Letter to Therion

[ralphmelton.livejournal.com]

Dear friend Therion,

I am very glad that you have made it here alive. I regret I could not stay to greet you, but the earthquake that shattered the bridge is minor compared to other crises elsewhere, and I must go do what I can. I hope I may one day hear your songs of all this time of troubles.

I have left what I can for you--I know that you are lacking much since your imprisonment in the cyst. I wish that it were more.

Elys' and I have developed a new process for the creation of a few lozenges of potent healing power. Unfortunately, we have not the time to obtain the pearls. I therefore leave you this in hopes that you will succeed where we have not.

One more word of warning, though I hesitate to say aught: Garrett has been acting oddly lately. I cannot put my finger on it, but ever since he gained that green dagger, he has been more aloof and secretive. It is possible that within him is a worm at the heart of our fellowship. (Say naught of this to him, forsooth--it may well be that I leap at shadows.)

When you go out to seek an end to this crisis, you might seek out the temple of Dorl Tavyani, to the north. I have heard of the worship from time to time--his aspect seems to involve cleverness and combat, I believe--but have not sought that temple out. But the pilgrims say that Dorl Tavyani sometimes speaks to his supplicants, and there is hope that you might gain valuable information there.

Elys' has had to leave already. She told me to give you her love, and suggested that she had a number of things in mind that would scandalize me if I knew. I hope you get to find out what these are.

All my blessings upon you, Therion. May the glorious Dragon Empire of Agondre last forever!

Yours in honor,

Renard


A postscript: It may be that you who read this are not Therion, also called Harpfire. If that is so, I grant you leave to take what you will from this place, but I require a minor and a major condition. The minor is that you leave word here for Therion of what you have done, and of this my message. The major condition is that you pledge yourself to discovering and effecting an end to this dire Cataclysm that plagues all of Agondre. An you do these things, you may take what you will with the blessings of Renard du Bellar.

Magic recipe

[ralphmelton.livejournal.com]

This is the recipe that accompanied the letter:

In a silver chalice, combine a scant handful each of angelica, germander, fumitory, and dragon's heart. Add enough fresh water to make it liquid, but not so much that it can be seen through.

As the full moon rises, place in the chalice up to three pearls of exceptional size and quality. Stir the chalice three times from right to left with the horn of a unicorn, all the while chanting these words:

Pearl and silver, dragon's heart,
Unicorn's horn for healing art.
Powers of Phthenoth I implore
To infuse their power evermore.

After the ritual is complete, the pearls may glow faintly if all has gone exceptionally well.

Each pearl will provide a ward against disease to the one who carries it, as long as it receives no scratch or mark. It can also be swallowed as a potent cure for every wound and ailment.

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OOC requirements:

Craft Wondrous Item
Cure Critical Wounds
Lesser Restoration
Remove Disease

A pearl of the required quality will cost at least 1200 gp.

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Three of the herbs are from real life:

Fumitory: A member of the poppy family. Believed to have great powers and therefore something witches were known to collect. The name comes from the French fumiterre, meaing smoke of earth. Legend says the plant does not come from seeds but from vapors at the center of the earth. the smoke of this plant is known for it's magical properties of purification and protection.

Germander: a member of the mint family. It is associated with the oak and so has similar protective properties. It has a reputation for curing gout, for example. It was also popular in medieval times in "strewing" -- casting fragrant herbs on the floor to mask unpleasant odors.

Angelica: Known for centuries in Scandinavia for protection against almost every disease, for purifying the blood and as a remedy for poisons. The plant is associated with pagan festivals in early summer. As an amulet, all parts of the plant are believed to be useful in neutralizing spells and enchantments.

Dragon's heart is a fictional herb. It has a dark red flower that never fully opens, and red spots on its leaves that look like drops of blood. It is a rare herb, very difficult to cultivate. It is used by druids as an potent ingredient with associations of power and healing.