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THE STOLEN TOMES

OOC NOTE [click to expand]

ooc note

Exploration logs aren't events per se, nor are they mandatory. They're another type of prompt, not unlike the Notice Board's -- albeit (typically) a bit more fleshed out. And they serve multiple purposes! We use them to explore uncharted territories, specific establishments in Stygia or an NPC's motives, for instance. They do sometimes moderately correlate to the overarching plot, and will most of the time offer some kind of reward: artifacts, new transformations, clues, boons, etc. These prompts are generally available during less eventful months and for an undetermined amount of time. Just like the Notice Board's, they might create great opportunities for CR building. You're absolutely welcome to share your discoveries!

You are approached by the chief librarian of the Academy, who explains that several important books have vanished, and that theft is suspected. Rather than admit that they have been lax in their duties, the librarians ask you to investigate the losses.

“Can I count on your discretion? We have been losing books. Well, not exactly losing … we think our books are being stolen. Naturally, it would not do for the Academy Elders to learn that we librarians have allowed important volumes to go missing. I’m asking you as a favor to discreetly find out what’s happening. We can’t offer much, but you would certainly have our gratitude.”

You enter the main hallway and are met with rows upon rows of colossal balconies, which stretch impossibly further than what the exterior of the building would suggest, housing seemingly endless rows of nearly identical bookcases. The shelves are filled with tomes both famous and obscure, innumerable in subject and author. All around, strange orbs of light seem to dance and glimmer about, as if sentient, through the bookcases and main hallway, as if to invite you forward. Books, both single and in small collections, levitate through the air, moving about as if to organize themselves back into their place - wherever that place may be. The scene is wondrous, chaotic, and oddly serene. The librarians lock the main doors behind you, and for a few hours, the library is quiet, allowing you to explore and search the place.

► STORAGE ROOM
Reams of parchment, blank vellum, quills, and ink are stored on shelves in this small area.

► CHIEF LIBRARIAN'S OFFICE
The head librarian’s chambers contain book-lined shelves, a desk, a small bed, a table, and chairs. It is homey and crowded, with decanters of fine liquor, jars of aromatic weed, and a collection of handcrafted pipes. The wall behind the desk looks a little odd, as if altered or repaired in the recent past.

► DOCUMENTS ROOM
The walls of this room are lined with shelves containing varied documents—old manuscripts, maps, records and the like—as well as several tables and chairs for study. Stairs go down to a basement that ends at a locked door. It contains various items including food and water, three tall statues, cleaning supplies... and skely-tons. One of them carries a rusty key in its mouth, which unfortunately doesn't unlock the door there.

► BOOKS YOU MIGHT COME ACROSS

► Under The Silver Moon: This book contains information on lycanthropy and the effects that it may bestow upon you. The author of this book makes lycanthropy sound like a REALLY good idea.
► Cooking with Grandma: This seemingly pleasant sounding book goes into great detail explaining how the flesh and bones of older humans can be used to make delicious food.
► Call of the Void: A strange tome written in an unknown language. Attempting to read it causes headaches and dizziness.
► Mnemotical Magic: This tome has moving pictures of funny situations and animals. Which seems like a humorous pass-time soon reveals that the magically animated graphics are powered by a curse, probably. Directing an open page to a person will also make them repeat the depicted action; if the page shows a dog wagging its tail, for instance, the targeted person will feel the urge to mimic exactly that.
► Bargains of the Netherworld: A mysterious memoir recording the author's descent into madness before murdering his family.
► Incredible Creatures and How to Kill Them: Details weaknesses monsters are known to have.
► Claiming the Crown: An Experienced Guide to Assassinating Royals. How to brew a poison, how to create a disguise, tips on wielding daggers, and more!
► Half-Human, Half-Darkling, All Man: Porn. It's porn.
► Nightwalkers: A well used guidebook of general information on creatures that hunt humans such as Nightweavers, Werewolves, and Hags.

If you go back to the Chief Librarian's chambers and investigate the wall, knock: it's hollow. There's a safe on the other side: unlock it with the key, and you'll find a diagram detailing three highlighted areas in front of three different statues. The basement. In truth, there are three pressure switches in front of each statue on there; when all three are pressed simultaneously, the locked door opens on a secret passage. However, if any weight is removed from the switches, the door is once again locked. Parties with 4 or more characters may make easy work of this predicament, but smaller parties may have to improvise and use books or furniture in lieu of other characters.

When all four switches are triggered, the hidden passage is revealed... and as you reach the end, you realize, too late, that it's a trap. The Chief Librarian stands before you, the glimmers of the library congregating around him; books begin to float, most likely the stolen tomes.

