Survival and Settlement (IC)

[cecil1994]

When you reach the Elder Continent, the weather is decidedly out of character.

Gentle sunbeams irradiate the atmosphere. Water sloshes playfully against the keel of the S.S. Dreamer. And a few meters away, the red sands of the Elder Continent beckon.

You vaguely feel like there should be storm clouds. The gods, as ignorant of dramatic convention as ever, do not oblige.

But whether it's by the grace of said gods or Abriana's expert navigation, you've ended up at a beautiful place for a new city. The mouth of the river Elon (named by past explorers) starts here, a gaping fifty-foot channel pouring into the Field of Once. Around it, a sea of bloodred poppies engulfs the surrounding fields.

Slight forests mar this picturesque meadow... but nothing is so noticeable as the crumbling watchtower built aside the Elon. It is as still as the grave (too depressing a simile, though, for this unparalleled landscape).

It seems fate has smiled upon you thus far. But before I forget- welcome to the Elder Continent.

[Warmatt]

He walked, looking around, Pudgy on his head, a hat that was not quite a hat. Still, the sun was shining and the weather warm, which on the one hand was more then a touch annoying. Really, he liked the cool shadows of the woods, or at the least an overcast sky. Really, he was not a bright sun-shine person. Still, as the pug atop his head let out a rumbling snorting snuffle, half way awake and asleep, he inclined his head briefly.

Really though, something struck him as odd, though he dismissed it soon after. He would set up, and make sure there was nothing nearby that could kill him, and he would lurk close by, as he did before, in the wooded dales.

He was spending too much time round people these days anyway....


Perception; [roll0]
Survival (Read Weather); Take ten, so 25.

[Feralgeist]

Upon hearing the anchor drop, Lena seizes her opportunity while everyone goes to to enjoy the view and unleashes the evil within. just for a moment, just enough to remind her cargo of its place. "Mr. J, i command you to submit!" she whispers sternly <activate aura, bone thrall, deactivate aura> "good boy, now be quiet as a house mouse while we unload." She ambles casually up the stairs to the deck, gasping at the sight of the new vista

[cecil1994]

The weather is relatively stable- clear and sunny skies for the rest of the day, with little chance of storms at night.

As for your perception... the poppies seem unusually intoxicating. Really intoxicating. You get the feeling it would be easy to lose yourself in them, to drift around as fluid as the Dreamer had been on the seas.

Aboard the Dreamer, Khali does a little tap-dance. "A ruin to explore??? ALREADY??"
She squeals, then masks her face with a professional air. "This is, ah, empirically advantageous." *cough*.

Joel gives it an appraising glance. "Would be useful to get a vantage point on this new land, too.". A spyglass slides eagerly into his hand.

[cecil1994]

Upon hearing the anchor drop, Lena seizes her opportunity while everyone goes to to enjoy the view and unleashes the evil within. just for a moment, just enough to remind her cargo of its place. "Mr. J, i command you to submit!" she whispers sternly <activate aura, bone thrall, deactivate aura> "good boy, now be quiet as a house mouse while we unload." She ambles casually up the stairs to the deck, gasping at the sight of the new vista

Lena's undead slaves quiver in submissive fright, or at least would if they'd been sentient. Or not immune to fear.

Either way, they got the message.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta had rushed forward the moment the announcement had been made that the Elder continent was in sight. She had stood at the bowl of the ship watching as the coastline had become clearer and clearer as the ship drew closer. From the looks of it, you'd think the entire place was nothing but sunshine and rainbows throughout. She took a step away from the edge of the ship as she looked over at the ships captain with a smile on her face. "There are worse places that we could be calling home right now. Thanks for the safe voyage." With that, the young woman headed down below the ship's decks to prepare for the arrival on the shore.

Still, we have to prepare. While the ship sailed closer to the shoreline, Ellyeta stayed below the decks, praying for Alseta to once again aid her with divine magic like she had so many times before.

Right as the ship was approaching the shore, Ellyeta and her husband emerged from below the decks side by side. Ellyeta herself spared no time in joining the conversation she had seen beginning about the ruin that had made her cautious enough to prepare a spell designed for more offensive use. At seeing Khali's exuberance, Ellyeta gives her some encouragement. "Oh come on now Khali, there's no need to hide your excitement! You should be excited, we're finally able to do what all of us came here to do." She looks over at Joel next, "You are right though. The lookout point could be incredibly useful for us- and not to mention shelter. It would be great if the weather would stay like this forever, but we can't count on that. Besides, I think I speak for most of us when I say it would be ideal to have roofs over our heads and walls around us sooner rather than later. " Except for Matthias, of course.

"After we get all our essentials unpacked, I think some of us should ensure that the tower is safe and inhabitable while others begin setting up camp. I doubt we'll all be able to fit in there.... and of course, if it isn't as hospitable as the rest of the landscape seems to be, it will be good to have a backup plan."



I'm not sure if you would want me to make a diplomacy roll to convince the NPC's of my plan, but I figure to err on the side of caution and give you one. If you don't want one, just ignore this.

[roll0] If anyone in the group is either friendly or helpful to me (which seems likely, considering Ellyeta's temperament and the fact that she's spent weeks with these people), add an additional +1 to the roll's result.




As a Cleric, I have the ability to prepare spells whenever I wish too. Ellyeta would have prepared today's spells starting from the moment the coastline became visible.

Orisons:
1. Detect Magic
2. Detect Poison
3. Stabilize

Level 1 spells:
Domain Slot: Alarm {from the Community [home] domain}
1. Ant Haul
2. Bless

My sheet has been edited to include these spells

[Warmatt]

The shaman does not nod, not wishing to disturb the pug on his head, but for the most part he seems to be agreeing with Ellyeta. "Looks like we should be sunny fer the next few days, but might be gittin sum storms at night." He does not say it like he was guessing, nor does he make some production of it. He merely states it, calm as calm could be. Still, his eyes linger on the tower, a thoughtful look in them.

"Sides, yon wrecked tower was probably not made wrecked, that woulds just be sloppy work." for a moment, his thoughts drift over the poppy plants, and he suppresses a shudder. Oh, it would help him dream and see, that would be for sure, but what would the cost be? To drift and dance forever in dreams, his spirit slipped from mortal flesh? He was not eager for such a fate.

"So, would be a good idea to take a gander, check what might have done said wreckin, and if it still be in the hereabouts?"

[Feralgeist]

"Poppies are toooo sweet! Tyson will get fat and then what lady ox will want him? And the goats are whores enough already, i wont have them tarting it up with red luscious lips from those flowers, i need something for these greedy beasts. I need to build these beasties a pen!.....but after that, I'll help setup camp"

[roll0]

[cecil1994]

At the comments directed towards the tower, Arsith blinks. Then staggers backwards in shock.

"The tower itself has a faint magical aura... but the landscape itself is practically drenched in the supernatural. I'm not sure what this expedition will do to us, not anymore."

Abriana's hand slams into the oaken Dreamer (ship, not person). "That's not important right now. We disembark, we set up camp, and we begin mapping out our future here. No magical dalliances or trips to la-la land."

At this, Khali seems... perturbed. But everyone else nods in agreement.

A note- at the sight of the magnificent poppies, the dwarven twins eyes go wide. Drool drips down their cheeks before they can react- and, strangely enough, the same happens to Mr. Bolo.

It seems they really like flowers.

[Warmatt]

Looking towards the dwarves and Bolo, the shaman sighs. "Now, speakin as yer Shaman an physichan, I say ya three gots ta wait a bits." He snorts, an action mimicked by the pug atop his head. "Plenty o time later ta sample the local medicines." Still, he would look about, and he would lend a hand, making sure to keep all of his gear, including alchemical equipment/still safe and secure, bees non swarming.

But still, he would help set up the camp as needed.

[Q'telun]

Leone eyes the woods longingly. They had been tempting him since the shore had come into view. But he squares his shoulders, gives Garavel a nod, then speaks up. "I'm not opposed to exploring a bit. If you need someone to take a quick look at the tower, I'll volunteer."

[cecil1994]

Khali shakes with anticipation at the concept of exploring. "I'd be happy to help!"

Joel opens his mouth to chime in... and is silenced by a single dark look from his aunt. Apparently, he's needed here.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Being the last off the boat (donning his breastplate took some time) he'll finally join the excited settlers. His posture straight and refined pointing to the ruined tower "Indeed we should not wait till nightfall to secure the old fortification, if stories are anything to go by such crumbling relics from days gone by are prime locations for villainous monsters to set up lodging. If such is true we had better deal with it before they come creep out at night to find that supper has presented itself nearby"

"Besides... if it is abandoned and in a good state it'll serve us well to set up our camp around it, give us a bastion to retreat into should fortune not stay on our side. and if its in a poor state we can always bring it down stone by stone and reshape it into something useful"

He gives a warm smile and curt nod at Khali and Leone. "Any more volunteers?" looking around the group. "in case there is trouble we should meet it with a sizable force" Arcturas nodded.

[cecil1994]

As you pour out of the Dreamer, the newfound colonists set to work.

A massive oaken desk is hauled out of the ship, set in the middle of this field like some kind of centerpiece. Around it sits Denzel Daggertongue, Mr. Bolo, and Abriana- they're sketching out plans, fervently arguing about what needs to be built first and whatnot.

The Welks have cleared a small area of the field (taking care to harvest the poppies that'd inhabited it), and they're in the process of sowing a little garden.

Joel and Garavel have wandered off a bit, mapping the nearby area and approaching one of the nearest forests (although they dare not enter alone). Well, Joel is mapping. Garavel just looks at everything with a faintly amused smile.

And Arsith and Khali are approaching the tower on tenterhooks. Taking notes, sketching architecture, and trying to work up the nerve to open the front door.

What are you guys doing?

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas took up position to observe the tower entrance while the more academically minded made their drawings and observations.

"Don your armour and ready your blades. When you are ready join me by the tower and we shall secure it for our peace of mind and safety alike"

edit: the remark was made in general, and the armoured noble is currently waiting to see if anyone complies.

If the two curious kittens actually work up the nerve to go for the tower door Arcturas will bellow for them to hold. as he steels himself to do it for them, hopefully with some backup present.

[cecil1994]

At this remark, Abriana sighs. And draws a falchion the size of the table.

"You will have my blade at your side, if nothing else."

Joel's eyes brighten, and he moves to stand behind her.

[Michael7123]

As Ellyeta gets off the ship for the first time, she remembers

A great deal of work needed to be done in hauling materials off the ship, and despite her seeming lack of muscle, Ellyeta proved more than capable in unloading more than her fair share of goods off the ship. She goes out of the way to help others with their supplies as well, and was one of the individuals who lugged the giant oak desk off the ship.

She stands by the oak desk now, doing her best to keep the disagreements from getting too heated. After Arcturas comes over and Abriana agrees to help, Ellyeta offers her own input, "The tower could save us a great deal of time in setting up camp, in addition to being far more defensible than anything we can come up with this week. And if their is a danger within, it would be better to know about it before building a camp around it. Even if the threat is nothing more than building collapse. I will meet you there."

As Ellyeta way and heads over towards the tower, casts another basic detection spell before arriving with the two researchers, in addition to more mundanely looking over the building to see if it was safe to inhabit by basic engineering standards.



Casted Detect Magic as I got off the ship for the first time. Unless the result is particularly alarming (think along the lines of an overwhelming aura of necromancy or something that immediately raises red flags), she'll keep the knowledge to herself. She'll concentrate on it long enough to get a full reading of the area.

Cast Ant Haul on myself, which triples carrying capacity for two hours. She would have been carrying things off the ship for quite a while, so unless you would prefer to take things off your self, all of you can assume that your important stuff is off the ship.

I would also like to make a knowledge engineering check on the tower. I'm mostly looking for any indication if it's going to collapse any time soon. Of course, any other information I can get would also be useful. [roll0]

While I'm there, I'll do another Detect Magic on the ruins. Again, going to try and get a full reading on this.




What were the positions regarding what should be built first? Ellyeta would certainly have some thoughts on the matter, and as one of the hired builders, it only makes sense that the conversation would interest her.

[Q'telun]

Leone had joined the two approaching the tower after making a neat pile of his belongings with Garavel's. He gives the armored man a nod. "It's probably fine, don't you think? Any traps inside are bound to have fallen apart by now."

[cecil1994]

Thanks to Ellyeta's MAGICAL BEEFINESS, any luggage and raw material needed is quickly hauled to the shore. (Some is still on the boat, but everything currently required is off).

As for what's being planned... that's currently up for debate (being quite literally debated on the spot). Abriana wants to build reinforcements first- City Walls, Barracks, Moats. Ellyeta's husband seems inclined towards the practical- Mills, Houses, and exploring another hex to build a Farm. Mr. Bolo pushes for one thing- an elaborate Inn to serve as a base of operations.

Mechanically speaking, I'll let you guys pick one actual building (you can build a House too, read the rules) as the settlement is founded. For the rules on that, see UC page 212 (or ask me.)

And auras of magic- Arsith was right. A faint hum of magic sweeps over the land in pulses, and the poppies glow with eldritch irradiation. The watchtower has a slight flicker of... divination? But it has long since faded.

The building itself seems sturdy enough. But the style of its architecture? Nothing you've ever seen before. It's all ellipses and irregular curves, looking more like something from a dreamscape than any edition of reality.

"Non-Euclidean" seems to sum it up pretty well.

[Talvara]

An eyebrow raises at the mention of traps, In truth the green warrior hadn't even considered traps. "yes... traps... I suppose it would depend on who set those hypothetical traps, inhabitants of old or more recent opportunists." he shook his head "With luck there will be nothing in there besides stale air, but if luck is not on our side we're better off facing whatever challenge together"

Arcturas aimed to maintain a stoic composure, but in truth the noble warrior was uneasy. his life had seen little in the way of harshness or struggle and he certainly has never been in a real fight.

[Feralgeist]

Lena finishes the animal pen, wiping the sweat from her brow. as she leads the animals out of the ship and to the pen, they seem overly eager to enter it. Close observers would notice they seem very uncomfortable being close to their owner. Dusting her hands, she walks over to the table and looks at the proposed ideas. "We also have to decide who runs what here. what we have, and will have, people will want to take from us once they hear how well our colony is doing. word gets around. I volunteer as spymaster, to keep an eye on things. If someone else think they can do better in the position they are welcome to it though, i don't want to step on any toes.As for what to start on first, i agree with mr daggertongue, but i would want to focus on resources that can supply the building efforts. A moat won't help us when winter comes, we could do so much with a surplus of iron or stone. I vote we explore for somewhere rich in what we need, like iron. A cave system would be perfect. I volunteer to search for one, if there aren't any objections ill head out at dusk and report back later tonight or tomorrow. Beasties won't bother us, i have a good luck charm from some childhood friends....." she wanders over to her cart and as she passes the pen, the beasts within shuffle to the other side.

[cecil1994]

Denzel nods in agreement. "The lady is right. But before we do anything, we've got to scour the area and set up a base camp."

He moves to stand by Ellyeta. "We'll make our way down the river, mapping and plotting as we go. Try and stay within a few square miles of the Dreamer."

Above all this, the Watchtower looms.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas brings a hand up to groom his facialhair. "once we clear out this watchtower and restore it to proper condition I think it'll serve as enough of a defensive point that we can focus on other things. Its both a potential danger and blessing, only one way to find out which."

"As for what I think the first steps our settlement should take... I believe that Mr.Daggertongue has the right of it. Production and ways to sustain ourselves will be paramount to our survival and success, having said that. we should not neglect defences, if this watchtower doesn't work out we'll have to invest some time and labour in setting up some other form of defensible ground"

He'll take a moment to look at the assembled group. "Alright, lets waste no more time." and with that he'll start a steady march towards the towers entrance. "I have no aptitude in spotting traps or disarming them, so I'll just go in first and we'll hope for the best" unless anyone objects and offers to check the door for traps Arcturas will begin with pushing and then pulling on the entrance.

if it doesn't budge he'll look around the group, Give a shrug and bring out his warhammer to smash it down. (if nobody comes forward with the skill to pick the lock if there is one that is)

[cecil1994]

With a breath of dust, the twin doors of the watchtower fly open. They reveal... a gentled, sloping den, with an unlit hearth and some surpringly well-maintained chairs. A staircase climbs up into the spire, all granite steps and polished banisters.

A mirror rests on the mahogany floor. A single crack runs across its face.

[cecil1994]

Khali brushes past Arcturas, darting into the room with a newfound solemnity. Hands flutter across the mantle- she returns with an oddly shaped carving, quickly slid into her pack.

Arsith stares at her distorted reflection. "This is not a place to be."

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Glaive at the ready and with a certain tension that only an inexperienced soldier can display Arcturas takes steady steps into the watchtower.

he looks left, he looks right and finally raises an eyebrow "This was... honestly not what I was expecting" he shakes himself to regain focus as Khali rushes passed him"Lets see whats up these stairs... we should also make sure theres no secret hatches or tunnels leading into this place"

He'll motion with his head in a 'lets go' sort of way and will start making his way up the stairs.

Edit: He'll unclasp his cloak and then holds it out to Arsith "If the mirror unsettles you, feel free to cover it up"

[cecil1994]

You ascend. As you climb, you catch a glimpse of Arsith below- covering the mirror with an expression of deep relief.

The next story is smaller, crushing, closed in. It's a library, full of swirling shelves and yellowed books. The staircase continues upward.

Something is watching.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

As a sense of uneasyness comes over the armoured nobleman he'll freeze in his steps. slowly raising a hand in signalling 'hold'

His eyes slowly go over every aspect of the room trying to find the source of his unease.

Perception untrained [roll0].

He'll speak up and adress the room "H...Hello? is anybody here?" he'll let silence fill the air for a moment "If anyone is here and can understand me, its best to reveal yourself now before we might have a misunderstanding and assume you're planning an ambush" with suspicion readable in his expression he'll wait for a bit.

[Talvara]

((ooc: Actually let me add a diplomacy roll in addressing the room.))

Diplomacy:[roll0]

[Q'telun]

Leone climbs the stairs behind the noble, bow unslung and eyes up. Hopefully he wouldn't have to use it.

((Perception: [roll0]))

[cecil1994]

Arcturas-

You feel a prickling run down your spine. But when you whirl around, all you see is a tiny, shattered mirror, lodged between two ancient tomes.

You catch a glimpse of something in the mirror. A... snake? But just like that, it's gone.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

With raised eyebrow Arcturas will reach out to the small shattered mirror intent to lay it flat on the shelf so that the reflective side is facing the wood.

face slightly paler than before he'll turn to Leone "it... It must have been my imagination" he'll try to force a smile "Arsiths unease must be rubbing off on me... if you see any mirrors... please cover them" the last bit he'll say more in general to anyone assembled.

Arcturas will carefully search the next level of the tower, careful to obscure any broken mirror he can find. He is more standing guard than searching. content to let the rest of the group to take the active role in searching.

[cecil1994]

You climb further. You're intent on covering every broken mirror on the next floor? That could be... problematic.

This story is a single room. The walls, the floors, the ceilings- they are all reflective glass. This room is a thousand mirrors... each shattered, broken in turn into a million distorted shards.

You catch glimpses of scales. A mottled green length there. A whipping tail here. And, just for an instant, a violet eye.

The stairs continue. But will you?

[Talvara]

Arcturas

((no... no I think we're good...)) Suitably unnerved Arcturas' feet simply refuse to take more steps. the rest might hear a loud 'gulp' sound as he musters up the nerve to call for help. "Arsith! Ellyeta! Anyone? what in the nine hells am I looking at here?" His breathing has accelerated eyes darting around the various mirrors trying to get a more complete picture, thightly gripping his weaponry. Arcturas (false) stoic demeanor gives way to the demeanor of a scared man, regardless of his fright he is still standing his ground worried that whatever he believes to be in the mirror might burst out and strike at him should he present his backside.

[Q'telun]

Leone

Leone turns slowly, watching the light ripple and reflect off the glass. "I think its kind of pretty, like the snakes I'd see in the forest sometimes back home."

He lowers his bow and lets some tension out of the string as he stands there and admires the craftsmanship. Then he shakes his head and moves for the stairs, but pauses when the others don't move. "You coming, Arcturas?"

[Michael7123]

For her part, Ellyeta had been following the nobleman, clutching her holy symbol in her left hand and channeling some divine magic to bolster the man's defenses. A few movements had caught her eye, but she had kept on going, thinking they were some strange trick of the light.

Now, in this room of shattered mirrors, she knew something was very, very wrong about this place. She could feel sweat forming on her face as her right hand pulled out her dagger. As she watched the room, she tried to remember what little knowledge she had about arcane matters as she tried to detect the magical forces (if any) present in this room.



