As long as we tell everything we have learned without the help from outside (Vestiges and Arnold), I think we are in the clear.
We had spent a lot of time researching through mundane means, even if we didn't find anything important, we crossed out many other possibilities.
Talk about how you tried to find out what kind of language it is, that it has similarities with many other languages but nothing concrete.

>>14923897

Rollan games

rolled 2 = 2

*sigh*

rolled 61 = 61

Also add that you are making progress but you need more time and research material

rolled 70 = 70

Ask him where iquisitor is staying.

If chaplain asks, tell him that you are still using the tower for research. (in case he tell that to inquisitor who will go search that place .... on the other hand, the inquisitor is likely to search our room too)

rolled 82 = 82

>>14923897
One caveat: If we reveal what we've translated so far, we should 'mistranslate' that little poem/riddle we found. Just mangle the words a little.

You step inside and close the door behind you. "Sadly, there's still not much I can say. And I'm sorry I've been so scarce but I've been a bit preoccupied."
Taking note of the bandages the chaplain becomes startled. "Oh my, tell me you haven't been getting yourself into trouble, my son."
"No father, nothing of the sort..." and you tell him, the same story of the drunk with the bottle. He seems concerned but drops the subject.
"But I must know how your research is progressing," he says, returning to his original inquiry.
"As I said I have very little to report. I have a few leads but nothing concrete." You go on about the mysterious roots of the language and how you cannot seem to trace it's origin. You leave out the riddle that you did manage to translate, for you wouldn't even be able to tell him how you came to understand it. Though in reflection you realize it was likely not through natural means. The chaplain sits intently behind the desk with his gaze fixed upon you. When you have finished, you add in, "and what I really need is more time and possibly new research material. Or maybe I need to pursue a new course and seek out a jeweler or smith to identify the quality and character of the metal as I know little of metallurgy myself."
The chaplain sits in consideration for a good while, his hands crossed in front of his face. He seems to be displeased about something. "It is truly a pity that you have been able to discover so little, but as you said it has been such a short time. On a positive note, I may be able to provide you with access to what you require. Would you accompany me to meet with the inquisitor?"

rolled 33 = 33

Well, we can't refuse him, can we?

rolled 17 = 17

>>14924090
We could have add that the writing might have to do something with numbers, but we don't know exactly what.

"Of course father," you say, in no position to refuse. He gets up and walks before you to the door.
You walk in silence through the halls, following just behind the chaplain. He leads you towards the inquisitor's tower. "Oh look," says the chaplain. "Here he comes now."
Sure enough, walking from the watch guard's quarters the tall, imposing figure of the Inquisitor strides towards you.
"Hello again Almont, is this the boy you've been so anxious to introduce me to?"
"Indeed it is, Deitre. He's the one the King spoke of in his writings."
Turning his critical gaze down towards you he looks you over. "We have much to discuss. Let us make ourselves comfortable. Will you join me?" He beckons to the tower and you lead the procession up the stairs.

[More in next post.]

You step through the doorway halfway to the top and enter a cold and empty room with no windows. In the center there is a table with two chairs opposite each other and a lamp already lit sitting upon it. There are covers over structures of concerning shapes lining the walls all the way around. Striding past you into the room the inquisitor turns and stands next to the table. "As you are no doubt aware, I've been ordered to collect a report from you on the object you've been entrusted with. I will deliver it by carrier bird to His Majesty. If you feel you have completed the task set before you in its entirety, or, if you feel you are not up to the task I shall take the artifact with me when I depart and return it to the King."
"Tell him the rest," says the chaplain. You turn to see his eyes fixed intently upon you
"Or..." continues the inquisitor after darting a glare towards the chaplain. "If you feel that you do not have access to the necessary resources here, then when I leave this place you shall accompany me. And I shall escort you to the capital city of Solaria to meet with a representative of the throne."
The inquisitor does not seem pleased by this suggestion. The chaplain however is smiling widely. "Well, what do you think?" he says.

rolled 23 = 23

Aw man, this is a serious decision time, innit?