“It was a joy watching you run in circles. It would have been much quicker to just lock you in, but I'm in dire need of entertainment. I've been under the scrutiny of the Elders for a while, you see. So many of these tomes are filled with lies... It is my sworn duty to revise and redraft, but they would rather follow in those damnable stingers' footsteps. Well, no matter. These books will disappear with you, and the truth will finally adorn the shelves. You've been a most excellent decoy. May you rot in peace now as I continue my work.”

The door locks behind you, and the Chief Librarian lurches forward, transforming into a giant, monstrous beast. A werewolf, particularly weak against silver. If you're bitten or scratched, you'll experience your first transformation on the next full moon, which will also negate the alterations you may already be going through.

Once you've defeated the Chief Librarian, report to the Academy's Elders. They'll investigate the scene and reward you with a Slumberbook, which soothes and calms the listeners’ Shadows if read aloud. If you ask about the stolen tomes, now scattered across the ground among ripped robes, they'll hesitate and mention that 'the truth will rise when you gaze upon the cantilever stairs.' And with that, you're encouraged to leave, but not without an invitation to come back whenever you wish to browse the available collection of books.

being a were doesn't limit you to lycanthropy. you may choose to turn into any beast you like. available changes include:
► sharper canines, pointier ears, and claws
► longer hair, patches of fur anywhere on your body
► uncontrollable urge to turn into beast on full moons
► berserk-like behavior during transformations
► enhanced strength and agility, five senses heightened
► can turn others by scratching or biting them
► pack instinct
► memory loss and exhaustion after transformation
► transformations may be triggered by strong emotions
► may be cured by piercing the were's hands with silver nails

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[ Cedrik dismisses the jab with a grin and reassuring wave of his hand. ]

It's 'Incredible Creatures', Augustine, not 'Incredibly Dapper Gentlemen'. You've naught to fear.

[ Or 'Gentle Dead Men'...now there's a question. Are vampires ashkin, or are they voidsent? He's never been clear on the distinction...they're creatures of myth on his star, after all. The sort of monsters that only ever crop up around All Saints' Wake as costumes. Like werewolves. Though the fact that they are as real as dragons and the like on other worlds was interesting to learn...

Maybe he'll ask Augustine about that sometime. It would make them even for that 'faery' question. ]

Mn?

[ But the more immediate question is 'what's got Augustine so amused?' Cedrik closes his own book and tucks it close, sliding over to try and see what his friend is reading. And what he glimpses... ]

Oh...the author's awfully fond of the word 'throbbing', aren't they?

[’Incredibly Dapper Gentlemen’? That wins a chuckle from the exceedingly dapper Augustine. He knows better than to doubt Cedrik’s intentions with such a book. After all, they’ve grown somewhat close thanks to all their misadventures in Serene. It’s becoming a monthly thing between them. Whenever a new adventure comes along, the two of them agree to see it through. It’s quite the hobby, isn’t? Augustine doubts he would’ve survived some of those challenging encounters without Cedrik’s aid. After all, the Viera is an expert adventurer.[]

Good to know that you recognize the difference between a fantastic beast and a dapper gentleman.

[He teases while still flipping through this ridiculous romance novel. Honestly, who can stomach such mindless drivel? Augustine can’t help but chuckle every time certain words are used to describe that long throbbing—well, you know. It’s all so silly in his opinion, but he reads on out of morbid curiosity.

That is until that pesky Viera slides on over to snoop. Maybe he’d become a bit too relaxed around Cedrik but he didn’t even sense him getting that close. He typically has a sixth sense for that kind of thing but he tends to lower his guard a bit around Cedrik.]

You’ve read this nonsense before?

[He questions with an arched brow.]

Don’t tell me you’re an avid fan.

[ Cedrik glances up when he's caught snooping, a little surprised. The way Augustine was all but giggling with amusement he thought he wanted to share his findings. ]

This? I've never seen it before in my life nor after it. Not until today.

[ If Augustine is trying to fluster him... Cedrik grins, meeting that pointed look without an onze of shame. Viera only look young and he's far from naive. ]

Why? Are you looking for a recommendation? That may be difficult as I've not yet seen any titles I recognize...but I can certainly help you search for something.

[First all, sir, Augustine doesn't giggle. He chortles. There will be no giggling here from a three century old vampire. Impossible!

Second off, Augustine was just exploring the library in search of anything noteworthy to undo this horrid curse. One of the reasons he even bothered to invite Cedrik here was so he could begin with his research. It has absolutely nothing to do with the fairly obvious fact that Augustine enjoys spending time with Cedrik.

