27th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
Early Morning

The people of Umai rise with the dawn, though Treon, Darel, Hera, Tomistoma and Indrid are allowed a little bit of respite. It appears the Umai have their own waking rituals, but with outsiders about they perform them out of sight, shut up in their own homes or in the Prayer Hill shrine, off limits to visitors. [Private to Hera: Should you profess any curiosity about the shrine you would actually be allowed a glimpse of it, but only if you asked.]

The villagers only emerge after the second bell of the day. That is also the cue for the guests to be urged out from their beds and gently but firmly encouraged to prepare for departure. Elder Maha-suma and her Speaker were apparently serious about their hospitality lasting only a day.

On the Hammerhead Black Reed and Tethia have their hands full keeping the men in order. Not all of them are inclined toward excess, but those that are find themselves regretting it in the morning, as early mornings and hangovers rarely go well together. Much to their disappointment, the young ladies that were so generous and giving to them the day before are quick to make themselves scarce with the sunrise, though not always without a kiss of farewell. Very likely, they will never see each other again.

Jangat and a smaller entourage of Tekai men have returned with the morn, in case Tomistoma has need of them. Of course, joining the expedition to Black Rock Chasm would mean the long canoes would be ill-suited for the venture, and even Hera's trusty fishing boat is too much in need of repair for another bluewater adventure.

It seems that traveling on the Hammerhead would be the best decision for those that had not arrived with Treon, but Captain Fireblade has yet to address that officially, nor introduce the others to his crew.

---

OOC: Post here when done with 'Nkiru' thread. The beginning of this thread is more to introduce the Hammerhead, figure out travel accommodations and such. We won't dwell on that too long though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:21, Mon 02 Mar 2009.

Tomistoma wakes at the first light of the sun warming his back where he stretched out on the beach after the night's feast. The Dragon King bows to the sun in thanks before speaking to the villagers from Tekai arriving in canoes. After thanking them for their offer of assistance, he sends them on their way home and seeks out the captain and officers of the Hammerhead.

Treon had a languorous awakening, leaning across to kiss the dark haired young woman next to him, before he carefully slipped out of the bed and started to dress himself and then took the time to re-braid the three plaits he habitually wore in his hair, two bound in red silk, one bound in white.  Then he returns to the side of the bed, leaning over to kiss her once more as she wakes.  "Thank you," he says, voice soft.  He doesn't leave the room immediately, spending some time talking with her, not wanting her too bothered by his leaving.

Then he leaves, heading across to the Hammerhead, nodding in greeting to Tethia and Black Reed, noting that they seem to have things more or less in order, despite the excesses of some of the crew.  "Good morning Tethia, Black Reed," he says, smiling.  "How soon do think before we can set sail?  We are probably going to have some passengers," he indicates the large dragonking, now making his way along the beach toward them.  "It seems we might have to venture beneath the waves and one of his entourage is most knowledgeable."

"Good morning, Dragon King Tomistoma," he calls out, as he wonders where they might be able to quarter him ...

Aranita awoke to Treon's kiss with a pleasant smile, surprisingly resolved to accept their parting... or so it seemed. She blushed at the thanks, but did not linger in the room as he went through his morning ablutions, departing with an ecstatic, secret smile that made Treon wonder what she was headed to in such a hurry.

On the Hammerhead, Black Reed nods to Treon. "Good morning, Captain. We should be able to cast off within the hour."

"If the crew in its entirety is not awake by then, I'll make sure they are," Tethia offers. Some of the crewmen already gathered on deck actually shudder at that. Then the woman with short, dark hair turns her attention towards Tomistoma, aquamarine eyes sizing up the newcomer as is her habit. "If I may ask," she inquires Treon quietly, "is he safe to bring aboard? I have heard some of his ilk like to eat humans."

With the people of Tekai dismissed, the only person accompanying the Dragon King is Indrid. The savant carries with him whatever alchemical creations he had brewed the night before, along with the large book chained to his waist and the massive platinum hammer which warns most mortal men to keep their distance.

---

OOC: I'm not sure how Indrid's player is doing so for now let's assume he's with the Dragon King already.

After enjoying his 'shore leave', Darel and his invisible, shape-shifted or otherwise 'concealed' retinue retreated to their cabin onboard the Hammerhead. The sorcerer seeemed lost in thoughts and aloof, as if he had something on his mind.

[Private to GM: [OOC: Darel will WCWT a full report on this situation to his EoPW superior and await any instructions or advice.]]

Though allowed to sleep in, routine and habit does not permit Hera to sleep beyond the lightening of the horizon that signals dawn is eminent. She readies herself for the day and finds a vantage point of the eastern horizon. She waits for the moment that her grandfather appears on his daily journey. This was a sacred moment for her as it appeared that it was sacred for these people too. Having been told last night that there was another granddaughter out here gave her some reassurance that his blessing touched here as well as Home. When he appears, Hera's eyes swell. Her skin readily embraces the life giving warmth. Her ears welcome the sweet hum of the water as it greets him. She inhales tasting and smelling the slight shift in the air as it goes from cool and mysterious to hot and bold. She begins her first prayer spoken aloud with her powerful lungs, "Grandfather Sun, who I love. I give you thanks for once again returning to light Home and the world beyond Home. Thank you for driving away the dark corrupt spirits that use night to spread their evil. Thank you for guiding me and my two friend to this land of plenty, filled with generous people. Thank you for giving me a chance to repay their kindness with heroics that would make you and my father, Nan, your son, proud. I pray that you look after the glorious souls that have past beyond this world and have joined you in the stars. I pray for your future guidance lighting our path. I pray for your blessing, making my arms strong and my will fortified. Let me pass into the dark places and let me return uncorrupted. All I do is for the glory of my ancestors, father Nan, grandfather Sun."

She continues her morning prayers with an equally loud and vocal prayer to her father which has much of the same praise, though she adds a listing of all she has done in the past day.

At the second bell when the village beginning to become active, she heads off to her small craft to make sure she has everything she might need. She then heads of to see the others who would help her.

Darel attends to some personal business.

[Private to Darel Arwan: You send your message and after a short interval receive a series of replies from the Emissaries' base. They tell you to continue with Treon to Black Rock Chasm but only publicly as a member of the Cobalt Alliance. Must you for whatever reason show hostility toward the pelagials, they want the ancient race not to associate you with the Emissaries, more out of concern of retaliation from them than any loyalty to pelagial-kind. As for Cynis Megara they do not think you should ignore her plight as an individual, but they do agree that you ought not to let the Librum fall into her hands or that of the Realm, or any other artifacts of that level of power.

They also remind you that they would like to one day arrange a meeting with the head of the Cobalt Alliance, so the groups might formally acknowledge one another.]

"Thank you, Black Reed, Tethia," he says in response to their audible comments.  He glances around the deck.  "Well, you heard her people.  Look lively!" he calls out, encouragingly, before Darel's rather aloof and untalkative demeanor makes him frown slightly, though raises no comment at this moment, just nodding in greeting to the man.

He turns then to give Tethia his attention, dropping his voice.  "However true that might be in general, it does not seem to apply to him.  His followers seem to follow him out of awe, not fear." And I just don't get that 'feeling' from him, Treon thought.  And he trusted himself as a judge of people.  Giant Lizard shaped or no.

Tomistoma walks surprisingly lightly up the gangplank onto the ship. He runs a scaled hand along the railing, deciding now is not the time to delve into the familiar feelings it brings up. He hesitates a moment, unsure whether he should reveal the acuity of his senses.

"That is a myth." he says as he looks over the rail at the sun rising across the harbor. "My people were in charge of sacrificing criminals, burning their hearts on the altar." He turns his flat, expressionless gaze on Tethia. "Humans without proper understanding believed that we cooked the hearts to feast on them, but that was mere ignorance." A strange hiss that could be interpreted as a chuckle slid past his many teeth, "Of course, to our savage young, humans are no different than any other food roaming the jungles, so the tales may have some basis in truth in this Age. But a civilized Dragon King would not consider humans as prey. We were tasked with guiding and looking after them by the Gods and Primordials, after all."

Ferio and Silas are waiting for Hera, and dutifully attend to their dawn prayers as well... though their words and devotion perhaps pale somewhat in comparison to the glorious Golden Childe. They help pack up whatever may be needed on the small fishing boat, insisting that it ought to be their duty to carry out such mundane tasks.

"I enjoyed my stay at this village," comments Ferio. "I certainly hope we will find others in our explorations that feel so familiar and welcome." Silas, too, looks satisfied and refreshed, and in the small journal he is writing as the memoir of their exploits, he has written many glowing words about Umai, its people and what little he has learned of the 'Handmaiden' they venerate.

The both of them follow Hera toward the Hammerhead, where by now Black Reed has rounded up all but one or two of the crew to finalize preparations.

On the deck, Tethia meets Tomistoma's gaze frankly. She does not seem to show surprise that he heard her, though it could very well just be that she is good at controlling her emotions. "That was very informative, and intriguing. Thank you. I am called Tethia." She greets Tomistoma with a terse nod, and glances at Indrid as well, whom she has met before.

From inland, there appears to be a figure running toward the pier where the Hammerhead is docked, along with two slower-moving figures. One of the two hanging back is a shorter figure, almost certainly the Elder Matron.

---

OOC: The PCs should be setting sail by Monday (I just have one more bit to take care of). So make sure you're ready to go by then.

My co-GM will be taking over the thread once the voyage begins!

Darel exited from his cabin alone, his anima slightly visible, but well below the level at which it would cause damage, having instructed his sesselja and agata to isolate themselves for a while to ease the strain of the binding on the demons' minds.

He walked on the bridge, his air flowing in the stronger breeze around his body, and observed Nkiru with a smile. A worthy destination, he thought to himself. He eyed Tethia and Tomistoma greeting each other.

He came near Treon. "I wager you found the island's habitants hospitable enough," he said in the tone of casual conversation. "I must say that I would not mind a little shore leave there on our way back. Speaking of which: once this little foray is over, I would like to arrange a formal meeting between my associates of the Emissaries of Perfect Waters, and the head of the Cobalt Alliance. Our cooperation could reap significant mutual benefits."

He squinted his eyes, looking towards the island. "Looks like someone is eager to bid us farewell."

[OOC: I'd wager a local young lady wants to bid Treon a warm farewell ^^.
Can't post much in the coming days, though.]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Sun 08 Mar 2009.

"Yes, thank you for that," Treon nods, though privately he's a little staggered at the thought.  The dragonking didn't seem to be lying, but ... well, it was something to worry about later.  "Ah yes, please forgive my manners.  Black Reed, Tethia, this is Tomistoma and Indrid," he says, indicating the savant with the large hammer.  "Welcome to the Hammerhead.  Tethia has introduced herself, Black Reed is my first officer, and then we have Sang, Balio, Jarvan ..." Treon names the crew with a gesture to the men, now mostly awake and making preparations.

"Hospitable enough," Treon agrees with a smile.  "I wouldn't like to make plans that far ahead, we will have to see what happens at the Chasm.  I'm not averse to returning here though, by any means.  Assuming Captain Lasuri agrees, and I cannot think why he would not, I agree though."

As Darel noted the figures approach, he too squinted trying to make out who it was.  "So it does ..."

He watched their approach

The running figure turns out to be Aranita, of course. She is wearing, instead of her usual sarong, sturdy travel clothes woven of local cotton, and a canvas bag. Her dark hair is tied up into a braid to keep it out of her face. Standing at the dock, she waves up at the people on the Hammerhead, breathless with excitement and apprehension.

Elder Maha-suma and Speaker Risina arrive moments later, and after a short conference Risina lends her stronger voice to address everyone converging on the Hammerhead. "We are here to see you off, visitors. I assume that our gifts and hospitality have been to your liking."

"There is only one more matter. Aranita has invoked the right of ordeal by journey. It is the policy of the Umai that a woman may elect to leave the island for a time to see the world in order to broaden her knowledge and experience. As she is now fully a woman, this is her right to choose. You will take her with you now, Captain Fireblade."

"Please do not be angry," Aranita calls up to Treon, her eyes soulful and pleading. "I will expect nothing of you, and I know my letters. I will assist you however I can, and stay out of trouble. Please. I just want to see the world beyond here..."

