Mihai is cautious when Aedalis has him wear the vest, not understanding the nature of the falsehood it shows through hiding of it's form. But when he removes the chain mail that had been girding his torso and puts the delicate yet strong vestment on that he feels different. What weight the chain bore fades away and his mind soars on the wings of thoughts flooding uninvited through his head.
Taken aback, he unconsciously triggers the glamour on the armor... and it reverts not to it's colours when worn by the harpy... but vibrant oranges and red - the colours of the Walker. Struck silent by the revelation Mihai ponders this for a hand of seconds before whim calls him to call to his cards. Trusting to providence, he squats on the ground and begins a lay...
The cards lay out before you...a few things of note become immediately apparent...
The Wanderer...it is aligned...you think it is showing the armor.
The crows...it is miss-aligned...you think it indicates some type of thievery that needs to be put to rest.
The other cards mean little, but you get the feeling that something is out of place or must be righted...
The rest of you have been poking around the ruins while Mihai looks over his cards. There's not much here. Maybe this was a building...maybe a large one at one time. There isn't enough to identify it now.
Just behind the Harpy's tree is another story though. You spot a mound of dirt with a stone block lying to one side and it is open. Inside is a chamber. It may have been in good shape but it appears the Harpy has been using it as another nest or something. Inside are carvings on the walls. It appears to be of humans fighting snakemen. There is a raised dais in the center that appears to have been a stone Sarcophagus. The top is open. Next to the dais and inside are the remains of a human, they are scattered all over the place…there appears to be nothing else left in the chamber.
Surveying the scattered bones and the empty coffin Corbius kneels to take a closer look at the bones. I bet I know where your fancy vest came from now Mihai. Dusting his hands off Corbius stands and heads above ground to wait for the others to finish.
While Anton swings his lucerne hammer at the grounded harpy's head, others attack her as well, and the small woodsman finds himself coated in blood and feathers as she nearly explodes from the force of their blows. Remembering how Tragershen has helped them before in similar situations, the front-linesman asks him for some magical cleaning, speaking rather too loudly until he remembers to remove his earplugs. Then he prepares the area for a safe night's rest before turning in himself.
Brow furrowed, Mihai considers the lay for a few minutes before scooping up his cards. Following to the tomb, Mihai nods at Corbius' words before looking to gather the bones and return them to the sarcophagus... while he does so looking to see if the skeleton is complete or has missing bones.
The bones are scattered about what you suppose is a crypt by this point. The wall carvings seem to show someone following a great hero...fighting snakemen. You get the feeling that this may be the crypt of that person...the follower.
You arrange the bones in the sarcophagus and clean up the area a bit...it is late by this time but you still can't seem to shake that feeling...
Contemplating for a minute or the like Mihai carefully lays the flute atop the skeleton... figuring that if this was the tomb of the follower, then the flute may have been his.
Mihai shucks off the shirt of chain and lays that atop the skeletal ribcage.
The armor seems the about the size/fit of the corpse and now that you look at the drawings on the wall, maybe the follower is wearing a vest, it is a little hard to tell due to their age...the cards though, they seem to indicate you were to find the vest...and right some situation...it's confusing at best....
With his incredibly sharp ears, Anton can't help hearing how quickly Mihai learns to play the flute -- almost as if they were meant for each other. So, it is with great befuddlement that he sees the Varisian gift both the excellent flute and the miraculous armor back to the skeletal remains of their possible previous owner. "Why are you doing that? He doesn't need them any more; and if it's one of the Azlantis depicted here, then I'm sure he'd want them used by someone who fights snakemen. Which we're about to go do."
Retrieving the flute and shirt Mihai shrugs "Merely a thought..." before frowning at the skeleton laid in state. Gesturing for the others to help him with the sarcophagus' lid he sees it muscled back into place atop the body. He then lays a hand on the stone surface to whisper a prayer.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain."
"When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die."