Of course not! Who wants to dilly-dally with this silly looking rabbit faery? Not Augustine! Heavens, no.]

Spare me! I don't require such assistance from you.

[He scoffs before glancing down at this book again. After flipping through a few pages, Augustine decides to pocket the naughty book for safe keeping. It might prove entertaining for later.]

Nevertheless, did you forget that I'm seeking an complete archive regarding the last six harvests?

[ Cedrik leans back, only looking more amused as he notices the smut vanishing into one of Augustine's pockets. He's not judging, of course! It's just that Augustine's reaction all but begged for some teasing.

At least he has the decency to let it be when Augustine changes the subject. ]

I remember...you're not alone in seeking answers, after all.

[ Though Cedrik's asking different questions at the moment, there's no reason they can't help one another. ]

Records like that are likely to be kept further in, right?

[ And it's not like what Augustine is after would be restricted or anything like that. ]

[He can't help but smile a little at Cedrik's words. While Augustine is fully aware that he isn't alone here, he can't help but feel like it. This peculiar illness that has ravished Stygia has certainly taken a toil on him. He feels oddly fatigued despite doing anything to warrant such exhaustion, and those awful petals are still scratching against his throat. The irritation alone makes him feel sick to his stomach but thankfully, Augustine's symptoms today seem rather mild.]

They must be since we stumbled across such gratuitous pornography.

[Is it customary for such books to be found at a local library? Probably not but then again, this is the Netherworld. Whatever taboos existed in life surely don't exist after death. Nevertheless, Augustine isn't entirely too interested in exploring such a topic. He just want to find the records regarding last year's harvest.]

Come, walk with me.

[He all but commands as he hooks his arm around Cedrik's pulling towards the long corridor nearby. It's not like him to be this handsy but he's having trouble walking. Vertigo isn't uncommon for those affected by this awful blight. While Augustine puts on a brave face, he's having trouble maintaining his balance.]

Now now, it could be 'valuable research material' to someone! You never know! The last library I was in hoarded all sorts of knowledge...

[ Cedrik laughs as he lets Augustine grab hold and pull him along. The noise gets a few pointed frowns from other Restless... Yet even as he jokes, Cedrik quietly moves in step with Augustine, bending his arm to strengthen it and serve as a better anchor for his friend. In his case the curse has only ever been a tickle in his throat with the occasional coughed up daisy...he knows he's lucky where others are not...

If Augustine wants to soldier on and act as if he's fine while subtly leaning on him? Cedrik will oblige. ]

[The other Restless could burn in damnation for all Augustine cares. Nothing can stop him from chuckling at Cedrik's silly little joke. Maybe pornography is 'valuable' to some. Augustine won't deny that he found this terrible little book rather amusing. When it comes down to sexuality, Augustine has always been a bit shy about it. It's no secret that he appreciates the beauty of men and women both, but he's far too shy to act on it. Therefore, maybe all he needs is just a good book, or rather a bad book, to let him mentally live his awkward fantasies.]

You're terrible, you know that?

[He teases as they make their way deeper into the archives. There's a bit of a limp in his walk, an injury he suffered while trying to plant his black tulips the other day. Business isn't exactly booming for his little boutique but he's planning on changing all that with a wintry sale.]

Nevertheless, I wonder what else we could find here within this grand library. Surely there's some lore regarding Stygia itself.

[Augustine pauses in mid step once the spine of a leather bound book upon a nearby shelf catches his eye. He gently tugs Cedrik towards the direction of the shelf.]

Is that...is that a journal of some sort?

[ Augustine's 'admonishment' only makes Cedrik laugh more, though he tries to muffle it the second time around. ]

Hm...that's my hope. Though I suspect the origins of soulsteel won't be as easy to look up as the harvest records, one must start somewhere.

[ He trails off as Augustine stops, tilting his head curiously and following his gaze. With a curious hum he reaches up and pulls the book down. The cover is softened leather, exactly the sort one would bind a journal with, and there's no title embossed on the front or even the spine. ]

It looks to be...

[ Balancing it with one hand as the other is busy helping Augustine stay on his feet, Cedrik lets the book fall open before the pair, allowing them both to see. It's even hand written, each line getting more and more crooked as they go down the pages. Whomever wrote this was more concerned with getting their thoughts down than whether it would be legible. ]

[Soulsteel, hm? Such an oddity doesn't exist within Augustine's world, at least not in the desired context. While there exists a particular kind of steel that can trap the souls of the living within its steel, he doubts that's the material that Cedrik seeks. Even so, he doubts such a material exists here naturally within the Netherworld despite the worrying list of growing oddities that do exist.

