ToA [IC]

[Tyrann]

The time of offerings is a festival that lasts for a week.

Day 0

On what's commonly known as day zero, the camping terrains near the tower start to fill up. These sites are little more than hilly grassfields between fruit trees, but they are relatively rock-free and serve their purpose well enough. There's no shortage of ale (there is plenty on the carts), and many people see each other for the first (and often only) time in the year.

Day 1

On the official first day of the festival more and more carts arrive. An inventory of goods is made by senior priests in the plaza. The chosen are expected to report to these priests before dusk.

“Another chosen arrives. Be welcome child! If you'll please give me your hand?” With religious formality and a welcoming smile he takes your right hand and cups it in between his own. You feel the chill of his signet ring pressing firmly down, and when he lets go you notice a stylized blue A has appeared where it touched you. “The mark of the chosen, may it please Abraxis.” He folds his hands and gives you a piercing but friendly look. “Tomorrow morning at dawn by the temple gates. May yours be the beauty that awakens Abraxis so he may once more bless us with his radiance. Have a good evening child.”

All throughout the day volunteers set up cooking stalls and make preparations for the coming week with the produce not going inside the tower.

On the evening/night before the tower ceremony there are several wildlife roasts served in camping fields. Magical fireworks are shot from the tower, which is quite a spectacle. People get drunk. The traditional snack for watching fireworks is roasted nuts, which is served out of stalls all over.

At some point during the evening you are approached by Tinker, a crazy-eyed gnome wearing a metalic hat. He's well known for having lost his mind after coming out of the tower some hundred years ago. People tend to shoo him away if he gets too obnoxious. He reeks, and not just of alcohol. His speech is slurred but understandable. He speaks looking directly at your face, a bit too close. An occasional drop of spit hits your forehead.

“Hey. Hey you! Listen! I wannatellyousomething! Listen. So, when you go insidethetemple... hic! Listen. The holy words.. they fry your mind. I'm telling you, they're looking. But the hat helps. Take that, I have a hat!! Can't see what I'm thinking now, can you?!” he flips off the tower before turning back to you. “Hey, you want a hat?”


Day 2

The chosen are expected to report to the temple (the largest building near the tower) at dawn.
The temple is quite grand. Beautiful white pillars on the front in roman style, and stone stairs leading to a massive wooden door. On the stairs are two lines of junior priests, welcoming you. They inspect your hands and point you inside the temple. Boys to the left, girls to the right.

You enter a changing room, one side of it lined with ceremonial robes. Your peers are stripping naked and leaving their possessions in the room, and leaving through the door on the far side of the room once they're done changing.

[Breitheamh]

As Jorad's cart rolls up into the fields, joining the throng waiting in the shadow of the tower, he can't help but feel excited. Very soon, his life would become something more than just fixing tools and setting horseshoes, and practicing making weapons and armor in between. He smiles at everyone he sees, eliciting responses ranging from giggling teenage girls to scowling crusty old men. He knows a lot of people, since at some point, everyone needs something made of metal, and his father is the best smith. At least, Jorad thinks so.

He even smiles at Tinker, and exchanges him a couple gold coins for a hat, which he promptly stuffs in his pocket. He would be kind if he could, but he didn't want to appear sacrilegious, and there was no telling where that raggedy old thing had been anyway.

On the morning of the big day, he wakes up early, and sits at the tower steps, watching the sun rise over the grass field where the entire world has gathered for this most sacred of traditions. He is one of the first in line to go in, and after he's changed into his robes, he takes deep breath, drinking in the moment, and steps through the doorway.

[Archmage1]

Larissa, released from her librarian duties for the days of the festival, for she was one of the chosen carrying gifts into the tower(An opportunity that fills her with excitement), sets up her camping stuff near the top of one of the towers, and enjoys some of the fruit, as well as meeting old friends, ones she had not seen for a year.
For the second day, she goes to the priests first thing in the morning, happy to follow their directions.
"Thank you! This is so wonderful! If only he'll awaken! We could learn so much!"
Bubblingly cheerful, quite unlike herself, Larissa continues to enjoy the festival, talking with people she had not seen in some time, and that evening, she gets quite drunk, watching the fireworks, munching on nuts, and having some roast wildlife.
Once the Tinker reaches her, she is quite drunk, and it takes her a bit to form her words, and she is clearly concentrating on saying them clearly.
"Your head, ith's shiny. Why is it shiny?"
After he speaks, she shakes her head a couple of times, trying to clear it, before she tries explaining to the Tinker.
"Why would Abraxshis fry our minds? He's our friend! His blood flows in my veins!"

At dawn, she awakens, and immediately regrets it, finding the light to be oppressively bright, and her head aching, and her stomach hurting. To try and remedy this, she eats bread, and drinks water, and it helps, a bit. Stumbling only a little bit, she goes to the temple, trying to not let the priests know that she got drunk. She heads to the right, and takes off her simple robe, and puts on her ceremonial robes, her writing materials concealed beneath it, tied around her lower legs, so she could access them in the robe.

[Qwertystop]

Trent does not arrive until Day One, having taken extra care to ensure that the glasswork he was bringing would not break. No masterpieces, perhaps, but it was the best he had made - simple but colorful bowls and dishes for his more conventional offerings of food. Presenting his cart, he then goes to find a priest - no sense running out of time, not in his first trip in. After leaving the priest's presence, though, his formality breaks - rubbing at the corner of the mark, bending his hand, examining it in the light, even sniffing it. Not ink, it's got no thickness to it... not paint, it doesn't crack... a tattoo wouldn't be on the surface like this, and a brand wouldn't scar blue...

He puts it out of his mind for the moment, to enjoy what of the festivities he can. The nuts are tasty, and the fireworks a personal aspiration. When Tinker shows up, Trent is curious - "Do they fry your mind, or are they looking at it? Seem hard to see what's in it if it's been fried... you can't tell the difference between white and yolk in a scrambled egg" - and gives him some money and a bit of sparkly cullet (one of the smaller dishes broke en route) for a hat, which he examines.

At dawn on The Day, he reports to the temple, goes to the left, and changes quickly, hoping that the small bottle of cold-flame liquid he had left in the bottom of his cart had not been removed. It wasn't exactly a traditional gift, but after all, he had made it for a novelty, hadn't he?

...should have labeled it. Hopefully nobody would think it was a beverage.

[ikbenscott]

Zara and his mother both arrive at the setting of the sun on day zero. His mother is carrying a basket with fresh spices and herbs met for the offerings. Zara sets up the tent and his mother is off socialising with friends she had not seen for a year. Zara has a bit of a struggle with the big pole of the tent, but after some cursing and ranting he finnaly manages to set up the tent.

On the first day, Zara is a bit timid and does not really migle well. He tries to mingle for a bit.."Hey there, fellow cook. I see you are using the l'herbe de provance on your vension there, a good combination. I once cooked a meal for over 40 people, those long ones such as yourself. You know, the ones that eat so much. I slaved in the kitchen for 2 whole days. I prepared my own herbs, my mother gathered them from the local fields. I also went trough some extra trouble for I wanted to use the special salts my neighbour always uses. My neighbour who's sisters I uses to work with in the kitchen, told me a friend of her mothers friend always used a special mixture of salt. This friend of the mother of the girl in the kitchen..."
But as usual, the recipiant of Zara's story does not let him finish, as in he is "busy"
When dusk approaches Zara's is reminded by his mother that he should report to the priest and he complies. Zara's knows he not much of a social type, so he just undergoes the "priestcedure" without talking. He does try to give a smile. After the A appeared on his hand he is a bit nervous because he does not now what this will do and it is a little bright for his liking. Luckely his mother is there to comfort him and reassures him again and again that "Our great lord Abraxis, the benevolent grey one, would never cause you harm my child".

When busy with covering up the A, with a piece of cloth, he meets the tinker and replies "What are you talking about, do you not know that our great lord Abraxis, the benevolent grey one, would never cause you harm? and no I dont need your silly hat! now be gone, shoo. " As he whipes his face and looks disgusted, whilst the tinker can still see it.

The next morning his mother wakes him up really early and she is propably more excited than Zara is. Zara is very compliant and is one of the earlier chosen ones to arrive. Whilst in the changing room, Zara checks out if the others have the same marking on their hand.

[JBarca]

The day before the departs, the breeder closes his shop tightly and ensures that his beasts are well secured.

Mistin arrives early to the site of the festival. His eyes are alight with excitement when he sees the crowds. This many people would have a great many secrets, a mass of gossip. While he dealt with people poorly, he knew how to ply his trade. He shook hands, discussed business, and learned what he could. And while he's aware that every conversation is fascinating to him, not everyone is equally interested. His manner of speech (seemingly frank, mildly sarcastic, and more than a little condescending) put many off. But, he did what he could.

When the priest made his mark, Mistin nodded and smiled, then spent the next hour examining the mark, comparing it to his mental notes. He had heard nothing like this before. Barely an hour here and I'm already surprised. I love it.

He listened intently to the Gnome, but declines to purchase a hat. He does, though, offer a coin to the little being for the information provided.

He awoke on time and made his way into the temple. He nods to his peers as he changes, and listens to any conversations that might arise. He follows the first group through the door, eyes wide, a faint smile playing about his mouth.

[Stegyre]

Etienne watches from his home as the carts arrive and the tents spring up in anticipation of the festival. While it is a time of feasting for most, he has been fasting -- though, strange, he hardly feels any hunger.

He feels vaguely sick, but not for hunger. He thinks of the dreams. Perhaps they mean I am unworthy, an irredeemable sinner, no matter what the priests say, he thinks to himself. Lord Abraxis will know. Perhaps he will smite me down! At least there would be an end to it, if his soul is damned, to be destroyed by God's Own Hand.

Not until the first day, at the marking ceremony, does he see any of the other Chosen. He does not recognize any, except the young woman from the library, whom he has seen from time to time, but they have never exchanged words, and Etienne thinks he has never even learned her name.

That evening, as he sits alone under the stars and fireworks, a little ways off from the crowds, Etienne wonders how the crazy, drunken gnome could stumble across him. He is startled by the fetid breath and even more by the sacriligeous suggestion. Lord Abraxis sees into our hearts. No tin cap would defeat the power of the divine. It would surely be heresy even to entertain such a thing. He stares wide-eyed at the gnome, slowly shaking his head, until the unfortunate creature wanders off to harass someone else.

Not heresy for him, of course, he thinks of the departing gnome. Abraxis has mercy upon the lunatic, who knows no better. But what of me? I have been taught the gospel my whole life. I have no excuse if I am unworthy. He shivers, and not from the cold. It is another night in which he does not sleep but meditates, centering, focusing himself.

The next morning, Etienne is one of the first to arrive at the Temple, for he lives so near. Yet he is one of the last to enter. He is self-conscious in the dressing room, not only turning himself to a corner but pulling the ceremonial robe down over his head and body before letting his daily clothes slip off to the floor. The feeling as he is finally naked beneath the robe is mildly . . . well, such thoughts must be pushed out of mind. Other than the clothes he wore in, he has nothing else to leave in the changing room, for he has brought nothing else.

Finally, he looks at the far door, takes a deep breath, and walks through. Abraxis have mercy . . .

[Tyrann]

Tinker replies to Jorad and Trent "Hey you're smart. I like you! Keep this on so they can't see. They can't see through the metal!"
Also, Trent is informed that the mind would first be scrambled, then fried, and then looked at. Any other order would simply make no sense.
Upon examination the hat is surprisingly heavy. It appears to have been made out of a very thin sheet of lead.

When Larissa mentions that she shares blood with Abraxis, Tinker takes off in an awkward limping gallop while shouting over his shoulder "You're one of them?! You'll never get under my hat missy!"

With the others he just takes off mumbling. "Don't want no hats. Must be crazy.."

--------

The door on the far end of the changing room leads to stairs that spiral down just short of 180 degrees and end in a T-shaped torch-lit cobblestone hallway. Far down the hallway a queue has started to form in front of a box-like man high device. The front of the queue is being managed by priests, who guide a new person in roughly every 30 seconds. With 100 chosen, you can imagine this takes quite a bit of time.

Once it's your turn to step inside the box you notice three rather loud clicks as you put weight on your front leg. The door is shut rapidly behind you.

The doors stay closed for about 20 seconds (18 if you were counting). After that a door on the other side opens and you are led out by another group of priests that first pat you down and then bring you up a flight of stairs and into the grand prayer of room the temple.

You get away with the papers (I rolled a 2 -_-)
All of you have heard of this room, but none of you have ever seen it before. It is normally reserved for fully trained priests only, but for this one day the chosen are allowed in.

The room is stunning. High white marble pillars, a pristine marble floor with beautifully crafted pillows strewn about, and a high ceiling with frescos. And yet, the eyes of every single person in this room are trained not on the room's magnificence but on the large yellowish stone tablets on the back wall.



The truths as spoken by Abraxis
1) Everything in life is impermanent and ever changing. Therefor transformation is useful, but ultimately without an end, and as such cannot lead to happiness.
2) A life based on possessing is not without its merits, but is ultimately hollow.
3) You can hide behind veils, but sooner or later you will meet one that sees true.
4) Do not cling to negativity, for it will never lead to eternal peace.
5) Truth does not lie in evocation, and one who is complete need never do it so long as he is mindful of his shadow.
6) Think with your mind, create with your hands. Without both of these authentic creation is impossible.
7) Divine not truths too difficult to grasp, for knowledge is the bane of bliss. Live your life in bliss, and know that God is good.
8) To truly live a life of happiness, Abjure all but that Abraxis is God.
Know that Abraxis is a Champion of Abjuration and to follow the eighth, most noble of truths is to follow in His footsteps.

The way of life
1) To work hard is to be close to God.
2) Treat all sentient beings with love and respect.
3) All sentient beings are born equal.
4) Priests serve as shepherds to man.
DC 25 will save. Failing means you are charmed by Abraxis (as the charm monster spell).


About ten minutes after all of the chosen enter the room, the High Priest appears. The High Priest is an old hunchbacked tiefling that walks with a staff. He is the only person in the world who is a direct descendant to all five demigods, as well as several angels.

He says a few prayers with you and then leaves, leaving a senior priest to brief you all on the procedure.

"Soon you will be brought to your designated ceremonial delivery carts. There are twenty carts, and groups have been carefully preselected. Please do not stray from your group.

Once inside, you will drive between the sea of history and the sea of dreams. You are free to admire these, but keep in mind you have five minutes until the next cart goes in.

Once you are in the middle of the tower, you will ride over the Tiles of Ascendance, which will lead you to the Magnificent Storehouse.

There you will be met by the Man of Metal. He will point out where you are to place your offerings. Do not be disturbed if you are aided in this by the Invisible Hands. They, like the Man of Metal, are an extension of Abraxis' will. After this is done, you are to present yourself to the Mirror of Inner Beauty. We all pray that one of you will be deemed worthy of meeting our beloved creator."

The wait inside is long, but the tablet makes time fly. You are offered simple sandwiches for lunch.

And then, when it's about an hour until dusk, it's finally time. Your cart is the third in line, and you share it with five others, the rest of the party.
Whoever calls dibs on driving it gets to drive.
The cart has a few crates of wine on it, as well as several cured meat legs, and one wooden box with "fine cooking knives" engraved at the top.

When you set off from the temple compound towards the actual tower, it's like the entire world has come out to watch you. You see friends, family, and so many people you have never seen before. All of them singing, cheering and praying for you. A few of them try to shake your hands and wish you good luck.

When you get in front of the plaza, there's a large clearing in front of the tower. No-one but the chosen are allowed here. The first cart goes in and five minutes later the second, accompanied by cheers.

Five minutes later, they are cheering for you. The first thing you notice as you ride through the massive metal doors is the light. There is white light everywhere. The second thing you notice is another set of holy tablets on the ceiling that seem to radiate with similar power.

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yYfwO9J9N9MfXQMfpjN0eyrxIFdXerDD68vO1z9jryA/edit?usp=sharing) You guys are at (AP, 4)

The ceiling is incredibly high up. At least a thousand feet. The pillars holding it up are beautiful, with dragon carvings curling around them. And on both sides of the room is a sea of whiteness that begins to take form as you come in.

On your right:
You see the history of mighty Abraxis shaping the world. You see him, beard and all, heroically fighting the ancient dragon of old. It feels so real you can actually feel the wind when the dragon flaps his wings, and you can smell the acid in the air when it breathes.

Abraxis charges right through the breath as men fall all around him, striking down on the beast with a thundering axe and ripping through it's entire chest, causing it to explode in a cloud of acid.

Then you see him destroying many younger dragons, rather brutally and heroic, before erecting the tower that reached unto the heavens, upon the top of which he places his throne.

Then you see him create the grass, the trees, the animals, and then the people.

The people bring him offerings and Abraxis looks on from the top of his tower, blessing them.


On the left:
It has a few seconds of delay, but after a while you guys figure out that any thought you focus on for more than six seconds is echoed and projected in the sea of white. It could be memories, it could be fantasies, it could be the wildest thing you can think up. As long as you focus on creating it and try to make it appear.

[Archmage1]

As the gnome moves away, Larissa shakes her head.
Why would I want to be under his hat. Nutjob...
She moves away.

After she finishes changing, and concealing her implements, Larissa heads rather nervously through the door at the end, heading down the stairs, holding her robes up just enough to avoid getting them dirty. Once there, she waits in line to enter the box, noting the clicks. After she departs, she is patted down, and she tries to conceal her nervousness by embarrassment, as the male priest searches her. Once she enters the main room, she sets about memorizing everything she sees, desperately wishing that she could start writing her story now, but with the priests still there, she knew that she would only be caught.
She reads the tablets rapidly, and she knows that Abraxis's benevolence is all powerful, all knowing.
She hardly notices that ten minutes pass by before the High Priest appears, as she is totally focused on admiring Abraxis's glory.
When the High Priest guides their prayers, hers are more heartfelt than they had been in years, and she listens well to the guidance of the priest.
While waiting, she enjoys her sandwiches, and continues admiring the amazing words of Abraxis.

After leaving, Larissa waves to her parents, proud that she was getting to serve Abraxis, proud that he had granted her such a wonderful opportunity. With the hood of the ceremonial robes thrown back, her small horns, and black nails are quite visible, and she is happy to shake hands, and thank them for their wishes.

And then, it is her time, her chance, her oppertunity. And she would not fail.
After they enter, she pulls out her notebook, and her quill and ink, and starts writing her tale, describing the words of Abraxis, besides which, the glory of the temple takes a dim second place. Then she starts describing the room, writing quickly, intending on using the notes more to trigger her memory later than a full description.
On the left, her thoughts are soon seen, with Abraxis the Benevolant showing them his favor, and blessings.

[JBarca]

When the searching begins, Mistin grins. "Not even dinner first? So much for tradition, I guess."

When the text is available, Mistin reads it all, then reads it again. Making sure that no one is waiting on him, he reads it all a third time. Fascinating. Abraxis is truly amazing.

When the times comes for prayer, Mistin listens dutifully and with some amount of reverence, but doesn't seem overly interested.

As the carts are presented, Mistin wastes no time in taking control of the one assigned to his group. He has spent more than enough time working carts of a similar nature, and feels he can handle it well. He eyes the images with more than a little enthusiasm, and, after spending more than enough time studying the story, stares at the thought-projecting surface. He views horses first, then a family. Soon, it is wealth and meeting nobility. He smiles sadly, then turns to his group.

"Well, when we're all ready, I suppose we should advance. I'd hate for on of my group to cause problems for our lord, hm?" He smiles. When others seem ready, he moves the cart onward toward the center.

[Stegyre]

Etienne

Like the others, Etienne's eyes roll over the contents of their cart, noting the "fine cooking knives" among the other things. He follows quietly along with the others, having nothing to say beyond the prayers they chant in unison. Like the others, he feels Abraxis' overwhelming love. There is nothing to distinguish his experience until they and their cart enter the tower. First, he admires the grand creation story on their right.

Then he turns to the "Sea of Dreams" on their left. Prompted by the title, the memory of his dreams floods in as he stares at the blank wall . . . .

[Qwertystop]

Huh... lead? Odd thing to make a hat out of. I wonder where he got it?

---------

I wonder why it clicks?

On entering the room, Trent stares in awe like the others. When he sees the tablet, he stops and stares, and even moves to take off the lead cap in respect before he remembers he left it with his other clothes in the changing room. He shakes hands with any who try, on the walk beyond. In the room of the Seas, he focuses almost entirely on the Dreams - everyone knows those Histories. On seeing that casual thought take form, he follows it with more - I wonder how that works? is quickly followed by Wish I'd kept that hat - might have been able to see if it really does keep things from looking in your head. Not a hint of worry gets into this, though - he trusts Abraxis as everyone does, but that's no reason not to be curious.

One small glance to the History does give rise to a question, though - not a new one, but one he had not thought of since he was a small child, receiving no answers beyond "Don't ask questions."

"But... if Abraxis created all the people, who are those men fighting alongside him in the Battle with the Dragon?"

Can the Sea of Dreams show things I do not know? Sea, what is the answer? Who are the men from before Abraxis made people?

[Breitheamh]

Jorad stands fascinated by the tablets, which slowly take on a more golden hue, the longer he is transfixed by their splendid majesty. Oh, Abraxis, may we sing your glorious praises forever! The sentiment passes through his mind on a loop, and he smiles contentedly.

He waves and smiles to his father, who is pushing forward to the front of the crowd that watches the chosen enter the tower. For just a brief moment, a tear of longing begins to form in the corner of his eye, but the happiness that Lord Abraxis brings overwhelms him, and he wipes it away.

When the cart enters the tower, the young man gasps and gazes around him at the wondrous beauty of this place. He looks to the right and starts bouncing in his seat, riveted as he is by the played out history of the world. His eyes and his smile are wide as he watches his favorite stories in real-time. He looks back to the cart for a second to tell everyone that his favorite part is coming up, but in doing so, he catches a glimpse of something breathtaking in the wall on the left.

He does a double-take and looks on as images of his mother form clearly on the wall. Here she is reading to him, there she is dancing with his father, a few yards along she smiles with the happiness and kindness only a mother can feel as he hands her a yellow dandelion he'd picked. As tears begin to run down his cheeks, he hears his thoughts coming from the ever-changing stele, Here, mommy. I picked a flower for you.

He cries in earnest, and holds his head in his hands, sorrowful as the memories of his loss come flooding back to him, yet overwhelmingly happy as Lord Abraxis shows him his mother. He'd been hoping for this for years.

[ikbenscott]

Upon entering the grand prayer room, Zara is amazed by the sculptures, but when looking at the tablet his interest in the ceiling and the sculptures soon fade. He is totally intrigued by the wise words of our Lord. When the high priest arrives, he feels the need to, more now than ever, actively join in the prayer. Upon receiving the sandwich, Zara is a bit disappointed "I could have done this better, maybe I should apply myself as a cook for the priests, I'll show them what a proper sandwich tastes like..

