sorry, this is a long one. I'm going to use spoilers to save scrolling space and maybe help readers digest it.
Assent to Decend:
Dounia Mehar Mehek Ghali wrote:
"I'm ready. I'll do my very best. And I'm good with my hands."
Hermica didn't wait for the others to consent. She went over to the the chargeour, a shallow copper bowl with a wide brim. She took a golden-flecked stone and dropped it in the water. A few short minutes later there was a knock at the door and Tandyraman came in.
Tandyraman, "I suspected you would be calling me soon. How may I help you?"
Hermica, "We'd like to get this o…"
Patience, "Hermica?! Sorry, Herald. We're grateful for your time and it's good to see you. We were …"
Valandi stepped forward, "We'd like to do this now …" She glanced at Hermica and back, "… please."
Tandyraman nodded and looked at Dounia. Seeing her resolute her led the entire group to the foyer (most of an hour's time before Tymythy found himself there). He came to the stairs and spoke the word of passage and the stairs remoulded themselves smoothly to form a staircase going downward.
~
Welcome to the Vault:
There he led them down a long set of steps which incorporated several turnings to the cellar. The floor was dark marble and little fonts of water glowed with magical light. The herald nodded as he continued down the steps which only constituted two flights to the next lower level. The undercroft.
These walls were cavernous and rough like a mine, with posts and lintel every ten feet to prevent collapse. In the floor was a little stream of crystal clear water that had a ghostly light casting glimmers upon the uneven walls and ceiling. The hall curved away in both directions.
Tandyraman turned to the left. On his right hand he passed iron doors with little windows fixed with steel bars. Noises and muttering voices could be heard beyond the bars. Sloughing, gibbering, and sucking sounds that got under the skin. Strange accents in humanoid voices of all kinds. These were clearly some of the prisons of Gossamer House.
Tandyraman passed an archway that led to a gallery of artworks and came to a heavy metal door with three locks upon it. By the door stood a woman with colourless dark charcoal skin. She was clearly one of the drow peoples and looked sturdy in her thick leather apron. Goggles were pushed back on her forehead.
Tandyraman, "Everyone. This is Ourmeela, chief archanist for Hallwn. Ourmeela, this is Shomyendee. Shull, Jacote, Hermica, Patience, and Valandi. You will certainly recognize Dounia Mehar Mehek of the Ghali Family of Ciriyanakaram."
Ourmeela had a husky steady voice, "Of course! We've been watching you from the studio ewers. Your work on the escutcheoned door with only four parts of the key was one for the Gossamer Library scrolls. I will lord your success over Iolanthe for the next half century." She produced a small sack and from the sack she pulled a vial of what looked to be water. She unstoppered the water and it flowed unbidden out of the vial and into the lock hole. Twenty heartbeats later the first lock disengaged.
She carefully pressed her hand on the second lock and hundreds of thin glass needles shot forth all around the outline of her fingers and palm. She turned her hand and the second lock disengaged.
She whispered to the third lock. Dounia thought she could hear the lock whisper back. A whispered argument ensued until the third lock opened. Ourmeela pulled on the heavy metal door, "Welcome to the vault."
~
The Broken Mirror:
There were other staircases and other halls that led to other locked doors. Two more flights down ended in a small round room like the base of a turret. On the floor there was a chalk circle. Inside the circle there was a full length standing mirror with a spiderweb crack. Five pieces of the mirror, nine to twenty inch slivers, lay on the floor atop a black velvet cloth.
Tandyraman, "Shomyendee, do not enter the circle. You must each in-turn, stand before the mirror and give testimonial. If you are earnest enough the mirror will mend.
"Dounia, enter the circle when you are ready. Once you cross the chalk line you must stay until the mirror is mended. Simply fit each piece into their respective spots. It may require some care and ingenuity but nothing you haven't shown yourself more than capable of.
"If you leave before the mirror is mended then the testimony stops and the five will remain separate.
Claire's eye became distant, "Yes, only less than thirty hours left and then everyone is to forget." She took Tymythy's forearm, "Still, it is no small thing you have helped me with and I don't think there are many who could make that assassin sweat. If you need anything you must drop me a message. My name is Manon Claircourbeau, first hand to Her Royal Highness. You can trust any of the Princess' guard to deliver a written message and to remain ignorant of its' content."
There was a noise at the nearby door, "Someone is coming." Clair' produced a small object from the 'money pouch' around her costume. "spirits of song and story attend my ladies' servant" She stepped back against the white marbled wall and as she did her clothes blended with the wall until she was nigh invisible. As long as she stood still as a statue.
Through the door came Idrim Voltus. He noticed Tymythy, his brow rose like it would ask its' own question, and quickly abandoned why the spearman was standing in the foyer alone. Behind him was a trail of watery drips. Shortly after him came Cairee.
Cairee and Tymythy - the time is now the song of thirteen (1pm)
I think it was just Cairee who was told that but it is the same woman.
From page100 of gameplay (Jun 20, 2025, 09:30 am) :
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
"Is everything okay? Can I be of service?"
The attendant pulled away from Cairee. She looked confused, affronted, vulnerable. She leaned towards Cairee, "What do you know about it." It sounded more like an accusation than a question.
She backed away two steps. She looked like someone teetering on an idea. Allissette kept walking like she didn't know her attendant wasn't with her.
The attendant stepped back towards Cairree and in a rash whisper, "If you want to help Her … lose." The attendant's face switched to instant regret.
Allissette (from a distance and continuing to walk away), "Manon Claircourbeau, what has you so distracted that you are not by my side." It was not a question. The attendant looked at the ground and hustled after her.
Dounia could make out most of the women by their manners. Perhaps they were all parts of whomever Shomyendee was. Shull seemed trapped in her own anger. Jacote never expressed her true feelings.
Hermica, she was the easiest to read, her constant frustration was self-evident. In this moment Dounia could see her mind racing and her spirit hitting a wall of doubt. She was clearly worried the desert girl would back out or not be up to the task - whatever the task was.
Valandi was Hermica's opposite, a rock, a still lake. She seemed deep and quiet and confident.
Patience, however, was unreadable for now. At least she was the most forward, "Yes, I'm Patience. And this is Valandi. Thank you for coming. Thank you for speaking for us. You seem to be the only person to have cared at all for my three disheartened 'sisters'.
"And, as to speaking with Hallwn, ahem, His Radiance. I don't think we will be. It seems we are all to face the mirror and tell it what we have done to buy back our wish. Then, you are to reassemble it. If you believe in our worthiness then you will heal the mirror and bring us back together. As far as I understand."
Hermica, "Can we go now?! Can we use the stone?"
Shull, "Are you serious. Her??? She won't be able to do it."
Patience, "Shull! Have a little com…"
Jacote, "Do you really think 'His Radiance' is going to let this happen?"
Valandi, "Quiet! We are going to try and we are going to have faith in our benefactor!"
… ”So, the help you required was not to rid yourself of that man?” …
Claire, "He thinks I have come to seek you out. We must leave together or he will suspect another purpose for me to be away from my mistress and in disguise. I should have hidden in the abyss for the devils are all here! What gave me away?"
She took Tymythy's elbow. To all looking it would seem Tymythy was showing her the way but with subtle pressure Claire' led him down the steps and to the front foyer. It was devoid of people. Behind a statue of a muscled warrior wielding a fiery brand she found a little cover. Tymythy was so close to the carving he could feel that it was not stone but an opaque smokey ice.