Dropping blessing of the faithful for one round to cast Detect Magic on the giant mirror Room. In the rounds after I cast it, I'll go back to using blessing of the faithful to bolster Arcturas's AC.

Perception check on mirror room. Looking for anything that might kill us or that is valuable. [roll0]

Knowledge (Arcana) to try and determine what the frick is happening here: [roll1]

[cecil1994]

Khali bursts up the stairs.

"Um... this is just a property of the thaumatic resonance of the nth quadrant and these mirrors are preternaturally symbolic of... I have no idea."

Arsith's eyes are glazed with swollen light. "We... we should not sleep in this place. It wakes only in dream."

With that, she crumples to the floor.

[cecil1994]

For her part, Ellyeta had been following the nobleman, clutching her holy symbol in her left hand and channeling some divine magic to bolster the man's defenses. A few movements had caught her eye, but she had kept on going, thinking they were some strange trick of the light.

Now, in this room of shattered mirrors, she knew something was very, very wrong about this place. She could feel sweat forming on her face as her right hand pulled out her dagger. As she watched the room, she tried to remember what little knowledge she had about arcane matters as she tried to detect the magical forces (if any) present in this room.



Dropping blessing of the faithful for one round to cast Detect Magic on the giant mirror Room. In the rounds after I cast it, I'll go back to using blessing of the faithful to bolster Arcturas's AC.

Perception check on mirror room. Looking for anything that might kill us or that is valuable. [roll0]

Knowledge (Arcana) to try and determine what the frick is happening here: [roll1]




Your detection rebounds off of the mirrors, dazing you in a burst of infinitely reflected magic. So... maybe?

As for what you know- you're resolutely certain that this is NOT arcana of any sort. It is beyond magic.


Leone

Leone turns slowly, watching the light ripple and reflect off the glass. "I think its kind of pretty, like the snakes I'd see in the forest sometimes back home."

He lowers his bow and lets some tension out of the string as he stands there and admires the craftsmanship. Then he shakes his head and moves for the stairs, but pauses when the others don't move. "You coming, Arcturas?"

These are not the snakes you saw at home. These are not the snakes you saw at home. Emoh ta was uoy sekans eht ton era eseht.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

it took the 'flop' sound of Arsith crumbling to the floor for Arcturas to snap back into some form of being in control of his legs his authorative mode engages "Someone grab Arsith! we're pulling back to the ground floor"

edit: "Splash her face with water, slap her if you must but get her back"

looking for an outlet for his frustration he'll slam the backside of his glaive into one of the mirrors he can reach before starting the slow process of backstepping.

[cecil1994]

Legs beat against granite steps. The oily light pulses to the rhythm of your frenetic hearts. And you sense something pushing against the fringes of your reality- something swelling like a tumor on the flesh of sanity.

Your mind clears outside of the tower. In the light of day, those memories feel faint, like a half-remembered dream you struggled to remember the next day.

Arsith has not woken.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta nods her head at Arcturas's order to leave. As the knight and the ranger pick up Arsith to take her out of the room, Ellyeta picks up one of the loose pieces of mirrors before rushing out of the mirror room.

I read an entire book about magical snakes back at Halk. None of them were like that. SHe thinks to herself as she runs out down the stairs after the others.

As the cleric exists the building =, she heads over to Arsith first, "I don't know anything about these snakes... but maybe they're poisonous? And can make people unconscious? " Ellyeta sounds like she's guessing, but checks her for poison after casting a stabilize spell on her for saftey's sake.

"Khali, go get Matthias. He knows more about medicine than I do. Leone, tell the others not to enter the building. And Arcturas, close the door! " The last command is emphasized, more out of fear of what lays within than out of any hostility towards the knight. The look on Ellyeta's face is clearly one that has been given a considerable fright. Her breathing is heavy, and her eyes are wide.



Casting Stabilize on Arsith. Just to be careful.

Casting Detect Poison on Arsith. Because Sneks.

If she is poisoned, DC 20 wisdom check to identify it: [roll0]



The magical snakes book is the only explanation I can come up with for getting a 26 arcana check roll and still not knowing what the mirrorsneks are.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas actually stared at Ellyeta with a puzzled look for a good five seconds before he says "yes!.. the door, ofcourse! I'll get the door"

edit: he will go about barring the door with his glaive as a makeshift bar or atleast pulling it closed and standing guard by it.

'did she really just give me an order?' unsure of how to feel about this he shakes off the thoughts "I've got some medicine in my pack... it should be in a sturdy brown box somewhere on top feel free to take that maybe there's some smelling salts in there."

[cecil1994]

Ardith's eyes flutter beneath their lids. She's certainly not poisoned, but... something is wrong.

A thought brushes up against your mind. "A wakeful dreamer should not walk where sleep congeals."

These are not your thoughts. These are not your thoughts.

[Q'telun]

Leone looks at Arsith, lying there on the ground, then at the tower, then takes a deep, calming breath through his nose. Then he sniffs again. A smile spreads across his face. "Oh, clever girl."

He dashes over to the field of poppies, stopping only to shout, "Garavel, watch my stuff!", before gathering a bunch of the bright red flowers and inhaling the soporific scent.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

As Leone runs off Arcturas follows him with his eyes, confused at first. then when he picks a small bushel of poppies concerned. then when he took a deep whiff of the flowers even more confused.

The nobleman just stands there, watching with a puzzled expression silently judging. Turning to Garavel "is... is he alright?"

[cecil1994]

You stumble... fall to your knees... and vanish. A mist of crushed seed pods thump against the dirt.

You open your eyes. A cracked ruin swirls out from you, all crumbling pillars (iambic, not corinthian), grasping vines, and spiraling cobbles. The remains of this place come to a single point- one meteoric obelisk, carved from obsidian and raised like a jagged tooth. Arsith is bound to it- tied in verdant plant life, held by vines.

You look up. The sky is the blood red of the poppies. In the distance, an indigo sun begins to set.

Ardith's mouth inches open. "This is not a place to be. This is not a place to be. This is not a place to be. This is not a place to be. This is not a place to be."

[Feralgeist]

Lena tries unsuccessfully to rouse the ox to be yoked, but he has clearly had enough of her nonsense for one day, and has entered a deep slumber. Putting her hands on her hips she turns to check out the commotion and starts as leone vanishes "i think i remember something like this from my dreams..." she mutters




[roll0] minus whatever the penalty is

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"I don't mean to allarm anyone, but... Leone is gone" he gestures to where he last saw Leone "he was there, then I looked over at Garavel for a moment and when I looked back he was gone" Arcturas wears a worried frown

[cecil1994]

While the mirror-snakes are not a common (or well-documented) phenomenon, you're aware of the loosest of information on them.

Mirror-snakes (and that is indeed their name) are creatures forged from forgotten dreams, from nightmares never to see the light of memory. The psychically sensitive and the clairvoyant open their minds to the universe... and sometimes, something slips through the cracks.

They are not evil. They are not animals, either. They serve some immemorial and immaterial master, long beyond this plane of existence. But all this does not disprove one simple fact- they are hungry. And they will feast.

[Feralgeist]

"They come from dreams. they're not evil but they ARE hungry. we could stake a pig to the ground and lure them out, they sure sound pretty. I bet their scales would make a nice pair of gloves..." Lena hefts her shovel onto her shoulder. "Hells, we've got time, we could even dig a pit in front of the door, lessen the risk. I saw it too Arcturas, he just vanished! It just might be possible he went to where the snakes hail from. Let's just hope it's a return trip..."

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"Godess' light protect me" Arcturas shakes his head, conflicted as his thoughts turn into words "we have to go after him"

"I'll not pretend to understand what is happening but if Leone is facing this... dream serpent of yours then he shouldn't do so alone" he pauses "Though I fail to see if mimicing his actions will bring us to the same place as he went, or... if he even still exists, Gah... I am in need of council. In matters of the arcane or the extraplannar my education fails me."

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta recoils from Arsiths's body as the foreign thoughts entered her mind. " What... what was that... that wasn't a noise...". The woman looks up and around her, wondering if anyone- or anything- had spoken to her.

She looks up just in time to watch Leone bend down, pick up some poppies, then inhale them. " Wait, don't-", Ellyeta's warning is cut short by him falling to the ground and vanishing. After standing in silence for a second, Ellyeta runs over to the spot where the ranger vanishes and casts detect magic on the spot.

What is happening?!?! Ellyeta tries to keep a remotely calm exterior, but her mind is a panic.




Casting Detect Magicon the spot where our ranger vanished. I want a full reading.





We should probably wait until and let Don nadie and Warmatt a chance to respond before getting ay furthrer along.

[cecil1994]

Ellyeta recoils from Arsiths's body as the foreign thoughts entered her mind. " What... what was that... that wasn't a noise...". The woman looks up and around her, wondering if anyone- or anything- had spoken to her.

She looks up just in time to watch Leone bend down, pick up some poppies, then inhale them. " Wait, don't-", Ellyeta's warning is cut short by him falling to the ground and vanishing. After standing in silence for a second, Ellyeta runs over to the spot where the ranger vanishes and casts detect magic on the spot.

What is happening?!?! Ellyeta tries to keep a remotely calm exterior, but her mind is a panic.




Casting Detect Magicon the spot where our ranger vanished. I want a full reading.





We should probably wait until and let Don nadie and Warmatt a chance to respond before getting ay furthrer along.

Yep. That's definitely magic- the same strand of enchantment as the wild poppies, concentrated.

[Warmatt]

Matthias had been setting up his hives, and his alchemical gear, the better to replace some of the medicines that they used in the trip, things that the group would probably need in the coming days. Still, something about the nearby poppies was making Pudgy girl nervous, her drooping eyes wide, silent for a rare moment, and always keeping an eye on the fields of red. This in turn, made him nervous, ill at ease.

He would give a warning, whispering to the Dwarves and Bolo that for the moment, they should stick with their stockpiled herbs, at least until they looked into the poppy field, for there was something disturb9ing about it. For once, the laid back shaman was solemn, no light humor or subtle joke on his lips, eyes searching.

And yet, as... Leone was it, runes out, and takes a sample, he curses, running up, looking quiet nervous, quickly spotting the woman laid on her back, as he begins to mutter, reaching into his herb pouch. "What was in that damn tower?" His voice was calm, even as he looked her over, examining and trying to see what was wrong, a small pinch of powdered mushroom assisting him in looking into her humors.... though he may pay for that later.


Heal (Diagnose Symptoms)[roll]1d20+10[roll]
Knowledge (The Planes) Untrained; [roll0]

[Q'telun]

"Well, I'll agree with that sentiment." Leone stands slowly and draws a new arrow for his bow, looking around for the dread snake. He begins to slowly approach the obelisk, treading as if he was walking through a forest of dry twigs.

Perception: [roll0]

[cecil1994]

"Well, I'll agree with that sentiment." Leone stands slowly and draws a new arrow for his bow, looking around for the dread snake. He begins to slowly approach the obelisk, treading as if he was walking through a forest of dry twigs.

Perception: [roll0]

You think you catch a glimpse of it... but there's nothing in sight.

Arsith takes notice of you for the first time. "They know your name, Leone Mac Tire. They know your name and your dreams and your fears and EVERYTHING.... everything your subconscious has ever let slip into the realm of night."

A single, pale tear falls down her cheek. "And they know what I've done."

[Q'telun]

Leone just smiles and keeps moving forward. "Well, I dunno what it was you did, but you're still alive, right? And you came all the way out here to get away from it. So don't let some damn snake make you feel bad about your past."

He starts looking at the vines a bit more closely now as he edges towards the woman. "You've got a group back there that really wants you back. They're all making a fuss over you trying to wake you up. Empty Night, I even came here for you, didn't I? So don't give up on yourself just yet."

[cecil1994]

Leone just smiles and keeps moving forward. "Well, I dunno what it was you did, but you're still alive, right? And you came all the way out here to get away from it. So don't let some damn snake make you feel bad about your past."

He starts looking at the vines a bit more closely now as he edges towards the woman. "You've got a group back there that really wants you back. They're all making a fuss over you trying to wake you up. Empty Night, I even came here for you, didn't I? So don't give up on yourself just yet."

Arsith glances down. "You're... you're right. A thousand thanks for following me into the abyss."

A red-hot fire dances around her fists, enveloping the vines in putrid flame. They burn away to ash.

"There are two problems, however- how do we get out of here?"

Behind her, a flash of emerald movement catches your eye. And a massive serpent unwinds, coils, stares deep into your heart. The violet gaze conveys understanding... and hunger.

"That would be problem two."

[Warmatt]

He reached into his herb pouch, and took several out, fragrant and small looking, rubbing them between his hands, moving them closer to them, as he began to chant. It was steady, this chanting, rolling and building in and of itself, a rhythm that built, laying itself on top of itself, supporting and fashioning a great framework and road, a plea and request, in the elder sylvan tongue. As he chanted, eyes closed, Pudgy began to join, her rumbling low, moving in part time, vibrant and vital, a melody that built on itself, as he sought them out, searching for a trail to their souls.....


[roll0]

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Thoughts of guilt slowly fill Arcturas' mind. 'he was right behind me in the tower, but now I've let him run off alone' an angry frown starts to form as it is clear that everyone is confused and probably scared. 'They do not know what is going on and my inaction is only causing more fear'

'my noble birth and right to rule mean nothing if I allow myself to cower in fear of the unknown' Arcturas lets out a deep sigh followed by another "Godess' light protect me" as he takes his glaive back from the door and begins marching off towards the spot Leone disappeared gently brushing Ellyeta asside if he has to.

"I'm going after him!" He'll pick up the bushel of poppies Leone had sniffed and while giving the rest of the group a determined stare as he brings them up to his nostrils and takes a deef whiff.

[cecil1994]

Matthias' ritual began to take hold. In the Dreamworld, Leone and Arsith can hear a minute chanting- the plea of Matthias, broadcast across the planes. And in the field of poppies, Leone's body begins to flicker into existence.

But it isn't fast enough. This slight trickle drawing Leone back to the Material Plane cannot hope to compete with the speed of the gnashing jaws of the mirror-snakes, or.... or the speed at which Arcturas materialized beside them.

And then there were three. The dream-serpents stagger at his appearance.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"Leone! Arsith? Thank the goddess you're both..." his sentence gets cuts off as he notices the violet eyes of the serpent and he clenches his teeth. "Get behind me!"

Arcturas will ready an action to strike at the serpent with his guisarme ((forgot I don't have a glaive)) when it comes in range.



Guisarme attack! (using combat expertise -1 on attack, +1 on dodge AC)[roll0] for [roll1] Slashing damage

[Warmatt]

Okay, that was more than annoying, as he continued his chanting, having his suspicions where exactly they have gone, but he does not stop, continuing the chant, trying to find them, laying it on top if itself, so that he could grab hold of them.


[roll0]

[Q'telun]

"It's alright. It's just hungry. I think." Leone pulls back on his bow, and starts aiming at the beast. "Unless it's intelligent, and deliberately hunting us."


When the knight attacks, Leone sighs and lets fly an arrow.

Attack Roll [roll0]

Damage Roll [roll1]

[cecil1994]

Your arrow buries deep into its flank, and its mind links with yours as it lets out a harrowing screech.

It dives, shrugging off Arcturas' guisarme like the bite of a flea (although the gash in its side would disagree). Arsith lets out a torrent of searing fire... and the serpent emerges from it, jaws wide and eyes aflame.

It lunges at Leone... and locks marble fangs around leather armor, clamping down in a pressing attempt to draw blood.

Your turn.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Seeing the beast surge past him and ignore him for a more lightly armoured target Arcturas wheels around and gives chase. With the serpent seemingly uninterested in Arcturas he'll forgo his defensive focus and go for a normal attack.

No quirky oneliners just gritted teeth and adrenaline.

Guisarme attack! [roll0] for [roll1] Slashing damage

[Q'telun]

"I can't taste that good, friend! Try a deer, they'll hurt less!" Leone laughs as he wrenches himself free of the snake's maw, then jumps backwards out of it's reach and fires another arrow to prove his point.

Five foot step out of the snake's threatened squares, then:

Attack: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]

[Don nadie]

To say Earil got seasick would be an understatement. What he had was to seasickness like genocide to your common everyday murder. After attempting to read for the first three hours of the trip, he went up, threw all he had ever eaten, and spent the remaining of the travel in bed. He had strange nightmares, and an an even stranger taste in his mouth.

When they finally arrived the elf was beginning to recover thanks to the Shaman's medicine, but remained somewhat weak. Arsith and the rest had gone down while he stood in bed for what seemed an hour, still uncertain of whether the floor was something one should trust. Knowing they would be in a possibly dangerous spot, he had even donned his hide armor (which had taken him almost another hour to put on).

Finally he emerged, his clothes all a wrinkled mess, his hair even messier, and pale like an undead. Only to find most had gone to a tower. Even Arsith. In principle he was not to be worried, walking slowly towards the tower to see what it contained. He had come, after all, to obtain knowledge and any ancient building seemed like a good option.

Asmodeus's arse!, he cursed, as he saw it... Arsith down, the shaman chanting. Earil tried to recognize what the Shaman was doing, feeling terribly underinformed.


Sorry for this :S It was a very silly thing XD I hope this is an ok way for Earil to appear in scene...

Also, can I get a quick recap of what's in the room right now? If I'm not mistaken there are two mirrors, several collapsed bodies, and a shaman doing magical stuff on one of them...

[cecil1994]

Arcturas

Seeing the beast surge past him and ignore him for a more lightly armoured target Arcturas wheels around and gives chase. With the serpent seemingly uninterested in Arcturas he'll forgo his defensive focus and go for a normal attack.

No quirky oneliners just gritted teeth and adrenaline.

Guisarme attack! [roll0] for [roll1] Slashing damage


"I can't taste that good, friend! Try a deer, they'll hurt less!" Leone laughs as he wrenches himself free of the snake's maw, then jumps backwards out of it's reach and fires another arrow to prove his point.

Five foot step out of the snake's threatened squares, then:

Attack: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]

The arrow flies right past- no, right through- the beast. It lets loose a horrific shriek... and takes a guisarme right in its eye.

The snake folds in upon itself, curling up into a ball of mist and nightmares. Then it vanishes- leaving nothing behind but a single jeweled eye.

You can hear the shrieks of other mirror-snakes in the distance. You can also hear a rhythmic chanting- Matthias, hard at work. And with a final incantation the surface world appears before you again.

Not bad.

[cecil1994]

To say Earil got seasick would be an understatement. What he had was to seasickness like genocide to your common everyday murder. After attempting to read for the first three hours of the trip, he went up, threw all he had ever eaten, and spent the remaining of the travel in bed. He had strange nightmares, and an an even stranger taste in his mouth.

When they finally arrived the elf was beginning to recover thanks to the Shaman's medicine, but remained somewhat weak. Arsith and the rest had gone down while he stood in bed for what seemed an hour, still uncertain of whether the floor was something one should trust. Knowing they would be in a possibly dangerous spot, he had even donned his hide armor (which had taken him almost another hour to put on).

Finally he emerged, his clothes all a wrinkled mess, his hair even messier, and pale like an undead. Only to find most had gone to a tower. Even Arsith. In principle he was not to be worried, walking slowly towards the tower to see what it contained. He had come, after all, to obtain knowledge and any ancient building seemed like a good option.

Asmodeus's arse!, he cursed, as he saw it... Arsith down, the shaman chanting. Earil tried to recognize what the Shaman was doing, feeling terribly underinformed.


Sorry for this :S It was a very silly thing XD I hope this is an ok way for Earil to appear in scene...

Also, can I get a quick recap of what's in the room right now? If I'm not mistaken there are two mirrors, several collapsed bodies, and a shaman doing magical stuff on one of them...

Your intro was fine :smalltongue: but there's actually no one inside the tower right now. They left, and Arcturas blocked the door.

[Warmatt]

As they appear, his chanting folding and layering, reaching a forceful climax, the shaman begins to slow, though the credence changes, more now a prayer of thanks to the spirits, as he waits for Arsith to show signs of returning to her body, as he chants above her, fragrant herbs close to her face. But, some of his fears have eased, seeing two of the reckless fools reappear.

[Don nadie]

What in the name of the Cursed is going on?, Earil asks to the suddenly appeared men. His eyes are on Arsith, but he doesn't dare interrupt the shaman.

[cecil1994]

Arsith's eyes flicker one last time... and burst open, radiating violet light. And then it fades.

"What... what happened? How did you... how are we back?"