When arriving at the cart, Zara inspects the goods and they are not to his liking. When he sees his mother in the crowd he beckons her over in order to receive herbs and spices his mother brought with her. As he receives the herbs and spices he wonders "Should I open the box and make a presentable platter of cured meat for our Lord or would I disrespect him if I opened it? Nah, only the best for our Lord, I am sure he would appreciate my effort…. The wondering does not take that long and before the first cart enters he tries to sneakily take out one of the knifes for he knows the priests won’t allow it. But they know nothing of quality food. He put a lot of effort into the presentation of the cured meat and keeping it hidden from the priests. This requires all of his attention and can’t focus on the crowd. When the cart starts moving, he is almost done with the presentation of the what now looks like a seriously nice platter of cured meat. As the moving of the cart impedes his ability to finely slice, he tells the driver "Could you Please make the ride a bit more stable, I might cut someone or mess up the platter for our Lord!"

Upon entering the tower Zara has finished the presentation of the cured meat although he would like to continue perfectioning the plate he can't. As the cart enters the tower he is overwhelmed by its brightness and with so much to see inside the plate will have to do as it is. At first he is astounded by the great deeds of our Lord up until he notices that the other people inside can project their thoughts. He is very curious and the first thing he sees is his mother but when focusing longer the picture changes, his mother fades and the image gets darker and hints of grotesqueness start shimmering trough. As soon as this happens he turns his attention to the other side again.

[Tyrann]

Zara sneaking into the back of the cart elicits a few gasps from the onlooking crowd. But it appears to go unnoticed by the priests (though not by the rest of you).

In the sea of dreams, images start with surface thoughts. Faces you've just seen in the crowd, or the songs they sang. Notable things you saw inside the temple or details of the tower. Maybe even Abraxis slaying the dragon. But soon the images become more guided, following the focus of your thoughts.


You notice something shadowy in the sea, on the periphery of you vision. It was only there for a split second, so you're not quite sure what it was.



A hooded creature looks directly at Etienne. It looks disturbing, wrong, and simply not of this world. But you cannot get a good look, because as sudden as it appeared, it disappears a split second later.

This was definitely a creature from your nightmares, complete with shadowy cloak and all. It "looked" directly at you, and it almost felt like it was locking eyes with you. But it disappeared in less than a second. Try though you might, you can't get the sea of dreams to work for you anymore. At all. The memories of your dreams are still very much there though.

When you get to the middle of the floor, you see what must be the tiles of ascendance. A circle made out of mosaic tiles that show a night sky. When the horses go on, they disappear front to back as they get to the innermost ring. Soon after, the cart follows, and you find yourself somewhere new.

The first thing you notice is the stench. Something is definitely rotting in here. The other thing that feels weird is the air. It's cold, but only from one side of the room.

It takes a few moments for your eyes to adjust. This room is much less bright than the previous one. But you can immediately make out a huge reflective shape: the Man of Metal.

You hear a metalic voice

"Greetings chosen. I am the Man of Metal, right hand to Abraxis and extension of His will. We thank you for your gifts, and request your aid in bringing the following items to the following locations.

6 barrels of red wine, Hightree Hill Grand Reserve, Quarter A, Aisle 7 row C unit 52-58."

You notice it's not actually the Man himself that the sound is coming from. It's the pole coming out of the floor next to him. OOC, it sounds a bit like a drive-through.

"10 legs of cured meats, Quarter D, Aisle 24 row F, unit 39.

Set of cooking knives .. .. .. Please deliver the knives next to the kitchen rune in the storage room between Quarters A and D. Do not stand on the runes. The kitchen is off limits."

And then the golem lets go of the pedestal. He is completely oblivious to any communication on your part, as he and a whole host of invisible hands begin helping you unload the cart and deliver the goods.

Quarter A has barrel upon barrel upon barrel of wine stacked, nearly as high up as you can see. It smells a bit dusty, and there are many, many rows of these barrels. Somewhere around the middle of the Quarter, the temperature is off. It's warm almost to the point that it hurts. In the rest of it though, it's nice and cool. The perfect temperature to keep wine at.

Quarter B and C are stacked with fruit, vegetables, and various other edibles like cheese, honey, nuts, herbs and various bottled things. Quarter C has a temperature malfunction, another zone that is so warm it hurts. This is where the rotting smell is coming from.

Quarter D has row upon row of meat hanging from hooks. Almost all of the hooks have three levers below them. One of these three has an odd rune on it. The meats appear to be just fine.

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DQ5ISx4nTNXQwkqpq-AiBb1PGjGEG4YeQSMaw84-3_k/edit?usp=sharing)

[Stegyre]

Etienne starts at the appearance of the figure in the glass, and then at the suddenly-blank wall. As if that nightmare turned it off. Such an abomination should not have power in the very house of Abraxis, he thinks. He shudders.

. . .

After ascending, Etienne is struck by the stench, as are perhaps the others, he judges, by the look on some faces. "As the Tower of Abraxis is above the earth, so are the ways of Abraxis above our understanding," he remembers the old mantra. Yet why would the Divine Abraxis let some of his offerings rot, when He is so plainly saving all the rest?

Reasoning that, as the Right Hand to Abraxis did not forbid it, as he helps to unload and store one of the haunches in "Quarter D," he detours back through "Quarter C" (holding his breath as best he can against the smell) to see what he can see.
If needed: [roll0]

EDIT: Oh, but don't mind me, I'm plainly doing it with my eyes closed. :smallsigh:

If either Larissa or Trent questions Etienne about the hooded figure, he responds in a frightened whisper, "I think They may be here in the Tower. Maybe that is why things are not working right?"

[Archmage1]

Seeing the glorious man of metal, Larissa bows, and starts obeying his wishes, although when she encounters one of the temperature differentials, she investigates, looking for some sort of source, hoping that she could correct the failures of the Mighty Abraxis's servants.

[Tyrann]

For Larissa and Etienne the stench is made extra awkward by an urge to sneeze (and thus breathe in right after) as you get closer to the heated bit of the C Quarter. The area is filled with what looks like rotting and moldy fruit, vegetables and cheeses. The mold has spread even to the parts that are still refrigerated, but in the heated area it's extreme.

You find no mechanism for altering this, and the golem is still completely oblivious to any comments you might make.

[Archmage1]

As the Man of Steel doesn't respond, she tries touching him.

[Stegyre]

As the Man of Steel doesn't respond, she tries touching him.
. . . while Etienne makes the same investigation in the warm part of Quadrant A . . .
Because I cannot possibly be any less observant than I was in "C": [roll0]

edit: It would seem I am a creature of extremes.

[Tyrann]

The golem ignores Larissa's touch entirely. If she gets in his way too much, he presses a button on a bracer he carries on his arm, and you hear a metalic voice say "Please do not obstruct me in my duties." There are three other buttons on there.

And Etienne, Quarter A seems fine, except that the heat will probably have ruined the wines.

[Archmage1]

Feeling curious, Larissa's inquisitive mind starts trying to put things together. To think that someone would betray Abraxis in this way...
Her blood burns.
She tries tapping on of the other objects on the bracer, already suspecting what would happen.

[Tyrann]

The other buttons trigger other mechanical voices.

"Understood master."

"I cannot comprehend the complexity of this order master. Please clarify."

and

"Your current action is in violation of my Master's will. Please cease this activity or I will respond with force."


After Larissa has pressed all 3 buttons the golem turns to her and presses a button himself.

"Your current action is in violation of my Master's will. Please cease this activity or I will respond with force."

[Archmage1]

Larissa steps back, and speaks.
"What happened to the servants of Abraxis?"

[Tyrann]

The metal giant does not respond, and keeps on working on unloading the carts, seemingly content that Larissa has stepped back.

[Archmage1]

This... this isn't right. How could his servants have failed him so!
Larissa proceeds towards the heated area in the wine storage area, taking one of the barrels with her, to store. Once she stores it, she investigates, trying to see if she could find out what caused the heat.

[JBarca]

Mistin goes about the duties instructed (moving goods) silently. He watches the interaction with the Man of Metal with curiosity, though chooses to not get involved.

[ikbenscott]

Zara is amazed by the metal man, he has never seen something like it before and is a bit intimidated by the size of the man.
He follows the order and walks towards the kitchen, carefully avoiding the runes and places the box of knifes(still one knife missing) on a rune.
He walks back to the metal man and states "objective complete, knifes are delivered
Strangely enough, the smell does not bother Zara that much, the idea of all that food going to waste does all the more. Also he is intrigued by Larissa's curiosity and watches her fiddle with the man of metal(if he is back in time to see it)

[Tyrann]

When Zara places the now lid-less box of knives on the rune it promptly disappears. The box and the knives that is, the rune is still there, giving off the same dull red glow.

The Man of Metal simply keeps on working.

[Qwertystop]

Trent goes to help with the wines first, trying to avoid putting any in the hot area. On the way back from the first barrel, he notices Larissa's efforts with the Man of Metal. As they examine the hot area in Quarter A:

"I don't think he can actually talk. Maybe if we gave him something to write on he could explain?"

Perception to see if he can figure where the heat is coming from: [roll0]

[Stegyre]

Etienne joins Trent and Larissa's conversation. "I fear he may not even know," indicating the iron giant. "There may be something in the Tower that is hidden from the Servants of Abraxis -- the thing I saw in the wall. What should we do?"

Surely, Abraxis, who knows all, is not deceived, but Abraxis works through his servants, and if they are deceived, the Will of Abraxis may be frustrated, like these offerings to Abraxis, ruined. Sin!

If one knows, or suspects, sin and does not root it out, is that also a sin? Or would it be a sin to violate the instructions of the Hand of Abraxis by touching the runes to explore other parts of the tower in search of these defilers? Would the Hand of Abraxis still give us that commandment if he knew of the intruders?

I am not prepared for this casuistry. I do not know what is the right thing to do.

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks at him.
"I'm not sure about that. I think he would consider it an interruption of his duties. I'm also rather curious about where his other servants are, and why none of this food is being eaten. It appears that the Mighty Abraxis's servants have failed him, but... how? The answers are in this tower, but we need to complete our duties before we can investigate."

[Breitheamh]

Jorad works tirelessly, carrying as much as he can with every trip, barely registering the odd temperature shifts. He is still overjoyed to have seen what he did in the wall.

However, when the others begin to discuss the oddity of the situation, he finally takes notice. He inspects the areas of heat for structural damage, and tries to conjure up any memory he can of stories detailing the inside of the tower, including the Man of Metal, the food stores, and the runes on which the knives disappeared. When he is satisfied, he chimes in to the conversation.

"I think we need to investigate now. That is our duty: finding out who or what is trying to sabotage our Lord. The Man of Metal and the invisible hands seem to be able to take care of the offering themselves."

I'll throw a
Kn Engineering [roll0]
Kn History [roll1]
Kn Local [roll2]

[Tyrann]

The racks appear for the most part to be made of a very light metal you have never seen before. Even though you've never seen it, your guess as a blacksmith would be that the cold is actually more likely to be harmful to the metal than the heat: cold makes metals rigid which means it will break instead of bend. As far as you can tell there is no structural damage. All you see is some heat discoloration on the wood of the wine barrels.

You have not heard any stories about the food rotting. The Magnificent Storehouse is well known for its ability to keep food in pristine condition forever.

The Man of Metal is pretty much what the stories said he'd be. A giant made out of pure iron, moved solely by the will of the Divine. This will is so determined and strong, that once the Man sets himself to a task he will not rest until it is completed. You have never heard about him using the bracer.

You have heard that Abraxis' chosen would be asked to step onto runes, which would lead into his quarters. You have never heard of these kitchen runes however.

[ikbenscott]

As the discussion is still going Zara is bored quite soon and thinks, These people probably missed something, I'll give it a go myself" As he also feels he is useless with moving the big barrels, he decides to move close to the heated area of quadrant A and tries to pinpoint the source of heat. He also does the same for quadrant C.


Perception [roll0]

[Tyrann]

Zara notices the the heat pockets are half-spheres. The bottom half would be in the ground. He finds the middle of both spheres, but it appears to be just another floor tile. Upon closer examination the floor tile is firmly stuck to the floor, as are the adjacent ones. There are no noticeable differences between the two spheres that hasn't already been noted by the others.

[ikbenscott]

After having made his discovery Zara conveys it to the others. He is still not pleased with the way the platter of cured meat turned out so he decides to venture into the kitchen, with the platter, to see is there are any appliances there to aid him in the presentation of the platter. He is also very curious about the kitchen set-up and its appliances. "A kitchen in the tower, this must be a grand kitchen with appliances I might have never seen before.. he ponders whilst making his way to the kitchen.
Once he reaches the kitchen he takes his time to explore the kitchen.

take 10 on perception for a total of 13

[Archmage1]

Examining the tiles, Larissa comments.
"Abraxis sometimes blesses people with a portion of his power to shape the world as he desires, at least, some of the old books mentioned this. The effects would be spherical, but the scholars could only make effects that lasted a few minutes, not centuries. Perhaps the servants that made these ones could only channel so much of his power, and it isn't working properly?"

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"But–, but it should not be working at all!" sputters Etienne. "Abraxis would not His food spoiled and rotten, His wines ruined. However this may have come about, I do not see how it can be the will of Abraxis."

"You posit something that a faithful servant of Abraxis might have the power to do, but no one should have the will to do. Why would anyone do this? I fear there is evil afoot."

Nightmares afoot, he adds mentally.

[Tyrann]

You step on the runes and you find yourself in a new room which is disorienting for two reasons.

The first one being that the sensation you've had ever since you saw the tablets (Abraxis is the greatest thing ever) seems to have diminished a bit.
Effect of charm monster is suppressed inside this room

The second thing is that this room is a lot brighter than the previous one. The ceiling is much lower here, about 20 feet up, and there is a very sharp light coming from glowing orbs that are worked into it.

The kitchen looks incredibly professional but much too big. There are several rows of counters and to your surprise they appear to be made of shiny metal, with pans hanging underneath them. You can't even see the top, because these appear to have been made for a giant. Even a human would be hard pressed to see what's on these.

The room is circular, and quite large, but not quite as large as the previous ones.

There is much more in the room to be seen, but before you can get a better look, you hear an unearthly deep grubmbling voice behind, in a mobster accent.

"Well if it isn't one of the chosen. Welcome to my kitchen! It's been a long time since I seen one 'o you. The old fart never did find me too eh.. visually appealing. How is the old man? I ain't seen him in 40 years. When you see him, tell him Vinny sends his best, okay?"

When you turn around you see this (http://tenebrismo.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/2/2/6822948/1265961.jpg)

When you turn he comments "Don't worry. I cook a lot better than I look. Speaking of which, let me help you out with that platter." He grabs a bit of his flesh and rips it clean off his body, and then throws it inside what looks like a stove. You hear a small explosion that makes the entire kitchen shake and fire starts coming out a few rings on the top."Let's cook?"

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"Even the mightiest of his servants could only channel so much of his power, perhaps the length of time these have been working exceeded that? But I would have expected someone to fix it, and to notice it. Something is very wrong here."

[Qwertystop]

"Perhaps something went wrong very quickly? From a delicious feast to food that makes one very ill, in the time it takes to bring the food from the kitchens to Abraxis. I mean, that's what all this food is for, right? For Abraxis to eat? And now it's just..."

Trent trails off in sorrow, then stops and blinks.

Wait. Where'd he go? The other one in our group, the one who opened the boxes and started making a plate on the cart." A bit of indignation mars his tone at the disrespect of actually opening the offerings. "Did he... oh no. He went to the kitchens, didn't he..."

"Well, that's it for him. Moment of silence..."

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"No, I don't think so. Food that we brought in was fine. Which suggests that it was broken long enough for the food to rot, but not long enough for it to all rot away. I would say at least a month, if not more. But I believe the food is for His servents, as he would not require food. But... if they're gone, where are they?"
At the other's words, Larissa looks around.
"He does seem to be gone. Perhaps we should head over to the kitchens, and have a look? Maybe he's all right?"

[Stegyre]

Etienne looks around at the cavernous storehouse. "The Chosen bring offerings once a year. We are one of twenty-five carts. This must be the accumulation of many years. The math of it seems very wrong to me.

. . . 'Go to the kitchen'?? It is off limits! We all heard the Hand of Abraxis say so! Besides, who says there is a way back?"

[Qwertystop]

"'Have a look?' Not a chance."

Trent starts to pace back and forth.

"He went into a kitchen that the Man of Metal said not to go into. That's nearly blashpemy. The Man of Metal was put here by Abraxis to keep the Tower operating - even if it seems to have failed, we cannot go against that."

Trent's voice starts to gain a rhythm.

"He went into a kitchen that the Man of Metal said not to go into. That's a warning. There must be some good reason for that kind of thing, and we are not to know."

Almost like a chant, he grows louder.

"He went into a kitchen that probably hasn't had a person in it since Abraxis himself made it. None of the Servants here seem intelligent at all - the Man of Metal doesn't seem to know anything beyond doing his job, and the Invisible Hands even less so. I expect that whatever runs the kitchen is the same way - a waterwheel attached to a millstone can grind grain without knowing what that is."

Not shouting, but speaking with more and more force.

"He went into a kitchen that routinely handles large amounts of meat still on the bone, staffed by servants that do not appear to think. A waterwheel will grind other things just as readily as it does grain, if some fool goes and puts their hand between the stones!"

He stops to take a breath.

"So no, I don't think we should go in to have a look for him. Even apart from that, why would there be a way to bring things from the kitchen to the store-rooms? Everything here is as it was when offered, I think."

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks impatient through Trent's outburst.
"I didn't suggest going inside. Just taking a look."

[Archmage1]

Larissa sighs.
"But if you insist, let's go and take a look at those runes, near the meat hooks, instead."
With that, she heads over there, idly writing in her notebook, describing what she had seen so far.
[roll0] Arcana, on the runes.

[Tyrann]

It doesn't take Larissa very long to figure out that one of the three levers is used to raise the hook, and another to lower it. The third rod is much more of a mystery though. Now that she's closer, she notices there are actually letters in common underneath the rune that say "Gentle Repose".

Upon pulling the runed lever for the first time, a red field of static erupts from the hook completely enveloping the meat that hangs from it. Pulling it again does nothing, though pulling a lever that goes with a different hook has the same effect. But again, only once.

[Archmage1]

Some sort of preservative? Maybe? If it's like that those scholars found, it could be. But... I think we are out of things to investigate, and if the gnome doesn't return from the kitchen, I don't think we should go inside.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad laughs good-naturedly as the others debate the pros and cons of this and that and do we follow the little rebel into the kitchen or do we wait to see if he can get back.

"Look, guys, we were chosen to come into the tower for a reason. Maybe the reason this issue has gotten so bad is because no one in 40 years has bothered to try and fix it. We just keep going in here, dropping off supplies, and leaving, blindly following tradition like sheep. Well, our Lord Abraxis does not choose the ordinary to enter his tower, and he does not want us to be sheep when His honor and glory have been tarnished like this. Now he wants us to be his wolves; loyal, but fierce. I say, we find our little disappearing friend and start exploring."

And with that, he jumps on the runes that lead to the kitchen.

[Qwertystop]

"Your funeral, then. I'm going to the Mirror - if Abraxis Himself couldn't fix this, I see no reason to think we can, and if he simply didn't fix it, I'm sure he has a good reason. We don't have much time."

Trent then proceeds onward. Assuming Larissa does the same, he asks "So, did you find anything?" as they meet.

[Archmage1]

Larissa travels with Trent, and shakes her head at his question.

[JBarca]

Mistin watches the fiasco with the runes, and nods in agreement when Trent speaks.

"It's not worth dying to jump into the kitchen. Let's just go find the mirror, eh?"

When the others begin walking in that direction, he follows, content with his decision to live.

[Stegyre]

Etienne

When the others begin walking in that direction, he follows, content with his decision to live.
As does Etienne. Baaaaa! Baaaaa!, he thinks. Abraxis may not reveal all, but when one suggests we go against the express direction of His Hand? No.

[ikbenscott]

Thoughts Hoping I can find something useful here to..O my Abraxis, this kitchen is way to big how am I ever going t..

As Zara hears the voice behind him he quickly turns around and is in shock and awe of the monstrosity he sees before him. As the creature continues to speak he feels like he is nailed to the ground in fear but soon this fear diminishes as he realizes that this monster might also serve our Lord. As soon as the monster mentions cooking and aiding with the platter Zara is more intrigued by this strange creature. When the creature closes the stove-like apparatus, Zara almost jumps up being startled by the loud bang. As soon as he get some grip on himself again he speaks and in vein tries to prevent his voice from cracking."Hi..eh..Vinn..nny..Sorry I wasn't expecting...Is this your...eh..Wow...You have actually... seen our Lord?...Could your help...eh no. Would... would you know how he likes his meat platters?....

[Tyrann]

The kitchen group

Of course I've seen your.. eh, our lord. Are you kidding me? Me and the old man go back almost a thousand years. And yeah I know how he likes his meat. He likes it crisp. Fried bacon. Just like my mama used to make it."

He sighs. "It's been a while since I've seen my family kid. I'd like to see them again, but I don't think I ever will now that the old man has disappeared. Anyway, about your platter. Here, let me get you a proper plate"

He lumbers over to a cupboard and produces a beautiful white dish and a tork roll of kitchen paper, though you have no idea what that is or what it does.

"There we go," he says as he gives you a boost onto the counter, "now just bake the meat, and put it on the paper when it's done. After that you can put it on the platter. So it don't get dirty. Say, you're a smart kid. Figured out his favorite snack in one go. I gotta admit I'm impressed."

At this point Jorad comes in, and can see Zara on one of many eye-height metalic kitchen counters, alongside a giant that looks like this (http://tenebrismo.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/2/2/6822948/1265961.jpg).

"Now of course I'd like to help you out some more. Maybe teach you how to make that hot-sauce he really likes. You know, I've been wanting a few things for my kitchen for a while now. Maybe we can help each other out, one chef to another.. Oh, hey, look it's one of your friends." He turns to Jorad. "Hi, how are you doing. I'm Vinny, and this is... ?." He waits for Zara to respond before continueing. "Right, well, nice to meet you. Both of you. Welcome to my humble kitchen. It's getting crowded in here." He turns to Zara a flashes him a toothy grin "I should start charging admission. What do you say, huh?".

You're fairly sure the last bit was (an attempt at) a joke.

He is being nice for a reason. He's working you because he needs you for something.

Now that Zara is up on a counter, he can see the same as Jorad (who can see over the counters). The walls are all surprisingly empty. There are no doors but there are four window-like exits, one for each side, with a conveyor belt going through each. Along the outside of the room are dull glowing red runes. A bit more inside the room are a whole host of cupboards, kitchen tools and a few things that say "prestidigitation box." on them.



The storehouse group

After the Golem finishes delivering the final barrel of wine he walks back to the pedestal he used earlier, by the cart.

When he touches it, you hear static and a few moments later a the same metalic "drive through" voice from before.

"Chosen, please proceed to the Mirror of Inner Beauty. The servants of Abraxis are aware of the transgressions committed by chosen "Zara" and chosen "Jorad". Appropriate measures will be taken."

The Man of Metal points to a piece of the wall behind him, which starts to glow brightly.