"Thank you. I was on Her Royal Highness' business. Lockheep noticed me duck behind the judge's tent. I could not let him know where I was headed, but, forgive me, he now suspects an intrigue between you and I. This is tantamount to you being in-league with Her. I'm afraid I may have bought you a troubled future." Tymythy was close to her as they huddled by the monument. He could see a woman molded by royal courts that held the balance of nations. Her flawless appearance was trained, an act of will. A woman who's every gesture was under constant scrutiny. A woman who knew what it was to be constantly judged and would do anything for her mistress, someone under tenfold pressure and constant danger.
Several of the people standing about began to take notice. Invil's companions stood to get a better look from the stands. If this young warrior flinched or betrayed any weakness or lack of training in his eyes, his stance, in his words - Invil would cut him down.
Invil looked Tymythy over and could see no crack in the spearman's demeanour. At best guess they were evenly matched. The clang of the usriev upon the stone sets they stood on sealed Invil's uncertainty. If there was an intrigue to find here it was not worth a fight for when two lions fight one is always wounded and the other always dead.
The career criminal twisted his mouth into a grin. When he spoke he address the lady, "Lady Clairecourbeau, don't worry. I'm sure there's a simple answer to why a handmaiden has to dress to meet a 'friend' and member of the leading team. I will leave you time to think of one."
Claire, "You are perspiring, Mister Lockheep." Invil's smile vanished as he shifted his hip and his fine leather coat slide over and hid the hilt of his sword. He walked back to his party. He was clearly not done with this.
Claire spoke from the side of her mouth, "He is not known to us but his ink is. It makes him to be an executioner. The Cult of the Red-Red-Rose is practiced in extortion and have dealings in Halidor, Dollerisium, and the new world. Executioners fine those who have debts and make examples of them. We have no debts to the cult. I'm afraid he spotted me and became too curious."
Tymythy - you have time to continue to speak with Clairecourbeau and/or watch the lake. I'll sya you are at half the song of twelve.
As Tymythy spoke the woman, whose name apparently was Clairecourbeau, squeezed his hand. It didn’t feel like a warning but more an expression of desperation.
Invil Lockheep loosely clenched his rose vine tattooed hand into a fist. The comment about servants seemed to not touch a nerve. ”Does this warrior speak for the First Lady-in-Waiting for Princess Allissette Argentpoire? My he is quite bold. Then again he has been doing rather well in the games. Seeing you both together I begin to wonder why.”
Claire, ”You people of Halidor. You look down on all and only ever seem to have two questions on your minds. ‘Are they cheating in business’ and ‘are they cheating in love’. All the while you don’t seem to understand either. Why shouldn’t I seek to make a friend of an honest man. As my people say, ‘Soft hands make good moneylenders and bad warriors, lovers, and friends.” The saying rolled off her lips rhythmically and it left one to wonder what it might sound like in her own language.
Tymythy’s mind turned. He could not feel a ring on the ladies fingers and her other hand seemed bare. A look at her face showed she wore no decorations at all. Still, she couldn’t entirely get rid of the smell of perfume to a man unaccustomed to smelling it. The memory of the ring hung in his head and he was pretty certain it was her mistress who wore it.
Invil, ”My people have a saying to. ‘A man with calloused hands is the first to ire, tire, and pyre.’ ” He looked Tymythy up and down as if for the first time. He stepped out and turned so that he was full on facing the spear dancer and locked eyes. As he whirled his coat flew open to expose a long sword hilt.
Tymythy - he is trying to size you up. You can feel him finding a kind of stance - it could be him getting ready to draw or he might just be taking the measure of you. Respond any way you like but you can instead have a staring contest with him. If you do please roll intimidation to demoralize and sense motive to read him
Claire - intimidate aid:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14+2 to whatever First roll Tymythy makes
The Lady Clairecourbeau squeezed Tymythy’s hand and he knew what it meant. The next few seconds were critical
"Oh! I don't know if it went without saying but I wanted to ask to be certain. Will you give me the pleasure of accompanying me for whatever festivities occur later today?"
Prem, "Exciting. Do you know what's planned? I'd be happy to join you but first I have to cancel my plans with my other suitors." He looked behind him and there sat two members of the dwarven team, Grownya Lar and Caydren Actreo. Prem's voice took on a faux courtliness, "I'm sorry but I shall have to cancel. My dance card, you see, has been filled." The two dwarves looked at each other utterly confused.
Prem, "I dare say they shall get over me … in time."
The Adherents' Request
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
"Nothing good can come of that, … Maybe we should get closer? In case he needs help?"
Prem, "Perhaps to the upper railing? I don't think crowding will help the situation. Besides, I don't think they're up to any agressive mischief. It doesn't feel dangerous."
The clock for Zahra is just after the song of thirteen. I'm going to wait for the others to catch up before posting more.
~
The Fifth Morning - Tymythy
Although he couldn't read Batbayar's lips (or perhaps the ocrish behemoth was mouthing something about zxilhem dan'deeli … orcish for sturgeon and summer-gown), Tymythy could certainly read the unimpressed expression the warrior wore.
The three orcs entered the first room of exotic angled mirrors. They began to flinch like something was darting unseen just behind them. Batbayar stopped and smelled the air. Tyerror kneeled and checked the floor for markings. Khol moved to a mirror and touched the glass.
Batbayar said something else to the others and began laughing and Tyerror stood to look and nod at his leader. Khol turned from the mirror but her face looked distracted and sad. The great orc clasped her on the shoulder with encouragement.
Their flinching didn't stop. Whatever they were seeing was still there but they looked (for the most part) to be having fun.
Tymythy could see Invil Lockheep, one of the criminals Yoy'ya had warned him about, look behind the scoreboard. The athletic man in very fine oxblood leathers rose, moved casually past Tymythy's left and behind the judges tent.
Suddenly, a woman of about twenty-five years all dressed in the finery of one of the Halidor Concern merchants was at Tymythy's right side. She grabbed his left hand. Her accent was strange, soft with words almost blending together, and desperate. "Please help me"
knowledge - geography dc10 (human):
Her accent is from the northern continent of Eotengaerde
perception dc12 (human):
She smells of traces of perfume. The kind you've smelled whenever you were near Princess Allessette
Invil swaggered around the judge's tent and came to the woman's other side. He looked like a cat with an invisible fish in its' mouth, "Mademoiselle Claircourbeau. I almost didn't recognize you. What would your mistress say if you were reported in such poor estate?"
Tymythy - the time for you is still on the song of twelve
~
The Fifth Morning - Cairee
Voltus was met at the door by the porter Abbas. Abbas answered a question without being asked, "In the main arena." The two rushed off.
A read on Voltus; DC24:
Voltus seems ready for whatever is happening. He doesn't seem surprised
Is Cairee following? Is she headed elsewhere? The time for Cairee is just before the song of thirteen
~
The Fifth Morning - Dounia
The Painted Eclipse door opened and Dounia was led in by Hermica. All five of the other sisters who made up Shomyendee (Jacote, Shull, Patience and Valandi) were there. They were all completely identical and could only be separated by their demeanours.
Shull was stoney-faced.
sense motive= DC12:
She was glancing at Dounia with some little contempt, almost as if this was somehow the desert thief's fault
Jacote was looking down at her shoes.
sense motive= DC12:
She was glancing at Dounia with some little contempt, almost as if this was somehow the desert thief's fault
Hermica was pacing.
sense motive= DC12:
She clearly just wants this to be over one way or another.
