>>5865859
Abruptly, a tear in the fabric of reality manifests nearby, which shapes itself into the increasingly familiar portal that leads to Everlund. The High Sorcerer's apprentice stumbles through, wearing an uncharacteristically severe expression. "Quickly, we-" starts the boy, pausing as he takes notice of you. Acting quickly, you throw your cloak over yourself and glare menacingly at him, prepared to give him the tongue lashing of a lifetime should he act a fool.

Yet Lael is wholly disinterested in you. Whatever his concern, it is great enough that he cannot even spare a quip at your expense. "Our presence is required elsewhere," he states dryly, deliberately withholding further details as to avoid sharing them with you. "Immediately." Fixing his robe, Amaranth looks to his apprentice, then to you. "Of course, I understand," he affirms.

"You are welcome to remain here Sindiira, though take care not to disturb the lab-" Lael snaps his fingers. "Hurry up! We don't have time for this!" He exclaims. Nodding toward you, Amaranth joins his apprentice and departs, leaving you by your lonesome in the wizard's tower.

What to do...
>I am going to... lay down. Here. And make up for all of the sleep I have lost...
>I have Amaranth's permission to have a look around. With any luck, he has some sort of bath which I can use.
>The Dreaming Dragon is does open at this hour, but Ilanis should let me in regardless.
>The Eilistraeans should still be on their way to the Silverwood. If I leave now, I will only be a day behind them.

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>>5865860
Previous Adventures:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures

The Rules™:
https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr

Jezyrene's Abilities:
https://pastebin.com/CbbK1ygQ

>>5865860
>>I have Amaranth's permission to have a look around. With any luck, he has some sort of bath which I can use.
Welcome back

>>5865860
>The Dreaming Dragon is does open at this hour, but Ilanis should let me in regardless.
Either Lael is just taking Amaranth out to ask him how it was, or our sisters are arriving soon… Regardless, we should check to see what’s happening outside, from someone who is an ally to us, either the Halfling or Illanis.

>>5865860
>I have Amaranth's permission to have a look around. With any luck, he has some sort of bath which I can use.
Welcome back, QM!

>>5865860
Man, I've been super busy lately and missed the end of the last thread. Talk about missing the climax of that plot, huh.
Good for Jez, I guess! And I guess, well done anons

>I am going to... lay down. Here. And make up for all of the sleep I have lost...
We just cleared out a major "dungeon" aka halfling crime lair and had wild sex for a full night.

We should visit Ilanis afterwards though. Gossip with Ilanis and Willow.

>>5865860
>I am going to... lay down. Here. And make up for all of the sleep I have lost...

Hmm, vote closed.

>>5865887
>>5866075
>>5866149
>>5866246
>>5866380
Ideally, you should find a piece of furniture, or a comfortable surface on which to sleep, rather than allowing yourself to slip into unconsciousness on the chiseled floor. You have that much dignity, you reckon. Banishing the wicked odor which has taken to haunting your person would also be preferable, though fatigued as you are, is not an absolute necessity. And, admittedly, you are curious as to what the High Sorcerer keeps in his abode. Ascending the spiral staircase, you elect to explore the wizard's tower for the first time of your numerous visits.

Previously, the floor above was fully occupied by masses of books stacked haphazardly, forming a sort of maze navigable only by one familiar with its layout. This has since been reduced to a single pile of worn covers and torn pages that is roughly the size of an ogre. As for the bulk of the material, you observe that it has all been neatly stored away in an unfathomably large shelf that occupies the entirety of a colossal wall opposite you. If you were to hazard a guess, you believe that Amaranth was in the midst of pruning his collection during your prior visit.

Visually, what astounds you is the scale of this tower. The chamber that you are in is a spacious pentagonal room made more enormous by the four gargantuan windows which offer a view of the open sky in all directions. Below each is a pair of oaken doors more suitable for a being five or six magnitudes taller than you, and far above is a ceiling so distant that you could never hope to touch it unassisted. This structure is made up entirely of one single continuous mass of stone, as if the architect merely cleaved a mountain in twain and carved out the interior, a testament to their power and ingenuity.

It seems that there are five directions which you could go. Taking a leisurely stroll around, you assess your choices.
>It has been some time since I have read a book. I wonder what literature Amaranth has stored in this titanic bookshelves.
>There is a terrace garden right outside that door, filled with mighty statues. Mayhaps I might enjoy a morning walk before I sleep?
>Behind these doors is a studio, filled with vibrant paintings and the supplies to create them. It would seem that the High Sorcerer possesses an artistic side.
>I can see a suite of well-furnished rooms over there. Those must be the living quarters, where I might find a bed, and perhaps a nice bath.
>In there, there is a room filled with odd gadgets and exotic relics. A mage's lab... surely a brief look could not hurt?