"That is all, then," Risina says with finality, as if to preempt any chance at refusal. "The Elder Maha-suma wishes you luck. And to Lady Hera, may fortunes favor you." She looks as if she wishes to say more at first, but with everyone present she thinks against it, and instead looks toward the rising sun for a moment of silence.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:16, Mon 09 Mar 2009.

With a side glance to his neomah, Darel, looking as if he was once again lost in thought, unconspicuously raised his hand to hide his smile... Ah, the benefits of chaperoning...

"They have indeed, Elder Matron," Treon replies.  "Once more, thank you for your hospitality."

When the speaker announces the choice Aranita has made, it is not exactly unexpected, given her new dress and so instead of looking dismayed or even surprised, he instead smiles at the woman.  "I suppose you had best come aboard then, Aranita, if you are sure.  The Black Rock Chasm will likely not be the most dangerous things you will encounter if you do choose to travel with us," he speaks, to caution her.  Not that he expects her to be deterred, but he felt it fair to warn her.  He couldn't refuse to sail into danger because she was onboard.

Why is it always the ones with black hair? he wonders, as she starts to climb aboard despite his warning. "I will do my best to keep her safe," he tells the elder matron and her speaker.

Once Aranita is aboard, Treon turns to his crew, now finally all assembled and introduces all the new passengers to the crew, and then turns to Black Reed.  "Please, cast off when you're ready, Black Reed."

"I... I understand, Mister... I mean, Treon." Aranita flushes at being so personal with his name in public, but he had told her to call her that, after all. "I may be naive about the world, but I am prepared to learn, and to be faced with dangers beyond my imagining. I have chosen this," she asserts.

Aranita is the last to climb the gangplank onto the Hammerhead, after Hera and her two male assistants. The group aboard the large vessel is a rather eclectic one, now, and Treon's crewmen eye the newcomers with a mix of trepidation, interest and... for some... even desire. Aranita and Hera in particular are attractive women, after all, and not cold and Dragon-touched like Tethia.

Tethia herself frowns slightly as she eyes Aranita, but says nothing.

"Right away, sir," says Black Reed to Treon's command, and directs the crew to raise the gangplank and cast off the mooring lines while the captain takes his rightful place at the helm.

The wind fills the sails, bearing the Hammerhead away from the comfort of Nkiru and toward the Chasm they seek.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:24, Tue 10 Mar 2009.

During the short sea journey, lasting but a single day, Darel receives a message via cherub from Jadira. [Private to Darel Arwan: Jadira informs you that the Dryad is resting at the island of Auragik, four days away from Seahaven. They had a major combat with the Lintha, and since then have gained some allies who wish to pursue and destroy a dark Lintha artifact nearby. She asserts that they still plan to meet with the Hammerhead in An-Teng, as their detour will make up for the fact the Hammerhead is currently further west than them.] He has the rest of the day to send his message back to her before they are to move on.

Darel consulted with Treon, sharing with him the contents of the message. [Private to Cathak Garel Treon: It appeared the Dryad had had a violent run-in with the Lintha on their way to An-Teng, and were resting on the island of Auragik, four days away from Seahaven. "Apparently, they want to destroy a Lintha artefact of darkness. They will meet us in An-Teng. What message should I send back?"]

Treon considered for a few moments, and then spoke to Darel.[Private to Darel Arwan: "Tell them that we'll reach the Chasm tomorrow, that we think it is a Pelegial outpost.  Mention that we picked up help.  Wish them luck in their coming battle."]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Fri 13 Mar 2009.

28th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
Around Noon

When the Hammerhead reaches the area known as 'Black Rock Chasm', it almost seems to be a footnote on the horizon.

At first glance, the area looks rather unimpressive, easily mistakable for any typical region one would come across in the deep West. An assemblage of rock massifs jut out of the sea like uneven teeth arcing over a straight lip, their sharp and scraggy surface polished smooth in parts by the ebb and flow of the tide. Nothing in particular would signal the presence of anything out of the ordinary, if one was only to peer at the rock formation from a distance. But then, as the ship proceeds closer, a feeling of dread and uneasiness replaces the feeling of familiarity one might have while looking at the scenery.

As the Hammerhead makes its approach, those who pay attention slowly realize that the color of the sea itself is changing. Rather than the pleasant blue-green so familiar to big expanses of sea, the waters seem to darken with the approach, until it has turned a dull transparent black. It still retains the appearance and feel of water, but its color makes it difficult for the rays of the sun to penetrate inside. It is not so opaque as oil, but it certainly seems to conceal some of what might lay within...

From calculations, the rock massif that breaks the surface of the water is actually much bigger underwater. Those trying to evaluate its mass would immediately realize that it stretches much further than their eyes can see, and that its sheer volume is akin to a whole mountain, likely stretching from the ocean floor up to this point. Past that, however, those on board can glean nothing of the organization or composition of the structure below.

As much as the prospect might not enchant the group, it would seem that the only way now lies in going to explore the complex itself... And thus decide on a way they can efficiently function underwater.

With only an hours rest since the voyage began, the Amiliki-King still looks surprisingly well rested, Thick blue-smoke puffs in slow, regular intervals from his lips as he clasps his glass pipe between them. He toils on the deck of the vessel, in the wind and the spray of the sea. A smoothly worn mortar and pestle in hand, he slowly crushes the still-wriggling bodies of several dozen tiny black-shelled crabs into the bowel. They crack and mash together into a gritty paste that smears around the bottom of the bowl. Seated on Hanuman's over-turned head, around his feet are tiny clay jars with powdered coral and coconut milk, a bushel of freshly pulled tube-reeds, a wooden box filled with hundreds more minuscule crabs, and a pot of blue squid ink.

This task is as much improvisation as knowledge. In his lands, there were half a dozen formulas that let a man breath under the ocean waves. You could not endure without one. He has found none of the ingredients to make those he knows however, so works instead with what knowledge and instinct tell him at least should serve the purpose he needs.

And if they do not, at least none of them were deathly poisonous.

It was also a task that their noonday arrival makes clear he may not have the opportunity to finish. The Amiliki sets aside his tools and rises as the boat glides closer to Black Rock Chasm.

"A most unnatural and villainous appearing place," he says to no one in particular, looking down towards the looming darkness. "Were it a night's sky so black, t'would burn men of wicker to appease the ill spirits who would be drawn out. Mayhaps a sacrifice should be given to the gods of this place."

"Considering some of the tales told of the Pelegials, I'm not sure if that isn't the problem ..." Treon remarked.  He knew little of the ways of gods, though.  "This is a place of ill omens," he remarks from his place behind the wheel of the ship.

"But into it we must sail," he says, his voice lifting with fire and passion, encouraging all those who would sail with him.  As he spoke those words, he reached out with his Essence, activating the Fine Passage Negotiating Style, feeling all out all the hidden reefs and shoals that might tear his ship, gaining a sense of how far down the massive extends, too.

"Reef the sails," he shouts out, not wanting to sail in here at full speed, easing the ship through the rocky maze with a deft hand on the wheel and a perfect feeling for what lay beneath.
[Private to Raconteur; Storyteller: 20:50, Today: Cathak Garel Treon rolled 6 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,1,10,8,5,8,8,6,6,7. negotiating chasm. +2 sux from sail ex.

So, that's 8 successes total, plus an from a stunt if you award it. (if you do, please let me know, for motes)]

Darel, flanked by his neomah, eyed the waters with a detached countenance. "An interesting phenomenon, to say the least," he said. "Captain Treon," he turned to speak to the other Dragon-Blooded, "I would think this is a good opportunity to materialize my two bound servants, namely the agata, and the eristrufa. Perhaps you should speak a word to your crew and reassure them as to my mastery of those two disquieting but most useful creatures?"

Hera spends the majority of her trip looking over every inch of the ship that she could. The small fishing boat she sailed out on is the state of the art vessel for her people. This vessel is beyond what she could ever imagine. Anything she could bring back would advance her people greatly. She smiles cordially to all the crew that are around.

Looking out with the others, she smiles at the harsh terrain ahead. "Courage my friends. The terrain we face fierce, but as has been spoken, we must venture forwards. My eyes have never glimpsed anything so black, not in Home, not in the chaotic storms that led me here. I take solace in the fact that men of strong character stand by my side. We shall confront it all together."

The Dragon King spends the majority of the short cruise skittering along on all fours on the hull of the ship, from the waterline to the railing. He clings like an oversize gecko alongside the figurehead as he stares into the inky waters of their destination. He hopes the Dragon Bloods have brought some method of piercing the darkness below. He had swam in the deep seas before, where the Sun's touch doesn't reach, and doubted the light penetrated very far in these black waters.

He also wishes he had had opportunity to delve deeply enough into his memories to 'remember' how to enhance his sense of smell. At least his hearing could help compensate in the dark waters. Somewhere deep inside him, a predator licked its lipless teeth in anticipation of the beasts to be conquored below.

Tomistoma puts such prehuman urges aside as he poked his head up over the railing. His wide crocodilian head moves from one side to the other as his eyes scanned the deck, unaware of the discomfort he caused in most humans. "Well said, Grandchild of the Sun." He hisses. "In an earlier Age, each of our peoples, Dragon King, Dragon Blood, and Scions of the Chosen worked together to safeguard all of Creation." His dull eyes seem to take in more ranks than those standing on the deck as flashes of memory, barely sensed and even less understood, flicker in his mind. "Although our ranks have thinned, our challenge remains the same. And our resolve must remain as strong."

A reptilian, hissing chuckle escaped the Dragon King's mouth, "Indeed, the cycle seems to have truly turned, returning Creation to a state not seen since before Humanity walked its fields: Creation has need of taming."

"Would they not be better kept dematerialized, and so offer a better surprise when called upon?" Treon questions, not exactly sure of the capabilities of the demons.  "Besides, I'm not entirely sure how the Pelagials would react to such things," he carries on, although he isn't committed to this course.

The mention of the Sun caused a small twitch on Treon's face as he steered the ship into the chasm, feeling out beneath the waves for the safe paths through the treacherous waters.

"A sorrowful state of being," Indrid nods in answer to Tomistoma, not sharing the Dragon-King's evident reveling of such a fact. He continues to watch the darkness slither around the ship with wary eyes. "Yet I may say with certainty that danger tis the natural sweat of the world. Even in mine own lands, with the Shogun's hand around us, much is asked of the individual."

He pauses, then smiles. "Truth, I know not what drives those present here to seek this place. Tis is noble intentions and heroic deeds or more gainful a journey? One might say there are few greater blessings upon a land than to be visited by those of both heroes heart and mercenary intention."

"Mmmh well, what you're saying bears consideration," Darel replied to Treon. "Taking on a physical shape is very draining for them though, and not a good strategy to be used in an emergency. The agata could help us scout the surroundings very quickly - if properly rested, they can even open a gate of sorts that enables instantaneous travel between two points miles distant. The eristrufa can stay immaterial now - it would be best brought up if things go awry with the pelagials."

Captain Treon's steady hand and keen eye manage to guide the Hammerhead safely across the dangerous maze of reef and rock beds - no small task in and of itself. The crew responds to his orders quickly and precisely, reffing the sails when asked and slowing the ship enough for it to come to a stop in a desirable position above Black Rock Chasm. [Private to Cathak Garel Treon: You were awarded a +2 stunt for your efforts, if you want to use it for motes or willpower recovery.]

From this position, Treon can get an even better feel of the sheer scale the structure has. Standing at a vantage point, he can observe as a stray ray of the dying sunlight seems to strike the water softly, illuminating more of the structure below... And once it happens, he is almost struck by vertigo.

Like a giant black tower engulfed by the western ocean, Black Rock Chasm extends triumphantly towards the ocean floor, its massive rounded form peppered with dark holes - presumably doorways into the complex itself, a form of water circulation, or both. Jagged spires sprout from the main structures like wicked rock spikes, eerily resembling claws outstretched towards the faint light, and ready to crush those who would foolishly venture within the depths. Caught in some of those rocky outcroppings, rotting masts and sails, torn ships carcasses and cargo innards lie coldly, a silent warning sign to those who would brave this unfamiliar territory. Despite this macabre spectacle, no signs of life can be seen from this point either.

Defiantly, the Hammerhead is now above the underwater complex, proudly braving the outstretched 'teeth' that mark out the highest point of the structure.

The only way to go from here... is down.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:31, Wed 18 Mar 2009.

