I pull down my hood against the rain, "We'll wait then."
I keep a hand on my sword and keep an eye on the side door.
Ludo decides to trust his first instinct, "There is something about the chest that bothers you Kellisan. Through your eyes, I see the fear in your heart. Is it dangerous? Perhaps we should summon someone for assistance. I work with the Knights of the Pale. I could send for help."
At the mention of the Knights of the Pale, Kellisan seems to get nervous again Please just leave, there is nothing wrong with the chest or its contents I bought it from a Harrow elf named Ealistar Fallingeye. It is a rare item of which I do not usually have in this shop. I am hoping to make a sizable profit from this chest if I can find the right buyer. The only thing that worries me is you and your friends, sir. You have burst into my shop in the wee hours of the morning without provocation and begin accusing me of selling children to ogres because some trollop told you I did this thing.
Rain, from your view outside you see several drunken watchmen strolling leisurely down the street perhaps a block away. They seem to be heading this way and will shortly be passing the shop.
By Lothian, this chest has some sort of Abjuration cast upon it!
Kellisan, did you know about this? It might be some sort of trap.
I suggest you let us open it for you, to keep you from any harm.
Kellisan, please know that we are not thieves, but rather that
we are here to help. Please help us to help you with this issue.
Turning back towards the group, Aurora wonders what it contains.
Human children would not fit inside of a small chest like this one,
but it might hold gnomes, or perhaps an extradimensional space?
Probably there are not any children at all, but something more dire.
The woman who we spoke with was named Ireale Tesimal, according
to my companion Rain. Would she have any reason to cause trouble?
Absolutely, we can send for the watch if you request, but almost
certainly their first questions will be all about this magical chest.
Next they will ask why you were hiring Ogres on a stormy night.
Most likely, you prefer to avoid that kind of additional attention.
Aurora will also consider if she has heard of this Ealistar Fallingeye.
I head straight for the watch, hailing them as soon as I can and generally aiming to halt them as far from the action as possible.
"Watchmen, what luck! I was passing The Ruby Siren not ten minutes ago and there had been some kind of trouble: some of the staff looked awfully distressed. I promised one lovely, gentle maiden that I would call on some aid if I could."
Timmins will give the chest a once over looking for traps (he has trapfinding, so can spot magical one as well)
Perception:
Shol'a'saul shakes her head quickly at Aurora. "NO, I do not think opening the chest here is a wise idea, as who knows what it holds inside." Turning her attention back to Kellisan, she adds "Might we ask who would be interested in purchasing this chest, or more accurately what the chest holds inside it?"
Kellisan closes the front door and follws the part of the group that is in the shop to backroom where the chest is. He seems less nervous but resigned to the fact that he is not going to get rid of you with out answering your questions. After thinking on it for a minute you realize you have no idea who Ealistar Fallingeye is, Aurora.
Timmins you look over the chest it does not look trapped but does like very secure in fact you have a hard time finding a seam where the lid and the base meet. You are sure this will not be easy to open.
You make a good argument, My Lady he says to Aurora, Ireale is a former lover of mine who I did wrong by, cheated on her with a common trollop. It is no wonder she told you I was selling children to ogres He sighs and grabs a nearby chair and sits down in it. You are sure he is telling the truth And yes I know of the magic on this chest. It is a rare thing indeed that I have an actual item of value in this shop. A person wanting status or the like would likely buy this. So they can say they own the chest or someone who thinks they can open it. The likelihood you could open it is slim, and I have no idea what is it. Let just say there is a legend related to this chest, Any of you ever heard of the First Fire or the Five Lost Lores?
Rain
The lead Watchman looks you over and listens to you as you spin your tale.
Sense Motive check
He fails to realize you are lying and orders his men to head to the Ruby Siren to defend the maidens of the that house of ill reputes honor right that moment. They stumble drunkenly down the street never paying any mind to Kellisan's shop.
Shol'a'saul pauses and searches her memory for any reference to either one of those terms. Such an odd term, yet it would fit with the puzzle presented by this chest.
Kellisan, it is good to hear that you will accept our offer of assistance.
Please, start from the beginning, and tell of the chest and its legends.
Aurora will listen to what Kellisan has to say and consider what she knows,
to compare his tale with what she believes, while looking for discrepancies.
Shol'a'saul, perhaps you are correct that we should not open it here.
I am not a scholar, although I have some training with magical lore.
Are you skilled in these matters? What do you recommend we do?
It is difficult to find a safe place to open a dangerous magical chest
in a large city. Maybe we need to take it to a basement or similar?