>>5868530
>In there, there is a room filled with odd gadgets and exotic relics. A mage's lab... surely a brief look could not hurt?

>>5868530
>>I can see a suite of well-furnished rooms over there. Those must be the living quarters, where I might find a bed, and perhaps a nice bath.

>>5868530
>I can see a suite of well-furnished rooms over there. Those must be the living quarters, where I might find a bed, and perhaps a nice bath.

>>5868530
>I can see a suite of well-furnished rooms over there. Those must be the living quarters, where I might find a bed, and perhaps a nice bath. Though I confess I'm tempted to immediately disregard his instructions and mess about with his lab.

Vote closed.

>>5868530
>It has been some time since I have read a book. I wonder what literature Amaranth has stored in this titanic bookshelves.

>>5868682
>>5868804
>>5868866
>>5868957
>>5869228
You enter an antechamber which branches off into three separate rooms furnished with crafts made in the traitor style. Like dwarven art, there is a vague non-humanness to it which distinguishes it as very darthiir-like. Typically, the darthiir employ organic shapes in their work, and make liberal use of carved wood, in some vain attempt at emulating 'natural' beauty, whatever that is meant to be. Granted, your people have an awful habit of attaching spikes to every surface, so it is not as though the Ilythiiri are without their idiosyncrasies.

The first of the options available to you is what you deduce to be an office or a small study. More private than the chamber behind you, this claustrophobic room has space enough for a desk on which rests a heap of letters, a cabinet filled with writing supplies, and a shelf packed with academic-seeming books. Nothing in particular draws your attention, though if there is anything that you have learned in your years, it is how the seeming mundanity of a great many things belies their true nature.

Across from it is a dark room from which wafts the scent of liquor and wine. Inside, you identify its source; atop a desk are a dozen bottles of alcohol in various states of consumption, from near full to completely drained. The floor is covered in a random miscellany of clothing, books, and curios such as a mummified humanoid hand and an iron scepter encrusted with rubies. Given the state of the rest of the tower, it strikes you as unlikely that Amaranth would allow this room to remain in such a state. Rather, you suppose that this is where his petulant apprentice does... whatever it is that half-breed mages do.

Compared against the other sections of this place, the remaining room seems quite modest. Situated by a window that offers a view of what appears to be the open sky is a long chair covered with blue fabric. Joining it is an armoire cut from dark wood against the wall nearby. It is here that the High Sorcerer rests his head, you presume. Otherwise barren, it would seem that there is no bath here for you. Given Amaranth's earlier display, you reckon that mages may have no need of such things. Phaere was never one to share the secrets of her profession.

Dropping your belongings by the armoire, you shut the door behind you and lay yourself in the chair, gazing out at the out at the landless expanse as your eyelids grow heavy.
>I am dreaming of Vierna, recalling how much I despise her.
>Ah, the memories of the war from a decade ago are returning to me.
>In my dreams, I remember my training, and how it defines me.
>My curiosity has gotten the better of me. I must see what Amaranth has in his office.
>Hmm, this could be my only chance to search Lael's room for his scandalous secrets...

>>5871928
>My curiosity has gotten the better of me. I must see what Amaranth has in his office.

>>5871928
>I am dreaming of Vierna, recalling how much I despise her.

>>5871928
>Ah, the memories of the war from a decade ago are returning to me.
Am curious what battles Jez fought against

>>5871928
>In my dreams, I remember my training, and how it defines me.

>>5871928
>I am dreaming of Vierna, recalling how much I despise her.

Vote closed.

>>5871980
>>5872034
>>5872081
>>5872173
>>5872213
The duel occupies a prominent place in Ilythiiri society. This is not the byproduct of some misguided sense of 'honor,' assuredly. Rather, it affords one the opportunity to humiliate their opponent in front of an enthusiastic audience. While perfidy in such circumstances is in no way discouraged, besting a foe without resorting to underhanded means is the ultimate display of superiority, sufficient to thoroughly obliterate the reputation of the defeated party. Thus, when your elder sister Vierna boasted that she could defeat you in single combat during your most recent quarrel, you eagerly accepted her challenge.

It has been a full fifteen years since you have abandoned the path of an aspiring priestess and set out to become a warrior. What you lack in innate talent, you will make up for with tenacity, and win the favor of Lolth which should be yours by right. Influence, prestige, respect; all of this and more is within your reach, waiting to be seized through skill at arms. This singular victory is precisely what you require to steal the mercurial gaze of the Queen of Spiders away from your sister to bask in it yourself.