Looking at her fellows, "So my companions, I can hold my breath for a few minutes. I doubt I would be able to reach to bottom of this undersea room. Do any of your capabilities exceed mine in this respect?" She begins to tready herself to enter the water, stripping off layers of clothing, leaving only the minimal amount of cloth to remain modest. The garmets she discards she merely drops to the deck. Her complexion is even more white with the additional exposed flesh. She is pale as chalk lacking every nuance of tan skin that is usually prevalent in this direction. Despite the paleness, she doesn't look sickly. Instead her body is athletic and well muscled. She pulls on her golden chainmail gloves on strapping them onto her golden bracers leaving both forearms completely clad in Orichalcum. "I am ready to dive when you are."

Darel let the sleeve of his ample shirt glide off of his left forearm as he raised it, displaying the blue jade bracers. A gem, like perfect blue water given solid shape, was inset in a socket in the middle of the artifact. "This hearthstone enables me to duplicate the abilities of the scions of Danaa'd, and move freely underwater. Sadly, being far from my manse, it would be useless to any of you."

[OOC: Could Kathleen take on the shape of a water breathing humanoid/mutant and accompany me while materialized?]

Tomistoma crawls over the railing onto the deck, rising to his feet and his nearly seven foot height. "I am fine for at least an hour, which should be sufficient if there are periodic pockets of air as we have been told." His cloak of leaves now covers him like a suit of armor, the long, kelp-like leaves overlapping like the scales of a fine set of mail. Each leaf is outlined and stitched in place with threads the same brilliant gold as Hera's bracers, a pair of which also adorn the Dragon King's wrists, one of which holds a murky blue-black stone.

"What accomodations have we for those who are less adept beneath the waves?"

"I am nearly completed in mine efforts to concoct some manner of formula from what was offered of Umai's larders," says Indrid, already returned to his labors over the loose assemblage of alchemical tools and ingredients. Having spent the whole of the night before and most of this morning in preperation, all that remains is the mixture and the testing. The last of the tiny crabs crushed into a paste within the bowl, he picks up the reeds and a slender bladed knife.

Creatures of the tides...

Slicing open the tube-shaped reeds, he squeezes a gooey clear liquid out into the bowl. These, among the few plants he recognizes from home, grew anywhere there was water - fresh or salt, they cared not.

That which lives in all worlds...

Breaking the waxy seal atop one of the jars of powdered coral, he spills the crimson dust into the bowl as well. Bones of the Sea, they were. Neither alive in any fashion mortal man would know it, yet never truly dead...

That which lives in none...

Another jar, this one dribbling the milky juice of a coconut into the bowel. He stirs the concoction together slowly, the liquid mixing it together into a graying ooze.

Essence of that which knows no home but land...

Lastly, he takes the pot of ink and unceremoniously scrapes his bizarre mixture in. With one of the empty reeds, he stirs it slowly, dumping more of the coconut milk in as he does so. It was not what he wanted, not the blood of a sea creature, yet he hopes will serve enough as an association to bring about the proper reaction.

Essence of that which knows no home but sea...

Finally, satisfied that it is as blended as he can make it, Indrid lifts the pot to his nose and sniffs. His nose wrinkles only just. "Tis not the most rank of brews I've ever the ill fame to produce, yet I do suspect t'will be no pleasure to partake of."

Standing, he begins to strip out of his clothing. Like Hera, he removes as much that modest will allow. "I shall ask none before me to risk it's effects. A moment within the water shall suffice. Master Treon, if I may please beg a length of rope and a strong back to pull upon it. Should this prove a poison, I should desire thou art certain of my demise before casting me to a watery burial."

[OOC: Okay, loooooong post and apologies for that. Attempting Alchemy stunt to basically make a water-breathing potion from scrap.]

Treon nodded to the man.  "Call it forth then, after I speak with the men.  If it can stop people sneaking up on us in here, at least on the surface, it will be very useful." Though I expect most of the danger to come from below.

Demons, grandchildren of the sun, lizards from before humanity?  Things used to be simpler ... he thought, before he turned to look at his crew, after nodding to acknowledge the speeches from Hera and Tomistoma.  "We have more than that on our side, too.  Darel is a sorcerer of some power.  He has summoned forth creatures to serve him, and however disquieting they might look, they are under his control.  I have watched the ritual myself." Which was quite the oddest thing I've seen in a while.

He nodded to Darel, giving his permission.

"As for our destination, down in the depths," he looked to Hera.  "We have a small supply of what is known as 'Maruera gum', a gift from our friends in the Tya.  It should allow us to breath down there for as long as Tomistoma or Indrid should be able to manage with their own methods."A glance to Indrid suggested that the gum could be spared for him too, if he is so unsure of his own work, but that it was up to him.  He looked then to Tethia.  "I would not like to leave the Hammerhead entirely without an Exalt on board, although it is your element that we would be travelling in.  You are your own woman, however."

He started to undress himself, the better for swimming, revealing a very toned physique, taking a moment to bind his hair tighter before he straps his Daiklaive  across his back.

"We shall descend after Indrid has tested his alchemy," he says, looking around for dissenting opinions.

Darel nodded at Treon's assent, and, turning to port, immediately spoke in Old Realm: "Jjarialdenmeoas, I urge you to take on a material shape!" he told his agata, which materialized in a puff of smoke; the translucent creature of surreal beauty hovered portside of the Hammerhead. The impossibly large insect landed on the ship's deck, carefully avoiding entangling its wings into the various ropes and sails.

Darel stepped forward, patting the creature'back like he would a horse's. "Everybody, say hello to Jim!" he cheered.


"Jim can carry up to two fully armored men, in a flight sustained by magic. It is quite safe even for those unused to riding a mount. So who wants to give flying a try?" He winked at his companions.

[OOC: No control rating or minimum Ride is given AFAIK, so I guess its Landscape Travel makes up for any deficiency in its rider(s), if the STs agree to that of course ;)]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Sat 21 Mar 2009.

Tomistoma puts one crooked leg over the side of the rail. "I shall make sure the waters around the ship are safe and assist in Indrid in the testing of his concoction." He says an instant before he splashes into the dark waters, descending a fathom or so and looking in all directions before rising back to the surface. The Dragon King floats there, only his nostrils, eyes, and the ridges along his back and tail breaking the surface.


[Private to Raconteur: Using Clarity from Clear Air Path to look around with hearing and sight enhanced the same as the Solar charm Keen Sense Technique. Total of 7 successes with the +2 from the charm
11:01, Today: Tomistoma rolled 5 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,10,2,3,8,6. Per+Awareness.]

Tethia glances at Treon, showing no sign of reaction to the captain (or anyone else, at that) baring skin. After considering his words, she replies, "No, Captain, I think you are correct. I've no problem with watching the ship. If anything goes wrong, I and Black Reed will both be on hand to act."

The crewmen of the Hammerhead actually look a little disappointed that they can't come along for the swim. Black Reed clears his throat and addresses Captain Treon as well. "How long do you expect to be below water? You may wish to leave some of the gum with us, in case it is necessary for us to pursue you. We have several strong swimmers among the crew." A couple of the crewmen perk up at hearing that, particularly Balio and Ormi, who are poorly hiding the fact that they're ogling Hera.

Aranita stands to one side, quiet, but intently watching the goings-on. She is quiet more often than not lately, absorbing every new experience with silent wonder and a depth of curiosity. One of the strongmen, Iron Beetle, sidles up to Aranita as she gazes down at the blackness of the sea near the Chasm. She shakes her head slightly, and takes a few steps away, but the man doesn't pursue her.

Hera's men, Ferio and Silas, ask Hera whether they are to remain behind, as well. Ferio seems to have taken a liking to Aranita and keeps one eye on Beetle in the meantime.

Indrid's efforts are focused and dedicated, and after a little while of peering over his vials and jars, his mixture is completed. His initial calculations seem even exceeded by the result, and although he has yet to test the potion, he is already enthusiastic about the result. The mixture looks unstable and uncertain at first, but once it cools down, everything falls into place - sediments dissolve homogeneously, leaving the concoction a deep, clear blue. [Private to Indrid Cold: Congratulations, you've scored -11- successes on this roll - which means you've managed to develop a stable recipe that you will be able to reuse (and can name how you want). The stats for it will be (in the usual formula format) 2, Intelligence, 3, 1 Hour. For the duration (3 hours), you will be able to breathe perfectly underwater. You still will have to swim normally, but you will be able to breathe water as a native would.]

Meanwhile, Tomistoma takes his plunge to scout ahead, in order to observe what the group would be dealing with, casting his senses all around him to try to help himself get a better view of the surroundings. It takes a short while for him to get his eyesight to compensate for the blurry environment and the blackness of the water, but once it is done, he gets a pretty good image of the top of Black Rock Chasm.

The tremendous rock would have a conical shape, if it was widening consistently. Instead, it descends sharply down the depths, reaching a rock 'platform' before descending more abruptly once more. From what the Dragon King can tell, the pattern seems to repeat itself at more or less regular intervals, making it likely that the structure was shaped in this fashion by the Pelagials themselves. Whether it is for increased security or a more mundane reason, Tomistoma cannot tell, because he cannot see a single living being at this level, although there could be some further down, past the rocky 'platform'... But to see this far, he would need to separate himself considerably from the others.

Fortunately, the scouting is not fruitless - the Dragon King can readily spot the top entrances into the Chasm - three openings set around the roughly circular outcropping that serves as a platform. One of the three is likely a some sort of supply entrance, taller and wider than the other two. The only worrying part is that as far as can be seen from there, no guards are patrolling in front of any of these entrances.

[Private to Darel Arwan: There is no problem with your interpretation of Landscape Travel, either, so consider this approved. :)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:30, Sun 22 Mar 2009.

"Thank you, Tethia," Treon nods, before looking around the crew.  He considers how much of the gum they had.  "I will certainly be leaving the bulk of the supply up here." three pieces each for the people who need them, a couple of spares for Indrid and for Tomistoma and another couple just in case. His concentration is broken by a glance to Beetle, although one without too much censure.  He had left her alone when she had made that clear, after all.

"As for how long we expect to be down there ... that is hard to say.  When Tomistoma surfaces we will know more of what is down there.  It will take a few hours, but I intend to be back by sundown.  Even if they have some manner of artefact or sorcery which allows people to breath down there, I do not wish to sleep down there, unless it can be helped."

Nodding in grateful acknowledgment of the Captain, Indrid steels himself for the first - possibly lethal - swallow of the pale blue fluid sloshing in the jar. He sips it delicately, like a connoisseur testing a glass of fine wine. The taste is anything but fine, though not as vile as he might have feared. The liquid is thick though, nearly a jelly, and slides down his throat, leaving a thick blue coating upon his lips and tongue.

He shivers as the sensation and waits for Tomistoma returns.

"Slumber would not seem a suitable activity beneath the waves. Whatever thy own supplies may offer, Captain Treon, I am a'feared that even should it be effective, this formula I have brewed should not endure in effects more than a few hours at most. Truth, tis my desire to be somewhat nearer the surface before then."

Darel took off his ample shirt and boots and handed them to Kathleen, leaving only his trousers and a leather belt with waterproof pouches, knives and his scabbarded sword, and of course his blue jade bracers.

"I guess that as the only one with unlimited underwater endurance, I should also be on the frontline..." he said with a shrug.

Tomistoma's head breaks the surface just enough for him to speak as he relays the information he has discovered with brevity, "Three entrances below. No guards." After his head sinks it bobs above the surface an instant later to add, "No predators."

"Then I shall beg the pardon of this fine company," Indrid says as he finishes tying off the rope around his waist. Alchemy was a tricky thing and simply because he had not collapsed now did not mean there might not be an adverse reaction once he was in the water. One arm front and one arm back, he tilts in a bow and then backs to the ship's railing and climbs over.

It has been a while since he has last went diving. Not since he taught his eldest son Tigo on the white cliffs on the east side of Bluefin. The body still remembers how though and he slips off the side, plunging into the water with only the barest splash. Against the black of the chasm, his pale body darts like a large fish, limbs churning through the ocean to keep him held under.

After several seconds of this, he breaches back to the surface in a surge of salty white foam.

