Kenembi
<a soft feminine whisper in your head> beloved; only the dead or those guided by the dead can enter this doorway; gaze instead to the left hall.
Um, I don't have a spell to open the door ready, what do you want to try and do?' He looks around at the others, obviously a little out of sorts at trying NOT to look directly at the object he obviously most wants to examine.
Kalona, after being somewhat surprised by the way the party became split up from fighters forward to fighters spread out and not all able to fight together anymore...
Well that was surprising, I have seen many a mage utterly annilate anything within close proximaty and those who follow powers strike down warriors most capable in arms combat, certainly as qualified to be called warriors as any here. I guess that means mages and followers of powers are not very formidable here. That, I would suppose, explains why things have turned out the way they have here.
As the group moves forward, Kalona moves the skeleton she rides in behind Kosan and Grymbol, while the other two stay with the cat-kin. At seeing the door she pauses and looks it over for a few moments.
Well, that is a most impressive sight...no animals I notice, guess we dont make those sorts of mistakes. Still for all that power and talent in the door, it does seem to be a waste, I mean when it comes down to it, its still a door.
Kemnebi makes a visible effort, and clamps his mouth shut. Through the mindlink he adds,Um, I don't have a spell to open the door ready, what do you want to try and do?' He looks around at the others, obviously a little out of sorts at trying NOT to look directly at the object he obviously most wants to examine.
Eh, you want to open it? Kalona looks a bit at Kemnebi then back to the door. I dont think you have the power to force that door open, perhaps in a few years, or if you happen to die you could. Kalona glances back at the door again in thought. Well, I probably could open the door, but I dont think that is the right direction, from what Llvenoc said...it would also seem somewhat odd that this power people are seeking would be held captive in another power's realm by something other than the power.
Impressive door, very odd though; which way do we go now?
Impressive door, very odd though; which way do we go now?
I believe we should go where Kosan is heading.
Kalona, will you please once again check both halls; we might need some options fast and some intelligence might help us decide a less costly action; I am weary and hunger. I cannot heal much more without some lengthy rest yet the sun is not yet high in the sky.
Why left? Where is it that you are heading Kosan, have you some knowledge of this place?
Kalona, will you please once again check both halls; we might need some options fast and some intelligence might help us decide a less costly action; I am weary and hunger. I cannot heal much more without some lengthy rest yet the sun is not yet high in the sky.
Of course. Perhaps we should take some time to eat, I just did and it was enough to keep me going. Although if someone has something tasty to try from their homeland I think I can find some more room.
Kalona flies off down each hallway.
While they wait for Kalona to scout ahead Nebibit turns and speak with Kemnebi
Feline
Llvenoc; you need search rolls not spot rolls; please reroll as search to search the room and door; thx.
Llvenoc; you need search rolls not spot rolls; please reroll as search to search the room and door; thx.
room: bit dusty; some old footprints in the dust; not much else.
Door: the door seems to be fluid; in motion yet solid; pulse with energy and seems to have presence. The closer you look, the more detailed the pictures down to each blade of grass and the bugs on them.
room: bit dusty; some old footprints in the dust; not much else.
Door: the door seems to be fluid; in motion yet solid; pulse with energy and seems to have presence. The closer you look, the more detailed the pictures down to each blade of grass and the bugs on them.
no; not in this room way difficult to do; very old and a lot of them ;maybe better in the hallway without all the recent party stuff.
There are some tracks here, but they are a bit trampled over. If you guys can cover here, I will check them out in the hall and see if I can a better idea of whats been this way and how long ago.
In relaying the images of what she sees, she also mentions.
Those sounds (chearing, drums, horns) have a rythmic beat to them, it sounds as though a large group may be marching off or coming from a battle. If coming from, the upbeat nature of the music seems to imply a victory.
heya; just a reminder; it is acceptable to take a 10 when you are not pressed to hurry; so you could have taken a 10 on spot and got an 11 hehe.