Those of you that touch the wall disappear and find yourselves in a whole new room. The air is warm here. Hot even, humid and heavily perfumed. The floor is heated and covered in mosaics depicting flowers, waves, birds and branches in Mediterranean colors. The room is an octagon with plastered walls that end in a domed ceiling and is, by tower standards, fairly modest in size.

You hear a muffled sound of water clattering down on stone. There is one door set in a thick slab frame. Engraved above it, it says "Cleanse thyself and be pure."

Behind the door is a hallway with two doors. The left one has a picture of a stick figure wearing pants on it, the right one a picture of a stick figure wearing a skirt.

Behind both doors is a small changing room. The far wall is slanted, starting at a corner of the inner octagon and ending in a second, bigger, outer octagon.
The room has benches and coat-hangers on all sides. The floors here are still heated.

When you open the next door (on the slanted wall) you are greeted by a cloud of steam and you realize what the sound was: there is water raining from the entire ceiling! Hot water. This next room is 3/8ths of the octagon. Along the outer walls are statues of gorgeous naked women (nymphs) that serve as a sort of umbrella to keep large bowls of scented oils and soaps dry.

You can't see it yet when you come in due to the shape of the room, but you hear moaning coming out of a far corner. If you investigate, you notice a single man, or woman, depending on the side you're on, who quickly cover themselves in shame as you approach, blushing profusely. They are clearly very, very embarased.

"I'm sorry. It's the smell. The soaps. It overtook me in my love for Abraxis."

[JBarca]

Mistin laughs at the figure's attempts to hide himself. "Calm down, friend! I doubt that our lord will hold it against you!" He winks and turns to undress and begin bathing. He grabs for some soap, hesitates, and whispers to the nearest person, "I'd better be careful not to drop this stuff, eh? Gets pretty messy if you do, I gather." He inclines his head toward the prone man and laughs again.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad's eyes widen when he sees the giant. Then, before he can react dangerously, he notices Zara working with him on the counter, and decides maybe it's not as bad as it looks. This sentiment is reinforced when the giant introduces himself as Vinny, and Jorad raises one eyebrow in slight confusion as he responds.

"Um, pleasure to meet you, Vinny? I'm Jorad. I came to get my friend here and bring him back to the group. But, if you need our help, I guess we could stick around a little while."

With only slight hesitation, he peers through the windows with the conveyor belts to try and see where they come out. Then he asks, "Um, what are these runes on the walls for?"

[Archmage1]

Following the directions of the man of steel, Larissa soon finds herself in a strange new place. A much more comfortable place.
Truly are the wonders of abraxas wonderful.
She looks around with interest, admiring the mosaics, continuing to write in her book, just enough to spark her memories of this wondrous place later, when she can write in more detail.
Following the directions of the wondrous sign, Larissa heads into the room marked as female. Seeing that she was meant to bathe, she carefully removes her robes, and does her best to ensure that her books are safe, hoping that their waterproof coverings were enough to protect them from a bath. However, when she opens the inner door, books in hand, she is quite surprised to see it raining indoors! When she reaches out her hand, to see if the water was cool, she's even more astounded to learn that the water is hot.
Truly, the works of Abraxis are wonderful.
She looks at the sculptures of the naked women with some distaste, but when she hears the moans, she takes a look, and is quite surprised to see a woman, pleasuring herself.
"The smell?"
Larissa smells, wondering what it could be.

[Qwertystop]

"'Measures will be taken'? I suppose they're safe after all."

-------------

And now, we are to... bathe? All right then.

The indoor rain is a bit of a shock, the heat slightly less so. Everything here is strange, but that just makes it a constant - Trent shows no surprise, and strides in confidently after changing.

He stops in shock on finding the... immodest man. Standing well back, he scrapes a tiny bit of soap onto the back of his fingernail, sniffs it cautiously... and elects to clean himself with and hot water only.

No sense telling the others, though - one looks like he could do with some cheering up, and the other frankly deserves it for that "joke".

[Stegyre]

Etienne is at a loss for what Mistin's comment means. Since the nightmares started a few years ago, and things "changed" for him, it seems the other young men and women around him often made such statements, words that said one thing yet seemed to mean another as well. It was -- a little confusing.

As for this other Chosen, still here when his group had clearly gone on, "You need to go now." he tells the man, in a loud, flat monotone. He stares the man out of the room before finding a corner to discretely wash himself.

[ikbenscott]

Wow, you have been here for almost a thousand years? Did you help him vanquish all the evil before He created the world?(referring to the history wall)
Zara follows the instructions of the giant carefully and bakes the meat to a crisp an places them on the perpetrator first and then on the nice platter.
Zara is intrigued by the giant and would really like to learn some recipes, especially if they would please our Lord.
Ah yes, it would be great if you could teach me something, how does one make this hot sauce? I could teach you how to make the special blend of spices my mother always makes.. O, eh, Hi, this is Jorad, one of the other chosen ones...
Zara realized the big guy is making a joke and is polite enough to smile back at him. He is oblivious to the motives of giant and is thinking in lines of trading recipes.

[Tyrann]

Bathhouse group

On the men's side, the man in the corner does not respond verbally to Mistin's remarks, but the effect Mistin's words have is quite evident. It looks almost as though the man is trying to disappear into his corner, eyes are locked on the floor in front of his feet. That is until Etienne tells him to leave, at which point he quickly scans the room and darts out once he's found the exit, taking extra care to keep himself covered, and almost slipping on his way out.

When the soap Mistin and Etienne are using comes into contact with the water, it starts sizzling a little (which feels pleasant) and produces small clouds of purple with a fragrance you've never smelled before (lavender, fig trees, patchouli).



If you pass, you feel a little lightheaded, but that's about it. It's not unpleasant, but too much of this could definitely have an effect on your mind.

You are in a state of euphoria and a somewhat heightened libido. You take a -4 vs bluff or diplomacy checks against seduction attempts for 10 minutes.


You memory gets all fuzzy. You can function like normal, but you suffer 1d3*10 minutes of retrograde and anterograde amnesia (roll 1d3 for both).

On the women's side

"Yes, the soap. The clouds with the things I'd never smelled before. How- Do you know how I got here? I need to go see our lord. I think there was- Was there a mirror?"

The woman gets up, still clearly embarrassed and still covering herself up.

If Larissa used the soap, it does the same as it does for Etienne and Mistin.

Kitchen Group

"Nice to meet you Jorad. My pleasure. Don't mind runes. I've been looking at them for a thousand years now and I keep telling the old man to change them, but he never does.

And I hope you weren't too set on going back, there's only two ways out of here and they don't go to the storehouse.
There's the trash port over there, and the portals out there in the restaurant."

He points out of one of the "windows" that you were trying to get a look out of anyway.
You see shimmering screen of violet energy over the belt, and behind that you see what looks like the fanciest restaurant you've ever seen.

"Ask the butlers, the portal to the lobby should still work and it's 2 way."

And then he turns to answer Zara.

"Well, no. I'm just the cook, kid. I ain't never done no dragon slaying or nothing. Abraxis just called me here after he put the kitchen in. Good job on that bacon by the way, he'll love it. If you can find him. I haven't seen or heard from the old man in fourty years.

And yeah sure we can trade recipes, but in order for me to teach you I'll need a few ingredients if we're going to make it any good. If you're gonna go up to deliver that plate to him anyway, you can get them on the way back here.

I'll need a vial of liquid pain from the fairy garden on the 7th level, and here's a list of a few herbs I need from the gardenkeeper on the 4th. The custodian on the 5th floor should still have some scrolls of Erase and Amanuensis, those would be great. Oh and to add the true divine spark, if you could get me a hair or some nail clippings of Abraxis somehow, that would really help tie the whole thing together."

He thinks for a few moments and adds while pointing at the stove "Oh and kid, if you're going to make fire like this without me you'll need someone that looks like me. You know, with the horns. If there's another one of you chosen running around like that, I'd very much like to meet them"

[Archmage1]

Larissa nods, taking her hand away from the soap dispenser.
"Ah. Interesting. I think, perhaps, that I will be declining to use the soap in this case. You were chosen as one of the bearers of gifts for Abraxis, I assume. I believe we are meant to clean ourselves off, before proceeding. But don't use the soap. When we meet Abraxis, I don't want my mind to be clouded."
Being careful to keep her book as dry as possible, Larissa cleans herself off, before she heads out the exit, giving the other woman the chance to come with her, if she wants to.

[Stegyre]

Etienne
Will save: [roll0] (using Elan Resistance)

Ah, the waste of a power point, but it's the principle of the thing: He doesn't like to lose his head.
The scent of the soap is rather heady, but Etienne clears his thoughts with a shake of his head. He finishes his shower and resumes his ceremonial robe to head to the final mirror, wondering what it may finally reveal, about Lord Abraxis, about himself.

[JBarca]

Mistin breathes in the fumes and pauses for a moment. "Wow. That's... That's some fancy soap. Right. So where to now?"

Mistin stands up unashamedly and looks around for proper way forward, letting himself air dry. Once that's done, he wraps himself back up in the robes and gestures for his companions to come along.

[Tyrann]

Bathhouse group

You could backtrack to the door behind you, where your robes are, but the only way forwards is though the next door on the other side of the shower ceiling room.

We never specified what the material of the cover of your book was.
There's two materials available for binding outside. Leather and thick pressed paper.
If it's the former: the leather is quite wet but the water damage inside is minor. The water is wet around the edges and a bit of runny ink around there. But everything is still legible.
If it's the latter however, your cover absorbed a lot of water and that's now seeping into the rest of the pages. The longer you stay in here the worse it will get, but right now you've lost about 30% of what was inside the book.

After Larissa has finished, the woman who had remained in her corner for all of this gladly follows her out into the final 8th. Behind the door is a field of hot air blasting from one side to the other. Stepping through dries off the worst of the water. Behind it are towels and new robes. You're in a new changing room. The woman the was with Larissa dries her hair in the jets of air by the entrance, and then goes looking for something to brush her hair with, but cannot find anything.

On the men's end everything is the same, except that the man they've sent out of the showers is already gone when you enter the changing room.

Once everybody is dressed anew and you leave this changing room, you enter another hallway, where the party meets back up. This hallway is much longer, and ends in a well-lit circle that has a mirror in it. The mirror faces away from the party.

When you get to the mirror, you hear the metalic over static voice from the warehouse again. "Chosen "Agnes", please step in front of the mirror." Once she does so, and has stood there for a few seconds, the voice continues "Chosen "Agnes", we regret to inform you that Abraxis has not requested your presence. Please proceed to the light and exit the tower in a calm and orderly manner."
A light similar to that in the storehouse appears on the wall, and the girl touches it (even if spoken to by any of you.) She disappears.

"Group 3. Next chosen, please step in front of the mirror."

It's a very odd mirror. It appears to be made of regular glass, but behind it, on the outer edges in particular, is some manner of white opaque gas. You see your own reflection, but it's too small. It's almost like looking in a mirror through a window.

[Archmage1]

Larissa's book is meant to be rugged, so it would be leather. I was picturing one of those old timey books, with a leather cover, and a flap that can be tied down on the other side, to keep it dry.
Larissa uses the towels to dry her book, and then herself off, before running her fingers through her hair, in an effort to neaten up a bit. It works, kinda. That done, she puts on another robe, sighing at the lack of underthings, before she exits, and examines the mirror.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad tries to hide his displeasure at the sound of some of the ingredients Vinny is asking them to retrieve. "Well, first thing first. Let's deliver that food to Abraxis, and then we'll try and figure it out from there. Come on, Zara." He beckons to the gnome as he climbs through the portal to the restaurant.

[Stegyre]

Etienne

If he is going to be struck down by Abraxis, he would just as soon it happened after the others had passed on, so Etienne hangs back, waiting for the rest to step before the strange mirror.

[ikbenscott]

"Wow Vinny, that's quite the list, you need all that for hot sauce?" Zara answers to the big guy.
and, o, yeah, one more thing, do you have a use for these fine knives?(referring to the box of fine kitchen knives)
If he has no use for the knives I will take 2 of them with me, as "cutlery for the platter"
Upon hearing Jorad's idea, Zara realizes the platter still needs to be delivered and he follows Jorad into the restaurant area with the platter whilst saying to Vinny;
"I will give it a try and will keep an eye open for others such as yourself, thanks for the help with the platter"

[Tyrann]

Kitchen group

"Those toothpicks? Yeah sure, you can take those."

There are several and not all of the same size. These count as daggers for both of you.
When you pass through the purple screen, you don't feel very different.

The charm effect of the holy words you read earlier is completely dispelled. It was already suppressed in the kitchen, so in your perception nothing will have changed.

The restaurant is nice. The kitchen makes up the inner ring of this level, and on this side of the wall you just climbed out of it's a bar that completely surrounds the kitchen. Behind and above the bar are bottles. Some of them you recognize, but for every one you know you see three you have never tasted and at least ten you've never seen before.

The rest of this level of the tower is all restaurant. There are no pillars here: the kitchen serves as a column to carry this level. The ceiling is about a hundred feet up and depicts a slowly changing night-sky with an aurora borealis effect and five moons. Occasionally a star shoots.

Besides the light coming from behind the bar, the ceiling and the windows, the room is lit by small candles on the dark wooden tables. The tables are set with fine silverware, crystal glasses and intricately folded napkins.
The room is further lit by small blots of light dancing around statues on pedestals, that smile and nod at you as you pass them.
If you look out of the high slender windows you see you're nearly a mile up. Below, you can see the faithful outside the tower as a mass of tiny lights. It's already starting to get dark outside.
There is a podium on one side of the level, near the windows, and two more rooms, both of them with letters on them (one says "Toilets" and the other says "Wardrobe/Portals")

And then there is the staff. Behind the bar and in the restaurant are spectral waiters, men and women, that bow deeply as you approach and point you towards a table. They never speak a word, but they do respond to your instructions.

Bathhouse group

As soon as Larissa starts moving, the voice says

"Chosen "Larissa", please step in front of the mirror." After a few seconds of only static, the voice continues "Chosen "Larissa" in lieu of the Gift of Sublime Aroma the Divine offers you the Gift of Blissful Remembrance. Please proceed to the light and enter the box in a calm and orderly fashion."


I don't have access to my maps at the moment (I should have uploaded all of them to drive) and I don't feel like making it again, sorry about that. But the mirror room is circular and not very big. Maybe a 15 foot radius. The mirror is in the middle, faced away from the hallway and is man-high and free-standing. If the hallway is in the 6 o'clock position, Agnes went out at 3 o'clock and the light glowing now is on the 9 o'clock position. If you're going to touch the walls, please be specific about where.

[Qwertystop]

After a pause-in-shock, Trent provides light applause for Larissa - "Well done, looks like you got something! Maybe you'll even get to see him."

After she has passed, he steps forward, hoping against hope to be worthy.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad takes in the sight of this beautiful area, dazzled by the celestial lights above. "Wow..." is all he can whisper as he looks around, and then again, as he peers out the window, "Wow..."

He comes out of his reverie enough to spot the sign for the "Wardrobe/Portals." "C'mon, Zara. I think it's this way," he says, pointing to the room near the podium.

When he's sure that they can't be heard from the kitchen, he gives Zara a grave look and says softly, "I don't trust Vinny. Something about him tells me that he wants us for something more than just helping him prepare a meal, and those ingredients? They just sound creepy."

[Archmage1]

Hearing the voice choose her, Larissa smiles happily, her dream fulfilled, as she would get to see the marvelous Abraxis, she was sure!
"He chose me! Isn't it wonderful! Good luck!"
Trusting the word of Abraxis, Larissa heads towards the light.
He chose me! I can't believe it! Blissful remembrance sounds wonderful! Although... I wonder if the gift of Sublime Aroma was the soap in the bathing rooms.

[ikbenscott]

As Zara is following Jorad he first notices Jorad staring at the ceiling. Zara looks up and is amazed by the ceiling and wonders.."If I would ever own a Inn.."
When Jorad moves to the window Zara is less interested by the view and more by the silverware..."nice forks will go nicely with the platter..Definitely...yeah, He wont eat with just knives.."

[roll0]

When Jorad mentions his idea's about Vinny, Zara responds Well, I would really like to get that hot sauce recipe though, also he was really friendly and helped me out with the platter. But yeah, I do agree those ingredients are unlike any hot sauce I have ever heard off."

[JBarca]

Mistin waits for a moment to see if others will examine the mirror first. When Larissa does, he watches everything that happens intently, then raises his eyebrows in surprise when she's chosen.

"Well. Who's next?"

[Stegyre]

"After you," Etienne offers, with a wave of his hand, stepping back as he does so, so that both Mistin and Trent are clearly closer to the mirror than he.

[Tyrann]

Retaurant group

Zara picks up a fork and is noticed by a waiter, who runs off.


He comes back with a new fork and replaces the missing one.
In Wardrobe/Portals room is.. a cloak room because your DM fails at English. There are still some coats in there, as well as a few umbrellas. Trenchcoats, leather jackets, even two long fur coats.

The leather jackets are functionally padded armor. The rest is just cosmetics

Behind the cloak room is a large upright hollow metal tube with a raster on the bottom, and lighted letters in the back with buttons next to them.

1st: Bathhouse
2nd:Restaurant <<
3rd: Theater
4th: Botanical garden
5th: Library
6th: W-Labs
7th: Bio-labs
8th: P-Labs
9th: Security
10th: Simulations
11th: Ballroom
12th: Lobby/Guest rooms

Mirror group except for Larissa

When Larissa disappears and Trent steps forward, the voice speaks again. "Chosen "Trent", please step in front of the mirror." The pause is a bit longer this time. After about thirty seconds it continues "Chosen "Trent" in lieu of the Gift of Sublime Aroma the Divine offers you the Gift of Blissful Remembrance. Please proceed to the light. In the event that the box is locked upon your arrival, please patiently await your turn. If a queue should form, please patiently await your turn. For maximum enjoyment and your own protection, only one person can go into the box at any given time. Thank you for your cooperation."

If Trent follows these instructions, Etienne and Mistin receive similar instructions, except that the wait between the messages is shorter for them. Only about ten seconds each.

Unfortunately I'm going to have to pause you guys there until I know what Larissa is going to do.

Larissa

When you touch the light you find yourself in a new room yet again, but there is nothing magnificent about this one. It's a small rectangular room, 10 by maybe 25 feet long, with empty crude brick walls. The room is lit by a single ball in the ceiling. There is only one way forward: a white door.

After entering through the door, you come into a room that is lined with white padding on the walls, the floor, and the ceiling. Even the back of the door you came in through is padded. There is only one object in this room. A chair. And this room too is lit by a single bright orb in the ceiling.

The voice speaks again. There is no static this time, and it sounds much closer and louder. It is still metallic.

"Chosen "Larissa", please close the door behind you and take a seat on the chair. Thank you."


When the door is shut, you hear the lock click inside it. It is locked.
Lesser eyes would have missed this, but you passively notice that the the chair has hidden compartments where your wrists and ankles would go. The chair is thick enough for something like spring-loaded manacles to come out. Just in case, the chair is firmly stuck to the floor and would require a rather large strength check to move.

There is a hidden door in one of the walls. There is no handle for it, regular pushing doesn't open it.

[Archmage1]

Studying the situation, Larissa thinks, not wanting to fail Abraxis.
Hm... a test? I don't want to be trapped, and I can't seem to get this hidden door open, and I don't see a trigger, so it probably opens from the other side. Which suggests that I need to sit, but in a way that won't trap me.

Taking care, Larissa follows the directions once more, but sits so her legs and arms won't be trapped.

[Tyrann]

Larissa

After you sit down, manacles do indeed come out of the chair with incredible speed. Fortunately they miss you.
A few seconds later the secret door opens, and a metalic man-shaped construct steps in. As soon as he notices you are not held down by the chair he drops a rod shaped device he was carrying and he charges at you in an attempt to restrain you. He only uses one arm. The other arm is just kind of dangling and held in place by wires that give off an occasional spark. He also only has one glowing eye. The other is an empty socket.

He yells "Chosen "Larissa" you are committing an act of heresy! Stand down immediately!"


If you go first, you can act before he does.
[roll0]
[roll1]
Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18d0tsI3P_8eu5TlYIYLWTukIfVw77_Ky5UdiI7kWkkQ/edit?usp=sharing)

[Archmage1]

So, there's more to this puzzle yet. Let's see if this works. Perhaps the damaged state of this creature is part of Abraxis's plan? Or is it more signs of the failures of his servants? Regardless, I need to act now.
Trying to solve the puzzle, to impress Abraxis, Larissa moves quickly, darting past the warforged, and trying to close the door behind it, pushing it out of the way.


Here's for good luck?
[roll0]

[Tyrann]

Larissa

You successfully make it past the construct and find yourself in a strange new room filled with lights. The door locks as soon as you close it. On the floor is the weird rod the construct held. To your right is a very strange chair with an even stranger helmet attached to it. Behind it is a wall that has orbs in it. Thousands of them, all about the size of a marble and of a similar look. Some a bit larger than others. Next to the chair is a bucket of see-through regular glass marbles, and a slot to put new ones in.

If you sit down in the chair, a very large crescent shaped keyboard made of light appears in front of you. The buttons are in an alphabet you've never seen before.

The rest of the mirror group

A short while after arriving you hear a muffled thumping coming from the other side of the door.


It's a DC 20 break DC

[ikbenscott]

Upon following Jorad into the coat room, Zara notices the leather jacked and wonders if he would fit into one..
Should there be a coat which fits Zara's small posture, he will take it and wear it on under his ceremonial robe.
After fiddling with the coats he turn to Jorad and asks"how about we visit the botanical gardens, the big guy told us there is a gardenkeeper there, maybe he or she can help us find the others?"
And thinksI would also be able to get the herbs on the list there..

[JBarca]

Mistin watches the proceedings with curiosity, then starts as the thumping is heard.

"Um... I'm going to admit I'm getting a bit nervous..."

He puts his ear against the wall and shouts, "Hello? What's going on in there?

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks around with interest, her hand rapidly taking notes in her book.
This place... is so strange... but I don't see another exit here. These marbles... The mirror said Blissful Remembrance. Are these, then, memories? I would be tied down, and that servant would apply the memory? But how was it damaged? Did someone break free, and try to harm it?
Idly thinking, Larissa reaches out to touch one of the spheres on the wall.

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"Chosen 'Etienne' in lieu of the Gift of Sublime Aroma the Divine offers you the Gift of Blissful Remembrance. Please proceed to the light. In the event that the box is locked upon your arrival, please patiently await your turn. If a queue should form, please patiently await your turn. For maximum enjoyment and your own protection, only one person can go into the box at any given time. Thank you for your cooperation."
Etienne sighs with relief when the same words are said of him as of the others. I am no different in the eyes of Abraxis than the others, he thinks.

Yet I am different. He remembers the nightmare figure from the hall below. A heretical notion occurs to him, Is Abraxis really here? Does He really see us?

He has time, with two others before him awaiting the Gift of Blissful Remembrance. He turns back to the mirror and thinks, No one has told me I cannot touch the mirror.