If we go to the capital we will have less freedom as that place will be filled with governmental spies, inquisition, agents, etc... On the other hand we will get access to information which we can't get from this place (barring the Vestiges). Speaking of vestiges, maybe we will find more rituals to summon them (though I am sure we could do the same from the Order).


I wish the best information about the artifact didn't came from supernatural means but from our own research.

For now, I am more inclined staying here and researching it here. Maybe we should ask to give us free time for it? All that prancing about and doing daily duties is getting in the way, certainly.


Also ask why the King chose you. There doesn't seem to be anything special about you or whats so ever.

>There are covers over structures of concerning shapes lining the walls all the way around.
Try to memorize these shapes.

Do you get the feeling of extraordinary here?

rolled 71 = 71

>>14924308
"I do believe I am up to the task. I simply need more time. I do not yet know if I have the requisite research materials here yet, as I have not finished compiling a list of what might or might not be pertinent. Please give me another two days to assemble a list of subjects I will need reference materials for. At that time, I should be able to tell whether I must accompany you or remain here. Or I could finish compiling what I need tomorrow, if Arnold helps me."

"Wow, I mean... That's quite a decision..." you say. This could be a huge opportunity, but it could also mean discovery of your secret and a loss of your comparative freedom here at the monastery. You've never even left the town before, having lived here your whole life. "I'll need some time to compile my report still. But I certainly feel I am up to the task. I haven't yet exhausted all of my resources here and I'd like to be thorough before I..."
"No need to rush into a decision now," interrupts the inquisitor. "I'll be staying here for a while yet. And I haven't decided yet whether to depart before or after the cold month. If the situation becomes more clear in the next few weeks you can tell me your verdict then." He takes a seat at the table. "It seems the inquisitorial services have been slacking in their duties in my long absence. I'll need to be sure to set things back in order around here before anything else. If you have need of me I'll likely be in the barracks or the southern military encampment just outside of town. I'll be making a temporary residence with the guardsmen." He stands again. "That is all we have to discuss."

[More coming.]

You turn to leave but something is nagging at the back of your mind and you look back to the inquisitor. "You said the King mentioned me personally. Why did he choose me for this task?"
"He didn't," responds the chaplain quickly before the inquisitor can speak. "I did. I sent him a message back with the very courier who delivered the package to me. I told him in it that I had selected you for this task, as I felt you were the most capable. No doubt he relayed this information to the inquisitor in his next letter."
The chaplain walks towards the door and beckons you to follow. "Good day Deitre."
You walk down the stairwell behind the chaplain, a little confused. Remembering something else that you had been meaning to ask you say, "Ah yes, father, about my usual tasks in the alterations..."
"Of course, how could I forget. They've been reassigned to another young pupil of mine. Your only task from now on is the one I have set before you. At least for a time. Now I must go, I have much to do. I hear we are having issues with food stock shortage for the coming months." And he turn and walks quickly off towards the kitchens. You are left alone with thoughts bouncing around in your head, a whole day ahead of you, and now complete freedom to do as you please.

rolled 50 = 50

>>14924552
Go talk to Arnold. Immediately. If we have to transplant to the Capitol, we're going to need him nearby to run interference for us, and help us connect with the rest of the Order. Also, we need to get a warning to Rosemary. I don't like the way the inquisitor said that the local inquisition was 'slacking', she needs to know to keep her head down.

rolled 64 = 64

>>14924552
We should ask chaplain to get full access to books and any other materials that monastery can provide us without being stopped or questioned by anyone else.

Also, talk with Ahnold

>>14924647
[[As a scribe you have access to all the research materials available within the libraries. No one would ever question you for taking a few books, since that's what most of the monks do every day. If anyone wants to start questioning you the chaplain isn't going to be able to do much about it.]]

rolled 71 = 71

>>14924672
Ah, alright.

Still we need to come up with something to give to the Inquisitor.

