-
Hey, I guess we are approaching the 2nd year anniversary. We gotta pick this up!
And Xerissa makes a good point: assuming Moonpate's cautionary plea is shelved for the moment, how does the "putting" of the statues work? Let me know! (Just in case it matters - though I'm sure it's an irrelevant detail solely for my edification.)
If it's wrong, i bet the room goes kaplooyee, so we might want to retreat to the corners and have one brave soul put the pieces on the scales. or do we need five guys to simultaneously put the pieces on each scale?[/ooc]
"Time to take a chance?"
"What if those poor slaves were divvied up by weight. We are faced with five scales. One scale might hold 7 or 8, the other 5 or 6, then 4, 3, 2, or thereabouts. Those of us who are, um, more stout than most might have been considered, uh, more valuable...or less as the case might be. Maybe examining the sizes and, ah, shapes of the figurines might yield some clues. Or maybe some divination might offer some assistance as to how we are to proceed, though likely as not it will muddy the waters even further. Ack, I don't know what I'm blathering about. I would think much clearer after a few pints...and in the comforts of a nice tavern with a full spread of quality viands laid out before me. Gandel, your cleverness knows no bounds. How do you think we should proceed?
As for placing them on the scales, there will be no need for a volunteer. A little arcane sleight of hand will do the trick from afar."Before a final decision is made, Pate will cast Mage Armor.
Am I hearing Anyo 3.0?
Am I hearing Anyo 3.0?
Drat! He's like my favorite party member. (Well maybe after Schmoosh)
Well those statuettes certainly look small and light enough to be moveable with mage hand. And Moonpate has a far enough range with it that he can stand at the very back of the chamber and still reach the dais.
You spurn Bunky?
I hope to get my level-up post in tomorrow.
"What if those poor slaves were divvied up by weight. We are faced with five scales. One scale might hold 7 or 8, the other 5 or 6, then 4, 3, 2, or thereabouts. Those of us who are, um, more stout than most might have been considered, uh, more valuable...or less as the case might be. Maybe examining the sizes and, ah, shapes of the figurines might yield some clues. Or maybe some divination might offer some assistance as to how we are to proceed, though likely as not it will muddy the waters even further. Ack, I don't know what I'm blathering about. I would think much clearer after a few pints...and in the comforts of a nice tavern with a full spread of quality viands laid out before me. Gandel, your cleverness knows no bounds. How do you think we should proceed?
As for placing them on the scales, there will be no need for a volunteer. A little arcane sleight of hand will do the trick from afar."
-
"No," says the dour dwarf, tapping the hilt of his over-sized axe on the flagstone at his feet.
"There will be time enough for playing with the pharaohs toys. First we need help a friend in need."
"We've left Lydia behind. By now the basilisk should have enough blood to free her. She has endured the horror of petrification long enough."
"Potentate, I need to impose upon your magics to take me back beyond the wall. The longer we wait the greater the risk that Ro An Hap frees himself."
"I mean to return as three. If only three can cross back to this place, then only you and I can head out together - that is unless we can use the Portalman for the return trip."
The fire in Morgrym's eyes suggests it will be difficult to dissuade him from this course.
I vowed I would keep her safe. . .
You spurn Bunky?
-
The shine came off when he started crit'in my dungeon monsters.
Sooron is fine with going to rescue Lydia before we play with scales, if everyone wants to go that way. Regardless, he will use a newly refreshed "Eye of Sooron" to have a look in the next room and see what the portal is up to.
"I'm with Morgrym. I ain't for goin' any farther 'til we go back for Lydia. You stay here, lad, I'll go an get her," he tells Halstadt. "'Twas my fault I left her, 'tis my responsibility to go an get her. Whenever yer ready, Pate."
Morgrym seems uncomfortable just standing by while his vow to the Mithral Scarab remains unfulfilled, but he nonetheless nods to Breach, deferring to his elder and recognizing his expertise.
Sooron is fine with going to rescue Lydia before we play with scales, if everyone wants to go that way.
-
Well I suppose you could do it one at a time, if you want to throw away a perfectly good opportunity to split up the party. . .Regardless, he will use a newly refreshed "Eye of Sooron" to have a look in the next room and see what the portal is up to.
You spurn Bunky?-
The shine came off when he started crit'in my dungeon monsters.
Just more proof of the GM's anti-weasel bias.