For the moment, you remain in your quarters, preparing your psyche for what is to come. Seated in your long chair, you hold your sword aloft, meditating on your reflection in the blade. Your battle is set to begin within the hour, allowing you time enough to relax beforehand. A knock at your door pulls you back into reality. Angling your weapon toward the door as a precaution, you remain silent, half-expecting the unknown intruder to lose their patience and leave.

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>>5872662
"Brother," you hum, as Tatherin enters uninvited with the suave gait that defines him. Shutting the door behind himself, he leans against the wall opposite to you and grins. "Don't mind me. I just thought I should pay you a visit before you lose," he jeers with his silken inflection. "Also, you're going to need someone to carry you back here after sister beats you senseless."

"I will win," you state confidently, a claim which your brother answers with an exuberant belly laugh. Furrowing your brow, you attempt to arrange your facial features into the most severe expression in all the Underdark, an action which merely elicits further laughter from the male. "Do you truly believe that between us, she is stronger than I?" You ask.

"Yes," he answers, folding his arms. "You shouldn't have let her goad you into this. She is the better fighter, truly. Unless there's some other reason why you're feeling so confident?"
>Was! She WAS the better fighter! I have trained for over a decade, and my efforts have yielded results!
>She may possess more experience, but I am definitely more clever and adaptable. That is what distinguishes me from her.
>There is something... special about today. I can feel it in my bones. It is that simple.
>[Write-in.]

>>5872666
>Was! She WAS the better fighter! I have trained for over a decade, and my efforts have yielded results!

>>5872666
>She may possess more experience, but I am definitely more clever and adaptable. That is what distinguishes me from her.

>>5872666
>Was! She WAS the better fighter! I have trained for over a decade, and my efforts have yielded results!
The accumulation of fat on her rear alone tells me she has been neglecting her sword practice.

>>5872762
Don't mention that to Tatherin! He'll plap her instead of us!

>>5872666
>>Was! She WAS the better fighter! I have trained for over a decade, and my efforts have yielded results!

>>5872837
Fatter does not mean firmer, nor does it mean it isn’t riddled with cellulite.

Vote closed.

Happy Christmas all

>>5872669
>>5872756
>>5872762
>>5872994
"She is not better," you affirm. "Not anymore. I have spent more than ten years learning the ways of war and killing. As for her?" You growl. "Anyone can see how fat her backside has become. Idleness will be her undoing." Tightening you grasp over the hilt of your sword, you grit your teeth and nod in agreement with your conclusion. Your victory today is a sure thing because of the blood and sweat that you have expended in honing your skills.

"Maybe you're right, but I've been enjoying the extra cushion back there," argues Tatherin. "Sorry, Jez, but your scrawny behind just can't compete." Half-jokingly you thrust the tip of your blade in his direction, a feeble attack which your nimble brother dodges effortlessly, cackling like a madman all the while. "Be silent," you say, pouting as you draw the weapon closer to yourself. The tastes of males are truly inscrutable, and your twin is no exception to this axiom. Why would any sighted individual prefer a flabby posterior to a firm one?

"Listen, Jez. Sometimes, hard work just isn't good enough. Actually, down here where we live, hard work is never enough," he remarks bitterly. "Sooner or later, you're going to have to settle for what you have. Make the most of what you're given. There are some things that you just can't take by force." You cast a sidelong glance in his direction, making an attempt at discerning the meaning behind his words. Ultimately, you come up with nothing.

Tatherin shrugs. "You'll understand someday."

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>>5877167
The common area of the family estate is particularly congested on this day. By the look of it, every individual from the house weaponmaster to the lowliest kitchen slave is here speaking amongst themselves, falling silent once you are within view. The only absentee of note is mother, though perhaps this is for the better. Even Phaere, who seems to prefer the company of her mage books these days, has decided to witness the culmination of the rivalry between her siblings, greeting you with a coquettish smile and cheery wave from the forefront of the assembled audience.

The crowd parts, offering you a clear view of Vierna Delyl, eldest of your sisters, as she approaches. Standing a full head taller than you, she carries herself with the poise of an experienced priestess. Muscled in all of the locations that a female must be, yet blessed with proportions generous enough to inspire envy in those who behold them, Vierna's comeliness is exceptional even by the exacting Ilythiiri standard. By compare, it could be said that you are rather modest, though the acid roiling beneath her exterior spoils whatever advantage she holds over you in this regard.

Choosing to eschew armor in favor of her priestess garbs, in her left hand she carries with her an unadorned steel staff - a weapon that she has favored since childhood. Your sister looks down upon you with palpable disdain, great enough to be felt running across your skin. Clicking her tongue, her features relax until they have adopted the facsimile of a casual smirk.