Turning to the others "I feel that we have paths yet to tread on this isle... shall we?"
Anton nods solemnly at Mihai's question. "Of course. But it would be nice to know whether we should enter the Stone Mouth as planned, or if that would be foolish. What would happen if we went by ourselves? What if we went back to the lighthouse and got the others to guard the Tide Stone and let us back out, if necessary? What if we enticed Ieana out and got her to use up her magic, so that Grolik could help us without her compelling him? Surely there's a useful question in there somewhere, that your cards could answer."
Waking up in his new magic armor, Anton is still a little surprised at how comfortable he finds it. But he has no right to be comfortable, when Larissia and Nora paid the ultimate price. And now the one that stranded them here is apparently trying to bring back the magic power of an ancient empire of snakemen that took the power of the Azlants to defeat. And it's up to him to defeat them again. And he's comfortable. How quaint. The little woodsman rises heavily, grimacing at the weighty thoughts racing around and around through his small head.
As they break their fast, Anton broaches the topics that he assumes are on everyone's minds. "So. There could be some hidden stashes that we haven't found yet, but I think it's more important for us to get on with stopping Ieana from... whatever she's doing. As for whether we should go back and get the others to guard the Tide Stone so that they can let us back out if necessary, that sounds like a really great idea to me, unless anyone has a good reason why not. The thought of being trapped really creeps me out."
Nim patiently awaited those interested in such things to finish their investigations of the ruins to their satisfaction.
The following day, Nim contributed to the discussion started by Anton. Other than leaving the supposed security of the camp... I have no objection to having the others watching the Tide Stone. If you feel it is necessary, and it makes you feel better... I will not oppose it.
Mihai nods, content with this course of action.
You rest the night, many of you practicing a few new tricks you have been working on.
Mihai is bothered with dreams all night...he tries to reach Aedalis to help him against Ieana, but can not quite reach him before he dies horribly...he tries to mend Corbrius' leg, but can't find his healing kit...he tries to help Jask cure a disease on Geilk but can't remember how to cure this disease. You awaken not exactly tired but restless and bothered.
It takes you most of the day to get back to your new camp where you are greeted by the other castaways. It seems they have had a visitor...
Mihai is unusually furtive during the walk back, but does not trouble anyone with whatever is on his mind. Upon arrival however, he waits to hear of the visitor.
Before walking back to the camp, Aedalis gathered everybody, once they were almost ready to move out.
My companions, I hope I have earnt enough measure of trust by this point for you to approach what I have to show you with an open mind. For some time i've been trying to perfect a way of providing healing and my unique fortunes without needing to be at arms reach. And I have come across a solution... But it will be easier to show, than tell. Do I have a volunteer?
Nim steps forward...
When you get back to the camp you see Gelik, he looks like he is about to explode with excitement...he rushes at you when you walk into the camp almost babbling...
It's the Red Mountain Devil, I mean Grolik! He came in with a big lizard as a peace offering. He said he wanted to learn our language and more about the outside world!
For the last couple of nights he has been sitting with us and talking with us about himself and the island and asking us a bunch of questions!It's very exciting.
I am not sure exciting is the word I would use, more like nerve wracking. It is an interesting creature though. The lizard was a nice touch though.
Do you think it will be back now that you are back?
Jask walks out of the tower and greets you.
It has indeed been keeping us company. I wonder if it is watching us but it seems to want to learn as well. Know thy enemies?
I can't tell if it is up to something but it has shared a few things with us while asking a lot about where we were going and the surrounding peoples and places, it doesn't appear to be deceiving us at this point.
We haven't felt the need yet to not share this information or lie to the creature. At the moment it seems happy with our arrangement.
What do you all think?
Nim steps forward...
Aedalis concentrated for a moment and a small, painless scar appeared on Nim's right biceps, in the shape of a tree; although it is a little blotchy.