To Valgrim: You actually paraphrased the Canto but got the gist of it right. If you want the actual Text I have it but I like yous better.
I look at the door and If I am able to pull away from it then I go 20 Ft into the left hand passage a take up a guard position by the Left Wall. Prepared for battle, Scanning the area and trying to listen/see anyone coming my way.
If needed:
Hide Check: 8 on a 1d20 + 5 Skill Mod = 12
Listen Check 12 on 1d20 + 1 Skill Mod = 13
Spot Check: 9 on 1d20 + 1 Skill Mod = 10
That's two I owe ya 1 buddy.
Kalona, would ye like some nuts.
Kemnebi starts in surprise, apparently from being addressed by Nebibit. He grins like a kid in a candy store as he looks back at his friend. He says in feline:
As a matter of fact, Yes!
He continues to grin as he sends through the mindlink,
'We don't want the door. Only the dead, or maybe dying, could pass it anyway. Left. We need to go left!' He sends in an excited jumble of emotion.
He furrows his fuzzy brow in concentration,...
Kemnebi concentrates, and tries to recall the exact 'feeling' when June spoke to him. He sends;
'Thank you,... Beloved. And stay safe!' HE thinks with genuine warmth.
He shakes his head, rubbing his temple for a moment, then looks to Nebibit. HE says softly in Feline;
"She said to avoid the door. Come on, anything that can hold a goddess captive will be no picnic. The warriors will need us to keep them alive!"
Through the mindlink he says;
'Um, sorry. June says we should bear left. And may I make an observation? We seem to be getting a little spread out. If we get too separated I can't protect you!' He sends with a definite resurgence of his old exuberance.
then straightens and comes to a large open room, more like and intersection, but with a very large door; the double door is 25' high; and 25' wide. It is made of brass.
the door has many sculpted pictures that seem to writh and move; disturbing as well they should be; they depict the sins and fears of the ancient world some of which are: starvation, canabalism, murder; use your imagination; it is here. There is a tablet over the door it reads:
I AM THE WAY INTO THE CITY OF WOE.
I AM THE WAY TO A FORSAKEN PEOPLE.
I AM THE WAY INTO ETERNAL SORROW.SACRED JUSTICE MOVED MY ARCHITECT.
I WAS RAISED HERE BY DIVINE OMNIPOTENCE,
PRIMORDIAL LOVE AND ULTIMATE INTELLECT.ONLY THOSE ELEMENTS TIME CANNOT WEAR
WERE MADE BEFORE ME, AND BEYOND TIME I STAND.
ABANDON ALL HOPE YEA WHO ENTER HERE.There are two other tunnels leading to this room; one on each wall.
Well she was right it is definitely is noticeable.
I believe that the Oracle stated that it would be this way
amazingly; you find tracks of many creatures; goblins; orc, ogre; dwarf; halfling, lizardmen, human, ratmen others are to partial to recognise; please roll a search for the hallway; which did you check; the tracks go from the right hall to the left hall.
There are some tracks here, but they are a bit trampled over. If you guys can cover here, I will check them out in the hall and see if I can a better idea of whats been this way and how long ago.
Grymbol
you hear the chants and cheers in the distance though faintly; seems like the chants argue with each other sorta like yea us boo them; yet very close by; you hear wierd muttering and snoring; the muttering is in dwarven; seem to be coming from the very close to Kosan; looking at him; you dont see him muttering or snoring or doing ventriliquism, curious, it is very very faint; only your fae ears could hear it no one else seems to notice or doing ventriliquism, curious
Listen 1d20+8=28(waste of a nat 20)
spot 1d20+4=8
I am next to Kosan
Kemnebi
the feeling was by order of intensity:
Timid
hopeful
loving
Kemnebi starts in surprise, apparently from being addressed by Nebibit. He grins like a kid in a candy store as he looks back at his friend.'Um, sorry. June says we should bear left. And may I make an observation? We seem to be getting a little spread out. If we get too separated I can't protect you!' He sends with a definite resurgence of his old exuberance.
