Puzzlebox
Intro
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: 14563
Author: ENCELADAN
Date: 8/9/2010 11:08:46 PM
Subject: The Puzzlebox
The last couple of nights, a man by the name of Reshum has been in Solhaven, showing off a puzzlebox with a bunch of runes on it. He claims to have acquired it from Vaelsoth, who some might recognize as the name of the elf who had a large hand in the stuff that happened regarding Nershuul in Ta'Illistim last spring.
So far, Reshum has taken the puzzlebox to an alchemist to have it tested. Some effects it has shown are slight visions to those who have held it (he has allowed a few to hold it and inspect it more closely), most centering on books and the sounds of pages rustling. Another effect is that it has conjured pigeons, which then burst into flames. It did that when I held it.
He said tonight that the alchemist mentioned the need for firemote and shadowglass orbs. He was given a firemote orb tonight, and I have a shadowglass orb on hand to possibly offer him if he returns tomorrow.
He also indicated the need for "experts in theoretical magical physics and general advanced spatial and possible temporal applications."
He didn't actually indicate he would return tomorrow, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to be on the lookout.
-Sir Aydan Mursilis, Knight Banneret and Captain of the Vornavian Reserve-
-Adjudicator, Order of the Azure Sun-
The puzzlebox
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: 14565
Author: SHADOWTHEFT
Date: 8/10/2010 5:54:01 AM
Subject: Re: The Puzzlebox
- What it looks like
- an intricate runic puzzlebox
The puzzlebox is a study in both amazing detail and complex mechanical engineering of some sort. Whole reams of runic designs grace its surface like leaves upon a forest floor, forming intertwining curves and loops that somehow resolve themselves into sharp, geometric patterns toward the center of each face of the small cube. Faint traceries of energy slither back and forth the runic channels as if they were roadways, emitting an aura of palpable power.
- What happens when Eugenides touches it
Wisps of energy rise out from the puzzlebox and idly coalesce around Eugenides. Odd rustling, akin to pages turning, fill the air.
- What happens when Eugenides tinkers with it
A strange vision of a stone monolith silhouetted against a red sky races through your mind's eye, then is gone.
>He also indicated the need for "experts in theoretical magical physics and general advanced spatial and possible temporal applications."
An individual has worked out a "potential" solution.
- a sheet of creamy vellum
In the Common language, it reads:
"Runic Puzzlebox"
Centered at the top of the page is the image of a cube. Thin lines of rich, black ink fill in each side of the cube with a complicated array of runic designs, layering over each other like leaves upon a forest floor. They form intertwining curves and loops that somehow resolve themselves into sharp, geometric patterns toward the center of each visible face of the cube.
A second cube is inked below the first, its size exactly the same. Like the cube above it, the faces of the second cube are covered with a complicated array of layered runic designs. However, they are arranged in such a way that the curves and loops form interlocking circles in the center of each visible face, while the sharp, geometric lines form triangular points facing towards the outer edges of the cube, much like a compass rose.
Runes in list format are inked at the bottom of the page, many similar to the runes on the cubes above.
~Eugenides, The Last
You monotonously drone, "Bwaaaaaaaaaah."
Aydan monotonously drones, "Bwaaaaaaaah."
A barn owl says, "Bwaaaaaaaaah."
From nearby, you hear Bristenn yell, "Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: 14565
Author: GS4-VORAVIEL
Date: 8/10/2010 5:54:01 AM
Subject: Re: The Puzzlebox
It's said that if you're all gushy on some Fash-meat, you should probably hang around Solhaven for a short period of time this week/weekend.
Just sayin', y'know, cause I'm all vague and crap.
~ V
Gifting of the Box
Topic: Fash'lo'nae
Message #: 81
Author: JADZIABLUE
Date: 8/15/2010 12:57:45 AM
Subject: Reshum's Puzzlebox
As promised...
Earlier in the week, a mysterious man named Reshum came to Solhaven with a puzzlebox. He said the box originally belonged to an elf named Vaelsoth, but it was lost when Vaelsoth had to throw it overboard from a ship in the eastern oceans to elude some potential captors. We eventually learned that Reshum had a local alchemist examine it and that he would need a firemote and a shadowglass orb to open it.
>You see Reshum Epto.
>He appears to be a Human.
>He is on the taller side and appears to be past his prime. He has wizened dark eyes and fair skin. He has long, straight salt-and-pepper hair with a predominance of steely grey around his temples.
>He is in good shape.
>He is wearing a wide-brimmed black hat, a massive heavy black greatcloak, and an unkempt dark wool robe.
Last night, Reshum returned to North Market to open the box. He did puzzle things and opened the box, which then converted itself into a floating orb thingie:
>The orb is a study in both amazing detail and complex mechanical engineering of some sort. Whole reams of runic designs grace its surface like leaves upon a forest floor, forming intertwining curves and loops that somehow resolve themselves into sharp, geometric patterns toward the center of each face of the small sphere. Faint traceries of energy slither back and forth the runic channels as if they were roadways, emitting an aura of palpable power.
>It also appears to be floating in mid-air.
The firemote and shadowglass orbs were fused with the floating sphere, and the sphere left behind an urglaes box.
>The box wavers and pulsates with waves of irreality, the tapestry of sigils on it swirling and undulating like a living mass of scarlet tissue.
It was suggested that Eugenides, being the present locksmith, open it. However, Reshum stated that Eugenides would not be able to open the box. He then picked up the box and handed it, plus a matching urglaes [Ed: urnon] key, to Raelee. Raelee opened the box, which immediately turned to stone.
Inside the box were numerous copies of a book, a small note, and a bunch of rocks. The books were distributed to all of those present at the time. They contained a very lengthy history of Fash'lo'nae. (To be included in another post. It's long. Seriously long.)
The note, which was in elven, read:
>Enclosed are samples of The Grandfather's Shard acquired via the normal means. Credits for this achievement will be discussed at a later date as the involved parties should reap some rather grand rewards. In addition to the samples, please find enclosed 10 copies of my research paper on the subject matter for your libraries -- I'm well aware it's long overdue, but my research with the parasite is taking up too much of my time.
>Vaelsoth Inzuniel
(That makes more sense if you read the book.)
The appearance of the rocks was as follows:
>a small shard of black rock
>The shard appears almost crystalline, its fractured edges gleaming with geometric clarity and rigid form. Deep pitting mars its surface, a telltale sign of its doubtlessly incredibly ancient origins. Scrawled across the mottled blackness of the stone's natural hue are glassy white marks like that of chalk, yet they look as if they've been burned into the stone's structure permanently by some powerful force.
Before Raelee could actually open the box, she asked Reshum who he really was. He never really answered but...
>Reshum is suddenly cloaked by a cloying grey mist. As he smiles, his eyes flash a deep yellow as his pupils turn slitted -- and then he is gone, a whisper on the wind.
... revealing that he was actually The Grandfather himself.
Signed,
Raelee and her Strings
>Speaking to Zyllah, Alyias says, "See? Raelee knows all."