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Mysterious Tome Panel Discussion

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Oubar recites:

    "To start us off this evening, I would like to introduce tonight's panel:  From left to right we have Lady Dirvy Britbane, the Chairwoman of ICICLE, Enestrie, High Priestess of Lorminstra and Lightweaver of House White Haven, Kilded, Arnylon, High Cleric of Charl, and Bandit Cleaver Kotin, the Founder of Rage Plate Do.  I'd like to ask Dirvy to give us an overview of the events to this point."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "The trouble seemed to begin with a small disk with an eye-shaped sigil on it, which formed in the middle of Town Center and strange orbs were seen around town and at the penitentiary.  About the same time, the town was invaded by a variety of creatures.  I confess I was on Teras this night, so I did not witness it myself."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "It was soon after that we found out that Mayor Nihala was ill, and Deputy Mayor Hibbits would be handling a fair amount of her normal duties.  It was also observed that the Deputy Mayor was acting strange, and he was seen with a shadow about his person at all times.  This shadow seemed to shift or change every time we saw Deputy Mayor Hibbits, and when questioned about it, he seemed to be unable to see it.  He was also unable to see the disk, the dome, the tower, or the arch."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "Deputy Mayor Hibbits expressed his concern about the Mayor's health, and Kilded was chosen to investigate.  He entered the Mayoral residence and spoke to the Mayor for a time.  He and others looking in through the window, witnessed a strange shadow in the room with her.  And later, Kilded reported he had seen a similar shadow about the Mayor's person."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "The Mayor told him about a tome she found locked away in a safe in Clovertooth Hall, and showed it to him.  It was called "A History of Ancient Sorcery Recorded by Daukhera Darkflorr".  He reported that the tome was locked, but the Mayor admitted to reading it and learning about ancient magicks."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "Shortly after his visit with the Mayor, Kilded was observed with a similar shadow about his person, his hair began thinning and falling out, and he seemed to begin aging at an accelerated rate."

 

(Dirvy gestures towards Kilded, drawing your attention toward him.)

Dirvy recites softly:

    "Enestrie was also similarly affected, when Mayor Nihala died under mysterious circumstances, and she went to restore her life.  Enestrie's skin took on a blue hue."

 

(Dirvy motions toward Enestrie, her bluish skin is visible even at a distance.)


Dirvy recites softly:

    "Throughout the next several days and weeks, Icemule was invaded by a wide variety of creatures, the Mayor continued to study the tome, and strange apparitions were occasionally seen in Icemule.  They would often speak to those close enough to hear.  Once such apparition bid the witnesses to learn from it and not to fear."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "The apparitions would sometimes travel near the orbs that are seen about town and the penitentiary, then would travel back to the disk at Town Center.  However, it was observed that when this happened, the apparitions would be absorbed into the disk itself, and some unknown energy would transform the disk.  From a disk into a dome, then into a tower, then an arch.  The orbs also seemed to move, and some were quite dangerous to be near."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "I attempted to heal the Mayor of her affliction, but while my mind was connected to the Mayor, I had a vision.  I heard tormented wailing and maniacal laughter.  I saw shadows shrouding Mayor Nihala's soul, forests that resemebled Pinefar, and once our minds were separated, the tome she held was on the snowy ground.  Unlike Kilded and Enestrie, I do not seem to be suffering from any ill effects from being near the Mayor or the tome."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "Later, we found out there was a bounty on the Mayor and the tome.  It was around this time that Deputy Mayor Hibbits fled Icemule, after he failed to control summoning magicks, during a training exercise.  The leader of a group called Far Market tried to claim the bounty by burning down the Mayor's home.  The leader was later killed when she tried to read from the tome."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "As many have probably seen by now, the disk turned arch seems to house a vision of an imprisoned figure.  They have been most vocal about their imprisonment, issuing threats and begging for release, and sending forth creatures through the arch to attack the town."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "The Mayor recently put the tome on display within a magickal cage for people to read, and there is still an odd shadow lingering near Clovertooth Hall that has shifted from a towering shadow to a spherical one."

 

Dirvy recites softly:

    "So, as you can see, Icemule has had quite a lot to deal with in the last two months."