I am going to touch the mirror if the voice does not command me not to. He pauses a few seconds, to give the mysterious voice time to respond to Abraxis's command and tell him otherwise before reaching out his hand to touch the mirror's surface . . .
Assuming no voice orders him not to, Etienne reaches out and touches the front surface of the mirror.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad examines one of the leather jackets and contemplates taking it, considering how off everything seems to be, but thinks better of it. It probably belongs to someone, and it might be sacred for all he knows. He shrugs at Zara. "He also said there was a custodian on the fifth floor, which appears to be a library. Well, ok. Let's go to the gardens first, and if the gardenkeeper can't help us, then we try and find a way to the library, deal?"

There is also a spark of curiosity in him about the red levels. Are they off limits, are they dangerous, are they exactly where they need to go? But he keeps those thoughts to himself.

[ikbenscott]

"Sounds like a plan" Zara replies to Jorad.

[Tyrann]

Mistin and Trent

With his ear to the wall Mistin can make out a bit more.


The thumping seems to have moved from this door to somewhere else in the room. The wall vibrates with every thump. Only a little, but enough to notice.

There is a metallic voice screaming behind the door, but you can't make out what it's saying.

"Chosen Larissa, open this door at once! The viewing station is off limits to the chosen!"

Even though it sounds rather monotone, there is a tone of panic to the robot voice.


Etienne

When you touch the mirror, nothing interesting happens. It appears to be solid, and feels like regular glass. Your finger leaves a print.

Larissa

You touch one of the spheres on the wall, and are jerked into a scene outside the tower. It's evening, and two men are talking in front of a farm building. There is no sound, and you cannot change the angle you're looking from. You recognize both men. They are the high priest and a local fruit farmer. But this must have been 20 years ago judging by how they look. The vision ends as abruptly as it started. You are back in the room, holding the marble in your hand.

You enter a new scene, again feeling like you're being jerked into it. Your sight is guided and like the previous one there is no sound. You see a man you don't recognize taste wine from a barrel and it looks as though he is greatly enjoying it. You can read the side of the barrel. This wine would be 42 years old today. And again, it has a snap ending.

Same thing, except this time you're looking at women in the showers you've just been in. This one is a bit longer and you're getting all the angles. And yes, they do use soap.

Jorad and Zara

You touch the button next to Botanical Garden, and you hear something whirring and grinding under the raster. A plate slides in underneath it, and you are teleported into a new metalic tube, and you notice the arrow has moved.
4th: Botanical Garden <<

When you look behind you, you see you're inside a white wooden booth.

The first thing you notice, before even seeing them, is the herbs and the flowers accompanied by the roaring sound (and smell) of a nearby waterfall. When you open the booth's creaky door you see this garden isn't just one level. Or it is, but there are 5 tiers of platforms hanging above it, suspended by enormous chains that end in the walls. The sound of roaring water is from the ever increasing streams that pour down from the platforms, dropping 50 feet each time. You can't see what's on the upper levels, but the bottom level alone is beautiful. There are flowers everywhere, in yellow, red, pink, violet, white and every combination of those. Some hanging in bowls from the platform above, some in patches, but most of them just as fields scattered all about. On the outsides of the room you see a few ponds filled with vibrant colored fish and lilies. And still further out, the water gets more swampy and you see a few trees that look like weeping willows, except that their vines have nodes that give off a dim light.

From behind one of these trees a slightly rusted man-sized robot appears and greets you in a gentle, though robotic, voice as he moves towards you over stepping stones in the ponds, his voice slightly raised to make himself audible over the water.

"Greetings, visitors. It has been a long time since anyone has visited my garden. I am Unit Number 4, tasked with maintaining nature's balance. Is there anything I can do for you?"

[Archmage1]

Experimenting a few times, Larissa soon realizes that they are memories, apparently, taken from many people. She continues looking through them, hoping to see if there is some sort of order to them.

[Stegyre]

Etienne

Interesting. Nothing stopped me. Etienne decides to repeat the experiment. As Mistin listens at the door through which Larissa went, he goes to the far wall –– the one at 12 o'clock, and thinks, I am going to touch the mirror wall if the voice does not command me not to. Again, he pauses a few seconds before reaching out his hand to touch the wall.
Assuming nothing happens, he will drag his fingers lightly over the wall, clockwise, all the way around the chamber until he comes to Larissa's door.
Perception: [roll0]

Whee! I am perceptive.

[JBarca]

[roll0]

Interesting. Mistin leans away from the wall.

"Huh. Something's going on over there. What d'you think we should do now?" He seems genuinely curious, not concerned at all.

[Qwertystop]

"Sounds like the Man of Iron's little talking-pole in there. Might just be giving her more instructions very loudly - can anyone tell what it's saying?"

He sounds casual but is visibly somewhat less-than.

[JBarca]

Mistin chuckles. "It's yelling at that little lady about some area being off-limits to the chosen. 'The viewing station.' I think she's behind a door, and... Something is trying to get her to open it. I imagine we're missing out on something very funny right now."

[Tyrann]

Etienne

You touch the wall on the 12 o'clock position, but you never get the chance to move your hand around. Immediately upon touching the wall you are whisked away into a whole new room.

In the middle of this room there is an hourglass shaped fish tank, about 20 feet in diameter at the thinnest point, that extends into the glass ceiling, a large part of the floor, and very sleek lanes of glass that connect the bottom to the ceiling. In between the lanes, spread equally around the room are 8 panes of light grained wood that continue a little way down into a wooden floor. In a circle around the pillar are 7 stylized ottomans.

The tank is filled with dark blue water and strange exotic fish, coral, and a few lobsters. There are no seas in the demiplane, so you don't recognize the brightly colored fish or the coral. You've seen lobsters before in rivers, but never anything of this size or color.

Upon examination of the hourglass, the glass appears to be quite thick. Which makes sense given all the water that's in there. Looking up, down, and out the "window" lanes, you would guess you are surrounded by 20 feet of water on all sides.

Of the 8 wooden panes that separate the glass, six have doors in them. These are numbered 1 through 6 and are all locked. A 7th is an upright metal tube with a raster at the bottom and lighted letters inside.

The metal tube has letters in it.

1st: Bathhouse
2nd:Restaurant
3rd: Theater
4th: Botanical garden
5th: Library
6th: W-Labs
7th: Bio-labs
8th: P-Labs
9th: Security
10th: Simulations
11th: Ballroom
12th: Lobby/Guest rooms <<

Directly across from this tube is the 8th pane, a tunnel of sorts, with viewports and a double door in the middle. Above the tunnel it reads "Mimimarket: fine tailor, magical repairs, souvenirs, lobsters"
The double doors are closed, but not locked.

Larissa, Mistin and Trent

You notice that the metal creature Larissa locked in is getting steadily louder. He was barely audible at first, but now you can clearly hear the banging. The bangs follow a pattern, but the pattern is surprisingly irregular. You hear a loud clang, followed by a clattering sound about half a second later. This happens about once every ten seconds. (Twelve if you were counting.) Mistin and Trent: Etienne never appears behind you.

Larissa

Though both the sockets for the orbs and the orbs themselves are labeled, you can't actually read the labels. You don't even know this alphabet.
You do notice some symbols are repeating. The further left you go, the older things seem to be. The rightmost row with orbs has empty and unlabeled sockets at the bottom, and a few more rows of completely empty sockets still further right of that.

[Archmage1]

Larissa tries touching some of the oldest marbles.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad gives the robot a warm smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Unit Number 4. I'm Jorad, and this is Zara. We're chosen, but we got separated from our group. Any chance you know how to get back to them? I think their names were Mistin, Larissa, um, Trent, and...oh, what was the last one. Thin, short hair, kind of gloomy?"

[ikbenscott]

Zara is amazed by he sight in front of him, at first he pays little attention to the metallic man for he is still pondering this marvelous sight.
When Jorad starts the conversation with the metal man, Zara fills him in and responds from a distance"The other chosen one is called Etienne...."
Zara remains near the ponds and wonders how these fish would taste and tries to identify some of the herbs which are scattered about. Being totally overwhelmed by all the smells, sounds and sheer size of the garden, Zara is having trouble identifying the herbs needed for the hot sauce. Zara thus decides to waits for Jorad to finish his conversation and after to ask the metal man "I am looking for these(hands over the list of herbs) to make a hot sauce for our Lord, could you help me out?"

[Stegyre]

Etienne

Etienne starts at the sudden transition. It is not at all what he expected. The wall had not been lit, as it was when that woman "Agnes" had touched it. There had been no door like the one Larissa entered. It had just been an ordinary-looking wall.

He twists and turns, looking all around, up and down, in shock and amazement. Where am I??

He looks around in amazement at this new room. The huge tank of water, filled with wondrous fish, colorful rock formations.
Coral, something he has never seen or heard of: rock in the shape of trees and fans?

Is it right to assume that the PCs also have no pre-tower experience with the concept of an elevator?
At first, he is uncertain whether it is safe to touch anything: the glass, the wood, the fancy couches. He waits for a few minutes for any warning voice. When nothing happens, he begins to walk slowly around the room. If there are actual doors in the walls, surely they would not transport one with a touch, or what would be the purpose of having a door? So he tries the door knobs, finding them locked.

He looks attentively inside the metal tube and wonders what it means but does not dare to touch any of the letters.

I need to find someone who can tell me where I am. The only obvious egress is the unlocked doubledoors, so that is where he ends up. He knocks tentatively before opening, he puts his head in and asks, uncertainly, "Is anybody there?"

[Tyrann]

Etienne

You know what pulleys are and how they work. But not modern elevators. And for the coral inside of the fishtank, go with however you imagine it.
As you carefully look through the double doors, you see a small shop with racks of odd garments that are covered in some sort of see-through film. There are a few mirrors, and a few booths with curtains hanging in front of them, as well as a few doors in the back of the room.
Behind a counter is a metal man that seems inactive at first. There is an extending monocular over his right eye, and he is just sitting there, lifeless. Once you step inside though, you hear a small bell ring (you're not sure what caused that) and he springs to life giving you a gracious, if somewhat choppy, bow. Every time he moves his torso you hear a loose screw rattle.

"Greetings, visitor! Welcome to our humble shop. My name is Number 7." He looks you up and down for a few moments, the monocular whirring as he does so. "Would you perchance be in need of a new attire?"

Jorad and Zara

"I am not aware of the location of Mistin, Larissa, Trent or Etienne. Perhaps Number 2 or Number 3 would know. They oversee the viewing stations. But I do not know how to go there. My place is in the garden" the warden tells you.

"The listed items you require are on the garden platforms above. I will go collect them for you now. Would you like to accompany me?"


He calls down three small constructs that fly with tiny propellers. When they get within 3 feet of the ground, an opaque disk appears behind them. "Hop on" the warden says, as he follows his own advice and gets on a disk. If you do the same, the constructs fly out a little way into the pond and then start to go up at a very steep incline, each taking the exact same route.

The first platform looks like a Japanese garden in spring, filled with pink blossom and gentle breezes. The water is filled with blossom leaves, but somehow the leaves never make it down the waterfalls. The warden apologizes for the lack of fruit: he used it all up recently to make soaps. He quickly orders the constructs to go up one more level. You fly a little ways out, turn, and again go up a very steep incline.

The second platform looks like a warm field in summer. Here the warden gathers several things on the list, including a few kinds of peppers, garlic, onions, belladona root and soy beans.

The third level looks like a forest in autumn. Here he gathers a few brown colored mushrooms from a tree trunk and lets you know that this is everything. Before you all go down, he also picks a few berries and says that these are a gift. He calls them floater berries, and tells you they do exactly that, they let you float for 60 seconds. He gives you 6 each. He also gives you a woven basket for everything else he collected for you.



The berries follow the exact same rules as ingested potions, except that you need to bite down on them first and then swallow. After ingesting a floater berry you gain an upward movement of 10 feet per round. This is non-optional: you go up 10 feet a round whether you want to or not.

While in the air you can control your movement by "swimming" as a move action in any direction of your choosing. Swimming in this way moves you 5 feet per move action.

After having ingested a floater berry you take a -8 to all saves and checks to resist being moved.

Underwater the effects of a floater berry will give you a non-option vertical move of 30 feet per round. You swimming speed in water is not otherwise changed.
Upon hitting the surface of the water you can use the remainder of these 30 feet to get in the air. Think of this as torpedo-ing yourself up using your move in conjunction with the berry.

Vertical movement can be stopped by grabbing on to something heavy or by hitting a ceiling.

Once the effect of the berry ends or if it is dispelled you gain feather fall (as the spell) for 2 rounds.

The magic produced by the berries has a caster level of 1.


Larissa

When you touch the top-left orb, it is different from the previous ones. In this one you are not looking from the outside. In this one you are looking through someone's eyes at a very tall man with a long grey beard. You're in the same room you were in just now, with the lights and the viewing station. But there are no brick walls and only a few marbles behind you. You're not entirely sure how you know this, but you know whose eyes you are using: it is the construct you just locked in. And it's not just his eyes you are using. You feel and know a few other things. You are tasked with surveillance. You use the viewing station to keep tabs on whoever this man, the master, Abraxis, tell you to watch.

He is about to give you a new order. You await this eagerly. More purpose. More reasons to exists.

"Unit Number 3, my dear Number 3. You know, you were always the most useful one. When I started out I thought it'd be the druid. But I was wrong. You may quite literally be the best credits I've ever spent."

You swell with pride. The master is pleased. But then he puts his hand on your shoulder, and looks down into your eyes over his glasses.

"But I'm afraid this is where the road might end."

Your emotions, once so simple, now start racing. What does he mean by that?

"Truth is, you're special. Exceeded your programming and all that. But you have seen too many things. It is ironic, but I can't take you with me. I have decided to leave the other constructs here as well. Each with their own objectives. Even the golem, for what that's worth. It should be a few decades before the realm goes critical. I may be able to work something out by then.."

For a few moments his eyes trail off. He seems lost in thought. Then he looks back at you and continues.

"Anyway, for now we might as well keep the charade going. No sense ruining all of this. If it's gone it's gone, and if not we won't have to start over. So, Number 3. I'm giving you an additional objective until my return. In addition to your regular surveillance work, you are to make sure nobody learns I am truly gone. Take whatever measures you feel are needed."

He squeezes your shoulder before letting go and says farewell in words Larissa doesn't know, but you know what they mean.

"Until I return."

Then he speaks a magical word and disappears. You walk over to the console and sit down. You take a long hard look at your keyboard, and then set it to "Draconic" before mouthing yourself.

"Until I return"

Fully aware that no-one in the demiplane must ever know.

[Archmage1]

Larissa just sits, stunned, her mind whirling about what she had just learned.
And what it meant.

[Stegyre]

"Greetings, visitor! Welcome to our humble shop. My name is Number 7." He looks you up and down for a few moments, the monocular whirring as he does so. "Would you perchance be in need of a new attire?"
"I --," this was not at all what Etienne had expected. No condemnation. No correction. This machine was treating him as if his presence here were perfectly normal and to be expected. Could this all be the Will of Abraxis? he wonders.

"Yes, I suppose I do," he replies, after a brief pause. "Where do you suggest we start?"

Etienne lets himself be measured and guided by Number 7, both making requests ("Please, nothing flashy. . . . I suppose I would like something in a durable fabric, long lasting") and seeking suggestions ("Which do you think looks better?").

Not sure the extent of Number 7's wares, he asks about underclothes, shirts, trousers, belt, shoes, socks, jacket, hat . . . .

Throughout, he also tries to be congenial -- not his strong suit -- and find out what he can: "'Number 7'? That is one of my favorite numbers . . . What, what sort of creature are you, Number 7? . . . Where is this, Number 7? . . . I am not sure where I am supposed to go, can you guide me?"

As their time together draws on, the questions wax more philosophical and teleological, "I have these strange nightmares. . . . Am I normal? . . . Do you know what I am? . . . "

[Breitheamh]

Jorad looks at the garden around him as the constructs ferry them between the levels, grinning at the astonishing beauty, but not quite able to really take it in. He has a mission: find the others, find the truth. This place may be amazing, but something is going on, something dark and sinister, and by golly, he was going to find out what and he was going to save the world. Well, perhaps it wouldn't exactly work out like that, but--

"Thanks for doing this, Number 4, but I was wondering something. How would we get to Abraxis himself? Vinny, from the restaurant, wanted us to bring something to him." He asks the question somewhat slyly, like its no big deal one way or the other, as he tries to figure out the mechanics of the flying machines and the platforms themselves.

When they come back down, answer or no, he thanks Number 4 for the berries and does the same examination of the portal. Then he smiles at Zara. "Alright, to the library, then?"

I guess maybe I should throw a Bluff check to make myself seem casual in asking what's the way to Abraxis himself? [roll0]
Kn Engineering [roll1] (flying constructs)
Kn Engineering [roll2] (platforms)
Kn Engineering [roll3] (portal)

Well, I guess the portal is still a mystery, then.

[Qwertystop]

"Okay. So there's... something going on in there, and Etienne's gone. Wait for our turns, or try to get through the door? I say try to get through."

[JBarca]

"Abraxis doesn't want us to go in there yet, I don't think. Elsewise we would have been told to, yes? I think I'll just wait my turn, if you don't mind..."

[ikbenscott]

When Zara touches solid ground again he feels happily relieved but is also a bit saddened for flying was quite the experience. He is also a bit saddened that the could not explore more of this wonderful garden. Zara has lost his sight on the platter but luckily Jorad reminds him.
Zara thanks number 4 for the basket, the ingredients and the berries. He does also inquire, So if these berries make me float, how will I be able to get back down? and also, would you happen to know where number 2 and 3 supposed to be? or atleast where this viewing station is?
When number 4 has answered Zara he turn to Jorad and replies (if number 4 has useful information)Well, it might be better to visit number 2 and 3 or the viewing station, for they would know or we could see where the rest is. (if the number 4 has no answers) Zara smiles back at Jorad and says Yeah lets do that, this platter is not getting any better..

[Tyrann]

Mistin and Trent

You hear a crash that sounds like splintering wood, followed by the sound of metal screeching on metal. The whole room is shaking. You hear, rather clearly now "Chosen Larissa move away from that wall! The chosen can never know! Move away now! Your memory must be changed!"



[roll0]
[roll1]

Larissa goes on 11, the robot goes on 2.

I'm going to keep the initiative from earlier and add you guys in this turn. That doesn't mean you need to take your actions, but it makes it easier for me to keep track of what's going on.

I also realized I got the break DC for the door wrong. It should be 18.

Here's the Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SHqmnOr8BsfbLu8E8G17fjq16fG5zP0YoJ0a8VoeOEw/edit?usp=sharing). Though obviously you guys can't see all of this, you can hear pretty much everything that happens in the next room.

Larissa

You hear a crash that sounds like splintering wood, followed by the sound of metal screeching on metal. If you look at the source of the sound, you see the warforged has literally thrown himself at the door in a jump, and is sliding over the metal floor along with what remains of the door, sending sparks flying. He yells "Chosen Larissa move away from that wall! The chosen can never know! Move away now! Your memory must be changed!"


We're keeping initiative from before (with Mistin and Trent added in).

So
Trent) 20
Larissa) 11
Mistin) 6
Number 3) 2

Here's the Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SHqmnOr8BsfbLu8E8G17fjq16fG5zP0YoJ0a8VoeOEw/edit?usp=sharing)

The door south of you on the map has no labels and is made of wood, with a handle. The door on the right side of the map is a metal sliding door, like elevator doors.
For his turn, Number 3 picks up the rod-like device from the floor and gets up with some difficulty, very clearly intent on moving towards Larissa.

Jorad and Zara


Constructs: OOC it looks and functions like a modern hobbyist propeller drone. You do not know how they create the disks behind them. It seems like the disks are virtually weightless to them.
If you study the routes they take, you notice that there is some sort of thick invisible beams under their off-platform routes. It feels like metal, but you've never heard of invisible metal before.
If you try to give the drones order of any kind, they completely ignore you until Number 4 gives the order for you.

Platforms: All the platforms have their own little mini-climate and even their own light intensity. Sadly you cannot tell where the light or heat is coming from. The is some source of water coming from within every one of the platforms, in addition to the water they get from the platforms above them. But you do not see any pipelines entering the platforms. Abraxis works in mysterious ways.

Engineering wise the most interesting thing here is the chains that that anchor the platforms to the walls. These are unlike anything you've ever seen before. The sheer size of them is astounding. There's more metal in one link than the amount you've worked with in your entire life. Your trained eyes do spot that the links are welded shut. And the craftsmanship isn't even thát good. In small scale you could do a lot better. Or make it look a lot better, anyway. But you're not sure how one would even work the metal on a scale like this.
You also realize why the outside walls don't have windows. If they'd had windows they would never be capable of supporting this level, let alone hold the chains as well.

The platform themselves appear (from the outside) to be made of just stone and dirt. There is probably some form of construction inside them to keep them from breaking apart, but there's no way to tell what that would be from the outside.

Portal: There are definitely mechanical components in the portals below the raster. Their goal seems to be to slide the correct "tile" in place.


To Jorad "If the Master is still within the tower, he will likely be in the higher levels. I do not know how to go there. My place is within the garden."

To Zara in response to the question about what happens with the berries they stop working in mid-air, with a very manner of fact voice "You fall." After he notices Zara's concern he adds "But slowly, as you regain mass. Number 2, Number 3 and the viewing stations are all on the security level. I do not know how to go there. My place is within the garden."

Etienne

"Ah, marvelous. Loading module 'Dress the Chosen'.

Loading.. Loading.. Loading..

Dear chosen. May I ask what your name is? Here is a catalog of clothing pre-approved by the Master.

Seasonal trends are: puffy sleeves are the new zippers. Looking for a new winter coat? Fur is murderously beautiful. Take a look at our Maison du Braconnier collection. Out with red and black! White and magenta are all the new rage!

Warning: trend database has not been updated in.. 39 years, 7 months, 21 days.

My suggestions would be the outfits on pages 7, 13, 28 or 31. They would go well with your body-type and complexion, and meet your demands of Not Flashy and Durable."

He hands you a paper catalog (like a modern day magazine) that looks a bit old and discolored and continues.

"For undergarments, Abraxis prefers Easy Access. But you may select for yourself in aisle 4. You can find matching shoes on that wall."

Surprisingly, shoes-wise he carries everything from easy loafers and sandals to very stylish high heels and Italian style pointed leather men's shoes to sturdy combat/hiking boots.

Go with what you like. You can assume he has whatever you want clothing wise, and that includes things like belts, hats, etc.

In response to your questions he answers "I am simply number 7. I was created by the Master to manage this shop. We are in the guest lobby's humble shop. We provide clothing, magical repairs, souvenirs and a lobster selection service. It has been 39 years, 7 months, 17 days since the last visitor entered my shop. The last visitor was the Master. The last visit by a chosen was exactly 40 year ago.

If you would like a magical item repaired, please notify me and I will add you to our queue. Souvenir services are not available to the chosen."

You do see a window with a few snow-globes of the tower and a couple of marbles in it.