You need to talk to Arnold. Now. If you do decide to supplant yourself within the capital city you're going to need an in with the Order for sure. And for now you're nothing more to them than an informant for one of their minor agents in a backwater monastery in the middle of nowhere. You ponder where he might be at this hour. If he's out with all the other monks today, as he might be if he wants to keep up appearances, he'll probably be collecting alms from the townsfolk. Of course, Arnold is not ordinary, so this could be a useless search and a waste of your time.
You also need to prepare a summary for the inquisitor, though you still have at least a week to do so and many leads to pursue in your research.
The inquisitors words about stepping up the investigations still ring in your ears. What does this mean for Rosemary? Should you warn her? Where would you even find here and how could you help her even if you did? Not to mention you might have to tell her how you learned about this in the first place and that might only endanger her further.
You know what you need to do, but where should you go to find who you seek?

rolled 41 = 41

>ot to mention you might have to tell her how you learned about this in the first place and that might only endanger her further.

Oh, that's easy. You just have to say to her that there's a n inquisitor in town and be careful. And that's all, she'll do whatever she thinks needs to be done.


Paranoia Time! Where do we keep our incriminating shit?
I don't want to leave the book in our room where anyone just can walk in, but inquisitor probably knows that we have access to the tower and could investigate there if he thinks he should.

>>14924727
Arnold might be our best bet since the order has tasked him with laying low and investigating.

rolled 60 = 60

>>14924832
rollan fail

>>14924839
>>14924832
[[Yes, but where do you wish to seek him?]]

>>14924847
[[If you need options, you could try his room, the library, the kitchen, or search about town. Or anything else you can come up with.]]

rolled 11 = 11

>>14924866
Kitchen, library and then the town.

Alternatevly, we continue researching and just wait till the evening when we are more likely to find him.


Oh, what are we going to do about the man who knew our father?

rolled 59 = 59

>>14924727

Ignore Rosemary, while beautiful she is of no concern to us unless she chooses to reveal our little secret. If yes then we have to silence her.

Hurry back to our tower and bind the last vestige we haven't tried. After that all of our cards will be known.

You make for the kitchen, cutting across the courtyard to avoid running back into the chaplain, and scan about to see if Arnold is there. But there are only a few workers and scullery maids collecting the last of the dishes from the morning meal.
Turning about you head down the hall past Arnold's room to the library to see if he might still be here. But there are only a few people in quite reading sitting about or searching the vast shelves. Passing Arnold's door again you give it a knock, but no reply comes from within. You decide you'll have to seek him in the town. This is too important to wait for night fall.
You make for the entrance hall and stride quickly down the pathway and into the town below past the gardens, the wind blowing the cold and moist air across your face. The town is vast and there are many people about at this hour. You pass a roving band of children who recognize you ask you if you want to play and how come you got a bandage but you tell them you have no time to spare and you'll have to play another day. You search the now empty market stalls and the rows upon rows of residences, passing monk after monk in the streets but no sign of Arnold is anywhere to be found. Pausing on the wide avenue of Belrime street you lean against a wall to catch your breath.
"You look like you've lost something." says a familiar rough voice in a low tone. "What a shame for you, but lucky for me, I found something." You turn to see a familiar man resting his hands upon his cane. "Would you like to see it?"

>>14924789
>>14924832
I've said it before: We really need to take some rubbings or make duplicates of the seals in the book. We may have to hand over the Book to Arnold and the Order for safe keeping, but not before we get everything we need from it.

rolled 81 = 81

>>14925013

Excuse me Sir? I think you have mistaken me for someone else. Now, I am really sorry but I have to go...

rolled 29 = 29

>>14925039
But the book has special property to it that it can immediately store the summoning procedure of any Vestige we come across. It is too important to just give away, no?

>>14925048
I think this is the guy who talked to us about our father.

"I was looking for a friend... but, what do you want me to look at?"
Lets see what he has to show, I am curious.