Abriana stares on with wide eyes. Her sword has partially left its sheath.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta

After Arcturas followed Leone into.... well, wherever Leone went, Ellyeta focused her efforts on aiding the Shaman in his efforts to do... whatever it was he was doing.

In any case, Ellyeta was briefly startled when she saw the ranger and the knight return, but gave a sigh of relief after seeing them return. "Oh, thank the Welcomer you're both alive!"

Turning to face the new arrival, Ellyeta addresses Earil after Arsith returns to herself. " We don't know. But for now, I just know two things: Don't enter the tower, and don't spread the poppies. Now," at this point, the woman turns to face Leone and Arcturas, "what happened to you two- no, wait. Hold off on that. All of us need to know what we're dealing with here. This could be the death of us all if we aren't careful. "

With that, Ellyeta sets out to gather all the other colonists towards where the rest of the group is. None of us can be in the dark about this.


As mentioned in the OOC chat, I used Blessing of the Faithful to aid Matthias with his spirit recall.



I'm probably going to regret mentioning this, but I did pick up one of the mirror shards from inside the tower and brought it outside with me. If that were to matter.

[Warmatt]

As she woke, he nodded, returning his herbs to his pouch, as he began to rise. Still, he smiled looking down at her. "We shall speak more, of what your spirit has seen beyond." His tone was comforting, even as Pudgy snuffles, eyes looking happy to see her, and sad for the ordeal. Still, as Ellyeta speaks, he nods, looking somewhat grim himself his mind and spirit having touched on the Otherworld here. It was dangerous. For sure, the spirit realm back home was not the safest of places, but neither was it the nightmare the scrapped and whispered, oily tendrils moving in intersecting bilateral spirals bleeding into each other from beginning and end with several places in between being both.

shaking his head, he moves silently towards the group, his stride full of purpose.

[cecil1994]

A figure moves forward from the crowd- Charn Bolo, the architect and resident old fart.

"What the hell was that? We came to this land for a new beginning, not magic and this horror show."

By the nods around camp, he's not alone in this belief. The unrest is palpable.

[Feralgeist]

Lena edges closer to Charn Bolo. "Come now Mr. Bolo, every old barn has a few snakes and spiders, these are just a slightly more fanciful sort. We're well equipped for any trouble and if we all work together I'm sure we're more than enough to handle it. Nobody llikes things strange and magical but haven't you heard where wild magic like this comes from? Gems! this land must be full of riches to be so....quirky. If we can tame this place we'll all be living like kings within a year! You can trust me on this, i come from a long line of miners, and we pride ourselves on knowing the signs of the good rock." She smiles in what she hopes is a reassuring way, and looks back to the tower, pondering a way to get in without becoming a meal.



Trying to soothe fears and misgivings [roll0]

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas climbed to his feet eyes wide and dazzled by the recent experience, Breathing heavily he looked around taking in the newly changed situation still high off now misplaced adrenaline.

"it is good to be back, sorry to have you all so" he holds up a hand as to signal 'wait a moment', frowns, bends over his side leaning heavily on his guisarme and begins heaving. "urrggh..." spending a few seconds to regain some composure.

"We went to a place that... wasn't here. all in all I don't think I was there for more than a minute but... Arsith was there and though his actions may have been rash I do believe she owes Leone her life."

"When I arrived they were set upon by one of those... mirrorsnakes Lena spoke off, it was... big and... so fast but I believe to have slain it." Arcturas frowns deeply "I am fairly sure there were more of those snakes in that accursed place."

The nobleman moves a hand to his forehead as if to suppress some sort of headache. "I'm going to sit down for a little while now"

[Don nadie]

Earil takes a deep breath and bows his head towards Leone. If it is so, I thank you.

The young elf looks pale and weak, one cannot be certain if from the sea trip or from what just transpired. He puts a hand on Arsith's shoulder. Are you alright?, he asks, with a concerned whisper. One of his fingers strokes his necklace, an old pale symbol that does not seem of human manufacture.

Then Earil looks back at Arcturus. What did you find in this tower?

[Talvara]

Arcturas

The nobleman has sat down on the grass. "Excuse me, I'm going to need a minute" he has a pained look as he digs his memory and looks up to Earil. "uhm... there were books, old yellowed tomes, and cracked mirrors in the glass you could catch glimpses of green serpents with... violet eyes, the same snake I saw... where ever we went"

he shakes his head "as for the other place, Leone or Arsith might be able to give a more complete account of that place. I had little time to focus on my surroundings there."

[Q'telun]

Leone stands slowly, making sure he hasn't broken his bow, and pockets the eye gem for later. He'll give it to Matthias once the chaos has died down a little.

"Well, it was definitely strange. Arsith was tied to an obelisk by green vines, and we were in the middle of crumbling ruins. The sky was blood red, and the sun was blue. I'm glad that you guys came and got us out." He flashes a grin to Arcturas.

[cecil1994]

Lena edges closer to Charn Bolo. "Come now Mr. Bolo, every old barn has a few snakes and spiders, these are just a slightly more fanciful sort. We're well equipped for any trouble and if we all work together I'm sure we're more than enough to handle it. Nobody llikes things strange and magical but haven't you heard where wild magic like this comes from? Gems! this land must be full of riches to be so....quirky. If we can tame this place we'll all be living like kings within a year! You can trust me on this, i come from a long line of miners, and we pride ourselves on knowing the signs of the good rock." She smiles in what she hopes is a reassuring way, and looks back to the tower, pondering a way to get in without becoming a meal.



Trying to soothe fears and misgivings [roll0]

Mr. Bolo meets this with a skeptical, if not unkind, eye.
"I... suppose. But you magical lot aren't to go seeking out nightmares, alright? We will have to keep our heads down and just try and survive, not dabble in any kind of demonic rituals or whatever the hell you get up to."

Despite his rather grouchy demeanor, the man seems pacified. For now.


Earil takes a deep breath and bows his head towards Leone. If it is so, I thank you.

The young elf looks pale and weak, one cannot be certain if from the sea trip or from what just transpired. He puts a hand on Arsith's shoulder. Are you alright?, he asks, with a concerned whisper. One of his fingers strokes his necklace, an old pale symbol that does not seem of human manufacture.

Then Earil looks back at Arcturus. What did you find in this tower?

Arsith blinks at you. "I'll be alright- I've seen worse at the University. But..."

She glances at the tower, looking afraid and almost... subservient?

"I'm never going in there again."



Forgotten in the magical hubbub, Khali puts her foot down. "You don't have to, but I certainly will. I won't be able to sleep- sorry, rest- with that enigma lurking over our heads."

Regardless, she sounds rather pleading. The woman is not as afraid as she would like to appear (or indeed, as afraid as sanity would require).

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta


Mr. Bolo meets this with a skeptical, if not unkind, eye.
"I... suppose. But you magical lot aren't to go seeking out nightmares, alright? We will have to keep our heads down and just try and survive, not dabble in any kind of demonic rituals or whatever the hell you get up to."

Mr. Bolo, I can assure you that none of us went in there seeking anything of the sort. " Ellyeta explains. "At least on my part, I only wished to ensure that this building would be safe for us to use as a watch tower, and perhaps as a place for us to sleep in while we're all still trying to set up our homes. While the exact nature of the hazards wasn't what I was expecting at all, the conclusion remains the same- none of us can go in there again today."


Arsith blinks at you. "I'll be alright- I've seen worse at the University. But..."

She glances at the tower, looking afraid and almost... subservient?

"I'm never going in there again."

Forgotten in the magical hubbub, Khali puts her foot down. "You don't have to, but I certainly will. I won't be able to sleep- sorry, rest- with that enigma lurking over our heads."

Regardless, she sounds rather pleading. The woman is not as afraid as she would like to appear (or indeed, as afraid as sanity would require).

While more than a little surprised that anyone who entered the tower would be so eager to enter it again, Ellyeta addresses Khali. " You raise a good point. We shouldn't have this building lurking over our heads. For tonight at least, I'd recommenced setting up our tents away from the tower- and while we're at it, it would be wise for us to set up lookouts to make sure nothing exits the tower- or tries to come at us from any other direction. I'm willing to take one of these shifts. Between all of us, none of us will have to loose much sleep."

"In any case, I think that it might be possible for us to find a way to deal with this threat and secure the tower for our own use- provided we're careful about how we go about it. Sometime tonight, we should meet and plan with how we're going to handle that building- as it stands now, it could pose a threat to our settlement. "



Using touch of law to make take 11 on my diplomacy check on Khali, wich makes it a 21. Add an extra +1 if she's either friendly or helpful towards me. Just trying to convince her to hold off on exploring the tower right now and have her wait for tomorrow.

[cecil1994]

Khali pouts. You get the impression that if she was young enough, she'd stomp her foot. But she complies.

And at that, Abriana gets to work. "Alright- everyone, let's set up camp on the other side of the river. The Dreamer can ferry us across.

As for watches- two people a shift, four shifts. I don't care who does it, I just care that it gets done."

Her voice crackles with aged authority, like a fine wine that spent a previous lifetime as a drill sergeant. The populace snaps to attention and follows her command.

[Talvara]

Arcturas


"... I'm glad that you guys came and got us out." He flashes a grin to Arcturas.

Not being completely sure of the nature of the grin Arcturas chooses to take it as gratitude for his heroic intervention and gives Leone a solemn 'yes we're brothers in arms' nod.


Ellyeta
"In any case, I think that it might be possible for us to find a way to deal with this threat and secure the tower for our own use- provided we're careful about how we go about it. Sometime tonight, we should meet and plan with how we're going to handle that building- as it stands now, it could pose a threat to our settlement. "


having taken his breather and slightly embarrassed that Leone isn't requiring the same after a life and death situation Arcturas clambers back to his feet.
"If we are to settle here, and I believe we should we'll need the river mouth secured after all, We'll need that tower. not only is it a strange and mystical threat to us, at the time being aside from the boat its pretty much the only defensible ground for as far as I can spot"

"As for the serpents... I am not sure how we made it back to this plane of existence. I heard... angels... singing or chanting beckoning our return. but if there is a reliable way to go back and from perhaps if we work together we could exterminate the pests one by one..."

"Or perhaps there is something within this tower that draws them to this place" the nobleman shrugs "I don't really know about these things, perhaps clearing out all the broken mirrors is all that we need to do"


Khali pouts. You get the impression that if she was young enough, she'd stomp her foot. But she complies.

And at that, Abriana gets to work. "Alright- everyone, let's set up camp on the other side of the river. The Dreamer can ferry us across.

As for watches- two people a shift, four shifts. I don't care who does it, I just care that it gets done."

Her voice crackles with aged authority, like a fine wine that spent a previous lifetime as a drill sergeant. The populace snaps to attention and follows her command.

Slightly annoyed at someone trying to exert authority over him (it was bad enough on the boat, but at least she was the captain there) Arcturas follows suit, still a bit too weary from his first real fight to object.

He'll try to catch Khali with his eyes "Khali, you're with me on watch"

[cecil1994]

Khali's eyes widen for a second, but soften under the twin forces of companionship and "thank-God-I-didn't-have-to-ask-the-teacher-to-pair-me-with-someone".

It's a universal constant.

[Q'telun]

"You know, if we got rid of the poppies, it might make the area safer." Leone muses as he starts packing up the gear he had moved off the ship.

[cecil1994]

"You know, if we got rid of the poppies, it might make the area safer." Leone muses as he starts packing up the gear he had moved off the ship.

The dwarven twins, silent from the beginning, speak up in desperate alarm.

"No!"

They (well, only Duerme is speaking) compose themselves. "Um, the poppies provide an opportunity for agricultural growth and trade with the mainland. You know, trade."

Barlen sighs. "We make heroin. You need the profits, we need a safe place to grow and refine, and our customers would be... interested in whatever the hell these dream-stems become."

He lets out a wry grin. "Besides, aren't you curious about what this could become?"

[Michael7123]

The dwarven twins, silent from the beginning, speak up in desperate alarm.

"No!"

They (well, only Duerme is speaking) compose themselves. "Um, the poppies provide an opportunity for agricultural growth and trade with the mainland. You know, trade."

Barlen sighs. "We make heroin. You need the profits, we need a safe place to grow and refine, and our customers would be... interested in whatever the hell these dream-stems become."

He lets out a wry grin. "Besides, aren't you curious about what this could become?"


Ellyeta

While she has generally been fairly layedback and kind towards everyone on the journey, her expression visibly sours at the dwarves admission. This is the type of thing we wanted to stop in Cassigrau. The thought of her new home becoming a center of drug trading was something she was far from being keen on.

Still, she doubted her own moral convictions would help in swaying the dwarves opinions, so she decided to appeal to common sense. "These entire fields are heavily laced with enchantment magic. And apparently, it's powerful enough to make people go to other worlds- worlds that happen to be filled with man-eating snakes. That's not even supposed to be impossible with enchantment magic. This land is full of all sorts of things to trade with- far less hazardous things that won't kill our potential customers. I would reccomend focusing on those.

But I am getting ahead of myself. We still have much work to do to protect ourselves before talk of trade can begin in earnest. But for now, unless you want to be the meal of some otherworldly snake- don't. Use. The. Poppies. "

Still, the poppies could be a useful trade commodity. If not as recreational drugs, than for arcane study. There are probably some benign uses for them, right?




Diplomacy on the dwarves not to get high enough to meet the EMS's. Using my Trade subdomain ability to add a +1 to the roll. [roll0]. Add an extra +1 if they're friendly/helpful.





Alright, do you guys want to plan out how we attack the tower IC, or OOC? And if we do decide to do it IC, when do you want to jump to that part of the day (or night, more likely).

Furthermore, I'm kinda in favor of us all getting some RP time with whoever we choose to have watch with. But I'd be fine if we'd rather not RP that.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

the nobleman turns to listen to the sudden commotion and hears the dwarven duo out. "You mean like... medicine? I have some familiarity with those and I know there's potent painkillers derived from the poppy plant." he frowns "but I fail to see what sort of medical benefit these 'dream-stems' as you call them would add, it just sounds like more unpredictable side effects to me."

"Would it not be safer to slash and burn these plants and replace them with some mundane variation?"

[cecil1994]

Ellyeta

While she has generally been fairly layedback and kind towards everyone on the journey, her expression visibly sours at the dwarves admission. This is the type of thing we wanted to stop in Cassigrau. The thought of her new home becoming a center of drug trading was something she was far from being keen on.

Still, she doubted her own moral convictions would help in swaying the dwarves opinions, so she decided to appeal to common sense. "These entire fields are heavily laced with enchantment magic. And apparently, it's powerful enough to make people go to other worlds- worlds that happen to be filled with man-eating snakes. That's not even supposed to be impossible with enchantment magic. This land is full of all sorts of things to trade with- far less hazardous things that won't kill our potential customers. I would reccomend focusing on those.

But I am getting ahead of myself. We still have much work to do to protect ourselves before talk of trade can begin in earnest. But for now, unless you want to be the meal of some otherworldly snake- don't. Use. The. Poppies. "

Still, the poppies could be a useful trade commodity. If not as recreational drugs, than for arcane study. There are probably some benign uses for them, right?




Diplomacy on the dwarves not to get high enough to meet the EMS's. Using my Trade subdomain ability to add a +1 to the roll. [roll0]. Add an extra +1 if they're friendly/helpful.





Alright, do you guys want to plan out how we attack the tower IC, or OOC? And if we do decide to do it IC, when do you want to jump to that part of the day (or night, more likely).

Furthermore, I'm kinda in favor of us all getting some RP time with whoever we choose to have watch with. But I'd be fine if we'd rather not RP that.



Arcturas

the nobleman turns to listen to the sudden commotion and hears the dwarven duo out. "You mean like... medicine? I have some familiarity with those and I know there's potent painkillers derived from the poppy plant." he frowns "but I fail to see what sort of medical benefit these 'dream-stems' as you call them would add, it just sounds like more unpredictable side effects to me."

"Would it not be safer to slash and burn these plants and replace them with some mundane variation?"

Duerme laughs, revealing blocky teeth the size of your thumb. "You underestimate what our clientele will pay for the... exotic side of medicine. It isn't about practicality, it's about rarity and risk. But we wouldn't grow any until we have sustainable food crops, anyways. This is just an investment in the future."

Night watches can be RP'ed as you wish. Simply name the PC or NPC you'd like to watch with, and we can take it from there.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"non practical medicine... risk?" with a concerned look he'll glance over at Ellyeta. and back at Duerme "I don't think we share the same definitions when it comes to medicine at all" he shakes his head "This isn't something more along the lines of the illicit is it?"

Arcturas sighs and assumes his more authoritative demeanour again"Whatever past anyone here has can be overlooked, Sarenrea teaches us about redemption and second chances. but I must impress upon you the need to grasp this chance at redemption, do not repeat the same mistakes over and over. or I can promise you, we will have trouble"

[Don nadie]

Arsith blinks at you. "I'll be alright- I've seen worse at the University. But..."

She glances at the tower, looking afraid and almost... subservient?

"I'm never going in there again."

That's alright, Arsith. You won't have to... Earil looks at her, seemingly feeling guilty, as if he had been caught off-duty. He helps her up and smiles softly, making sure she can hold on her own.

He sighs and then turns in gaze to the others. I, however, entirely agree with Khali. We cannot leave this tower looming over us, and I suspect those yellow books you mentioned may be useful to us in the long term. I may be able to decypher them, given enough time. He seems to hesitate for a minute, but decides against sharing information on the books he's brought from the Archipielago. Not in front of Mr. Bolo.

What you tell of the mirrors and the snakes is disturbing, he adds looking at Leone, but it may be possible to learn more at daylight, and less dangerous to enter without Arsith. For the moment, we take out our provissions out of the ship and rest. I will make my shift with Arsith...

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

The elf continues whispering a few questions to Arsith, mostly asking if she is sure she is ok, and if she'd rather rest the rest of the evening. He seems genuinely concerned about her. But as the conversation turns to how to use the poppies and their narconic possibilities, Earil frowns.

To use something as medicine is one thing, to sell for profit something that, as far as we know, will put the users in danger... is quite another. I would not condone something like that.

[cecil1994]

Bolo cracks his knuckles. Grins. And puts on a face so professionally apathetic that an Asmodean lawyer would be envious.

"You speak of the opioids as if they're only an issue of morality. One where the world is black and white, with the poppies falling firmly into the Very Not Good section. And to you, that's that. But your zealotry is damaging to the real world- because in a matter of months, winter is upon us. And we don't have the supplies to outlast it."

He wets his lips. A newfound passion is in his voice, one you've never heard meld with his baritone emptiness.

"Sure, the poppies may be risky. Sure, opioids are extremely not good for people. But you cannot deny that this is by far our best option for making money- money we need to build houses, money we need to keep food in our bellies. Money we'll need to patch up whatever wounds the Elder Continent tears in our new home. Morals are good and all, but they won't keep your loved ones from starving. And a gentleness with the common man will only take you as far as the blade he holds behind his smile."

[Warmatt]

Matthias, and to a degree the pug on his head, seem amused by the paladins assumption, even as he speaks, having been silent, listening and taking all things in. "While me an pudgy appreciate your description of us, we would like to inform you that our inclinations do not run that way." There is amusement in his tone, a hand moving, expressive and yet simple.

But still, his face loses it's amusement and joviality soon after, as he looks towards the dwarves. "I have partaken of many things to expand the mind and senses, to let spirit slip free of flesh and wander the spirit realm. I have done so with familiarity it is true, but also with respect and caution. For back in Halk, the spirit realms were much like the wilderness. Dangerous if one was foolish or naïve, but more then survivable.... If one showed caution. Here?"
His eyes narrow, hands wide. "The spirit realm here is actively malicious. I can try and ward some of the effects, try and guide your souls back to your flesh if they are sundered from it, but I am but one shaman! Tell me, would you let someone play with gunpowder where a bonfire blazes not five feet away? These poppies are exactly like that gunpowder."

And then, he nods, looking at Bolo. "And you have a point. A good point. However, let me ask you this. The poppies are able to send one into the spirit world. Who is to say that they do not also attract the snakes? What would our customers think, on learning that we shipped them something that we knew could do this?"

[cecil1994]

At this, Denzel slams his hand against the table.

"But this is not out only option!!! I won't lie, right now we've need of a few more coppers in our treasury. But that doesn't mean we need to become drug dealers???? Who the hell do you think we are???"

He clears his throat.

"I'll tell you what we are. We are survivors. Innovators. Explorers. And we were dumb and desperate enough to flee to this Abadar-forsaken nightmare zoo. We can come up with a thousand better ideas- and we're just idiotic enough to risk our necks to give them a try. Because that's who we are- the kind of people who take risks ourselves, not the kind that delegates them whatever victim decides to buy Duerme's "product". "

At this, he storms off.