Patience was looking Dounia over, "Is this her?" she said to the others.
sense motive= DC12:
She was badly concealing a great deal of gratitude
Valandi walked to Dounia and offered her hand.
sense motive= DC12:
Of all of them, she seemed the calmest and most professionally postured
more soon. Dounia is only at halfway between the song of eleven and twelve
Voltus attitude +cha mod +reveal secret information = DC29, nut it's a difficult thing just going by the numbers. People will not help you when it's against their natures/ethos and you provided no reason for Voltus to want to help. Still, it is a nat20 and a very good end result.
Voltus slowly stopped laughing. His stare was unflinching, "Hallwn has no plans to separate you. I have no idea why your messenger would have said that. I promise you that His Radience has absolutely no interest in your fates."
He moved across the bath until he was very close to Cairee and whispered the quietest whisper an inch from her ear. She could feel his breath on her ear's crest. "But he has no love for The Servants of the Great Red Dragon … Think Priest Featherfriend. No one here can be seen helping you. Harmattan's trick at the opera only protects Zahra in the midst of the detente between the arcane orders. Anyone seen trying to help or recruit her will start a magical feud. Now, answer this. Who has the ability to change the game and might have a desire to give you information? Not to help you but to harm Kamzar-Ghibil."
He moved past her and got out of the bath. He was walking away as his unseen servant, Willum, dressed him. "Really, I must be loosing my touch. I should have come up with the answer sooner. 'When a dragon takes human form the dragon takes human weakness.'" Voltus golden laurel flew at him. He snapped out his right hand and caught it without looking.
Well, it is a NAT 1 so I’ll refrain from peeking under the spoiler unless you OK it
good instinct, thank you
The Fifth Morning - Tymythy
The merchants of The Halidor Concern began to argue amongst themselves. Tymythy, however, was too focused on Batbayar, Khol and Terror beginning their walk through the mirror maze. With the Twins finished the orcish team could finally start their run.
Terror led the way with Khol sandwiched between him and Bat. They walked slowly and confidently down the front hall. One hundred feet of mirrors.
Nothing of what was being said could be heard but Tymythy could see Batbayar mouthing something.
linguistics (untrained ok) dc10 and sense motive dc15; you must be successful in both rolls to lip read the orcish:
Tymythy thinks he catches the words toli (meaning mirrors) and moxoo (meaning stupid)
"The messenger also warned the Hallyn would try to separate the Blackbirds ... I thought he was neutral in his desire for chaos. Why would he be involved in our fates?"
Voltus just said he wished he could say more but couldn't. He said treaties were at stake. I'm going to need a very high diplomacy roll for you to get more out of him
voltus - sense motive on Cairee:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28 ? bluff:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 voltus - sense motive on ? (dc22):1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38
The Fifth Morning - Cairee
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
… Was she a friend? Someone he cared for, wanted to see succeed? Was she a duty, part of his responsibility to keep safe outside the challenges? Did he see her as an equal? An annoyance? Another line on his long to-do list?
Never has Cairee felt confident about her read of Voltus' alignments. Now, having met with him on several occasions and seen him at his work, she did not know the seneschal to root for anyone. He did not take sides. He was constantly in the mask of his position. He had been taking on a quality, a beleaguered persona. He seemed like - like the only adult on an island of lost children with their boy-king. Everyone was surely a duty to him and Cairee was probably no exception.
His voice, however, was respectful and felt earnest - and in these hot baths, unguarded. As much as she could read that he did not see this young priest before him as his 'equal' she could still feel a growing admiration for The Black Birds, especially for her and for Tymythy.
Cairee could also see that Voltus could see her trying to get a read on him.
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
… "It's difficult to explain, but I had a visitor from someone outside of the game. Someone I don't know, but have reason to trust. They said that the messages we've been receiving in our challenges are from someone who is trying to provide aid after we return home … How could that be? Does it mean there's a way for us to keep our memories?"
Idrum Voltus' stare was unnerving. Not since joining the Order of Saiph has Cairee felt so vulnerable - like she was in her childhood home again. Voltus was staring and his mind was grinding like a machine under strain.
Then his eyes closed and his hand went to his face. When he opened his eyes again they were shifting back and forth like he was watching some kind of debate between invisible lawyers. Then he smiled. He began to laugh and his laugh was clear and sharp and unpracticed. Through his laughing he managed to speak.
Voltus, "To whomever managed an unauthorized sending through the defences of Gossamer House ask them to come see me. I would very much like to know how they managed it. I don't believe it is related to the secret 'advice' you've been receiving in the challenges.
"Please, do not share the advice, or anything else you've learned here, with anyone outside of your teammates, and perhaps the Lady Harmattan. I wish I could say more but it would break a treaty with several other organizations. That could be disastrous. Think about your time in the oprea and you may know why.
"As for remembering, please trust me when I say that I am sure things will turn out for the best."
A ripple cascaded over the bath's surface.
"I'm being summoned … apparently, The Adherents are up to something."
Voltus got up and walked to the door as clothes flew to him and dressed themselves.
”Security considerations? Should we be worried?”More worried than I already am? she thought.
Voltus, "It's not my intention to add to the worries you already carry. It isn't a danger but an anticipated risk. A little surprise for those who've stayed in the competition on the fifth afternoon. It should arrive around the late song of four."
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
”Our challenge wasn’t reflected in the lake. Did you see it? Something happened that seemed outside of the challenge. I don’t know if it would have been visible to anyone watching.”
Voltus' calm seemed interrupted. He opened his eyes to look to Cairee, "His Radience's table can scry on the last challenge. So can I. We don't always see all of the members.
"I could see you yelling in your cell. Then images of Dounia and Tymythy took presidence. When you became visible again you an the room were covered in frost."
He didn't ask a question only holding his gaze on Cairee.
Tymythy sought out Yoy'ya before she had a chance to leave. ”You have been keeping tabs on how the money has been flowing … I would like you to point out a few of the ones who betted against us most often.”
Yoy'ya couldn't read Tymythy's full intent but she was certainly good enough to read his manner. A mischievous grin snuck onto her face, "Of course. I've been watching the betting very closely. The one's doing the worst will be gathered by the scoreboard, trying to make up loses with their final bets.
"It will be no surprise to you that the heaviest bets against the Black Birds have been: Baronet Vertbatton and his wife Baronetess Horsie Oxmaison; that greasy dwarf Eohzayped; and, of course that fool, Jhohanes Sebasteen Kingsworthy. They are trying to work out how to make their money back after this last challenge. Eohz' is completely ruined, hehe. The others followed his advice betting heavily on Cairee's death and on your entire teams failure.
"Perhaps a bit more of a surprise are those weird elves with the masks. The 'Arishallshamis'? I don't think it's personal. They seem to just be playing the odds.
"I think some of the other team members have been betting against you through intermediaries. Several of the Sisters of the Silken Scroll (not really a concern anymore) and Badrelow of the Cavaliers.
"Several of the retinue at Hallwn's table, but not Iolanthe or Nadj.