"T'would seem I my sleepless night hath not been wasted," Indrid says and has not forgotten how to sound proud as well. He unties the rope and waves up to the ship. "If I may ask another burden, push mine hammer off the side. Would be too great a weight for your man to pull me from the depths, but it shall not be more than a feather to mine own hands, so long as there is life within them to grip it."

Smiling at the possibility of being able to stay beneath the waves for longer than a breath, "If I may use your meays of staying beneath the surface, I'd be much relieved. I'd be willing to take the lead of underneath or perform some trade in barter if that is your way."

"I had assumed you would be accompanying us after our discussion at the end of the meal," Treon nodded to Darel.  "Though perhaps before you descend you could take ... Jim aloft.  The lack of guards down below, combined with the lack of ships up here gives me to caution.  Perhaps you can spy them from above?"

Treon then turns to Hera.  "There is no need to trade anything, if you are diving to aid in my purpose, that is payment enough," he says, as he gives her three of the small pieces of gum.  "Each should give you breath below the waves for about an hour."

Treon himself takes a number of pieces, for himself and for Indrid and Tomistoma, should they need more breath down there.  And then another couple of pieces to be sure.

"Beetle, if you would see to the lowering of Indrid's hammer?"

"Reconoissance, fine! Anybody come with me?" Darel said as he made a backwards somersault that ended with him on the agata's back.

Beetle takes his time about the task, but not enough to be seen as flagrantly subordinate. In the meantime Aranita moves away toward the opposite side of the ship.

He seems quite vexed that carrying the massive weapon is such a strain for him, despite his obvious physical strength. Stubbornly, the crewman drags Indrid's hammer to the edge of the Hammerhead and calls out gruffly, "Look out overboard!" before hefting it and letting it go with a splash over the side.

No one seems interested in flying on the agata with Darel, though that may be because most people aren't fond of being within close range of a demon--even a pretty one named Jim.

---

OOC: Sorry, I should have posted for Beetle before, I hadn't been watching close enough. You'll get an actual update from my co-GM soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:51, Fri 27 Mar 2009.

Darel spurred his mount, which took the air with a leap and a spread of its crystalline gauze wings. "Wheeeeeeeeeee!" Darel shouted in delight, spreading his arms as his natural element rushed around him.

Now, back to our business...

He would circle Black Rock Chasm and then patrol in a spiral three miles in radius, flying low in order to get a more accurate picture of what was going on...

Darel's flight gives him a good view of the surrounding area, as well as an almost dizzying impression of how massive Black Rock Chasm is. From above, its shape can be seen as a faint outline, even through the ominously black waters... A tremendous rock giant sleeping beneath the waves, its mass slowly fading as it reaches towards the Ocean bottom. Corroborating Tomistoma's report, however, it seems that Darel cannot spot anything moving from where he is - For all purposes, the Spire itself looks devoid of life. Either its Pelagial inhabitants are in hiding, or they purposefully do not come out this close to the surface so as not to attract attention.

Now more than ever, it seems that the group will need to infiltrate the Chasm proper to learn more...

Darel returned to the Hammerhead, his agata hovering close to the deck.

"Nothing more to report, ladies and gentlemen: it looks quite deserted. An impressive sight, though."

[OOC: BTW, you did not answer my question: can my neomah shapeshift into a humanoid with the Gills mutation and accompany me underwater?
At any rate, my sesselja is still with me, if it can also benefit from my Gemstone of Aquatic Prowess when living symbiotically with me.]

PM
[Private to Darel Arwan: Gah, my bad, I thought I had put that info in my previous post! My oversight, apologies. I would see no problem with the Neomah getting the gills mutation at all, so you can assume she can follow you down there. Same with the Sesselja - I would assume it is bound to your service and thus can profit for the hearthstone like you do.

Once again, sorry for the oversight here! Let me know if you have further questions.]

"Thank you for going to look.  I wonder where the ships went, then.  I suppose we will have to ask down there."

"Very well, we dive," Treon announces to the ship with a resolute nod.  He turns his attention to Tethia and Black Reed.  "I hope that we are back by sundown.  If you have heard no word by then, the night will have to be spent on alert and send down a team of swimmers at dawn."

Finally, he walks over to Aranita.  "I should be back soon.  If any presses you more than is appropriate, tell Black Reed or Tethia.  I won't have that kind of behaviour on my ship.  See you soon," he says with a smile, and then walks over to the side of the ship that Indrid and Tomistoma are on.

After waiting a few moments for questions or comments, he checks the binding for his daiklaive once more, starts to chew a piece of the gum and then excutes a clean dive over the side of the vessel to the water below.

Darel ordered his mount to stay at the ready for an emergency pickup and patrol, warning those onboard if the situation changed down below.

He then jumped onboard, and told his neomah to remain on board; she would shape-shift into an amphibious humanoid and help a rescue team if need be.

Then, he leapt down on the water, walking on the surface a few moments before sinking under, accompanying Treon and the others.

Dipping under the surface of the water as the massive hammer splashes into the foamy darkness, Indrid lithely kicks his way under and emerges again with weapon in hand. True to his words, the heavy hammer all but floats on the surface with him.

"If all are prepared, I should think it wise the lady Hera and I keep at the center as we move downwards. Meaning no ill towards the ladies skills," he inclines his head respectfully towards the same. "But we've neither the might of the Dragon-Blooded nor lord Tomistoma."

Hera shakes her head, "No, I will not remain protected behind a circle of those I seek to help. I know not of the might of the others, but my limbs are strong and those that oppose us will fall."

She sticks a piece that she was given in her mouth and dives into the water. Her form is excellent filled with power, skill, and grace. She seems accustomed to the water as if she had been living in it since the day she was born.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Tue 31 Mar 2009.

Tomistoma circles the area around the group's dive area about fathoms beneath the surface. His long, narrow body waves in a serpentine motion as he stays alert for any dangers. The splash of the entrance of the others is thunderous to him as his essence-tuned ears pick up the slightest disturbance in the water.

Seeing that all those who would be diving are in the water, Treon flips a salute to the Hammerhead and then pushes beneath the surface of the waves.

When he is below the surface, he indicates to Tomistoma to lead the way downwards, towards the openings he saw.

I wonder what we shall find?

Now beneath the depths, the group starts to progress towards the entrances Tomistoma had pointed out to them earlier. As they break surface, and plunge deeper into the blackness surrounding Black Rock Chasm, the rays of the sun seem to get filtered out... And the sense of foreboding grows stronger with each stroke of the water they make.

As the group progresses more and more towards the visible entrance to the complex, it becomes harder and harder to see, light seemingly being sucked out of their very surroundings. In the fading surface light, they can witness what their ally had confirmed earlier, however - the three openings no doubt serving as topside entrances to Black Rock Chasm proper. The darkness within them is barely penetrable, but stray beams of the mid-day sun hint at objects stacked within the first approach chamber - glimpses of rusted steel and rotted wood, and the eerie floating of torn sails.

In the sharp rocks beneath them, the rotting carcasses of ships are caught within stone maws and claws. The corpses of once proud and mighty vessels lie dormant there, gutted and emptied like fish, their innards stolen and plundered until only a husk remains. From the outside appearance of the Chasm, the group can surmise that many more remnants might lie further below, the wrecks tossed aside once anything of value has been taken from them. For those who have spend their lives sailing, the image is a desolate, sad one; an open grave full of discarded stories and tales.

Even more eerie is the fact that at this level, Black Rock Chasm is completely silent and quiet. Nothing moves, nothing makes a sound, and nothing breaks the calm that seems to emanate from this place. Of course, anyone who knows even a slight bit about the Pelagial themselves can tell that this is merely a facade - one of the foremost collectors of wonders and artifacts, the Pelagials continually work at scavenging and harvesting new materials and sources of handiwork to reinforce their dying race.

As they approach the entrance to the complex, the group comes to a head with the looming darkness. In but a few moments, they will find themselves surrounded by it, the outside light shut out completely as they step within the Black Rock's maw.

Hopefully, they will find who they are looking for, before Cynis Megara becomes an integral part of this lightless world.

[OOC: More will be coming, but you will need a source of light or an alternate way to see in darkness from this point onwards. Once that is done, you will be entering the complex proper, and will be able to begin your exploration.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:09, Thu 02 Apr 2009.

With a command to his immaterial eristrufa, Darel conjured small lights to illuminate their immediate surroundings.

[OOC: my eristrufa will use his Ghostly Presence Charm to make some light for a scene.]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Thu 02 Apr 2009.

Immediately responding to Darel's command, the eristrufa starts to exude a ghostly light, enough to illuminate the group's immediate surroundings, and help them see ahead...

... And grants them their first hint on their quest to find the missing savant they are looking for.

Just ahead, bathed in the soft light given by Darel's otherworldly ally, the group can get their first real look at the big entrance to Black Rock Chasm, and the room it leads to. It is an irregular, roughly dome-shaped chamber, into which are stocked piles of barrels, crates, and ship remnants. The various pieces and containers are secured with strong ropes and chains, to keep them from either floating out of the complex and to the surface or drift downwards towards the ocean floor.

In the middle of the giant room, relatively new ship wreckage are anchored at the chamber's bottom with strong steel chains. They undoubtedly used to be proud vessels, but only a faded halo of their former glory now remains; their once majestic sails have been ripped and torn, and their elegant masts broken near the base - no doubt to facilitate their storage in this place. War wounds are immediately apparent - tremendous jagged holes have been punched at the bottom and sides of the ships, mortal wounds that insured these vessels would never take to sea again. Other, more cleanly cut openings have been practiced on the left side of all the wreckage, likely to facilitate the emptying of the ships' cargo.

Based on the look of things, the approaching group becomes more and more convinced that the sad spectacle they are witnessing is, in fact, the broken and battered remnants of Cynis Megara's once proud expedition.

Treon nods his thanks to Darel for the illumination, before a large bubble escapes his mouth in a gasp as he perceives the fate of the fleet.  It was such a sorry state to see such once great vessels reduced too and it did not bode well at all for their rescue attempt.  How can they be allowed to do such things, to the Realm or to any one's vessels and crew? he wondered.

Nothing to find there though, I'm sure.

He gestured to those who saw with him, indicating that they would swim further into the cabin, past the remains of the ships.

Swimming down with the others, Hera continues to marvel at the incredible magic that allows her to remain down here for so long. The ruins of the ship intrigue her and she moves in closer as she is directed.

The Dragon King slowly circles the group, his wide, flat tail moving in slow, powerful strokes to propel him through the water as his crooked, stubby arms and legs float lazily at his sides. His webbed toes are spread wide, easily directing his long body almost instantly in any direction. As he completes his circumnavigation and starts another round, his ears and the sensitive scales on his sides and his white underbelly are charged with Essence to detect any sound or movement of the water that might reveal an object moving in the distant darkness.

At the same time, his beady, black eyes pierce deep in the dim light, seeking for any traces of Essence itself.

[Private to Raconteur: using the Clear Air Path charms that basically duplicate Keen Sense Technique for Sight, Hearing and Touch, and another that duplicates All-Encompassing Sorcerer's sight to look for anything hidden, invisible, dematerialized, any uses of Essence, any artifacts, magical materials, etc.

Costs a total of 8 Essence.

Oh, and here are rolls for the three senses. With automatics from my charms, it comes out to 6 successes hearing, 5 successes sight, and a nice 9 successes for feeling. Hopefully I will be able to feel the disturbance in the water if anything approaches.

18:12, Today: Tomistoma rolled 7 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,2,6,10,8,10. Feeling +2 Automatic Succ.
18:12, Today: Tomistoma rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,3,4,8,9,5. Sight +2 Automatic Succ.
18:11, Today: Tomistoma rolled 4 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,3,8,5,7,7. Hearing +2 Automatic Succ.


Do you have the Dragon King book, or the PM I sent with the Paths I have?]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Sat 11 Apr 2009.

True to his stated intentions, Indrid does his best to keep towards the center of the group and let the Dragon-Blooded take the lead. He is confident in the water, but less so in the darkness and draws closer to Darel and the light he brings. The Amiliki-King gives the ruined vessels a long examination.

Tis a strange graveyard reef. Tis clear and well no act of nature brought these vessels down. Would think it mere piracy if not for where their hulls were breached.

It is with a last look back and a sinking sensation that has little to do with their direction that Indrid nods to Treon's motion and follows him downward. The hope of diplomacy was not completely dashed by this discovery, yet it did stand more in doubt...