"If you would like to choose a lobster for use in the restaurant, please inform me. I will suit up and catch it for you once we are done here."

To your deeper questions he replies "My knowledge is limited to tailoring, magical repairs, souvenirs and lobster catching. I have heard of 'dreams' but I do not know what they are.
Clothing is sometimes described as 'dreamy'.
Perhaps Number 5 on the Level 5: Library could be of more help.
He can also provide entertainment while you wait for the Master to collect you.
If you learn 'dreams' are used in fabric production, please inform me. I would like to update my database."

[Archmage1]

Larissa pauses, hoping to be able to talk to the apparently insane No3.
"Number Three... it's been forty years, and he has no returned. And he said something about the plane going critical. Which sounds bad. Perhaps we should find him, and see if his instructions have changed?"

[Tyrann]

Number 3 howls in rage, realizing which orb you must have used. "His instructions were clear! Nobody must know!"

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head, and speaks clearly, and firmly.
I hope he's special enough to actually think...
"No. Those were not his instructions. His instructions were that nobody must learn. But I have learned, which renders completing your task impossible. You can remove the knowledge, but I still learned it. But here is the counter: Help me to find him. That way, I am not learning that he is truly gone."

[Breitheamh]

Jorad smiles at Number 4 and thanks it again, then pushes the button for Level 5.

He turns to Zara and asks cheerfully, "So, Zara, what do you like to do, besides cooking?"

[Tyrann]

Larissa

Number 3 pauses for a split second, but then continues.

"No. You can unlearn. The alternative would be to violate the Master's privacy, which is unacceptable. It is not too late to fix this if you submit. You have seen through the memory orb. You understand why I must do this."

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"I am Etienne," he says, in response to Number 7's request for his name. He looks in fascination at through the catalog and then the shelves.


"For undergarments, Abraxis prefers Easy Access. But you may select for yourself in aisle 4. "

Etienne’s eyes widen as Number 7 leads him past an aisle of mannequins sporting exotic women’s lingerie. He has never seen the like, yet some of it, he thinks, would probably have a certain – attraction – if worn by the right woman.

I’m imagining walking down and aisle with exhibits somewhere between Victoria’s Secret and Fredericks of Hollywood – an eye-opening experience all the more unusual for a young man who has never seen women’s lingerie before.

As he is not a woman and Abraxis has not, as yet, requested his presence, however, he assumes that Lord Abraxis’s preference in underclothes does not apply to himself. He selects a pair of much more modest and nondescript men’s garments from the shelves in Aisle 4.

He stores away the knowledge that “Abraxis prefers Easy Access for undergarments.” Surely, that is new knowledge about their Lord that the others will want to know! He will tell them at the first opportunity. He swells slightly with pride. His parents and the priests will be impressed.

“Who was the last Chosen to visit?” Etienne wonders if he knows the man or woman. At least, he can remember the name to look them up when he gets out.
Untrained Know(Local) check: [roll0]

EDIT: Nope. I've been very reclusive. Never heard of them before.

“And what did Lord Abraxis have to say to you when last he visited?,” he asks with wonder. The idea of hearing words of Abraxis at only one remove is thrilling!

Number 7 says nothing of cost, so Etienne assumes either the clothing is a gift from Abraxis to the Chosen or the Servants will send the bill to his home. He has money saved and can think of no better use than to gain clothes only available within the Sacred Tower.

Looking over Number 7’s recommendations of “not flashy” and “durable” clothes, he picks out a silky, white turtleneck and over that puts a heavier chamois shirt in a deep burgundy with hints of a shadowy plaid. He finds trousers in a heavy fabric, dark charcoal grey. They look like they would not readily tear, yet the cloth has enough give to it that he feels he can still tumble and turn cartwheels.

(“You don’t mind if I?,” he says to Number 7, as he tries a few forward and backward somersaults in a clear area of the floor. “Oh, yes, you are right. These will do very nicely!”)

As he dresses, he continues the conversation with Number 7, "You know what I think would be great? Clothes that mended and cleaned themselves. What if clothes could be enchanted so that they would even clean the person wearing them, as well? Or maybe make them smell like flowers, or the forest after it rains. --

A nice pair of dark socks, and then some shoes – he finds a pair sturdy enough for hiking outside, but light enough he can still tumble.

He finishes off with a dark leather jacket and a broadbrimmed hat to match. As he admires himself in the mirror, in an ensemble that perhaps only he thought looks good, he mentions, “I remember reading in a fairytale about a rogue with a magical hat that could change how he looked and the clothes he was wearing. Wouldn’t that be neat?”

He is not hungry, and the thought of eating a lobster would not appeal to him anyway. It seems time that he must go. “The Library sounds like an excellent place to go. I just stand in the tube and push ‘Library’?”

Before he leaves, however, he asks just a few more final questions. ( Questions, questions! The longer I think the more questions I have!)

“How long have you been here, Number 7? . . . You seem to have a screw loose. Do you need repairs? . . . Where did you go for repairs in the past?”
For surely, if he is breaking down within the space of forty years, he has broken down in the past centuries.

If there’s nothing else of note. You can assume Etienne steps into the tube and pushes “Library.” Onward and upward!

I cannot wait to tell the others that Lord Abraxis prefers Easy Access for undergarments! Then he reflects, in innocence, I should have remembered to ask Number 7 what that means. Oh well, I am sure Number 5 will know.

[Qwertystop]

"Okay, that sounds like a problem. Any chance" - thud - "you could help with this?" Trent says, as he tries to bash the door down.

[roll0]

[JBarca]

Mistin considers for a moment, before shrugging. "At the very least, I'd love to see what's going on in there!"

He lends his shoulder to the cause.

Aiding, I suppose? [roll0]

[ikbenscott]

On our way to the portal button, Zara replies"Well cooking is not my favorite part, I got into cooking because I have a fondness for carving meat. Maybe this has to do with me being in the kitchen with my mother a lot when I was young. So carving meat could be considered as another thing I like. Also gambling, I like to make a bet. Especially with cards, I am quite good at that. Once, when I finished a very busy shift in the "three bells Inn" I had a few drinks, on the house of course(smiles), and noticed some big ones playing a card game. By the amount of sound they made I assumed that they had consumed some alcoholic beverages...
When arriving in the library, Zara continous his talk as if the scenery had not changed.
Since the big ones are never that quick, especially not when they are drunk, I decided that I would join their game if they would let me. Of course they let me join, because I brought some drinks with me for the table. Seeing the poor sods getting more intoxicated I decided to do my thing and won 5 games in a row. 5 games! Even tough they were intoxicated they still had some suspicions so I made up an excuse and left the table early. Alas I could not make more money that night, but I got a fair share, so, yeah, one could say I also like to gamble. I also like to watch, sorry this might sound weird to one so big as yourself, but being hidden, observing and listening is also what I like to do. One might say I am a bit of a nosey parker. There was this one time I found out, by hiding and listening, that my neighbor was....
Zara continues telling his amazing story about the uncle of the neighbor's wife who had an extra marital relationship, until he is interrupted, by either Jorad or number 5.

[Tyrann]

Etienne

"Unfortunately I am not at liberty to share my master's orders with you. The last chosen to visit my shop was called Trevor.

Warning. Somersaults in store have led to property damage in the past. Please be careful.

Try this item of clothing. It might match well.

I have never heard of clothing that mended itself, but if you invent it I would like to see it.

I have repaired such a hat once. But we do not have these in inventory. Furthermore, store policy forbids me from supplying the chosen with enchanted items.

Your choice of clothing is.. unique. I am sure the Master will.. approve. Are you certain you do not wish to take another look at the magazine?

Thank you for your concern. However, I am still fully operational. Any repairs made to this unit must first be authorized by the Master.

And yes that is correct. Push the button next to 5th: Library to reach Level 5: Library."

Jorad, Zara and Etienne

When you enter the library, it is all but impossible not to notice the paintings. Paintings of Abraxis everywhere. The outer walls are filled with them all the way up to the high windows. These windows would probably light the room during daytime, but it's dark outside now. Instead the room is lit by glowing orbs in the ceiling spotlights aimed at the paintings.

Because a picture can say a thousand words, here is the map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q-W7EZ56d9OdegVFEsec9FFpiRpUgjjuRqKZFgBiRSo/edit?usp=sharing). Walls 2 to 15 are shelved, filled with books and have ladders in front. The other walls are filled with paintings and magical pictures (mostly looping or reactive illusion magics in a flat pane).

Zara and Jorad enter first. About 20-30 seconds after them having arrived a new robot appears from behind the spiral in the middle. He introduces himself

"Greetings chosen. I am Number 5, custodian and archivist in the great library of Abraxis. Have you come to learn more of our master? His autobiography spans sections 2 through 11. If you would instead prefer holocrystals, these can be found on wall 15."

After about 5 minutes of introductory talk between the custodian and the kitchen/garden duo, Etienne arrives and the custodian greets him too.

"Ah, another chosen arrives. Greetings chosen. I am Number 5, custodian and archivist in the great library of Abraxis. Have you come to learn more of our master? His autobiography spans sections 2 through 11. If you would instead prefer holocrystals, these can be found on wall 15."

Larissa, Mistin and Trent


Round 1

With a surge of adrenaline Trent nearly succeeds in busting down the door by himself.

Larissa attempts to talk down number 3, and while there is a hint of hesitation visible in his demeanor, he remains intent on restraining her.

Mistin lends a shoulder to open the door. His added weight forces the lock out of the brick wall, and the door flies open, almost unhinging itself as it slams against the inner wall.

No. 3 grabs the rod from the floor and gets up, then turns his head over his shoulder to see what the noise is.

You still have a move action from round 1 if you want to use it.
Round 2

Initiative
Trent - 20
Larissa - 11
Mistin - 9
No. 3 - 2

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SHqmnOr8BsfbLu8E8G17fjq16fG5zP0YoJ0a8VoeOEw/edit?usp=sharing)

No 3. won't speak until his turn unless directly spoken to.

[Archmage1]

Larissa continues to try and persuade No3.
"Number 3, he said you were special. That you had moved beyond your programming. You were given an impossible task, but perhaps we can find Abraxis together! Then, he can help you decide what to do!"

[roll0] diplo

[Qwertystop]

"I have no idea what's going on here, but can you at least talk about it? There's no call to go beating people with metal sticks."
Diplomacy [roll0]

[Breitheamh]

Jorad chuckles a little at Zara's story and ceaseless talking. He gives the little gnome a warm smile.

"So, you're pretty sneaky, huh? Me, I've always preferred the direct approach; there's not much subtlety in smithing, at least not as much as the art of cooking. Granted, I've seen my dad do some amazingly finesseful things with a block of molten iron before, but still, you got to be able to take the heat and hammer away."

When Number 5 comes out from behind the spiral, he gives the robot another charming smile and responds, "Pleasure to meet you, Number 5. I'm Jorad, and this is Zara. Do you happen to know where we might find the other members of our group. Chosen Larissa, Etienne, Mistin, and Trent?"

[JBarca]

Mistin stops up short. "'Find...' Abraxis? What?"

[ikbenscott]

When Zara hears that Jorad is a smith Zara is very exited, for Jorad would be very knowledgeable on the subject of knives, his favorite tool. Zara does try to act calm for he knows many people frown upon his ways. Zara replies with a bit of a quickened pace Ah, so you make horse shoe's, rakes and stuff, that's nice...Any knowledge on fine knives, you know, can you make em? sharpen'em?

When the robot enters and Jorad's question has been answered, Zara asks number 5 Number 5, can you tell me what is being kept in sections 12,13 and 14?

[Stegyre]

Etienne

Etienne waves cheerfully to Zara and Jorad when he sees them already in the Library. If others are here, he must be in the right place, he reasons. As they are already in conversation with Number 5, he decides he should not interrupt, and thinking Zara's question a good one, he wanders off to Section 12, to see what is there, figuring that, once he learns what else the Library holds, he can return to Sections 1 through 11 (and 15) to learn more of Lord Abraxis.
Given the opportunity, Etienne, too, will pump Number 5 for whatever else the Library holds. Questions to ask and comments to make:

-- Given the opportunity, he tells Zara and Jorad of the shop on the guest level, "Where Number 7 will help a Chosen get a whole new set of clothes!

-- "But no souvenirs. *pause* I wonder, then, who are the souvenirs for??"

-- Number 7 seems like he may need repair, although he functions well enough.

-- He tells Number 5 of the apparent malfunctions in the storage area. "Is there someone else we should tell, or something we should do to fix it? The offering for Lord Abraxis are spoiling!"

-- In a hopeful tone, "Is Lord Abraxis here?"

-- "Is it true that the Tower goes up forever? How high does it go?"

-- He tries some of the holocrystals, and (assuming they work as I suspect) is amazed. "May I have one of these? Can they show writing, as well?" How much information could be contained in such a wonder?

-- After other topics have been exhausted, he remembers, "Number 7 said Abraxis prefers easy access for undergarments. What does that mean?"

-- "Where are we supposed to go next?"

[Breitheamh]

"Of course I can make knives," Jorad says. "And on a good day I can make a really nice one too."

He turns to Number 5, curious about the answer to Zara's question as well, and asks, "Actually, can you tell us how many sections there are and what is in each of them?"

Then Etienne walks in, and Jorad turns to the sound of the portal opening. "Etienne?! Wow! Where'd you get those clothes? Never mind on the locations of the other Chosen, Number 5, but thank you for your help. Are the others with you, Etienne?"

[ikbenscott]

When Etienne arrives, Zara gives him a friendly wave and forces out a smile.
After Jorad has had his answers, Zara starts blabbing about the things he and Jorad have seen, First we entered a giant kitchen, way to big for any of us, we met Vinny there, a big ugly guy, but very helpful. He will help me make THE hot sauce our Lord loves so much. Did you know they go back a thousand years?! He must know what our lord likes if he has been cooking for him for a thousand years right? We also visited a giant garden, the most exquisite one I've ever seen, with different levels all suspended on giant cables and robots to FLY you around. We got some ingredients there and we met number 4. He told us we might be able to find you and the other guys via the viewing station and that number 2 and 3 might know where the rest is. Would you perhaps have come across number 2 or 3?

[Tyrann]

Mistin, Trent and Larissa

Round 2

Once Number 3 hears Trent speak, he puts together what must have happened. He says

"Chosen Trent. Nobody will be beaten with sticks. I guarantee this. Chosen Trent and Chosen Mistin. As an extension of the will of Abraxis I request your assistance in the arrest of Chosen Larissa. Do not listen to what she has to say. Knowledge is the bane of bliss. Live your life in bliss and know that God is good. The will of Abraxis must not be questioned."

He takes two move actions and moves from Z,10 to U,13

Round 3

Initiative
Trent - 20
Larissa - 11
Mistin - 9
No. 3 - 2

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SHqmnOr8BsfbLu8E8G17fjq16fG5zP0YoJ0a8VoeOEw/edit?usp=sharing)


Zara, Jorad and Etienne

No.5 to Jorad "Apoglogies. I do not possess any literature or other data pertaining to the location of the chosen. We have 32 sections. section 2 to 11 are filled with the magnificent autobiography of the Master. Sections 12 to 14 contain books with other information. We also have some holycrystals. The remainder of the library hosts an exposition of art dedicated to the glory of Abraxis. Would you like to start the tour now?"

No.5 to Zara "Section 12 contains literature on a breadth of subjects, including but not limited to: Arcana, Nature, Dungeoneering, The Planes and Psionics. Section 13 contains literature on weave based, planar/deific and psionic energy manipulation.
Section 14 contains literature on the nature of magical items, engineering, weapon and armor crafting and military strategy.

Are you sure you would not rather inquire about sections 2 to 11? Section 5 in particular has several hundred entries that come highly recommend. Or would you perhaps like some information pertaining to the paintings? Here for instance, we see Abraxis posing in front of a fireplace. Here, we see Abraxis posing in front of a similar fireplace, but if you pay close attention you'll notice he is squinting slightly with his left eye..." Unless stopped, he gives you the grand art tour.

No.5 to Etienne "It saddens me to hear that the Master cannot enjoy these offerings. All unscheduled repairs must be approved by the Master. A logical deduction would be that an illegal repair was made by an organic with tower wide clearance. Please report this to the Master at your earliest convenience.

Apoglogies, I do not possess any literature or other data pertaining to the location of the Master."

To your question about the tower going up forever he replies "I am not certain I am able to interpret your question correctly. The tower goes up forever and ends up back here. For literature on the nature of Planes, please refer to section 12."

The holocrystals actually do nothing if you touch them.

"You may check out one holocrystal at a time. They are for use on level 10: Simulations."

When asked, they have
War, Blades and You - A Beginner's Course
Sage's Sword Academy - Gem 1 of 17
The Spartan Way – A Crash Course to Crusading
Garrett's Dark Project - Deadly Shadows for a Metal Age
Mixed Martial Arts Fundamentals - Gem 1 of 2: strikes, kicks and blocks
Kobold Crusher – Hardcore Edition
Atlas of the World (Cache is empty. This one is rented out)

And a bunch of what the custodian calls “Moovees”. Including several romanticised versions of the Life of Abraxis. His recommendation is “Abraxis and Edward – Tu sei Bella, amore”

[Breitheamh]

Hearing that there is a an entire section that seems like it was designed for him, Jorad heads straight to Section 14 and begins perusing the titles. He picks out 3 and carries them with him as he goes to ask Number 5, "What do the holocrystals do, and how do we use them? Those sound like some pretty interesting titles."

[Tyrann]

Number 5 explains to Jorad "The holocrystals are for use on level 10: Simulations.

To start a simulation, find an empty simulation room appropriate to the simulation you wish to run. Most of our simulations are only suited for solo rooms. Some of our MooVees support the large multi-room in the middle of the level.

Upon entry of a solo room, the door will shut behind you. You can open this door at any time by saying 'End Simulation'.

If you wish to start the simulation, first put on the suit, then the helmet.
The suit will resize and secure itself. Do not be alarmed by this.

When you receive the notification 'Please insert holocrystal' slide your crystal of choice in on the right side of your helmet, with the pointed side down.

To start the simulation say 'Run Simulation'.

The simulation can be paused or ended at any time by saying 'Pause Simulation' or 'End Simulation' respectively.

For a menu with more options say 'Simulation Menu'.

If you wish to review these instructions, they can be found both inside all of our rooms and on several prominent places on the Simulations level.

Please do not use the simulation room if you are pregnant, have pain or injuries in your back or neck, or have a heart condition.

Do not activate simulations outside of designated rooms. Taking the suit, helmet or sand out of the rooms is strictly forbidden."

[ikbenscott]

When number 5 starts about the magnificent art, Zara is bored, even before they get to the second fireplace painting. He cuts the robot short and says That all very pretty and all, but what is stored in the holocrystals? When Zara hears about Garrett's Dark Project - Deadly Shadows for a Metal Age, his interest is peaked so much that he doesn't let the robot finish and almost runs towards section 15 to find the holocrystal. After grabbing the crystal and overhearing Jorad conversation he speaks to number 5 again, Number 5, I would like to check out this holocrystal. and waves the holocrystal in front of number 5.

[Tyrann]

Zara gets the exact same talk Jorad just received, starting with

"The holocrystals are for use on level 10: Simulations."

He finishes with. "You are allowed 1 holocrystal at a time. If you wish to exchange this crystal, please inform me. Please return all crystals before exiting the tower".

[Breitheamh]

Jorad smiles at Zara's eagerness. He's like a kid seeing the tower for the first time, he thinks. Then he grabs the crystal entitled, "War, Blades, and You" and tells Number 5, "And I'd like to check out this one, please."

[Tyrann]

To Jorad "You are allowed 1 holocrystal at a time. If you wish to exchange this crystal, please inform me. Please return all crystals before exiting the tower. Enjoy."

[ikbenscott]

Zara hurries over to the teleporter tube, one hand holding the holocrystal the other hand ready to press the button, and presses the button to level 10: Simulations. He is so eager to go there that he first pushes the button for level 9 by accident, at first he is a bit scared for who knows what might happen.....(making a assumption here)Luckily nothing happens and Zara pushes the level 10 button, totally forgetting the platter and the basket with herbs and vegetables..

[Qwertystop]

"Something she did wrong? What's going on?"

Trent moves to block the (broken-open) door.

"She's not getting out, anyway. I would like answers, though, if it's not too much trouble."

[Tyrann]

Zara

When you press the 9.. you hear a rude tone indicating denial but nothing else happens.

You enter level 10 somewhat near the middle of the level. In the actual middle of the levels shiny floor is a very large circular room with obsidian outer walls that stretch out to the high ceiling. There's a single green light next to closed sliding doors with safety instructions and the text "Multi-room" on them.

Along the outer walls of the room are 4 more similar obsidian circles, these a bit smaller and labeled "solo room 1-4"

When you enter one of these rooms by pressing the green light, you see a black skin-tight suit and helmet lying on the floor.

The suit is oversized, even for a human. But after putting on the suit and helmet, they both resize followed by a somewhat abrupt sensation of being pushed slightly forward, caused by clicking plates in the back of the suit along your vertebrae, and moments later a clasping feeling as arcs click around your ribs and your joints. A few seconds later metalic lines slowly slide down your arms and legs, and end in small dots on your fingers and feet.

You hear the helmet say "Please insert holocrystal".

After inserting the holocrystal in the correct way, the visor of the helmet slides down and a program starts up.

"Welcome to Garrett's Dark Project.

You can change your preferred settings at any time by saying 'Simulation Menu'. This will pause the simulation.
To pause or unpause, say 'Pause Simulation' or 'Resume Simulation'.
To end the simulation say 'End Simulation'

Please select the simulation you wish to run

- Subterfuge
- Infiltration
- Obfuscation
- Assassination"

[Stegyre]

Then Etienne walks in, and Jorad turns to the sound of the portal opening. "Etienne?! Wow! Where'd you get those clothes? Never mind on the locations of the other Chosen, Number 5, but thank you for your help. Are the others with you, Etienne?"
"I'm not exactly sure. We were all at the Mirror of Inner Beauty. Larissa went first and was granted 'the Gift of Blissful Remembrance.' She went into the next room, and while the three of us waited, I touched one of the walls and was suddenly elsewhere."

Remembering the parting words of the Hand of Abraxis, that the servants were "aware of the transgressions" of these two, he adds, "I think you might be in trouble. But then if you have met all of these other Servants of Abraxis, and no one has said anything about it, maybe not." It is puzzling, he thinks. "Anyway, it looks like 'wolves' and 'sheep' may end up in the same place," he says, alluding to Jorad's parting words.

The wonders of the Library, as described by Number 5, are fascinating! Etienne is drawn to the sections on Planes and Psionics, but it all sounds so interesting. I could spend hours – days – here, he thinks. He tries to be respectfully, and worshipfully, patient, as Number 5 leads the grand art tour, although he struggles to see the religious significance of the minor variation's in Lord Abraxis's various poses and positions. They must mean something, and he is simply an inadequate theologian.
Given the opportunity, he looks particularly for good introductory works or primers on Planes and Psionics. He also looks to see if he can find any discussions about developing or enhancing psionic abilities, something that match with, or explain, his own experiences. If allowed, he will put the books he can into his bag for later perusal.

