their own small balconies. The furnishing was scant, but it contained every necessity – bedding, a wardrobe, a nightstand with a mirror, a chair with a blanket, and a folding screen. The decoration was even more minimal, but some would argue the vivid texture of the curving, natural black stone begot the intentional decision. When the guests had been given time to settle, simple foods and drink was provided, as well as a tub with warm water, some soap, and a washcloth.

---

If there's nothing else, I can go ahead and establish a Luskan thread for Mallory's excursion. Idrianthe (the character; I've not heard from the player) is probably going to be joining her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:51, Thu 21 Dec 2023.

Upon their return to the Host Tower and being shown to individual rooms, Mallory was briefly taken by a moment of internalized worry.  Being isolated in an unknown place didn't sit well with her, but she took it in stride well enough when she realized she was being a mite silly about it.  She'd come north on her own to begin with, after all, and if the Host Tower had any ill-intent for her they certainly wouldn't need to bother with subterfuge to achieve it.  Rather, it was more the fact that Mallory had grown so quickly accustomed to being surrounded by her companions amid Ten-Towns that made the silence of a private chamber seem all the more oppressive.

Still, said private chamber certainly had its perks.  Mallory spent a few minutes in the center of the room with her Lantern Rod raised, set in quiet focus as she conjured her protective bubble throughout the room.  She could re-cast it and move it about as need be to cover wherever she settled but, for the moment, her focus was on isolating the bathing tub.  The most beloved of luxuries for one on the road and having spent so much time in a frigid wasteland such as Ten-Towns.

"Astre, darling - remind me to invent a spell that conjures a bath, or sauna, or some such thing." the young noble remarked as her protective dome manifested and turned opaque to guard all view of her from the outside.

---

All good.  Mallory will spend the evening cleaning up, relaxing, Attuning to the Shield Guardian Amulet, and getting a good Long Rest in.  She'll cast and re-cast "Tiny Hut" as need be, basically keeping a barrier up at all times during her evening.  Idri and Astre are assigned permission to enter the Tiny Hut as they please.

Astre, meanwhile, will be keeping watch throughout the night.

As far as Astre was concerned, nothing transpired that night. No daring assassins, no spying Wizards, and certainly no invisible creatures. For a Tower rumored to be filled with Undead, it was painfully dull.

When Mallory and Idrianthe awoke, the handmaidens were there to attend them. Mallory's, a girl named Shanri who was hardly twenty, was somewhat nervous, clearly not overly familiar with the line of work. She pestered her about food, which she could arrange brought to the chamber, and about water and clothing, the latter of which she was unsure if she could even retrieve. Nor did she know much of the communal areas, such as dining halls, and nothing of any of the other Wizards' activities or whereabouts. But upon request, she maintained she would do her best to find out.

The Host Tower was quiet in the early mornings, but in the Spire's library, the most frequented communal room by its residents, sat the red-skinned Tiefling whom had flown by Mallory, Idrianthe, and Vellynne as they first ascended the stairs yesterday. As Idrianthe preferred to read rather than idle, she made another search for any interesting tomes as she thumbed across the shelves.

---

Attuning the Shield Guardian Amulet: The Shield Guardian which the Amulet controls is located  approximately 300 miles east-northeast and half-a-mile below the surface.

A long, dull night might have been a bother for Astre, but it was absolute bliss for Mallory.

Having the chance to rest somewhere so cozy and well-furnished, without constantly fretting about waking with frostbite having taken her digits in the night, was a boon she'd not realized she appreciated so much.  Living in Icewind Dale for any period of time really had a way of making one savor the simple things, that was for sure.  As was so often the case of late, the young noble's thoughts drifted back to Rhydd as she considered what sort of life he lived ranging about the Dale, and she felt all the more glad that she'd enchanted his boots for him.

The last thing Mallory expected was to be given a handmaiden for the morning; when Shanri arrived she'd find that the young noble had already dressed herself and was in the process of styling her long, dark hair.  Mallory might have been a noblewoman, but she was by no means the idle wealthy sort who didn't - or refused to - manage her own upkeep.  Nor was she dismissive of the girl; even as Shanri fretted and fussed with little capability for her task, Mallory was gentle with her and offered patient understanding, as well as words of advice.  Cluing her in to little tricks of the trade or how to best manage herself during the tasks, without overstepping into condescension.

"I'll be spending some time in the library this morning, then setting out to do some shopping around the city after a few hours.  I should be back mid-afternoon or early evening, but will announce my return either way." she explained her anticipated schedule to Shanri while she loaded her satchel and gathered her Lantern Rod in hand, ready to set out.  "I've been urged to speak with Maccath the Crimson and Dendybar of the Northern Spire at some point, as I've information that might suit their fields of research.  If there's any way you could run that up the grapevine, I would greatly appreciate it.  Mages do have a knack for knowing when they're being looked for."

---

The library itself was another welcome sight.  It was a good thing Mallory had not visited last night; if she'd found her way in there before bed, she would have spent the entire night in study amid piles of books rather than sleeping a wink.  The familiar scent of aged parchment, leather, and ink filled her with a reassuring sensation as she entered alongside Idri, unable to keep a smile off her face before she set about to peruse the shelves and rows of gathered knowledge as well.