Darel followed the others, his swimming speed superb as he flowed gracefully into the depths illuminated by his bound servant, which had been ordered to watch their backs.

There is a profound air of desolation about the cargo room. Even though sounds travel much differently underwater, there is still a certain amount of it - muffled ambient noise that usually serves to amplify the atmosphere of calm and solitude. But here, almost no noise seem to travel. The quiet in and of itself is unnerving and eerie, and what little sounds do manage to filter through are cavernous, resonating echoes of what they would normally have been.

From a quick observation, it would seem that the Pelagials are not done unloading the cargo from Cynis Megara's ship and its escorts. Several barrels are left to attend to, but from the looks of it, it would seem to be regular cargo - food and supplies, sailing equipment like ropes and lengths of chain, and other knickknacks necessary to sea life. The inside decks, however, seem to have been thoroughly trashed, but in a methodical way. As if the person that did the trashing was looking for something in particular.

Whatever that something might be, however, it is not here anymore.

After a bit of exploring to assess the room and its dimensions, the group reaches the far wall of the cavernous chamber, making it obvious that from here on end, the best way to proceed into Black Rock Chasm would be downwards. Further exploration reveal an opening roughly three and a half meters wide, circular and seemingly carve into the rock. From what they can see, the tunnel bends horizontally about five meters downwards, making it impossible for them to see past the curve. Meanwhile, Tomistoma attunes his senses to the water surrounding him, and stays in a trance-like stance for a moment, obviously sensing some things that the others do not. [Private to Tomistoma: Tomistoma's senses become so attuned to the flow of the currents and its changes that he manages to perceive a number of things. For one, he can hear a faint echo carried by the waves, although from this distance, it is impossible for him to identify what it is. He can tell that the sound comes from several meters downwards, and comes from a living creature - mixed in with the plaintive call, he can pick up a rhythmic pattern that is akin to a fish's breathing.

Also, his sense of feeling becomes highly sensitive to the changes in motion and the ebb and flow of the interior currents, giving him a rough idea of what might lie downwards and beneath the first bend of the tunnel. According to the echoes, to the temperature of the currents rising up and the way the currents mix together at his level, Tomistoma can make an educated, if slightly disheartening guess - the area below is a three dimensional maze, with many paths and branches opening up horizontally and vertically.]

Further exploration of the room reveal that the way downwards is, in fact, the only way down, as unpleasant as the prospect might appear...

I wonder what it could be they were searching for?  It seems they had a powerful need for it, whatever it was, however Treon considers as he notes the systematic gutting of the vessel.  It seems we must go deeper to find out

Noting that the Dragonking appeared to be in some kind of trance, Treon held up his hand for a pause, waiting until the lizardman gave some indication of what he was sensing before they swam deeper.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Sun 12 Apr 2009.

Tomistoma's eyes squint for a moment as he considers how to convey his information without speaking. He points his hand towards the opening, bending his wrist to indicate the bend visible in the tunnel. The Dragon King then moves his hand in the new direction for a short distance before bending his wrist again, this time moving his hand across his other arm, repeating the motion again and again as his hand slowly wound it's way deeper and deeper.

He then straightens his body, and waves his arms in a wiping motion in front of himself. He deliberately points at his ears, then at his chest, expanding and contracting his lungs in a breathing motion. Tomistoma then points down the tunnel before repeating the motion; ears, chest, tunnel. After that he shrugs his shoulders, realizing his message could be interpreted more than one way, and regrets their lack of an effective communication system.

Treon frowns as he tries to work out what Tomistoma might be saying.  The passageway bends more later on?  Ears?  Difficulty breathing? he considers with a frown.  I wish Miyako was here, he thought.  Miyako (Tepet), had been one of the officers he had served with.  She had the skill of imparting the knowledge to speak with hand gestures perfectly to people, which would have been mighty useful here.

Still, I did think that it might require swimming too long for Tomistoma, Treon thought, as he held up one of the wrapped extras of the gum, and then polited to his mouth, chewing obviously as he did.

Darel pondered the meaning of the Dragon King's gestures.

[Private to GM: [OOC:22:42, Today: Secret Roll: Darel Arwan rolled 4 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,5,10,2,8,8. Int+Linguistics.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Tue 14 Apr 2009.

OOC: Those of you who have linguistics can attempt to roll Int + Linguistics to try to decode Tomistoma's gestures. Paste the rolls to me in Private and I'll describe to you what you make of it.

PM
[Private to Cathak Garel Treon; Darel Arwan: Tomistoma's gestures are cryptic at first, but after a few repetitions, and careful analysis of all the parts of his signs, you believe that you both canmanage to make out what he means.

The first part indicates the road ahead. From the Dragon King's signs, you believe he means that there are multiple paths the bend, and that they are organized like a 3 dimensional labyrinth. Both of you have enough lore to know this much about the Pelagials, at least - this is consistent with the methods with which they build their dwellings. They tend to favor mazes and traps as first lines of defenses.

The second part of Tomistoma's message indicates something he picked up through supernatural enhancement of his hearing - he managed to hear something, from below into the labyrinth area. He knows it is alive, because he has heard its breathing.

That is as much detail as you can gather from his gestures.]

Darel nodded, and, careful to let the eristrufa's fire illuminate what lay before him, he tried to determine which path led to what Tomistoma had heard.

Where's he off too? Treon thought, a little irritably.  Then immediately reigned his irritation in.  It wasn't like there was much other choice, beyond turning back.  Treon gestured to those around him to swim on, following Darel.  Becoming split up here does not seem wise and without some indication of what they were searching for on the wreck, I don't know if we could find it.  Assuming they did not stop their search because it had been found.

As they entered the close confines of the tunnel, Treon kept himself alert for traps and ambushes.

Darel and Treon engulf themselves into the passage, and immediately manage to verify Tomistoma's initial information - the area is, indeed, three dimensional maze. Right from the start, three corridors split up, going left, right and downwards, while the tunnel they are following goes straight ahead. It becomes clear that if they are to get through this area in any sort of timely fashion, they will need to try to gain some understanding of the inner structure, or they might be wandering in here forever...

OOC: Okay, anyone trying to figure out the labyrinth, you can roll Int+Lore to try to gain a basic understanding of the structure itself and how the paths are constructed. If you think you can try to approach the issue some other way, run it by me, and if feasible, I will allow you to stunt it.

Those wanting to pinpoint what Tomistoma had heard, or look for traps and other hazards should also roll Per+Awareness. People roll either of these, or both if so desired. Stunts will apply, of course.

Darel calmly tried to vizualize and rationalize the tridimensional maze surrounding him. Using the power of his Gemstone of Aquatic Prowess, he took some pebbles and threw them into each path: even though the stones moved unimpeded by water, their impacts resounded and, his hearthstone-improved hearing likewise compensating for water-distortions, he tried to get an idea of the layout of the maze - not unlike the children of the baji, the playful animals named dolphins, were able to 'hear' their surroundings.

[OOC:11:16, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,2,6,10,9,4. Int+Lore.
11:16, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,5,7,5,2,2. Per+Awareness]

As Treon floating the midst of the labyrinth, he wasn't trying to understand the place in terms of echos and ripples.  Instead, his trained nautical mind was concentrating on something much more primal, more essential for the sea.  The currents.  Water wanted to flow, after all, it was in its nature.  But no water could flow down the dead ends, no current would run down any passageway, except for the one single passage that threaded all the way through the labyrinth, and it was this passage he sought ...

---

OOC: I'd like to stunt it to Int or Per (makes no difference to Treon) + Sail for the navigation, as Treon uses his knowledge of the flows of water and of currents to seek the path through the maze.

Also, apologies all for the delay, I've been seriously blanking on a stunt here ^^;
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Mon 20 Apr 2009.

Following the others, Hera begins to swim into the labyrinth. For a while, she allows herself to settled to the bottom as her hands probe the surface of this passage. Her instinct told her todirectly confront any challenge and multiple passageways didn't give her that option.

It takes a moment of observation for the group to even begin to know where to start. The structure of the maze seems to take advantage of the fact that the group is underwater to try and shake their sense of orientation - they quickly realize that with the wrong turns, they might start to lose their sense of which way is up or down, much less north or south.

All hope is not lost, however. Pooling their observations through crude communication, the group does manage to find the initial direction through which they can navigate. A combination of Treon's understanding of the underwater currents, Darel's quick thinking and awareness, and Hera's instinct managed to give some leeway to the group, and after a moment of silent deliberation, they proceed onwards, followed closely by Indrid and Tomistoma.

Taking the first left branch, followed by a long, downwards right slope, the continue on in the oppressive darkness, lit by Darel's demonic aide. Even so, the where the light dies out ahead, an eerie blackness remains, keeping things uncertain and preventing the explorers from really being able to guess what lies ahead.

And it is at this point that Darel picks up the sound he was trying to pinpoint earlier... Dead ahead of them, and much, much closer this time. The sound remains level and constant, so Darel does not believe they have been detected by... whatever it might be just yet. But with how close it sounds, it cannot be long before they are seen or heard, now.

Darel whispered to his friends: "There is something just ahead. Who shall lead the way?"

He was neither a diplomat nor a warrior, and therefore unsuited to either parley or being at the forefront of battle.

Treon indicated that he would lead them.  It was, after all, on his orders that they had come to this place and dived down.  While he wasn't entirely sure how well he could fight underwater, the odd nature of his weapon would help him somewhat, still able to cut when moved with the slowness of underwater combat.  As to being a diplomat.  That he could manage too.  If only he could speak.

He would have to make do with gestures of intent, at least to begin ... and with that thought in his head, he lead the small group on.

The sound amplifies until all in attendance can hear it, despite the almost impenetrable watery barrier that muffle and distort every sound that travels here. As the group reaches for the bend from which the sound has been heard, the low rumble only intensifies further. It almost sounds like the slow, even growling of a guard dog, one who senses something amiss into its immediate surroundings...

Treon, in the lead, is the first to spot the origin of the sound, lit briefly by the ghostly glow provided by Darel's Eristrufa...

At first glance, its back might have seemed human, if incredibly pale and emaciated. Misshapen muscle can be seen bulging beneath the almost translucent skin, a the jagged bones of a spinal cord leave an ugly, elevated mark at the center of the creature's back. In the darkness, the too-pale skin is almost the only thing visible, until Treon gets close enough to see the cause of the noise in its entirety.

The thing might have been human, once. But now, almost all traces of humanity had disappeared from it, replaced with components that would make this creature much better suited to life in the complete undersea darkness. Its face is elongated and stretched, much like that of a fish, although vestigial traces of a nose can still be seen where its nasal holes now rest. Its eyes are much too big, and entirely black - likely a result of having to stare into underwater darkness every day of its existence. It's mouth has been stretched along with its face, and in the ghostly light, Treon can also almost catch the glint of hundreds of small, sharp-as-knives teeth.

The creatures's 'hair' it nothing but an amalgam of tentacle-like appendages that reach to its mid-back, and float lazily around it like dead eels. The appendages are rubbery in texture, bloated and uneven, giving the already surreal face of the monster an even more grotesque appearance. In the middle of the creature's forehead, a long, thin growth floats around slowly, much like an anglerfish's lure - although it is impossible to tell if the strange growth fills the same role.

Its chest have been covered in jagged, uneven scales from the midsection down - as if a child had grabbed dirty, rusty scales and glued them haphazardly along the creature's torso. They fall at a lopsided angle, rising much higher on the monster's left side than its right. From the waist down, the monster looks very much like an octopus, possessing eight strong tentacles about as big as a human's arm, giving it superior mobility in the small cavern. Its left arm is a thin, almost skeletal vestige of human existence, if one does not notice the much too-long, webbed fingers that are currently wrapped around a short trident. Its right arm is a grotesque protrusion ending in a hard shell, reminiscent of a crab's claw. It clicks incessantly in an uneven rhythm, leaving the group to wonder if this is a physical twitch or an uncontrollable spasm.

Upon the group approaching, the creature spurns about deftly, its movements much more agitated now that it has finally noticed something. It raises its deformed claw upwards, and lets our a powerful growl with as much strength as its damaged, vestigial vocal cords can manage. Its eyes open incredibly wide, and its mouth become a much-too big opening through which all can clearly see several rows of needle teeth.