"It saddens me to hear that the Master cannot enjoy these offerings. All unscheduled repairs must be approved by the Master. A logical deduction would be that an illegal repair was made by an organic with tower wide clearance. Please report this to the Master at your earliest convenience."
This, Etienne reasons, is most important: They have been given a directive by one of the Servants of Abraxis to report the malfunctions to Abraxis, himself! He is overwhelmed, and humbled. "We will most certainly do so, Number 5," he says, bowing deeply. In case it may help solve the problem of the malfunctions, he asks, "Do we have tower-wide clearance to do so?

"What organics have tower-wide clearance?"

The fact that the Tower goes all the way through the plane makes perfect sense to Etienne. Just as when one travels far enough west, one arrives in the east, if one goes far enough "up" the Tower, one arrives at its lowest level, for everyone knows that this is the nature of space: it is curved, finite yet unbounded.
I'm just "taking 10" on Etienne's K(Planes), with the refluff we discussed for understanding the geometry of this particular demiplane.

As the others grab for holycrystals, Etienne figures that he should stick with them, so he selects "Mixed Martial Arts," Knowing how to defend one's self is always useful Noting the empty slot for the Atlas, however, he asks Number 5 who has checked it out?
Assuming nothing else of note, he follows the others to the Simulations level, but he is determined to return!

[ikbenscott]

Zara is very exited, he wants to do them all. He starts with, Obfuscation

[Tyrann]

Etienne

"To my knowledge the only organics currently in posession of a pass granting tower wide clearance are: Logan Felhorn, also known to you as the High Priest of Abraxis, and researcher Wolter Tremel. Last known location for researcher Wolter Tremel is: Bio Labs."

The books on the planes are highly confusing. They might be fiction, even though they are in a knowledge section. They describe strange non-looping worlds with even stranger inhabitants and properties.

The books on psionics are highly theoretical. There are surprisingly few practical instruction. Instead it deals with the fysiology and neurology of creatures capable of manifesting and the effect of manifesting on the outside world. They do help you better understand your innate talents.

When you get to the Simulations level and enter a room, after suiting up and entering the crystal the voice says

"Innate psionic talent detected. Would you like to load advanced modules?"

If you say yes, the room changes. For a few moments the floor and outside walls form a grid of green lights, and then it looks like you're inside a dojo. The walls don't feel like wood: they're much, much harder. But it certainly looks like a dojo. An old man with a long white mustache and a thin beard appears on the other side of the room and bows to you.

"Welcome. I am instructor for manifesting module. Together we learn to punch with more than just fist, and block with more than just body. You will punch with mind. Block with mind.

Repeat these moves after me."

Zara

For a few moments the floor and outside walls form a grid of green lights, and then it looks like you're in a busy street. You hear sand sliding all around you for a few moments, and then the people in it start to feel solid. A few of their coin purses light up.

"Stage 1: pickpocket as many purses as you can without being detected before the time is up."

[Stegyre]

The books . . . are confusing. Unbounded infinite planes?? Everyone knows that's impossible. Etienne cannot even begin to wrap his mind around such nonsense. "Knowledge is the bane of bliss."

The Simulation is something else, entirely. "Yes," he says to the inquiry. As he repeats the different moves, he feels the subtle, subconscious "pushes," guiding him as he flexes, stretches, and pushes with what he could only describe to another as "mind muscles." He is amazed as he begins to sense whole new ways of – being.
I'm hypothesizing what it may be like, based on the OOC post. 'Not sure how much further to take this. Obviously, he stays in the training program for as long as it keeps him there, learning and practicing.

I expect at some point such Holycrystals are programmed to tell the participant to go rest, eat a good meal, come back in x-days for further exercises, etc.

[Breitheamh]

Before leaving for the simulation level, Jorad asks Number 5, "Who checked out the World Atlas?"

(Unless the answer is something terribly interesting) He then sits down and reads a few chapters in each of the books he'd picked out. He tries to absorb as much information as he can about everything in Section 14, from the engineering of strange magical devices to the tactics used by Lord Abraxis in the war of creation.

He gets absorbed into the material and reads for much longer than he'd originally intended, but eventually he gets up, stretches, and follows the others to Level 10. He enters one of the rooms and follows the instructions, inserting the "War, Blades, and You" crystal into the helmet.

[Archmage1]

Larissa simply stares down the group.
"Knowledge is the bane of bliss, but bliss can only last so long. No3, do you want to keep allowing others to learn? Or are you willing to be reasonable, and try to help?"

[JBarca]

"Knowledge is the... What? I'm afraid I don't agree, but I suppose I don't want to argue with Abraxis... Tell me, what did she do wrong? Just so I don't make the same mistake, naturally."

No real action to take, just talking for now.

[Archmage1]

Larissa simply gazes at No3.
"Shall I answer?"

[Tyrann]

Larissa, Trent and Mistin

"You shall not. I.." He clasps his broken arm and looks over his shoulder when Mistin speaks. "Okay, very well. I am in no condition to stop you. Not all three of you. Do as you must. I am sorry Master. I have failed you."

He stares blankly in front of him for a few moments and then continues

"Chosen Larissa, your earlier assessment was correct. Given the alternatives, it is preferable that you search for Abraxis rather than inform the rest of the plane. I apoglogize for the violence. It is not our way. However, the nature of the Master's last orders made for few alternatives.

The only way to follow Abraxis is to restore power in the labs, starting at the w-lab. Please be warned that this will expedite the destruction of this plane.

Do with the memory orbs as you feel you must. But when you are done, please leave the one you have just used. It is the only remaining memory I have of having contact with the Master. Without the orb, I would have none.

I will set the teleportation tube to the w-labs. Stand inside the tube when you are ready."

He then gets in the chair and puts on the helmet. "Your fellow chosen are in the lobby and the gardens. I suspect they will go to the library soon."

Meanwhile, the teleportation tube slides open.

That resolves combat. I will do xp for the entire party soon-ish in the OOC.

Jorad

The books on engineering have a few chapters on the revolution magic caused to large-scale building. Conjuration, levitation and teleportation are all invaluable in large scale projects.
For the most part though, it only briefly glosses over these magics and instead focuses on things like how to keep a building standing (or how to bring it down) without having to resort to magic.

A book on weapon and armorsmithing shows intricate designs and amazing tips on folding and detailing. The first line reads "Though on the surface it might appear that traps would render a trade such as ours obsolete, nothing could be further from the truth: there will always be a market for true craftsmanship".. You're not sure what that means, though.

The books on tactics tells of military campaigns of battles you've never even heard of, and of what won them. Though it starts out on a very large scale, the book doesn't truly go in depth until the later chapters, where small scale tactics and teamwork are described.

When Jorad enters his holocrystal, he hears sizzling sand in front of him, and large hilt appears in front of him.

"Please name weapon of choice"

When you make your selection and grab the hilt, an actual rather heavy weapon appears in your hand. It seems to be made of sand and it's not very sharp, but it's very solid.

The module consists of having to mirror a ghosting image. Occasionally a firm hand will adjust your grip and you frequently get vocal advice on how to improve. You are also often encouraged to "Go all out" and "Don't hold back".

The suit is giving you increasing amounts of resistance, and the training is exhausting. Even more so when the moving objects (also made of solid sand) start being thrown around for you to hit and dodge.

It takes a while, but when you're done

Congratulations! You can now take your first class level. Remember that this will gestalt with the expert level that you already have.

Etienne

After a while, the program moves on to striking and kicking real objects. The first few punches, it still feels like you're punching with your fists. But after a while, objects start shattering as you strike with mind and body in unison.

When you end your training session, there are still many more things to review. But for now

Congratulations! You can now take your first class level. Remember that this will gestalt with the expert level that you already have.

Zara

The program gives you tips: cause a distraction, don't over commit, grab the purse like so for minimum sound.

Later rounds teach you sleight of hand tricks with palming coins or cards.

The other modules offer advic on stealth and training in acrobatics, as well as a module on anatomy and where to strike for maximum impact.

Once you're done the initial 4 training modes, you unlock a fifth. An obstacle course in which all your skills are tested.

Your scores were good, but not yet perfect. But for now

Congratulations! You can now take your first class level. Remember that this will gestalt with the expert level that you already have.

[Archmage1]

Larissa gently shakes her head at No3's words.
"You haven't failed him. He said you were special, the only one with the ability to go beyond your programming. Perhaps he was relying on this. Now, I do have a couple of questions. Do you know how much activating the labs will accelerate the destruction? And is there a way to repair you? What happened to cause that damage in the first place? And why do we need to restore power to the labs to follow him?"

[Tyrann]

He ignores any comments you make about him not failing, but does answer all of your questions

"I am uncertain of how much it will expedite the process. I was never told. I merely know that the power from the labs and a large part of the security level was cut as a countermeasure.
I believe it was labeled as 'a matter of weeks' when the power was cut. That was 40 years ago.

Repairing me would require usage of the Forge behind that door (he points to the southern door on the map). However, the forge is currently not powered. Furthermore, I cannot make unscheduled repairs without permission from the Master.

The damage to my arm was caused by a chosen, 6 years ago. He nearly ripped off my arm. I believe he intended to use it as a club.

Abraxis' private quarters and the departure hall are on the higher levels. As a safety measure, these upper level become unreachable from the rest of the plane when there is a power failure in the labs or on the security level. Furthermore, chosen do not have clearance to enter the upper level. You will need a clearance pass. The last known location of such a clearance pass is on the garbage disposal level, directly below the Bio-Labs trash chute."

[Archmage1]

Larissa frowns as she considers No3's words.
"That is... unfortunate. It seems that we will need to minimize the time the power is on in the labs. Do you know why turning on the power accelerates the end so quickly? Is there a way to prevent that? Do we need to restore power to the labs, or can we somehow trick it into becoming accessible again? And if we need a pass, does it make sense to get that first?"

[JBarca]

"Woah... Destruction of the Plane? Let's not be hasty... What exactly is going on here?"

[Archmage1]

Out of respect to No3, Larissa doesn't respond, just gently shaking her head.
But then she asks another question.
"No3, what do you mean by plane?"

[Tyrann]

To Larissa: "I do not not know why the power was cut. If there is a way of tricking the system, I am not aware of it. During lockdown protocol, teleportation to and out of the garbage disposal level is blocked. It would be recommended to end lockdown protocol first by restoring power."

To Mistin's comment.

"If you are to take him, he should know. Do not stop on my behalf. And plane means the world as we know it. There is a world outside this one. A bigger one. I have never seen it, and I do not know much about it. But that is where the Master went. And that is where you must go if you are to find him."


When you touch the orb, you feel like you are looking through someone's eyes at a very tall man with a long grey beard. You're in the same room you were in just now, with the lights and the viewing station. But there are no brick walls and only a few marbles behind you. You're not entirely sure how you know this, but you know whose eyes you are using: you are Number 3. And it's not just his eyes. You feel and know a few other things. You are tasked with surveillance. You use the viewing station to keep tabs on whoever this man, the master, Abraxis, tell you to watch.

He is about to give you a new order. You await this eagerly. More purpose. More reasons to exists.

"Unit Number 3, my dear Number 3. You know, you were always the most useful one. When I started out I thought it'd be the druid. But I was wrong. You may quite literally be the best credits I've ever spent."

You swell with pride. The master is pleased. But then he puts his hand on your shoulder, and looks down into your eyes over his glasses.

"But I'm afraid this is where the road might end."

Your emotions, once so simple, now start racing. What does he mean by that?

"Truth is, you're special. Exceeded your programming and all that. But you have seen too many things. It is ironic, but I can't take you with me. I have decided to leave the other constructs here as well. Each with their own objectives. Even the golem, for what that's worth. It should be a few decades before the realm goes critical. I may be able to work something out by then.."

For a few moments his eyes trail off. He seems lost in thought. Then he looks back at you and continues.

"Anyway, for now we might as well keep the charade going. No sense ruining all of this. If it's gone it's gone, and if not we won't have to start over. So, Number 3. I'm giving you an additional objective until my return. In addition to your regular surveillance work, you are to make sure nobody learns I am truly gone. Take whatever measures you feel are needed."

He squeezes your shoulder before letting go and says farewell in words the real you doesn't know, but you know what they mean.

"Until I return."

Then he speaks a magical word and disappears. You walk over to the console and sit down. You take a long hard look at your keyboard, and then set it to "Draconic" before mouthing yourself.

"Until I return"

Fully aware that no-one in the demiplane must ever know.

[Archmage1]

Larissa continues to frown as she thinks.
"Ok, if the power was cut because running it will cause the destruction of the plane, then we need to minimize the time the power is online, so we will need to look around, and try to minimize that time. That will require cutting the power again, as soon as we reach the higher levels, assuming that doing so won't prevent us from going after Abraxis. Hopefully, we encounter the others along the way. Now, No3, you are called No3. Are the others still around?."
At the second comment, Larissa also responds.
"If you don't object, the easiest way for them to understand is to use the memory orb. Just touch it"
She points to the correct orb.

[ikbenscott]

Zara is overly exited when the simulations start. When he finishes all five of them, he does the entire thing again. (Should this require him to put on the suit again he does so)
After having finished it for a second time he is almost sure that he get's the gist of it. But because it was a lot of fun, just to make sure, he makes a 3rd run.
When exiting the solo chamber Zara moves over towards the teleporter pole and pushes the level 12 button. For Zara would also like a new outfit..That big one, looking all slick..I want it too..

EDIT; Sorry, I should have also told what clothes I want from level 12, if there are any clothes that fit Zara he will ofcourse opt for all black. Should there also be a black backpack, or better armor than padded I would also like those.

After Zara also returns to the library

[Breitheamh]

A manic grin spreads across Jorad's face when the hilt appears, instructing him to select a weapon. First he says, "Hammer," and giggles like a schoolgirl when a solid warhammer appears in his hand.

When he finishes the exercises with the hammer, he wipes a sheen of sweat off his forehead and unplugs everything, then restarts the simulation, this time commanding the hilt to form a longsword, the classic weapon of heroes. After completing the simulation a second time, his muscles scream for oxygen, but he can't resist trying it once more, this time with a massive greatsword.

Finally, he walks out of the simulation room, exhausted but feeling more powerful than ever, and heads back down to the library to return the crystal. Just he is about to press the button, however, he thinks better of it, and presses the button for the lobby where Etienne said he'd gotten his new clothes.

Jorad looks around him in wonder at the architectural feats he's witnessing in this tower. When he gets into the shop, (assuming Number 7's spiel is the same for Jorad as it was for Etienne) he first picks out some underwear. Going commando had been kind of making his skin crawl. He puts on a comfortable silvery gray short sleeve shirt and a matching pair of solid cargo pants, baggy enough to move freely but still tight enough to not get in the way. He laces up a solid pair of steel-toed combat boots and begins perusing a section of leather jackets before remembering something he'd seen back at the restaurant.

Still wearing the clothes, and whether Number 7 objects or not, he runs back out to the portal, hits the button for restaurant, and quickly finds what he's looking for in the cloak room: a sturdy sleeveless white leather vest. He pushes the button for the lobby once again, and runs back into the shop to admire his new look in the mirror.

Smiling confidently, he thanks Number 7 for the new clothes and heads back to the library.

[Qwertystop]

Trent goes to use the orb, and...
-discontinuity-
"Oh."

"So, we can't get a pass without turning on the power. If the power were on, would we be able to tell from the garbage disposal level? How is it turned on? Someone might turn on the power just long enough to get through the door, wait a few minutes, and then turn it on again for a moment so we could leave."

The strange idea of "other planes" would have to wait - this is more important.

[Tyrann]

In the room with Trent, Larissa and Mistin

"I believe the problem is not turning power on. My expertise on magical systems is limited but if my understanding is correct, the off switch no longer functions. You would be able to tell if the power was on from the Garbage Disposal Level. If power was off, teleportation from the Garbage Disposal to any other level in the tower would be impossible and the lights in the teleportation tube would all be red. There are emergency exits in the floor and ceiling. However, these are hard to reach without use of magic, and require clearance to open."

To the question of how many others there are "There used to be 19 of us. And the golem in the storehouse. Numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are still operational. Numbers 11, 14, 17 and 19 are damaged beyond repair. Status of the others is unknown.

Number 2 and myself work on surveilance on this level. Number 2 is currently engaged in operating the sea of dreams
Number 4 works in the botanical garden
Number 5 works in the library
Number 6 works in the theater
Number 7 works in the shop at the guest lobby

Number 11 was destroyed by the Master for the crime of spilling wine on his favorite robes 241 years ago
Number 14 was destroyed in the labs when the power was cut. Number 2 and I did not observe this event. Judging from the damage it is likely that his destruction was caused by a magical spell.
Numbers 17 and 19 used to work in the theater. They were decommissioned and scrapped by Logan Felhorn days after Abraxis' departure in an attempt to recreate us. The attempt failed. Logan Felhorn is known to you as the High Priest of Abraxis."

His staff grants some measure of clearance. It gives access to areas available to the Chosen, as well as Security and the Sea of Dreams. He has tinkered with it for decades and briefly gained access to the w-labs about 6 years ago. This clearance was removed by No. 3 a day later.

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks a bit confused.
"The off switch no longer functions? Was it damaged in some way? And if we go to the garbage disposal level, and locate the clearance, would we be able to use the emergency exits? Would there be similar exits to get to the upper levels? Does Logan know of Abraxis's status?"

[Tyrann]

"I do not know the specifics about why the power is difficult to turn off. I was ordered to delete most of the data I had relating to events that led to the tower evacuation. All I remember is that the Master evacuated the tower because he said the power could no longer be contained.
And yes, you would be able to leave the garbage disposal level if you obtained the clearance. The garbage level can be entered via any garbage chute.
I no longer possess any data regarding the architecture and security of the upper levels.
I am uncertain of what Logan Felhorn knows. Abraxis personally said his farewells to him. Number 2 and I were ordered to never alter Logan Felhorn's memory."

[Archmage1]

Larissa does not look happy when No3 reveals that Logan knows about Abraxis.
So Logan has known for all this time, and has done nothing.
Larissa continues to look worried as she continues asking questions.
"Do you know where we could learn what the difficulties were? I don't think we want to turn it on without knowing more."

[Tyrann]

The robot thinks for a few moments and then says

"Your best chance would be the logs in the research labs. The w-lab specialized in weave-related matters. It is likely you will find some answers there."

He then takes off the helmet (he's been wearing it this whole time) and looks back Larissa.

"When you go to the Garbage Disposal Level, I would advise you to bring all of the chosen currently within this tower and outside of the normal route. The remaining 3 are likely headed for the library and simulation rooms. If their location changes I will attempt to contact you. If you wish to contact me, please be aware that I cannot hear anything. But I can see you, and I can read lips. When talking to me, please do something to get my attention and make sure your face is well illuminated."

[Archmage1]

Larissa nods.
"Thank you. Would you know where in the labs the logs are? We will try to keep you advised of our progress."

[Tyrann]

"They should be on consoles not unlike the one I'm sitting at. They are on a separate power grid - you can activate them by standing near them and saying 'console activate'"

[JBarca]

When he's offered the orb, Mistin touches it, then recoils immediately following the "memory." As the plans are discussed, he merely listens in, half-focused on what he saw in the orb.

[Archmage1]

Larissa nods.
"Excellent, thank you. I believe we will head to the library now. You mentioned a teleporter?"

[Tyrann]

"Very well, then I shall set the teleporter tube to the Library. Step inside the tube over there when you are ready."

You hear the sound of moving cogwheels under the tall metal upright tube in the corner, and then its doors slide open. There are no lights inside this one, but you do see a raster at the bottom, with a tile underneath it.

[Archmage1]

Larissa smiles at No3.
"Thank you."
Without another word, she strides confidently into the tube.

[Tyrann]

Ok so we have some timeline problems now. It doesn't quite add up, but in order to not have to retcon anything, I'm going to say you arrive just after the others have left for the simulation level. Also the below is an edited repost, but that's because the custodian reacts in almost exactly the same way.

When you enter the library, it is all but impossible not to notice the paintings. Paintings of Abraxis everywhere. The outer walls are filled with them all the way up to the high windows. These windows would probably light the room during daytime, but it's dark outside now. Instead the room is lit by glowing orbs in the ceiling spotlights aimed at the paintings.

Because a picture can say a thousand words, here is the map. Walls 2 to 15 are shelved, filled with books and have ladders in front. The other walls are filled with paintings and magical pictures (mostly looping or reactive illusion magics in a flat pane).

About 20-30 seconds after them having arrived a new robot appears from behind the spiral in the middle. He introduces himself

"Ah, another chosen appears. Greetings chosen. I am Number 5, custodian and archivist in the great library of Abraxis. Have you come to learn more of our master? His autobiography spans sections 2 through 11. If you would instead prefer holocrystals, these can be found on wall 15."

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks around at the many books in amazement.
"It's... amazing! It makes our library look tiny in comparison!"
After No5 speaks, Larissa returns to reality.
"Another chosen? Are they still here? Is there an index of the books here?"

[Tyrann]

"Chosen Jorad, Zara and Etienne have left for the Simulation Level.

I keep an index as per the Master's request, but I have never seen the point in it. I assure you I am most knowledgeable on the location and contents of all volumes of Master's autobiography. Would you like to request a volume or would you perhaps like me to offer a suggestion?"

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"I was more hoping to see if you had books on other topics, or some sort of ordering by subjects."

[Tyrann]

"Section 12 contains literature on a breadth of subjects, including but not limited to: Arcana, Nature, Dungeoneering, The Planes and Psionics. Section 13 contains literature on weave based, planar/deific and psionic energy manipulation.
Section 14 contains literature on the nature of magical items, engineering, weapon and armor crafting and military strategy.

Are you sure you would not rather inquire about sections 2 to 11? Section 5 in particular has several hundred entries that come highly recommend. Or would you perhaps like some information pertaining to the paintings? Here for instance, we see Abraxis posing in front of a fireplace. Here, we see Abraxis posing in front of a similar fireplace, but if you pay close attention you'll notice he is squinting slightly with his left eye..."

If Zara, Jorad or Etienne had been here, they would tell you the warforged is doing the exact same routine it was doing before.

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head, firmly.
"No, I think I would rather see what I can learn from the library. Do you mind if I see the indexes for sections twelve through 14? Is removing the books from the library permitted?"

[Tyrann]

"Please help yourself The indexes are inside the spiral. You may check out seven books at a time. Please make sure to return them before you leave the tower."

Inside the spiral you the indexes, a whole lot of paint, brushes and canvases, a few brooms, mops and various other cleaning equipment, and a broken twig that says "prestidigitation" on it.

[Archmage1]

Not knowing what prestidigitation is, Larissa looks over the indexes.

[Qwertystop]

Rushing along, still feeling like things have gotten away from him a bit, and then - the library. The marvelous, amazing library, full of books on things he'd never even heard of... and perhaps too many on someone he'd heard quite a lot of.

For all Trent knew, everything he'd discovered might already be written here... or even surpassed?