Amid her wandering amid the times and gradually gathering a small stack of varied writings, the young noble did eventually come across a recognizable Tiefling woman set in her own work.  Mallory set her own books at the communal table near enough to chat without being a nuisance, and offered the Tiefling a congenial smile.  "Good morning, madame." she greeted politely; as much as she wanted to strike up a chat wherever she could, she knew better than to assume conversation would be welcome and was ready to be dismissed if the Tiefling was too preoccupied with her own work to tolerate interruption.

Astre, meanwhile, followed idly in pursuit of his companion.  He spent his time either draped about her shoulders or perched atop neighboring shelves where it was suitable for him to sit without disruption, always within range of Mallory.

---

Mallory will be looking for various spell scrolls/books during her reading, as discussed in the OOC.  Let me know if any rolls are required for whether or not she finds anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Tue 26 Dec 2023.

"Good morning," the Tiefling returned, continuing to read the tome in front of her and making hasty notes. Either working in a frenzy was her predisposed tempo, or she didn't plan to spend long in the small library.

She was short, uncharacteristically so for a Tiefling, with sharply angled horns, raven-black hair, and completely white eyes. A neat silver and black robe was draped over her shoulders, more reminiscent of Drow spider silk than anything common in these parts of society, be they upper or lower. After a short while, once Mallory had some time to familiarize herself with the shelves, she pensively turned her way, her head rested in a palm. "You are Lady Bonheur, are you not? Lady Mallory Bonheur?" she said before turning to address Idrianthe, who was flicking through a book that only seemed moderately interesting. "And you Lady Mar? I've heard of your arrival from Icewind Dale, and that you have aided Vellynne in her projects. Not that I'm too familiar." She paused for a moment as Idrianthe put the book back in its place. "Oh, here you're only going to find things mind-numbingly boring. Most is just plain history, I'm afraid. The interesting reading is locked away in a secluded chamber." She unclasped a ring with two keys from her belt and rattled it enticingly. "And of course, the truly interesting reading is deeper down in the Roots . . . alongside other things."

She closed her book and rose. "What will it be?"

---

After searching for a few minutes, Mallory doesn't come across any books containing spells, and she's confident there are none here. Among the books she finds are copies of History of the North, Revendro's Rolls of the Passing Years, The Nelanther Isles, parts one and three of A Myth Drannan Amphigory, and a poorly preserved copy of the History of Kuldahar. There were also some originals present; Unell's Dissertation of Elemental Earth, On the Fey by a Eldulec, and a book in Laothan which Mallory translated with her eyes to 'Don't Eat This Book', a guide on edible and inedible fungi and plants.

Being recognized within the Tower was of no surprise and Mallory acknowledged her spotting with a demure half-curtsy.  She made no assumption of reputation though; no doubt all residents of the Brotherhood's base had been informed of their newest guests and warned to keep an eye on them, lest they make trouble of themselves.

"Speaking as a Diviner and scholar, I've always found history to be a most precious subject." the young noble rested a hand atop the aged cover of 'A Myth Drannan Amphigory''s third volume fondly.  She'd read the whole collection many times throughout her youth and had only pulled the available tomes from the shelves out of nostalgic indulgence.  The writings contained within were, in and of themselves, an overt indulgence to begin with on behalf of the author.  But the musings and observations of Elminster were such that Mallory had always been able to find meaning in them in different ways throughout her developing life as a mage.  A gloved hand plucked up and waggled a copy of the 'History of Kuldahar' demonstrably.  "For instance, a historical documentation on the druidic heritage near Icewind Dale could provide great insight, given their deep reverence of tradition and isolationist tendencies."

Mallory was of no mind to lecture on matters of study, however, particularly given the Tiefling's apparent haste.  Best not to eat up her time needlessly.  "Though if the Tower's secured archives hold magical scrolls and grimoires freely available for review, I'd certainly not turn down the opportunity.  I'm in the process of developing various spells and concrete enchantments at the moment, though I've hit something of a wall and could use the inspiration." The 'truly interesting' subjects were tempting, but Mallory had a feeling that also might've been overstepping both her permissions as a guest and her potential safety, which she had no desire to test.  Instead, she cut to heart of the matter primly.  "That said, my own research is only part of my itinerary.  I was discussing some recent encounters and acquired samples I've obtained with Master Harai, and he urged me to speak with a 'Maccath the Crimson' and a 'Dendybar of the Northern Spire', who would apparently take interest in my recent findings.  I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with the processes of the Tower, however.  Do you happen to know if they're about or how I might arrange an appointment?  Madame...?" Mallory let that last part hang with a gently imploring perk of her eyebrows, hoping to prompt the Tiefling for her name.

---

Mallory is quite open to taking up the offer for further reading in the Secluded Chamber, so long as it's actually permissible for her to be there.  She doesn't want to bend any rules or risk any sort of trouble, so she's keeping on her best behavior while visiting the Host Tower.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Mon 01 Jan.