"I left Halk to build a world free of corruption. Free of exploitation. Free of humans hurting one another over petty things like silver and gold. And I'll be DAMNED if I let my dream slip away for a few more coppers in our banks."

[Don nadie]

((Later that night, during his shift))

Earil wakes his companion whispering: Ars? Are you alright? How were your dreams?

The occultist is genuinely concerned. He had presumed his companion would face a few dangers of her own in this new land, for her dreaming mind could easily slip through the cracks between the real and the imaginary. Still, he hand't expected it to happen so soon, nor without him.

By the light of the fire is Earil's luggage. There isn't much: a small portable loom, a few tools for sewing and cutting he thought would be useful and a box. It is this box he's been most careful about, the box he's carried himself despite its weight. Now, the two of them alone, he opens it. It contains a small collection of books bound in some yellow leather or cloth. Within, the text jumps from one language to another, from prose to poetry and back to prose. Its metaphores are wild, imaginative to the extent that it makes him shiver. There is such thing as too much imagination.

Carefully, Earil selects one of the books and, with Ars by his side, opens it. The pages are thick and strong, cracking softly when he shuffles through the chapters. By the light of the fire, with an eye on the dangers of the night, the young elf passes page after page trying to find something, anything, that would give them a clue on the mirrors, the snakes, and the tower.


Knowledge (The Planes)
1: [roll0]
2: [roll1]

Knowledge (Arcana)
1: [roll2]
2: [roll3]

[cecil1994]

And the first day draws to a close.

Under the piercing gaze of Abriana, a ramshackle tent-city has been assembled on the north bank of the Elon. The gentle light of the campfire soothes and relaxes, and under the stars the horrors of the mirror-snakes seem a lifetime ago.

But the south bank still lives. The tower so wished-to-be-forgotten watches over your slumber, like... like an ancient observatory inhabited by dream-serpents from a plane beyond mortal comprehension. There really isn't a simile to express that.

Despite this, the night begins on a note of peace. The watches pass without consequence- Khali and Arcturas, bound together by a regrettable story about a witched frog, a pair of flowered knickers, and an university professor. Leone and Garavel, both marveling at the eternal sea of fireflies (is that what they are?) that arose from the poppies like a sheet of living fire. Arsith and Earil, poring over the aged texts like it's just another night at the university- like everything hadn't been torn to pieces, like it will all be alright. Ellyeta and Denzel, paired in the companionable silence that only hardship-weathered friends (and indeed, lovers) can achieve.

The dawn breaks with the tender strokes of sunlight. Times like this, you remember why you came to this place. You remember that the Elder Continent can be as magnificent as it can be terrible. And maybe it's the horrors of gone days that make the companionship of the night so needed. Maybe without pains, true bliss cannot be achieved.

But enough. The day awaits.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

--During the nightshift--

walking the occasional lap around the camp with his lantern but mostly sitting by the fire with Khali, conversation had been mostly light hearted not probing too deeply into past lives, Arcturas doesn't have much to hide and will speak honestly about tidbits of his past in between being amused about bewitched frogs and flowered underwear.

only after some significant conversation he'll broach a more recent matter. Careful that his voice carries concern rather than judgement he'll prod the fire with a stick as a pause in conversation gave silence a place to breed. "Khali, back in the tower you took something from the hearths mantle" making eye contact. "Can I see it?"

If she complies he'll turn it over in his hand studying it from multiple angles asking questions like "what is it?" and "why is this important to you?"

assuming the object doesn't set off instant alarm bells (it probably shouldn't, asside from his ever present aura of goodness and an ability to ascern evil from within people, there really isn't much supernatural about Arcturas) he'll return the object back to Khalis' posession.

--Just before sunrise--
Arcturas will probably be one of the first to rise from his tent, greeting Ellyeta and Denzel on the last of the nights watch he'll excuse himself and find a quiet spot from which to watch the sunrise and sit in silent reverence as the golden glow starts to come over the horizon. if he was more attuned to the divine this would be the time to commune.

[Don nadie]

((Breakfast time))

Earil wakes up after an uneasy night. He's had trouble to sleep, waking up at time to eye Arsith. He's had nightmares of her again, fainted, like he found her out of the tower.

When he wakes up his long, blond hair is a tangled, with the odd hay on it. He barely makes an effort on getting presentable, just combing with his fingers and splashing some water on his face. He then picks up some boiled water and a piece of dried seed-bread. He sits with the others for breakfast, eyeing with some hesitation the tower in the distance. Finally, after taking a bite of his bread and clearly finding it insatisfactory, Earil speaks to the others.

I did some research last night, he beings. I did not find much about the snakes, merely legends and myths regarding the servant of some type of serpent-god, devourer of dreams. The accounts are muddled at best, so I'd rather believe the serpent-king is a myth based on the smaller versions of it you... met, by lack of a better word.

He takes a deep breath and leaves the cup on the table, vapour raising from it.

In regards to the poppies I was more fortunate. They appear to be called "Wanderers", and may induce strange hallucinogenic dreams... So deep and potent that the body is forgotten, or perhaps dreamt away. What this means exactly is not clear. My personal recommendation would be that we cut all of the surrounding poppies and bury them somewhere away from the river, keeping and drying only a few specimens. We may want to investigate it further once we are settled, but right now I'd think it unwise to keep something possibly dangerous next to us. Something that could affect our dreams even more. He frowns slightly, looking over to the poppies which are bright like small scarlet flames under the light of dawn. I also found... something else, he adds with obvious hesitation. A recipe or a preparation that could be used to make these poppies... "eat the memories of the dead". Earil sighs, pressing his fingers against his brow. It makes little to no sense, though that may have to do with my translation: I have no way of knowing what the terms "dead" or "memory" meant to the original writer. Still, once we have addressed the dangers of the tower, we could test that preparation...

He takes back the cup and sips from it, holding the warmth between his hands and eyeing Arcturus and the dwarven brothers. He hopes this is a decent compromise, postponing their use of the poppies till later. While Earil is not eager to sell it for recreation, he'd rather not destroy something out of fear... Which, after all, is just the lack of knowledge.

Speaking of the tower, he continues softly. I think we should go in again. And in my opinion, taking the books out should be our priority. I can examine the mirrors in detail, but only after the books are out and safe. Given time, I may be able to translate and read them, which in turn would allow us to know what this tower is... or was.

He looks at the other members of the expedition, ready to hear their input. They may notice the bags under his eyes, the redness of a bad night's sleep and of too long reading by the fire. Earil tries to nibble the bread and, not very hungry, ends up playing with it and reducing it to crumbs between his fingers.

[Feralgeist]

On the outskirts of camp, in her bedroll, Lena groggily awakes to a dull thumping noise
As her dream-blearied thoughts focus she remembers where she is and what she has leashed. Her eyes widen. oh hells, Mr J! She fearfully checks the cart, opening the lid of the barrel to find.......Mr J, still curled up, awaiting orders. "Phew....just a dream. Do not resist." She lets out a burst of dark power and renews their bond. "Good boy, now sit tight." She closes the barrel and begins nailing it shut once more.
wait a second, when did i take out the nails? She shudders, and puts it from her mind, finishing the hammering and grabbing a sack of feed, distributing it somewhat fairly amongst the animals in their reconstructed pen this side of the river. With the doll in her pocket they huddle on one corner while she gathers the chicken eggs and puts them in a small iron pot, then move to graze once she leaves.
She wanders further into the camp and eventually shows up to the table and sits down, listening intently to Earils' findings. "The seeds. I have no clue what a bunch of flowers are good for, but i think if anything keeping enough seeds for a crop in a lead-lined box would be an idea. They're known for their properties in containment. That way if they turn out usable for a legitimate purpose we won't have to find another field. I must confess I too, am not of the opinion we should become drug barons....it would draw too much of the wrong types of attention, if someone hears of a lucrative new product they will organize raids against us. I don't like our chances amongst that kind of trouble. About the tower, I'm at a loss for ideas on how to help clear it, but as for dealing with some of the other colonists concerns, if i can scrounge up some material, i might be able to make some simple armour and shields for some of the others, it might make them feel more safe, and with more of us equipped there will be more able hands for night watches. I don't know, I'm just a miner with an anvil and some chickens. I'll leave it to you educated folk to come up with a plan of action." She leans back on her chair and pulls out a small file, picking at grimy nails and placing the iron pot on the table. Picking out an egg she cracks it open with the file and slurps it down, then pushes the pot out and gestures to it, Smiling. "Good for the blood my ol ma said"

[cecil1994]

Arcturas

--During the nightshift--

walking the occasional lap around the camp with his lantern but mostly sitting by the fire with Khali, conversation had been mostly light hearted not probing too deeply into past lives, Arcturas doesn't have much to hide and will speak honestly about tidbits of his past in between being amused about bewitched frogs and flowered underwear.

only after some significant conversation he'll broach a more recent matter. Careful that his voice carries concern rather than judgement he'll prod the fire with a stick as a pause in conversation gave silence a place to breed. "Khali, back in the tower you took something from the hearths mantle" making eye contact. "Can I see it?"

If she complies he'll turn it over in his hand studying it from multiple angles asking questions like "what is it?" and "why is this important to you?"

assuming the object doesn't set off instant alarm bells (it probably shouldn't, asside from his ever present aura of goodness and an ability to ascern evil from within people, there really isn't much supernatural about Arcturas) he'll return the object back to Khalis' posession.

--Just before sunrise--
Arcturas will probably be one of the first to rise from his tent, greeting Ellyeta and Denzel on the last of the nights watch he'll excuse himself and find a quiet spot from which to watch the sunrise and sit in silent reverence as the golden glow starts to come over the horizon. if he was more attuned to the divine this would be the time to commune.

Khali hands over the relic without a trace of reluctance- indeed, she seems grateful for a second set of eyes.

"It's a mask of some sort, I think? Although quite frankly I have no idea what it could be made of. Or why there are three eye holes. Or what the vitriolic guck adhered to it is. Or... well, anything."

The face stares blankly into yours. Greenish metal distorts and perverts your reflection, showing a glittering halo of the void resting right above your skull. A flickering tether connects you to something out of sight.

"Yeah. It does that to some of you."

((Breakfast time))

Earil wakes up after an uneasy night. He's had trouble to sleep, waking up at time to eye Arsith. He's had nightmares of her again, fainted, like he found her out of the tower.

When he wakes up his long, blond hair is a tangled, with the odd hay on it. He barely makes an effort on getting presentable, just combing with his fingers and splashing some water on his face. He then picks up some boiled water and a piece of dried seed-bread. He sits with the others for breakfast, eyeing with some hesitation the tower in the distance. Finally, after taking a bite of his bread and clearly finding it insatisfactory, Earil speaks to the others.

I did some research last night, he beings. I did not find much about the snakes, merely legends and myths regarding the servant of some type of serpent-god, devourer of dreams. The accounts are muddled at best, so I'd rather believe the serpent-king is a myth based on the smaller versions of it you... met, by lack of a better word.

He takes a deep breath and leaves the cup on the table, vapour raising from it.

In regards to the poppies I was more fortunate. They appear to be called "Wanderers", and may induce strange hallucinogenic dreams... So deep and potent that the body is forgotten, or perhaps dreamt away. What this means exactly is not clear. My personal recommendation would be that we cut all of the surrounding poppies and bury them somewhere away from the river, keeping and drying only a few specimens. We may want to investigate it further once we are settled, but right now I'd think it unwise to keep something possibly dangerous next to us. Something that could affect our dreams even more. He frowns slightly, looking over to the poppies which are bright like small scarlet flames under the light of dawn. I also found... something else, he adds with obvious hesitation. A recipe or a preparation that could be used to make these poppies... "eat the memories of the dead". Earil sighs, pressing his fingers against his brow. It makes little to no sense, though that may have to do with my translation: I have no way of knowing what the terms "dead" or "memory" meant to the original writer. Still, once we have addressed the dangers of the tower, we could test that preparation...

He takes back the cup and sips from it, holding the warmth between his hands and eyeing Arcturus and the dwarven brothers. He hopes this is a decent compromise, postponing their use of the poppies till later. While Earil is not eager to sell it for recreation, he'd rather not destroy something out of fear... Which, after all, is just the lack of knowledge.

Speaking of the tower, he continues softly. I think we should go in again. And in my opinion, taking the books out should be our priority. I can examine the mirrors in detail, but only after the books are out and safe. Given time, I may be able to translate and read them, which in turn would allow us to know what this tower is... or was.

He looks at the other members of the expedition, ready to hear their input. They may notice the bags under his eyes, the redness of a bad night's sleep and of too long reading by the fire. Earil tries to nibble the bread and, not very hungry, ends up playing with it and reducing it to crumbs between his fingers.

A dagger slams into the breakfast table. Its wielder bears a face just as steely and just as sharp- Abriana, with a tone that brooks no offense.

"We should burn the books. Any knowledge that led to the mirror-snakes coming in the first place must be destroyed."

Joel looks on in reluctant agreement. Khali, however, looks on with a glare fiery enough to melt bone.

On the outskirts of camp, in her bedroll, Lena groggily awakes to a dull thumping noise
As her dream-blearied thoughts focus she remembers where she is and what she has leashed. Her eyes widen. oh hells, Mr J! She fearfully checks the cart, opening the lid of the barrel to find.......Mr J, still curled up, awaiting orders. "Phew....just a dream. Do not resist." She lets out a burst of dark power and renews their bond. "Good boy, now sit tight." She closes the barrel and begins nailing it shut once more.
wait a second, when did i take out the nails? She shudders, and puts it from her mind, finishing the hammering and grabbing a sack of feed, distributing it somewhat fairly amongst the animals in their reconstructed pen this side of the river. With the doll in her pocket they huddle on one corner while she gathers the chicken eggs and puts them in a small iron pot, then move to graze once she leaves.
She wanders further into the camp and eventually shows up to the table and sits down, listening intently to Earils' findings. "The seeds. I have no clue what a bunch of flowers are good for, but i think if anything keeping enough seeds for a crop in a lead-lined box would be an idea. They're known for their properties in containment. That way if they turn out usable for a legitimate purpose we won't have to find another field. I must confess I too, am not of the opinion we should become drug barons....it would draw too much of the wrong types of attention, if someone hears of a lucrative new product they will organize raids against us. I don't like our chances amongst that kind of trouble. About the tower, I'm at a loss for ideas on how to help clear it, but as for dealing with some of the other colonists concerns, if i can scrounge up some material, i might be able to make some simple armour and shields for some of the others, it might make them feel more safe, and with more of us equipped there will be more able hands for night watches. I don't know, I'm just a miner with an anvil and some chickens. I'll leave it to you educated folk to come up with a plan of action." She leans back on her chair and pulls out a small file, picking at grimy nails and placing the iron pot on the table. Picking out an egg she cracks it open with the file and slurps it down, then pushes the pot out and gestures to it, Smiling. "Good for the blood my ol ma said"

At this suggestion, Duerme smiles. "We'd be more than happy to delay our crop until the moment is right. In return, however, we'd like your full cooperation and agreement for when the time is upon us. Just a precaution."

And at the sight of your egg... consumption, Bolo cannot help but pale. And Garavel cannot help but let out a feral grin.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

---campfire chat with Khali---

Khali hands over the relic without a trace of reluctance- indeed, she seems grateful of a second set of eyes.

"It's a mask of some sort, I think? Although quite frankly I have no idea what it could be made of. Or why there are three eye holes. Or what the vitriolic guck adhered to it is. Or... well, anything."

The face stares blankly into yours. Greenish metal distorts and perverts your reflection, showing a glittering halo of the void resting right above your skull. A flickering tether connects you to something out of sight.

Arcturas gazes into his reflected face, raising and lowering his eyebrows and finally making 'a face' towards it complete with stuck out tongue.



"Yeah. It does that to some of you."


"Some of us?" He raises an eyebrow as he probes slightly deeper. and begins to hold the mask in such a way that he can see Khali in its reflection.

He'll turn the mask over again "curious, my... education didn't cover the occult very deeply, but If I were to make a guess I'd say it feels... 'out of this world' somehow" Arcturas narrows his gaze and he'll actually actively try to 'detect evil' upon the item.

He'll hold out the mask towards Khali in a gesture of 'here take it'. "are you connected to the arcane at all? I've heard some of those people can detect traces of magic"

With the mask no longer in his grasp he'll continue with a confused expression "Why did you take it without saying a word though?"

--- at the breakfast table---




A dagger slams into the breakfast table. Its wielder bears a face just as steely and just as sharp- Abriana, with a tone that brooks no offense.

"We should burn the books. Any knowledge that led to the mirror-snakes coming in the first place must be destroyed."

Joel looks on in reluctant agreement. Khali, however, looks on with a glare fiery enough to melt bone.

"We don't know what is in those books, there could be methods to rid us of these serpents or it could contain a hundred ways to roast a rabbit. or it could contain power capable of damning us all." Arcturas shrugs. "We wont know till we read a couple of paragraphs, but right now the chance that it could help us rid ourselves of the serpents means we cannot afford ignorance."


"The seeds. I have no clue what a bunch of flowers are good for, but i think if anything keeping enough seeds for a crop in a lead-lined box would be an idea. They're known for their properties in containment. That way if they turn out usable for a legitimate purpose we won't have to find another field. I must confess I too, am not of the opinion we should become drug barons....it would draw too much of the wrong types of attention, if someone hears of a lucrative new product they will organize raids against us. I don't like our chances amongst that kind of trouble. About the tower, I'm at a loss for ideas on how to help clear it, but as for dealing with some of the other colonists concerns, if i can scrounge up some material, i might be able to make some simple armour and shields for some of the others, it might make them feel more safe, and with more of us equipped there will be more able hands for night watches. I don't know, I'm just a miner with an anvil and some chickens. I'll leave it to you educated folk to come up with a plan of action." She leans back on her chair and pulls out a small file, picking at grimy nails and placing the iron pot on the table. Picking out an egg she cracks it open with the file and slurps it down, then pushes the pot out and gestures to it, Smiling. "Good for the blood my ol ma said"

"Now I don't know how the rest of you feel about the authorities back on the mainland, but if we were to flood their streets with illicit substances we will almost certainly catch their ire. I did not come out here to risk ending up in a conflict with my family back on the mainland"

He'll give the dwarves a look "I have thought it over during the night, and what you do for your own consumption is your business up until the point it becomes a danger to others or the community as a whole. Any trade of these products will be medicinal and go through proper legal channels."

"I understand enough about medicine that in a lot of cases the only difference between it and a narcotic is proper and qualified administration"


She leans back on her chair and pulls out a small file, picking at grimy nails and placing the iron pot on the table. Picking out an egg she cracks it open with the file and slurps it down, then pushes the pot out and gestures to it, Smiling. "Good for the blood my ol ma said"
Eager to add some flavour to the bland rations Arcturas will lean over and pick out an egg from the pot, Making eye contact with Lena and holding up the egg in a gesture of 'much obliged' he'll give her a nod and sit down.

He'll take a moment to study the way Lena ate her egg and will attempt to mimic it. slllrrrpp. "that... was highly unpleasant" he looks at the empty eggshell with a look of disgust.

[cecil1994]

Arcturas

---campfire chat with Khali---

Arcturas gazes into his reflected face, raising and lowering his eyebrows and finally making 'a face' towards it complete with stuck out tongue.


"Some of us?" He raises an eyebrow as he probes slightly deeper. and begins to hold the mask in such a way that he can see Khali in its reflection.

He'll turn the mask over again "curious, my... education didn't cover the occult very deeply, but If I were to make a guess I'd say it feels... 'out of this world' somehow" Arcturas narrows his gaze and he'll actually actively try to 'detect evil' upon the item.

He'll hold out the mask towards Khali in a gesture of 'here take it'. "are you connected to the arcane at all? I've heard some of those people can detect traces of magic"

With the mask no longer in his grasp he'll continue with a confused expression "Why did you take it without saying a word though?"

"Sorry, I never had the talent or the patience for magic. I think Arsith has the Gift, though- you could ask her for help."

"Oh, as for taking it- old habits. Back at the university... back there talking during an expedition was frowned upon. Spreads knowledge and whatnot."

Your Detect Evil has no result. And when you angle it at Khali, there's nothing at all.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta


At this, Denzel slams his hand against the table.

"But this is not out only option!!! I won't lie, right now we've need of a few more coppers in our treasury. But that doesn't mean we need to become drug dealers???? Who the hell do you think we are???"

