Session 43

General Summary

Ismera's Trials

The Deep End awoke from a restful sleep in the mega bed. After a brief discussion, they immediately set to work, heading down to the Brewing Room to finish their first trial. Ghilani began by sorting out the grapes... what better way then to try and make wine? Upon seeing Ghilani mashing grapes in the cauldron, Ismera offered to find him a book: Winemaking 101. With the guidance in the text, Ghilani - with a bit of help from Newt - was able to begin making some wine, albeit crude.

Meanwhile, Widow set out into the Library for plants of Therarask while Rani hunted down the herbology of Elis. Widow stumbled across a familiar vine - Volcanic Mandevilla - and was able to locate it within the Pantry. Rani flipped through various plants until she stopped on a leafy plant - resembling sage - with a crude design on the leaf that resembled an eye. After confirming their choice of five ingredients – Hemlock, Elmortem, Eagle-Eye Sage, Mandevilla, and Grapes – Ghilani set about making the Five Spirits' Wine poison with Widow's aid. As the poison bubbled and boiled, Newt perused the book on avatars of the pantheon.

Once again, Newt volunteered to sample the poison. He, again, felt his sight fade, his breathing and heart rate slowed, his body stalled, and then he fell unconscious - face first. Ismera insisted that they should leave Newt. To be sure the party brewed the correct poison, the effect should last for around 6 hours. The party did have the decency to move Newt to the mega bed... For a moment, they felt a bit bad for not catching Newt, but Ghilani and Widow realized that Newt would never know if his nose looked slightly off. AND, Oksha would never know as well! It's the perfect crime!

While waiting for the 6 hours to elapse, Ghilani read his complete compendium on Oracles of Caliban before assisting Widow look into more blood witch related things. They found an very old, frayed and scratched set of pages bound together by twine. One page, written in blood, seemed to include notes on blood witch immortality. By detaching the connection to one's own soul, blood witches acquire immortality through unique blood qualities... though should they die, it is nearly impossible to ever bring them back.

 

Rani looked into Beloveds of Lark. There have been a good handful, though it is a bit difficult to peace together specifics from the bard's various tales. She explored a map room and found information on Judas before the Wasteland. As the god of commerce and good fortune, his city was the center of opulence, with a wishing well that was supposedly capable of granting wishes. The Bhediya people used to have regular routes to the city of fortune.

Newt found information on Champions and those with Ire. While chosen are those who receive boons from various gods and goddesses, Champions are selected in times of need and channel the power of the deity themself. For a moment, they become almost like gods. Ah'Shal's most notable champion was blind and took down an army of the undead almost singlehandedly. In terms of ire, certain gods are more notorious for giving out their Ire and pursuing the downfall of those marked by it. Ah'Shal seems to be efficient (~95% kill rate) and is most notable for sending out executioners to kill those who have invoked her Ire. She often gifts her executioners companions from the real of the dead. Within this book, Newt found his name... among many others. Callon's name is crossed off.

Ismera welcomed them to the start of their next trial once Newt awoke.

Nowadays, my Lady Carmenthia is renowed as Mistress of healing, Giver of medicine, and Promoter of rehabilitation. And upon this pillar we shall continue your test... but first! Cleanse yourself with water, the original vessel of healing."

After splashing water on their face, Ismera promptly declared: "Now, off to find a cure!" Still in the mindset of poison, the party attempted to collect the water that lingered, assessing it for poison. Ghilani promptly concluded that there was no poison in the water... and then his vision began to blur.

 

The Deep End slowly began to descend into panic. Rani - still fine - began searching for optometry related books. Widow and Newt - vision beginning to blur - rapidly flipped through texts on disease of the eye. Widow found an engraving in one of the book shelves. The crude depiction of a dragonfly followed by the word "Watching" only added to the panic. Vision fading fast, they managed to conclude that the disease they're dealing with is Sight Rot, whereby the eyes of an infected creature are slowly devoured. Sprinting to the pantry in search of Eyebright - a small white and yellow flower - they were dismayed to find that no such flower was in the pantry.

Sending the bees out, they eventually returned with news: flower spotted! And in a conga line of the "blind leading the blind" the Deep End made their way to the bathhouse. On the neatly trimmed hedges, small flowers wrapped around the branches. Rani decided to take a bath as she waited for Widow to make the cure. Ghilani was shocked to find Rani naked in the bath - it's not right to bathe with clothes on, after all.

Before calling it a night, Rani took up Ismera's offer for a massage. In response to Rani's questions, Ismera says they have lived a very uneventful life. They have always been a librarian and before that, they were training to be one. They are, however, incredibly intrigued by Rani's past. The Wasteland? How fascinating! Ismera was intrigued by what Rani claimed to have "fallen upon" and offered to assist Ghilani with the decryption later on.