Thoronhen
as you move down the left hallway; you see a few things:
firstly; Kosan standing in the hall about 10 ft in waiting and guarding.
Secondly; Grymbol next to him looking at the wall and kosan; kinda like a tennis match, back and forth.
Thirdly, a lot of tracks in the dust like this is a commonly used passage; Llvenoc seems to be following them and he stops and draws a circle around one every now again and probably mutters; human, ratman, lizardman; seems to be keeping count of various tracks he has discovered, but you know <information from the Left Hand> that undead dont leave tracks and suspect that those with individual minds probably would fear to come anywhere near this doorway; probably why other races do come by it.
Fourthly, you see a single dwarven sigil stamped very small in side edge of the left hall right at the entrance and double stamp about 10ft in front of Kosan; you also find that the wall has a false spot ie a secret door; with you rolls; you look around another few minutes and can find the way to open it if you choose.
Well she was right it is definitely is noticeable. I believe that the Oracle stated that it would be this way
Kemnebi
** spoiler omitted **
Valegrimmest!
Kemnebi returns the feelings with his reply of 'stay safe'.
Happiness at hearing from her,
affection, (Strong 'physical' attraction, with the tentative hope of something else,...)
KEmnebi grins at Nebibit once more, definitely showing his former pluckiness, and cautiously follows the others down the hallway. He stops about 10' behind the first person he comes upon, and looks around the hall, trying to see what everyone finds so fascinating.
"Hm, interesting architecture. I don't recognize it from any books. WOnder if it could be a combination of different styles?" He muses almost silently to himself, once more forgetting to use the link. He flushes when he realizes this, and mouths 'sorry' silently to Nebibit and anyone else that can see him.
Kalona, would ye like some nuts.
Thank you Grymbol. It has been a bit since last I tasted fey food. I would enjoy having some again, though I think its rather unusual qualities might inadvertantly mix in with the qualities of this area and give me heartburn. So, save some for me, but I shall pass until we are in an area of less magical flux.
'We don't want the door. Only the dead, or maybe dying, could pass it anyway. Left. We need to go left!' He sends in an excited jumble of emotion.'Um, sorry. June says we should bear left. And may I make an observation? We seem to be getting a little spread out. If we get too separated I can't protect you!' He sends with a definite resurgence of his old exuberance.
Not quite correct Kemnebi, all may pass through the door, its opening it that has certain requirements. Of course the other side really isnt made for the living. So the experience is not likely to be pleasant for most. However if necessity dictates, it is likely that I could open the door.
Kalona giggles a bit at the last remark. Well, I doubt Iunius would lead Kemnebi astray...mmm well direction wise at least. giggles a bit more So left seems the agreed upon direction. Would we go left again to the voices or right away from them?
amazingly; you find tracks of many creatures; goblins; orc, ogre; dwarf; halfling, lizardmen, human, ratmen others are to partial to recognise; please roll a search for the hallway; which did you check; the tracks go from the right hall to the left hall.
Alot of different tracks here. Different sizes of humanoid. Human, Orc, Dwarf, Ogre, and other races. There is even Ratmen tracks here. So either its a group of Were, or we are moving way to slow.
Alot of different tracks here. Different sizes of humanoid. Human, Orc, Dwarf, Ogre, and other races. There is even Ratmen tracks here. So either its a group of Were, or we are moving way to slow.
So..., the tracks have been made within an hour or are the older? And they number too many to count? And they go which direction?
you also see some dwarven runes, tiny like stamped with a hammer and die set, on the floor of hte hall in two places and the secret door.
amazingly; you find tracks of many creatures; goblins; orc, ogre; dwarf; halfling, lizardmen, human, ratmen others are to partial to recognise; please roll a search for the hallway; which did you check; the tracks go from the right hall to the left hall.Alot of different tracks here. Different sizes of humanoid. Human, Orc, Dwarf, Ogre, and other races. There is even Ratmen tracks here. So either its a group of Were, or we are moving way to slow.
hmm; <thinking> not much air flow; the air seems to flow to the door and is sucked into it; but hardly enough to move a dropped feather or be noticed (with the doors closed).
down the hall where you heard the sounds; the air was a bit stronger and coming from that direction.