He clears his throat.

"I'll tell you what we are. We are survivors. Innovators. Explorers. And we were dumb and desperate enough to flee to this Abadar-forsaken nightmare zoo. We can come up with a thousand better ideas- and we're just idiotic enough to risk our necks to give them a try. Because that's who we are- the kind of people who take risks ourselves, not the kind that delegates them whatever victim decides to buy Duerme's "product". "

At this, he storms off.

"I left Halk to build a world free of corruption. Free of exploitation. Free of humans hurting one another over petty things like silver and gold. And I'll be DAMNED if I let my dream slip away for a few more coppers in our banks."

{{During this discussion}}

Ellyeta watches her husband leave before turning to face the others. "I stand by my husband on this matter. After all, when a merchant tells you that something isn't worth doing for money, it's probably wise advice to listen. Besides, all the gold in the world isn't worth a thing if you can't find a way to sleep at night. " With that, she goes of and joins her husband in preparing to head to the other bank.


And the first day draws to a close.

Under the piercing gaze of Abriana, a ramshackle tent-city has been assembled on the north bank of the Elon. The gentle light of the campfire soothes and relaxes, and under the stars the horrors of the mirror-snakes seem a lifetime ago.

But the south bank still lives. The tower so wished-to-be-forgotten watches over your slumber, like... like an ancient observatory inhabited by dream-serpents from a plane beyond mortal comprehension. There really isn't a simile to express that.

Despite this, the night begins on a note of peace. The watches pass without consequence- Khali and Arcturas, bound together by a regrettable story about a witched frog, a pair of flowered knickers, and an university professor. Leone and Garavel, both marveling at the eternal sea of fireflies (is that what they are?) that arose from the poppies like a sheet of living fire. Arsith and Earil, poring over the aged texts like it's just another night at the university- like everything hadn't been torn to pieces, like it will all be alright. Ellyeta and Denzel, paired in the companionable silence that only hardship-weathered friends (and indeed, lovers) can achieve.

The dawn breaks with the tender strokes of sunlight. Times like this, you remember why you came to this place. You remember that the Elder Continent can be as magnificent as it can be terrible. And maybe it's the horrors of gone days that make the companionship of the night so needed. Maybe without pains, true bliss cannot be achieved.

But enough. The day awaits.

{{The night shift}}

The husband and wife mostly spend their watch shift in silence, although a few comments and plans are made about the whole drug situation. Beyond that, they spend the night peacefully together.



On the outskirts of camp, in her bedroll, Lena groggily awakes to a dull thumping noise
As her dream-blearied thoughts focus she remembers where she is and what she has leashed. Her eyes widen. oh hells, Mr J! She fearfully checks the cart, opening the lid of the barrel to find.......Mr J, still curled up, awaiting orders. "Phew....just a dream. Do not resist." She lets out a burst of dark power and renews their bond. "Good boy, now sit tight." She closes the barrel and begins nailing it shut once more.
wait a second, when did i take out the nails? She shudders, and puts it from her mind, finishing the hammering and grabbing a sack of feed, distributing it somewhat fairly amongst the animals in their reconstructed pen this side of the river. With the doll in her pocket they huddle on one corner while she gathers the chicken eggs and puts them in a small iron pot, then move to graze once she leaves.
She wanders further into the camp and eventually shows up to the table and sits down, listening intently to Earils' findings. "The seeds. I have no clue what a bunch of flowers are good for, but i think if anything keeping enough seeds for a crop in a lead-lined box would be an idea. They're known for their properties in containment. That way if they turn out usable for a legitimate purpose we won't have to find another field. I must confess I too, am not of the opinion we should become drug barons....it would draw too much of the wrong types of attention, if someone hears of a lucrative new product they will organize raids against us. I don't like our chances amongst that kind of trouble. About the tower, I'm at a loss for ideas on how to help clear it, but as for dealing with some of the other colonists concerns, if i can scrounge up some material, i might be able to make some simple armour and shields for some of the others, it might make them feel more safe, and with more of us equipped there will be more able hands for night watches. I don't know, I'm just a miner with an anvil and some chickens. I'll leave it to you educated folk to come up with a plan of action." She leans back on her chair and pulls out a small file, picking at grimy nails and placing the iron pot on the table. Picking out an egg she cracks it open with the file and slurps it down, then pushes the pot out and gestures to it, Smiling. "Good for the blood my ol ma said"
{{Breakfast}}

Ellyeta notices the way the egg is consumed and says nothing. However, she does find it somewhat disturbing.


Arcturas


"We don't know what is in those books, there could be methods to rid us of these serpents or it could contain a hundred ways to roast a rabbit. or it could contain power capable of damning us all." Arcturas shrugs. "We wont know till we read a couple of paragraphs, but right now the chance that it could help us rid ourselves of the serpents means we cannot afford ignorance."

"Now I don't know how the rest of you feel about the authorities back on the mainland, but if we were to flood their streets with illicit substances we will almost certainly catch their ire. I did not come out here to risk ending up in a conflict with my family back on the mainland"

He'll give the dwarves a look "I have thought it over during the night, and what you do for your own consumption is your business up until the point it becomes a danger to others or the community as a whole. Any trade of these products will be medicinal and go through proper legal channels."

"I understand enough about medicine that in a lot of cases the only difference between it and a narcotic is proper and qualified administration"

Eager to add some flavour to the bland rations Arcturas will lean over and pick out an egg from the pot, Making eye contact with Lena and holding up the egg in a gesture of 'much obliged' he'll give her a nod and sit down.

He'll take a moment to study the way Lena ate her egg and will attempt to mimic it. slllrrrpp. "that... was highly unpleasant" he looks at the empty eggshell with a look of disgust.

Continuing to say nothing in regards to the egg for diplomatic reasons, Ellyeta goes on to offer her own input about the situations at hand.

"As for the tower- I think we can all agree that it is unsafe for us to leave it as it remains now. The ability to have such a stable building for us to build around is nothing we can afford to overlook. I am also in favor of entering the tower and purging it of the snakes that have been causing us so much trouble. We know they can be killed- in fact, Arcturas and Leone returned without a scratch from their encounter with them. If we arecareful and prepare beforehand, we can make sure that we can replicate that same rate of success on a large scale. "

After taking a sip of water, Ellyeta continues, although her expression is a little less friendly at this point. "I'm inclined to agree with you about the books Abarina- the last thing we want is for the knowledge to fall into the wrong hands. But Arcturas is right- we can't afford to be ignorant about these sorts of matters if we want to keep ourselves safe.

Still, the concept of 'eating the dreams of the dead' sounds rather... unpleasant. Not to mention unsafe. Perhapse the best solution might be to have someone we can all agree is trustworthy to hold onto the knowledge. Someone we can all agree would never attempt to use it towards ends that would put our colony at risk. I mean no offense to you Earil, and am not trying to call into question your trustworthiness- I merely wish to ensure that we can all accept a method for useful knowledge to be preserved in a manner that is safe for all of us. The last thing we need now is infighting."


"Earil, I agree with you on our treatment of the poppies. They are an active threat to our well being, and the last thing we need is someone to trip, inhale a bunch of them, then become a meal for some magic snake. I also agree in the prudence of preserving a couple of the specimens. But the risks and downfall of starting a drug trading business are to great to overlook, not to mention that it is unethical on several different levels. Lena's right about the possibility of raids. But more than that, getting a reputation as drug barons will effectively shut off trade between us and a whole host of more ethical nations. They'll want nothing to do with us- except for maybe conquering us in the name of Iomedae. I think all of us can agree that conquest of any sort would be bad for health and business, if no higher concerns motivate you on the subject."

"As for using the poppies for medical uses, I find it unlikely that they will have many to begin with, considering our limited knowledge of them. However, if it turns out that they can be helpful to the welfare of other nations, I would have no issue making a profit off their trade. But I wouldn't get my hopes up on the subject- this land contains some food and resources rare on the Halk Archipellago. Barlen and Duerme, why not use this expedition to branch out into a more ethical- and likely more profitable- field of agricultural growth? Such trade can benefit us all. "



General diplomacy check. Using touch of law and my silver tongue ability to get a total result of [B]22, with an extra +1 to everyone either friendly or helpful towards me.

How often should I be making these when we're having discussions?


None yet- I'll prepare them after we come up for our game plan about the tower.

[Don nadie]

((During breakfast))


A dagger slams into the breakfast table. Its wielder bears a face just as steely and just as sharp- Abriana, with a tone that brooks no offense.

"We should burn the books. Any knowledge that led to the mirror-snakes coming in the first place must be destroyed."

Joel looks on in reluctant agreement. Khali, however, looks on with a glare fiery enough to melt bone.

Earil pales at the sight of the dagger, and the not-so-veiled threat of violence it involves. Nonetheless, he quickly composses himself to answer both their captain and his companion's concerns.

Madam, friends, I will not be part to the burning of books before a careful study, an certainly not before even having a chance to read them, he says this simply and openly, as a fact. If it is the decission of our group to do so, I will be forced to enter that tower on my own and find the means of protecting that knowledge. Earil pauses, somewhat agitated. I do not say this as a threat, but as a matter of principle. If we burn books merely because we don't understand them yet, we are just creating a vicious circle of ignorance feeding off fear and fear feeding off ignorance. I did not travel here to be part of such efforts. He eyes Arsith and Khali, and smiles nervously to them, expecting they're both his allies on this particular matter. There is much we don't know about this place, and much to be nervous about. But it is only by learning that we may conquer both fear and danger.

He turns towards Ellyeta, who's also said her piece.

Of course, I'd rather not keep books which turn out to be occult and dangerous items. But we are worrying about the worst possibility before we have even had a chance to read their titles! The elf shakes his head. The books are our best bet of learning how to protect ourselves from an inmediate and obvious danger. I insist that our first task regarding this cursed tower should be getting them out, where they can safely be studied.

The elf then returns to the topic of the poppies, which clearly hits less closely.

I'd agree that the poppies should only be traded for medicinal and legitimate purposes. As for their supposed property of "eating the memories of the dead", I'd advice we better not take it too literally. While it sounds ominous, it may mean a great variety of things. I simply cannot know the original context, and whether to "eat the memories of the dead" was a metaphor or an aphorism of some sort. He shrugs. There's only so much one can learn in a night's research.

[Feralgeist]

Lena stifles a chuckle at Arcturas' reaction and leans closer to him "Its a good meal in the mines, when your mouth is dry and dusty, but it can be a bit of an acquired taste. Feel free to cook it next time or if you ask nicely, maybe i will, and some bacon to boot. Bravery like yesterday's definitely earns you some future bacon,rushing after Leone like that." She smiles warmly at the Paladin, and then at Leone. "You did well too, trying to save Arsith even though you had no idea what you were jumping into. You're welcome to some pig once i butcher one. A good deed is it's own reward, but meat is even better"

[cecil1994]

Upset at the conflict arising between his captain and his soon-to-be-neighbors, a panicked Joel steps forward with a compromise. (Or at least a temporary band-aid.)

"We can decide what to do with the books after we find them. But now we're better preparing for the tower- a raid in which I'd love to take part in."

He pulls some brand of steeled firearm from his belt. Khali gives a welcoming smile at his rhetoric, and his arsenal.

[Warmatt]

For an hour, as the sun rose, Matthias had rested, watching, hands roving over his Pudgy girl, as he thought on his life, and what life had so far thrown the groups way, what life meant and could be. And, he freely admits to himself, pug leaning in, back arching as his hand moves in circles around her belly, of his fear of this place, of the strangeness and unease he feels here. This was not home, where the land welcomed him, were he knew every root and branch, every pebble and creek.

But, as he rose, silent, and gathered his meal, nuts and berries, small strips of fish for Pudgy, he listened to the debate, but remaining outside of it to a degree. Still, he wondered, a frown on his face, on hearing the concoction, wondering. Still, he would give his piece, calmly. "To be ignorant of a danger, is to be vulnerable to it. To do so willing, is be so willingly. While there may be a condition to summon the snakes, ask yourself this. What if does not require a ritual that you expect? What if all it takes is to look into a mirror, and say a few everyday words, or to do so while sleepy?"


Still, he would be calm, looking around, and almost tellingly, he was refraining from his normal herbal additions to his water. Granted, he was the only one that knew they were only black tea leaves and ground lemon rind, but still.

"Thus, we must find some means of telling us of the local dangers. And of course, if one finds a nest of dangers, one has a choice. They may either leave it well alone, leaving the area, or they must deal with it."

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"While not unanimous I do think we have come to a decision. We'll fetch the tomes and those brave and studious enough shall scour them for a solution to our current obstacle"

Arcturas folds his hands "having seen the tower yesterday I think though certainly worrisome there is no immediate threat, so the haste I had displayed in securing the tower is... no longer present"

He'll look around the assembled settlers "Today we shall venture to the second floor and retrieve the books, when this is done I do think it is time we set about some of the more normal tasks of hunting, lumbering and preparing the grounds for construction."

"Until the tomes reveal the means to truly take this tower for our prosperity, or until something forces our hands we should not rush"

[Q'telun]

Leone listens to the conversations in a slight daze, but perks up when bacon is mentioned. "I won't say no to fresh pork. As for the rest of the conversation, I don't understand a bit of it, but if you more arcane types say it's fine I'll follow your plans."

[Michael7123]

"While I was going to propose that we take the entire tower today, Arturas makes a good point. We can use the books available on the second floor to investigate the precise natures of these creatures as well. If fate smiles upon us, we may even be able to research quickly enough that we can take the tower tomorrow. After we secure the second floor today, we can go on to work on the more mundane tasks of settlement as Arcturas suggested. "

Ellyeta looks around the room. "Does anyone have any other suggestions?"

[Talvara]

"...

Ellyeta looks around the room. "Does anyone have any other suggestions?"

"or objections?" Arcturas adds looking pointedly at Abriana.

[cecil1994]

Abriana sighs.

"It's a good plan. Take Joel with you; he's a fair shot... when not overexcited."

Khali raises her eyebrows. Joel stares pointedly at the ground.

"And I'll be going too, of course."

Arsith walks to the beach, sits down, and spends breakfast decidedly not looking anywhere near the tower.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas gets a somewhat surprised expression looking at the captain. "You will not be joining us then? I must confess that when you were the first to pledge your blade to the task yesterday, knowing that it together with such an experienced wielder was nearby and at the ready was a great ease on my mind"

Arcturas shrugs "This expedition should be more like a supply run than an actual raid, It is uncertain the serpents can strike through the mirrors or even exist on this plane of existence. but if we are fortunate they cannot"

With that Arcturas will stand up "I will prepare my equipment, let me know when we're ready to cross the river"

[Michael7123]

"I will need some time to prepare for the expedition as well. The more people we have for the incursion, the better it can go for all of us."


Prepairing spells takes about an hour, if the time maters.

Orisons:
1. Stabelize
2. Detect Magic
3. Virtue

First Level:
Domain slot: Bless (from community domain)
1. Detect Chaos
2. Shield of faith.


For what it's worth, if any of you guys know magic weapon, that might be useful to have at our disposal. Frozen's character has guidance, so I decided to pick up virtue insetead.

[Don nadie]

Earil nods carefully and goes off to prepare himself. He makes certain his sword is sharp and his arrows are ready, then putting on his hide armor. Before he leaves he makes sure his books are safely out of sight, just in case one of the more book-burning types in the expedition find them by mistake.

The elf then takes a moment to sit near Arsith. In silence he watches the waves wash over and over, and waits for her to say something if she feels like it. After a few minutes, he stands up and tries to get the sand off himself. Well, I think I'll better go, he says with a smile. Have a lovely morning, Ars. I'll see you in an hour or so. He hesitates for a minute, but then decides to ask nonetheless. Just before I leave... Do you think I should even try to... reach the mirrors? He loads the word "reach", so that she understand what he means. They both found that was perhaps the more apt metaphor for what they could do with their minds. "Reaching" outside of the small confines of one's own little consciousness.

Once their conversation is over, Earil says goodbye with just one hand on her shoulder. Then, he joins the others. He raises his eyes to the tower, ominous against the morning sky, and finds himself smiling. Probably the nerves.


Earil is ready! He has a "Magic weapon" and "magic armor" Occultist-style: he can give weapons and armors special properties for 1 minute/level. Sadly, until the weapons themselves are magical, he is limited to a simple +1 (by RAW). But once we get better equipment, it's bane time, baby...

[cecil1994]

Arsith looks at you with desperate fervor. "No. Please, please don't. If you get inside their minds... I don't think what returns will be human."

She sighs. "I don't think we should try and understand them, Eary. You don't want to know where they're from. You don't want to know... to know how they think, how they are."

Under the beating light of the sun, she shivers. "I think I know."

[Don nadie]

Earil's expression is somber.

Then I promise you I won't, Ars. If those mirrors are doors, then there might be a way to lock them. Earil sighs, frowning. We'll... find a way. I am sure of it.

Earil is going to play till he gets the lvl 2 thing of reading objects. Then, he is going to touch something and LOSE HIS F MIND!

[Q'telun]

Leone scarfs down the rest of his breakfast, stretches, then goes off to put his armor on. He returns shortly, bow strung, and ready for whatever awaits the group in the tower.

[cecil1994]

The tower beckons.

Khali also beckons. Repeatedly.

"If you lot make me go in alone, I'm never going to forgive you. Come on already."

Joel starts off towards the spire with all the cheer of someone who's never been inside. And surprisingly enough, Garavel steps into stride beside him.

Abriana looks on with resignation. "Um... be safe, ok?"

She colors. This is more emotion than she's shown the entire voyage.

[Don nadie]

Earil joins them at the head of the expedition, along with the other best-armed companions. He opens the door carefully with his left hand, the right holding his bow. The elf seems ready to get an arrow and shoot as soon as needed...

[Talvara]

Arcturas

after all his talk the nobleman is still somewhat unnerved by entering the tower again. but as the group begins to move he'll make his way to the front intend that if there is trouble he'd be the first to feel it.

"Now, Stay together. no taking things without saying a word and..." he pauses and shakes his head "Stay away from any reflections if you can help it, We're just after the books"

[cecil1994]

You reach the door. With a decided lack of trepidation, Khali inches it open.

The den is the same as you left it- cozy, elegant, friendly.

Er, maybe not exactly the same. The mirror is gone. And the hearth burns with a flickering light. Dancing shadows leave nothing untouched, leave nothing safe from the grasp of night.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"oh for the eternal love of the dawnflower" Arcturas sighs while he shakes his head in disbelief. he turns his voice up a notch and yells into the tower "If there's anybody in here! Please make yourself known before we have a misunderstanding!"

[cecil1994]

You get no response.

There is, however, a faint sound of scratching.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Shaking his head and getting visibly agitated he turns to the group "Mirrors do not move themselves, Fires do not LIGHT themselves and floorboards do not scratch themselves"

"if whatever is up there doesn't want to engage in a parley I have half a mind of going there and beating it into submission"

He'll put his guisarme into its holster, take the green heraldic shield from his back and his warhammer from his hip. "If there are no objections I am ready when the rest of you are"

[Don nadie]

Earil pulls an arrow from the carcaj and puts it on the string in a single fluid movement. He's pulling halfway: not enough to accidentaly hurt someone, but enough to make shooting quick. He's not been in the tower before, so the changes are less upsetting to him... But it is still clear this is not what they were expecting. This isn't what anyone should expect.

Let's get in. We get the books, and we get out.

He walks in right after Arcturas, tense.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta

Ellyeta joins the expedition, taking up the rear for obvious reasons. After realizing that things had been moved, the cleric sighs under her breath. Of course this things have moved around. Why wouldn't they have. With that, she starts sweeping the first floor for magical auras while simultaneously casting some minor protection spells on the others.

At the faint scratching sound comes from... well, somewhere, she pulls her crossbow of her back and readies a bolt. At the moment, it's not pointed at anyone or anything in particular- just ready to be used if (when) the situation calls for it.

"I am ready to go the second floor when all of you are. "

As the first person heads up the stairs, Ellyeta will cast a more potent defensive ward on them, being concerned about the possibility of an ambush.


Sweeping the room with detect magic. Then casting the Cantrip Virtue on people in the following order.

1. Leone
2. Gavaral
3. Kahli
3. Eril
4. Joel
5. Arcturas.

All of them get +1 temp HP. The spell takes a round to cast, and only lasts a minute. If combat happens, we can determine if it will have an impact them.

Whoever is first up the stairs gets shield of faith casted on them: +2 deflection bonus to AC for 1 minute.

[cecil1994]

A myriad range of clacking sounds later, Joel had stepped into the building. An elaborate carcass of steel and gunpowder dangles from his left hand.

