Nonmagical Research- The Skull of Huugal Aerith Part 2

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 Phasmo returned to his notes on the research he is conducting into the rune-covered skull said to belong to one "Huugal Aerith". How does he know that is the name of the owner of said skull? According to Copra Kaan, the vat spawn adventurer that contracted Phasmo's efforts in researching the skull, Huugal's ghost told him as much. While not plagued by some unquieted spirit seeking a final rest, Phasmo still was pleased that Copra asked the Beholder to pick from one of the four lines of inquiry unearth in his efforts to pursue further. They were:

  1. Further delving into Xeelos exploration of the theology of the tale of Huugal Gold Tooth and the Four Divine Beasts.
  2. Studying more about the specifics in Xeelos' writing about the tomb Huugal's body resides.
  3. Researching the Vale Among the Oneric Mounds or Peaks in the only tome cited by Xeelos the library has-- Homerinous' History of Magical Mysterious Appendix N: The Peculiar Realms of Twilight, Elfin and Otherwise.
  4. Delving into the runes on Huugal's skull


Phasmo decided upon the second line of inquiry. The quotes Xeelos pulled from the source text covering this topic carried a vocabulary and poetry to it that seemed to Phasmo worthy of something more than crude yarn of cheap thrills. Under a grand monument to the forces Huugal help lead near the entrance to the Valley of the Lost (as the mystical valley Huugal journeys to is called), a chapel to the the Third and Sixth Archons rest beneath the ground in the style ancient to the Lawful Church but out of fashion in Xeelos' time. Some of the spoils of the conflict were used to make necessary ritual vessels. Statues of Allyria and Mythros were carved from red rocks from the surface while a cavity was hewn from the basalt of the mountain side. The commentary on this section describing the chapel is long and biting. Earlier in his writing, Xeelos seems to struggle with this confused theology of the Huugal narrative but in addressing the chapel he seems to regain footing as he examines this section of the theological elements of it that he possesses a much strong understanding. The arguments lodged at isolated passages possess a specificity in them belies an authenticity to them.

Xeelos seems to especially have issue with the ritual items listed. The cups should be silver AND gold. The ceremonial braziers should equal the number of Archons the site is dedicated to. The fact that the golden paten isn't even listed seems most upsetting to Xeelos. The 24" brass gong, at least, is given a description that the monk approves of. How red it is, though, is perplexing to him. Similarly, the amount of dust mentioned destresses the commentator. 



Why is this chapel discussed so much? Huugal's sidekick is said to establish a mission of more impressive ambition according to Xeelos' summary of the end of the story. Under the gaze of Allyria's and Mythros' peridot eyes, Huugal is said to rest in the manner granted to the warrior saints of his order.

This topic could be investigated further.

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