"Maccath," the Tiefling finished, still dangling the keys. "And I am granting you permission to attend me to the secured archives. One of the benefits of the Brotherhood is the latitude . . . well, maybe it doesn't extend this far, but one rarely gets far without misbehaving every once in a while." She lingered for Mallory's reply. Idrianthe, too, would be perfectly content with just history books and lexicons, although she wasn't as much of a Wizard as Mallory or any member in the Tower.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:01, Tue 02 Jan.

"How serendipitous!  By all means, lead the way."  Mallory gestured for the Tiefling to guide as she would and fell into step alongside her.  "Master Harai mentioned that you're the Brotherhood's leading authority on Dragons and have a particular focus regarding a White Dragon named Arauthator.  I happened to have a far-too-close encounter with Arveiaturace just a few days ago; Harai said that may take your interest?"

"Indeed," Maccath answered as she led the two guests of the Tower into the corridors, "I was his captive for nearly two months. Arauthator was among the Dragons who sacked the Host Tower – the previous Host Tower – more than a hundred years ago. I sailed out to Oyaviggaton, the iceberg he laired in, in hopes of studying a specimen up close, as he had suffered a wound during the War of the Silver Marches and a Drow who wrote us avowed his more . . . amiable nature, as far as Chromatic Dragons are concerned. Still I was nearly eaten, but I was able to elaborate on some of the artifacts still in his hoard and thus kept my life. Specks of it was genuine, but I made a lot of it up." She rounded a corner to a set of winding stairs, which ended somewhere in the Central Spire. "I helped him formulate an argument to convince Arveiaturace Meltharond was truly dead and gone, but if she's half as dense as Arauthator the soundness of the plea would hardly matter. I'm not sure what one can say at that point," she said as she climbed the stairs. This particular section of the Tower was cramped and dim, as it was mostly without windows. "So is she still carrying him?"

At the top of the stairs was room with a locked iron gate leading to the archives, small window, a slanted desk, drawers, and shelves containing frequently used tools and materials such as parchment, ink, and quills. A large, empty bird cage was situated next to the desk underneath the window along with a bag of seeds. But perhaps most interesting was the blue Pixie who zipped into the room and hovered above her own tiny quill and piece of parchment.

"Good morning, Nest," Maccath greeted the Fey creature. "I'm instructed to show our guests into the archives. This is-" she gestured to the guests she had brought along, but was interrupted by the Pixie.

"Mallory Bonheur and Dame Idrianthe Mar," the Pixie answered with her tongue protruding in concentration as she dipped her quill and recorded the entries. "I know their names. I know everyone's names, I do! You may proceed!"

"Right . . ." Maccath answered as she went to unlock the gate before changing into a low whisper. "That was honestly easier than I had anticipated."

Beyond was a complex of tightly spaced shelves, divided into four quarters with additional iron gates separating them. Here, all of the Host Tower's sections' more confidential writing and valuable tomes were collected, but Maccath's key only went to the Southern Spire's. And even if it could have opened the other sections, doing so was probably unwise. But from here, most of the tomes, grimoires, spellbooks, and folios could be accessed and withdrawn. Maccath gave the two free berth to search and inspect the myriad contents.

---

Give me an Investigation check, and I'll tell you what Mallory is able to find.

Idrianthe's investigation in the Host Tower's archives
DM Bears, on behalf of Idrianthe Mar, rolled 23 using 1d20+7.

The very idea of being held captive by a Dragon for any period of time was a daunting one, let alone within such odd conditions.  Mallory knew that White Dragons were on the low end of intellectual acuity - contextually speaking, for their own kind - but the thought of deceiving one was quite remarkable all the same.  Though mention of Meltharond being truly dead brought a look of surprise out of the young noble.  "She did indeed have a skeletal rider on her back.  Wait, you mean to say he's not an Undead?" she gawped at the prospect for a moment.  While her immediate wonder was of what sort of deluded state of mind Arveiaturace must be in to tote around a corpse like that, a more practical curiosity bubbled up.  "I wonder how it stays intact...?"  she muttered thoughtfully to herself.

As they traveled up the stairs, Mallory raised a gloved palm and urged a gentle flare of arcane energy through the air that manifested into a simple illusion.  The spitting image of the very Dragon and presumed-Undead in subject, as she'd seen them soaring out across the half-frozen waters of Maer Dualdon.  "My group encountered Arveiaturace just off the banks of Maer Dualdon.  I assume she was hunting, as her approach was quite direct and she made no effort to converse.  While I was able to hide away most of my group in an extraplanar pocket to avoid detection, two in our company were left to face the Dragon.  She appeared to toy with them, for the most part, and snatched one in her jaws to be carried away." she summarized the experience, using the illusion to recreate the scene as she recalled it, which helped to illustrate where the Dragon had approached from and flown away toward.  "I feared the fellow dead and devoured, but if Arauthator merely captured you for his own interests, I wonder if there's a chance of survival.  Particularly since the fellow is a form of Lycanthrope - they're terribly difficult to kill without resorting to spells.  I still have some of his belongings... I wonder if a modified Scrying ritual could...?  Hmm..."

