The Dismal Paleographer

The Dismal Paleographer
Category	Story Event
Type	Story
Data ID	300674

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The Dismal Paleographer is a Sunless Skies Story Event.

Story description[ | ]

The Paleographer's tent is some distance from the rest of the camp, and almost in the forest. It is smaller and more worn than the tents of the others. Inside, however, the tent is both warm and sturdy. No rain leaks through the oilskin. The Paleographer's inks and reference books and old theatre handbills are neatly sorted. The Paleographer is at a little wooden desk, conjugating the subjunctive.

Interactions[ | ]

Actions	Requirements	Effects	Notes
Choose the Paleographer to translate the sigils on the scythe from the Steward's Font He's very keen to know what, if anything, you found in the wood.	Entering the Regent's Grave = 5 [You have found a blade in the Steward's Font. Return to the scholars]	The Giggling Place The Dismal Paleographer grabs your notes eagerly. He is swift to an initial translation. "This is a gift for service. Carolingian kings gave gifts – spoils, riches, offices – for loyalty." He pauses. "Eh? What's this?" The Paleographer labours over your notes for several hours. At last, he rises from his desk. "I think this was given as an office: 'Tamer of the King's Bower'. But that's no position that I know of. It gave authority over 'the Giggling Place' – located somewhere deep— Do you have a map? It would be easier." He scrawls markings onto your map. Entering the Regent's Grave = 10 [Take an expedition to the Giggling Place] +250 x Sovereign +250 x Experience	Game note: You will only be able to consult one scholar. They do not share their findings with rivals and guard their research jealously.
Ask the Paleographer about the Barrows of Silence The name of the Barrows was told to you in the woods.	Entering the Regent's Grave = 20 [You have heard the words they speak in the Giggling Place. Return to the scholars to discuss your evidence]	Evidence shifts The Paleographer paces his tent. "Animals that speak? That doesn't fit! What will I say to the Senate?" His voice catches. "I will not just give up on Charlemagne." He rifles through his papers. "Perhaps we will find more useful evidence in these barrows. We did find a reference to 'quiet graves' on an old tablet, written in the Correspondence. It must be the same place. It was described as the place 'deeds were made'. Aha." He finds his notes and makes a mark on your map. Entering the Regent's Grave = 25 [Embark on an expedition to the Barrows of Silence to continue investigating] +250 x Sovereign +250 x Experience	Game note: You will only be able to consult one scholar. They do not share their findings with rivals and guard their research jealously.
Ask the Paleographer about his theory Why does he think the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne, is buried in a forgotten tomb in the High Wilderness?		The king's duty goes on "It's a little strange, I admit. You certainly won't find this in Einhard! But there are legends that say the great king did not leave his people on death, and instead sleeps in a barrow, waiting for their hour of need." He almost smiles. "You query 'his people'? I do not forget that we are British." He pauses for effect. "But is our Queen not of German parentage? Would not her ancestor look out for her – Europe's greatest monarch – as she embarks on her most significant endeavour?"
Ask about the Feckless Theologian What does he think of his fellow academic?		Lost friends The Paleographer is lost in thought. When he answers you, he looks rueful. "The three of us were at college together, in the same year. We were all interested in the theatre, but eventually pursued other things. I hadn't seen him in years – until the Traitor's Wood funding came up at the Senate." He sniffs. "His intellect is second rate, but his charm is first class. We can't all be brilliant," he sighs despondently.
Ask about the Vituperative Classicist What does he think of his fellow academic?		A titan on the stage "A remarkable scholar. And a terrifying Goneril. At college, when she trod the boards—" He shakes his head. "Ancient history now. Which is her province, not mine." He makes a strong cup of tea for himself, and then offers you the same. "Bitterness has curdled her." He sips his drink, then grimaces. "Like this milk."
Return to camp You have intruded long enough.		Triggers event: The Summerset Camp