Alot of different tracks here. Different sizes of humanoid. Human, Orc, Dwarf, Ogre, and other races. There is even Ratmen tracks here. So either its a group of Were, or we are moving way to slow.
So..., the tracks have been made within an hour or are the older? And they number too many to count? And they go which direction?
The ratmen; maybe an hour; everything else older from days, weeks to months; bit dusty here; not much to distrub the dust. the dwarven tracks look the oldest; but as dwarves are heavy, solid and wear metal shod and armored shoes; they leave a sturdy print. These look similiar to Kosan's but different style of footwear.
scale is much harder; hundreds of tracks in all; the most recent are the ratmen and you guess a good sized pack; like 30; some small some meduim; some ogre rat sized.
the next easiest to make out is the Ork tracks; they are heavy and armored to; but cannot be mistaken for human; probably a week old. They seem to be marching; very even; take up the whole hall; wereas the rats seems to run willy nilly and even run on the walls a bit.
Thoronhen and Llvenoc:
you find some scales like from snakes and a broken hollow fang on the floor in the hallway very near the room with the hellgate.
Astinos:
you sense no direct evil from the room or the hellgate; meaning nothing active at this time; though if you used your sense; you KNOW that this is a door to overwhelming evil and would probably suffer. this means the door does not have a will of its own to direct in a conscious way so in itself cannot do evil; but was created by an evil god and is a doorway to and from evil.
for the future:
if and when you enter the hallway and get near Kosan; you will feel a great forboding and sense that an immense supernatural chaos and evil had passed that way recently; the aura clings to the stones and has not yet faded. Just wanted to give you this <like a note for you to read> as to not hold up the posts if I dont happen to be online.
Nebibit:
if and when you enter the hall to about where Kosan is standing; you will get a sense that a thunderous thing of primary theological importance happened here recently and continued down the left hall. you get a feeling of martial awareness and unconciously your claws extend. your holy symbol will become cool and glow and you get the feeling that Thoth looked through your eyes and into your heart from some vast place very very far away.
The most recent tracks are the Ratmen. I am guessing around 30 passed by this way about an hour ago. The oldest tracks go back months. A set of Dwarven tracks look like the oldest.
Kosan you may want to take a look at this.
The snakes have been this way as well.
There are hundreds of seperate tracks here.
There is a hidden door here... Thoron you want to check it out?
Kosan, I hear what sounds like a sleeping dwarf nearby. I also hear what sounds like cheers and chants like some sort of sport.
Why left? Where is it that you are heading Kosan, have you some knowledge of this place?
Do you not feel it? Do you not Hear it?
The most recent tracks are the Ratmen. I am guessing around 30 passed by this way about an hour ago. The oldest tracks go back months. A set of Dwarven tracks look like the oldest.
Kosan you may want to take a look at this.
Where Show ME. I look at the Runes and Tracks. Do Boot prints look Familiar (I am and Armorer) Search Check = 18 on 1D20 + 9 Skill Mod = 27.
Look at runes and try to read.
Kosan, I hear what sounds like a sleeping dwarf nearby. I also hear what sounds like cheers and chants like some sort of sport.
What a sleeping dwarf how can you tell we sleep like all other races, quietly and carefree. Where do you hear it? Listen Check = took 10 + 1 Skill Mod = 11. Use Stone cunning to look for anything odd = 15 on 1d20 + 2 (Stone cunning ability) = 17.