Stunned by the possibilities, he is silent through Larissa's conversation with the librarian. On reaching the index, he begins to search as well.
"Do you see anything about, ah, mixtures that do things? I've been experimenting, and I thought that this library might have something about things like what I've been discovering, but... I don't know what they'd call them.

If you don't know what you're looking for, though, it's not going to be easy to find. If Trent doesn't find it in time, he goes back to ask the librarian for assistance.

[JBarca]

Mistin stands in awe when he sees the books.

He glances at the index, shrugs, and picks six books at random from section 12-14, then asks the librarian for a suggestion from section five to add to his list.

[Tyrann]

Mistin

You grab various books on various subjects, the most interesting of which is


Introduction

There has long been controversy regarding the nature of divine magic. Traditionalists have always argued that without a personal sense of tranquility and connection to ones deity, a divine spell cannot be cast. Academic attempts are oft labeled as acts of heresy.
However, more recently it has been found that an academic approach can yield results that, while somewhat limited in power, can emulate virtually any school of divine magic.
While these intellectual approaches can never replace the true connection one would otherwise have to ones deity, it is our belief that understanding the fundamentals of magic can greatly aid those struggling to take the first few steps in the world of magic.

This book, whilst academic in its approach, is meant as a studyguide for clerics. It aims to list the fundamentals of correct intonation of the verbal components and basic arcane manipulation.

As such, it is (....)

Index

Chapter 1: Amanuensis
Chapter 2: Candlelight
Chapter 3: Create Water
...

It says in the cover that there is supposed to be a holocrystal studyguide that goes with the book.

Other titles include
The ecology and migratory habits of Owlbears
Exceptional Ungulates and their use as Mounts
Arcanist and Airship #326 (a magazine - the cover has a cute lady sitting on the railing of a very slick looking gigantic boat that seems to be floating in the sky.)

You also find a few books in languages you can't read, and a very interesting little booklet that functions as a dictionary to twenty different languages. It automatically detects the language in an adjacent book and the letters inside it change accordingly. It freaks out and becomes word soup when you use a few books of different languages at the same time.

When you ask number 5 for recommendations, he takes out a book titled "Year 71, month 3, day 1-15"
He flips to
As the clouds must produce rain, so too must I once more grace with world with the blessing of intellect it so clearly needs and so dearly craves. Today I have yet again heeded the call that echoes throughout the universe - a cry of helplessness to stand against the onslaught that is complexity. Once more I have seen fit to bestow life unto the world. I just wish the drawings had been more clear. Somehow I always end up with spare parts when I use IWEA products.
"That is about me!" the custodian beams.

Trent and Larissa

The index is made of paper, no magic involved. The system is a bit of a mess. Clearly most attention has gone to sections 2 - 11. The books in section 2-11 are numbered in 3 different ways. They are sorted chronologically, but are also numbered by number of stars awarded (they all have 5/5 so this is rather random) and the amount of times the letter A appears in them.

Books in sections 12 and 13 are sorted by field of knowledge (arcana, dungeoneering, geography, nature, nobility and royalty, psionics, religion, the planes) and spellcraft, and alphabetic after that. Section 14 is sorted by fields of knowledge (architecture and engineering, history, local, martial lore) and a section on professions. Strangely Alchemy and Chemistry are labeled as a professions but also have a section dedicated to just those two topics. A rather large section at that.

[Archmage1]

Larissa, seeing the collection of books, notes the locations of the books on arcana, psionics, the planes, spellcraft, alchemy, and chemistry, intending to go there, and get a better look at the available titles, looking for a good introductory book for each.

[Tyrann]

Larissa finds the following books.

Arcana:
Lists various magical creatures and goes into some extra detail with regards to dragons and the dangers of breath weapons.

Is like a college textbook. It is thick, and the way of writing is a bit dry. But it's highly informative and fairly readable, if a bit slow to read both due to the difficulty and the font size. You'll need a dictionary to read it: it is written in Draconic.

Psionics:
Details creatures that are naturally psionic and examines their unique neurological properties.

Planes:
Gives a list of various outsiders and how to recognize them.

Details planar properties and how they can harm you, as well as notable locations in the different planes.

Spellcraft:
Is a pocketsized plastified booklet that has basic information on spells. It labels spells in "circles of magic". The lower ones use terms and abbreviations you've never seen before. The higher ones reference at least 10 other pages in a single paragraph.

Alchemy and chemistry:
Is a univerity textbook. The later chapters are far too advanced for you to understand everything, but it has a few introductory chapters that are reasonably understandable.

Some of these books are up to 2000 pages. If you were to read this selection fully it would probably take you about a year.

[Archmage1]

Larissa collects all but the dragonslaying for dummies books, carefully removing them, and reverently stacking them, before she looks in the catalog for a draconic to common dictionary.

[Tyrann]

Larissa finds her dictionary (both the magical and mundane versions are available).

[Qwertystop]

Trent goes to look for books on alchemy and chemistry, and a dictionary if necessary.

[Archmage1]

Choosing what appears to be a good draconic to common dictionary, Larissa adds it to her pile, intending to read her books later. With the ease of long practice, she picks them all up, and heads over to near the entrance.
"No5, is there somewhere where I might get a bag for these? Waterproof, if possible."

[Tyrann]

No 5 replies to Larissa "Sadly I do not carry bags here. However, the shop in the guest lobby carries a multitude of bags."

Trent finds a few books that look interesting. The most interesting one being the Arcanist Cookbook.
It details several supposedly highly volatile mixtures, created with household items and a tiny spark of magic.

[Archmage1]

"How would I get to the guest lobby, to pick up a bag?"

[Tyrann]

"To get to the lobby, stand inside the teleportation tube over there, and press the button next to 12th: Lobby/Guest rooms."

When Larissa arrives in the lobby, she too sees the fish tank surrounding this level, and the double doors that lead to the shop.

When you step inside, No. 7 greets your warmly asks if you are in need of new clothing. He is all too happy to help you out in any way you need, and frequently offers suggestions and magazines.

[JBarca]

Mistin pretends to be most interested in the book suggested, and reads several passages in front of the librarian.

Then he returns the book on Owlbears, Ungulates, and the biography. He looks for more books on magic. Those are the interesting ones, after all.

[Archmage1]

Following the directions of No5, Larissa soon arrives into the Lobby/Guest rooms, and is guided into the able hands of No7. She enquirers about acquiring a bag for her books, but when she hears about clothing, she is interested, and looks over the available clothing, seeking panties, and some nice, but practical clothing.

[Qwertystop]

Trent does similarly up to the point of discovering that clothes are available. At that point, he tries to find something sturdy, as well as - "Do you have anything with lots of pockets?"

[Tyrann]

Mistin

Mistin does indeed find more books on magic, divine and arcane. They are almost exclusively written in Draconic, highly theoretical and filled with formulas of strange symbols and odd diagrams that span several pages.

It's tough to get through these. But after a while things do start to make some sense.
According to these books the world around you is layered with various forms of background energies. Different forms of magic specialize in manipulating their own preferred form of this background energy.
To cast a spell, one would tap into all background energies and transform these into something they are comfortable manipulating.

The book says that the drawing process for lower level spells is simple enough: you don't need that much power yet. Transforming can be skipped almost entirely. The shaping process is the hardest step for new casters.

Trying to cast is like slamming your head into a wall. With the instructions in the book of Orizons it doesn't take you very long to create a few effects that look like heat hazes following your fingers, though they aren't actually hot.
You realize that all you're managing to do for now is throwing the local background energies off balance. You can't sense what is what yet, let alone manipulate it.

You can either make int checks with the books or ditch the books and start feeling things out with wis or cha checks (1 roll per hour spent working on this, you need a 20). Or you can try to find an easier way of learning. Succeeding will unlock a full casting class of your choosing that casts off the rolled mental stat (though not the more nature-y ones.)

Larissa

Number 7 keeps on handing you magazines. He is disappointed by your choice of undergarments. The Master is very choosy in this regard. "But", he says, "taste is a matter of opinion. Or so the Master says. And of course," he is quick to add, "the Master's opinion is the only one that anyone ought to care about."

When you're finally done he takes a deep bow. "We hope you are pleased with our services and trust you will have a pleasant stay in our tower. Thank you for using this shop." If you wait around, he adds "If you would like to make use of our Lobster Selection Service, please inform me. I will tend to your request as soon as I am done aiding Chosen Trent."

Trent

No. 7 puts you on hold until he is done helping Larissa: "Unfortunately module 'Dress the Chosen' does not allow for large quantities of multitasking. I will be with you shortly. Thank you for your patience and understanding."
Any questions asked before your turn get exactly that reply. Comments made between Larissa and Trent are ignored completely.

When it is finally your turn and you ask about the bags he replies "Loading module 'Dress the Chosen'. Of course we have items with bags! We have shirts over there, pants on that wall, hoodies on that rack, jackets, cloaks and vests on that side of the store and belts in that basket near the counter. We even have gloves with pockets. And if something is not to your liking I could always add more pockets for you."

If it's clothing and you can think it up, he can probably make it.

The Arcanist Cookbook that you found earlier covers a few mixtures you had already discovered on your own, as well as a few that build on those and a whole host of new ones, many of them with materials you've seen before. Interestingly, some of these mixtures supposedly require a spark of magic as a catalyst.

The books states that the most common way of adding this magic is by "casting" whatever that means. But it also notes that there are a few races, like dragons, that use their breath to imbue mixtures.

The other books you found on alchemy also list a few materials that sound really cool. If only you could find somewhere where they might have things to experiment with..

[Archmage1]

Larissa smiles at No7.
"Of course, but sometimes, a change is more attractive than what you thought you wanted. I think I'll think about the lobster service, while you talk with Trent."
While Larissa waits, she idly flips through the draconic dictionary, trying to memorize common words. After Trent finishes, she will inquire about the lobster selection service.
"What do you mean by lobster selection service?"

[Tyrann]

After the formal bow and well wishes to Trent, number 7 turns to Larissa and replies
"The Lobster Selection Service allows you to personally select a lobster from our aquarium for use in our restaurant. If you would like to use this service, I will suit up and catch the lobster of your choice, which you can point out from inside the comfort of our lobby. Before using this service, please consult with your cleric if you are unsure about allergies."

[Tyrann]

If/when anyone visits the Simulations level while the other 3 are in there, you notice 3 of the obsidian rooms have red letters on the door that say "Occupied"

When you pass one of these rooms, a gentle but somewhat monotone female voice asks you "Would you like to request spectator mode?"


1d3, Etienne is 1, Jorad is 2, Zara is 3.

The corresponding player will get a request saying "A visitor is requestion spectator rights. To activate, say 'Yes'. To decline say 'No.'"

From inside a small window appears, where you can see the spectators.

From the outside, a large part of the wall goes translucent and you can see inside the simulation, in the same way that they guys inside see it.

[Archmage1]

After being shown the aquarium, Larissa stares at the strange creatures and rocks inside, rapidly taking notes in her notebook.
"I... it's incredible, but... it seems cruel to kill them. After all, they are already trapped. However, you did mention something about suits? Capable of keeping you alive underwater? Would they work on me? We need to go to the waste disposal level, and something to keep us alive if we come out while underwater could be most helpful."

[Tyrann]

"The X-153 Robotic Diving Suit is not intended for use by organics. It is waterproof, but does not provide air, nor does it cater to organic anatomy in the wrist, ankle and groin areas. Furthermore, the eco-system of the aquarium is fragile. Exposure of the diving suit to microflora from the Garbage Disposal level is 95,7% likely to lead to total coral destruction, which would in turn lead to the death of all fish inside the tank. An unappealing lobster tank would violate the wishes of the Master."

[Archmage1]

Larissa seems disappointed.
"That is unfortunate. Do you have any clothing that would be suitable to the contents of the garbage disposal level?"

[Tyrann]

"Unfortunately your request is outside my area of expertise. The master prefers the chosen are clean when he meets them. Would you like directions to the bathhouse?"

[Archmage1]

Larissa shaker her head.
"No, thank you. I think it's time we went to the simulation level, to collect the other chosen. Thank you."

With that, she waits for Trent, before going to the simulation level, soon guessing that the occupied rooms contained the other chosen, so she hits spectate on each of them, and waves once she can see them, gesturing for them to come out.
So these simulations are meant to train people in new skills? Interesting, but I think finding that clearance, and at least looking at the labs first is a good idea. We may need to access information stored here then, and if running power destroys the universe faster... we need to know first.

[JBarca]

Fascinating.

Mistin checks out the books he has and follows the rest of the group, nose deep in the books. He waves away the offers of food and clothing, though, when he hears mention of the bags, he does accept that. When Larissa begins talking about garbage, he looks up briefly.

"Garbage? Well that sounds awful. Anyway, mind if I stay here and read why you gather the others? These are... fascinating."

Without waiting for a real response, he buries his face back in the book, and wiggles his fingers a bit, to no effect. He sighs.

Int check (Aiming for Archivist, I think) [roll0]
EDIT: Great start. :smallsigh:

[Qwertystop]

Trent selects - or, more likely, requests - "a cloak that's made entirely of pockets, all sorts of colors," plans already buzzing for all the things he'll keep in them. The rest of the clothes he picks are more sturdy stuff, so as to hold up to any accidents in the process of actually making said things.

On the way out, he says: "I hope we get a chance to look in the labs before the whole power thing starts. There's a lot of interesting stuff here, but I'd need equipment to make it with."

The cloak is the one I put up pictures of before, except with pockets. One of the rare cases where a simple Google gives plenty of good pictures - search "gleeman cloak" noquotes.

[Archmage1]

Before leaving the Library.
"Mistin, can you go to the simulation level to read? That way, everyone else should be in one place."

Before leaving the guest chambers.
"We will need to take action to turn on the power, and we won't do so until we know more."

[JBarca]

Mistin shrugs and heads toward the simulation room, mumbling to himself and moving his hands in strange gestures as he does so.

Tyrann: if you could let me know when an hour has passed, that'd be great.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad gives a short wave and slight smile back to Larissa as she looks in, then immediately goes back to his work.

When he finally steps out, he looks around at the others. "All you," he points around at the newcomers who were spectating his, Etienne's, and Zara's simulations, "you got to try this. It's awesome. Anyway, nice clothes, guys. I think I'll go get some myself as well. When I get back, you have to tell me what you guys have been up to."

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"We learned quite a lot, but the bottom line is that we need to go to the garbage disposal level to retrieve a pass, so we can get into the labs, so we can save the universe. In retrospect... getting new clothing was probably a bad idea, since, well, we need to go to the garbage disposal level."

[Stegyre]

Etienne waves distractedly at Larissa before returning his full attention to the mustachioed old sensei guiding his moves and thoughts. He is cheered to think that the other Chosen are altogether, once again. This can only be a good sign. They have an important mission.
Etienne is thinking, of course, of Number 5's direction that they must inform Abraxis about the malfunctions in the storage area.
. . . and she is wearing new clothes! She must have been to visit Number 7.

He finishes about the same time as Jorad and exits the simulation booth to meet the others.

EDIT: He listens intently to Larissa's retelling of what happened with the others since he was separated, their encounter with Number 3, the long-ago departure of Lord Abraxis, the danger to home and everything that they know.

This is serious. Turning to Jorad, he adds to Larissa's comment, "This is clearly more important than new clothes," but turning back to Larissa, he adds, "On the other hand. In the short time I have been in this Simulation, I have learned a very great deal. Wondrous things and abilities. I think I am far better prepared for such a mission than I was before. I would be surprised if Jorad's experience has not been the same.

"If what you say is true, Larissa, the world has held together for almost forty years, so disaster is likely yet years away still, or at least, I hope, days, weeks, or months. If we may each take an hour or two to be better prepared, I think our chance of success will improve greatly.

"The choice is yours, but I suggest you find a holycrystal to your interest and try this simulation. While you do so, I can scout out a garbage chute. The delay should not be long."

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"We know that forty years ago, leaving the power on in the labs would mean that the universe ends in two weeks. With that much time... the universe could end a lot sooner, making time precious, and I think those simulations probably take a lot of power. Time is precious, all the more so since we don't know how much we have."

[Stegyre]

Etienne shrugs, "As you wish." He feels dubious. If their time is that short, then it will be mere fortuity if it is not already too late. Still, there could be no more important task.

"I think we need to know which level -- of those we can reach -- is closest above the disposal level.

"We need to know where the chute is on that level. Number 3 seems to know the most, so he should tell us this.

"We need rope, in case we need to climb back up the chute. There must be some on the storage level, and Number 3 can tell the Hand of Abraxis to help us find it.

How about if I go get the rope, while you learn these things from Number 3? It sounds like it may have been Number 3's voice we heard on the storage level, so you can direct me from there where to meet you."

He looks to the rest to see if these thoughts meet with their approval, and if any wish to accompany him.

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"No3 can see us, but I don't think he can hear us, so he reads lips. I don't think finding the disposal chutes will be difficult, but we'll need to leave via the emergency exits, which take us to the level above and below the disposal level. A well designed disposal chute wouldn't allow things that enter to climb back up. Still we should have a look at the storage level again, to see if there is anything else useful there, but I don't remember a lot of really usable things there, other than food. We might also run into additional chosen, or the high priest, who... knows, and has done nothing, which suggests that he would be more interested in keeping what's going on a secret, although his staff could be useful. I believe we will find the chute in the restaurant level."

[Stegyre]

Etienne disagrees, firmly.

"I can think of any number of things that might go wrong, preventing us from leaving the garbage level by the emergency exits, and whether or not these garbage chutes, which none of us have ever seen, would prevent someone from climbing back up by means of a rope, I cannot think of a way that having a rope that we didn't need would hurt us.

"Moreover, if I'm going down a chute that is made for garbage, which does not care how far or fast it tumbles, I want a rope to slow my descent, for I do care how far or fast I go.

"By all means, let us go to the garbage level, but first, I will get some rope.

"Second, do you know that the restaurant level is closest to the garbage level, or is this only surmise? I want to know, not guess."
Etienne is going to be very firm on this: he will get rope, unless he goes to the storage level and is told there is no rope to have. If necessary, he will try to go to see No. 3 to get the answers not yet known: where is closest to the garbage level (because we probably do not have an infinitely-long rope); in an emergency, is there anything to bar us from using a rope to climb back up the chute to get out of the garbage level?

Before leaving the others, he will wave his arms around at the walls, anywhere No. 3 might be watching from, and slowly say, "I am going to the storage area for rope to climb down the garbage chute. Please instruct the Hand of Abraxis to help me find it."

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"I never said that we wouldn't try to get rope. My suspicion is that the garbage disposal is handled the same way as we are moved between levels, which would make the rope useless. But by all means, I can go and ask No3 while you collect rope. We can meet back at the restaurant level, since I suspect that it will do.."

With that, Larissa heads out, meaning to ask No3 the questions.
"Is there a difference between the garbage chutes? Where do the emergency exits come out? How was the pass lost? Is there a garbage chute in the restaurant? Will we be injured in entering one of the chutes?"

[Qwertystop]

"I agree about the rope - not much point taking a risk like that when the power's not on yet. Save our luck for when we need to rush."

"So, what sort of things did you learn in the simulation, anyway?"

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"I learned –" he pauses, uncertain what to say about the "enhanced mode" the simulation had allowed him to invoke. In a moment of haste, he decides that would take too long to explain, "I learned how to fight and defend myself better. It was very – instructive." The truth, if perhaps not the whole truth. He turns to Jorad for help, hoping that his experience resembles and supports Etienne's own.

"It is amazing. You need not do the same holycrystal I did. Find one that you think may interest you. I think you will not regret it."
It is wondrous how these simulations can teach one so much, so quickly! he thinks. He looks down at his hands, flexing and stretching them, and feeling the strange power he is now able to summon within himself. Ever since the nightmares have started, he had found he was much more – connected – with himself than before, like he had somehow evolved to a new kind of life. Now, he felt like he had done so yet again.

I am "becoming," but becoming what?

[Breitheamh]

"I think instructive is too small a word, Etienne," Jorad says excitedly. "It was like this thing took everything I know, everything I want to be, and made it real. Give me a sword, or a hammer, or an axe, and I'll do things you've never seen before. And yet, it feels like only the beginning of a journey."

This is where my destiny begins, he thinks to himself.

[ikbenscott]

I learned how to be more cautious so to say..
Zara does allow others to see the mischief he created in simulation, but does not pay the onlookers any attention.
When he gets out of the simulation, he waves at the rest of the party and listens to the plans carefully.

Etienne, I will accompany you. I thinks that there might be some vines in the garden level which we can use as rope. Also, the garbage shute is in the kitchen, maybe you can lower me down into it..and I'll have a look, should it be to far down, or too dangerous you can pull me up right?

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"Vines sound like a good alternative, if we can't find any rope," Etienne nods in agreement. "We can go get one or the other while Larissa gets more information from Number 3."

[Tyrann]

Trent

No. 7 gets out a measure ribbon and a large map of fabric samples and asks how you would like the pockets - inside, out, or both. He tells you making the cloak will take about 6 hours - he will get to work straight away.

Larissa

It takes a while - long enough that it might feel like he isn't going to respond - before you get a reply from No. 3. The answers to your questions come as a whisper in the back of your mind.
"Limited 3 replies per day. Chutes - different sections same level. Emergency - bottom LeMurs top abandoned dragon hatchery. Restaurant chutes exist. Fall likely not lethal.

Mistin

After nearly 2 hours of waving now, your fingers and wrists are starting to tire. But you're making improvement. Maybe with a few more tries and..
Another hour has passed. Good luck!

[Tyrann]

Etienne and Zara

You get to the teleportation tube, intending to go to the storehouse, when you notice a problem.

1st: Bathhouse
2nd:Restaurant
3rd: Theater
4th: Botanical garden
5th: Library
6th: W-Labs
7th: Bio-labs
8th: P-Labs
9th: Security
10th: Simulations <<
11th: Ballroom
12th: Lobby/Guest rooms

Previous garden description can be found here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18763387&postcount=90).

The warden, who is transporting a few plants on opaque platforms that float 3 feet above the ground behind tiny propellor drones, turns to greet you.

"Welcome back, chosen Zara" and turning to Etienne "Welcome chosen. My name is number 4, tasked with preserving nature's balance. Is there anything I can do for you?"

[Breitheamh]

Jorad stays behind with Larissa while Zara and Etienne go looking for rope.

"So, what did you find out?" he asks.

I guess he hasn't gone to get his new clothes yet? Meaning he's still in his ceremonial robes?

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"Greetings, Number 4. We need a route back to the storage area, or if that cannot be done, we could use some vines, long enough, and strong enough, to be used as ropes. We have an assignment Number 3 to descend the garbage chutes. Can you help us?"

[Tyrann]

Jorad

Whether Jorad has clothing or not is up to you. Whatever makes sense, I'm fine either way.

When Jorad finally gets to the shop, number 7 gets up from his work on a cloak that appears to be made of bright patches of cloth and bows to you.

"Greetings chosen. I am number 7. Welcome to our humble shop. Olfactory sensors indicate elevated levels of transpiration-related odors on your person.

Have you been working out?