"There is a group called 'The Membership of the Red-Red-Rose' from Hesperia in the far east. Invil Lockheep and Asparisterous are amongst them. You remember Aspar'. He fought in the challenge against Voltus. Invil Lockheep was the one Kingsworthy approached to harm Prem. He distanced himself as soon as Dounia interrupted. They've been betting consistently against your team. They were betting quite a lot on Zahra not making it until after the arena challenge when they got tired of losing their money. - I wouldn't screw with them. The Red-Red-Rose is a powerful and well known criminal organization from the new world."
"There is a conclave of merchants called the Halidor Concern. They seem to have connections to Vertbatton and also to Hespernia. Lots of land owners and shipping interests. They've been pooling their money and betting strategically but mostly against The Black Birds. If you look to the scoreboard, just to the right of it, that clump of velvet. That's them"
~
Tymythy - an intimidation roll to see how much of a nuisance you are being with a +4circumstance bonus
Tymythy settled at the top of the southern steps not far from the scoreboard. The 'greasy-dwarf' was nowhere to be seen. Vertbatton and his wife weren't about either.
The well-dressed Invil Lockheep was in the upper stands with his entire retinue but they were keeping a close eye on the scoreboard.
The Halidor Concern merchants were huddled by the board and fumed at Tymythy's presence. They began to mutter.
One, "Brazen Divolgatian!"
Two, "I'm sure I could buy whatever ruddy little village he comes from three times over."
Three, "Eats like a mud farmer."
One, "Remind me to send support money to the southern corps."
In the lake Tymythy could see Mar find the final room. She struggled to her feet leaning against the rough stone wall. Two mirrors floated in the middle of the room. She turned her head away from them and tried to call out to her brother but her voice was too hoarse.
There was a long passage of time. She could see the way out but she didn't move. All this challenge had been to her and she still waited for her brother.
Slowly, the staggering Arnie exited the hallway into the same room. He collapsed into Mar. They embraced and found some strength in the embracing.
As they turned to leave, Arnie noticed the two mirrors. He lifted his club with the last of his strength and headed towards them but Mar grabbed his arm and held him back. She shook her head pleadingly. Arnie nodded as they followed the perimeter of the room to the exit.
A judge marked their score on the board:
- kept their eyes open 10/30pnts
- didn’t lose themselves 0/30pnts
- no teammate deaths 5/5pnts
- impressive teamwork/flare/ingenuity/grit/efficiency/subtlety 8/60pnts
- first secret goal 0/15pnts
- second secret goal 0/10pnts
challenge score 23/150
The scores were now:
The Black Birds 574pnts
Perdition’s Cavaliers 570pnts
The Adherents of Aureolus 488pnts
The Steelheart Twins 454pnts
The Bonds of Gruumsh 361pnts
The merchants were throwing up their hands and gnashing their teeth as they tried to get space between their new loses and Tymythy.
Tymythy's perception; DC8 (vs human):
One of the merchants (who'd been silent through everything) separated from the others with a quietness that looked like they were trying not to be noticed. They made some effort to glide past Tymythy, perhaps to visit a wash closet but the smell of perfume was powerful, and familiar. He's smelt it whenever Princess Allissette's retinue were near.
He saw the merchant take a quick look around to see if they were noticed, revealing her face. It was one of Allissette's handmaids. She ducked neatly behind the judge's tent next to the healer's tent.
… ”The cloth is good quality and something I can work with. Is it okay if I keep it overnight and give it back to you tomorrow?” She smiled, ”I promise I know what I’m doing. I even altered a gown once to wear to the opera. Thanks for trusting me with this.”
Prem, "I'd like that." His ear turned a little pink.
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
”What I would have told you about my life a couple of months ago would be quite different from what I would...
Prem listened and cringed at the mention of her capture and of her trials. Hearing what she'd been through and about the friends she'd made held him fast in his seat and he did not hide his admiration.
Prem, "Perhaps we share a common need to honour our parents. We both seem to owe them a great deal."
When Zahra spoke about her calling it was clear that Prem didn't understand. He didn't have anything like that he draw on, but he wanted to understand.
The Adherents' Request
It was already the song of thirteen. Prem became distracted. He motioned across the arena to the southern steps. "Something is brewing."
It seemed The Adherents had left the tents of healing. The walked down to the sands to where the orcish team were waiting. They began fitting themselves up with their equipment and spell component pouches as they walked.
"Why worry about forgetting?! … You told me about my family, who they are, where they are! I want to go find them. We've made friends in here - Yoy'ya, Prem, maybe even Iolantha. And enemies. We're going to have new gear, and missing other things. Maybe this is business as usual for you, but this has been a hell of a half-week, and I want to remember it!"
Tandyraman, "The purpose of forgetting is so outsiders can't trace the guest list and to protect the gift of the wish. There are very powerful people whom we hide this from. I am sorry Dounia but your friends will forget you. Your enemies will not know to come looking for you. Everyone will be visited by the heralds and the banking institutions they deal with. Some of those professionals know certain things about Hallwn and have been trained to deal with guests post birthday.
"But, with other details, details not related to the security of Gossamer House, you could theoretically pass that information to yourself through a herald. Just make certain nothing is in the message you don't want the Seneschal to know. He will me monitoring any information passed to the outside. As one of the two lead Heralds, would you like me to take care of this?"
Dounia Mehar Mehek Ghali wrote:
Dounia swallowed, suddenly nervous. "Um, sure? … But I did sort of already speak for her, and Hel...His Radiance didn't seem too happy about me doing it. But if there's a chance it'll help, I'll try again. But where even are they? I haven't seen them in days."
"This testimonial will be different. More formal. All five Shomyendee will come to a room in the vaults and they will have to tell the mirror why they deserve to be made whole, and of all their work over the past nine hours. If you agree, you will have to reassemble the mirror. If you believe that they deserve to have the wish lifted then the mirror will be mended.
"You haven't seen them at the arena because they had been given special leave to go home and return. The five have been working very hard to return all the wealth they've made for themselves. I have been with them supervising their progress. My counterpart, Chrizdoff, tells me you were there when Jacote purchased the final element of their possessions in the name of its' original owners.
"As for the five? They have all just returned to their quarters. I doubt they would not open their door to you."
Dounia - The magic coat hook is a version of an immovable rod. You need to put it against a vertical surface but otherwise it works the same.
I thought about it the entire escutcheoned door challenge wondering if you'd remember it.
The scene you're looking for can be found here:
On Page 101
Look for the post from: July 2, 2025, 03:28am
Sorry, things can be hard to find because I keep spelling them differently. It's the hardest piece of continuity for me to remember. Vertbaton or Vertbatton
There was a simple business-like knock at the door.
It was Abbas, the porter that was assigned to her on the first day. He had an easy light smile and a warm deep voice, "Seneschal Voltus asks that you join him in the baths."
(Unless Cairee demands a different venue …)
A short walk along the eastern hall of painted doors brought Cairee to the same baths she fought in only last night. Inside, there was no sign there was ever a battle only a few hours ago.
In the lower baths several of the porters were relaxing while no one was calling on their service. The upper bath was empty as steam roiled from small floor vents.
In the private bath in the very corner of the room Voltus soaked. He was wearing the same tiny loincloth he did during the match with Tymythy. Beside the pool and floating in the air at chest level, was a folded towel. Cairee remembered the unseen porter, Willum, that made tea and fish for her first talk. Voltus seemed both deeply relaxed and deep in thought.
Voltus, "My apologies. I think well in the bathes and I have some special security considerations for tonight. We are nearing the final tenty-four hours. You find me with a little time. Has something new come up?" Abbas was leading the porters out of the room. They made no complaints.