The young noble was briefly distracted in her own thoughts as the group arrived at the more controlled archives of the Tower's collection.  Mallory offered a polite curtsy to the Fey librarian, though she leaned nearer to Maccath at the Tiefling's own muttering.  "Is it usually more troublesome to get in here, or is bringing guests the issue?" she whispered back.

---

Given the uncommon opportunity, I'd like to assure a certain level of success and will burn my 14 Portent.  With Mallory's +7 to Investigation, that's:
Investigation: 21

"Dead as a rock," Maccath answered when implored on Meltharond's state. "From what Arauthator told me, Arveiaturace seems to be a few marbles short of a set. Keeps talking to him as if he's there."

Inside the archives, Maccath seemed to head to a shelf with a purpose. "No idea," Maccath shrugged as she addressed Mallory's question on the difficulties of getting in, "I sort of assumed I would have to state on whose authority I am allowed to bring you here, to which I would have had to lie." She looked to the now closed gate, then around. "We shouldn't speak much of it. Nest has a way of learning things she shouldn't. Also, I will advise you not to steal anything. Some of the items here are worth thousands upon thousands of gold."

---

Mallory's Investigation to find spellbooks and tomes of interest in the locked archives [21]: Mallory is able to find quite a few things of interest, listed below.

A collection of brief Spellbooks wrapped as a bundle. Most of them are unbound and written on crude, aged paper.
Otto's Irresistable Dance: Consisting of only three pages, this record written in Midani details an enchantment spell by one named Otto, transcribed by Snilloc. (Otto's Irresistable Dance).
Bigby's Hands: This contains quite a few spells from the portfolio of the legendary wizard Bigby, though all of them are to varying degrees lost to the withered pages. (Bigby's Forceful Hand, Bigby's Interposing Hands, Bigby's Clenched Fist, Bigby's Crushing Hand, and Bigby's Grasping Hand). DM's note: These can be compiled into Bigby's Hand.
Seven sheets with no title: In these are contained the spells of Drawmij, of which only one can be found in its entirety. (Drawmij's Instant Summons).
The Works of Galder Fendt: This collection provides some detail on a wizard named Galder who hailed from Erustral and fell under the tutelage of a Niren. He led and won a long war against Drow, and established a university in his later years of peace. This is but an excerpt, anonymously annotated by one of his students. (Galder's Speedy Courier, Galder's Tower).

Standalone tomes
Akdam's Traveling Spellbook: This is an original, thin spellbook containing several simple spells written during Akdam's travels. (Alarm, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Light, and Fog Cloud).
Libram of Lathintel: This spellbook penned by Lathintelof Athkatla is well preserved despite being nearly two hundred years old. It is bound in glossy red leather. (Arcane Lock, Dispel Magic, Enlarge/Reduce, Feather Fall, Fly, Levitate, Unseen Servant, and Tongues).

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:27, Mon 15 Jan.

While Mallory wasn't keen on the idea of being somewhere she was genuinely not permitted, she could at least hold some level of acceptance in the whole affair with Nest allowing her inside.  After all, if anyone did try and call her out, Mallory could reasonably claim ignorance and point to how she'd been both invited and allowed into the archives by members of the Brotherhood, not through any subterfuge of her own.  Though part of her wondered if Vellynne had perhaps arranged for her and Idri have access ahead of time...

"Oh, don't be ridiculous.  I'd never dream of it... especially since I'm sure every tome in here must have a security glyph inscribed on it." What looked like a musty old library to most people was indeed a genuine treasure trove of value to arcane practitioners like them.  Mallory couldn't even say it was 'priceless' as it was actually entirely likely the Brotherhood knew the precise value of its magical assets down to the copper piece.  The fact that there was a Fey in charge of archival was an even greater dissuasion against mischief.  She'd sooner choose to rob a Dragon's hoard than ever dare take anything from a Fey's care.  Sure, they were nowhere near as powerful as the general population feared them to be, but Fey were creative and stubborn - not something she wanted to risk having annoyed at her.

Of course, she couldn't admit some level of temptation despite all that.  To delicately handle the genuine writings of arcanists like Snilloc and Lathintel was, in and of itself, a treat that Mallory enjoyed with great relish.  But, alas, such original works were not for her collection.  Copied versions of their contents, however, was another matter entirely.

"I'm left curious; what's your interest in the likes of these White Dragons now?  Master Harai seemed quite intent on directing me to you when I spoke of Arveiaturace.  Are you tracking them?" the young noble chatted with Maccath as she skimmed over various logs and listings, quick to set some aside for closer inspection.

---

So how does it work at this point?  Does Mallory only have this one chance to scribe whatever spells she can afford into her spellbook and that's it? Or can she take non-functional copies of the spell notes to be fully scribed into her spellbook later on so long as she has the time and funds for it?  I'm reluctant to spend gold first thing when I don't know what sort of items might be encountered while shopping later this same day, as it would be all too easy to blow a ton of money in one shot on just spells.