You figure it would be best to play ignorant. "I'm sorry sir but you must have me mistaken for someone else. Now I'm really sorry but I have to be going..."
"Don't play games with me boy," he says reaching into his pocket. "Take a look at this."
From his pocket he pulls a tiny folded cloth and unwraps it reveal it's contents. With is a circular crest engraved with runes. It looks very similar to one you've seen before, but coated in a black substance like charcoal or ash. The old man wraps it up and slides it back into his pocket. "You know what it is boy. I know you do. And if you want it, you can have it."

rolled 74 = 74

>>14925087

I know who he is, but he is obviously bad news and dangerous for us. He knew our heretical father and possibly knows about our brother. Associating with him is not good. And probably he is not from this secret order too... We have to ask Arnold.

>>14925100

Whats exactly is this? If it is something like the artifact we already have then we dont need it - we cant use it yet. What are we going to do with all this junk.

>>14925004
she doesn't know. We know HER secret, and she needs to be warned, but she has nothing on us.

>>14924893
I say we ignore him. He doesn't want to deal fairly and respectfully, then we hang him out to dry. He'll get nothing from us. If the Inquisitor starts getting close to Rosemary, redirect his attention to Leonard.

rolled 81 = 81

>>14925155

Oh, good thinking, I support this plan.

>>14925100
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I have any use for that."
Did we sense any unnaturalness from it?

You recognized the object as another talisman, different from any you had seen in the Veritalignicon, but doubt it would be of any use to you. You can definitely feel a faint aura emanating from it but you can't determine if it's more similar to the book or the disk in character. "I'll have no part in your dealings you old fool." And you turn and leave the man standing alone at the corner. You can feel his eyes on your back as you continue down the street. You turn of into another alleyway and make a course towards other streets at the other end of town. The noon sun hangs high over head and Arnold is still nowhere to be found. Should you continue to search for him about the town or perhaps seek him elsewhere?

rolled 50 = 50

>>14925232

We dont need to search for Arnold *by ourselves*. We have abilities we can use, like Goumanders one with birds. We should try binding Gourmander and see how expensive his abilities are really in terms of food.

Or try the last binding, perhaps its a seeker one or something.

rolled 49 = 49

>>14925232
welp, I guess we should go Tenebrotep on his arse

But still, I would have liked to know what he wanted from us.

>>14925262
Nononono

We shouldn't be in such a hurry in the first place. Lets just hang around leisurely in town for 20-30 minutes and go back.

>>14925286
>>14925262
[[Since both of you rolled pretty close I'll wait to see if you can come to an agreement.

If you do still want to try calling a vestige however you should probably choose somewhere besides the busy streets of the town to do such.]]

rolled 72 = 72

>>14925286

Ok, lets hang out a bit, BUT when we go back to the tower lets try summoning something that could follow/spy on Leonard. And look for Arnold.

Just wondering, why didn't we take the talisman? Also, did the aura from it feel different from Arnold's?

You decide to give up on your frantic search and just hang about in the town for a while, keeping an eye out. You run into the children again and sit down with them, showing them how to write words for different things with a stick in the muddy earth while they laugh in delight and draw more pictures for you to name.
"I see you're hard at work there, aren't you Greg?"
You look up and sure enough there stands Arnold, with a large nearly empty basket of cheese under one arm. After all that trouble it seems like your like has finally turned. "Was just on my way back up when I saw you playing in the mud like a swine. How'd your chat with the chaplain go?"

rolled 76 = 76

>>14925387
Dunno actually. Don't trust him? Paranoid.

But we can all upon Tenebrotep during the night, erase that mans memory and steal the talisman thingy.

>>14925387
[[I believe the consensus is that the old man is bad news and has ulterior motives that you don't understand and don't want to get involved with.]]

rolled 65 = 65

>>14925395
"Oh, Arnold.. I was looking for you, then got tired of that and decided to just muck about." say goodbye to the children. "Lets go"

During the walk back talk about what had happened.

>>14925405
Of course he has ulterior motives, that much was apparent from our first encounter with him. From what we know he used our father as some kind of binder guinea pig. Doesn't mean we can pass up the chance to learn what we can from him.