Behind him is Khali, crossbow drawn and eyeglasses donned. Her expression betrays nothing but efficiency.

The first staircase awaits. A fine layer of book pages dust its marble steps.

[cecil1994]

Ellyeta's detection comes up with... something. The entire tower seems to be under a flickering aura. Of what, you have no idea.

But there's more than that. The pages on the staircase glow with potent Conjuration magic- magic with a completely different signature than anything you've encountered before.

Spellcraft is the only way you've got to discern this.

[Michael7123]

"Hold up! Hold up." Ellyeta halts the group before they decide to walk up the stairs. ""Those pages are covered in magic.... unfortunately, I have no idea what it does. Does someone want to... I don't know, poke it with a stick from a distance to see what happens? Better than one of us stepping on it. " Looking stumped for a moment, a spark of inspiration hits her. "Could one of you possibly get Matthias? Maybe he has the expertise needed to determine what this is. I don't want any of us to get trapped."

Mental note- learn more about magic sooner rather than later.


Really regretting not having a spellcraft rank right about now.

[Don nadie]

Carefully, Earil lowers the arrow and holds it with the left hand, together with the bow.

I... May be of help here, he says. I have some theoretical knowledge...

He walks to the stairs carefully and picks up the closest page, reading it swiftly and trying to discern the nature of its magic. He is worried. Could someone... something... be destroying the books before they are able to learn from them?


[roll0]

[cecil1994]

Carefully, Earil lowers the arrow and holds it with the left hand, together with the bow.

I... May be of help here, he says. I have some theoretical knowledge...

He walks to the stairs carefully and picks up the closest page, reading it swiftly and trying to discern the nature of its magic. He is worried. Could someone... something... be destroying the books before they are able to learn from them?


[roll0]

The writing is in Aklo (the ancient tongue of the eldritch and the alien)... which you're fluent in. Um, nice one.

This page appears to be scribings on the foliage of the Gated Quarter. Or rather, it did- as soon as you touch it the characters flow, mesh, interlock. They become half of a mouth.

It screams at you. A forked tongue carved from ink emerges from the aged parchment.

Its Summoning magic. That's... all you know.

[Don nadie]

Earil crumbles the piece of paper into a tiny ball. His hands are shaking and he's pale. He talks to the others, still holding the piece of paper and unsure. Part of him would like to burn everything, but part of him knows that is not the answer.

This is... summoning magic. It is written in Aklo, and it is dangerous. Earil swallows and looks ahead. We need to go up. We need to see what is happening. Whoever is... He pauses, uncertain. We need to stop it from tearing the books, from using them.

He may be scared but, as he lets the paladin (or someone equally well armoured) go first, Earil reaches into the depths of his own will. It only takes a second, a moment of concentration. He feels the wood of his bow, the cracks of it. Everything can be alive if you let it, the wood whispers or Earil imagines that it does. He takes a deep breath and lets it live.

There's no obvious change, and those looking may only see that Earil seems absorved into his toughts for a few seconds. But the elf can feel it. That may be enough.


Earil uses one Focus point to give his bow a +1 for the next minute and follows everyone upstairs.

[cecil1994]

Second floor.

The library- your desired prize- lies before you. And it lies in ruins.

Paper flies through the air like a swarm of gnats (one composed entirely of writings on the ethics of animal husbandry). The bindings of books rest empty on the ground. And the few tomes left on their shelves shiver in fear.

Something is here.

[Don nadie]

Earil swallows and enters the room with his bow ready. He advances (if possible, covered by someone else) sliding towards the few books that remain intact. His eyes dart all over the library, looking for what... whatever else is in there.


Perception: [roll0]
If he sees anything, Earil will shoot...

[Q'telun]

Leone hangs back at the stairs, covering the room with his bow. The destruction of so many books puzzles him, but it's not like he particularly cares at the moment.

[cecil1994]

Your eyes flit around the room in a frenetic glance, searching for any hints as to what's going on. And you find one.

In the center of the room, a few pages have fused together- the image of a violet eye marks this parchment amalgamation. It blinks.

Around it, a fluttering swarm of papers assemble- an arm here, a leg there, with the same glistening smile center stage. It lets out the terrible wail of ripping paper... and charges.

[cecil1994]

The parchment horror leaps at Earil... and leaps through him, surrounding him in a swirling nightmare of paper cuts and an unfriendly emerald glow.

Take 3 damage as pages slice into you. You'll take an extra 1 bleed every round until fixed up.

As the aged paper cuts rivulets into your flesh, something Else inches into the gaps. Roll me a fortitude save.

[Don nadie]

Earil is suddenly attacked by a monstruosity. Part of him wants to faint and yell, as those seem the only rational reactions, to yell and then simply die. Thankfully, adrenaline quicks in and the need to figure out just what in the name of all gods is this thing becomes secondary to the need of not becoming paper food. His mind leaps, its energy boundless in its need for survival. A discharge of energy like a lightning jolts Earil's muscles with addional energy. Those able to notice something like this will see (or perhaps imagine) that some of the paper cuts are shattering at a distance from the elf's skin, stopped by an invisible but resilient force.


Fortitude [roll0]
Don't have it clear... is the monster behind me or "arround" me? Once I know that I'll chose how to spend my move and standard actions...

For the moment: swift action to create a barrier of 2 extra hp

[cecil1994]

A potent goo courses through your veins... and promptly oozes out the cuts. Whatever it was, you fought it off.

As to where It is- it's, um, all around you.

It's a swarm. I am so sorry.

[Don nadie]

Earil drops his bow, seeing as it is useless in this context and draws his sword, swinging it at the swarm as well as he can. He is doing his best to keep himself from panicking, and it is to the credit of the young elf that he is trying... Things are not looking good for Earil.

You may be sorry, but I am dead in 3, 2, 1...

Free action to drop the bow, move action to draw the sword, standard to attack.

Attack: Roll [roll0] Crit. Confirm [roll1] Damage [roll2]

[Q'telun]

Leone considers letting fly with an arrow, but Earil is in the middle of... a swarm of paper? The human shakes his head, now's not the time to be considering the strangeness of all this. That time was yesterday, when he snorted poppies to fight a giant mirror snake to rescue the astral form of a friend. Now is the time to boldly rush back downstairs to the fire.

Move actions, down the stairs and to the fire.

[cecil1994]

Your blade slices through parchment, cutting a jagged edge in the side of the Thing.

Parchment reforms, reseals. The gash is mended.

Swarms, man. **** swarms.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

although significantly horrified at finding some sort of disembodied eldrich paper horror instead of a hermit of flesh and bone. Arcturas' tactical mind does kick into gear.

With a great "wraaagh!" he'll begin to surge forward forcing his way passed his allies and through the swarm of paper intent on ending in the library where he can have a chance of gathering some of the surviving books.

Aware that he cannot harm the horror Arcturas will instead spend his time securing the objective. "Mend our wounds faster than this thing can inflict them! if someone drops prioritise dragging them to safety!, Don't clump up!"

((So all actions are going towards moving and grabbing books, if no additional threat reveals itself Arcturas will put away his warhammer as part of his move to have a hand free to grab books))

[Feralgeist]

"quit looking at me like that." Lena admonishes the grisly doll sitting on a barrel, silently judging her as ahe ponders the best way to kill a pig.
"It's a no-brainer, if i help them i could die. Then who'll make you a body, hmm?" the doll continues to stare lifelessly. "They'll discover Mr J, im no good at disguises!"
....No response.
Lena throws her hands up on the air, exasperated.
"FINE! we'll help. you're really pushy you know."

with a few deft wrenches of of a lever, the barrel is open. Lena hurriedly retrieves the spare clothes she has stashed and dresses Mr. J, covering his bones with gloves, boots, trousers, a long shirt, a scarf, a cloak and an old hat, stuffing scraps of cloth in and around his bones to reduce clatter and bulk him out. Satisfied he looks human enough, she places a torch in each of his hands and slides his pickaxe onto his belt.

"Oh my, you look so handsome. we're ready to save the day." She lights the torches and picks up the doll, looking deep into his button-eyes. "i hope you know i blame you entirely if this goes sour" she says before stuffing it into her apron."follow me, we have dream-snakes to behead!"

They head off towards the tower.

[Michael7123]

"Got it!" Ellyeta calls out in response to Arcturas's command. Considering that she's really the only one here with the power to stabilize and heal others, she figures the command was meant for her.

Still, she had come in here with a seperate purpose in mind, as she casts a spell of detection as she starts picking up books and shoving them into the pack she carries with her.



Casting Detect Chaos. I want to know if the page monster is chaotic, and if anything else here is regestering as chaotic. Lasts for 10 minutes so long as I concentrate on it.

Also grabbing books, if that is possible.

[cecil1994]

Mr. J and co toddle off towards the tower. In the background, one certain Charn Bolo narrows his eyes.

Back to the spire- under Ellyeta's polarizing gaze, the Thing glows staunchly chaotic. A sickly emerald sheen radiates off of it as parchment flies across the room... convalescing around the unlucky frame of Arcturas.

You are greeted by a blistering whirlwind of paper and bleeding ink. The ink phases together into strange, jagged characters- ones which are Greek to you, especially considering Greek doesn't exist in this universe. The maelstrom of confusion and pain continues.

Arcturas, take 6 points of damage as your body erupts in paper cuts. The same tainted liquor as before begins to course through your body- roll me a Fortitude save.

Earil, take 1 point of bleed damage.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas grits his teeth as deep papercuts begin to bite into any and all exposed skin his armour allows.

Fortitude : [roll0]

Provided he is still able he'll gather another book or two if they are within reach and will start withdrawing towards Ellyeta, carefull to not give the eldrich paper a two for one deal for its targets.

"That took more out of me than I had anticipated" frowning heavily. "I'm not sure howmuch longer we can hold out like this!"

[cecil1994]

You slump to the ground, heart fluttering, breath pounding, every nerve-ending in your body screaming one thing- "AGGGGHGGGGHHH".

No points for poetry.

You're Nauseated.

Pained eyes flicker open, pupils dilated and eyelids twitching. But that cannot distract from the blinding emerald glow searing from your gaze.

[Don nadie]

Earil pushes himself into action. He is not willing to retreat, and rather picks up his bow. With a swift move he's picked up an arrow and aimed at the swarm. His fingers become an extension of its mind, which itself extends into the bow. The arrow seems to shimmer very slightly and whistles when Earil shoots it at the monster.


Move action to pick my thing
Standard to attack
Attack [roll0] Crit. confirm. [roll1] Damage [roll2]


And unless I am mistaken, my Mind Barrier absorbs the bleeding (1 point) and the remaining of it evaporates. I have right now 6 HP :D

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Feeling his body taking the toll of the venom Arcturas rethinks his actions.

He's going to flee with a panicked expression. clinging desperately to anything he might have picked up from the libary as a form of redemption later. but for now his spirit is broken. "Aahh.. its got me! I'm I'm falling back! retreat!" stumbling with a steady pace towards the exit.

((edit: though if Arcturas is actually prone then fleeing is going to look more like 'getting up' and getting ready to move away :P ))

[Q'telun]

Leone steels himself, then tries to snatch one of the logs out of the fire.

I dunno what you would want me to roll.

[cecil1994]

As Arcturas stumbles down the stairs, Earil's arrow takes flight- knocking paper from the hide of this monstrous Thing.

The paper reassembles. And the Thing lets out a laugh so malignant that it could have been an evil scientist.

[cecil1994]

In the background, your ears slowly become aware of a faint noise- "twang. twang. twang. twang."

Garavel stands at the edge of the room, methodically firing arrows into the creature. Her eyes betray no emotion... but her face is pocked with stress lines.

It appears Khali and Joel have already bolted. From the story below, you can hear the sound of metal knocking against marble.

[Michael7123]

Seeing the deteriorating condition of her colleagues, the Ellyeta lifts her holy symbol into the air and lets out a burst of positive energy while joining the others in their retreat.


Channel divinity. Should effect every living creature within 30 feet of me, if I recall correctly.

[roll0] points of healing

[cecil1994]

Ripples of positive energy pulse through the room. The Thing's form flickers, wavers... then reassembles with a flare of angry light.

Its head turns to face the source of the offending voltage... and paper flies across the room at the speed of thought, refusing around Ellyeta's unlucky form.

*welcome to the PAAIN TRAAAIN*

Four damage to Ellyeta, no more bleed as there's been healing,and Ellyeta needs to roll me a Fortitude save.

The baleful light in Arcturas' eyes fades. He staggers to his feet with a painful gasp, letting dread ichor drip out of his mouth in his flight.

It has passed.

[Q'telun]

Leone grabs the brand from the fireplace, and charges back up the stairs past Arcturas with his improvised torch. Grim faced, he charges at the swarm of paper, waving his makeshift firebrand in front of him.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Seeing Leone rush passed him Arcturas got annoyed. he was the first to break and flee, sure he thought he had a good reason but the nausea that overcame him had already passed. Regardless he couldn't fight that thing up there, but fire. fire just might do the trick.

Arcturas will move towards the fireplace, throw whatever books he managed to salvage onto the armchair and look into the blaze for a firebrand of his own. all the while shaking his head at the odds against them.

[cecil1994]

At Leone's fiery entrance, the Thing lets out a raucous wail... charges the flame-herald, as it has done so many times before... and stops short.

The parchment crinkles, writhing in inkful rage. But no matter what posturing it makes, it won't go anywhere near the dreaded flame.

The sound of powder-on-stone from below has stopped. A distinct "shhhhhrip" tiptoes up the staircase, like a toddler that cannot see that something Important is going on (please stay downstairs).

[Don nadie]

Earil finds himself having no way of harming this creature, but he has seen two details: the creature keeps itself away from fire, and it seemed to flinch when affected by possitive energy.

Call upon your goddess again! he yells. It seems to hurt it!

Maybe, just maybe, they'd be able to hold the monster off between the positive energy and the fire. The elf, trying to make himself useful, begins to take books into his backpack and then moves to get cover behind Leone.

[Michael7123]

After letting out what was certainly a battle cry and not a wail of pain, Ellyeta sends forth another shockwave of positive energy from the holy symbol around her neck while fleeing from the paper monster.


Channel divinity again. Most certainly including myself in positive energy effect.

[roll0] points of healing

[cecil1994]

The Thing, caught up in the pulses of life-energy and the hearth-fueled flame, seems to... lose something.

One of its limbs (is that a tentacle?) drops to the ground, the swirling emerald converted into docile parchment. In panic, the beast flies up- aged paper disappearing into cracks in the upstairs floor.

For the first time in a long, long while, the room is silent.

[Don nadie]

Earil looks at the others. He seems unable to believe this has happened, and that they are safe. His breathing is agitated, but the elf forces himself to not drop into hysterics by sheer force of will.

He is vulnerable to something, Earil says, softly, incredulous. He shakes his head as he picks up the piece of parchment which was a tentacles barely minutes ago. He works fast, picking up not only the books, but also the pieces of paper. All that is broken can be made whole, he thinks. And all that is unknown can be understood. As he is working, Earil looks at the others.

Do we want to follow it? Are we able to kill it?

His words hang in silence for a moment. He'd rather rescue whatever books there may be in the next floor and end with a threat once and for all, but he can do little but protect the priestess...

[cecil1994]

As the paper slides to the ground, Lena bursts through the downstairs door with an expression of intense focus... to the sight of Khali and Joel sprinkling the marble staircase with gunpowder.

Joel glances up, all willful glee and no restraint.

"The books have come to life. And we're going to lure them here and blow it all to hell."

[Don nadie]

Earil is left with his mouth open for a second. Blinking, he snaps out of it: No!, he yells. He then tries to speak more calmly, but it is obvious he is not really into the idea of blowing everything up. We've just discovered it's weakness, we can hurt whatever force has been possessing the books... And we can recover them. We can use the tower.

He looks at them, still picking every book and every torn page he can.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

With the commotion dying down Arcturas will turn away from the fire, and turns to Joel "There might be more, so perhaps you'll still get your chance... we should hurry and move these books outside." he then turns to Lena "You've changed your mind? we were ambushed by some sort of horror made out of paper, our weapons went straight through it and... I don't even know if we're safe now, we should hurry" Arcturas sighs and starts making his way up the stairs again.

Grimfaced and shamed he'll speak up "Grab whatever still seems legible, complete tomes first, pages second and scraps last. we don't know how long we have till we are accosted once more." With that Arcturas will set to work.

[Q'telun]

Leone, suddenly realizing he is holding a lit torch in the general vicinity of gunpowder, backs off to peek up the stairs. And perhaps guard that entrance from eldritch beings of paper. Truly, a strange continent. He couldn't help but be excited about the potential game they would encounter.

[Feralgeist]

"What can i say, my conscience got the better of me. Paper? Not snakes....hm. Well, so much for the shovel. Mr J! time for plan B." Lena takes a torch from her silent companion and as the light falls on Arcturas her eyes widen. "Oh my, you're hurt! Let me help." she mutters in a whispery sounding tongue and her hand glows with positive energy. She looks at the "man" who came in with her and speaks again in the whispery sounding words <"J, go upstairs and kill anything that isnt humanoid or pug"> The thin figure silently starts up the stairs, remaining torch in hand.



cast CLW [roll0]
Language is Necril.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Before climbing the stairs to make his proclemaitions Arcturas will hold to let Lena take a closer look at him. "Thank you, I... the thing overwhelmed me, I... broke and ran" as he was about to produce a sigh of self-pity he instead follows Mr.J with his eyes one eyebrow raised. "Lena..? who is that? I don't believe we met and... we've been together on a boat for weeks" he shakes his head and resumes to climb the staircase "Later, there' s more pressing matters right now"

edit: "oh Lena, that torch, would you mind if I held onto that? should the paper horror show itsself once more I should try and regain some of my dignity by engaging with it in your stead" he has a determined look on his face "I shall be more steadfast..."[/QUOTE]

[Feralgeist]

"Fine by me." Lena says and hands over the torch. "No hesitation with the snakes, already wounded and still trying to think of others...I don't doubt your courage for a second. As for my companion....it's a long story, but he's a stowaway from my hometown. Now lets find this thing, it'll never see me coming" She hefts her shovel and starts conspicuously creeping up the stairs behind the others, the exaggerated movements making more noise than intended.

Stealth check: [roll0]

[cecil1994]

Garavel paces down the stairs, eyes full of glum regret.

She dumps a load of salvaged books onto the wooden floors. "I may not have been much help in that fight... but I can at least do this."

She strides past the stairway-bound Khali and Joel as they carefully sweep gunpowder into the various patches. They look... disappointed?

[Don nadie]

Earil makes sure all papers and books are safely on the lowest floor before following them, with his bag empty and ready to be filled with more books. He is not as certain they'll be able to kill the monster as he's arguing, but as long as he manages to save some more books... That will be a consolation. And if they kill it, even better.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta headed downstairs with the rest of the group, her pack filled with a few usefull books."Wait, who is that... never mind." She shakes her head at the strange looking individual who entered the room with Lena.

She lets the others go to work in preparing the trap, clearly agreeing with the sentiment of blowing up the monster. "... would it be safe to be in this room when that thing goes off?" She asks as she heads outside with the books she managed to salvage from the second floor.

[Q'telun]

"Don't worry about it, Garavel. We'll get our chance to shine later!" Leone calls from his spot by the stairs. "And Arcturas, you were going to get fire too, weren't you?"

[Talvara]

"Don't worry about it, Garavel. We'll get our chance to shine later!" Leone calls from his spot by the stairs. "And Arcturas, you were going to get fire too, weren't you?"

Grimfaced and stoicly staring ahead Arcturas will hold out the torch he got from Lena. "I had hoped to just wield it as a deterrent, I... Don't think its in our best interest to press on today. the few books that survived might still reveal more knowledge to avoid us stepping into the situation just now"

"What do the rest of you think? should we push on into the unknown and deal with this threat right here and now? or should we take our leave and prepare more carefully before we try and take the tower once more?"

[cecil1994]

Joel and Khali both open their mouths to answer Arcturas' quandary, brains working in perfect sync.

"It's obvious! We head back to camp." "It's obvious! We push onwards."

Er... maybe not quite in sync.

They jerk to the sides, staring at each other in shock. A thousand counterarguments pass unsaid over the newfound chasm between them.

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta proposes a middle ground. "First things first: we incinerate the paper monster. We can determine a plan of action once that thing is a pile of cinders."

[cecil1994]

Ellyeta proposes a middle ground. "First things first: we incinerate the paper monster. We can determine a plan of action once that thing is a pile of cinders."