"No. I am not researching White Dragons at the moment. I've exhausted my literary avenues and find myself content with a thrilling first hand experience. It won't come soon, but I might someday compile my findings in a compendium to rot on some deserted shelf. Like this one," Maccath said, thumbing through a heavy tome of her own. It was a comprehensive history on a select few Red Dragons, and she stopped to skim the entry on one called Hephaestus, although it didn't seem to contain what she wanted — there were multiple Dragons going by 'Hephaestus' — so she closed it with a thud. "After I escaped from Oyaviggaton I was involved with the Cult of the Dragon for a bit. Sorry, not involved — against. My current efforts, which pertains Dracoliches, are an extension of that."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Mon 15 Jan.

"The Dragon Cult?  Has yet another cell of theirs emerged lately?  I swear, it seems like they never know when to quit..."  Mallory muttered at mention of the particularly troublesome cult.  Rather, whichever version of it had cropped up.  The Dragon Cult had a very mixed history and there were plenty of splinter factions, or even completely unrelated groups just using the name.  But they'd been around for a long time in many iterations, with many different goals, and none of them were ever up to any good.

"Do you mean to say whatever current faction has sprung up is involving themselves with Dracoliches?  As in, finding them or... ugh... creating them?" the young noble shuddered at the very idea.  She knew from historical context that the Cult of the Dragon often conscripted Dragons to their cause when they could manage it, but the prospect of them having access to an Undead Dragon was absolutely loathsome on its face.  Mallory leaned to peer over Maccath's shoulder at what she was reading just long enough to catch a glimpse of the specific name she'd skimmed, though she tried to look inconspicuous and quickly look back to her own tomes once the book was snapped shut.

Another thought sparked to Mallory's mind and she canted a curious tilt of her head Maccath's way.  "Out of curiosity; do you happen to know if the Cult of the Dragon has been active north in Icewind Dale, and if they're making use of Kobolds in particular?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Thu 18 Jan.

"There's a rift in the Dragon Cult," Maccath went on to explain, "dividing it into two camps; those who still believe that Undead Dragons are the only Dragons worth heralding for their 'Coming Age', and those who have turned to living Dragons. And yes, a large part of the former's focus is seeking out living Dragons and persuading them to undergo rituals to achieve Undeath. They have also captured Young Dragons and forced these rituals upon them, referring to them as 'Fettered Dracoliches'. It is all depraved. All of it. Perhaps the only thing more wicked I have come across in all my years of research are Brainstealer Dragons, and even then I'm not sure . . ." She shuddered at just the mention.

It appeared Maccath had gotten what she wanted out of the visit to the archives, but still she took another glance at the array of titles before her. "As far as I know, the Cult's reach hasn't extended as far as Icewind Dale, and I wouldn't soon expect it to. They suffered a rather decisive blow a couple of years back. What the Kobolds in the region are up to I don't know, but if I had to guess, their focus is on Arveiaturace and Arauthator since they make up the largest Draconic presence in the area. Typical Kobold behavior, in other words." She stopped to think for a bit. "Although, Vellynne did inquire about them when she heard they had infiltrated . . . was it Termalaine? I couldn't tell her much. She's more informed on Icewind Dale than I am, so it would be best to speak with her directly on the matter if you're truly curious."

"How ghastly..." was Mallory's comment on the whole affair of the Dragon Cult and their development of home-made Dracoliches.  Like the Tiefling, she was suitably perturbed and made no effort to keep it from her expression either.  The very idea of a Dragon being tethered to Undeath was mind-boggling; they were nigh immortal to begin with, so convincing young Dragons to condemn themselves to such a horrid state of being... well, 'depraved', as Maccath put it, was a very apt term.  "Surely the like of the Harpers must have heard of this abomination by now.  I dearly hope there are others moving to counter this sort of endeavor before it can take further root."

On the comparatively lighter subject of Kobolds, Mallory raised a palm once more to conjure another small illusion.  She presented Maccath with the uncovered corpses of long-dead Kobolds the Party had discovered outside the Spire.  It had been an oddity that itched at the back of Mallory's thoughts; a mystery without enough clues.  "While my group was exploring further out past Kelvin's Cairn, we came across these remains half-buried in the snow.  The strange part was that there were fresh tracks, yet the bodies were clearly long dead and decayed." The odd holes along the Kobolds' faces around their mouths had been of particular note, though whether it was merely a part of the decomposition process or some kind of purposeful scarification was beyond her own understanding.  "If they were Undead, however, that would explain things - corpses could leave fresh tracks, in that sense.  Honestly though, I was surprised to find that there were Kobolds that far north at all.  I've no idea how they'd survive the climate.  Geothermal activity allowing for pockets of volcanic warmth beneath the mountains, perhaps?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Thu 18 Jan.

"Kobolds are crafty creatures," Maccath said as she leaned in . "I'm not sure there is any climate they can't adapt to. But it doesn't seem like these fared too well . . . and from what I've gathered, Icewind Dale doesn't exactly offer prime conditions for decomposition. If you saw their tracks in the snow, it has either not snowed for a looong time, or they made them in this state."

---

I think we should look to move on. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Yeah, I'd say we're good to go.

"This is . . ." Idrianthe began as she drew a tome from the shelves. "Excuse me, Miss Maccath, do you know when you received this?"