Ismera offered a spread of breakfast once again. However, Widow grabbed the party and pulled them into the Brewing chambers. He seems to be fixated on the strip of paper he found the other day. After poking around, the group did eventually find two other pieces of paper:

Just Alchemy... Brews and Boozes... Plagues of the Draconic Variety

Widow seemed focused on uncovering what it means. It has to mean something, right? When Ghilani mentioned the strips of paper to Ismera, they quickly moved to assist. They seemed perturbed that they may be paper from the books in the Library. When Newt asked what was happening, Widow screamed in his head... moments later, Newt came in guns raised, shocking Ismera. Just a joke... no harm done, yes?

Sitting down at the table once more, the Deep End commenced their 3rd trial:

Those pillars, I'm afraid, are nonexistent... mere illusions in front of what my Lady truly represents. My Lady Carmenthia is the first and foremost scholar whose mind cannot ever be fully understood.

Ismera offered them 10 questions:

1. Where was the final battle between Ragna and Nacheevi fought during the War of Forges? – Tel'Rhea
2. What year did the Wasteland begin to form? – Multiple dates are offered, 1008 YAR, 1030 YAR, 1036 YAR
3. Mortals group the pantheon in multiple ways. According to one "theory", which gods are the "oldest"? – Ah'Shal (Death), Tel'Rhea (Life), Caliban (Night), Elis (Day)
4. Who created the calendar? – Grand Priest Ihyesult
5. What are the most common means of travel employed to cross the desert of Lark'Hal? – Sand seals
6. Of the Guild Council of Varoona, which Guilds are currently led by a member of one of the elven, Varoonan noble families? – Thieves, Arcane, Merchant, Mason/Smithing, Fishing, and Luxury
7. Carmenthia is known for its unique dyes. From what creature do experts of the Textile Ward derive their black dye? – Cracked Lava Cuddlefish
8. Who rules Caliban? Where do they commonly meet to discuss the city and region's affairs? – The Dragon Clans; The Porcelain Tea House
9. What illusion spell lasts for one minute (if you can hold it that long) and can only be cast by those who spend countless hours studying to gain their magic? No divinity or pacts here I'm afraid. – Weird

The final question required a trip into the library. Ambarra never married, but had one child; this illegitimate child was the product of an affair with which elven noble family? Rani and Newt happened across an... oddly familiar looking strip of folded paper. The answer, it seems, is the Valdove family. Widow, however, found a note:

Widow, realizing that he just sent Newt in guns blazing at Ismera, slightly panicked. Now a bit more on edge, the party entered the final Trial: what knowledge – unknown to my Lady – do you offer as fee? Ismera assured them that there is no rush. They're in no hurry! Take all the time that you need!

Ghilani asked Ismera to check whether Carmenthia knew what his favorite color was. Ismera set off to verify the answer. Rani, with Moira's help, conducted some more research. There are old Bhediya legends - songs that have been written down - that speak of a woman by the name of Soyolmaa, who travelled to Ragna and the red rock mountains and to the city of good fortune while it still stood. And she was known to carry two swords.
When Ismera confirmed that Ghilani's offered knowledge was already known, Rani offered up her most recent vow: to strike without intent to kill for all creature's with a chance of redemption or change. And, in the morning, Ismera confirmed the knowledge was known. Suspicious, Rani requested to see where exactly that knowledge was held. Ismera agreed and began leading Ghilani and Rani up the stairs in the central spire of the Library.
Everyone seems... on edge. Ismera inquired if they had not been a good host. Why is the party in such a rush? Surely there is plenty here for you? Rani mentioned that she has important loved ones that do not know if she is alive or dead. Yes, companions. Something that Ismera desires but has not had the luxury of having. When Ghilani mentioned a willingness to be friends and offered Ismera a hug, the librarian whispered: "Would you stay with me forever? And not leave me?".
Now concerned, Rani and Newt swapped places. Newt asked if Ismera would go with him in private to share his piece of knowledge. Down below, Rani and Widow decided that they must try and speak with Carmenthia. Ismera will never let them leave. Approaching the doors and openly declaring Ismera in violation of Carmenthia, Ismera snapped.

I WON'T LET YOU TAKE HER FROM ME.

The Lady of the Library

Having the audacity to even attempt to disturb their Lady, Ismera transformed into a huge, but slender, teal dragon. Ghilani - who had been trying to hug the librarian to clam them down - found himself hugging the larger scaled leg of their draconic form. Perched atop the second story, claws wrapped around the balcony, Ismera released a wave of blinding light at Rani and Widow, successfully blinding Rani.
After counterspelling Ismera, the dragon counterspelled Ghilani in turn. Ismera is a practitioner of the arcane, and Ghilani fell victim to a very familiar spell.
Beginning to bleed, Ismera released a wail of sorrow and pain that knocked Rani unconscious (though those boots ARE made for walking). Once Newt gave her a potion, Rani attempted to reason with Ismera - we're not trying to take Carmenthia from you! Widow, following Rani's lead, dealt the final, nonlethal blow, knocking the large dragon unconscious. Rani was nice enough to fetch a pillow for their head, leaving a note that knowledge is meant to be shared.
The doors to Carmenthia's chambers open and you are lurched forward into a space filled with spectral and water-like spirits moving to and fro through various scholarly pursuits. And standing in the middle of them, is Carmenthia - a massive water spirit with a featureless face and various tendrils extending from her back.