Joel pipes up.

"Er... that is pushing forwards. "

He scratches his neck. "I'm glad someone here agrees with me." The whole time, he's pointedly looking anywhere but Khali.

[Michael7123]

First things first: we incinerate the paper monster. We can determine a plan of action once that thing is a pile of cinders. "No, I mean we lure the monster down to the gunpowder you placed on the stairs, then set it on fire. After it's dead, we can figure out if we go on or not. Right now we're all in danger, and that needs to be taken care of first. "

[Don nadie]

Being outnumbered, Earil sighs and nods. I'd rather not incinerate anything, as it seems clear to me the books can be recovered. But if that's the plan you trust, I can only join in.

As he speaks, he also takes a moment to check the paper piece that was a monster's tentacles mere minutes ago. Is there anything peculiar about it?

[cecil1994]

Being outnumbered, Earil sighs and nods. I'd rather not incinerate anything, as it seems clear to me the books can be recovered. But if that's the plan you trust, I can only join in.

As he speaks, he also takes a moment to check the paper piece that was a monster's tentacles mere minutes ago. Is there anything peculiar about it?

It's a diagram, mapping out some unmentioned cave system. Strange runes dot its surface... but as they're in Sylvan, you cannot help but understand.

They speak of a three-mouthed waterfall, a three-headed guardian, and a three-minded artifact. The symbolism is lost on you, but whoever built this place had some odd fixation with threes.

(One day, my Strange Inhuman Language actually won't be one that you know. Foiled again!)

[Don nadie]

Earil puts the piece of paper in his pocket, very much hoping that he can still save a few books.

Let's do this, I guess, he says, not entirely determined.


I fully intend to max linguistics to fool you!

[cecil1994]

At Earil's declaration of action, Joel lets out a vaguely maniacal grin. He hefts a bag of gunpowder about the size of his palm.

Beside him, Khali sighs. "If we're going to fight this horror, we might as well do it intelligently."

She wraps an oil-soaked rag around her crossbow bolt. Joel nods, and lights a torch in the hearth.

Seems they're ready.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

The paladin frowns "I still believe it unwise to venture into the unknown, but I understand the unease in leaving such a horror to exist within these stone walls" Arcturas then turns to Lena "Lady Lena, you seem to have knowledge of things beyond our physical realm. Could you perhaps provide council as to what we are going to face?" Arcturas then proceeds to describe what he saw and felt. encouraging others to join in to create a more complete picture.

[Feralgeist]

Lena looks up the stairs to the way Mr J went, tapping her foot while the others talk it over. Hearing her name she looks at the others and listens to arcturas' description "hm, let me think....I can't be sure because i haven't seen it myself, but it sounds like.."

[roll0]

[cecil1994]

Lena looks up the stairs to the way Mr J went, tapping her foot while the others talk it over. Hearing her name she looks at the others and listens to arcturas' description "hm, let me think....I can't be sure because i haven't seen it myself, but it sounds like.."

[roll0]

It sounds like some kind of... possession? A poltergeist? That doesn't fit the character of this place (dream-serpents have many talents, but haunting isn't one of them), but it's your most probable answer.

(Also- where are Mr. J's stats again? He just reached the Thing.)

[cecil1994]

On that note, the sound of crackling fire trickles down the stairs. A faint tinge of smoke is in the air.

... it appears Mr. J has been busy.

[Feralgeist]

"I think it might be an evil spirit, possessing the paper. If we burn the books it'll probably just find something else as a vessel. if it's what i think it is, I can bind it to our service. If it's sentient it might know somethingabout this place. I haven't been exactly upfront about what it is I can do, but I'm a barrow-maiden. I can call out to the darker nature of the worst kinds of monsters and and use it to control them." She smiles sadly at the paladin. "I'm sorry you had to find out like this" The air around Lena begins to twist and shimmer just like a heat mirage, but rather than heat, an intense feeling of cold envelopes her in a 20ft radius. Her pupils dilate until the eyes look black, what little colour there is in her skin starts leaching out till it is corpse white and evil power begins to radiate from her. On hearing the fire upstairs she resumes creeping up towards the monster, crooning as if singing a lullaby in the same whispering language as before






Activated the aura, moving to where i saw the skelly go. Readying action to bonethrall as soon as i see the monster.

[Don nadie]

Earil begins to smile as she expresses his own thoughts. He was also certain it was not the books' fault, even though they were tomes of eldritch horror, they were clearly the non-sentient type of tomes. His smile, though, got entirely frozen as she confessed herself a barrow-maiden and began her magic. The elf was astounded, but all he could do was follow her, bow and arrow at the ready, and hope he could protect the witch.

There would be time for questions once they were all safe and alive.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

At Lena's apology Arcturas simply looks like he didn't fully grasp what hes been told. He'll glance at Elyetta to try and get some idea of how he should feel about this but ultimately turns to Lena "I.. Don't fully understand what you are apologising for, but if you feel that you have something to be sorry about then... perhaps you feel that there is room in your life to change for the better." he smiles dimly "we can speak more indepth about this later if you wish. for now I guess we have a job to do"

[cecil1994]

At Lena's revelation, Joel's eyes widen and he goes for his gun- then slows down, relaxes, and lets his hand drop.

Khali appears to be baffled by all this commotion. "Wait, you guys didn't know this?"

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"Well, lets get this done with" And he'll start leading the way up to the mirror room and beyond.

[Q'telun]

Leone remains silent, and falls in behind the paladin. If he didn't have a problem working beside a grave witch, then neither did Leone. At least he had a proper torch this time.

[cecil1994]

The second floor opens up before you... deserted. Scattered pages and discarded books line the floor, but the room appears mostly intact.

The crackle of burning parchment radiates from above. And from the staircase leading further, a trickle of smoke begins to flow.

[Talvara]

Arcturas Frowns at the smoke trickling down, He'll turn back and try to exert an order "Khali, go get the captain, make sure she rounds up the rest and starts a bucket brigade, we may be facing a different kind of fight if Lenas' companion has already been victorious"

"We'll press on if the smoke allows it" and he'll continue stomping onwards torch burning with determination.

[Don nadie]

Earil nods and advances after the paladin, grabbing every book that he can reach. Whatever he can, he puts back into his backpack, hoping to save as much information as possible. He knows their survival in the long term will depend on what they are able to learn...

[Feralgeist]

Lena skulks towards the next set of stairs, her dark eyes burning with hunger, focused only on her prize. Her crooning lullaby has an eager edge to it.





Move and ready action: bonethrall once more

[Michael7123]

Ellyeta herself stands close to the paladins side, more than a little bit concerned about whatever Lena's creature was, in addition to being worried for her general safety. Her last bit of healing hadn't fully repaired her, and any more damage would likely end poorly for her.

For now, she holds of on letting forth any divine magic, waiting to see how this situation progresses. She has her holy symbol clutched in her hand, waiting to use it should it be needed.

[cecil1994]

Khali darts down the stairs, just as you march up the next.
The third floor opens before you.

Glinting mirrors reflect crimson light. Paper rustles across the ground, feebly assembling once more- only to be quashed by an impassive hand.

The figure plunges his torch into the parchments. They burn, scream... a few more reassemble to the left... and the figure chars them once more.

It is not facing you. But in the flickers of firelight and the shimmer of the countless mirrors... you catch something empty staring at you.

Enter Mr. J, stage North. (You'd be surprised at how well DR 5 mitigates swarms. I was.)

[Feralgeist]

Lena reaches the top of the stairs and stops her lullaby."Good boy J, you did well. Come here" looking around she tries to catch a glimpse of the creature in the mirrors. "Who or whatever you are, stop jacking up all the books! If you need a vessel take him, or use this. This is our tower now, you can learn to be useful to us or you can be recycled with the rest of the rubble" She gestures to her minion and pulls out a small grisly doll made of hair and scraps, holding it out.

She keeps speaking, repeating the words in Necril and Aklo


perception roll [roll0]
diplomacy [roll1]

[Don nadie]

Earil enters the room, highly surprised at what they find. He is shaken at the woman's words, but prefers not to interfere. There's very little that he understands exactly, but he is now sure she is no ordinary miner. He's actually amazed someone else speaks Aklo. With swiftness, the elf moves trying to locate the most valuable-looking books, those who seem to be whole, and grab them before anything else happens.


Perception: [roll0]

[Q'telun]

First singing, now entreating the eldritch snakes in three languages. Leone is beginning to doubt that this paladin knows what's good for him. He shoots a look at Garavel, and slowly starts drawing an arrow. Just in case.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Unsettled and slightly suspicious Arcturas frowns at the onorthodox handling of the situation.

He'll speak up "I'll swiftly go up ahead, see if the fire is a danger." and with that he'll make his way to ascend one more level into the unknown.

[cecil1994]

Earil enters the room, highly surprised at what they find. He is shaken at the woman's words, but prefers not to interfere. There's very little that he understands exactly, but he is now sure she is no ordinary miner. He's actually amazed someone else speaks Aklo. With swiftness, the elf moves trying to locate the most valuable-looking books, those who seem to be whole, and grab them before anything else happens.


Perception: [roll0]

You're on the third floor with Lena, right? This the room of Mirrors. No books here.


Lena reaches the top of the stairs and stops her lullaby."Good boy J, you did well. Come here" looking around she tries to catch a glimpse of the creature in the mirrors. "Who or whatever you are, stop jacking up all the books! If you need a vessel take him, or use this. This is our tower now, you can learn to be useful to us or you can be recycled with the rest of the rubble" She gestures to her minion and pulls out a small grisly doll made of hair and scraps, holding it out.

She keeps speaking, repeating the words in Necril and Aklo


perception roll [roll0]
diplomacy [roll1]


The parchment rises once more... suffers the indignities of Mr. J's flame... and stills. A sole piece of paper darts up the stairs, hidden from sight on the last floor.


Arcturas

Unsettled and slightly suspicious Arcturas frowns at the onorthodox handling of the situation.

He'll speak up "I'll swiftly go up ahead, see if the fire is a danger." and with that he'll make his way to ascend one more level into the unknown.

The fourth floor, and the highest point. Welcome to the crux.

This room is dominated by a sole instrument- an oblique scope, sized as an ill-fed horse (and as bony as one). It points at a tyrannous mirror- the only intact one in this place, and one rustling with a sea of myriad gazes.

An elongated skeleton lies on the hardwood, one fleshless claw stretching out towards the mirror. The figure's eye sockets are... fused shut?

Flickers of green light dance across the room. They convalesce on the scope, begging for a witness in this musty tomb. Your eyes itch. Skin flakes off when you scratch them.

[Don nadie]

Once the monster seems down, Earil is quick to move pass their mysterious saviour and pick up the pieces of parchment, hoping that the pieces are still legible. He hopes that, given time, he may be able to use his magic to repair the damage.


Sorry, I meant to include pieces of parchment that may also have some writing. The monster was, after all, a swarm of paper, right?

[cecil1994]

Once the monster seems down, Earil is quick to move pass their mysterious saviour and pick up the pieces of parchment, hoping that the pieces are still legible. He hopes that, given time, he may be able to use his magic to repair the damage.


Sorry, I meant to include pieces of parchment that may also have some writing. The monster was, after all, a swarm of paper, right?

Most of the paper is heavily charred, with naught but a few characters spared by the flame. Some pages are seated beyond recognition. But the remaining few are miraculously intact- decorated in elaborate runes and looping diagrams. They're not a cohesive story, however. Just a few fragments from tomes and languages distinct enough to be from separate worlds.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

The paladin will avert his gaze after making sure the tower isn't ablaze. calling back he'll say "The tower doesn't seem like it caught the embers of our silent companion, though I fear this floor holds danger still!"

He'll frown for a moment "I need someone with ken of the arcane to have a look at this before I smash it, it seems to be some sort of looking glass peering into a large mirror, it is unsettling and no place for the curious."

[Don nadie]

As he hears the voice of the paladin, Earil frowns and comes upstairs to look at the mirror.


Rolling a d20 [roll0]
I have the same mod. for knowledge Arcana, The Planes and Spellcraft... so whichever applies best! :P

[cecil1994]

As he hears the voice of the paladin, Earil frowns and comes upstairs to look at the mirror.


Rolling a d20 [roll0]
I have the same mod. for knowledge Arcana, The Planes and Spellcraft... so whichever applies best! :P


You peer into the mirror's depths... and something peers back at you.

An emerald eye flickers in the corners of sight. It blinks, contorts.. and dives through the ocular lens, pouring through into your ocular lens.

(That's your eye.)

Roll me a will save, Earil.

[Don nadie]

Earil does his best to keep the presence out.


[roll0]

[cecil1994]

You convulse, ducking to the ground in an expression of aging-wracked vision. Colors swim before your eyes... and slowly fade, blurred away by sheer force of will.

You rise to your feet. Eyes blink open in the mirror- one the usual deep green, but one paled and drained by forces beyond this plane.

It's odd, looking at your reflection like that. You don't remember that sadness in your gaze.

[Don nadie]

Earil is shaken, but he forces himself to keep looking, to try to understand what is happening. His eye seems... changed... But Earil trusts this is just an ilusion. Whatever lies at the depths of this mirror must be trying to play with their fears.

This is no longer your shelter, no longer your house, he says in Aklo, with much more certainty that he's really feeling. Go!

Earil studies the mirror and does his best to help Arcturas if he seems in a bad place.


Arcturas and Earil are in the same room now, right?

Also, let me take the liberty to roll

Arcana [roll0]
The Planes [roll1]
Spellcraft [roll2]

[cecil1994]

Earil is shaken, but he forces himself to keep looking, to try to understand what is happening. His eye seems... changed... But Earil trusts this is just an ilusion. Whatever lies at the depths of this mirror must be trying to play with their fears.

This is no longer your shelter, no longer your house, he says in Aklo, with much more certainty that he's really feeling. Go!

Earil studies the mirror and does his best to help Arcturas if he seems in a bad place.


Arcturas and Earil are in the same room now, right?

Also, let me take the liberty to roll

Arcana [roll0]
The Planes [roll1]
Spellcraft [roll2]

The mirror looks... empty. Or rather, occupied solely by your haggard reflection.

A glint of violet light shoots across your pale eye. And just for a moment, you think you see yourself wink.

The mirror is perfectly normal, and whatever dream-serpent dwelled here is long gone.

Arcturas is beside you, yes. He seems ok.

[Talvara]

Arcturas

disregarding the alien language from Earil Arcturas will adress him "so? is the telescope magical? the mirror?" He'll hold torch in the one hand and warhammer in the other "I'm ready to smash it to bits if you're curiosity is sated"

[Don nadie]

Earil shivers and nods. It is normal. Now, at least.

The implications are dreadful, seeing as his own eye has changed now... And it must not be an ilusion. I think the tower should be safe for the moment. Let us take whatever we may find interesting... and examine it outside. I do not feel like staying here much longer right now.

With those words, Earil scouts the room for anything that may be of interest. He is particularly keen on finding tatters of paper or burnt parchment, seeing as he will probably spend the rest of the day attempting to magically mend the words...

[Feralgeist]

Lena enters the top floor, casting her gaze about. "Good work boys, let's have a lookie lou and see what you've found."

The shimmering aura around her fades and her features return to normal. She mutters a few words and her eyes begin to glow softly purple, then she inspects the telescope and mirror.


Detect magic

[cecil1994]

Earil shivers and nods. It is normal. Now, at least.

The implications are dreadful, seeing as his own eye has changed now... And it must not be an ilusion. I think the tower should be safe for the moment. Let us take whatever we may find interesting... and examine it outside. I do not feel like staying here much longer right now.

With those words, Earil scouts the room for anything that may be of interest. He is particularly keen on finding tatters of paper or burnt parchment, seeing as he will probably spend the rest of the day attempting to magically mend the words...

The final story is mostly barren- occupied by the eyeless skeleton, the brass oculus, and the mirror. And you.

Prior floors were dotted with parchment. But not this one.


Lena enters the top floor, casting her gaze about. "Good work boys, let's have a lookie lou and see what you've found."

The shimmering aura around her fades and her features return to normal. She mutters a few words and her eyes begin to glow softly purple, then she inspects the telescope and mirror.


Detect magic

The only thing radiating arcana here is the oculus, which pulses an overwhelming sense of divination.

It swells, winnows, climbs in octave. You could get drunk off of the sheer power.

[Feralgeist]

Lena stumbles back, shielding her eyes with a hand and screwing them shut "Ghulspirrc!" She blinks a couple of times, her eyes still glowing. "Do NOT smash the Oculus! There is alot of power in that device. Released all at once the backlash may kill us all. A fortunate find indeed, this might help us greatly once we unlock its secrets." She crouches down and keeps inspecting the Oculus, squinting her eyes as if looking at something bright. 18 seconds later, she sighs and stands up. "And by we, i mean Earil. I can't make heads or tails of this thing. Not my specialty I'm afraid." She dusts off her apron and her eyes fade to normal. "Mr J, follow."

She heads down to the room with the shattered glass and attempts to open a window, planning on making the skeleton shovel it all outside.



Spellcraft roll to identify properties of the Oculus. [roll0]

[cecil1994]

Lena stumbles back, shielding her eyes with a hand and screwing them shut "Ghulspirrc!" She blinks a couple of times, her eyes still glowing. "Do NOT smash the Oculus! There is alot of power in that device. Released all at once the backlash may kill us all. A fortunate find indeed, this might help us greatly once we unlock its secrets." She keeps inspecting the Oculus, squinting her eyes as if looking at something bright.



Spellcraft roll to identify properties of the Oculus. [roll0]

It's... some sort of scrying device. But for all the complex machinery, there's no sign of apparent controls. Or instructions. Or much of anything, really.

Your forehead begins to twitch.

[Don nadie]

Earil smiles sadly at the woman. I doubt anything I learnt back home will be appliable to such a powerful item... But I can do my best to study it and, at least, make sure it is not dangerous. He scratches his head. At least it seems like this "Oculus" was not what was creating the snakes in the first place. He does not add what he is thinking: it may be what attracted them, though.

He comes closer to the Oculum and studies it with care.


Roll Spellcraft [/roll]1d20+7[/roll]
Roll Use Magic Device[/roll]1d20+10[/roll] (to figure out how to use it but not to actually activate it)

[Talvara]

Arcturas

Arcturas grits his teeth for a moment and clenches his grip around the warhammer, with some suspicion he'll regard his companions on the top floor. are they protecting this occult artefact with the greater good in mind, or merely to satiate their own sense of curiosity.

He'll cast a glance upon the telescope before straightening his posture and sheathing his smashing implement. "Fine... Cover the mirror, and no one studies this thing alone" with a flurry of his cloak he'll turn around and begin a steady march down the tower once more "I'll go tell Abriana that the bucket brigade will not be required afterall"

[cecil1994]

Earil smiles sadly at the woman. I doubt anything I learnt back home will be appliable to such a powerful item... But I can do my best to study it and, at least, make sure it is not dangerous. He scratches his head. At least it seems like this "Oculus" was not what was creating the snakes in the first place. He does not add what he is thinking: it may be what attracted them, though.

He comes closer to the Oculum and studies it with care.


Roll Spellcraft [/roll]1d20+7[/roll]
Roll Use Magic Device[/roll]1d20+10[/roll] (to figure out how to use it but not to actually activate it)

Your original perceptions of the oculus proved baseless... but as you wrack your brain, a pattern in this mechanized madness emerges.

The twisting cordons and channels of this metalline horror? Perfectly mirror the spirals and curves of the dream-serpents. They point away from the eyepiece, directing energy to the mirror ahead.

You're struck with the intuition that this machine... scours dreams. Or devours them.

That's science fiction, though.

[Don nadie]

Earil studies the Oculus for a few minutes, examining the different patterns and engravings. He is frowning, his gaze worried... at least in his normal, green eye. The new, pale eye seems strange. But perhaps it is a matter of colour, of how the light reflects into it differently.

Hopefully that's the reason.

Finally, the elf looks back at the room. They are now alone, he and the... miner. Except that clearly she is not a simple miner. Still, he should convey the information. She did hide information, but was he after all open about his own power? And she may be one of the few not willing to destroy it straight away.

This mirror... It is not a mere scrying device. This is considerably more powerful. It has a similar nature to those snakes, exploring... or devouring dreams. It may have been what openend the door to them or they may have dreamed it into existence, I do not know. It's coils do direct energy to the mirror, but perhaps with this object, any mirror could be used to summon the monsters. This is grand, and terrible.

Earil falls silent for a few minutes, examining the object further and searching for any piece that could be dissassembled. He stands back, looks again at the witch and shivers.

