AvB - The adventures of Scribly

[Moranica]

"Ahum, I do believe I paid you upfront. For a week. I'll pay you for the next one though. Another 15 gold."

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Day 10 atm?

"Thank you for your information once again. I think I'll go check with the university."

And so he does.

[Monodominant]

The gates of the Royal University of Scientific Esoterica stand before you open. Several buildings lay beyond. No one seems to be guarding the gated entrance, trusting that anyone wishing to cause trouble would think better than to attack the greatest concentration of young mages in the city. A stream of people are coming and going from the gate despite the weather.

From what you have heard this is the only university in the whole city, and they host almost any sort of magical endeavor you can imagine. They have people studying how to develop new and inventive spells, creating custom magic items, and teaching advanced theory on many fields and sub-fields of magic.

[Moranica]

Curses, I should have had this thing identified first... or at least have it checked for magical properties. ... Oh well, I'm here anyway.

Scribly enters and asks around where he can find mages who specialise in timespace ... stuff.

[Monodominant]

You enter the main university hall and wait in a queue for a while until you can ask your question. You are directed to the third floor to the Department of Extradimensional Studies.

Assuming you head there the secretary of the Department Heads looks at you and smiles.

"I can schedule you for an appointment in 2 days time!" she says with a cheerful smile.

[Moranica]

"Greetings dear man. That sounds very good, but would you mind taking a quick look right now? Just so I know I'm in the right place."

At the same time he pulls out the thing and shows it.

[Monodominant]

The secretary shrugs.

"I am just administrative staff I am afraid and the Professor is busy. I can direct you though to a lecturer that -may- be able to help..."

[Moranica]

"please do, good man. Wouldn't want to block his agenda for something uninteresting."

[Monodominant]

"Well then, just head down the hall to the small lecture room. I believe there is actually a class being taught by Assistant Professor Sebiana but you may sit in. Once the class is done feel free to take up her time if she permits it..."

[Moranica]

"Thank you, I'll do just that."

And Scribly does. Knocking before entering the class.

[Monodominant]

The class is only half full.

A woman of no more than 30 winters is at the front and a large gaping multi-colored hole is on the wall behind her. Through the hole you can see what appears to be a huge rocky expanse full of cliffs and desolation.

"And as we said last time..." she pauses to look at you and wave you towards the back, "...the fourth layer, Colothys, consists of jagged, unforgiving mountains and sudden chasms with little flat ground to find refuge. Can anyone tell me what is the name of the Titan that claims Colothys as his domain?"

[Moranica]

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Know (planes) (1d20+10)[14]
Know (psionics) (1d20+10)[12]

[Monodominant]

He knows enough to know that the effect on the wall is not of psionic origin.

He has also heard of Carceri, a desolate plane with different layers each progressively worse. He does not recall who the Titan in question though is.

Most of the class also doesnt but there is a single student, a young goblin raises his hand.

"Yes? Speak up there Dreifus!" she replies.

"The titans name is Crius madam and he has his palace, aptly named Crius's temple there. It is also home to the evil male drow god Vhaeraun and to the evil god of beasts Malar. The word Carceri comes from the corrupted draconic word that means prison. It is also rumored that one of the factions that rule Sigil have their base of operations there..." he is about to continue when the teacher snaps at him.

"That is excellent Dreifus but your first sentence was all I asked for. You should refrain from showing off." she say sternly and then continues her teaching going through each of the layers of that plane.

When done you see that other students make fun of the unfortunate goblin and as they walk out the professor stays behind.

"I have not seen you before. I take it you wish to ask something?" she tells you.

[Moranica]

"Quite the student you have there, Miss .....? I know a fair bit about the planes myself, but he must have some bright and well informed parents if you ask me."

"But that's not why I'm here of course. I recoved an artifact which seems complicated enough to find it's origins in mechanus. And while it would certainly serve well as decoration, I am interested to find out it's purpose. Now, I was informed that I could make an appointment and such, but I am unsure if it even has a purpose or magical properties, so I was hoping you could take a quick look and give me some more info on the direction I should be looking."

With that, Scribly takes out the "clock" once again, and shows it to her.

[Monodominant]

She shakes her head.

"He may be smart but he is a show off... and a goblin. I am not sure how he managed to get the money to enter the university but I am not sure if I am comfortable with a goblin learning high magic..." she responds

When you explain about the time her interest is peaked. When you take it out she waves her hand around it focusing for a moment.

"Hmmm... its not magical no. At least I cant detect any magic on it but it does seem very well made and of intricate design..." she sits back behind her desk and examines it some more playing around with the mechanisms.

"It seems to be a very very VERY complex astrolabe.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrolabe

I am not sure if its accurate and if it works truly but if those dials are correct where an astrolabe could be used for predictions of eclipses and star movements as well as track time and relative position the one you have here can do so accross planes. I am not sure how that is possible without magic but if it indeed works it is a marvel. Judging by the intricate mechanisms I would say its something made by the deep gnomes or the deep dwarves. They are known for such craftsmanship and for pushing the limits. If I were you I wouldnt show it around a lot... if the Guild of Smiths and Artificers were to learn such a fine exhibit exists they would stop at nothing to obtain it and study it... plus it would mean Aldhaven would have less need of the alliances with the gnomes..."