The Goddess of Knowledge does not seem to be aware of the plague and seems... oddly passive and devoid of emotion regarding the state of her people. She did, however, agree to look into the matter. When pressed on her lack of concern, Carmenthia seemed perturbed. Are you among those mortals who wish to dictate what I do and what I say? To relegate me just the bridge between the Matron Tel'Rhea and Ah'Shal? Again, she assured them that she would look into the matter.
When informed about Ismera, Carmenthia seemed relatively unsurprised and unconcerned. Ismera helped her sink the Temple and she reasons that they believe the Library their hoard. Creating a mockery of life would be an insult to Ismera's intelligence. They may make their own decisions. If you wish to extend them an olive branch of companionship, do so.
She offered each member a boon - a small teal stone with the carving a serpent wrapped around a vial on one side and a flower weaving around a staff on the other – and granted the group a tome before dismissing them to resume her work.
Exiting Carmenthia's chambers, Ismera was seated on the mattress, head down and slumped. Of course, as a good host, they must escort them out... so they may clean and await other companions. Perhaps if you didn't hold people here, you'd have more friends. Ghilani - despite everything - agreed to still be Ismera's friend. The defeated librarian plucked a scale from the base of their horns and offered it. In return, Ghilani created a rose.

 

I suppose this is my final test to you then... whether or not you ever return.

The Deep End reappeared at the dig sight. Workers and Dr. Conway arrived – shocked and panicked.

Missions/Quests Completed

Per Prof. Dunebrook's request and Dr. Conway's plea, you have found and completed the Old Temple of Carmenthia. In return, the Lady of Knowledge granted you her boon as well as a Tome of Clear Thought. The dragon Ismera offered their own token for a willingness to be Ismera's friend.

Report Date

11 Jun 2022

Primary Location

The Library of Carmenthia

Related Characters

• Carmenthia
• Ismera, Coveter of Knowledge

Strange Occurrences of Avatars of Gods

This tome was written relatively recently by a handful of authors and includes their investigatory (or perhaps speculative) notes about the appearance of avatars of various deities across Dremora.
Dated around the time of Newt's birth are a series of "sightings" of avatars of Ah'Shal:

1. A shadowy wraith stalking the alleys of Eredet
2. A large shadow bird over the mountains of Elis
3. A warrior born of writhing shadow that fought in Ragna's Coliseum
4. A shadowy dune amidst the sands of the coast of Lark'Hal
5. A ghoulish figure atop a shadowy hound in Varoona
6. A draconic shadow serpent moving through the Dragon Clans of Caliban
7. A wraith-like heavily armored knight patrolling the streets of Nacheevi
8. A shadowy fog that rivaled the golden mist of Therarask

The Complete Compendium of Caliban's Oracles, ed. 35

This edition is, albeit slightly older, incredibly thorough and complete. It is written in elegantly penned draconic. The entries on Oracles prior to Dysis Caliban are sparser, with more recent Oracles having more detailed entries.
The Entry on Dysis Caliban:

• Born: 1st Caltide, 975 YAR
• Race: Kalashtar – Quori (spirit): Unknown/Unbound
• Released from enslavement to the Red Dragon Clan; natural prophetic abilities manifested at an early age
• Raised to Priestess: 990 YAR
• Chosen as High Oracle: 995 YAR
• Brought about the end of an underground slave ring in the Nyugar mountains curbing power of some Dragon Clans
• Oversaw redistribution of funds to various religious and charitable organizations, most notably the Ladies of the Stars
• One of the last High Oracles to interact with the Lunar Queen
• The second to last non-dragonborn High Oracle
• Released from role High Oracle: 999 YAR
• Death: Unknown – Estimated between 1005-1035 YAR

Decrypted Diary Entry #2

Mortis'Shal, 999 YAR
Today as the last of my things are gathered and packed... I found myself walking the paths through the mountains. I am no artist, but whenever I look at these crude sketches, I hope I will be reminded of home... of this old temple on the mountaintop... of a god who enjoyed drinking sake while watching the tide come in.
I left instructions for keeping my apiary. The ladies ensured me that they will care for them as I have over these past five years.
Will they remember me? Will they know that the hands that care for their homes have changed?
Perhaps I may build a new apiary in Judas. Will the weather be agreeable there? Without them and the harmony of their buzzing, I fear I may go mad.
Yesterday, I had a vision of bees. A swarm. They danced across lands of red-soil and desert sands alike. I felt the soil and the sand beneath my bare feet. I spoke with someone... is this someone I shall meet? Someone I have met?
Visions are often cruel, even for an Oracle.
Dysis Caliban