Sooron is fine with going to rescue Lydia before we play with scales, if everyone wants to go that way. Regardless, he will use a newly refreshed "Eye of Sooron" to have a look in the next room and see what the portal is up to.
If you can check on the status of the basilisk as well that would be helpful. Would hate to go back for nothing.
Sooron is fine with going to rescue Lydia before we play with scales, if everyone wants to go that way.-
Well I suppose you could do it one at a time, if you want to throw away a perfectly good opportunity to split up the party. . .
Just more proof of the GM's anti-weasel bias.You spurn Bunky?-
The shine came off when he started crit'in my dungeon monsters.
Why a fish? Shouldn't the Bunky Avatar be like brown and furry?
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As though I could ever divide this cohesive band.Does this mean we are going to pull the trigger on the statues? . . .
Why a fish? Shouldn't the Bunky Avatar be like brown and furry?
-
What Karek said. Except the part where he suggests it was my fault. I'm pretty sure I am the founding, charter (and possibly only) member of the SBS.
Deep inside the mysterious hallways of Ahn'Selota, something disturbed the sleep of Hurgah the Reaver. Had it been the rasping sound of heavy scales across rough stone? Or perhaps the scent of sulfur or the pulsating heat?
No. It had been the voice. That subtle whisper that was always there, forever dispensing inaudible advice in the back of his mind. Only now, it was no longer a whisper...
Hurgah opened his eyes to darkness. Even his orc-eyes could not penetrate the gloom surrounding him. But he did not need sight to tell him that the sleeping forms of the other members of the Dune Squad were nowhere near him, and that he was no longer lying on the flagstone floor of the pyramid of Ascension.
You have done well to come here, my scion, the voice echoes from somewhere in the black void. In this ancient tomb, you will find power to further unlock the legacy that is coursing through your veins. Soon, you will transcend this brute form and evolve into a being worthy of the gift I have bestowed upon your distant forebears. Far and wide did I spread my seed, to men and elves, giants and gnolls. But only in the orcs did it take proper hold, only here did it find the right measures of savagery and cunning to produce a progeny strong enough to be my heir.
You will be tested further in this crucible, but the flames will not touch you. Rise, and feel how my blood strengthens you, how it will allow you to crush those that would stand between you and the power waiting for you to grasp it. My fire burns within you, Hurgah the Reaver. Wield it well.
As the voice subsided, Hurgah felt his muscles tighten, every fiber of his already immense muscles wound tight as steel cords. Symbols of magic lit up in his mind, and when they faded, they left the knowledge of how to shape the fabric of reality into a shield against his enemies. He drew in breath, and felt how it ignited in his lungs, smoke coiling from his nostrils. With a roar, he released the flames and let them spew forth past his tusks.
The burst of flame lit up his surroundings. He saw piles of gold and jewels, rune-carved weapons and splendid suits of armor. He caught sight of his own reflection on the gleaming surface of a mithril breastplate. The subtle red of his skin had deepened, and tough scales covered most of his body. From his back, a pair of magnificent wings sprouted and his eyes shone like smoldering embers, a dreadful purpose contained within.
Then the flames died, and he was once more enveloped in darkness.
Hurgah opened his eyes again. He was back on the floor of the chamber with the scales and statues. Beside him, Karak lay sprawled with his head on his pack, and Moonpate and Gandel were a few feet away, once again examining the hieroglyphs in search of more clues to the riddle presented by the pharaoh of numbers. He looked himself over. There was no visible change. No wings, no scales. Yet, as he breathed, he felt the heat inside him. And in his mind, new magical mysteries had revealed themselves.
He rose, and began to gather his gear. His destiny was waiting, and he was ready to face it.
Standing "O"! Nice stuff there Jace!
If you can check on the status of the basilisk as well that would be helpful. Would hate to go back for nothing.
-
If we can assume that Donkor would cater to the whims of his favorite wizard,And if we assume that Mr. Monotony will cross off a second round of this accursed plot-busting ability of his for a six-second burst,
And if we assume the Eye has sufficient range (which it turns out it does),
And if we further assume Donkor would divulge the results of his scrying to the party (as he typically does),
Then we might want to check out this spoiler tag:
The basilisk is still right where the Dune Squad left it. It remains lashed down, tethered by a ring of spikes hammered into the flooring. The creature is still alive, though it is not doing so well.