For it was unmistakably a book that stemmed from Witchholm. Maccath could of course not answer the question, since her involvement in contributing to the archives of the Brotherhood had been negligible at best. Nor could Nest answer, having only been in employment since the Host Tower's reconstruction not even four years ago. Idrianthe's best bet was to somehow get an audience with the Overwizard Jendrik, and Maccath doubted Idrianthe could achieve that in a day. Though he was certainly busy, she went on to explain, the Overwizard fancied himself exceedingly so.

Aside from being bound in a material resembling the skin of a Magmin, the book itself was only moderately interesting. The Codex Pyrologica, it was called, and it was penned by Arbrand, an Azer Knight who had served the Order at its heights. Though it taught few functional spells, it contained a great deal of information on specifically fiery evocations, how to brace oneself against them, and various beings from the Elemental Plane of Fire. It had served Idrianthe well when she had first worked metals other than those commonly found on the Prime Material.

---

When both Mallory and Idrianthe was content with their visit, Nest informed Maccath that it was not possible for Mallory and Idrianthe to register tomes they wished to bring with them in their name. The workaround was to register them in Maccath's name. Though the tomes were indeed fortified with Glyphs of Warding set to trigger when brought outside Host Tower, this still didn't sit entirely well with the Tiefling, who had Mallory and Idrianthe once more promise not to steal or destroy them, accidentally or otherwise. "I will personally hunt you down for the gold I'd owe, that I vow," she had said.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Fri 26 Jan.

Continued from msg #73 in Chapter 4-F.

---

There was great opportunity in the Host Tower that Idrianthe was hesitant to so quickly abandon. Just the fact that one of the tomes she had come across stemmed from Witchholm was testament to that, and although she wouldn't accept the invitation to join their ranks, she still wanted to tap into the Brotherhood's resources to the extent they would permit. A quick talk with Vellynne upon her and Mallory's return led to an agreement – Idrianthe could stay so long as she lent her expertise for Vellynne's further study on Ythryn, who herself had errands to attend and lines to pursue here in the tower.

This left Mallory to teleport to Bryn Shander on her lonesome. Harai arranged the communication he had promised earlier on Mallory's specifications, and wished her the best of luck going forwards as he bid his farewells. In parting, he gifted her a Pearl of Power¹.

The final matter to conclude in the Host Tower was the meeting with Dendybar the Mottled of the Northern Spire. Apparently, an entire ordeal had been made of it and Dendybar was expecting Mallory in his offices by Eventide.

Compared to the cordial conversations with Harai, and to an extent Vellynne, the one with Dendybar she would find trying. The Northern section of the Tower already had a distinct, more quiet atmosphere to the point of gloom, the cold wind sweeping through it like quiet whispers. It somehow felt even more empty than its southern counterpart. Dendybar had the second largest study in the Tower, and it was certainly more extravagant than Harai's humble lodging but in a dreadful and morbid manner. Skulls and skeletons lined the walls and shelves, both as decoration and as research subjects, and live spiders crawled about plentifully. There was no shortage of tomes, both opened and close, and the entire study had a stale, dusty air to it. The wizard to whom it belonged was lounged in a divan, sipping wine as he watched the sunset in the distance.

Dendybar was a corpse, or at least the close approximation of one. His skin was a pale grey, and his hairline consisted of grey strands countable on a single hand. Except for offering her some wine, he wasn't exactly cordial and was arrogantly disposed toward Mallory and the entire meeting. It was clear he didn't expect her to tell him something he didn't already know.

The Gnome Ceremorphs was a surprise, but he didn't consider it an impossibility like Colmarr had. Anomalies did occur, after all. The Bulette he understood, but Gnome Ceremorph were unfamiliar to the learned necromancer. He proceeded to quiz her extensively on the matter, and, should she reveal the Ceremorphs' crashed vessel, chastised her quite harshly for not investigating it. Not because they might have posed an immediate threat to the Ten-Towns or the rest of the realm, but simply because it was a research opportunity forfeited.

In the end, neither party would leave feeling they had learned much.

---

¹  Pearl of Power.

In the time since returning to the Host Tower, Mallory found herself busy with meetings of various sorts.  Her first order of business was to speak with Harai at the first possible convenience; both to recover her borrowed hand wagon and all its toted goods to stow into her new Portable Hole, and to tell him of her experiences with Colmarr.  While she was a bit loathe to take advantage of the Saru's welcoming manner, he was the most open and friendly member of the Brotherhood she'd met and was thus the best option all around.  It was to Harai she expressed her interests and dealings regarding Colmarr and his inventions, fulfilling her part of the deal in handing off the tidy submission portfolio she'd worked up from the Gnome's chaotic notes.  As well as the unfortunate encounter with Tamthan's shoddy loyalties.  The latter was more a case of warning for the Brotherhood itself; she had no interest in seeking out punishment or vengeance on Tamthan despite what he'd tried to pull, but it was best the Brotherhood know of such minor treacheries with the guards they contracted.  If there was anything to be done about it, she was content to leave that to the discretion of Luskan laws and wipe her hands of the whole affair.