I fear for my friend... Earil confesses. But I don't think we should destroy it.

He hesitates. Not yet.

He licks his lips, which feel far too dry. How long was it since this morning, since he took water and tea and breakfast? He's lost track. Feels like forever.

For the moment, I think we ought to move it from here, put it inside a locked box and keep it away from any reflective surface. Maybe I could try to disassemble it, take out some of its components and hope it will not work like that. The elf passes his hand through his brow, drying the sweat. His blond hair looks messy and unkempt after all the fighting. It may break the Oculus, but it's a risk I'd consider worth it. He nods to himself, sort of decided. Yes, I think that'll be the best option, a compromise between breaking and keeping it. Keep our options open, but safely... He looks again at the witch. Will you support me?

After they've discussed it, he feels bound to ask.

You speak Aklo, he states. It's clear he wants some further explanation.


Are there any distinguishable pieces to the Oculus? Could Earil try to disable it? Should I just roll Disable Device for that?

[Feralgeist]

Lena narrows her gaze under Earils' scrutiny but her eyes widen at the mention of correlation to the dream snakes . "Like i said before, this isn't my specialty. Power uncontrolled isn't really power at all, i agree it's best to try and defuse that hazard. I don't even want the wretched thing, but if you can make it work maybe you can help me find the place I'm looking for. I'll support you in this, but you should probably know what that's worth before you decide."

Her hand strays to her apron pocket and she starts pacing, unsure of how to begin. "To wield the energies that I do my patron taught me various obscure languages of his recollection, saying that the mind needs to be able to see and construct thoughts in a way that is sometimes uncomfortable and challenging. He thinks it will help me give structure to my magic and discipline over my abilities. Have you ever heard of an Allip, Earil? They're a type of spirit....one that drives people fatally insane with a mere touch. Even just hearing them is....unpleasant. They speak aklo, and in time i may be able to use my skills to stop one on the rampage, or others like it from hurting anybody, but they need to be able to understand me in order for me to impose my will. It doesn't matter if they are monsters, or beasts, or sometimes even people. There are always dead things that find a way to come back."
Lena walks over to Mr. J and pulls down his scarf. The torchlight flickers in the dim sockets of bone and the cracked rictus of yellowish teeth. "Earil, meet Mr Jonas Rockcrusher, pride of the late Rockcrusher family. A far bigger monster in life than he ever was since i ran into him like this, his cruelty caught up to him in the end. I found him wandering around when my powers manifested and he's protected me faithfully ever since. You saw how he went after that other creature, and with barely a scratch! I will use him and any others i find to help annihilate these dream demons. The dead don't sleep. They don't dream. They can't be corrupted by this madness, there's nothing left in them but darkness. The other settlers won't understand the advantage this gives, they'll only see the horror. But i think you do understand. We're both but threads in the tapestry of this worlds magic, we need to do what we can and use every skill we have to survive in this land and cleanse the dreams of this place, not only for your associate but for all our sakes. You have our help however you need." She gathers the scarf back up around the skeletons skull and stands with him casually leaning against the wall, waiting for the others.

[Don nadie]

Earil looks at her, serius and expressionless. Finally, he nods.

I understand. The power to be truly safe often comes at a prize. Specially in a land like this. But why is this... patron of yours... helping you? I can understand your motives to seek his power, but not his motives to give it.

He says that and turns back to the Oculus. I still hope this... thing... can be put to good use. But until we know more, I'd rather not risk anything. He begins examining its components, moving arround while they talk. Also... How certain is your grip on this... Mr J? I am not keen on waking up to a rampaging undead. In fact, now I am certain we should build a warehouse away from our main settlement to keep these kind of objects and things like your... ally.

He stands up, taking away some blonde hair from his face and looking at the thing quite seriously. I think I found how to deactivate it. I... almost sure. There's one tiny piece essential to the whole process. Will you help me deal with this?

If it weren't for what he has already seen, Earil would be shocked. Isn't he talking right next to an undead? And yet, after this... darkness... the elf knows its true: any tool that could save them is a tool that should be use. And were it not for the undead, they'd probably not have defeated that book... monster-thing.


Now I have to review the rules of Aid Other and so on XD

[Feralgeist]

Lena earnestly tries to help Earil but her enthusiasm has her leaning in too much and blocking the way. She backs off and lets him do his thing. "I'm sorry Earil, i really have no idea what I'm doing. But if you can get that piece out without touching it, J could hold it for you while I try to find a suitable container, Just so we don't take any chances, I'd hate for you to suffer any more effects from energy leaking out."

[Don nadie]

After a few minutes of asking Lena to hold things in a certain way only for the witch to almost break everything, she gives up. Yes, says Earil as she proposes to do something else. That'll probably be best.

He's very much concentrated. Sweat falls down his brow and eventually he has to stop to pull back his hair into a quick bun, so that it stops getting in the way. By the end of it, Earil has several pieces (of the artifact and his thieve's tools) in his mouth and laying around him. This, he knows, is dangerous. It may backfire in an unexpected way, and after what has already happened to him...

But sometimes one must take a risk. Sometimes, also, Earil wishes he had a god to pray to.


Now is when the elf dies a horrible death:

[roll0]

[cecil1994]

As soon as this greenish ore comes in to contact with your flesh... you feel a tug from it.

Something inexplicable is leeched from your spirit. Magic pours out of your every orifice... and floods into your unfortunate pacifier in a fervent rush.

The ingot is still. You, on the other hand, are twitching with a sense of loss.

Yeah, all your spells are expended. Even knacks.

This was an interesting first meeting with the metalline khelonite. I believe I mentioned it a while back, a long time ago.

[cecil1994]

On a brighter note, the faint glow from the oculus fades. The twisting of the storied dream-scope grinds to a halt.

[Don nadie]

Earil almost lets the piece of metal fall from his hands, shakenned by the experience, but thankfully the fear of destroying everything makes him control his fingers.

It's done, he says finally. Only to look over his shoulder and find out he's been alone now for a while. He was too concentrated trying to deactivate the artifact to notice.

Carefully, the elf takes out a handkerchief, puts the greenish ore inside and closes it. The he dries his brow and smiles a little. He is exhausted. He has endured a battle, looking for more books that anyone would've liked, and now this... tension. He cannot shake a deep sense of loss, and feels like crying even though, in the end, all went alright.

Carefully, he begins to step down looking for Lena. She's meant to bring a box. And he still has to explain to the others that the Oculus can now be studied safely, that he knows how to completely deactivate it.

This is certainly going to be a long day.

[cecil1994]

As you plod your way down the stairwell, Khali matches your pace.

"So. What'd I miss?"

She seems unperturbed by your haggard appearance, although a slight grain of sympathy does manage to work its way into her measured composure.

[Don nadie]

Earil looks at her, his newly pale eye seeming like a glass bead, and lets go a guffaw.

A lot, I'm afraid. Right now, I think Lena is bringing a box for what we found atop this dammed tower. All should be safe now, though. And I think we're all alive. We should get all the papers out and put them somwhere safe too. But right now, I think the most important thing is to explain what we found up...

He continues downwards, looking for the remaining settlers.

[cecil1994]

The others are outside the tower, completing base tasks wih only partial attention- their eyes flicker up to the spire every once in a while, perturbed by the strange lights from within.

Abriana heads this informal committee. As always.

"That place safe to live?"

Her calloused hand slides against the tower's marble.

"Should be a nice place to sleep, I think. Much better than tents."

[Talvara]

Arcturas

"I don't know about safe, but the latest physical threat was dealt with by Lenas' companion." The noble knight looks thoughtfull for a moment "There was talk of some sort of ghost or spirit inhabiting the tower. I am... not convinced that it is dealt with in any permanent manner" Arcturas sighs, frustration audible.

"We're facing things that are beyond my understanding. but no, I don't think its safe to sleep in the tower just yet." the knight gestures to Lena "Miss Lena revealed herself to be a..." he pauses to recollect the words "Grave maiden... am I saying that right?.. if the tower is truly haunted I think it'd be best to defer to her expertise."

"I intend to spend the rest of the day collecting any reflective material from the tower and storing it in a sack... In case the spirit takes hold of me in some way please do not let me wander off alone without a word, and if I am acting strangely do detain me with force if necessary"

[cecil1994]

Arcturas

"I don't know about safe, but the latest physical threat was dealt with by Lenas' companion." The noble knight looks thoughtfull for a moment "There was talk of some sort of ghost or spirit inhabiting the tower. I am... not convinced that it is dealt with in any permanent manner" Arcturas sighs, frustration audible.

"We're facing things that are beyond my understanding. but no, I don't think its safe to sleep in the tower just yet." the knight gestures to Lena "Miss Lena revealed herself to be a..." he pauses to recollect the words "Grave maiden... am I saying that right?.. if the tower is truly haunted I think it'd be best to defer to her expertise."

"I intend to spend the rest of the day collecting any reflective material from the tower and storing it in a sack... In case the spirit takes hold of me in some way please do not let me wander off alone without a word, and if I am acting strangely do detain me with force if necessary"

One of Abriana's eyebrows raises. She looks at you with what might just be a reappraising smile.

"That's quite responsible of you. I think I'll help gather up the mirror-shards, if you'd have me."

She slings a burlap sack over her shoulder, and marches in.

[Don nadie]

Earil smiles at Arcturas. That seems wise. I'd ask you all to keep an eye on me... in a similar manner. In his case it may be more justified. He does look strange, and most of the setlers will notice that the elf's eye has been drained of colour.

With a clearly weary demeanour, the elf then addresses the other settlers.

I am almost entirely sure the presences haunting this place are now gone. We have killed the objects they were possesing and driven them away. On the uppermost floor we found a strange artifact which I am almost certain was the cause of bringing the dream-serpents which put us in danger. It was a kind of... looking glass, meant to be aimed at dreams. I have dissasembled it, separating the object from its source of power. It has almost inmediately lost its magical aura and, I believe, its capacity to do us harm. The mirror which so scared us was merely a secondary instrument, used to aim the artifact into the realm of dreams.

I propose that we clean and store safely all that can be found. I am particularly interested in makin sure we save every single shred of paper. With some time, I believe I could probably repair some of the books, which in turn means we'll hopefully have more information to work with. For tonight, I think it's best if we still sleep in our tents, though...

[Feralgeist]

Lena looks around on the second floor for a container of some description, then returns upstairs with Mr J, tells him to stand in the doorway and begins carefully placing the skeleton with the fused eyes into her backpack, bone by bone.



Perception roll [roll0]

[cecil1994]

Earil smiles at Arcturas. That seems wise. I'd ask you all to keep an eye on me... in a similar manner. In his case it may be more justified. He does look strange, and most of the setlers will notice that the elf's eye has been drained of colour.

With a clearly weary demeanour, the elf then addresses the other settlers.

I am almost entirely sure the presences haunting this place are now gone. We have killed the objects they were possesing and driven them away. On the uppermost floor we found a strange artifact which I am almost certain was the cause of bringing the dream-serpents which put us in danger. It was a kind of... looking glass, meant to be aimed at dreams. I have dissasembled it, separating the object from its source of power. It has almost inmediately lost its magical aura and, I believe, its capacity to do us harm. The mirror which so scared us was merely a secondary instrument, used to aim the artifact into the realm of dreams.

I propose that we clean and store safely all that can be found. I am particularly interested in makin sure we save every single shred of paper. With some time, I believe I could probably repair some of the books, which in turn means we'll hopefully have more information to work with. For tonight, I think it's best if we still sleep in our tents, though...

Mr. Bolo nods. "Wasn't planning on sleeping in that tower, anyways. Whoever designed it needs a therapy session."

He gets back to his work. (Which, in this instance, is sketching out blueprints for a future town. They're quite good.)


Lena looks around on the second floor for a container of some description, then returns upstairs with Mr J, tells him to stand in the doorway and begins carefully placing the skeleton with the fused eyes into her backpack, bone by bone.

Perception roll [roll0]

You manage to find a crate with a few musty books in it.

Back on the fourth floor, you slowly dissemble the eyeless bones. As you touch each one, your hairs stand on end- but it passes.

You think you forgot something. But you've no idea what.

[Don nadie]

Yes... nods Earil. Well, at least for now we are safe and can begin working on our actual settlement.

The elf does not seem entirely convinced. He looks weary, exhausted. He leaves the bigger group to find Ars.

[cecil1994]

Yes... nods Earil. Well, at least for now we are safe and can begin working on our actual settlement.

The elf does not seem entirely convinced. He looks weary, exhausted. He leaves the bigger group to find Ars.

Arsith is fiddling with some sort of rod she's inched into the ground. She gives it a kick, and it spins... slows... and points towards a card lying bedraggled in the dirt.

A sole number graces this lone tarot. Just a simple, golden "2".

Arsith lets out a friendly little smile. "Something here is pleased with us. With you."

For a moment, her eyes glint in that same distilled gold.

[cecil1994]

Welcome to Level Two, my friends. Please enjoy your stay.

[Don nadie]

Earil smiles softly, exhausted.

I am not sure it's good to have... something local be pleased at us. I fear their kindness as much as I fear their wrath. But at least everything seems fine now. Safe.

He seems doubtful. Carefully, he puts his hands into a basin with some river water and washes the ashes and dust out of them. Then he passes the wet hands through his face, cleaning the sweat. He looks again at Arsith, one of his eyes now pale and drained.

I hope you are feeling alright, Ars, the elf finally says. He is frowning, looking at her with all the attitude of an older brother. We found something... Meant to stare into dreams, to act on them. I deactivated it. I'm still afraid this place will turn out to be even more unsafe for us. I am not sure what I've... lost back there. I don't know if we'll have to renounce to too much.

The elf sighs and shakes his head. He looks at the sky, at this place that can be as strange as it is beautiful.

At least we now have a true trove of books and papers. We may be able to learn much.

[cecil1994]

Earil smiles softly, exhausted.

I am not sure it's good to have... something local be pleased at us. I fear their kindness as much as I fear their wrath. But at least everything seems fine now. Safe.

He seems doubtful. Carefully, he puts his hands into a basin with some river water and washes the ashes and dust out of them. Then he passes the wet hands through his face, cleaning the sweat. He looks again at Arsith, one of his eyes now pale and drained.

I hope you are feeling alright, Ars, the elf finally says. He is frowning, looking at her with all the attitude of an older brother. We found something... Meant to stare into dreams, to act on them. I deactivated it. I'm still afraid this place will turn out to be even more unsafe for us. I am not sure what I've... lost back there. I don't know if we'll have to renounce to too much.

The elf sighs and shakes his head. He looks at the sky, at this place that can be as strange as it is beautiful.

At least we now have a true trove of books and papers. We may be able to learn much.

Gentle snores interrupt your skygazing- in the middle of this, Arsith has fallen asleep.

She looks peaceful. Still, this is a bit rude.

[Don nadie]

Earil giggles and finds a blanket to drop on his friend. Then he shakes his head.

At least they're all still alive.

[Feralgeist]

In the top floor of the tower, Lena silently mouths questions to her poppet, pausing every few minutes as if listening to a response. After a long while, She stands up and mutters a few words in Necril. Her eyes cloud over like the milky white of a corpse. "Follow me J. Are you still here spirit? Come out....Come out.....wherever you are...." She softly hums and looks at her backpack before shouldering it, scans about the room, then proceeds downstairs, checking each floor and Muttering a few words in Necril along the way every couple of minutes.



Communing with familiar to renew spells for the day, preparing Detect Undead (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/detect-undead) thrice and checking the corpse in my backpack before scouring the tower for that ghost swarm thing or any other lurking spirits. Perception roll: [roll0]

Gonna try and enslave any if i find any. If not, back to the chickens!!

[Don nadie]

The rest of the day, Earil tries to organize the pieces of parchment, shredded paper and half-burnt books. He knows he'll eventually be able to mend everything, and once or twice he tries to concentrate into it. His mind, however, seemes drained, unable to achieve the sort of connection with the psychic imprint of the objects that usually allows Earil to force his will against the rules of nature.

In his shuffling through what he picked so carelessly, though, the elf discovers a shard of mirror. He is not certain of where it comes from. Was the mirror not whole most of the time? He holds it against the light and sees the reflection of his own, newly pale eye. The elf shudders, his fingers shake, he feels a pull coming from it. The mirror itself was loaded with emotions, psychic energies which washed upon it once and again like the waves on a cliff. Like the waves, they left their mark. There are, recent, the layers of his worry for Aristh, of the fear of unknown forces from the entire settlement. There are lower layers of intrepid curiosity and boundless ambition. Earil is certain with some study he would be able to use this mirror, to extract from it power.

For the moment, he puts it in his satchel, safely.

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

Over the next few days, Earil will take time from construction for two more tasks. First, he'll lean over the books and use as much time and power as needed to fix the pages. His will can force objects to become again what they once were, mending the cracks and the burns and the shreds. Hopefully, some texts can be recovered that he and the other settlers can study.

Secondly, Earil wans to dedicate some small amount of time to the study of the Oculus and the mirror shard. With sufficient concentration, he believes he'd be able to pull knowledge from both and to acquire a higher degree of understanding...


Acquisition of new implement: roleplayed.

I'd like to add two things for the next few days: repeated casting of Mending on the books and pages + use of my Object reading occultist power on the Oculus.

[cecil1994]

In the top floor of the tower, Lena silently mouths questions to her poppet, pausing every few minutes as if listening to a response. After a long while, She stands up and mutters a few words in Necril. Her eyes cloud over like the milky white of a corpse. "Follow me J. Are you still here spirit? Come out....Come out.....wherever you are...." She softly hums and looks at her backpack before shouldering it, scans about the room, then proceeds downstairs, checking each floor and Muttering a few words in Necril along the way every couple of minutes.



Communing with familiar to renew spells for the day, preparing Detect Undead (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/detect-undead) thrice and checking the corpse in my backpack before scouring the tower for that ghost swarm thing or any other lurking spirits. Perception roll: [roll0]

Gonna try and enslave any if i find any. If not, back to the chickens!!

The tower is deserted. Whether that means the spirit is destroyed, departed, or something other is up for questioning- but as far as you know the tower's been cleared.

(It's available as a building now. Nice job.)

The rest of the day, Earil tries to organize the pieces of parchment, shredded paper and half-burnt books. He knows he'll eventually be able to mend everything, and once or twice he tries to concentrate into it. His mind, however, seemes drained, unable to achieve the sort of connection with the psychic imprint of the objects that usually allows Earil to force his will against the rules of nature.

In his shuffling through what he picked so carelessly, though, the elf discovers a shard of mirror. He is not certain of where it comes from. Was the mirror not whole most of the time? He holds it against the light and sees the reflection of his own, newly pale eye. The elf shudders, his fingers shake, he feels a pull coming from it. The mirror itself was loaded with emotions, psychic energies which washed upon it once and again like the waves on a cliff. Like the waves, they left their mark. There are, recent, the layers of his worry for Aristh, of the fear of unknown forces from the entire settlement. There are lower layers of intrepid curiosity and boundless ambition. Earil is certain with some study he would be able to use this mirror, to extract from it power.

For the moment, he puts it in his satchel, safely.

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

Over the next few days, Earil will take time from construction for two more tasks. First, he'll lean over the books and use as much time and power as needed to fix the pages. His will can force objects to become again what they once were, mending the cracks and the burns and the shreds. Hopefully, some texts can be recovered that he and the other settlers can study.

Secondly, Earil wans to dedicate some small amount of time to the study of the Oculus and the mirror shard. With sufficient concentration, he believes he'd be able to pull knowledge from both and to acquire a higher degree of understanding...


Acquisition of new implement: roleplayed.

I'd like to add two things for the next few days: repeated casting of Mending on the books and pages + use of my Object reading occultist power on the Oculus.

As the days pass, pages rejoin their bindings- the myriads book-shards come together into cohesive wholes. Or at least, they try to- you're left with only five completed novels. The rest of the parchment is assembled into half-tomes and cryptic letterings... but their other halves are no where to be found.

Post-ingot, the oculus appears safe for study. You're made aware that this machine drains the magic of its perusers- channels it into visions, sights across other planes and other times. If asked a question, however... the oculus will devour the dreams of enlightened to find the answer.

The ingot you find baffles explanation. Any divination effect you pass over it is sucked up, consumed in the metallic heart of this greened ingot. It seems to never fill.

[Don nadie]

Needless to say, before he shares what he's discovered with the others, Earil spends a bit of time shuffling through the complete books, trying to find out what they deal with.


Will there be a language I don't know? :P We'll soon learn!

Also, I just realized I have for this type of things my collection of yellow-bound books about the Elder Continent. In case it matters.