With aide the aide and observation of the others; you find the secret door and also know how to open it.
as for the rune:
this is the Rune of the Deeprock Clan; an honorable clan of fierce dwarves from the hold a couple hundred miles or so north in the Roman area; west of the Dragonhold Mountains where all those wierd dragon worshippers live. Known to be fairly silent and hold their thoughts (and beer) to themselves much more than most dwarves, it is not surprizing that most of them are followers of Dumathion; the silent god. Every ten years, the high priests of Dumathion send out a 100 dwarf war party; heavily armed and with booku supplies, nobody ever knows where their going and they never come back; its all hush hush. these war parties are always heaped with glory and song; always the most fierce and toughest and the way they are treated and thought about (each year in commemoration of the day they leave the whole clan has a feast with much drinking in the honor and remebrance of these groups), you would guess they are doing something important; save the world type stuff. The Deeprock clan always has several to many warriors/priests in these war parties often the warparty leaders or greatest heroes.
Kosan, I hear what sounds like a sleeping dwarf nearby. I also hear what sounds like cheers and chants like some sort of sport.What a sleeping dwarf how can you tell we sleep like all other races, quietly and carefree. Where do you hear it? Listen Check = took 10 + 1 Skill Mod = 11. Use Stone cunning to look for anything odd = 15 on 1d20 + 2 (Stone cunning ability) = 17.
Grymbol; and those near the wall in the hall with a listen over 20:
you can faintly hear the sounds of dwarven growns as if someone heavily wounded is sleeping restlessly
Well, when I get back I guess I notice a group of folks staring at the wall. So will move closer to see what it is all about.
Kalona hops off her mount (the skeleton) to the floor and moves in between the legs of the 'gawkers' up to the wall. She then pecks at it relatively loudly and says in dwarven.
"Hello, you okay in there, got a few people out here that can maybe help if you like. One of them is a dwarf like yourself, goes by Kosan brother of Kojan. I am sure he wants to help you, but is halving a bit of difficulty with the door design, seems to have him and the others somewhat speechless. Guess they are impressed by the dwarven craftmanship. Hello..."
If perhaps the dwarf decide to trust us and open this little cubby hole, everyone should maybe step back and let Kosan greet him first? It might make him feel more comfortable, then having a surface elf, dark tribe and fey gawking at him like a bunch of birds...
a voice answers: (hearing roll 15 within 20 ft of the wall; +2 for every 5ft away after that.
"<SNORT; COUGH; <movement sounds small groan; heavy footsteps>
Eh; who be 'ere therin? *gasp* The hall be full of running villainly; announce yerself;<hagard breaths and movement sounds> be yea pursude by evil? <thump> None shall enter here; but alas; we are fair gone; <wheezing gasps for a bit then he continues> past help less than a miracle, <with reverence> Bless Dumathion, soon we shall pass from this mortal coil unto the Great Mine of Gold and Mithral held elsewhere.<agony and tears> I, I have...gasp...failed; failed the world; by chance is dark elf with you carrying The Burden; to Return it thus save all creation from The BEAST! <caughs and wheezing; but of spitting sounds> Fool was I, but no other choice; but to trust a dark elf maiden <tears> she was my only hope though a empty barrel of trust it may have been she stunk not of the Villainy of evil nor chaos. <more agony and tearing sounds> ALAS, my doom is near; <tears> for 152,612 years has my clan guarded that which binds The Beast; and lo, I, I, I Forthir Ironbrow Deeprock fail my charge and all my ancestors..failed all creation. There is not saving me lass, I and you and all is Doomed; not even death can save you from The BEAST! <grief and tears> <gasp>, our only hope is in one slim drow maiden or all is lost."
a voice answers: (hearing roll 15 within 20 ft of the wall; +2 for every 5ft away after that.