Standing "O"! Nice stuff there Jace!
So what are we all doing guys?
Is the dimension door side trip happening?
Or are we back to playing with expensive jeweled minis?
As usual, Hurgah follows the lead of the brainier squad members. He does, however, start off the day by casting mage armor.
So what are we all doing guys?
Is the dimension door side trip happening?
Or are we back to playing with expensive jeweled minis?
"Master Sooron, did your scrying reveal the presence of poor Lydia's statue? I do not recall where it was placed during our scuffle with that surly portal man."
""The news," says Sooron looking rather grim, "is not very good I am afraid."
A harbinger of death, the Pharasman has years of experience in breaking bad news. He decides to let the two dwarves know gently.
"Gone!" says the dwarf.
"You must be mistaken! Check again."
Donkor shakes his head.
"There is no mistake. Pharasma has shown what is beyond."
"Well she didn't just walk away."
"That guardian will know what happened to her."
"Wizard!" calls Halstadt to Moonpate, "Your craft is needed. Ready yourself."
"Well she didn't just walk away."
"That guardian will know what happened to her."
"Wizard!" calls Halstadt to Moonpate, "Your craft is needed. Ready yourself."
"Master Morgrym, I am terribly sorry about this news, but I do not see a clear path to take. Whatever has happened to poor Lydia cannot be good, or is beyond our control at this point. It is likely that the portal guardian has either tossed her into the pit, or sent her through a portal into one of the other chambers. We will either find tragedy or a hostile guardian who will not cooperate in deed or word if we go back. I fear that the only path before us is to press onward."
Fury rising within the old dwarf, he does his best to remain calm when he speaks. "Pate, we're goin' back through. You can leave me there if ya like, I care not, but we ARE goin' back through. I'll not be for goin' anywhere 'til I know for sure." He states adamantly, his tone one of absolute determination.
Fury rising within the old dwarf, he does his best to remain calm when he speaks. "Pate, we're goin' back through. You can leave me there if ya like, I care not, but we ARE goin' back through. I'll not be for goin' anywhere 'til I know for sure." He states adamantly, his tone one of absolute determination.
Moonpate sighs heavily and nods in agreement. "Very well friend, though I fear what we will find. Hurgah, I would be greatly comforted by your presence, and we will need either Master Gandel or Master Sooron to translate that damnable Portal Guardian.
"Prepare yourselves. We may have an enraged guardian to deal with, though maybe he will be more willing to parlay to avoid another humiliating defeat.
Hurgah nods at Moonpate and steps over to the portly mage.
"I am ready. The sly demon-spawn won't find it so easy to push me around this time."
Breach nods, his shield and axe as ready as ever.
Fury rising within the old dwarf, he does his best to remain calm when he speaks. "Pate, we're goin' back through. You can leave me there if ya like, I care not, but we ARE goin' back through. I'll not be for goin' anywhere 'til I know for sure." He states adamantly, his tone one of absolute determination.
"Easy guys. We're all in this together. That is, if we plan on getting out of here alive."
On the off chances there's going to be healing required, Sooron is probably the better choice than Gandel to go with if there's a translation requirement. He will volunteer to accompany Breach, Moonpate, and Hurgah.
OK!
So sounds like:
Moonpate
Breach,
Hurgah, and
Donkor
Are going to travel back to the Half-Sphere Chamber of the Portalman.
While:
Hqlstadt,
Karek,
Gandel, and
Xerissa
Are going to stay put. Does the "Remaining Behind" team plan to do anything?
And as for the "Lydia Rescue" team, I'm not quite clear on the plan. is the idea to bushwack Ro An Hap and take advantage of a potential surprise round? Or is there a plan for Sooron to act as translator in a parlay?
The dwarven priest is visibly irritated that he is being excluded from the return party, but he finds consolation that Moonpate has organized a dependable team.
Breach," he begins. "If you're not back in a half hour we'll know something is wrong and we'll find a way to come for you. If you need more time, bang your axe against the wall and send a signal loud enough for us to hear so we know you're OK."
"Three slow bangs for 'all is well - yes?"
"Five quick hammers for 'get here now!'. I'll be listening with my ear to this wall." He gestures to the south.
He slaps his arm on the dwarfs back, "Now go keep the others focused. Get the elf-girl back safe."