And as the roar dies, they can all hear the bastardized words spoken in broken seatongue, the monster's physiology no longer adapted to human speech.

Intruders.

OOC: The monster is on alert, so no matter what you attempt, JB should be rolled in first to determine whether the order in which the actions will be undertaken.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Sat 25 Apr 2009.

Darel reacted very fast to the creature's onslaught. Holding his sword in one hand and a thrown knife in the other, he tried to identify the creature, and discern clues as to what his weak spots might be... He swung his hand, and the knife flew its unnatural course, unimpeded by its watery environment, towards its target...

[OOC: 21:03, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 7 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,8,5,7,10,10,5. Join Battle.

Can I ready both weapons in one Ready Weapon action? I'm holding the sword in my left hand, and throwing the knife (without underwater penalty) at the monster while using my move action to remain as far as possible from it as I can. If not, I use the knife in priority.

21:08, Today: Darel Arwan botched using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,2,1,2,3,5. Int+Lore.
21:08, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,9,1,6,4,4. Int+Occult.

Methinks I got the wrong idea on our new friend's supernatural origin ^^ Hopefully the Lore roll will compensate for that...

Fueling my attack with the Second Thrown Excellency, spending 2 m of peripheral. Base damage 5L, base range 15 m, Speed 4 (jade bracers).

21:10, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,6,4,3. Thrown attack +1 autosux. So 2 successes]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Sun 26 Apr 2009.

As he took in the sight of the monster, Treon's hand immediately went to his back, pulling out the Warm Caress.  To anyone who knew Daiklaves, it was an odd construction.  There was no blade to speak of.  Instead, where there would be a blade there were fingers width lengths of Red Jade, some so blackened with heat they were almost the colour of charcoal.  As he drew it, all those who swam with him suddenly found themselves warmer, despite the chill of the water.

I really didn't want to fight down here, he thought, as he activated the Aura Of Invulnerability Technique.
[OOC: Activating that Charm.  Also, JB FAIL.  I botched :/]

With the creature in sight, Hera swims towards it at the fastest pace she can manage beneath the waves. As she swims, a faint glow begins to come from her chest. It is modest, but looks to be the sunburst of the dawn. Her muscles also begin to glimmer with sunlight.


[Private to GM:
Join Battle: 1 Success
Activate Increasing Strength Exercise for 9 motes (8 Pers, 1 Periph)
Simple Action {Speed: 6 Dv: -1}

Dodge DV: 6 (Base 7) | Parry DV: 5 (Base 6) | Soak: 3B/1L
Personal 4/12, Peripheral 13/24  Caste Mark Visible]

If his reptilian expression could be read, Tomistoma's companions would see the excitement on his face as he faces the prospect of battle. As he undulates through the water, his body seems almost to grow larger, as his movements, already a vestige of a primitive age, seem to take on the quality of a beast from the primal depths of time itself.


[Private to Raconteur: 19:39, Today: Tomistoma rolled 1 success using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,4,7,1,2. Join Battle.

Activating Terrible Ascent Driven Beast Form]

The Creature, despite having spotted the intruders as they approached, did not catch sight of them early enough to approach them - as such, it does not get the drop on them, instead staying caught in a defensive position while the group approaches.

Much more swiftly than the sea-creature is Darel, who swims deftly and swiftly to an attack position, readying his weapons and preparing his attack. He seems to pause mid-motion however, for only a fraction of a second - almost looking like he is observing his target intently. [Private to Darel Arwan: Your weapons can both be readied at the same time, yes. I assumed you did so here.

Your analysis of the creature reveals you two things - one, you seem to recall one of the natural inhabitants of the Western deeps to be this sort of creature - a cousin of the Sirens, born from the same roots but developing differently. You cannot recall the name at the moment.

The second thing you perceive is a visual detail - several signs that the creature is the way it is because it has mutated due to Wyld exposure. Of course, this information and the previous one oppose each other - one would show that the creature is a normal Western dweller, the other that it is an unnatural mutant. At the moment, you can't tell which of the two is true and which is false.]

The moment passes quickly, however, and the knife is released from Darel's hand, the water around it almost seeming to part in its wake. Its trajectory is on mark, but the monster seems faster, quickly pushing out of the way of the incoming projectile. The knife continues on its path until it strikes the bottom cavern wall, the impact knocking it back for a moment before the weapon starts to drift downwards again.

On the defensive, the creature lets another roar of defiance as it tries to reposition itself to attack...

OOC: Here it the current Tick order:
Tick 0: Darel (Resolved)
...
Tick 5: Hera, Tomistoma, Darel
Tick 6: Treon, Creature

Note that because you are underwater, you also suffer a -2 External Penalty to Dexterity and movement based actions (with the exception of Darel, whose Hearthstone also negates this penalty).

OOC Edit: Since it's been brought to my attention that it might be confusing, those of you who activated charms are considered to have done so before combat time, so you still get your actions at the announced ticks. Sorry about the confusion!

Cursing, Darel took his sword in his good hand, and let his more battle-hardened companions handle the creature for now...

[OOC: Guard action for 1 tick, note that my action was Speed 4 due to the bracers...]

Tomistoma's powerful tail sweeps side to side as the closes on the creature, snapping his massive jaws at it as he swims past.

[Private to Raconteur: 19:45, Today: Tomistoma rolled 1 success using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,2,3,4,8,1,6,3,2. Bite.
Assuming that I missed, but +13d just in case.]

Treon propelled himself forward with a kick from his powerfully muscled legs, the bubbles escaping from his mouth trailing close to his body as he closes on the underwater beast before they spin off and spiral up to the unseen roof of the cavern they are battling within.  As he draws close, he grips the Warm Caress in two hands, drawing it through the water with the deceptive slowness that is its trademark, bubbles swirling around it's many fingers.  The red jade fingers of the weapon are glowing with the heat of the magic he is forcing through the weapon, guiding his strike through the chill water to strike deep and true, despite the resistance of the water ...

After the strike, he tried to interpose himself between the monster and his companions, inviting its attacks.

---

OOC:

One attack, 2m of 1st Melee Excellency for +4 dice, giving me a pool 17 + stunt.
Base Damage is 9L/3 and is piercing, should that be relevant.
After the attack I have DDV 5 (including attack, and water penalties).
Soak is currently 2L/4B  (I miss my armour ;_;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:23, Fri 01 May 2009.

With a quick spin, Hera rotates herself in the water, so that her feet and knees rest on the bottom and she is staring directly at this mockery. With a power, she pushes herself off the bottom. She is like a siaska who has caught the scent of blood, charging directly at the source. The first contact she hits it the tentacles. They might prove to be dangerous, but she grabs ahold of them and in a burst of speed she begins to climb higher. Using the ill placed patches of scales as handles, she climbs higher. With her left elbow, she pushes the toothfilled maw up at the neck, looping her hand under the armpit for leverage. Her right hand attempts to pin the massive claw next to the body. Her left leg is left to deal with the skeletal limb wrapping it as best a leg can. He right leg is prone to strike, kicking down any tentacle that threatens to loop upwards. Once she has her grasp, she holds firm squeezing tightly.


One Attack (Speed 6), a Strength-based clench enhanced by Dragon Coil Technique and channeled Valor
Attack: 20 Dice + Stunt to hit (Str 8 + MA 5 + Essence 3 + Valor 3 + Acc 1)
If I control the grapple, I will attempt to damage
Damage : 19L Dice + Acc (Str 8 + Dmg 6 + Essence 3 + Bracers 2)

Dodge DV: 5 (Base 7) | Parry DV: 4 (Base 6) | Soak: 3B/1L
Personal 1/12, Peripheral 13/24,  Willpower 5/6, Caste Mark Visible

This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Thu 30 Apr 2009.

Without losing any time, Hera quickly reaches for the howling sea creature, swimming in a way that leaves the strange being somewhat surprised with its swiftness. Her complicated maneuver is even more difficult to execute with water surrounding her, but her increased strength and her strong will guides her through - in an instant, the creature is tricked by Hera's excellent maneuvering, and it moves exactly like it should not have - allowing the Golden Child to take hold of it perfectly.

In perfect position, Hera squeezes the sea creature, her strong muscles crushing scales and hardened shell as well as skin and bones. (5L) A howl of pain rises from the twisted being's mouth, the screeching sound released as a stream of bubbles arises to the top of the cavernous tunnel. The creature wiggles into Hera's grip, realizing the position it now finds itself into.

Held in such an embrace, the creature continues to growl, screech and howl in defiance. The hold makes it completely defenseless against Tomistoma's bite, The Dragon King's strong jaws managing to close on the soft shoulder of its weapon hand and breaking some scales and skin. (1L) The Dragon King's teeth manage to burrow shallowly into the shoulder, sending floating rivulets of black blood streaming like mist around the Group.

Enraged, the sea Creature can only watch helplessly as Treon also makes its attack, which strikes it right across the collarbone. Warm Caress' blow sends some tremors that even Hera can feel through her hold of the monster. Unfortunately for Treon, however, the blade manages to hit an area that is covered in thicker scales, causing his blade to be repelled without significant damage (0L).

Screaming and trashing, the monster lowers its fish-like head, opening its mouth wide as it struggles to keep Hera from holding it any longer. Its appendages shake and strain under the gargantuan effort, but it is no use - like a snake wrapped around its prey, Hera maintains the clinch on the beast, and after a moment she can feel its unsuccessful straining dying down, the effort too much to maintain for a long period of time.

OOC: The dice did not favor you all, sadly :( But fortunately, the creature is still pretty much helpless due to Hera's early clinch, and the initial crush damage hurt it significantly, so you are still in superior position.

Here is the new tick order:

Tick 7: Darel
...
Tick 10: Treon, Tomistoma
Tick 11: Hera
Tick 12: Sea Creature

Darel got closer, taking advantage of Hera's clinch to make a thrusting move, trying to reach the creature's heart through its ribcage. Focusing Essence into his blow, he struck boldly.

[OOC: Speed 3 Accuracy 7 Damage +5L Defence 4 Rate 2, channelling 3 motes of personal Essence with the First Melee Excellency (1 mote surcharge, total 4)

11:33, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 4 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,9,4,5,8,7,2,3,3,4. Attack roll.]

Treon's eyes widened as he turned around after swimming past, seeing the glowing sign on Hera's chest.  Seeing the way in which she easily held the monstrous creature.  Anathema! No... that would be on her ... forehead, right?  What is she?  Treon raised the Warm Caress, the fingers of the odd Daikliave once more glowing internally and then he cut down ...

... stroking the blade across the beast's chest, one, twice, three times.  He'd find out what Hera was on the surface.  They had more important things to be doing down here.

---

3 attacks, 1m on each.  12, 11, 10 dice.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Fri 01 May 2009.

As the creature struggles in her grasp, Hera continues dig in. As the beast flexes, she holds firm. When it relaxes, she tightens her hold. It is the classic strategy that her father used on her over and over again.



One Attack (Speed 6), a Strength-based clench enhanced by Dragon Coil Technique
Attack: 17 Dice + Stunt to hit (Str 8 + MA 5 + Essence 3 + Acc 1)
If I control the grapple, I will attempt to damage
Damage : 19L Dice + Acc (Str 8 + Dmg 6 + Essence 3 + Bracers 2)

Dodge DV: 5 (Base 7) | Parry DV: 4 (Base 6) | Soak: 3B/1L
Personal 1/12, Peripheral 10/24,  Willpower 5/6, Caste Mark Burns

The Dragon King swims in a tight sphere around Hera and her struggling opponent. Seeing an opportune moment, his jaws clamp around the guardian's leg. With a quick twist of his body, Tomistoma spins around and around with his jaws clamped firmly shut.

[Private to Raconteur: 19:45, Today: Tomistoma rolled 6 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,8,10,9,8,8,1,5,1. bite.
Looks like a good hit this time. 13L+ extra successes ]

[OOC: Acting on Tick 10 as well!]

Darel joined Treon and Tomistoma's onslaught on the creature; he once again tried to plunge his sword within the creature's ribcage, reaching for the heart.

[OOC: Speed 3 Accuracy 7 Damage +5L Parry DV 4 Rate 2
11:33, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 4 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,8,5,5,7,1,10. Attack roll.]

From this moment onwards, the onslaught of the Exalt group seems to happen almost as one, completely in synch as their separate actions seem to converge to a single point.

