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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 7899751" data-attributes="member: 7015827">In the guest house, Rahnee put a box she had been carrying away under the bed and invited the newcomer to sit and make herself comfortable. Belle, acting rather nervously, complied, then handed over two documents and a pair of gloves to Veran immediately afterwards. Veran first passed the smaller document, a letter of introduction for Belle from Neferen, around the table, followed by the larger document, which read:"Further research conducted by the Temple of Oghma on behalf of Veran Bron. Subject: Ashnakzeroth.Following the delivery of the previous scribed report, the temple has made new discoveries, which we believed should be shared in the interest of propagating knowledge:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">'Blood magic' is referred to in several texts likely associated with Ashnakzeroth's activities prior to the Year of Sundered Webs. Apparently life essence in the form of blood was consumed or used by the entity. It may have done this to extend its own existence, or to empower its magics.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Although he hailed from Netheril, there is no evidence showing that Ashnakzeroth possessed any mythallars to power his spells and devices. Given the admittedly limited evidence at hand, it appears he substituted blood rituals for this purpose.</li> </ul>[Seal of Oghma]"While the others were reading, Belle explained that she had, on occasion, been of assistance to Neferen over the past two winters. He in turn had thought that she might be of some assistance to the party. She admitted not being fully aware of the matter with which the party was dealing, although the priest had informed her of some of the background. Veran explained that the abomination had been stirring and gathering power as of late. A former henchman of Ashnakzeroth was in custody in Turnton, under the watchful eye of a priest of Helm. It was their belief that she could get them into the creature’s lair.In answer to a question from Rahnee, Belle explained that she was a “finder of things” and a “tracker of sorts.” Rahnee observed that Belle looked nervous; the newcomer replied that this was her first time in Westgate, which did not have a welcoming reputation. Brok-Tul took the opportunity to make some pithy comments about Westgate’s nature. Goruna arrived at this point with Belle’s fish dinner, leaving it for her with a gap-toothed grin.After Goruna left, the companions leaned back in their chairs and began to discuss the latest information from the Oghmites as Belle dug into her food. In response to a question from Rahnee, Aerikoth said that the information had not changed his assessment of the situation; his primary concern was determining how to deal with Ashnakzeroth’s ally DeeDee, or whatever she was calling herself at the moment. After watching Belle eat with some fascination, Rahnee turned to her and asked if she were ready to die, prompting Belle to spit fish across the table. Rahnee helpfully clarified that she didn’t mean from the fish, but that the situation they faced was very dangerous. Veran stoically commented that judgment comes to us all, with little choice in where and when we meet it, only in how we meet it; however, acknowledging the dangerousness of the situation was wise. Belle confessed to not being an expert lich-hunter, but said that Neferen had thought she might prove a useful guide. Aerikoth said that no one expected Belle to lay down her life, commenting that he hoped the group would have the wisdom to withdraw if faced with an unwinnable situation.As Belle finished her meal, Rahnee made formal introductions all around and offered Belle a spare room for the night, if she desired. Belle gladly took the offer and was escorted upstairs by Veran and Brok-Tul. Aerikoth stopped by his room briefly, then departed the house, returning several hours later. The group slept deeply that night, awaking a couple hours after the sun had risen.</blockquote>

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