I watch the men leave and then saunter back to the shop and inside, out of the wet weather.
"I have just sent the watch on a wild goose chase: should we need them then I imagine they'll be back in an hour or so. Unless there really has been trouble at the Ruby Siren tonight." I shrug, "But I doubt any of us are that lucky."
Taking in the room, it is clear that no child abduction has occured, so I listen in to events and start pondering how best to revenge ourselves upon Ireale.
Shol'a'saul stares at the chest, an uncertain look on her face. "I...I do not know. I am no wizard and this chest would have been enchanted by one...I would suggest we seek council from one, should we find one that is trustworthy. As for the chest itself...we would need a secure place to store it. Plus too moving it would attract attention, the wrong kind I fear."
"I hate to bring this up, but is this really our concern? Don't get me wrong, if there is some evil taint to this thing I think we should act, but as far as I can tell it is the legal property of Kellisan. Unless he wants our help, maybe we should be looking for his ex to teach her it is not nice to make up stories!"
He looks at the rest of the group for their reaction
Kellisan leans back in his chair I remember reading a book on Alchemy some time ago that the was about the legend of the "First Fire", a flame that had burned so hot and so long it is said it has burned since the time before time. The Lost Lores were primal truths of which the First Fire is one of them. Within the same book there was a story about a chest that was used to house many powerful magic items that were created by Alestia Fornol, a sorceress and Faraban Kagestos, a cleric of Niveral, the god of secrets. They had tried to harness the power of the Five Lost Lores which included the First Fire. They had some success with this but were never able to master it. They placed the items they created into a chest before one last attempt to harness the power of the First Flame. Sadly they failed and were both incinerated in the process as well the chest was supposedly seared by the powerful flames so thoroughly it became impossible to open. This is supposedly that chest...you see the searing and how it seems flame kissed in spots?
What he tells you seems accurate to what you remember of the Lost Lores and First Fire, Aurora and Shol.
I shrug, "That's a grand bit of a mystery you've got then: hopefully you'll make a tidy profit."
Then I nod to Timmins, "Maybe we should head back to the bar and do some planning."
Before turning to Kellisan, "Sorry to have troubled you. High spirits and a few beers, you know how it is. Would you care to join us for a drink?"
What a fascinating tale! It sounds like this is truly a lost historical artifact.
How long ago did all of this happen? The chest does not look to be very old.
How did you come by the chest? I have never heard of Ealistar Fallingeye.
Do you have prospective buyers? Such an item might be a target for theft!
Aurora looks at Rain and Timmins. Perhaps this sort of scholarly discussion
is not your cup of tea, but if you could indulge, it would be appreciated.
Fabulous treasures like this one are why I first became an adventurer!
Timmins nods his head and waits as Aurora asks her questions of the shopkeeper.
Kellisan nods Its a legend the book I read seemed to infer this happened centuries ago. Eallister is a friend of mine keeps an eye out for the real treasures, he bought this off some adventurers who dragged it out of the caves below the city, he said several people had tried to steal it from him since but his ogres had prevented it....I tell ya what though I might not sell it I am somewhat interested to see what these items of magic are...If you could find a way to open the chest for me I would reward you. Not sure how you would necessarily do this but if you lot could figure it out I would truly appreciate it..
Shol'a'saul nods in agreement. "I think it would be worth the time and effort to determine how the chest may be opened. The question remains, what should be done with the chest now? Would it be safe kept stored in this building?"
Ludo listens thoughtfully as Aurora and Kellisan discuss the tale of the chest. "An interesting question Shol'a'saul. Kellisan, what more do you know of Alestia Fornol and Faraban Kagestos. It sounds like these were dangerous secrets they sought. Perhaps what resides in the chest is better left locked away?"
Kellisan, your offer to investigate the chest is most appreciated.
This sounds as if it could be a start to some fantastic adventure!
I am not clear what means we have to open this legendary chest,
but everyone is welcome to try. Please, let me have a closer look.
Aurora will try to open up the chest. If she cannot, then she will
attempt various orisons and use her knowledge to obtain a clue.
Since it seems fire-oriented, perhaps a cold-oriented spell may help?
Orisons: create water, detect magic, ghost sound, guidance, light, mage hand, purify food and drink, stabilize
"Well, um, I... I know a guy who's a locksmith! Yeah, that's about it."
I have a look at the box.
Timmins nudges Rain.
"That guy is me, remember."
I flah Timmins a grin, "You've got to let the apprentice have a look, before the master takes over. Otherwise, how will I learn?"