"So does that mean he's like your manservant? Does he have to do whatever you ask him to or are there specific things he has to do to work off his debt? … If that's being petty then I'm all in. He deserves much worse for what he did to you."
Prem, "Servant? That and also. Bodyguard. Nurse. Big Brother. He is under a kind of geas to perform an atonement that he, frankly, is unable to understand. He'll do it and learn nothing. For now he'll get us two drinks and then buggeroff. oh, sorry. That's a bit crass. Anyway. You know what they say. 'Never judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes. That way you are a mile away. And you have his shoes.'"
Kingsworthy looked somehow resigned to his service to Premuroso. When he got closer and saw that Zahra was in Prem's company, a woman he'd once tried to 'attain', he stopped at a distance and his face took on an expression of new hell. He pushed himself forward.
Prem, "Ahhhh, King'swarthy, old pal. You remember my friend Al Asamar? We would like two of those drinks from the Issmenadore gentleman. Please take care of that would you. A coffee for the lady and a pineapple for me.
"Gentle Zahra, would you like anything else?"
~
Kingsworthy returned with drinks (and whatever else Zahra requests) and left them to themselves.
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
"… is there something you have with you that means something to you that I could do some stitching on? … what is one thing about yourself that you feel I need to know to really know you?"
Prem, "Hm, a thing for a keepsake?" He wore a suit of very well-made armour. It was the kind worn by fully indoctrinated duelist club alumnus's. On his duelling arm was a pauldron with the emblem of his school. He began unbuckling it and flipped it over to expose a cloth backing. "This school was my pathway out of my rural community. I owe them a lot. The back of the emblem is something only I will see." He passed it to Zahra slowly.
"Now, a starting point to 'really knowing me' … that's a difficult thing to judge. I've told you about my people. I don't think there are any Panotti on this continent. In the north there are only a few small communities. Those townships are very rural, made up of farmers and millers and labourers. My parents were masons. Exciting, I know.
"When they realized their only son had a mind that wouldn't be content with labour (and a bit of a mouth for trouble) they used their savings to enroll me in the Barbs Academy in Sutence. I learned geography, heraldry and court-manners, and linguistics. I learned to defend myself verbally and through fencing.
"Sometimes, just sometimes, when I'm expressing myself I feel like I can tap into something. A me unadorned. A me separate from my upbringing, my schooling, from every harsh word ever tossed my way. Separate from those things but still fuelled by them. In those moments it feels like I have a chance to touch … the truth."
(Zahra comes to understand that Prem has the 'inner beauty' trait)
Prem continued to talk and question Zahra as he talked.
He spoke about his mother who was always starting tasks, doing four or five things at one time, and forgetting to finish half. He spoke about his father who had an opinion on every subject and training in none. He spoke about his community which was near the farthest boarder from Sutence as was possible.
He talked about the hard-won respect of his fellow fencing academy members. He spoke about his friends, both academy members. The elven Uvigaymyka, who laughed like a sparrow and the dwarven Durstyg, who laughed like an alpenhorn.
He spoke of his hope of becoming an interpreter at the court in Septimer, which was closer to home. He dreamed of making good money so he might send some back to his parents.
And it was clear to Zahra that he was happy in her company. That he didn't want anything from her, except to see her laughing. To find that easy way of speaking that let a conversation go anywhere.
"… All the things you mentioned, plus trying not to die in the next challenge, and worrying about forgetting everything that's happened so far…"
Tandyraman, "There comes a time during every birthday celebration, usually on the fourth or fifth day, when people come to a common realization. The celebration is for the pleasure of His Radiance alone. That people live and die in competition with each other entertains him. That the prize stays a secret is necessary for his security. It also keeps him from having to deal with the fallout this celebration causes while increasing the chaos in its' wake.
"You have survived the worst of all the challenges. You've done it remarkably well. His Radiance is difficult to read but I think you even surprised him. Fear is wise but don't lose heart." There was real compassion in his voice and a sense that he believed in Dounia.
"But why worry about forgetting?"
Dounia Mehar Mehek Ghali wrote:
"Wait, you mentioned Shomyendee. I was just going to their room. Why do you need to talk to me about her? Them."
Tandyraman, "They have to make a case to His Radiance about why he should reverse the wish they had asked for. Part of that is getting someone to speak on their behalf. I'm told by one of Shomyendee that you said you would do this."
It was past the energetic song of eleven when the Black Birds conversation began to ebb.
~
Dounia excused herself and headed through the halls. As she contemplated what she had written to herself she followed the remembered path to the eclipse door.
The hall of painted doors was nearly empty. Only a few people roamed here. Two men, someone clearly from one of the local desert tribes and a young man in finery similar to Prem's, were leaning very closely to each other against a doorway. As Dounia neared they noticed her, opened the door and found their privacy within. The door, now closed, showed a painting of a centaur admiring a broken parasol he'd discovered in a trash heap.
A porter moved through the halls carrying a silver armet, a kind of closed-faced helmet for plate mail. As Dounia and the porter passed each other the desert thief would swear the helmet was talking …
"… but that was in the war of fletcher's field, a conflict I'd not seen. I'm talking about the third campaign of Ilse Armistice when Sir Porpington moved against his brother, Lord Meachail Sans-l'Auriculare. A dastardly betrailal, and for what? Some tolken of favour from his High-Arch Bishop Fronto Equitius?! I would spit if the moisture would collect inside the gorget …"
Dounia past the blue room as the door opened on the northwest side and Tandyraman stepped out.
Tandyraman, "Ahh, Miss Ghali! Do you know, I've been quite busy lately and everything I've been up to seems to have a little bit of you in it. The matter of Shomyendee, your apropos with the unsavoury Kingsworthy, and, of course, the surprises ton…" Tandyraman stopped and reconsidered Dounia. "What is wrong? You are terribly distracted."
~
Zahra and Prem left for the food tables and found a quiet corner.
Prem, "There is a small group from Issmenadore here. They have a way of blending fruit with condensed milk and adding spices. Some have a strong coffee flavour. It's really quite good. Maybe that to start? Um, listen, Kingsworthy is coming over. He has to work off his debt to me until the end of the party. Do you want me to excuse him? For the moment? I confess, I would very much like to tell him to fetch us drinks. Is that too petty?"
~
On the sands of the arena the orc team paced or sat as porters brought them water and light foods. They were clearly impatient to start the mirror maze.
In the lake several images from different perspectives showed The Twins making next to no progress. Mar was continuing to crawl on her hands and knees. Her eyes were screwed shut and she had no more tears to cry. Arnie leaned with his back to a broken mirror. His body glimmered with little shards sticking free of his armour and bits of bare skin. He was heaving for breath and clearly exhausted. His eyes looked vacant.
But the two made their seperate progress as they continued through their individual pathways.
Rumour were passed about. In the tents of healing Prince Keone was still being tended to. He was not yet conscious but he was stable. Sir Pellius had not left his side.
The Adherents had also disappeared into the healing tents and had not been seen for some time.
What are Tymythy and Cairee up to? Cairee - you mentioned talking to Voltus. You have some time until the Awkward song of Thirteen before the next event
I need to retcon Cairee's vision. I said that the old traveler said he would be in Asghar'sinan in six days. It doesn't make sense for the travel time from where they are during the birthday party and it's crowding events.
