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The Guidepath Numbers
An ancient scroll, penned in blood by the Archmagi of Eldersbane as a riddle and an emergency method of reaching the Eldersbane. The scroll was created with the aid of the Jyept Adepts and makes use of the Avenues of Time (effectively a collection of tunnels, not unlike sewers, in the Elmether) to work its magic. It is therefore likely that the scroll exists in contravention of Item Law 88 and Item Law 168. It is unknown what the Adepts received in return, though Timenes being what it is, it is possible that some deeper connection exists between the two organizations.
Despite being a forbidden item created through a pact between two fairly notorious organizations, in the end the Guidepath Numbers were instrumental in ending the Eldersbane's reign of terror.
Appearance
The scroll itself is a fairly straightforward piece of work, depicting the numbers 1 through 9 in three rows of three, with a 0 centered at the bottom.
| ~1~ | ~2~ | ~3~ |
| ~4~ | ~5~ | ~6~ |
| ~7~ | ~8~ | ~9~ |
| ~0~ | |
Below this matrix are several sequences of numbers, though what they represent is not immediately evident; it has been suggested that these 10-digit sequences represent effects the Archmagi of Eldersbane found "amusing." Most are deadly (see below).
Effects
The scroll itself seems unremarkable until one actually touches the matrix of numbers; each number touched briefly emits a unique dischordant tone.
The riddle--and the danger--comes every ten tones. With each tenth number, violent Elementals might appear, or the holder of the scroll might find themself transported instantly to Flongstake, or perhaps with a mouthful of Fish Cheese.
"Random" is not an appropriate label for the effects, however, because as it turns out, the effects of the Guidepath Numbers are repeatable. And, as Asana Millytopthought discovers, no matter how many times you press 3533772263, the Guidepath Numbers will always open the way to Eldersbane.
The truest danger, then, rests with using the scroll for the first time. It seems to have a long memory, and there is no way of knowing how many numbers have already been selected. While many effects seem comical, while others are deadly, the worst effects are those which bear no resemblance to recognizable or pronouncable phenomenon--effects that are flatly Unspeakable. According to most historical references to the Guidepath Numbers, only someone with incredibly good fortune or an incredibly brilliant mind could use the scroll long enough to uncover its secrets without first finding themselves a new-made denizen of The Nastiest of the Nastiest Planes.
A List of Known Effects
| Numbers | Effect |
| 3474243373 | Fills the wielder's mouth with Fish Cheese |
| 3533772263 | Opens an enchanted path to Eldersbane |
| 3536368257 | Summons Elementals. Typically, irate Elementals who attempt to eat the wielder of the Guidepath Numbers |
| 3566478253 | Opens an enchanted path to Flongstake |
| 4158675309 | Dresses the wielder in a special enchanted suit of armor known as Jenny Twotone's Twoton Armor |
In Book 8, Chapter 17, Asana comes upon the Lost Lands of Tevania, the final resting place of Captain Tev's lost expedition. Tev helps Asana by giving her two of the Four Plaster Shards and digging up an 'ancient scroll' known as the Guidepath Numbers which is rumored to be a key to finding the Eldersbane.
Hijinks occur as Asana attempts to use the Guidepath Numbers with increasing frustration. Trafficant the Sly finds her just as she has an epiphany and activates the power dormant within the scroll, disappearing before his eyes.
Comments (1)
K said
at 9:12 pm on Jun 23, 2006
I'll get back to this in a bit...
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