>>5877168
"Jezyrene," she says, her voice at once authoritative and soothing, sufficient to impel lesser creatures to obey. "The other priestesses and I decided to place bets on whether or not you would be foolish enough to face me. Your stubbornness has won me a small fortune." That the priestesses did not anticipate that you would make good on Vierna's challenge at all comes as no surprise, yet is nonetheless an aspersion that will be made right today.

Drawing your sword from its scabbard, you stare down your opponent. "No armor?" You inquire, aware that her decision to forgo even minimal protection for her vital organs is meant to be expressive. Vierna grunts in affirmation. "Unlike you, the goddess affords me all of the protection that I could ever need," she says with unshakeable conviction. "However much you try, you will not inflict a single injury upon me. Were you wise as a priestess should be, sister, you would surrender now, and spare yourself from a humiliating defeat at my hands."

Her insults will not go unanswered. Undaunted, you step toward her and address her without restraint.
>[Write-in.]

>>5877170
And yet Lolth has not found you worthy enough to stop the dimpling upon your fattened buttocks. We all know her favor has its limitations and requirements. Perhaps she will favor me enough to mar you further as a lesson?

>>5877170
You're fat and ugly

>>5877186
Casting aspersions against Lolth is a dangerous play, especially in the Underdark.

Let's do it. +1

>>5877170

Jez employs the classic insult of calling a woman a fat bitch. Vote closed.

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>>5877654

>>5877654
So, will this be written like a normal fight with rolls and tactics, or is this more a predetermined scripted event? Because I kinda want to see if Vierna‘s innate AC bonus (fat dumptruck ass) could block our sword.

>>5877929
I think it is us who got our ass kicked this time

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>>5878612
>just assuming we missed our own shot to hit the target albeit with a sword rather than a “sword” rather than hoping we get a chance
Disappointing

>>5877186
>>5877247
>>5877546
>>5878612
"Were you wise as a priestess should be, sister, you would know that your sagging buttocks is a sure sign that you have grown unworthy in the eyes of the goddess. That soft body betrays your weakness; perhaps Lolth has given me this chance to scar you with a reminder of the limits of her favor," you say, staring her down. Vierna titters, shaking her head dismissively. "That is no way to address your older sister, who has been blessed with a child. I am willing to excuse your childish insult as the whining of an envious girl... although, Tatherin has been enjoying my-"

She always did enjoy listening to the sound of her own voice. Intent on landing the decisive blow that will bring this duel to an early conclusion, you thrust the tip of your blade toward her chest as she lectures you. Deftly, your sister deflects the sword with the end of her staff, causing the weapon to fly wide with nearly enough force to pry it from your hands. Retaliating, she uses the opposite end of her weapon to counterattack before you are able to draw your sword back to defend, striking your left kneecap with enough force to shatter it instantaneously.

The audience breaks out into a raucous booing as you are left crippled, outraged that you have failed to amuse them with a thrilling melee. Yet you are not defeated, not yet. Rather than land on your back, you jab your sword into a gap between the stone tiles below, utilizing it as a sort of makeshift crutch as you awkwardly attempt to balance yourself on your right leg, grinding your teeth in anguish all the while. The pain that you are experiencing at present is excruciating, but the threat of having your pride irreversibly tarnished provides you with sufficient reason to endure.

>>5880690
"Is this the best that you can do?" She asks, her words overflowing with venom. Prying your mouth open through willpower alone, you blurt out a half-formed insult while trying to level your weapon against her. Refusing to afford you the opportunity to attack again, she brings the primitive brutality of her weapon to bear a second time, striking you across the face while you are helpless to resist. The audible clattering of a half dozen tiny objects against the floor informs that several teeth have been forcibly dislodged from your mouth, further confirmed by the ferrous taste of blood upon your tongue.

Your present states makes even simple self-defense an impossibility, allowing Vierna to torment you at her leisure. Over the next minute, she assaults you to her heart's content as the crowd observes in silent disinterest. Demonstrating not even the barest hint of mercy, your sister fractures your ribs until you scream, prods your belly until you vomit, and batters your face until the swelling becomes intolerable.

Shifting the entirety of your weight onto your sword, you glare defiantly at the priestess, refusing to fall despite the thorough thrashing that she has subjected you to. She scoffs. "Do you understand now, Jezyrene? All power demands sacrifice. Much have I sacrificed to the goddess, and she in turn has bestowed upon me more than you could ever hope to obtain. That is what separates us, and you will never be my equal."

>>5880693
"Fuck you!" You exclaim, committing yourself to a doomed final gambit. Reliant on your functioning leg, you launch yourself at Vierna, throwing the whole of your weight in her direction whilst swinging your weapon broadly toward her. All-in-all, it is a feeble attack which she is certain to ward away with her skill. Although, you soon come to realize that it is not skill which shall win the day, for there is a factor at play in this struggle which neither of you had accounted for - the meddling of a third party.