Breach nods in agreement. "Good idea. And don't you worry, lad. One way or another, I'll be bringin' her back." He vows.
Moonpate strides forward, collecting Breach, Hurgah and Donkor around him in a tight circle. A strange sound emits, almost as though it were coming from inside your head. It feels as though the world suddenly shifts to the left while you remain still. For the briefest of instances, you feel yourself sliding through a thick barrier of stone - or perhaps it is sliding through you - but before you can blink you find yourself back in the center of the Half-Sphere Chamber.
Just as the Sooron saw with his Pharasma-gifted sight, Ro An Hap sits back on the throne, the silk ropes that Karek bound him with nowhere to be found. Lydia is gone as well.
Halstadt Morgrym Level Post
Hal lays on the floor asleep as soon as his body hits the stone. Despite the danger of the Pyramid the Dwarven youngster is comforted by the feel of the smooth rock against his face. Since he has been on this quest this is the closest Hal has felt to home. The absurdity of that fleeting thought does not rouse him from his sleep though and he drifts off.
The dwarf wakes with a start, the voices of his companions gently echoing through the chamber. With a heavy heart Hal remembers that Lydia has been left behind. As he sits up he looks around at his new companions. The events of the last several days flashing before his eyes the young dwarf closes his eyes and begins his silent prayers to Angradd.
As he prays he considers the events that have come and what events are yet to come. Through the connection to his God Hal feels a warmth - no a flame - that was heretofore not there! The Divine power granted by the Lord of Fire and War which he can hold is greater, much greater. The language of the Osiriani which he has been listening to for weeks suddenly crystallizes the young Cleric now knows what was once gibberish will now be as clear as the language of his birth. New secrets previously available only to those who contemplated the higher mysteries of Angradd are now at Hal’s finger tips.
Yes Angradd is well pleased with his servant. Hal sighs the sign has been given, his path all too clear before him. The granting of such power can only mean one thing, entering into this place was the will of Angradd. With such knowledge the burden on his heart due to his failure to Lydia becomes even heavier. These brave souls who risked so much accompanying him here are forfeit. All that matters is the destruction of the evil of the Pact Stone. The will of Angradd must be done even if it must be done with the blood of the collective Dune Squad. Hal grimaces knowing that the entire time of their journey his only care was to enter how and if the Dune Squad leaves simply does not matter – all that matters is that nothing buried here gets out. Perhaps saving the Mithril Scarab will alleviate this guilt after all the Dune Squad is assembled from warriors who chose this fate Lydia came at the promise of Hal’s assurances.
The matter settled, Hal stands and informs the group of his thoughts at the abandonment of Lydia…
After his watch, Karek rolled over, unable to sleep. It didn't help that Bunky was still frantically tearing through his rations and generally making a nuisance of himself. Nocturnal creatures. Karek shook his head. Not that he knew what time it was. Down here, the only metric he had was the prayers of the clerics, and he wasn't even sure about that. It had been... quite a while since he had a proper rest.
Karek's eyes traveled to the dias, covered in tiny statues. He caught movement, and squinted, glancing quickly over at Hurgah. Hurgah had seen nothing, as usual. Karek reached for his glasses, and put them on.
The dias came into focus. For a moment nothing happened.
Then, one of the statues winked at him.
Karek leaped to his feet as the statues clambered off the dias, moving swiftly to surround him. Bunky hissed at the creatures, and Karek looked for his hammer, but it was nowhere in sight. Neither was Hurgah, come to think of it. Karek opened his mouth to raise an alarm, but no sound came out.
The creatures stopped moving once they encircled him, twenty-three statues of unique make. The ringleader, the one that had winked, addressed him in Dwarven.
You are looking for someone.
It wasn't a question. Karek nodded, unable to speak.
You will find her.
The voice had familiar qualities, but then, it was a talking jade statue. Go figure.
Break down the barriers.
All of a sudden, Karek stood in a long hallway, with some sort of magical forcefield in front of him. His hammer was in his hands.
He focused his anger, and struck down the barrier.
Karek awoke with a jolt, the possibilities spinning through his head. Hurgah loomed above him.
"Dwarf sleeps too loudly." He growled. Karek looked around. Bunky was staring at him. Karek settled back to sleep, feeling better than he had in days.
Slowly rises from his chair. . .
Sooron, in ancient Osiriani: