Luca followed Tyrus as they went, but... well, intimidation was not one of her strong points. She was young, skinny, female, and had trouble being threatening - though she did have a small army of stone warriors that could usually add emphasis to points she was trying to make. For now, though, she continued to keep quiet - she honestly hated being noticed too much, and was more than happy to let adults take the lead.
Dante was mildly impressed as Tyrus took charge. I was interesting to see. Was it wrong to wonder how long it would last? When Norren asks about what they found he merely nods to Tyrus and waves him forward, smiling.
"We did. We found the body and laboratory of the" Tyrus looks at the new man and woman "jailer. We found some notes - fascinating, but they'll take time to process. There's also a new tunnel complex you might be interested in. There's an old store room that should be sorted, if we can get a work group together."
He nods at the map
"How goes the war?"
You suddenly realize that the blood within the amulet - assuming it came from Lianna in the first place - holds not just her own power but also a trace of the vitality she had when still possessing a physical body and life. It will almost certainly be able to reinvigorate her for a time.
"There's no need for secrecy. These two know of Lianna."
"How goes the war?"
Norren shrugs. "Sentries haven't seen any goblins for days, either near town or near the camp we set up. I'm taking more men and women for another attack, and we aim to build better defences here. It's about time for them anyways - this island is remote, but not impossible to find. Goblins aren't the only threat we'll face."
He glances at Kris. "Why don't you help with these notes they found. We're running out of time."
Kris nods and replies: "I'll gather up any people we have be helpful sorting through that store room - though if it's been moldering here for hundreds of years I don't imagine there's much left in it that will be helpful." He escorts Tyrus and the rest back out of the hall. "Show me what you've found."
Not realising he's been deftly steered away, and still basking in his newfound importance, Tyrus happily takes Kris somewhere to show him what they've found.
First he shows the map "There's a tunnel that goes from Lianna's cave to a secret door here." he points "The laboratory and storeroom was here, we believe. We found a body here - it seems that the dwarf was using magic to tunnel, and it brought the tunnel down on his head."
"We rescued a book. Parts of it, anyway. There's some fascinating theories there. If I could take an archaeology team back I'd go through the ruined scraps. Possibly we could..." he stops, embarassed "Anyway, there are notes in there that might help - but they'll take a lot of study. Dante and Luca have been helping me."
He smiles, and holds up the necklace "As far as you're concerned, this is the real prize. That ampoule in the middle contains a tiny sample of Lianna's blood, preserved by magic. It's going to be tricky, but I'm confident that if we use this as the regnis, we can bulk out a potion with my blood and still provide significant recuperation." he shakes his head "Almost criminal to destroy something of this workmanship. It must be worth a fortune. But it could well make the difference."
"Time is still against us. We've got options we didn't have, but the tunnel is still the safest plan. We need all hands on that tunnel, not building defences."
Kris scowled. "The tunnel again. When Norren decided to chase that plan I couldn't believe it. Now it seems it's all we're left with. I'll see about getting more people to work on it, but it's not easy. We did not have a great deal of manpower to spare even before we started fighting this war against the goblins. But we really are running out of time."
Kris sighs, and looks wistfully up to the cave entrance on the mountainside. "Do you have the book?"
"I do. Once the tunnel is done the resources will be freed up. There's a certain amount of many-hours it will take. A lot of people for a little while, or a few people for a long while - the total effort involved is the same."
"I, um, think a lot of people working on it for a little while would be much more practical." Luca opined nervously. "Minimal disruption for everyone that way, and least likely to have an impact on what else is happening."
Norren shrugs. "Sentries haven't seen any goblins for days, either near town or near the camp we set up. I'm taking more men and women for another attack, and we aim to build better defences here. It's about time for them anyways - this island is remote, but not impossible to find. Goblins aren't the only threat we'll face."
"Yeah. Like pirates." Dante stares hard at Norren but says no more.
"Time is still against us. We've got options we didn't have, but the tunnel is still the safest plan. We need all hands on that tunnel, not building defences."
"No. We definitely need defenses. They need to be extended to the cave and the fort. The new goblin leader seemed like he wanted to play nice but once he dies, forgets, or goes hungry then we can expect them to be back. Fear or food are our best options with goblins. So if we have the resources to spare we could buy their peace. Or if we work things right we could get them to help. Don't think that has much merit but its an option."
Kris scowled. "The tunnel again. When Norren decided to chase that plan I couldn't believe it. Now it seems it's all we're left with. I'll see about getting more people to work on it, but it's not easy. We did not have a great deal of manpower to spare even before we started fighting this war against the goblins. But we really are running out of time."
Kris sighs, and looks wistfully up to the cave entrance on the mountainside. "Do you have the book?"
Dante looks a little ashamed at the statement. He is thankful Tyrus didn't mention him. "There is a spell in it that would be of great use digging but it might have caused the dwarf's untimely demise. It's also far more advanced then I think anyone here is capable of using. But like Tyrus said, there is also a ritual within that we might be able to piece together before the tunnel is complete. It sould allow is to transport her out of the hole and to the sea. I would suggest we do both incase one doesn't work and use the amulet to extend our window."
"Yeah. Like pirates."
Norren shows a faint smirk at the remark, but does not respond.
"... a lot of people working on it for a little while would be much more practical."
Kris nods. "Norren'll need to throw a lot of orders around. The crews don't like manual labor that ain't aboard a ship or in chase of bounty. But he'll get them moving."
"Ah hah! Not that is the sort of news we were hoping for. Something more likely to help than this damned tunnel! We must waste no time. I'll speak to Norren about restarting the digging, and then come to meet you at the common house. We must begin our researches immediately! I understand that all three of you," he indicates Tyrus, Dante, and Luca, "possess magical abilities, yes?"
She didn't want to have such abilities, but... "Yes." she answered succinctly. Emphasis on the 'possess' bit, because that was what usually happened when she was casting. Really, though, after that goblin assault before, the whole camp probably knew about her tiny army of stone warriors... sigh.
"Would there happen to be a cleric or one of divine power here besides Lianna? I believe all of us are arcane in nature and this dwarf more than dabbled in both sides."
"Indeed, Kris. Are there any others of the Gifted on the island? Rest assured that I will commit myself to these studies as soon as I have checked on my patients."
"Dante - an excellent thought. Perhaps Lianna herself might be able to assist in understanding. I suppose there is no reason we cannot study there."
Kris shakes his head. "No clerics on the island. There was one in the beginning, but he butted heads with Norren over command - and lost. Decided to leave rather than obey. I honestly do not know if Lianna will be able to help us. Her understanding of the world is very different than ours. What's worse, interacting with us is exhausting to her - it may well be hastening her demise."
A shadow of some emotion passes quickly across Kris's face.
You get the sense that the idea of Lianna's loss angers Kris considerably.
He lets out a sigh and glances once again to the cave. "So that will be a last resort, I think. Go about what business you need - I will meet you at the commons in an hour."
Kris walks back to the hall and disappears inside, leaving the group alone in the dusty street.
"Well. Hmmmm..."
"I suppose I shall use the time to visit my patients. Shall we meet at the commons in an hour then?"
About an hour later...
Kris bursts into the common house, walking with energetic purpose. "There! Now that the damned inanities are out of the way, show me thesee things you've found." Kris turns to the townsfolk, many of whom are still living out of the shared space. "The rest of you, out! You may return in the evening."
They all disappear out the door with a startling alacrity, leaving Kris alone with Tyrus, Dante, and Luca. Kris looks expectantly at the older man.
Luca, meanwhile, frowned somewhat at the tone in Kris' voice - that sounded all too much like nobles who were too wrapped up in their own desires, and she stepped back slightly to give Tyrus the floor.
That seemed a little rude. This was home to some people. "Should we not do this in a more private locale? How many people know of this? Don't have a lab or office we can use rather than driving half the people out of their home?"
A little intimidated by Kris's show of power, Tyrus looks around, pausing long enough to let Dante speak.
"Ah. Yes. They don't take much room. Perhaps we could do it somewhere smaller."
"Although I suppose we are here now."
Luca looked up at Tyrus as he faltered slightly, then quietly reached out and held his hand, squeezing it slightly. He wasn't alone and didn't need to be afraid, right?
All you can tell is that Kris seems very impatient.
"My own quarters are too cramped for all of us, and I want to spare no effort on this," Kris said offhandedly. He pointed to a nearby table. "Come, come. Enough trivialities. Let us see what you've found!"
Tyrus nodded gratefully at Luca, then opens two books flat on the table - after first checking the tables are clean and dry.
The first is his own, opened to a page that shows a sketch of the tunnels they found.
The second is the stoneborn's book. He pages through the various notes scrawled into the book, explaining the theories the group has built around them.
Finally, and reluctantly, he draws out the amulet.
"There were some miscellaneous goods in storage as well. Enough to convince me it might be worth a thorough ransacking. Nothing relevant to this, though."
"In terms of courses of action... Luca thinks she might be able to help with the digging. Dante will take the lead on finding an alternate method. I have to assist with the wounded - especially if there are more to come. When I can I will assist Dante. I'll also take the lead on seeing if I can turn the blood in the amulet into something to keep Lianna alive."
"There were some miscellaneous goods in storage as well. Enough to convince me it might be worth a thorough ransacking. Nothing relevant to this, though."
"Maybe not this specifically," he says pointing to the books. "but we found some useful items there before. I understand the importance of focusing on one goal but I was taught to always keep other options open. Tell Norren that the lack of man power because of this war is going to force us to choose one option rather than following several. The amulet will only buy us time and we don't have much. If we keep everyone close we can fortify our position, dig the tunnel, search the fort and look into a magical solution."
"Um, th-that thing can help make things more efficient, anyway." Luca muttered. She had limited capability to actually improve digging efforts - and no personal ability - but every little bit counted when they were trying to do something, right?
Kris is attentive as Tyrus goes over the notes, and runs an appreciative finger over the restored bindings of the dwarf's tome. When Tyrus takes out the amulet, his eyes widen a bit. He takes the thing from Tyrus and holds it up to his eyes in scrutiny. When Dante speaks, he nods distractedly.
"Always so little time, yes. I've already spoken to Norren about manpower - but he is too damned practical, even if he IS devout. He tells me the goblins are a threat right now, and Lianna's chances dwindle. He's letting it all slip through our fingers!"
Kris squeezes his eyes shut for a brief instant after his outburst, then opens them again and looks at the group with a shrug. "And that's why we must focus our own efforts. Tyrus I know has knowledge and learning which will aid my study. Can either of you help us, or would you be better off pursuing the tunnel?" Kris asks Dante and Luca.
"I... um... think I'd be better helping to study the ritual." Luca noted, glancing at her thin arms. She just wasn't the kind of person who did well with heavy physical labor, and none of her summons were terribly practical at long-term physical efforts. Short term - like, two minutes - yes. Long-term? No.
"Tyrus might be better in both cases but I'll see if I can't make things more efficient with the tunnel. I'd like to tell them what we are working towards though. Just saying because I said so isn't going to motivate them much. Or if that is too much can this tunnel also be used for transportation at some point?"
"Do not trouble yourself on that score. Norren will be personally informing the workers of the matter. As you say, it will help motivate them. By all means, feel free to add whatever inspiration you think you can," Kris says.
"Tyrus, if you wish to concentrate on the amulet, the girl and I will try and piece together the ritual..." Kris says as he drags a chair closer to the table.
Tyrus looks nonplussed
"Well, I'm reluctant to deconstruct it unless necessary. I'll help you get started - I already have some theories. If they fall into place quickly enough, the amulet may not be necessary."
"That suits as well. I find the idea of the ritual to be our most likely avenue of inquiry..." Kris begins, and immediately begins detailing the thoughts he has on the possibilities.
Elsewhere, Dante finds the group of men and woman who have been been cajoled or volunteered to work on the tunnel. A couple of the former prisoners are there, including Vincent. Norren gives a rousing speech revealing Lianna's existence and her promise to shelter the island settlement should she be freed. "As you love the thought of good days ahead of you, work hard!" Norren says to them.
Norren himself, though, does not accompany the group. He returns to the ship and the battles with the goblins.
"Right. Let's get to work. We have a near deity to save." He smiles and starts to direct the crews. He was taught military engineering and the same concepts applied to this tunnel. He also decided that straight knowledge on the subject and clear leadership would be be a better motivator than fancy words or brute strength.
Things hadn't gone perfectly, but they hadn't exactly gone terribly, either - aside from the third day, when she'd mainly gotten confused by some of the ideas - but she'd overcome that after a good night's rest and powered through the rest of research at a rate that surprised even her.
It is a hard five days, but Tyrus loves a puzzle. He does well, except on the second day when he has an 'episode'.
At the end he sighs, and puts down his pen with ink-stained fingers. "Before we sum up, I just wanted to say it's been a pleasure. You might be unconventional academic colleagues, but I'd be happy to co-author with either of you in the future."
Dante is certainly one of the more knowledgeable of the tunnel diggers, but is not always adept at sharing his knowledge. Overall his attempt to direct the work of the others goes poorly - though midway through the week he has a flash of inspiration. Vincent helps where he can with his knowledge of masonry, though his attitude is sullen - it is clear he is conflicted about helping the pirates with anything.
The work grows steadily more difficult as the tunnel progresses deeper into the mountain. The stone grows harder and is more difficult to shift all the way to the cliffside. Many of the workers, especially those brought on from the ships' crews, begin to complain about the manual labor.
You spend each day hard at work, considering, investigating, analyzing. Tyrus and Kris argue over technical details of magic - Luca offers unexpected insights at key moments.
Despite your varied expertise, the dwarf's notes are both convoluted and difficult to understand, filtered as they are through Kris (translating the Dwarven). Kris grows frustrated often.
Each day he arrives back from wherever he spends his scant few hours of sleep, having shaken off the irritation.
After five days, the group has worked out the rough outline of what the ritual would entail. Fortunately, Tyrus has done some reading in the area of Divine-centric magics, and works out that for the ritual to have a greater chance of success it should be presided over by either an ordained cleric of Arrond - which the island does not have - or a person beloved of the Goddess. Amongst this latter group is ship captains, and thus Norren should do well.
Somewhat more sobering is the knowledge that to complete the temporary binding, a focus will be required: blood. Both Kris and Tyrus realize during their conversation on the matter that either the blood within the amulet (it having been verified as Lianna's when Kris showed it to her) or that of the sea-touched Yllaine. And it is not likely that Yllaine would survive the ritual.
On the morning of the sixth day, Dante departs the tunnel with a few others to fetch additional equipment. Kris meets Tyrus and Luca as normal, but is especially agitated.
"I've been to see Lianna this morning." he says. "Her deterioration is increasing. She has only four or five days left. Something must be done!"
Dante walks by the group as they gather near the common house. "You there! Kris calls to Dante. "How is the tunnel progressing?"
All this knowledge. There are few things IT does not know, but it knows these things in alien terms - applying them in the Material Plane requires IT to shift its understanding. The more Luca learns, the more IT can reconcile the schisms between one existence and the other.
Luca feels greater power fill her. Her mind spins with new learning - some of it her own, gleaned from Tyrus and Kris and all the things she has seen and done on this island. Some of it, however, comes from somewhere else.
"Stop panicking." Luca said firmly. The last few days of study had kept her focused and relaxed, though Fluffy looked up and stared at Kris as Luca spoke. Being away from mortal danger seemed to have had a very positive effect on her, though, and she wasn't cowering quite as much as usual. "We're doing the best we can to resolve this as fast as we can, and yelling at people to hurry up only makes them slower. We have a focus, we have a person appropriate for conducting the ritual, and I'm pretty sure we can figure out the rest of the ritual in time to do it. What we should do now is help Mister Norren learn his part while we focus on learning the rest of it - the more time he has to learn his part, the better it's likely to go."
Dante shrugs. "About as fast as it was. The lack of people and low moral isn't helping. That and I am finding that book knowledge is hard to translate to others...less learned. I need more time but I am guessing we don't have anymore?"
"It seems we need the blood in the amulet for the ritual." Tyrus explains "In the next few days we must perform the ritual, or make the decision to abandon it. If we do abandon it, then we can use the blood to buy some more time for the digging."