If I may be so bold: we recommend copious use of AbrAxe déodorant and remind chosen to use the bath-house after prolonged physical activity. Abraxis prefers his chosen lemony fresh!"

Etienne and Zara

"I do not know how to get to the Magnificent Storehouse. My place is here in the Garden. However, I do have vines."

He walks over to the back of the white-wood shed that holds the teleporter, and returns with two rain ponchos which he offers to you. They look old and decrepit so they probably won't stop much water, but it's the thought that counts, right?

"Please follow me when you are ready."

He walks over to the centre of the level, and calls three of the small propellor constructs to him. When you join him, your feet feel weird. Sticky.

"Before we move on, I am required by Abraxis to offer you a warning. Once turned, stepping off the marked platform is likely to result in injury or death. Please take care to not leave the marked platform and only step off the marked platform to get on the floating disks behind the garden helpers.

Abraxis reminds all users of tower services that to the greatest extent permissible by applicable law, Abraxis does not guarantee or warrant that any use of or contact with the tower or anything therein will not lead to inadvertent damage to your person.

Would you like to proceed?"

[Qwertystop]

Trent is, at this point, just waiting with Larissa - having nothing to do, it's better to not split the group up any more than it already is.

In reply to No. 7: "Inside and out, please. But... I'm not sure if we'll be here in six hours - maybe you shouldn't bother."

[Stegyre]

Etienne

The strange warnings and disclaimers make Etienne's head spin. I wonder if there is a holycrystal to teach one to speak like that, he wonders. He looks at Zara and then back to Number 4, "Yes, I think?"

[ikbenscott]

Upon entering the gardens Zara is happy to be back in such an magnificent part of the tower. He takes one of the ponchos handed to him by number four. Zara is very exited and replies to Etienne with a hastened voiceYeah for sure man..You have to say yes..We are gonna fly..This is amazing..I also flew with Jorad..We should be fine
Zara then replies to number fourYes, I would like to proceed while he is still struggling with the oversized poncho.

[Archmage1]

Larissa smiles and nods as No.3 responds.
"It sounds like there is a chute in different sections, and that he doesn't believe that the fall would be lethal. The emergency exits lead to LeMurs for the bottom exit, and an abandoned dragon hatchery for the top exit. Neither of which sounds very good, but with some luck, we can get back to the tower proper from there."

[Tyrann]

Etienne and Zara

After you've both consented, you hear and feel a loud thump, accompanied by jets of brown dust rising up all along the outline of a large circle surrounding you two and the warforged.

Then, suddenly, the inside of this outlined circle drops a few inches and flip-turns 180 degrees with incredible speed. The sudden sensation of your stomach being pulled makes place for the feeling of blood flowing to your head - you end up hanging upside down, 50 feet up, from the ceiling. All around you see luminescent jungle plants, vines and a few very odd insects.

There is rain pouring down from the entire ceiling, spattering off the thick canopy. The air here is heavy and humid. What little sweat you had left after your training immediately appears on your skin under the would-be waterproof poncho. The only rain-free spot appears to be your upsidedown platform, and as the hover bugs fly over to the side and form their concave disks, you can immediately see the rain starting to fill them.

The warforged gets on the first one and tells you. "Please follow follow me." Two more disks park, and you train along.

Unlike the previous levels, this one seems to have a few horizonal tracts for the hoverbugs, allowing them to navigate the trees to some extent. When you get to a vine tree that glows in rave-blue neon, No. 4's drone stops and he asks "Was this what you were looking for?"

[Stegyre]

Etienne reaches a hand out to one of the vines to test it for strength, though he has no experience with such things. He decides he should defer to Number 4: "That depends. Would one of these be strong enough to support a person, climbing up and down? If so, that is what we want, probably at least 50' in length."

[Tyrann]

The rain pours heavy on your heads, so the druid has to raise his mechanical voice to make himself understandable.

"Yes, the vines would be sturdy enough, at least until they are used up. Though that is not their purpose. This is glowvine. "

He grabs a vine and holds it up in his hand, water bouncing off. The vines are a series of canules separated by nodes about every feet.

"Here. Cut off the end, just under the node." He gives the vine to Zara.

The moment you blade cuts through, brightly glowing saps ooze out of the wound and solidify almost immediately after. This causes a chain-reaction in the cut off part. First you see a pattern of glowing lines and noduli form. And then it gets brighter and brighter until it gives off more light than even a torch would.

"The same can be done by pressing down hard on the nodes. It is this species' means of reproduction. The tree's seeds are carried around by creatures using it for light. The light lasts about 6 hours, and for this duration the vine will remain sturdy. Afterwards, the vine snaps open to release its seeds. The stress caused by climbing will likely activate all of the vines."

Zara, your fingers on the hand that was holding the vine are a bit glowy too, because the rain caused a little of the hardening sap to ooze over them.
It's dim, but definitely noticeable.

The vines are about 10 to 15 foot each, and he can give you about 100 feet.

Mechanically, this functions like a sunrod except as otherwise noted. It weighs a pound per 5 feet. He says that if you treat them carefully, they stay good for about a year after they're removed from the tree.

[Stegyre]

Etienne

"Well, with that, we should rejoin the others. Thank you Number 4. If you can help us back to the transport tube, we will continue our mission." Etienne looks up dubiously, wondering how they get back through the ceiling-that-was-formerly-the-floor, and hoping the process won't involve the same rush of vertigo.

And as he feels his damp clothing, he thinks, self-cleaning and self-drying, that is how someone should enchant clothing.

[Archmage1]

Not hearing anything else from those with her, Larissa starts heading towards the teleportation chambers, meaning to go to the restaurant.

[Breitheamh]

"Ok, then. Restaurant it is," Jorad says as he follows behind Larissa. "Just be careful. There's a guy named Vinny in the kitchen. He's big, kind of scary looking, and I don't trust him. He didn't try to kill me and Zara or anything, but something just doesn't seem quite right with him."

[Archmage1]

Larissa pauses, and looks back at Jorad.
"Thank you for the warning. With luck, we won't need it, but... it is good to know."

[Qwertystop]

Following, Trent remarks "Well, if we're in a position to choose when we get to that bit, I'd prefer the dragon hatchery. It's easier to get from up to down than from down to up, especially if the others get us some rope."

[Archmage1]

Larissa nods, smiling.
"My thoughts exactly!"

[ikbenscott]

Zara has a bit of trouble adjusting himself to the idea of leaping downwards when hanging upside down. He does not want to land on his head so he makes a nimble jump onto the disk..

[roll0]

When arriving at the glow-vine Zara is fascinated by this plant. He has never seen such a thing. He does not really like the fact that his hands are very visible now so he tries to rub some of the glowing sap off with the rainwater. He thinks Ehm, this might be useful for the big ones..they will need this to see when there is little light..how useless are their eyes..

Zara replies to number four Thank you again kind number four. Could you spare me 50' please?
Zara hastily puts the glow-vine away and tries to take in as much of the wonderful garden as possible and he is happy he is flying again. He gives Etienne a honest smile which is filled with excitement.

[Tyrann]

Bella

Yesterday
Like all other chosen, you arrived the evening before the ceremony. A priest welcomed you, and tapped your hand with a thin wooden rod that left a blue A on your hand. Afterwards you enjoyed the first night of the festival surrounding the tower ceremony. There were roasted foods, there was alcohol, there were fireworks. And above all, there were people. Everyone from the entire world was here.

This morning
You arrived at the grand temple of Abraxis at dawn. You were shown in by a priest, and asked to change into ceremonial robes. If you tried to smuggle anything in, this is where you will have needed to do so: after the changing robes you were taken through a box-like device that scanned you for roughly 18 seconds and then padded down by a priest.
You were led into a room with stone tablets in the back.

The truths as spoken by Abraxis
1) Everything in life is impermanent and ever changing. Therefor transformation is useful, but ultimately without an end, and as such cannot lead to happiness.
2) A life based on possessing is not without its merits, but is ultimately hollow.
3) You can hide behind veils, but sooner or later you will meet one that sees true.
4) Do not cling to negativity, for it will never lead to eternal peace.
5) Truth does not lie in evocation, and one who is complete need never do it so long as he is mindful of his shadow.
6) Think with your mind, create with your hands. Without both of these authentic creation is impossible.
7) Divine not truths too difficult to grasp, for knowledge is the bane of bliss. Live your life in bliss, and know that God is good.
8) To truly live a life of happiness, Abjure all but that Abraxis is God.
Know that Abraxis is a Champion of Abjuration and to follow the eighth, most noble of truths is to follow in His footsteps.

The way of life
1) To work hard is to be close to God.
2) Treat all sentient beings with love and respect.
3) All sentient beings are born equal.
4) Priests serve as shepherds to man.
DC 25 will save. Failing means you are charmed by Abraxis (as the charm monster spell).


About ten minutes after all of the chosen arrived in this room, the High Priest appeared. He was an old hunchbacked tiefling that walked with a staff. The other chosen whispered about him

"He is the only person in the world who is a direct descendant to all five demigods, as well as several angels."

He said a few prayers with you and then left you, leaving a senior priest to brief you all on the procedure.

"Soon you will be brought to your designated ceremonial delivery carts. There are twenty carts, and groups have been carefully preselected. Please do not stray from your group.

Once inside, you will drive between the sea of history and the sea of dreams. You are free to admire these, but keep in mind you have five minutes until the next cart goes in.

Once you are in the middle of the tower, you will ride over the Tiles of Ascendance, which will lead you to the Magnificent Storehouse.

There you will be met by the Man of Metal. He will point out where you are to place your offerings. Do not be disturbed if you are aided in this by the Invisible Hands. They, like the Man of Metal, are an extension of Abraxis' will. After this is done, you are to present yourself to the Mirror of Inner Beauty. We all pray that one of you will be deemed worthy of meeting our beloved creator."

The wait for the evening was long. But when it finally came you were informed you'd be in the second to last cart. You met the other chosen you'd be on a cart with. A human. A boring human.

Outside the tower
When you set off from the temple compound towards the actual tower, it's like the entire world has come out to watch you. You see friends, family, and so many people you have never seen before. All of them singing, cheering and praying for you. A few of them try to shake your hands and wish you good luck.

When you get in front of the plaza, there's a large clearing in front of the tower. No-one but the chosen are allowed here. The first cart goes in and five minutes later the second, accompanied by cheers. And then the third. And so on.

And then, there is confusion. There is excitement. The chosen on the third cart never came out. Their cart came out, driven by a girl called Agnes who was so overwhelmed that she couldn't remember what she had seen inside, just that it had been glorious.

Could it really be that Abraxis had finally selected chosen, after 40 years of absence?

And then. Finally. It is your turn.
When your human cart buddy drives the cart through the tower's gate, the first thing you notice is the light. There is white light everywhere. The second thing you notice is another set of holy tablets on the ceiling that seem to radiate with similar power.

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yYfwO9J9N9MfXQMfpjN0eyrxIFdXerDD68vO1z9jryA/edit?usp=sharing) You start at (AP, 4)

The ceiling is incredibly high up. At least a thousand feet. The pillars holding it up are beautiful, with dragon carvings curling around them. And on both sides of the room is a sea of whiteness that begins to take form as you come in.

On your right:
You see the history of mighty Abraxis shaping the world. You see him, beard and all, heroically fighting the ancient dragon of old. It feels so real you can actually feel the wind when the dragon flaps his wings, and you can smell the acid in the air when it breathes.

Abraxis charges right through the breath as men fall all around him, striking down on the beast with a thundering axe and ripping through it's entire chest, causing it to explode in a cloud of acid.

Then you see him destroying many younger dragons, rather brutally and heroic, before erecting the tower that reached unto the heavens, upon the top of which he places his throne.

Then you see him create the grass, the trees, the animals, and then the people.

The people bring him offerings and Abraxis looks on from the top of his tower, blessing them.

On the left:
It has a few seconds of delay, but after a while you figure out that any thought you focus on for more than six seconds is echoed and projected in the sea of white.

Images start with surface thoughts. Faces you've just seen in the crowd, or the songs they sang. Notable things you saw inside the temple or details of the tower. Maybe even Abraxis slaying the dragon. But soon the images become more guided, following the focus of your thoughts. It could be memories, it could be fantasies, it could be the wildest thing you can think up. As long as you focus on creating it and try to make it appear.

A minute ago

When you got to the middle of the floor, you saw what must have been the tiles of ascendance. A circle made out of mosaic tiles that show a night sky. When the horses went on, they disappeared front to back as they got to the innermost ring. Soon after, the cart followed, and you found yourself somewhere new.

The first thing you noticed was the stench. Something was definitely rotting in there. The other thing that felt weird was the air. It was cold, but only from one side of the room.

It took a few moments for your eyes to adjust. This room was much less bright than the previous one. But you could immediately make out a huge reflective shape: the Man of Metal.

You heard a metalic voice

"Greetings chosen. I am the Man of Metal, right hand to Abraxis and extension of His will. We thank you for your gifts, and request your aid in bringing the following items to the following locations.

4 large cheeses, Quarter C, Aisle 12 row C unit 53."

You notice it's not actually the Man himself that the sound is coming from. It's the pole coming out of the floor next to him. OOC, it sounds a bit like a drive-through.

"12 bags of flower, Quarter C, Aisle 41 row G, unit 32.

Set of large meat cleavers .. .. .. Please deliver the knives next to the kitchen rune in the storage room between Quarters A and D. Do not stand on the runes. The kitchen is off limits."

So that was what that crate had been.. It was a heavy crate. The human you were with couldn't lift it. Neither could you. So you dragged and he pushed. And then you saw the rune. You knew it was off limits. Maybe the clumsy human pushed you in. Maybe you went there because you felt like this storehouse and its rotting goods had nothing good to steal and a kitchen might have more. I don't know. But when your foot touched the rune..

The present

You find yourself in a new room which is disorienting for two reasons.

The first one being that the sensation you've had ever since you saw the tablets (Abraxis is the greatest thing ever) seems to have diminished a bit.
Effect of charm monster is suppressed inside this room

The second thing is that this room is a lot brighter than the previous one. The ceiling is much lower here, about 20 feet up, and there is a very sharp light coming from glowing orbs that are worked into it.

The kitchen looks incredibly professional but much too big. There are several rows of counters and to your surprise they appear to be made of shiny metal, with pans hanging underneath them. You can't even see the top, because these appear to have been made for a giant. Even a human would be hard pressed to see what's on these.

The room is circular, and quite large, but not quite as large as the previous ones.

There is much more in the room to be seen, but before you can get a better look, you hear an unearthly deep grubmbling voice behind, in a mobster accent.

"Oh hey, is that my new equipment? I appreciate the concern, but you didn't have to deliver them personally. But where are my manners. I'm Vinny. Pleasure to meet you. Can I offer you a beverage?"

When you turn around you see this (http://tenebrismo.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/2/2/6822948/1265961.jpg)

When you turn he comments "It must be my lucky day, huh? Three chosen all in one day when I ain't seen any in 40 years. Welcome to my kitchen! Hey, you kind of look like that kid.. Oh I'm sorry if my appearance offends you. Trust me I cook a lot better than I look. But yeah, you kind of look like that Zara kid. He a friend of yours?"

You know who Zara is. He's a whisper gnome from your village that was on cart 3. Bit of a brat, and a bit of a mamma's boy.

The rest of the party

You take the teleporter to the restaurant from your respective levels and find eachother in the restaurant's cloakroom, Etienne and Zara with 100 feet of glowvine.

When you step outside, you see the restaurant, some of you for the first time.

The restaurant is nice. There's a bar on that circles around the middle of the room on the outer wall of what is probably the kitchen. Behind and above the bar are bottles. Some of them you recognize, but for every one you know you see three you have never tasted and at least ten you've never seen before.

There are no pillars here: the kitchen serves as a column to carry this level. The ceiling is about a hundred feet up and depicts a slowly changing night-sky with an aurora borealis effect and five moons. Occasionally a star shoots.

Besides the light coming from behind the bar, the ceiling and the windows, the room is lit by small candles on the dark wooden tables. The tables are set with fine silverware, crystal glasses and intricately folded napkins.
The room is further lit by small blots of light dancing around statues on pedestals, that smile and nod at you as you pass them.
If you look out of the high slender windows you see you're nearly a mile up. Below, you can see the faithful outside the tower as a mass of tiny lights. It's now fully dark outside, and you notice that from up here the stars look way bigger from up here.

There is also a podium, and a room that says "Toilets" on the door.

And then there is the staff. Behind the bar and in the restaurant are spectral waiters, men and women, that bow deeply as you approach and point you towards a table. They never speak a word, but they do respond to your instructions.

And oddly, you hear voices coming out of the kitchen. Zara and Jorad recognize the deep voice as Vinny. But it seems he is talking to someone.

[Qwertystop]

"People in the kitchen... I guess we took long enough that they sent the next group in, and someone else went off-track. That won't look good - the whole group never returning."

Trent walks over towards the kitchen, calling ahead -

"Hey, there! You went off-track too? Turns out there's a bit of a -"

- and then catching sight of Vinny.

[Deadlykire]

Bella saw the kitchen rune. Bella ignored the kitchen rune. There was no way they could both push this stupid crate. If they didn't want her in the kitchen they'd just have to wait to take their knives until she could get out of the stupid thing.

As she is ported Bella lets out a small sigh as she is released from the hold of Abraxis. "That was weird," she thinks to herself, "I don't believe in Abraxis and I'm no one's servant but I couldn't help but to follow directions. She scans the room, but before she can survey it more she hears a voice behind her. She hides her scowl at having someone get the drop on her before turning. Bella eyes the creature uneasily already wishing she hadn't left that thunderstone at home. "I know him. Not sure I'd call us friends though, ran in different circles if you know what I mean." Her eyes wander for anything to use as a weapon if needed. She knows the knives in the crate would probably work, but the thing was likely to be sealed shut thus not her best option. "No wonder we hate this place," she muses to herself, "my father wasn't kidding when he said nothing good came of this place." Gnomes had longer lives than the other races. Long enough lives to remember the last time there were chosen. Her father had told stories of the time. It always seemed like he was happy he hadn't been chosen...but now she started to wonder if he hadn't been telling her lies on that count. None of that mattered now, she appeared to be stuck in this place with the creature.

She hears a voice calling out from the distance. Something about 'going off track'. She isn't sure what the fool meant, but apparently she wasn't the only one not following directions around here.


If Bella fails to find anything weapon looking, she'll look for a rune to escape. And for any open door way out which she can dart.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Tyrann]

Bella

There's an open box on the counter near you, that looks an aweful lot like the boxes that a store you occasionally visit sells knife sets in.
The problem is that the counter is 7 feet up, and you can't see inside the box. And Vinny is right next to it.

And then there are the pans under the counters. Maybe not the greatest of weapons. But they could definitely hurt a gnome. Or a human. So maybe they could hurt this thing too.

You scan the room for exits and you see two. One directly behind you, which is also where you heard the voice from. The other directly in front of you, past this hulking monstrosity. There might be more, but it's hard to see anything with these counters being as high as they are.

[Breitheamh]

Jorad clambers through the screen to find himself back in the kitchen, looking at a scene that apparently was becoming a habit: a gnome talking to the giant, creepy chef named Vinny.

"Hello again, Vinny," he says nonchalantly as he crosses his arms. "Sorry, we haven't got the stuff you need. We're just passing through on our way to the garbage level."

Then he turns to the newcomer, "Hello, fellow chosen, I'm Jorad, this is Larissa, Etienne, Trent, and Zara. Things are a bit different around here than you might think."

[Archmage1]

Following Trent and Jorad, Larissa heads into the kitchen, where she soon spots the giant red skinned creature, Vinny.
"Hello Vinny? You seem quite different from us."
After a few moments, she too spots the newcomer.
"Hello to you as well, chosen. Are you with the next group?"

[ikbenscott]

Zara follows the party through the screen, he enters the kitchen last as he is struggling a bit with the basket.
Hi there Vinny, sorry I could not find all the ingredients you need, maybe you can make a revised version of your famous hot sauce? Here are all the ingredients I have gathered so far. Zara hands over the basket to Vinny.
At first Zara is oblivious to Bella, but when he is introduced by Jorad, he gives a slight sign of recognition and forces out and awkward smile and then turns towards Vinny again.
Also Vinny, would you happen to have a "rechaud" to keep this platter warm, until I come and pick it up again?

[Deadlykire]

Bella eyes the group uneasily, shifting her weight slightly from foot to foot. She doesn't exactly trust them. The seem to be alright, but also very trusting of this creature. They were even doing chores like forced labor. The talk of hot sauce only makes Bella assume it is going to cook and eat them all, that the tower of Abraxis is nothing but a trap for this creature and it's friends to lure in free food. "Zara was always a fool and suck-up," she thought to herself. She doesn't return Zara's forced smile as she kept her gaze locked on the creature. They both knew they didn't always get along, and she wasn't going to pretend. She made herself ready to try and escape depending on what happened next.

"Not if I can help it," She tells Larissa.

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks a little confused.
"You want to come with us? We... discovered something, something that changes everything, so we're going to be doing something about that soon."
She looks to everyone else, and looks for the garbage disposal.
"All right, you have the vines, Zara? Good. Then we just need to tie them, and go. No3 said that the fall wouldn't be lethal, but... better to be safe than sorry."

[Breitheamh]

Jorad grabs one end of the vines and ties it as tight as he can around a leg of counter, then carries the rest in a bundle and drops it down the garbage chute. He grabs one of the knives from the box on the counter and says, "Alright, I'll go first. It's wonderful to meet you..." he pauses as he waits for the newcomer to supply her name. "Feel free to come with us if you want to learn the truth. I think it'll be quite an adventure." He smiles cheerfully, and then climbs into the garbage slide.

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks kinda stunned at Jorad's actions.
"Ah... Vinny? Will you please not cut the vine?"

[Stegyre]

Etienne makes note of Bella and -- eyes widening -- the monstrous form of Vinny, before he moves over to the chute to watch over Jorad's descent and to see what, if anything, happens to the length of vine as they run it down the chute. He keeps turning back, chiefly to keep an eye on Vinny.

[ikbenscott]

When Zara sees Jorad reaching for the vines he thinks Damn, this guy is eager..wait dont use the...
Hey man, Jorad wait a minute, before you mess up all the vines. These vines have a special property...
Zara shows the rest of the party that the vines can be cut of broken in such a way that they give off light and Zara adds
As you can see, these vines give off light, which is usefull for you guys right? So the gardenkeeper told me all off the capsules will break should we climb down it. We might need some other rope, or you guys could use these to break the fall..
Zara shows the party the floating berries he got for from the gardenkeeper and explains their properties.
Thus, I would opt, to use these or find an actual rope, instead of using the vine

[Archmage1]

Larissa looks at Zara, a bit confused.
"That is useful, but...we can retrieve the rope later, but once those berries are eaten, they are gone. It makes more sense to save the berries, to potentially escape."

[ikbenscott]

Zara replies to Larissa,Once the nodes are broken they are also gone..

[Archmage1]

Larissa shakes her head.
"We don't need to break them to use it to climb down. We just need to be a little careful."