Darel's initial strike does manage to pierce through the monster's scaly hide, once again drawing some black blood which spill from the gash in an inky plume(1L). As he pulls back, Treon and Tomistoma both converge on the trapped sea monster, who continues to flail and try to escape Hera's overbearingly strong embrace. Unfortunately for it, its failure to break free of the Golden Child's strong grip would prove its undoing: in a flash, Tomistoma's jaws clamp shut on its arm, causing no damage but positioning it perfectly for Treon's deadly assault. This time, the three slashes draw a good amount of black blood, and the creature lets out a tremendous scream as it peers down at its cut-up chest(5L).

Only a breath later, Hera squeezes mightily once more, and Darel lunges with his weapon, but the creature is already fading fast. Hera is the first to feel it, the creature's struggle weakening exponentially following Tomistoma and Treon's assault - and within seconds, the monster is merely a limp doll whose limbs float lazily around its wounded form. Its face is frozen in the last breath of its defiant scream, but the rage and indignation is gone. In its black eyes, the light is extinguished, death granting the strange creature an almost peaceful expression.

The water around the group grows still again, the agitation of the combat dying down and the calm flow returning to the cavern. And it is then, in the calm following the rush of combat, that the group notices that Indrid is nowhere to be seen...

Looking around in the blood-stained water, Darel picked up his knife and tried to determine where Indrid had gone, and asked his eristrufa if it had seen anything.

[OOC: 12:45, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 5 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,2,10,9,1,10. Perception+Awareness.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:00, Mon 04 May 2009.

Treon relaxed as the monster finally stopped struggling and went limp.  The creature had been dealt quickly and he hadn't seen anyone get hurt.  He looked around to check, nodding to each in turn, acknowledging their contribution to the fight.  Hera, Tomistoma, Darel, In-...where was Indrid?

Treon cast his eyes about the murky water, trying to locate any sight of the savant or his equipment...

Hera releases the newly made corpse, letting it sink or float as is it's way. Her chest continues to glow with the sunburst. She looks around to the others. Trying to determine if we've lost someone. Where they've gone. And if they should continue. This place was a maze after all.

The corpse of the strange creature floats around, its broken and torn body floats lazily about the tunnel, spreading dark blood all around the group.

Despite their best efforts at trying to pick up Indrid's presence, the Exalts only mange to find trace of his being there - disturbed water currents taking the space where their companion should have been. A single tube floats lazily where Indrid likely was when he closed the entry into the tunnel.

Darel's Eristrufa, however, has a few more things to say about the matter. "It was a contraption." It says to its master, in an otherwordly, almost too-perfect voice. "The human was snatched by it and pulled further into the caverns... Those who snatched him move fast, master."

Damnit, Treon's eyes flash as he hears of the capture of the man, a man who was, at least temporarily, a member of his crew.  He gestures for those with him to follow the direction indicated by the Eristrufa and to keep close together.  Hopefully the disturbances of the swift passage through the water that the man had taken, combined with other items that might have dropped from his belt and pouches would guide them towards the heart of the complex.

Darel followed Treon and ordered the eristrufa to probe a little ahead of them - close enough to maintain his ghostly illumination, but far enough to tell them if there was an ambush around the corner. Also, it was to guide them along Indrid's trail if possible.

Darel kept his sword in hand and three knives ready to be thrown.

Treon advances in the direction Indrid has vanished, and comes closer to the tube left behind - likely what Indrid had been holding when he was 'snatched', according to the Eristrufa's description. Whatever the case, the tube, filled with a colored liquid, hovers in the tunnel slowly, turning here and there as it remains suspended.

Darel follows suit, sending the Eristrufa to probe the way and illuminate their path. The Demon obeys without even as much as a sound, floating ahead to act as the de facto scout while the group slowly advances.

In the light of the demon's soft glow, the advancing party immediately sees that the tunnel they follow does not go further in its initial direction, taking on a abrupt bend that leads sharply downwards. It is the only way Indrid could have gone, and yet there is a certain aura of uneasiness that seems to permeate this area, as if they somehow were heading more and more into the very heart of this labyrinth, and into more direct measures meant to keep intruders at bay...

OOC: Anyone going deeper in this direction and following the sharp bend will need to roll Per + Awe as they advance. This is stuntable of course, as always.

Darel followed Treon and the eristrufa, unable to shake his growing sense of malaise.

He paid attention to the 'smells' in the water around him, its temperature, the strength and direction of the currents, as well as the shapes and surfaces of the tunnel, trying to pinpoint what his subconscious was yelling him...

[OOC:20:35, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,5,6,2,3,10. Per+Awareness.]

Treon doesn't slow at the building sense of foreboding.  It is not in his nature to flee from danger.  He does let it guide him however, paying more attention to his surroundings, his eyes tracking for unusual shadows and for the hard and sharp lines of constructions, unlike the natural bumps of the rock.  He also makes sure he's ready to draw at a moments notice, swinging out to go wide around the bend, rather than so close to the blind corner ...
[Private to Raconteur: 3 sux!]

Hera swims deftly after the others. This experience was both foreign and exhilerating. Her eyes are open as she swims.


2 successes on Per+Aware

Tomistoma circles the area Indrid vanished from, searching for any clue to his disappearance as he tries to ignore the blood quickly dispersing in the water around them. With a powerful thrust of his tail, he propels himself after the others.

The area past the bend narrows down considerably, forcing the group to swim two by two at the most. The labyrinth seems to continue to sprawl ahead of them, corridors jutting in all directions, left, right, up and down at various points of the corridor ahead. Carefully, they edge past the sharp rock of the bend, and manage to center themselves in the gallery...

And come to a stop at the sight of a crude spiked trap, just above their heads. It is not especially well-concealed - the trap concealment likely rests on most intruders not having a continually reliable light source down here - but still looks rather dangerous if ignored, the sharpened spikes looking like they could do a good amount of damage to a normal human body. Darel and Treon can immediately spot the mechanism in the light of Darel's Eristrufa - a pair of thin wires, strewn across the cavern space in an 'x' formation, leaving some spaces to swim through for those who know of the trap's location. With a bit of a dextrous effort, the group should be able to get past it by swimming through the spaces the wires do not cover.

As they inspect the trap, however, the group also spots something else. Ahead of them, a duo of creatures resembling the one they just fought seem to be moving away from them, swimming swiftly into one of the downwards corridors while carrying something that, at first glance, might be a heavy sack... But that with closer inspection, might rather very well be a humanoid figure, perhaps even that of Indrid.

If the group hurries to get past the trap, they can likely catch up with this duo. But will they choose to simply rush to fight the two sea creatures to free their captive, or will they rather lie low while following them, hoping that the monsters will lead them to the heart of the Chasm?

[OOC: Dex + Athletics to get past the contraption in a timely fashion (normal underwater penalties apply to those affected by them). From there, how you decide to approach or simply follow the group ahead of you will determine the next roll you make.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:00, Wed 13 May 2009.

Treon makes a gesture upwards, to ensure all are aware of the traps, tracing his arms to point along the locations of the triggering wires.  Once everyone has acknowledged the gesture he moves over to the side of the cavern, where the gaps through the wires are the largest and then pressing his arms to his side he gives a few powerful kicks of his legs, pushing through and past the trap.
[Private to Raconteur: 9! sux!  (Well, 7 with the difficulty)]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Wed 13 May 2009.

Following Treon unhindered by the watery environment, Darel tried to fit within the space of the wires, propelling himself cautiously while maintaining his arms along his body and squeezing his legs together...

[OOC:23:24, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,2,1,6,2.
The dice seem to hate me... I hope my description is stuntable...]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Thu 14 May 2009.

[Private to Raconteur: 19:54, Today: Tomistoma rolled 7 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,9,9,5,10,3,8,10. Dex + Athletics.
19:58, Today: Tomistoma rolled 1 success using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,3,4,5,1,2,4. Perception + Awareness (+2 auto succ).
 Total of 3 success on Perception. ]



Tomistoma nimbly sweeps past the tripwires, making one tight circle to bring himself to a stop just beyond the trap. As he waits for the rest of the group, he focuses his senses on the creature's burden, trying to identify his companion.

Noting gesture of the group leader, Hera swims with continued precision avoiding the trap on her own.

[Private to Raconteur:
5 Successes before the External Penalty.]

The trap leaves little room to spare, but the group seems to be more than able to squeeze into the opening between cables without triggering the mechanism. Darel seems to have a bit more difficulty in his maneuver at first, but with Treon's indication of the position of the wires, Darel manages to edge past the dangerous trigger without actually activating the trap.

Ahead, the Eristrufa's light illuminates the rapidly advancing creatures and their burden, their fish-like tails wading strongly through the cavern as they begin to descend. Tomistoma's senses focus on the swimming creatures and the burden they carry, trying to focus on its shape - and although he does not manage to confirm whether or not it is Indrid, the Dragon King can immediately confirm that the object is indeed a human being of some sort. The being seems to be completely passed out, however, its body limp as its captors carry it around.

Whether the group decides to confront or simply follow the creatures, they will need to react fast - the sea monsters are rapidly moving away, and they will risk losing them if they do not move soon...
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:10, Sat 16 May 2009.

With no time to wait for a clumsy conference in  gestures, Tomistoma bends his body towards the creatures. He undulates down the passageway behind them, keeping his distance to keep them in sight while the rest of the group made their decision.

Treon takes off after Tomistoma, gesturing for the others to follow.  He doesn't want the group to become split up, nor to loose sight of the departing pelagials, who are surely their best guides into the center of the maze.  He hopes that the Dragon King--and the rest of them--will manage to keep the group they are pursuing in sight without being seen, as he pulls himself through the water with powerful strokes of his arms.

Flowing through the water, Darel ordered his eristrufa to confuse the mind of one of the two pelagials holding Indrid.

[OOC: It spends 1 WP and 6m to confuse the target (see CoTD2: The West p 132). Rolling Man+Conviction vs pelagial's Essence: 14:16, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 2 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,2,7,9,4,1,2. Man+Conviction (eristrufa).]

As the group get into position, Darel gives his command to the Eristrufa, who advances carefully towards the group and seems to focus on one of the two creatures ahead.

The result is almost immediate; in the space of a breath, one of the creatures is already halting, as if considering the path ahead. The two monsters seem to be conferring with one another in a primal, guttural languages made of grunts and gestures, first exchanging puzzled looks, then irritated ones. Even without understanding their strange method of communication, it quickly becomes apparent that the two are actually arguing over what road to take from here on end.

Caught in their own little fight, they quickly become oblivious to the world around them...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:02, Sat 30 May 2009.

Darel indicated the pelagial that had not been beguiled by his servant. "Neutralize him, keep the other unharmed." His eristrufa would then release its grip on the pelagial's mind for interrogation... Darel had his sword in one hand, and a couple of thrown knives in the other.

[Private to GM: [OOC: 17:44, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 5 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,10,8,8,6,6. Join Battle.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Sat 23 May 2009.

Treon looked on in confusion as the Pelagials suddenly stopped leading them through the maze and started to argue over the path, unable to see the Eristrufa and the magic it had just used.  When he noticed Darel ready himself for a fight and give more orders though, it became clearer.  Treon sighed, bubbles escaping his mouth, as he readied the Warm Caress.  He'd hoped to avoid any conflict with the Pelagials until he had reached the center of the maze and worked out what had actually happened to the ships and their crew.  Now it seemed like they might have to visit their stronghold with blood on their hands ...
[Private to GM: Readying for combat, activating Aura of Invulnerability]

"You have one chance to surrender and return our companion to us," Darel said to the pelagials, especially the one not under the influence of his servant, his eyes and voice as cold as the northern gales. "Ignore me at your own peril."

[Private to GM: [OOC: I already posted my join battle roll just in case, but I can roll to see if I affect them much.
20:30, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,2,2,3. Man+Presence.
I hope that considering our 2-to-1 superiority and the fact that there are no reinforcement nearby (hopefully), they will consider my words carefully.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Sat 23 May 2009.

Tomistoma swims gracefully over Darel's shoulder as he speaks, his mouth open in an intimidating toothy grin as he approaches to reinforce Darel's threat.

Hera swims up behind those that led the quartet. She was amazed that words could be spoken this far beneath the waves even the simple ultimatum.