This magical technique allows me a connection with the rest of you, and once I master the art of scrying, i'll be able to easily watch over you from afar... I will also be able to impart healing and fortune upon you at great distances, perhaps even when Anton is scouting ahead. They are not permanent, however...
With a brief wave of his hand, the magical tattoo disappeared.
Just think of me as your own, Smugglers Shiv tattoo parlour... I can take requests...
I was fine with the tree actually...
Corbius eyes the tattoo on Nim's arm before it disappears. Looking at the Aedalis his lips pursed in thought for a moment. Aedalis could it be a heraldic design? Sword upon a flaming shield perchance? If so that would be acceptable to me. I would be honored to be marked in such a way especially if it helps us.
Clearly trusting Aedalis, Corbius bares his forearm.
I do not know what game the Grolik is up to. Maybe he really just wants someone to talk to maybe not. Until he has given us sufficient reason to trust him I think we should be wary of him and any gifts he brings.
I would agree Corbrius...it's hard to judge what it wants. Did you all complete what you were hoping to do?
What is next my friends?
After a especially "active" love-making session...Sasha lays tangled in your arms, That thing is smarter than I originally gave it credit for.
It knows how to manipulate people! It's not directly lying to us, but you know it isn't telling us everything either. What are we going to do about it? I get the feeling we are going to regret dealing with it in the end. Can we kill it without the others knowing? Can we kill it without the others?
It looks like a Demon, but every day it spends with Gelik and Jask it tries to appear and act more like one of us...I don't like it one bit!
Nim does not know what to make of the news that the RMD has been keeping company with the other castaways.
What has it been saying exactly? What has it told you about itself and the island? What has it asked of you in return?
I have no idea. Why is it not here now? Has it been coming and going? The same times each day?
You say that it is asking a lot of questions about "us"? Do you mean the lot of you... or all of us as well?
Go after Ieana is the plan as far as I know... Anton has some things to ask of you in that regard...
Nim nods in agreement with Sasha's assessment of the RMD. That we will regret getting too comfortable with it has been my concern all along. I suspect once we have dealt with Ieana, its true intentions may be revealed. Please be careful after we have left to deal with Ieana.
As for killing it? I am not sure that we can... Nim's mind flashes to his recent clash with the Harpy. Its ability to fly makes it extremely tough to deal with. Doing so without alerting the others make sit even more difficult. Even if we managed to kill it, and the others discovered our actions, I am not sure how some of them would react.
Ultimately, while I do not trust it, and fear that it will eventually betray us... it also has not done anything specific at this point to warrant a death sentence.
I hope that I shall not regret this decision. We should hope for the best but prepare for the worst...
Nim does not know what to make of the news that the RMD has been keeping company with the other castaways.
What has it been saying exactly? What has it told you about itself and the island? What has it asked of you in return?
Well, it says that the stone pillar or Tidal Stone as you all have called it gave birth to him a number of seasons ago. Well maybe gave birth is a stretch but I like the way it sounds! Anyways he says that he doesn't remember anything much before one night when he was standing beside it with thunder and lighting going off all around...he said it was like waking up for the first time.
He said he was much smaller back then and had a mate. He was scared at first, not sure what was happening. His mate turned on him and tried to kill him and he fled. He found that his new found thinking allowed him to hunt easier and eventually he overcame the fear and starting becoming bigger and stronger into what he is today.The Cannibals had believed him to be some sort of great being or god as I described it to him.
The Cannibals disgusted him so he used them for entertainment, he found he grew bored easily...
He learned the hard way to stay away from the Wood Witch and the Harpy because of their magic. He says humans often came to the island on wrecked ships, mostly during bad storms but we are the first he has really gotten to know. Normally they would be consumed by one of those three groups and so he thought we were all like the Cannibals!
Nim does not know what to make of the news that the RMD has been keeping company with the other castaways.
I have no idea. Why is it not here now? Has it been coming and going? The same times each day?
It comes and goes at various times, but it has been here the last two evenings. Maybe it has seen you all and decided to stay away?