>>14925419
This, but before we blurt out everything make sure no one is trailing us.

"Oh, Arnold. I was looking for you," you say as you stand and brush the dirt from your robes. "I just couldn't find you so I decided to give the children a lesson or two." You turn and say goodbye to the children who all give a big goodbye in return. "Lets go then."
As you walk the path back up to the Monastery you check to make sure there is no one about. Once you are confident you are very much alone you tell Arnold quietly about everything you spoke of with the chaplain and the inquisitor. "So you see how this puts me in a little bit of a bind."
"Well," says Arnold scratching the back of his head, "you did well all things considered. Gave 'em something to chew over and keep their bloody questions away for a little while. But what about the city? You know they'll keep you locked up in some tiny corner of the palace right? Are you really considering it?"

rolled 41 = 41

>>14925470

Well, serving Humanity and the ruling house in their conquest of the world has not been ruled out of the question yet so moving to capital makes sense. Power and knowledge should be there too.

But dont say that to Arnold, instead go with something like: "Here we are in the middle of nowhere, if I really want to figure out this artifact I may need more resources. Also I could serve Order better there."

rolled 61 = 61

>>14925470
I'm not sure.. It would be much harder to get anything done with so many prying eyes around. What do you think?

rolled 34 = 34

>>14925470
>You know they'll keep you locked up in some tiny corner of the palace right?

Are you sure about that?
Well, I was considering this ... but now I don't know.

I'll have to find an excuse to stay here, I guess.

You think of the many opportunities that await you in the city. Of what you could learn and what you could accomplish.
You tell Arnold, still conflicted, "I'm not sure.. It would be much harder to get anything done with so many prying eyes about. But there would also be so many resources there before me. And it may even give me the chance to better serve the order. What do you think?"
"I don't really know. I've been to the city and let me tell you it is nothing like the quiet life we have here. The people aren't so kind and everything is politics politics politics... That's why I had to get away in the first place. Left the army and joined up with the monastery. That's how I got involved with the Order and how I got Gourmander here." He pats his belly as he says this and you wonder if he's bound to his vestige even now.
"Maybe I'll send a message to the Lorekeeper. See what he thinks of all this and I'll let you know."
You think of what you should do now that you've found Arnold. You could go on your way and do a little investigation in private. Or you could tell Arnold about the old man in town before you depart. And of course, there's Rosemary...

>>14925470
"Then we need to convince them that we have everything we need right here. And that you're indispensable to the process. First I need to know, is there anyone named 'leonard' that your 'group of friends' has in this area? Because he just tried to offer me something that closely resembled the metal artifact the Chaplain gave me. I'm not sure if he's one of the traitors that the Chaplain warned might have an interest in the relic, a secret member of your friends fishing for what i know, a renegade who may know about our 'friends', or something else. I'm not comfortable with him snooping around."

>>14925524
Except that we'd be pegged as an unprotected minor ally of the king. Anyone who opposes him would earmark us for assassination. I think it's best if we stay out here. Anonymity is the best defense.

rolled 85 = 85

>>14925616
Mention the old man and rosemary but don't give her name or anything too specific, just ask what he thinks a possible elf in the area should do to avoid the inquisitor.

>>14925683

Somehow I dont see us as the Kings posterboy. More likely a well hidden secret that no one knows about. Because its about magic and that stuff is dangerous here.

You decide to see what Arnold knows about the strange old man in town. "Do you know if there's a man related to your Order by the name of Leonard around here?"
"Not that I know of, but we usually keep to ourselves... And Gourmander says there's no other vestige's anywhere nearby. Wait a minute, did you say Leonard? As in the Baron of House Dross that lives in town, Leonard?"
"Maybe, but whoever he is he tried to offer me something that looked very similar to the artifact."
"You mean like seal? He has a seal of a vestige? This is bad. This is real bad." Arnold has a look of intense concern on his face. "How would an outcast of a Baron have a seal? He's been here for a long time and I was specifically told that there were no other agents here by the lorekeeper when I arrived here. And if we had a Baron as an insurgent I'm sure I would know about it."

rolled 85 = 85

>>14925795

Oh shit, Arnold is a powerful dude.