Nevertheless, Augustine could barely take his eyes off the journal once Cedrik opened it. He leans heavily against the adventurer as he attempts to read the sloppy scrawls. It's a little difficult to make out the words but once he sees something mentioning an illness, Augustine cannot help but look surprised.]

…They were sick. [He mutters while reading the notes.] Sick with the same illness Stygia faces now.

[A look of dread lingers on Augustine's face once he notices the brown little splotches on the brittle pages.]

Whoever they were, they...probably didn't make it.

[ Cedrik's good humor slowly fades as he reads over the same notes. It's hard to get the full picture just from the few pages, but it looks to be a record of symptoms as they worsened over time. He almost puts it back--but another page catches his eye. ]

They wrote down the treatments they tried.

[ Even if none of them turned out to be a true cure... ]

We'd best look over this. Perhaps we can find something to ease the symptoms...at the very least, it will tell us what to rule out.

[ As Cedrik starts to close the journal and offer it to Augustine, something falls from between the final pages. A flash of white fluttering to the ground...

A lily. Pressed flat over the years. ]

...

[A deep soul crushing sadness overwhelms Augustine as the long-forgotten flower flutters aimlessly towards the floor. Who knows how long that lily laid tucked within the pages of this leather bound journal. Time itself seems to stand still here within the Netherworld. While the days constantly come and go, there’s just no telling how many decades or even centuries it’s been since the owner of that journal last drew breath. It’s a sobering thought, one that borders on despair.

He wordlessly lets go of Cedrik as he kneels down. His entire body is aching something fierce but he feels compelled to pick up this little white flower. He carefully scoops it up into his hands, careful not to damage the delicate dried petals.]

A white lily. [He mutters while examining the flower with a look of gloom upon his face.] How fitting.

Such a flower symbolizes both death and rebirth.

[Augustine lets out a sigh as he rises to his feet. He stumbles a little but manages without too much fuss. However, it’s evident from the dhampir’s forlorn expression that he isn’t well.]

If…I was to die here, would I be reborn anew?

[ Even on Cedrik's star, white lilies are associated with death, and he's left his fair share at graves over the years. The moment Augustine fixates on the pressed flower he can guess where his thoughts are turning even before he asks.

Tucking the book away, Cedrik reaches for his friend. One hand taking him above the elbow to keep him steady, the other coming around to his shoulder, squeezing it tight. ]

You won't find out. That is why we've come, remember? To find a cure.

[ And they will find one as long as they don't give up the search. Their Shadows may hiss and murmur, they may even speak true, but as long as they keep moving forward, they have hope.

Somehow...it's so much easier to remember that when he's remembering it for another's sake. ]

[His red gaze remains fixated on the gentle white petals for a time, idly wondering if he’ll share the fate as the man before him. It’s a sickening thought, one that makes Augustine a bit queasy. Vampires like him are almost as eternal as time itself. They don’t typically fall prey to illness or disease, so the very idea of him being sick like this honestly terrifies him. While Augustine might only be half-vampire, he never knew sickness throughout his long life.]

Yes, that’s…why we came here.

[ He whispers as he allows for Cedrik to help him up.]

It’s too soon to give into despair, especially since there’s much for us to learn.

[Try as he might to remain positive, Augustine cannot help but feel as if the Sword of Damocles is hanging right above his head. What will become of them if they don’t manage to find a cure? Then what? It’s a ghoulish thought but Augustine is beginning to think he should make a will of some sort. The last testimony of the dhampir once known as Augustine Gheorghe Rosethrawn.]

We’ll…find something, at least.

[He gives his friend a somber smile.]

Let us hope that our little rendezvous here proves fruitful.

Far too soon, I agree.

[ The ideal time to fall into despair is, in Cedrik's opinion, 'never'. But that can be a tall ask at times...especially current times. He gives Augustine's shoulder one more reassuring squeeze and pat before discreetly hooking his arm around Augustine's, resuming the escort from before. ]

Come, let's find some place comfortable and look over our findings so far, eh? If you like, I don't mind scouring the shelves while you do the hard work of reading it all.

[ It may be easier to keep Augustine distracted from his darker thoughts if the man is up and about, but they do need to keep his physical health as well as his mental health in mind. If he's struggling to keep his balance and running out of breath so easily, sitting and resting is probably the better option.

Far from the first time in his life, Cedrik wished he had a better aptitude for healing... ]

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