With all eyes glued firmly to the duelists, the spectators are ignorant to what transpires within their ranks. Situated several paces behind Vierna is Phaere, youngest of the Delyl sisters, who monitors the action with an eerie delight. Amid your desperate charge, she performs an innocuous gesture, bringing her palms together and squeezing them, an act to which you are the sole witness.

Sure enough, she must have worked some subtle spellcraft, for Vierna is inexplicably knocked off-balance a fraction of a second prior to your collision with her. The impact of your body against hers causes the both of you to topple over, sending the two of you tumbling haphazardly until you manage to land atop her. Seizing the moment, you press your weapon to her throat and exert enough pressure to draw blood before she can successfully make sense of the situation. Dumbstruck, the two of you stare at one another as the audience bursts into a heated discussion.

The outcome was manipulated, but you have won.

>>5880696
The warmth of early evening's light caresses your face, returning you to the waking world. Still fatigued from your adventures, you deem it preferable to remain idle for a time and mull over past events. Phaere and Tatherin had spent an entire day putting you back together, teeth and all, after the duel. You recall that you never did get around to thanking them properly at the time, though any expression of gratitude would come a century too late now.

As for Vierna, she never fully moved on from her defeat. It was widely acknowledged that your victory was an accident of probability, though her credibility was damaged for years regardless. Phaere's interference was never discovered, and you were always content to ensure that it remained so. Neither of you felt any compulsion to broach the subject, for good reason, though it is most unusual that she never leveraged the truth against you.

Now half-awake, a cursory inspection of your surroundings reveals that neither the mage nor his apprentice have returned. What will you do?
>Peruse Amaranth's library.
>Explore the garden.
>Visit the art studio.
>Survey the mage's lab.
>Search the High Sorcerer's office.

>>5880697
>Peruse Amaranth's library
See if he has anything regarding…
>Styles of swordfighting
>Other nations and their customs
>The Drow (while writing notes about what is correct and not in the margins)
>Whoever that Lady of Loss was about
>Romance novels

>>5880690
I'd shit on Tatherin for being such a ho, but I guess his options are limited and his consent is optional, anyway.

>>5880697
Supporting >>5880711

>>5880697
>>Survey the mage's lab.

>>5880697
>>Peruse Amaranth's library.
Average drow: A healthy relationship? Never heard of such thing!

Vote closed.

>>5880711
>>5880727
>>5880786
>>5881076
You browse the books in Amaranth's collection. At least, those which you can access without levitating; there is no ladder or similar implement here that would facilitate acquiring the majority of the works on display that lie beyond your reach. In years past, you have witnessed firsthand spells which allow the caster the ability to move vertically, a talent which even the abominable apprentice that resides here possesses. It follows that Amaranth must make use of similar magics, and gave no consideration to a visitor such as yourself.

Between these shelves there are works with titles in languages which you do not recognize, suggesting that the High Sorcerer is quite the polyglot. Those few books penned in languages which you can decipher are academic materials and impenetrable literature, a far cry from the more colorful surfacer stories that you have grown accustomed to. You strongly suspect that Amaranth shares much more in common with your sister Phaere that he does you, a fact which you find mildly vexing.

Assembling a list of titles which draw your interest, you select one.
>Realmslore: Astrology in the Realms
>The Battle of Verdun 1916
>Shura no Hana
>Human Anatomy & Physiology
>The Betrayer and I

>>5881578
>Shura no Hana
Sword duels, surfacer political intrigue, AND romance? Yes please!

>>5881588
>Looks up name of chosen book
Ooo, revenge and assassinations too?! Sweet!

>>5881578
>The Betrayer and I

>>5881578
>The Battle of Verdun 1916
Uhhhh what.

>>5881803
Obvious it refers to a rather large number (one thousand nine hundred and sixteen) of continuously-shapeshifting goblinoids ("verdan") who engaged in warfare against...

Wait, no, they didn't appear in Faerun until a couple centuries from our time period. Shit, I guess it's a book from another universe.

>>5881578
>Shura no Hana

>>5881578
>>The Betrayer and I
Is this an autobiography?

>>5881578
>Shura no Hana

Vote closed.

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Despite the QM curse's latest attempt at killing me, there will be an update in a few hours.

>>5888798
I was wondering what happened! I'm glad you're alive and well, QM. Welcome back.

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>>5881588
>>5881597
>>5881803
>>5881879
>>5882114
>>5882484
Running your finger up the spine of a book with a vibrant floral pattern on its cover, you delicately remove it from the shelf and examine the front, which contains no text. Unexpectedly, the first page hosts but a single paragraph, explaining that this is a translated work from a distant land, meant to be read from right-to-left, and that what you are reading is the final page, rather than the first. Incredulously, you flip the book over and inspect the cover again. On the back - or 'front' as you now know - is the title, 'Shura no Hana,' imprinted onto the surface using silver leaf.