We should start considering him as our main adversary. Obviously dangerous, suspects us, knows a lot. We need a plan

rolled 43 = 43

>>14925795
He said he knew my father and seeing how the government dealt with him.... I don't know who that Leonard guy is. He could be independent from all.

rolled 29 = 29

>>14925873

Meant Leonard.

rolled 49 = 49

>>14925873
I think you meant Leonard.... right?

>>14925795
[Addendum.]
"Wait a minute," Arnold says perplexed. "Why would he show something like that to you? How do you know him?"

"He said he knew my father. I told him I wanted nothing to do with him and he showed me that to try to convince me otherwise."
"You didn't tell him anything about the artifact?"
"No, nothing."
"That's bloody suspicious as hell if you ask me."
Arnold looks around. "I need to get in touch with some people now. I'm going to make a bird and send a message with it to the loremaster. You just stay low and stay away from the Baron until I get word back, okay? You got enough troubles to worry about with the inquisitor around."
Reaching the entrance hall Arnold hurries off to his task. You're left alone and again without any idea what to do next.

rolled 1 = 1

>>14925900

"I dont know him, he knows ME. And I am not comfortable with that. Tell me all you know about this guy."

[[Sorry for sending Arnold off without getting all of your questions in. I'm trying to get some development in quickly because I'll have to end the thread soon. Got to leave.]]

rolled 82 = 82

>>14926075

Ah, alright.

It's no big deal.

rolled 49 = 49

>>14925955

Well....
actually, I don't know what to do.

Lets try to research more, I guess...

What else can we do?
Collect some books to give to Xeloc just in case.

rolled 35 = 35

>>14926075

Lets finish this off with the last summoning then, I am curious about the last vestige.

>>14926185
Agreed

You look around at the sun as it sinks lower in the sky beyond the town. Dinner won't be long off now and soon after that it will be dark. You have plenty to research and a report to compile for the inquisitor and all of your usual tasks have been taken from you by the Chaplain. Of course, you also have the Veritalignicon laying beneath the floorboards of your bed waiting for your next calling.
You walk to your room to check your hideaway. You stop into the library and grab a few of your favorite books to offer to Xepoc the next time you call upon him. You find your room secure and grab the Veritalignicon from beneath the boards before reseting your dust indicator. Then you turn and make quickly for the tower. You close and lock the door behind you and place the tome upon the table next to all the other books you left there earlier. You decide it is time to call upon the last remaining mystery within the pages of the book of true binds and flip to the entry for Asam'Ano Mora.

[[More coming]]

You look upon the chant and begin to speak it, excitement coursing through your veins.
"Great and ancient Asam'Ano Mora, the Architect of Misery. Raise your again your crafted works, engraved and carved for all to see. Come hither and stand before me!"
You speak the words and look about but nothing seems to have happened. Then you hear a sound from a corner of the room and focus you eyes. A short stony figure stands there facing away from you, wings spread wide upon his back. He turns around and steps forward, a shovel in his hand. The man is short but incredibly muscled, almost comically so. He has a thick and dark beard and it and all of his skin seem to be composed of some sort of granite. Recognizing the image from from descriptions you've read of the ancient people, you realize that this must be a dwarf. He folds his wings of rock behind him and the cloth that twists about his waist trembles slightly.
"Aye, and who be it that be askin' of me?"

[[To be continued tomorrow.]]

rolled 83 = 83

>>14926185

Oh
AN EXPERIMENT!

Look and the summoning chant, memorize it. Then put the book away into the closet (I assume we are doing this in the tower) and then try to summon without the book using only the chant.

rolled 43 = 43

>>14926320
Aw well,

See you next time, OP
as always, it was a pleasure.

>>14926162
Looks like it's getting good. Can't wait for the next installment, OP. Thanks, as always, for the great quest.