Oubar recites:

    "And now to introduce the rest of our panel.  If you would, as I indicate you, please give us a few words about your involvement to this point"

 

Enestrie softly says, "My role started with the restoration of Mayor Nihala's life after mysterious circumstances caused her death in her own cottage. Upon raising our dear Mayor, I learned of her addiction to the tome written by Daukhera Darkflorr which I found was strangely bound to her, and vice versa.  Nihala was able to rip a page out of that tome and give it to me for safekeeping.  Since then, I have sought answers about the message on that tome page, the cure for Nihala's failing health, and to halt the attacks of innocents in Icemule by the orbs, the vortex, the bandit group calling themselves Far Market, and invading creatures of all sorts."

Enestrie softly says, "My affliction has been the least of my worries."

Enestrie softly says, "And I rather like the white streak that has appeared in my hair as well."

 

Kilded recites:

    "I'm a newer resident if Icemule - but as Dirvy said - I was choosen to see the Mayor first. Upon checking in with her I was afflicted with this terrible shadow and it has aged me considerably and caused my hair to fall out. Since then, I've participated in many of the invasions of our town by this evil force. I'm looking to figure out some answers and help rid this town of the plague."

 

Arnylon says, "Hello, I'm Arnylon, cleric of Charl and Historian of ICICLE, and use my own nickname for the position of Keeper of the Mouldy Scrolls.  I've helped with invasion training and the subsequent chaos it caused.  I have been involved in trying to figure out the origin of the tome and how to cure the affliction of Nihala."


You recite:

    "I am Kotin, Philosopher of War.  My role in these recent events has been one of working to understand the threats against us and looking for solutions to those threats.  My hypothesis has adapted as new information has come to light.  However, I believe that I am one of the only ones, if it not the only one NOT advocating for the destruction of the Tome.   I look forward to sharing my work tonight."

 

Oubar recites:

    "Thank you all very much.  I will now open the room, and would ask that people whisper their questions to me.  Once I have the next question, I will call the room to order once more, ask it, and we shall proceed that way.  Please remember to indicate to whom your question is directed."

 

Oubar asks, "The question is for Dirvy.  Has ICICLE received any information about the occupants of the penitentiary to this point?"

 

Dirvy softly says, "The last we heard, Deputy Mayor Hibbits had sent a missive to the Warden, who was traveling.  At this time, we have not received word from the Warden to my knowledge, and we still have no confirmation about who may be occupying the penitentiary."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This question is for Enestrie.  What was the riddle you were given, and have you made any headway on it?"

 

Enestrie softly says, "Primeval power long ago forbidden  With simplest words can be unhidden."

 

Enestrie softly says, "This is the riddle on the tome page I received from Nihala."

 

Enestrie softly says, "We have some theories."

 

Enestrie softly says, "But nothing concrete as of yet."

 

Oubar nods understandingly at Enestrie.

 

Enestrie softly says, "Although."

 

Enestrie softly says, "It could lead us to Pinefar, the sarcophagus there, and perhaps a dirty deal."

 

Enestrie softly says, "That is all I can share at this time."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This question is for Dirvy: Should something befall the Mayor, is ICICLE in a position to assume gubernatorial affairs?"

 

Dirvy softly says, "That is a difficult question for me to answer.  At this time, Deputy Mayor Hibbits would be the likely person to assume responsibility, but given that he has fled Icemule, ICICLE could temporarily assume the responsibility, if necessary."

 

The North Gate Guard stumbles in, looking a bit inebriated!

 

Speaking sarcastically to a North Gate guard, Oubar says, "Right on time."

 

Oubar recites:

    "And the last member of our panel, punctual as always, our own North Gate Guard."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This question is for Arny: Has there been any information uncovered about the background or origin of this Far Market organization?"

 

Arnylon says, "As of yet the information we've been given is that Hibbits made a deal with them.  They used to be known as the Fair Market but changed their name."

 

Arnylon says, "Speculation abounds, but not much concrete information is out there.   The only thing based upon the attacks on the town that we do know is this:  They are extremely determined."

 

A North Gate guard laughs and chugs his ale.