Nim does not know what to make of the news that the RMD has been keeping company with the other castaways.
You say that it is asking a lot of questions about "us"? Do you mean the lot of you... or all of us as well?
Go after Ieana is the plan as far as I know... Anton has some things to ask of you in that regard...
It is asking all sorts of questions about the outside world, what we did there, what it is like.
What types of other peoples and creatures we have encountered. It seems to be craving knowledge.Anton, you have questions for me?
Mihai's mood becomes darker when he hears of the devil visiting the others while they were not there. Knowing that no good had come from earlier discussions of it, he remains mute and listening. They call it by the name it gave itself... they are forgetting that it is a beast and sees them only as food.
_____
To Aedalis:
Mihai is genuinely interested in his new talent, though remains guarded about any thoughts of placing such as scar upon himself. Mihai does not volunteer, and would only speak of his reticence if pressed.
Nim listens to the others as they speak... and still has no idea what to make of these latest revelations.
Instead of getting caught up in what ifs... Nim instead focuses his energies on the upcoming confrontation with Ieana.
Anton is intrigued by Aedalis's new talent. "I'd like an open shackle on a broken chain."
At Nim's prompt and Jask's question, Anton hesitates. "Well, I like your plan of waiting to let us out if we can't get out ourselves, but after thinking more on the writings that Tragershen translated, I'm not sure we can even get in. One of the ingredients is seawater in 'a vessel of purest metal', which could mean gold. Do we even have any gold cups or bowls? We might have to either explore more, or wait for her to come out."
Aedalis was only too happy to place the tree back upon Nim and in short order, both Corbrius and Anton had their requests fulfilled as well. The older man looked expectantly at Tragershen and Mihai,
Aedalis looked none too impressed by the thought of the beast at the campsite and made his thoughts vocal as they heard the news at the camp's edge.
It is intimidating us... Marching brazenly into our territory just to remind us that it can, that it would be able to slay those left behind...
Nim nods in agreement with Aedalis' remarks...
When Anton speaks Nim shakes his head. You assume that she is planning on coming back out...
We have no idea what she seeks below. It may be a portal to another plane that she seeks to open for all we know.
We really have no idea. I say we cannot afford to wait and see...
As Nim ponders the issue of getting in he mumbles aloud, "Purest metal" does not have to mean "expensive". Or at the very least it does not mean that the vessel itself need be extravagant. I am sure that we can produce something from the multitude of gold or silver coins we possess. A crude bowl perhaps?
Does anyone, perchance, have a helmet? Aedalis suggested.
Nim nods as realization at Aedalis' comment sinks in. I do not, of course... but do you think that Anton's breastplate would work in a pinch?
It doesn't have a scratch on it... Nim smiles widely.
Anton considers the others' words. "I only have a pith helmet; and I wasn't suggesting gold because it's expensive. I was trying to think from the point of view of ritual magic -- which admittedly, I've never done -- but since we're working with a translation from an ancient inscription, my best guess for "purest metal" would be something that doesn't react with seawater. Since that's what it's supposed to transport."
Then he makes a face at Nim's joke. "Yes yes, if metal not reacting with seawater is the criterion as I suspect, then my new armor might work. But I'd rather we just heat up some of those gold coins in the footlocker upstairs and beat them into a cup or bowl. I might need this."
Scar Time:
Mihai sits silent under Aedalis' gaze for a long time before slowly stepping forward. He shucks off a boot and after wafting his foot around to clear some of the smell he asks simply "You may put a blotch upon my heel... it need not be of any shape but what it needs for your function."
Now Time:
Mihai listens, but is slightly skeptical of their ability to melt coins "I have seen no forge, so I do not know if we could melt gold by fire alone."
Anton shrugs. "If a coin is too hard for Nim to beat cold, then it probably isn't that pure. We just need to heat them up enough that he can bond them together and then hammer enough curve into them to hold water."