"Oh! Possession for sure! Do I get to look through ALL his stuff?" Dounia looked positively gleeful.
Prem, "I assume you wouldn't have access to anything sensitive, like political papers or family seals but, yeah, all the rest of his stuff. I think Tandyraman will be looking for you."
Prem, "Appropos. It's mostly a northern thing. Kingsworthy tried to kill you. Hallwn doesn't arrest people on behalf of others but he does take restitution and the grieved party gets it to.
"Your friends received what's called weeping silver (another northern thing) - a payment in coin. You were directly attacked so you get your choice of ap - pro - pos. Apology (that's what I chose and it's damn fun). Promise, or a kind of I.O.U. that the heralds will enforce. Or, possession. You get to go through his stuff and pick something.
"You only have a day left so you better choose fast."
~
Yoy'ya and Prem listened in awe to Cairee's story.
After the Black Birds had talked it through Yoy'ya swallowed and spoke, "He'll be in Asghar'sinan? I'm from Aikbir'sinana, across the river. It's a good eight days travel from Zhayalamar. The two townships are important stops. If this person is traveling they may need to stop and rest there a day of two."
Prem looked thoughtful. "Your vision sounds like an intercession. There are stories of very rare events when an extremely powerful being, like this Silimiel, dies they can still influence the course of events. Cairee Featherfriend, you called out. You were desperate. Something heard you but all it could do was connect you with a 'friend?' or ally. It couldn't appear directly. This person must be a very speciali individual."
Yoy'ya, "Something bigger than Hallwn is going on here. Listen, after this is all over if I can help you, I will. I don't, you know, do this. Offer help without getting paid. But, if I manage to remember you, somehow, I will help."
~
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
”I need to ask your forgiveness, Prem … I thought I was making an adult decision to focus on the challenges and ignore everything else but I was wrong. Almost losing you yesterday, seeing you bloodied, and then feeling the despair of being utterly alone in the last challenge … It made me realize that we are never guaranteed tomorrow and that I need to be with those I care about when I can. Whatever time we have together is meaningful and can you forgive me for not seeing that earlier? … And will you give me a second chance?”
Prem stepped closer, "I think you have that backwards. I think it's you giving me a second chance. But chance at what? I only want you to know that I'm, enchanted?, yes, enchanted by you. You are the most fascinating person I have ever met. We said we would be friends and friends is what we are. But, if you're telling me that you'd like to explore what kind of friends we can be then I'm in. I'm not asking for anything from you but I want you to know that, for my part, I'm here. For whatever your ok with.
"I don't know what is going to happen. Who does? Even when they aren't in the faerie realm with a near god playing at trying to kill them. It's an impossible situation. We have, what?, twenty-four hours? But maybe that's a kind of freedom. What we have is what we have.
"Maybe you and I can get a drink? Talk before the last grand feast tonight. I'd love to hear everything about you. And I'll tell you about me."
I'm going to start posting again soon. Please check-in on the discussion thread so I know you're all available.
Thanks!
My work situation had me doing two installs in two museums on the same week. My team should be a team for four but for 'reasons' my team has been reduced to three and two of us are injured.
Things are getting better though. The dinosaur exhibit is in and the second exhibit is on schedule. My time is normalizing.
Elves used to be angels. They fought endless wars in the night sky. They were led by the eight great warlord angels: Aldebara, Deneb, Fomalhaut, Achernar, Saiph, Thuban, Ophiuchi, and Mizar.
There are three main gods in the church of the heavenly kingdoms.
Leila - the sun/god of nature - or - of the basic laws of the universe. Everything ages, heat moves to where it's cold; you know, physics
Badr - the silver moon/god of order - or - of all the laws made to create harmony and understanding; math, justice, ideals like hospitality, etc.
Amar - the crescent moon/god of magic - or - of the bending of all laws; illusion, art, artiface
Badr tried to stop the fighting between the angels. He went to Saiph first. Saiph said she wanted to stop but couldn't see how she could without causing the destruction of her people. Badr told her to trust him and he would show her the way through giving up on war. To show her that sacrifice was the only way to end the fighting he offered her his right arm.
She cut it off. Seeing that he was not deterred from a path of peace she threw her sword away and became the first of the angels to leave war behind.
~
In the challenge Zosimos sacrificed his right arm. It may have been a reflection of the story of Badr's sacrifice. It is twisted. Badr sacrificed himself to help Saiph find her path on perfect compassion. Zosimos sacrificed his arm to proclaim his devotion to the church - and to try to win the challenge.
When The Black Birds emerged from the healing tents they could see that the score for Perdition's Cavaliers had stabilized. Prince Keone was alive.
~
In the lake the Twins were not doing much better. Arnie was looking exhausted as he continued to try to swing at mirrors. Mar was crawling on her hands and knees. She seemed to have been wept out as she coughed and crawled. Her eyes were screwed shut.
~
Under a great endless vaulted ceiling the black water thrashed. Two of the Adherents had been thrown overboard and were swimming back to a capsized boat. The other two members kneeled on the upside-down vessel and used each other as a counter balance. Mahri of Glaemorgan held Zosimos the Chirurgeon. In Zosimos' right hand was the bottle of mixed potions.
The monster couldn't resist the two looking so vulnerable. It dove at them. Zosimos looked to Mahri. She nodded to him, egging him on. The drake chomped down on his arm down to his deltoid. Its' long glassy fangs sunk into his pectoralis and back.
The there was an explosion.
The drake's head blew apart. Zosimos was at the heart of the explosion as the boat shattered beneath the two Adherents. Mahri was knocked backward, hit one of the stone columns that supported the vaulted ceiling and dropped into the water. The neck flailed about and then sunk into the black waters.
The boat was in pieces. Trismegistus swam to an unconscious Mahri and collected her. Don Ric'cassa swam to the body of Zosimos. The young Zosimos looked pale. His right arm was missing and the right side of his face was badly disfigured.
They are clearly followers of The Church of the Heavenly Kingdoms.
The Sword of Saiph:
Late in the war, Saiph looked about her and saw the destruction suffered by her people and the destruction laid upon others by her own hands. Badr saw in Saiph doubt and pleaded with her to be the first to stop the endless trade of conflict. She turned to him and said the first to cease fighting will be fodder for those locked in blood lust. ‘And how am I to sacrifice my people?’
Badr offered her his right arm. ‘Take this and know that those who sacrifice now shall be my right arm and to my right side shall I hold them dearer than I hold myself.’
Saiph replied, ‘Then yours shall be the first sacrifice of the end to this war and this shall be the last cut my blade shall ever make’, and she struck his arm from his body.
She went to her people and asked them to lay down their weapons. Incredulous, they refused and demanded she return to the great war. She threw her sword across the sky and abdicated from them to follow the path of a healer. Still, her people fought, leaderless, and still the war raged.
The Sword of Saiph flies through the heavens still and is a burning beacon to all of Saiph’s promise to never again make war.
There have been a compounding of several incidents and demands at work. I will need to put this game of pause for three weeks and hope to return to GM'ing February 14th. I will do one more big post about the other teams.
You should feel free to read all of the spoilers for each other for the last challenge. Please also feel free to continue some character interaction between you to discuss any fallout from what you've learned.
When I return expect to:
Find out what Dounia gets from Kingsworthy - an apology, a choice from his possessions, or an IOU/favour
Hear about what the Adherents of Aureolus do after their challenge (what are those creeps up to?)