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Oubar says, "I'd invite you to help yourself to the cart, but it seems you brought your own."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This question is for Kotin: What is the function of the Bandit Cleavers, and in your experience with bandits, do you believe those who claim to represent the Far Market are typical in their behavior?"

 

You recite:

    "The Bandit Cleavers of Elanthia are here to serve the people by making trade routes safe from robber, cutthroats and bandits.  Those representing the Far Market appear to be more organized than the common bandit along the Trails. "

You recite:

    "Though I feels that some have infiltrated our ranks"

Speaking deeply to you, Olgretien asks, "The ranks of the townsfolk?"

You turn to face Oubar.

Oubar pounds his fist on the podium, and calls for order. (I could not whisper to Oubar to determine whether to answer or not as the rules were to answer only when Oubar posed the question.)

Oubar recites:

    "This question is for Arnylon:  Have you found anything that might link the riddle or the Far Market itself to the results of the recent commune attempt?"

At the mention of the word "commune," a faint, off-white mist drifts into the area, lingering around you and in your clothing.

 

Arnylon says, "I can say several of us travelled to Zul Logoth last evening to seek a key to either the tome or the riddle.  A key of sorts was obtained.  However, it remains to be seen if we either have the correct key or if it will open the tome.  I will not speculate on whether it is related to the Far Market.  Frankly, we do not know."

 

Oubar recites:

    "We have our next couple of questions, so I'll be silencing the room until they're all satisfied, then open it back up"

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Oubar asks, "The next question is for you, Sir.  I don't believe I ever got your name?"

A North Gate guard asks, "Who?"

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Oubar asks, "You.  What is your name?"

 

A North Gate guard leans back in his chair.  *creaak*

 

A North Gate guard says, "Oh!  Hah."

 

A North Gate guard says, "The name's Dex, but the ladies call me Pex."

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Oubar asks, "The question is: Are you being proactive in the town's defense by increasing patrols around town and ensuring the safety of its townspeople?"

 

A North Gate guard says, "I patrol the path from the gate to the tavern.  Not much been happening there, really."

 

Speaking sarcastically to a North Gate guard, Oubar says, "Well, that's a relief, at least."

 

A North Gate guard exclaims, "Can you believe we used to charge people to go through the gate?!"

 

Oubar recites:

    "The next question is for Kilded: Has your affliction prevented you from day to day activities, and do you believe the tome to be an evil thing?"

 

Kilded recites:

    "Nope. Still bashing heads as usual and helping Kotin with the cleaving of bandits. I do believe the tome to be evil, and I believe it has both brought waves of evil monsters and infiltrated the minds of some of the people in town as well."  (second hint of infiltrators)

Oubar recites:

    "The next question is for Dirvy: When the tome has been moved or encased or touched, all kinds of hideous creatures invade the town. At what point do we lock it away with whatever magic is available and stop this destruction?"

Dirvy softly says, "I do not think locking the tome away is the answer.  I am of the opinion that the tome is not necessarily evil.  I think it is a recording of events that may have transpired, and within it is written some very powerful words, that when read, seems to wreak havoc.  I think our course of action should be to try to unravel the clue Enestrie has, figure out why the prisoner is imprisoned, why the Far Market want this tome, and how we can use it to control what is happening here."

 

A North Gate guard has a moment of drunken insight.  "Hibbits!" he shouts.

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Oubar says, "I don't believe he's here..."

 

A North Gate guard asks, "I didn't say he was... or did I?"

 

Oubar recites:

    "The next question is for Arnylon: Considering the determination of the Far Market bandits to obtain the tome, this suggests they know its value.  Is it possible they have a buyer?"

 

Arnylon says, "Their apparent leader flat out stated that the Far Market was commissioned to obtain the tome.  For who or what, we have no idea.  I'm of the opinion if we could discover that information, it would definitely help us in our dealings with the Far Market."

 

A North Gate guard says, "Hibbits..."

 

Oubar recites:

    "The next question is for Enestrie: Word around town is that you went on a bit of a trip recently?  Could you tell us what sent you on that trip, and how it went?"