Captivated by the apparent exoticism of the object, you deem it worthy of devoting a few hours of attention to. Curiously, there is no reference whatsoever to the author of this piece. You are aware that a book could be published anonymously, though have yet to see this firsthand until now. Returning to Amaranth's quarters, you gently shut the door behind you and assume a comfortable sitting position in the long chair, ready to immerse yourself in some other world.

The first page is an illustration of surfacer flora in a style which is somehow more exotic than the art that which you have laid eyes on previously. Striking imagery depicting ruddy flowers in bloom invites you to read further, piquing your interest as your proceed. First impressions can deceive, however, as the page which follows does not contain the engaging fiction which you had expected. Chisel, hammer, crowbar - what follows reads as a checklist of common tools, complete with utilitarian descriptions of their intended functions.

>>5888872
Half inclined to swap the book for a more entertaining one, you nevertheless skim through the material, in the vain hope that you will discover something intriguing further on. Your persistence is rewarded with a second chapter, filled with laboriously drawn diagrams depicting murders committed using both conventional weapons and a tradesperson's implements.

Accompanying these images are scientific tutorials which further elaborate on what the author refers to as 'best practice' for readers. How to sever the spine of 'humanoid' creatures with a sword, the optimal angle from which to force an ice pick through the ear into the brain, advice on how best to asphyxiate a slumbering victim with their sheets...

This is no work of fiction; it is an assassin's handbook.

How Amaranth came to possess such a thing is an enigma, though one as well-traveled and experienced as the High Sorcerer you have come to know could easily obtain this curio during their many adventures. A mage of his caliber would never need to rely on something so crude as a gardening implement to eliminate his enemies covertly, at any rate. Reading on, you come to a chapter detailing the fabrication and effects of dozens of poisons in a manner most academic.

Among these are curiosities such as 'Dark Reaver Powder,' an ingested poison that rapidly saps the victim's vitality, 'Dragon Bile,' extract from a dragon's remains which causes immediate muscle atrophy upon contact with the skin, and 'Godsblood,' a weapon poison which can cause a victim's brain to decay in under a minute that serves the dual purpose of nullifying the magic of those unfortunate enough to be struck.

>>5888873
The end, or lack thereof, is abrupt. You suppose that this is fitting, given that this appears to be a manual for professionals to reference as the need arises. Far from the most enjoyable read, you may yet exact something worthwhile from this book, albeit not from the material itself. Nestled between the final few pages is a folded sheet of paper which was used as an impromptu bookmark, or perchance merely tucked away for however long by mistake.

The slightly yellowed paper and rounded edges of this document betray its age, although you would not go so far as to call it 'ancient' as much as it is 'poorly preserved.' At most, you suspect, it cannot be older than several decades. Penned in the traitor language with eye-catching cerulean ink, the author's penmanship is immaculate, sufficient to merit an award, should such a thing exist. Alas, your command of darthiiri is not strong enough to translate this text unassisted. Had you a dictionary or other reference, however, you talents should allow you to do so with minimal effort - or perhaps one among your darthiir allies could do so on your behalf.

Returning the book from whence you discovered it, you elect to take the letter for further investigation, or mayhaps you will return it to Amaranth when next you meet. The color and intensity of the light entering the High Sorcerer's tower suggests that it is late in the evening at the moment, though neither your beloved mage nor his deplorable apprentice have returned, leaving you by your lonesome.

What now?
>Explore the garden.
>Visit the art studio.
>Survey the mage's lab.
>Search the High Sorcerer's office.
>Return to Everlund.

>>5888874
>Survey the mage's lab.

>>5888874
>Return to Everlund.
>Write a note to Amaranth about where we’re going before leaving.
Seriously, we need both a bath and to see what’s going on outside.

>>5888874
>Explore the garden.

>>5888874
>Explore the garden.

>>5888874
>>Survey the mage's lab.
But don't touch anything

Also good to be back.

>>5888874
>Return to Everlund.

>>5888874
>Survey the mage's lab.
Time to be the tie breaker. Last exploration before going back to the real world.

Vote closed.

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>>5888894
>>5889096
>>5889103
>>5889164
>>5889246
>>5889864
>>5890106
Tantalized by the prospect of seeing the work from which a mage's power is derived, you are drawn toward the lab. Admittedly, you have always been intrigued by the magician's trade, although its secrets have proven opaque to one such as yourself. Amaranth did caution you against entering his laboratory, but you reckon that there is no harm in merely looking. After all, what is the worst that could happen?