Ultimately, whether the Brotherhood showed any concern to involve themselves with Colmarr or investigate the corruption among the guard was their own prerogative.  For the young noble herself, she was intent only on fulfilling her agreements properly.  The whole of her time within the Host Tower was about making such connections and conversations, after all.

That said, her meeting with Dendybar was a far more restrained matter.  The lavish surroundings and grim atmosphere were taken in stride, particularly when Mallory had to hold her focus on maintaining a prim demeanor in the wizard's direct presence.  She had no particular fear of the Undead, at least not in the way superstitious folk did.  She was much too learned for that, but instead held sharp awareness of their potential dangers with a healthy respect and wariness.  Her feelings about the Undead ranged from pity, to patient tolerance, to immediate rebuke depending on what form they took and how great a threat they posed.  Dendybar rested as comfortably in the middle of that spectrum as he did on his lounge.  To swallow one's own opinions and operate in a civilized manner regardless of the circumstances was practice that had long since been drilled into Mallory's soul both as a matter of noble and business etiquette.  As ever, she held herself with impeccable manners; polite and prim, and curtailed her usual chattiness down to more concise statements as she felt Dendybar was not the sort to indulge in others spending his time with loquaciousness.  The instant she sensed he was beginning to detach from a given point of conversation, she was quick to transition to a different topic along with a subtle compliment to his involvement or knowledge, as suited the flow of such meetings with one's presumed betters.

To that same point, she abbreviated her full report rather specifically: she made absolutely no mention of the Illithid ship nor The Spire itself beyond referring to it merely as Netherese ruins within the far tundra.  She didn't want to hand out such vital and potentially extremely dangerous information freely - especially not to an Undead - and would simply leave it to Vellynne to disclose such specifics since it all fell under the purview of her contracted assignment originally.  Similarly, she excluded any mention of the encounter with Auril.  That was a matter she felt best kept close to her breast no matter what.

When their meeting came to a close without much gained either way, Mallory graciously thanked Dendybar for affording her some of his valuable time and expressed her usual desire to make herself of use.  Her travels took her to odd places and even stranger discoveries - as the Gnomish Ceremorphs exemplified -, and she was happy to offer her services should he find use for them in the future.  But, frankly, she was glad to just be out of Dendybar's presence after a while and set to recovering from the meeting by going about returning her borrowed works back to the Library.  A brief bit of time amid literature would help her decompress quite nicely.

---

Ultimately, the time came for Mallory to say her farewells to friends and associates, new and less new alike.  Harai was thanked profusely for his companionship throughout her visit and even more so for the gifted Pearl of Power.  Normally Mallory wouldn't accept such a precious item without considerable resistance but, given what she faced ahead in Icewind Dale, she swallowed both pride and etiquette alike to accept without argument.  Idrianthe, meanwhile, was absolutely smothered in a fond embrace and half-whimpered assurances that Mallory would write whenever she could.  The two had only known each other for a few days but the young noble felt they'd developed quite a strong rapport - any time the Elf wished to return to their company, she would be welcomed back with eagerly open arms, and missed sorely in the meantime.

"I must say, this has been a remarkably productive visit.  I do look forward to the next time I might darken the Brotherhood's doorstep." Mallory sighed in prelude to the Teleportation Circle spell's preparation.

Vellynne was crystal clear on Tamthan's conspiracy — this was an outrage of dimensions. She didn't much care for Mallory's opinion on the extent of punishment, she was a guest with the Brotherhood so it was now the Brotherhood's matter. It would likely become a case of their word against the guard's, but Vellynne severely doubted the Captain would readily side with the guard. And if she had her will, the man would never again find work anywhere on the Sword Coast.

When Colmarr was brought up to Harai, the Saru did have some of his own insights to offer. He had been the one to witness the machine prior to Mallory's visit, and he certainly recognized the potential in it. He did also doubt the commercial viability of it if the source of the raw materials were revealed to the public, which Harai would insist upon should he be involved in the project. Furthermore, sewage was disagreeable for a reason, and he wanted to know if any sickness could surface despite the potions' healing effects, and that would require exhaustive trials. Harai also knew nothing of business and therefor had not the confidence to impulsively speak on the behalf of the entire Brotherhood. In the end, he had made no promises to the Gnome, but had likewise far from written him off, despite the impression Colmarr seemed to have been left with.

Idrianthe was of two minds upon her and Mallory's separation. On one hand she did very much want to exchange many letters with Mallory while on the other she hoped their reunion would come soon. After all, she had determined the Host Tower of the Arcane wasn't her home and she was still eager to lend the troubled people of Icewind Dale her one helping hand.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:18, Wed 20 Mar.

In regard to Tamthan and the other would-be muggers, Mallory deferred wholly to Vellynne's judgment.  The elder noble was quite correct in her assessment of Mallory's status as a guest of the Tower making what happened to her an affair of the Tower as well.  It was that same reason she didn't act more overtly in the moment or try to scare off the brigands with a boast of her connections or a display of magical prowess.  She was there on the Arcane Brotherhood's generosity and was not a citizen of Luskan - it wasn't her place to pull anything that might embarrass her hosts or put them in a difficult spot.