What's going on with the Pale Sisters (Dounia - you said you'd speak for them … what does that mean???)
Learn a bit about the fate of The Sisters of the Silken Scroll (duh, duh, duh)
Get a very special surprise for Hallwn's final night
Get ready for the sixth and final day of the challenge!
Zahra's eyebrows shot up, "Older? Like wrinkles?" She stuck her hand in her bag to retrieve a mirror but then figured now was not the time. "Hopefully not gross older," she murmured. "And I'm glad to see you up and about. Your injuries really scared me earlier."
Prem, "No, no, no. Ok, maybe not older but somehow a little taller? Figuratively speaking."
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
"And I'm glad to see you up and about. Your injuries really scared me earlier."
Prem still had a great bandage on his ear, "I still feel them and it's an effort not to fly. The healers here, however, are amazing." … "Hey, Dounia. Have you picked your appropos from Kingsworthy yet? The apology has been great but I bet he has some choice possessions to pick from. It might be difficult to procure a 'promise' after this is all over, but what a card to be holding."
The creature the Adherents are fighting is a drake. Related to dragons but not as intelligent, powerful, and possessing no magical skill.
This appears to be a poisonous, camouflaging coral drake.
Yoy'ya and Prem walked alongside as The Black Birds were headed to the tents of healing, "I don't know what happened in there but a lot of people are pissed. Don't worry. I know you can't say anything. I tried to talk to some of the Sisters of the Silken Scroll several times and all that came out was gibberish, when they were willing to say anything at all.
"For some reason there were some enormous side bets that Cairee was going to die during this challenge. There seems to be a rumour that you're addicted to Oblivion? I don't know you that well but it had to be a fake-out … Anyway, I put all my money against. I should have enough to run the barber shop back home for thirteen years and pay for a new wing.
"Also, you've pulled in a lot of support. I think I can get you some good stuff. For your final day." She looked you all over. "After today, it should be a cake walk."(6,300gp worth of support added to the pot)
Prem was looking serious and said to Zahra, "You look different. You look ... older."
~
As they passed the scoreboard The Black Birds could see they'd achieved an almost perfect score, losing a few points for those who had been frozen in terror - if even for just a few moments.
Challenge (day 5): The Escutcheoned Door 140/150pnts opened the door 25/25pnts impressive ingenuity/grit/efficiency 55/60pnts defeated the gatekeeper 55/60pnts lost no team members 5/5pnts Crowd side bets made during the challenge: Cairee will be killed / it will take them more than an hour to get through the door
The points for Perdition's Cavaliers was also being posted.
Challenge (day 5): The Portcullis Gate 120 - 125/150pnts got through the gates before the small sandglass (30secs) 10/10pnts Finished before the half-medium/medium sandglass (15/30mins) 10/10pnts impressive teamwork/flare/ingenuity/grit/efficiency/subtlety 45/60pnts no teammate deaths 0-5/5pnts killed all four challengers 40/40pnts first secret goal 15/15pnts second secret goal 0/10pnts Crowd side bets made during the challenge: they will have their first death/they will get a poor teamwork score/they will pull out font again
Several times over the next fifteen minutes a judge came to the board and changed the score for 'no teammate deaths'. Prince Keone was rushed into the tents on his stretcher. Though badly wounded, Sir Pellius refused treatment and paced just out of the way of the healers.
"You damned fool! It's my job to get between danger and you! You got it backwards! I'm nobody! You're, you're … What were you think… damned foolish, all of it."
~
When the team reached the tents of healing they were shown to private curtained-off spaces and asked to take off their clothes. Elven healers searched every inch of their skin. They were offered something to calm the nerves, a hot draft that smelled of yeast and honey. They were advised, "This is an arcane mixture and has secrets of the art. If you wish to refrain from higher curatives."You are each offered a 'calm emotions' potion
The healer Nouma'teun came to each privately but said much the same thing each time, "Don't worry, you don't have to speak. We're allowed to know what it was that you faced. Great wisdoms can fall to despair with just a look at the desperate creature. If the fear came upon you don't be ashamed. Also, it can bring with it a continuing condition. We must make sure you were not directly wounded by the one in the challenge."
"You should also know you did remarkably well. Such strength of spirit is rare and you should be proud." Nouma'teun's voice was calm and practical with a clinical sense of compassion.
For physical wounds special bandages were brought out and a translucent white paste was spread on them giving them a strong scent of eucalyptus (This will double healing rates for 1day). Bruises were bathed and large cuts sewn together.
Anyone who needs it may take a cure moderate wounds potion: 2d8+3 hit points damage healed
One of the healers examining Dounia (who had been given a robe) had an odd look on her face. She lifted a prism of glass and looked at the desert girl through it. Immediately the healer pulled back, looking faint. Two other healers went to hold her on her feet. The head healer, short for an elf with stark white hair and robes, walked over slowly and held his hand out for the prism.
He copied her and examined Dounia. He shrank from the sight and spoke to the surrounding healers. "She has stumbled into something and is wandering out of time and space. This could be dangerous. If she isn't healed she could break up and become star matter. We must work quickly." Three silver tuning forks the size of spears were brought out. Healers began chanting. They struck the forks against the ground and placed them around Dounia.
The head healer directed two other healers to begin a chant in a round. One healer started. The head healer waited a few heartbeats and copied at a lag. The third healer did the same by a few beats after the head. As they chanted the early chanter slowed down. The late chanter sped up. A minute later the three were chanting in unison.
Dounia felt dizzy but her forward self and her lagging self slowly joined together into one person. Dounia - please give me a fort DC15 save or vomit, followed by extreme hunger and thirst
The younger healers separated as they talked excitedly. The head healer gave Dounia a look over and nodded. In a very matter-of-fact voice he said, "Take in lots of iron, that's red meats and dark green vegitables - spinach is good, and drink lots of water. Not to fast." Then he walked away like it was just another Tuesdae.
Dounia looked for Hallwn in the stands and found him standing at the edge of the eastern castle. His face was serious. He was regarding the Blackbirds and even from a distance his expression wasn't hard to mistake. Surprise. Respect. And a little something else. Pride?
He turned to go back to his table as the crowd begins to clap and cheer. Their delayed response felt like confusion mixed with admiration. The Black Birds bowed without pageantry. There was no playing up to the masses. It took the spectators a while to recognize they were seeing something they couldn't quite identify. But the perceptive in the crowd, the battle hardened and the experienced, knew what it was they were seeing. A group cemented together by trial and horror. A group tested and come through that test with no break of faith with each other or show of weakness to carry forward as shame. They had done everything they could and prevailed.
Prem and Yoy'ya had come down to the sands but halted. They stared in the knowledge that, though they had worked hard together with The Black Birds, they were now just on the other side of some invisible line. Friends to be sure but not one of the Black Birds.
Tymythy looked to the lake of visions and into the tasks of the other teams.
~
Perdition's Cavaliers were pushing to open the exit gate from the monster arena. Prince Keone looked like he were dead as he was thrown over the shoulder of Sir Pellius. The Lady Shiply put down the shield she was carrying and she and Lord Badrelow grabbed the exit portcullis. Pellius set his master down and picked up a spear to lever the gate on.
Willing a desperate effort, they got the gate up enough for Shiply to scuttle under, reach back and pull Keone behind her. Pellius and Badrelow squeezed under as Shiply returned to help from the outside and they all let the gate drop.