As you proceed through the corridor leading to a treasure trove of oddities which your limited talent for spellcraft has not equipped you to properly describe, a low hum in the air alerts your senses to a most unordinary phenomenon. Manifesting from nothing, a scintillating barrier of translucent white energy surrounds you. Resembling a sphere, the barrier in which you now entrapped provides space enough for you to stand upright and outstretch your arms to their furthest extent, though little else.

Such is the consequence of ignoring the High Sorcerer's warning.

Your first instinct is to make an attempt at escaping. Tapping a finger against the surface of the spheroid - which has a texture similar to glass - confirms that contact with the barrier is not harmful. Mustering all of the strength that your muscles can provide, you draw the Dark Fantasy and bat the blade against the your prison, intent on shattering it.

Plink, plink, plink. Your weapon does not so much as leave a scratch on the sphere's surface. After several minutes of vigorously battering the infernal object to no avail, you resign yourself to waiting until the magic expires, or until Amaranth liberates you from this prison.

>>5892842
The cruel hours march on. Already, you have watched as the sun's tyranny gave way to the moon's far more amiable light, and seen the distant crystals assume their place far above the world. Liable to collapse from boredom, you have opted to seat yourself and lean against the barrier for support, idly eating away at the surfacer confections that you purchased when you had first arrived in Everlund - 'cookies,' you believe they are called - until none remain.

By now, you estimate that it is deep night out in the surface world, however you've no means of confirming this. Planting your face in your hands, you roar in frustration, cutting your scream short as the sound of footsteps ascending the spiral staircase enters your awareness. Finally, your deliverance has arrived. Breathing deeply, you sheepishly begin rehearsing the explanation that you will offer to the High Sorcerer for this debacle.

Yet this joke of fate made at your expense has yet to reach its punchline quite so soon. For it is not your beloved who arrives to find you in this difficult position. No, it is his apprentice, Lael, who happens upon you in your uniquely pathetic state. Beaming from ear to ear, he draws closer, clicking his tongue in disapproval.

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>>5892845
"Well well, if it isn't Sandra. Snooping as usual, I see!" He exclaims, wagging his index finger at you in admonishment. "What was it that Master Cywir told you before we ran off? 'You are welcome to remain here Sindiira, though take care not to disturb the lab,'" he remarks, augmenting his voice such that he may perform a perfect impression of Amaranth. "So tell me, how long have you been trapped here?"

"Shut up boy," you growl, resting your hand on the hilt of your sword as though to threaten him despite the impenetrable barrier interposed between the two of you. "Tut tut, Sammy," replies the boy. "That's no way to address one of the three people in this city who can get you out of that Resilient Sphere. So how about politely requesting my assistance? A little bit of profuse begging can go a long way toward securing your freedom."

"Amaranth will get me out," you protest. The boy shakes his head. "Master Cywir is... shall we say, predisposed with his High Sorcerer-ly duties at the moment. That leaves you with a choice between myself or the Priestess of Corellon, Arara. Actually, I could convince her to save you instead, if you'd like to spare yourself the indignity of asking for my help." He winks, suggesting that he is aware of the animosity that exists between yourself and the traitor whore.

You bite your tongue. Of all the rotten luck...
>[Remain silent.]
>I will end him.
>I will end him, painfully.
>It seems I've little choice but to forsake my pride and plead for his assistance.
>[Write-in.]

>>5892847
>It seems I've little choice but to forsake my pride and plead for his assistance.

>>5892847
>It seems I've little choice but to forsake my pride and plead for his assistance.
We have fallen into the a most predictable trap so some humility wouldn't go amiss

>>5892847
>It seems I've little choice but to forsake my pride and plead for his assistance.
I warned you about labs, bros. Well, I was just trying to be polite, but still

Op if someone was to attempt drawing our heroine how would you describe the character in order of importance.

>>5892847
>It seems I've little choice but to forsake my pride and plead for his assistance.
Try not to fake smile hard enough to crack our teeth.

>>5892984
Nah, YOU fell in. I just got pulled into here cause I'm practically tied to you guys by the waist.

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>>5893060
Jezyrene's appearance is deliberately kept vague. But we have confirmed a few things about how she looks. Her hair is lengthy and white, with a few streaks of yellowish hair here and there. Her eyes are red, which is very common for a drow. She's both lithe and muscular, while her bosom is quite modest. She has calluses on her hands from her years of hard fighting, and her back has been horrifically scarred by the numerous punishments she's received in the past. She doesn't smile very often.

Otherwise, feel free to fill in the gaps. Someone's already commissioned this image of her in the past.

Vote closed.

