Session 45, part 1

The team finds some more information on the artifact.

07/20/08

Players: Gante (Jon), Epona (Elizabeth), Kerwyn (Will), and Glod (Adam F)

3rd of Summer’s End

Having helped Glod complete “Course’s End,” the team continues the search for answers at the Mages’ Academy. A mysterious book seems it may hold some answers, but some sort of enchantment prevents them from getting any information from it. Though they had prepared to seek the help of some less scrupulous students, Epona feels she may be able to dispel the enchantment herself. “…If we could just find somewhere secluded, that is.”

“Well, back to the library, then.”

The library is very close to Bailey Tower, and it takes no more than a minute to make their way back into the quiet sanctuary. The three floors are visible from the central atrium with a staircase on either side, and Seraphina is still at the front desk.

“Maybe she knows a good secluded spot?” Kerwyn offers. “Or do you know a good one, Glod?”

“I’m sure I can find something, no need to get her involved if something goes wrong… Let’s go to the thesis section. It’s way in the back, and no one ever goes to read old theses.”

In the seclusion of the 3rd floor, far in the back of the maze of bookshelves, a small table sits among the collected results of years of research: the very life of many students. Gante looks around the corners, seeing no one in sight. Glod takes a moment to look at some of the lesser known studies.

“Ah, the nonmagical section of natural philosophy… ‘On Discharges Produced by Rubbing Amber with Fur,’ ‘On the Motive Power of Steam,’ ‘Animalcules Observed in a Drop of Water.’ this stuff is so arcane; no one will ever come here: there’s nothing of practical use to be found.”

Epona sets the book down on the table and prepares to cast her spell. A few mystic words and movements later, it’s done. With the spell complete, the book glows momentarily, hopefully signifying a dispelled enchantment.

“Well, let’s hope it worked,” Glod says hopefully. He cautiously opens the book. The pages aren’t terrbily old, they haven’t yellowed yet, at least. Flipping through, he sees pieces of information on several artifacts, both famed and unknown. His eye is caught by an illustration of an artifact strikingly similar to the one they found. It’s under the heading, “Soul Stones.”

Glod reads:

Precious little information has been collected on these artifacts. There is no exact findings as to how many there are in all, though at least six have been found and verified. Experts estimate there may be more, with some studies concluding hundreds may exist. The history of these artifacts is uncertain. It is known that they were made in the same time period, though evidence only proves they were made no more than one year apart. Each bears an icon across the front. The stones seem to have a certain amount of self-awareness; the reason behind this is still unknown. Known owners of soul stones are hesitant to part with them, making further exploration of their magical properties difficult.

And, under the illustration:

This illustation was found in the journal of the wizard Jens Coron. The stone depicted has not yet been found.

Though there’s more information, it’s mostly arcane jargon, and it would take some time to gain any useful information from it.

“Well, we know a little more, at least,” Kerwyn says.

“That symbol was on a staff I found and left at the wizard’s tower back on Kendra to be examined,” Gante says, pointing to the illustration.

“And Marlak may still have the artifact…” Glod begins.

“…But we still have no idea where he is,” Kerwyn says.

“I know, and that really annoys me,” Glod says.

Kerwyn thinks for a moment. “The strange thing is that no one seemed to know he was here. Glod, do you know any trustworthy people here who could help besides Sera?”

“Well, there’s my old illusions teacher, Professor Zook… Bit of a kook, the joke goes.”

“I don’t want the chancellor getting too suspicious, though.”

“I’d trust him to keep this quiet. Though his information may not be perfectly reliable… he’s a bit strange, you see.”

“Well,” Kerwyn says, “it’s a start if nothing else.”