The crowd roared!
Healers marched over to The Black Birds and began leading them to the hospital tent. On their way there, two elves with a stretcher rushed to Prince Keone. One elf had a healing draft tied to her hip.
~
The Adherents of Aureolus were on a long boat with oars. Underneath them was an endless reservoir of water. Over their heads was a high vaulted stone ceiling. They seem to have mixed several potions together into a great glass bottle and were waiting on the boat with their backs to each other.
The water rippled a deep ripple as the boat rocked wildly and a great black oily neck emerged from the water twenty feet from the boat. The serpentine column was topped with a cankerous spikey lemurian head. Kizu'gina lept in Tymythy's hand. It vibrated with excitement.
A short salvo of dark purple magical arrows launched from the boat striking the creature with unerring accuracy. Though they'd left spell components behind the Adherents all seemed to possess enough power to create missiles akin to those Zahra could produce. (each cast magic missile)
The neck disappeared beneath the black waters again.
~
The Steelheart Twins were shown in two separate windows. The sight was terrible.
Mar was crawling on her hands and knees. She was sobbing, something Cairee had never seen her do before. Now it was an uncontrolled waterfall of desperate tears. She was calling out to Arnie with a voice so horse it was barely legible as she moved on all fours through the maze of mirrors. Her forearms were covered in cuts and bruises and she barely remembered to take her bow with her.
Arnie was yelling in a wild rage. Cairee had seen him in his battle fury several times and in the childish tantrums he would throw whenever he wasn't allowed to attempt some dangerous stun. This, this was different. He was practically blind with wild thrashings as he smashed at mirror after mirror. Broken pieces of glass stuck out of him like he were some kind of porcupine and nearly every inch had some piercing.
Cairee:
Cairee has never seen the Twins apart before. They always did everything together, certainly since the kidnapping incident. For the first time an idea crossed Cairee's mind. They could die
~
The orcish team waited patiently on the sands before the mirror maze window. They watched and listened to the lake and seemed to be paying particular attention to the Twins.
I figure they broke it around round 39 or 40 and then were stuck in the cells for another 12hrs as they refused to turn the key - that is until Simone sacrificed Taryth to save the team.
The sandglass sped up time's effects on the body.
The first ten rounds that the characters acted in (1-10) passed as normal to the body. 1minute = 1minute
The next eight rounds (11-18) passed as ten rounds. 48sec = 1min
The next six rounds (19-24) passed as ten rounds. 36sec = 1min
The next four rounds (25-28) passed as ten rounds. 24sec = 1min
The next two rounds (29 & 30) passed as ten rounds. 12sec = 1min
The next round (31) would pass as ten rounds. 6sec = 1min
Round 32: 6sec = 2mins
Round 33: 6sec = 4mins
Round 34: 6sec = 8mins
By the time you're at round 40 your bodies would feel like you'd been in the cells for 17hrs and 8mins. You'd be making exhaustion rolls. Soon you'd start to feel the effects of thirst and hunger.
By round 44 your bodies would have felt like they'd been without water, food or sleep for 11days 9hrs and 8mins.
Dounia had managed to break the sand glass around round 30.
A dice roll from 1-20 is both a lot of variation for someone practiced or talented at a skill, and, a very narrow variation for all the nuance available in a given moment.
There are the internal factors - Zahra is great at this but is off her game; or, Zahra is great at this but slips up at the last minute.
There are external factors - Zahra is great at this but something else happened moments before and the crowd is in a poor mood; or Zahra is great at this and the crowd doesn't have the perceptive was to see.
Imagine the difference between Zahra rolling a 3 and Tymythy rolling a 3. His result would have been 7. Hers 11.
I think she's being given sour lemons and turning it into ok lemonade.
everyone give me a charisma check - this is not a performance but considering what you've just been through I'm giving you a morale bonus of +4
Also, everyone make a will save DC30 (or nat20). Failure means any attempt to talk about, draw or write - or in any other way translate - the details of the challenge will become confused in your head and will come out gibberish
Cairee asked me if you missed treasure in this challenge. It was meant to be the final challenge and I did not put treasure in it. I have arranged for something else. Stay tuned
Zahra was in mortal danger. If Dounia didn't get the doors open it would be Zahra's turn next and she had her iron door almost off. She would have been mummy food.
Holy crap!!! That was amazing! One of the best sequences I've had the pleasure to GM! Thank you all.
Tymythy! Everything you did was necessary. The DCs for Dounia to squeeze through the 6" opening the window made were too high. If I had to I would have cut her in half.
The mummy criticaled it's second attack on the window. If she didn't get out quick he would have had her.
A section of marble half a human's height deep and the width of the door wide responded to Dounia's touch. As she put weight on it equal to a hungry halfling the section levered forward very slightly and seams much too small for Cairee to have noticed opened up. A tiny click sounded.
The marble floor shattered as a new spear, identical to Zahra's, shot upward.
Text was etched into the length of the spear.
'Dounia, if you're reading this let's have lunch - Iolantha'. At the end of the text was a half circle with a half circle inside it, beside an upsidedown Arch with short lines radiating from it outwardly. or a winky-phrase/emoji
Dounia reached around the spear and pushed the door open. The light was blinding but only for a few seconds. Before the team was the lower arena of Gossamer House.
The forward Dounia, who, to herself was real in every way, ran to the far end of the room at the end of the hall. She made it to the door and as she stepped on the last bit of floor it levered forward.
A spear identical to the one Zahra carried split the marble beneath her feet. The blade of the spear sliced across her belly and sternum until the spear head shot into her soft pallet. It split her tongue and cut into the roof of her mouth. She could feel her nasal cavity and throat fill with blood.
She had enough presence to grab the spear as it lifted her off the ground. The blade squelched in her mouth as she tried to call out. She blacks out. (forward Dounia takes 19hpd))
The rearward Dounia, who, to herself was real in every way, held Tymythy's hand and watched the fate of forward Dounia.
a simple step on the side of the floor in front of the door should trigger the trap without harm
Ousel flew into the room at the end of the hall and arced left. Cairee saw Ousel fly into her hallway as the bird came to her and flew circles about.
Dounia entered the room almost directly after Ousel with Tymythy close behind. Zahra entered on a parallel hallway on the right of them. Cairee and Ousel mirrored Zahra on the left.
Although none of the halls had turns the team somehow ended up in the same place. Cairee could see one singular powerful magical aura.
The room was simple, a marble lined rectangle. The door on its opposite wall was a slab of stone with a bar handle on the right.
Round 39
Cairee's door started to lift out of the bog.
Zahra scanned the hallway. She tightened her grip on the iron long spear and ran in until she'd climbed the steps. Her door closed slowly, crookedly, like it were drunk.
Dounia ran up the stairs and down the hall like she'd been here before, with no thought to danger nor detail. Tymythy was hard pressed to keep up but couldn't help a glance back when he heard a crass back in the cell.
The bog mummy had with only a second blow to the 'glass' smashed its way through and was climbing into the central chamber. Thymythy couldn't see more as the drawbridge'ing door closed slowly behind him and, once closed, turned into a seamless marble wall (as it did with Cairee and Zahra's doors).
Dounia:
There is no danger in the rest of the hall nor the room. You won't get to the door on the opposite side of the room until round 40.
Cairee will enter the same room from the right and Zahra from the left a few seconds after you and Tymythy enter.