Kellisan looks at Shol I would prefer it stay here but if you can offer a better alternative and ensure I will get back my property I would be open to suggestions he then turns to Ludo Sadly all I know of them is what I told you. As to better left in the chest, where is you since of adventure, Sir? I for one would be interested to see what the chest hold with in it.
Ludo, you do not remember anything more than what Kellisan has told you as it pertains to Alestia Fornol and Faraban Kagestos, but you remember hearing about this chest being impossible to open as well.
Rain you try to open the chest but to no avail it seems to be well beyond you capabilities.
Aurora you spend time really looking over the chest, you find no clues to how to open it but you do after some thinking while examining the chest remember a local minor artifact that may help you open the chest. The item known as Neverin's All-Key, you came across mention of it sometime ago but never thought you would need it. Essentially it will open any lock regardless of the magic sealing it. You are sure this could be useful in opening the chest. You do not however know where it was last located. You are sure you could ask around and track down it last known whereabouts.
This chest seems to be sealed beyond our abilities to open.
However, I have heard of a magical item that may help us.
Neverin's All-Key is some kind of key that opens any lock.
Once, I overheard a band of captured thieves talk about it.
I do not know where to find it now, but I could ask around.
Perhaps, we should return to the Minstrel to ask questions?
Shol'a'saul looks at the chest for a long moment, lost in thought. Aurora's words seem to bring her back to the present. "Yes, yes I agree we should return to the Minstrel. As for the chest, I believe moving it is more risky than leaving it where it is. The fewer who know of it, the better." She turns her gaze upon Kellisan, "We shall not tell of this should you not tell of us entering your shop."
Not wanting Shol'a'saul's words to hang in the air too long, I interject and slap the merchant merrily on the arm.
"So, we're all friends. Brilliant. And maybe we can help each other out along the way."
Then I turn to Aurora, "We should ask my friend Morsai about this: he knows all kinds of weird stuff."
"Now let's get out of here before any annoyed, randy, drunk guardsmen turn up!"
Timmins chuckles at the mention of Morsai.
"Yeah, if you can pry his nose out of the current book he is reading! Also I can ask around..who knows where someone might have heard about this key!"
Once back at the Minstrel, Aurora will ask around about Neverin's All-Key.
Timmins will leave Rain to speak with Morsai while he also asks around about the key.
Diplomacy (Gather Information):
Know-Local:
I approach Morsai straight away, "Hey, Morsai."
When he looks up from his book, I flash a smile, "We've got ourselves a mystery. Have you heard of Everin's all key?"
Then I fill him in on the action so far.
Morsai looks up, annoyed with the book.
You mean Neverin's key?
I'm pretty sure it's been lost.
Morsai listens to the story, then closes the book and stands, stretching...
Sounds a lot more interesting than listening to a bunch of old coots ruminating about the goblins they killed. Is it still pouring out there?
"Rain let up a little, but we thought this might be a good place to see if we can pick up any leads about that key. Otherwise, might call it a night and see about all of us asking around town in the morning. Maybe the rain will let up by then." Nodding back toward an elderly mage at the center of a group clustered at the end of the bar, he adds "I've had to run some documents for Sister Terella to that one before. Think I'll discreetly see if any of them have heard of it before." Ludo detaches himself from the table and joins the group, hoping like the others to learn something more of the key.
"Better get started then, this place is full of interesting folk."
I get another drink and begin working the room.
I can run over to the temple and see if I can find anything on it. I need to return Gathan's Treatise on the Lower Planes, at any rate.
Anybody care to join me?
Morsai heads out, but pauses at the door, waiting for any response.
"well I am not helping much here at the moment, so me and shadow will accompany you. How about it Rain, want to come along? We should plan to meet again tomorrow..but where?"
"Let's meet outside here an hour after first light and we can compare what we've learned and talk about next steps."
Shol'a'saul nods, "That is an agreeable plan to me. I will see you all here in the morning."
I head out with Morsai and Timmins, "Good plan, see you then."
Once there, Morsai returns the tome he's been studying, and looks through the collection for anything that might offer insight on the key...
Everyone else you ask around but no one seems to have heard of the All Key, though at one point Rain, a drunkard mentions something about a brothel but he passes out before you can get much else from him.
...muttering...no...not that...hmmm....useless...no...
Morsai closes yet another book in disdaiin.
So the night passes swiftly before long the rays of sunshine are glinting off the the still damp buildings. The rain has stopped and the clouds have disappeared. Shops all over town open bright and early despite a night of festivities.