>>5892925
>>5892984
>>5893056
>>5893109
"Fine." You huff, well aware that the power dynamic in this situation is lopsided in the boy's favor. The reality is that Amaranth could be away for hours, days even. Much to your chagrin, appeasing the boy's ego is the only certain means by which you can escape from the spheroid prison immediately. "Get me out of here," you grumble.

"Get me out of here, please," he corrects, the haughtiness of his voice growing more palpable by the moment. Pompously, he paces back and forth, making ostentatious hand gestures as he 'instructs' you. "From the top, whenever you're ready."

"Get me out of here, please," you say, grudgingly complying with his absurd demands.

He taps his chin thoughtfully. "You know, I thought about it, but I'm still not convinced. How about, 'Get me out of here please, Master!'"

"Dos vith'rell! Dalharuk da'natha elg'caress!"

"Hrm, would you mind repeating that? Because, if you just said what I think you said, I might just call off our little agreement."

You gnash your teeth in frustration, reminding yourself that you only debase yourself for lack of alternatives. "Get me out of here please, Master!"

"No, no, that's not good enough. Try 'I'm a dumb slapthighs who can't do anything right! Get me out of here please, master!' Yes, that should do it."

Unbelievable. The boy is tormenting you for the sport of it. Grimacing, you begin half-heartedly. "Xsa'ol! I'm a dumb-"

"Big smile! Like you mean it!"

Sucking air through your teeth, you contort the ends of your lips to face upwards through some supernatural effort and obey. "I- I'm a dumb slapthighs who can't do anything right! Get me out of here please, master!"

Lael is not overjoyed by your humiliation. Rather, his expression conveys an emotion akin to placid satisfaction. "Impressive," he nods, "very nice."

>>5897081
In irreverent defiance of natural law, the apprentice somehow produces an iron rod from betwixt his hands, lightly tapping it against the surface of your prison. Where all of your efforts had failed, Lael succeeds without so much as exerting himself. In the blink of an eye, the prison ceases to be, leaving behind no trace of its existence. "Vith'ussa," you whine, slapping your palms against the sides of your face twice for good measure. Hanging your head in shame, you add this to the growing list of embarrassments that you will never live down in your lifetime.

"That was a most delectable morsel of entertainment, Sammy, but I've suddenly remembered that I need to have a chat with a colleague of mine pertaining to some very important business. We can keep this between us... so long as you stay on my good side, hoho!" With practiced ease, you angle your weapon toward Lael's throat, causing him to raise the rod defensively. Beating him senseless would be a simple matter, or so you would like to believe. In reality, you cannot dispute that the boy is a potent magician who could no doubt match you in single combat. Destroying the seemingly imperishable bridge in the ancient dwarven fortress was a testament to his strength.

"Shut up," you say, returning the Dark Fantasy to its scabbard. He shrugs, and commences his descent to the tower's nadir. "Oh, and one more thing. If you're ever feeling bored, why not stop by again and have a look at the paintings? I just know that there's something in there that would interest you," he says. You pinch the bridge of your nose and groan, sneaking a brief glance in the gallery's direction. The deplorable child seems keen to the best ways of getting under your skin.

The ordeal has come to its end. What will you do with your newfound freedom?
>The Dreaming Dragon should be open at this hour. That is my destination.
>This seems as good a time as any to find out what has become of Emitia. Not that I care to see the girl, of course...
>For the moment, I shall take a stroll around the city and see how the situation has developed in my absence.
>Some travelers are deterred by the dark, but we Ilythiiri thrive in it. Now is a fine time to depart for the Silverwood, to inform Luaue of my success.
>[Write-in.]

>>5897081
I... I would not have voted to go this far, desu.

>Some travelers are deterred by the dark, but we Ilythiiri thrive in it. Now is a fine time to depart for the Silverwood, to inform Luaue of my success.

>>5897086
Not to make a big deal out of choices that anons didn't make. But enlisting Lael's help in convincing Emitia would have given key insight into "how" he convinced Ilanis that the gods simply delivered to the wrong home, why he is how he is, and other such things.

>>5897095
That's faintly ominous.

>>5897083
>This seems as good a time as any to find out what has become of Emitia. Not that I care to see the girl, of course...
We shall never speak of this again

>>5897083
>The Dreaming Dragon should be open at this hour. That is my destination.

>>5897083
>The Dreaming Dragon should be open at this hour. That is my destination.
BATH

>>5897083
>>The Dreaming Dragon should be open at this hour. That is my destination.

Vote closed.

>>5897086
>>5897161
>>5897236
>>5897243
>>5897712
The curse can strike twice, apparently. After averting a disaster (again) we are back - again. Given that this thread is on page 10, the quest will be migrating to a new thread.

The adventure continues.
>>5905776