a Demonathon Adventure
Ancient Manuscripts
The Manuscript Room seems oddly empty of people, which you suppose is a nice pace from the other crowded halls. This cabinet is quiet with dim lights, except for the few carefully placed spotlights over the books. You suppose that the paper is so delicate and old that they need special environmental conditions. All of the windows are covered in thick curtains and the room is chilly, but just a little humid.
You and your demon walk through the space, and as you look at the sheets of disintegrating paper, you notice that some of the words shift. They begin in one language, then the ink moves into one that you understand. You stop at something that looks like a chart and focus on the words. The ink slides beneath the pulpy paper and disappears, only to reappear a few moments later in similar handwriting, only now you can read "Completed Contracts". Around the chart are beautiful, detailed drawings of demons and creatures that look like they're shifting between a human and an Other shape.
Something moves in the corner of your vision, and you turn to find a book in a glass box, but the page is turning on its own. You take a closer look, and you see that there are tiny sprites or faeries carefully turning the page. You can faintly hear the chatter of them working together and trying not to damage the book. It's beautiful, but unlike the other manuscripts, these words are not shifting so you can read them.
A blue, lanky creature approaches you and smiles. "It's a strange thing, isn't it?" he says. "It's a manuscript written entirely in code. No one has been able to decipher it, and so it remains a mystery." He points to the newly turned page. "But we do know these are demon plants, ones that come from other realms and have created healing potions for millennia. Why would someone write down healing herbs in code?"
You're not sure but it is curious. You suggest perhaps it was a human who wrote this. Knowing human history, this knowledge may have been feared at some point.
The creature smiles and nods. "It occurred to us perhaps that is why the code is implemented, but it IS enchanted. Not even I have the power to break the spell." He holds out a hand and a pearlescent orb appears. "I am a Faerie of Forgotten Things, and so if the cipher was forgotten I would be able to break it. A death means that all of their memories and knowledge is forgotten, and it is within my domain."
You aren't sure what he's implying at first, but you come to the realization. The manuscript is old, and if the Faerie of Forgotten Things is unable to find the cipher, it must mean that the author still lives. Thus, it wasn't a human who wrote this.
He smiles at you as you figure it out. "It is such a mystery. I wonder if perhaps there is other knowledge I can acquire to break the code. I am so curious."
Prompt:
Read a book about uncovering an old mystery or
using ancient knowledge
The faerie gestures towards the back of the cabinet. "If you ever wish to test your wit, I believe you may want to meet our resident Sphynx. She admires that kind of cleverness. She may even grant you favor if you answer her riddles correctly. Alternatively," he says, eyeing your pockets as if he can see you have something in there, "she does enjoy a good book. Perhaps you have one that you're willing to part with? It does not have to be one you like. If anything, she prefers ones that are unfinished."
You look at the back of the hall. Between the rows of manuscripts and tall shelves, you can barely make out a set of large wings and a lion's tail. You're not sure if you're brave enough to approach. Wasn't there a thing about the sphynx eating those who could not solve her riddles? Perhaps a gift of a book would be better...
Helper Demon Sphynx:
If you've read at least half the book, the Sphynx will finish it for you. You keep all points.