Mallory supplied Vellynne with all the evidence she was able to.  Her handheld illusions of the whole event portrayed misty images of the situation as it played out from a bird's eye view - or rather, a Tressym's - and she presented more detailed images of the individuals she and Astre had been near enough to get a good look at, in case they were known figures around the city.  Further, she explained how she'd warned Colmarr of the matter before it happened and that he would be a suitable witness if someone needed to be asked for the sake of establishing timing.  Whatever would become of Tamthan and his cohorts beyond that, however, was nothing Mallory concerned herself with.  They had made their own bed and would have to sleep in it.  Even if Mallory spoke on a desire for them to be shown mercy, she doubted it would do any good - getting on the bad side of both the Arcane Brotherhood and an heiress of the Harpell family was not a fate so easily escaped.

---

In regard to Colmarr, Mallory expressed agreement with Harai's concerns.  They were much the same she held as well, though she explained that she felt she'd gotten through to Colmarr the importance of those same worries during her workshopping with him.  She had emphasized the absolute necessity of testing and refining the involved processes before anything else could even be approached, after all.  Further, she told of the letter of reference she'd written on Colmarr's behalf for aid from her family's accountant.  She prompted that it would be best to keep an eye on Colmarr in the coming weeks to see how his affairs settle with the assistance of a proper bean counter helping to get him organized, and then perhaps extend another visit with the aid of a more business-minded sort on the Brotherhood's behalf as well.  Best to let those more natively fluent in such matters be the filter through which decisions were made and conversations were carried.

At the very least, she requested that some word be sent to Colmarr to confirm that Mallory had held up her part of the deal and assure him that he had not gone overlooked.  With luck, that would hopefully light a fire under him in the meantime and set him to more keenly seeking the more specific troubleshooting Mallory had urged him toward.

---

In regard to Idrianthe, Mallory quite understood her feelings on the matter.  But they both had seen firsthand how expansive and useful the Brotherhood's assets were, so the opportunity to lean on them a bit longer wasn't one to be squandered.  She encouraged her friend to make the most of the chance and, in all honesty, expressed a bit of playful jealousy that Idri would be getting to enjoy a warmer climate and better food for the immediate future.  When next they met, Idri should very well come bearing some souvenirs and treats for the rest of their companions as well!

When the two of them had a moment where no other eyes were upon them, Mallory took the chance to covertly cut and bind a lock of her own dark, wavy hair into a quickly braided knot.  Most people might see such a keepsake as oddly intimate, but it was a matter of practicality; Mallory didn't know what kind of access Idri might have to scrying and tracking magics but that lock of hair would be most useful in helping Idri find Mallory directly should the need arise.  It was for Idri alone, though - Mallory didn't necessarily want the Arcane Brotherhood to have knowledge of such an item purely out of an abundance of caution.  If they really wanted to keep an eye on her, they clearly were more than capable of doing so... but she felt no need to make it easier on them herself.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Wed 20 Mar.

"Do you want one from me as well?" Idrianthe asked. The piece of hair was accepted with the perfect understanding of its purpose, but their time together had been too short to assess Mallory's proficiency with scrying and the importance she placed upon it. While Idrianthe possessed no such tool currently, at least without the aid of the Brotherhood, she could likely adapt.

"If you'd trust me with it, certainly.  I am a Diviner, after all."  Mallory smiled warmly and offered her knife for use.  Her remark was made half in jest.  In all the time the two women had been with each other, Mallory had honestly shown little in the way of her actual innate calling, to the degree that she felt a little silly expressing it as such.  No doubt, in Idri's eyes, Mallory was much more of a scholar and craftswoman than anything else.

---

Also, last bit of housecleaning, as it occurs to me - Mallory would want to have taken time to study the permanent Teleportation Circle in the Host Tower in order to put it to memory, if she's allowed to.  She'll do the same when she arrives at Bryn Shander, so long as there's nothing that forces her to immediately bail out when she gets there.  The spell details for "Teleportation Circle" say that it takes a minute of study for a spellcaster to memorize a Teleportation Circle for later access, so Mallory would want to have them in mind just in case that becomes important later on.  If that feature doesn't apply because she has yet to actually acquire the spell herself, she'll manually copy the Teleportation Circle sequences into her notes for later study, if allowed/available to do so.

Idrianthe was happy to oblige. She cut a lock from her own platinum hair and handed it to Mallory.

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Sure, she'll have the opportunity to do so. It also now occurs to me that Mallory will want to do the facsimileing of the Spells she found in the library. Does she need another day for that? We can definitely afford it, I only want the record straight so I can properly timekeep.

Funny that you mention it; I had the same thought and double-checked that earlier.  We'd discussed it in our PM thread, post #334 - Mallory had spent the bulk of this same day making carbon copies of two select spells (Speedy Courier and Arcane Lock), then spent the latter portion doing shopping and visiting Colmarr.  If another day can be freely afforded without messing up the timeline, she'd certainly take advantage of that to copy down a few more spells, but she's good to go if we have to cut it off right here and now.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Wed 20 Mar.