He sighs "I feel this decision should be Lianna's, but I do agree with Luca. I think we can do this. That damned dwarven script keeps complicating things. I would very much like your assistance with the ritual - if we're going ahead with it."
"Perhaps you, Kris, could help the captain learn his part - it needs someone who understands the ritual and speaks dwarven, and you know Norren best."
Kris looks ready to snap something rude at Luca, but her words sway him and he swallows back his initial reply. "I have already sent for Norren. I pray he can be brought back to town quickly - teaching him his part in the ritual should not be difficult, but we still don't know fully what that part is." Then, to Dante: "Five days at most. Probably less. Tyrus, I fear that even should we use the amulet's blood to strengthen her it would only give us a few more days. We must pursue the final solution now. At all costs."
The tunnel is ten days from completion at most, more than twice the length of time Lianna currently has left. Dante thinks it is possible to get it done in seven or eight if the work crews can be encouraged to pour their heart and souls into it, but the odds of that look slim.
The Ritual still requires work, but with their progress so far the investigators think completion is within their reach.
After his near outburst - curtailed only by Luca's calm reasoning - Kris returns to his researches, more focused than ever.
Luca was pouring all of her knowledge and effort into properly translating the ritual and figuring out the last few parts - and it seemed to be going quite well indeed.
<"I think we're almost ready..."> she muttered in Dwarven.
Luca blinked a few times a moment later. "Um..." she said in Obanese, suddenly looking very worried. Where had that come from?
From where he sits nearby, Kris looks up in surprise. He regards Luca for a brief moment with a gaze that is almost suspicious. He returns his focus to the tome in front of him before he speaks. "I would very much like to understand how one so young has attained so much knowledge... and power."
Dante considers the options for a moment before responding. "The tunnel is a lost cause unless something is changed. I am thinking that for a the next few days we can offload the rock near the entrance and half the walking time all the way to the coast. Rock may be useful for building defenses later. But at the current rate there is no way we can finish, even with the amulet. Or we can put everything on the ritual. How confident are you with that?"
Kris scowls at the question. "Somewhat, though I'm not sure that it matters. Our options are... limited. This ritual is the best of them, unless we truly run out of time."
Over the last few days, Luca had been learning more and more of the dwarven text... and now? The language actually made sense to her, and the reason seemed to be obvious enough. It had pushed the information into her brain without even asking. On the bright side, that meant she could now help more with the translations. On the downside... well... she wasn't entirely sure she wanted the ritual to be completed when they were interested in the result. Still, helping out was the best of her options for now... though she had caught her Eidolon flipping through the book a few times, curiously examining it.
Eventually, though, she did look up at Kris. "Unwillingly." she answered.
Tyrus sighs, and reluctantly pulls a bag from his belt.
"This is Mensha. It's worth a thousand times its weight in gold, because it sharpens the intellect and improves memory. Wizards have literally killed for what I'm holding now. I believe with this, we can all but guarantee decoding the rest of the ritual."
The incense that Logan found is called mensha. It is a magical herb which, when a person inhales the burning smoke from it, will increase their intelligence by 2d3 points for a period of one week. Additional doses do not stack. There are 4 doses in the bag.
So saying, Tyrus inhales some of the incense. and offers it to the others.
The heart palpitations set in immediately. Tyrus does his best to concentrate, but it is beyond him. A million thoughts crowd his head at once, and it is impossible to concentrate on the ones he needs.
Luca's Eidolon - which was looking much less fierce than before - growled as the herb Tyrus had was angled towards Luca. She... might have been a bit young to be using any kind of mind-altering substances, and she didn't have any training in religious matters anyway. It didn't seem like there was much she could do...
Dante leaves Logan in charge of the tunnel knowing it likely won't get finished with his ambivalence towards Norren. It was probably a better bet to try and figure out the ritual over the next 4-5 days.
Then again maybe not.
Torble spends an inordinate amount of time cosying up to various warm lifeforms during the day, and hunting insects at night.
On the second day he spits a mostly-digested mouse at at Luca's feet.