[Moranica]

"Aha, it is good to hear my suspect is true. And I thank you for your warning."

"So the Guild of Smiths and Artificers might have interest in it, as well as the gnomes. Anybody here at the university that might be interested?"

"And do you think there is more to learn of it?"

[Monodominant]

"Since its not magical the only way to confirm if it actually works would be to travel to each plane and test it. Basically though it is impressive and truly a masterful usage of a great skill it doesnt have a useful function I can think of... Maybe to track the Modron march or something to that effect? So yes, amazing it may be but more as a gadget or gimmick than useful tool..." she concludes.

"There are some in the university that collect curia and such but I cant say I know anyone personally..."

[Moranica]

"Alright, thank you for your time. I certainly appreciate it. If you ever need help, just contact [name I used last time] at the Sad Flint."

Scribly then realises he is about to miss the meeting at the burned out house, and hurries there.

[Monodominant]

She smiles and thanks you.

You arrive at the area without issue and see a soft light coming from inside the burned out building on the first floor.

This time you know where to step and where not to and as such you dont need the balance check to go up the stairs.

[Moranica]

Lucky me. What do we have here?

He moves upstairs to check it out.

[Monodominant]

He sees a man dressed in heavy clothing stamping his feet by the light of a lamp sitting next to the window overlooking the way you came.

As you approach, making some noise on the stairs, he turns and waves to you.

"Are you the man the two idiots said wants information? Do you have the cash?"

[Moranica]

"Ah, I see my opinion on them is not just my own. Yes, I have the money, if your information is good, that is."

[Monodominant]

"Yea well... my safety first. Dont trust you or them. Put the money on that burned out stool there and count it out. Whoever killed the fat man is most like to do the same if they find out someone saw them..." he indicates a half burned piece of furniture next to the door.

[Moranica]

"Well, then what exactly are we standing around here for. Better head for something public. I know a bar nearby."

[Monodominant]

"Money up front. I aint going nowhere if you cant show me the gold..." he insists.

[Moranica]

"Your only getting the money if your information is good. I'm not asking proof for that, now am I?"

Scribly then counts out 10 platinum pieces, showing them and putting them in a seperate pocket.

"Now are we going to talk or what?"

[Monodominant]

"Okay okay..." he says and nods.

"I remember the night well. I had been going about... er... business, my... er business I mean when I saw the three men entering this house. It was of characteristic for all 3 seemed strange and by strange I mean at the same time fancy and well... strange..." he pauses and looks over his shoulder down through the window.

"One of them wore bright colors, the other all black and the third more old and tattered stuff but still looking expensive. All had iron on them and all had two of each. One had rapiers, the next had sabers and the last one them fancier thingies, epees they call them..." he gulps.

"Not drawn mind you but that short of thing sticks to your memory...! So in any case I took not but had things to do and thus went about my business. Later that night I guess I was lucky enough to see one of them once more... There I am returning from my... business and I see the fires dancing accross the windows. I hear screaming as if someone is being murdered and at the same time I see one of the three guys, the one with the rapiers, holding the young girl in his hands and dashing through the window right above us and jumping to the roof. The fire and screaming and sounds of battle continued for a few moments more and then silence from the house...The man had the girl almost under his arm as if she weighted nothing and though I can rightly say she was a wee girl he still must be strong to do so..." he stops at this point.

"And thats what I know..."

[Moranica]

"Alright, that confirms what I knew already. Know could you describe this rapier-guy and the girl more carefully, so that I might recognise them on sight."

"Also, I was told you would have their possible location."

[Monodominant]

"The man was around 30 to 35 and his features were like porcelain, I dont mean white I mean perfect, chisseled in a way almost. He had dusty blonde hair and was wearing a hooded cloak, couldnt see his eyes from the distance though. He had long arms and slender built overall though he didnt seem weak at all. He was wearing bright colored expensive clothes, satins on silks not sure but they were bloody..." he sticks his tongue out as if trying to remember.

"The girl was no more than 18, long blonde hair and a blue dress was all I could see. I had seen her before though so I can tell you she had blue eyes and nice features... all the guys around the neighbourhood used to make bets about who would take her to bed and lets say everyone wanted to bet on their own self!"

When you mention location he seems suprised.

"Er... no, thats not the case. I saw him jump from the building to the roof accross and then slide down heading off to the north but I have no idea where they can be now!" he says defensively.

[Moranica]

"Alright, that is some worthwhile information. Here's the money, as promised. Remember, I'll pay that price again for accurate, correct information about their location."

Scribly hands him the money.

"You can contact me through the idiots. I'll visit them every now and then."

Scribly then heads back to the inn. It's been a long day.

During his evening meal he inquires about any scryers in the city.

[Monodominant]

The man nods pocketing the money.

"Sure will do..." he answers.

On your way out just as you have gotten off the stairs you glimpse a figure moving ahead of you blocking your way.

A split second later you feel something sharp piercing your cloak from behind and a sharp pain follows as you suffer (2d6)[10] and (1d4+2)[3] points of damage from the sneak attack.

The figure you saw in the dark moves to flank you.

Initiative.

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They are going at 14 so if you roll higher you can also post an action. What you see is two cloaked figures wearing masks. They are both holding daggers expertly in their hands.