"<SNORT; COUGH; <movement sounds small groan; heavy footsteps>
Eh; who be 'ere therin? *gasp* The hall be full of running villainly; announce yerself;<hagard breaths and movement sounds> be yea pursude by evil? <thump> None shall enter here; but alas; we are fair gone; <wheezing gasps for a bit then he continues> past help less than a miracle, <with reverence> Bless Dumathion, soon we shall pass from this mortal coil unto the Great Mine of Gold and Mithral held elsewhere.<agony and tears> I, I have...gasp...failed; failed the world; by chance is dark elf with you carrying The Burden; to Return it thus save all creation from The BEAST! <caughs and wheezing; but of spitting sounds> Fool was I, but no other choice; but to trust a dark elf maiden <tears> she was my only hope though a empty barrel of trust it may have been she stunk not of the Villainy of evil nor chaos. <more agony and tearing sounds> ALAS, my doom is near; <tears> for 152,612 years has my clan guarded that which binds The Beast; and lo, I, I, I Forthir Ironbrow Deeprock fail my charge and all my ancestors..failed all creation. There is not saving me lass, I and you and all is Doomed; not even death can save you from The BEAST! <grief and tears> <gasp>, our only hope is in one slim drow maiden or all is lost."
Hmmm, seems to be able to see us...
"Greetings Forthir Ironbrow Deeprock, I am called Kalona. We are here to stop those-who-would-steal-the-sun. I think there are those that may persue us, but for now we have a moments peace and can offer what aid we can. I suspect this Burden you mentioned was entrusted to this maiden of the dark tribe, to my knowledge this one, called Llvenoc does not have this. But perhaps he, or the one known as Jewel may be of help in finding it and returning it to your people. Would you know this maiden's name, or perhaps have time for a description?"
"It truly saddens me that you feel your life and that of your ancestors is wasted, so I shall aid in what little way I can to give solice. First to the question I have asked, we may be able to link our minds so please give us the details through the image that and then there is one nearby who may give you some comfort I shall request he be contacted."
Kalona pauses for a moment with her eyes closed. She then begins to form thoughts that are very alien and difficult if not possible for most to follow (bird thoughts). They are definately directed at something though not apparently a member of the group. Some may catch though a glimpse of another raven, one with enough presence to come across the alien nature of the thoughts. She doesnt seem concerned if others know about it though.
A great whisper from a awesomely powerful alien mind though it is gentle and kind.
"little one, this troubled one born of the breath of Moridin will find no rest unless returned to him is the burden he has guarded and lost or true knowledge that it is returned to those that are set to guard it. He is not settled of mind enough to safely meld him into your communal mind sharing as doing so would damage both he and yea. you may help him if you must, little child of my flock, yet forget yea not my task for the children need the bauble I placed in the sky."
<the nuts dissappear>
a feeling of calm and safety comes upon all; and a knowing of it being safe if the secret door is opened.
A great whisper from a awesomely powerful alien mind though it is gentle and kind.
"little one, this troubled one born of the breath of Moridin will find no rest unless returned to him is the burden he has guarded and lost or true knowledge that it is returned to those that are set to guard it. He is not settled of mind enough to safely meld him into your communal mind sharing as doing so would damage both he and yea. you may help him if you must, little child of my flock, yet forget yea not my task for the children need the bauble I placed in the sky."
<the nuts dissappear>
a feeling of calm and safety comes upon all; and a knowing of it being safe if the secret door is opened.
Oh, yes, I remember the bauble, if it didnt burn up the nest so much it would be nice to have one, it would make everything else glitter so...um well anyway. Back in 'normal' thinking mode. I guess we shall simply have to talk with him. I dont suppose one of you, would care to open this door? ThorenHen, Kosan? I think we are in a bit of a hurry here...
Back in Dwarven
"Well, it seems things are more complicated than I thought, please if you would tell us this maiden's name or describe her as much as you recall. And this Burden, I am sure the good dwarf Kosan here would be willing to share the Burden with you."
Kalona steps back to make room for anyone who decides to open the door and flys back up to the skeleton's shoulder, though she moves it close enough for her to hear any responses from the debilitated dwarf.
Hey you all should come this way. We shouldn't keep standing out in the open. The others are checking out the secret door.