 

Enestrie softly says, "Patriarch Eruheran, Arnylon, Mylenna and I travelled to the Dragonspine Fane."

 

Enestrie softly says, "And we were able to climb the Ancient Passage, pay tribute to our Patrons, and procur a few symbols."

 

Enestrie softly says, "This was done at the urging of an entity during the communion."

 

Enestrie softly says, "And we were successful in obtaining the symbols, however."

 

Enestrie softly says, "We have not put them to use yet."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This one is for Dirvy: Will there ever be a time when the tome will be read to the townsfolk as a way to promote a community effort to find answers to the troubles plaguing the town?"

 

Some people in the crowd yell "BOOOOOOO" at the question, but the noise is hastily shushed!

 

Dirvy softly says, "I think reading from the tome is quite dangerous, as has been observed when the Mayor read from it one night, near the arch in Town Center.  The Mayor has admitted to being compelled to read from the tome, and it has been theorized that this may be a cause for the creatures invading Icemule.  I think others who are not skilled in reading magickal records should not have free access to the tome, for their safety and the safety of the town."

 

Speaking softly to a North Gate guard, Dirvy scolds, "Try to remember that you are a representative of Icemule and act accordingly."

 

A North Gate guard mumbles something about off duty.

 

Speaking softly to a North Gate guard, Dirvy whispers aloud, "One is never off-duty, when one serves the town."

 

Oubar recites:

    "The first question is for Arnylon: When the tome was encased in black marble, was this done with Ronan in mind to entrap the books influence?"

 

Arnylon says, "I don't know whether Ronan was the main focus there.  We are attempting to deal with a magical item we know little about.  I feel that it is necessary to try many things if at all possible in the hopes of protecting the town and avoiding its destruction."

 

Oubar recites:

    "The next question is for Enestrie: Could this tome be a part of a whole book which was used upon the days of the Undead War?"

 

Enestrie softly says, "I simply do not know.  It is possible, but without knowing the entire contents of the book, I will not speculate."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This question is for Dirvy: Who's taking care of Hibbits?"

 

Dirvy softly says, "I cannot say too much about the Deputy Mayor's whereabouts, only that he is safe for now, and ICICLE is prepared to defend him.  He is being hunted by the Far Market, because of a blood oath he made to them, to turn over the tome, and failing that, he is now a marked man."

 

A North Gate guard mumbles, "Hibbits..."  Then he shouts, "Hibbits!  He's here, in town!  Been hiding.  Bad deal, that Hibbits.  Made a bad deal.  Or good deal?  Hmmm, pex."  The guard stares at himself narcissistically.

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Oubar asks, "Did you say he's in town?"

 

A North Gate guard sits up straight and looks around the room.  "There!"  He points at a cloaked figure near the exit.  The figure exits abruptly!

 

A North Gate guard says, "Far Market, deal, Hibbits, ya know the gossip in the tavern."

 

Speaking to a North Gate guard, Arnylon says, "That likely was someone's cloaked demon.  We've enough rumors in town without your help."

Speaking softly to a North Gate guard, Enestrie says, "That will be quite enough out of you."

 

Sothog says, "Or a Far Market spy, perhaps."

 

Oubar recites:

    "This final question is for Dirvy:  What comes next?  What is the best choice for the townsfolk who wish to help in some way?  What's our best guess as to what's coming next?"

 

Dirvy softly says, "ICICLE welcomes anyone who wants to help us and the townspeople figure out the mysteries that plague us, or who may have information on any of the things discussed tonight.  If I had to guess, I would say we have not seen the last of Far Market.  If there is indeed a buyer for the tome, they will not give up so easily.  And their leader was killed for it, so they will likely return for their revenge.  And while Hibbits may have made a bad deal with these people, we do not know all the circumstances under which it was made, and I would ask that you restrain yourselves from passing judgmnet on him too quickly."

 

Dirvy softly says, "I also ask that you be patient, while those of us who are working on figuring out what all of this means, continue to seek answers and not hinder us in any way."

 

Oubar recites:

    "With that, folks, we've come to the end of our time here.  I want to thank the panelists for their time and insight, you all for your questions and patience, and White Haven for hosting us!"
 

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