The sudden motion (and especially Darel's voice, a rarity to deep below the surface) undoubtedly startle the two creatures that were arguing only a moment ago. They quickly turn, more reflexively than with purpose, their faces contorting in a mixture of surprise and anger at the sight of the intruders.

The leftmost creature, still under the effect of Darel's Eristrufa, cannot truly regain its footing in the confrontation, it slowly swims backwards, as if trying to put some distance between the possible attackers and itself, but its magically muddled brain cannot seem to make its mind as to whether it wants to try to fight or flee.

The rightmost creature, however, now holds Indrid's limp form, and lets out a surprised hiss at the threats it sustains. It does not seem to have any weapons at the ready, but still glares at the coming intruders with the glinting eyes of a cornered animal, switching from one figure to the next with a paranoid glint in its eye. And while it does so, it draws the passed-out Indrid to itself, as if intent to use it as a shield...

OOC: Allright, Join Battle to act from here on end, or Join Debate if you would attempt a social action rather than a combat one. (Darel already rolled Join Battle, although you'll be allowed to roll Join Debate if you would rather take a social action instead).

[Private to GM: [OOC:00:28, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,7,5,4,7,1,4. Join Debate.]]

Darel had little hope to be able to peacefully explore Black Rock Chasm's secrets now that the pelagials had been alerted to their presence, and the fact that they had killed one of them earlier, even in self-defence, had pretty much destroyed their chances at a peaceful negociation.

It is time to be forceful...

"You do realize that your current situation is dire," Darel said. "If you attempt to escape, I will use my powers to cloud your mind and cause you to fail," he looked at the confused pelagial. "If you battle us, your doom is certain. We outnumber you two-to-one, and are far more powerful than you despite your home advantage. Return our companion to us, lead us peacefully to the Dragon-Blooded captives you took recently, and no one will die. We will leave the premises, and never come again uninvited."

[Private to GM: [OOC:00:40, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 4 successes using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,1,10,9. Man+Presence.]]

Hera grits her teeth listening and watching the reactions of the pelagials.

[Private to Raconteur: Join Battle 4 Successes on 3 dice]

The Dragon King swims in a lazy, slow circle around the pelagials, waiting to see their reaction to Daren's words.

Treon, unable to speak due to the water, contented himself with floating next to Darel.  He fixed the pair of pelagials with his coal black eyes ... and then let them glow from within.  He had no words to back up his threat.  No phrases to convey just how much they could do, if the demands that had just been made were not met.  There was Treon, floating their in the water, glowing from within.

That would be  enough.
[Private to Raconteur: Sorry this post took so long in coming, I was just blanking.  Anyway Cha+Presence+Ex dice gives me 14 dice, + any stunt.]

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon: Don't worry about it, I don't think anyone - myself included - foresaw what happened here. So don't feel bad, it's allright. Also, like I said in the announcements, I was sick for a while, so that hindered posting too.]

The fish-like creature whose brain has already been addled by the Eristrufa responds to the words and overall attitude of the party with complete and utter survival reflex. It does not seem panicked per se, but it seems to be doubtful of its chances at survival in the present situation. With this realization comes the prioritization of what it values - and, obviously, the already intimidated creature values its own continued survival more than it does its companion's.

With a feral growl that lets out an array of bubbles, the strange being quickly spins on itself, pushing with its strong tail to propel itself down the cave and away from the hostile party. Apparently, no hostage or prisoner is worth dying for.

The other sea creature however, seems completely torn by its options at the moment. Until a moment ago, it seemed determined to fight, obviously wishing to use the unconscious Indrid to help secure its position. Now, however, it realizes that even with a hostage, its chances of survival are becoming slim. Something else happens in the creature's black eyes, however. For a moment, it tilts its head curiously, a strangely human gesture for the inhuman beast. It looks at the group carefully, then seems to change its approach.

Switching its handling to now hold Indrid by the collar - and close to the throat - the creature faces the group, and attempts to communicate with them. It does not seem to speak their language (though it seemed to have understood roughly what Darel said), and so resorts to quick gestures to make itself understood.

The creature points at itself, then at Indrid. It gestures to its own throat, then shakes its head. It fish-like face is not particularly good at conveying emotions, but it would seem the creature wants to initiate some sort of trade with Indrid as a bargaining chip.

Then, it points towards the group, then points behind it to pitch-black cavern, then shakes its head once more. It makes strange, claw-like gestures with its free hand, then mimics as if holding a weapon. Roughly, it seems to suggest that resistance ahead is tighter, and that the group will not be able to simply force its way through.

Finally, it points to itself, then to the group once more, and to the cavern behind it. Perhaps it means it can grant them access in exchange for being spared? Indrid seems like its insurance policy, as the creature does not seem to be trusting the group will simply spare it on its word alone. Whatever the case, it remains where it is, watching the group warily, and ready to react accordingly to any threat they might display.

OOC: You can either try to convey anything to the monster with gestures of your own to try to agree, refuse or change the terms of its apparent offer. Alternatively, you can also use your own Join Battle roll to act hostilely if you deem it appropriate.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:42, Fri 29 May 2009.

Darel frowned as he understood the creature's terms. "He wants to keep Indrid hostage until we are out," he said to the other members of the party.

Darel's thoughts raced. If we try to subdue him or retrieve Indrid now, we will lose too much time and our only chance to get a quick access to the prisoners...

He cleared his throat. He had to act quick. I hope the others would understand. "Very well. Now lead us to the prisoners, and think quickly about a way to obtain their freedom without bloodshed or loss of time. I must stress out the fact that we have no interest in harming you - however, should you try to double cross us, the consequences would be quite grim."

At Darel's words, the creature seems to nod its head slowly, in an almost human-like fashion. Once again, its expression is difficult to read, its fish-like features removing most of the communicative aspects of a person's visage. It does, however seems to have lost most of the animosity it had towards the group, instead seemingly replacing it with nervous carefulness. Although it does not speak a language that Darel would understand (a fact that does surprise him, as he would think Pelagials and their servants would be able to speak Seatongue at the very least), an arrangement of signs and soft grunts roughly outlines the creature's intention. He is to lead the group to the prisoners, after which he will leave Indrid in their possession and leave - presumably so the group will not harm it once they have reached their destination.

And thus, carrying the fallen amiliki king on its back, the creature starts swimming downwards in the tunnel, making sharp bends at various intervals and sometimes waiting for the the rest to catch up to it. It advances swiftly but cautiously, making certain no other creatures are around before leading the others through the twisting path of corridors this infernal maze is made of. On a few occasions, the creature stops to point out how to bypass some traps, sometimes stopping the mechanisms itself to allow the others to go through.

After several minutes of confusing twists and turns in the maze, the group comes to an upwardly curved bend, at the end of which they can finally see some faint light - the first outside of the illumination of Darel's Eristrufa any of them has seen since their dive. The sight is encouraging and uplifting at least, but nothing compared to the relief the group would face upon reaching the end of the tunnel.

With a splash, the group finds itself breaking the water surface, emerging through the flood of a domed, hollow cavern. Strangely, there is no water filtering through this place - whether it is drained out through some contraption or warded off through some strange ritual, it is impossible to tell; but surely enough, upon breaking the surface of the tunnel, all can enjoy air coming through their lungs and the soft breeze of the cool cave around them. At regular intervals, luminous globes protrude from the rough natural stone walls, bringing some illumination to the room and allowing them to see a single heavy steel door ahead. It has been double-barred and inscribed with some strange runes, but seems otherwise unguarded.

With difficulty, the creature accompanying the group pulls itself out of the water as well, its movements much less powerful and swift on land. It keeps the unconscious Indrid safely on its back, pausing momentarily to make certain everyone has managed to follow it here. When it has verified as much, it emits a few groans and guttural sounds - which come off rather weak and peculiar outside of water - then signals towards the door before starting to slowly slither towards it.

Treon nods to Darel in assent of the bargain he was driving with the creature.  He didn't particularly like not being able to do more than that, but he has to be practical.  And it was more or less the same bargain he would have driven.  Once the accord is reached, he follows the creature through the tunnels, paying especially close attention when the being is dealing with the traps, to remind it of the problem of playing them false.

He's relieved that there has apparently been no attempt to play them false and more relived to finally be able to stand on dry land.  After taking a couple of breathes of the air he turns to his companions.  "Is everyone okay?" he asks.  "Darel, do you know what those runes mean?" he asks in a lower tone, before the creature reaches them.

He then makes a noise to attract the Pelagial's attention, before trying to convey through gesture that he should put Indrid down.  Treon wants to check him over, to make sure he is alright still.

"I am fine, It is good to be out of the water again. I have always enjoyed swimming, but it seems that can be take to excess."

The light from the the caste mark over her heart has begun to fade, but without the water to dampen it it does show the sunburst of the anathema, quite clearly. She runs her hands over her body to try and brush off as much water as she can. She wrings out her soaked hair and begins to walk slowly forwards.

Darel squinted his eyes, trying to identify the runes.

[OOC: What should I roll, Lore or Occult?]

[OOC: You can try to identify the symbols and runes with an Occult roll.]

[OOC:00:03, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,4,1,4,2,5. Int+Occult.]

From afar, Darel observes the runes on the door, although it is difficult for him to actually pinpoint their actual function. He does figure out, however, that they are not simple decoration and are actually an artifact of some nature. Beyond that, however, a cursory observation does not reveal much else.

As the creature goes towards the door, it's attention is successfully gained by Treon, and it stares at the man carefully while trying to decipher the meaning of his request. As it seems to understand, it looks rather scared for a moment; outside of the water, the strange being looks all the more vulnerable, even with the appendages that would make it a much more formidable combatant in water. The beast seems uncertain for a moment, and then, after a long pause, nods in Treon's direction before laying the body of Indrid down carefully, and slithering towards the door.

From there, it starts to touch some of the runes in turn, causing them to light up as its appendage brushes them.

Darel was attentive to the smallest change in outside conditions - a rise in the level of water, a trap set by the pelagial... He clutched his sword's grip, ready for an ambush.

Treon kneels by the alchemist, ready to cover him with his body should the pelagial play them false at this juncture.  As Treon kneels though, he checks him over for obvious wounds and to find out if he was still breathing.  Once he has made his checks, he rises once more, studying the gestures the pelagial is making.  He shoots another curious glance at Darel, but guesses from his lack of response that the man either knows what is happening and there is nothing to worry about, or he has no clue.

Treon cannot find anything wrong with Indrid, other than the fact that he seems to be in a deep, possibly artificially induced sleep. His heart and breathing seem regular however, and he has no other signs of wounds or other bad treatment.

Under scrutiny of the group, the creature continues to fiddle with the runes, carefully tracing a pattern with them and seemingly taking great pains to respect a particular order in his manipulations. The 'code' seems rather complex, and for a moment, the creature seems completely absorbed in its input. It takes close to a minute for the strange being to be able to do so - and even then, no immediate results seem to surface.

The monster slithers backwards slightly, and for a moment, the wait is rather tense. After a few seconds, however, Darel manages to catch movement on the side of the door - a mechanism that seems to weigh down and move towards the floor. A loud clang resounds within the care, causing Darel to momentarily think that something bad is about to happen... But a moment passes, and it becomes apparent that the only thing that seemed to have activated is the door's opening mechanism.

The heavy portal comes open, the runes flaring one more time before fading, and a cool breeze envelops the small cave as the doorway ahead is revealed. The next room seems to be cast in complete darkness, and sounds of shuffling as well as the nervous clanging of metal on stone can be heard. The creature seems unwilling to go any further, instead bowing its head and stepping away from the door.

From within, a voice raises. It seems weakened and parched, but has not lost its spark, despite the hardships that seemingly wreaked havoc on it. "Who goes there?" The voice utters, in perfect Seatongue. "My response has not changed in mere hours. Unless you desire to satiate your cruelty, I would rather you not bother."

Treon moves warily over to the door, making a thankful nod to the pelagial. The Warm Caress  is in his hand as he peers inside.  "Cynis Megara?", he enquires in his realm-accented Seatongue.

"I am Traon Fireblade.  We are here to rescue you and who is left of your crew."

As he speaks, he studies the manner in which she is restrained, and tries to judge her physical state.

Pausing in the doorway of the cell, just in case, Hera calls out, "Even if you aren't Cynis Megara, call out. Speak up. As he said, you will be safe, you are going home."

Darel ordered his eristrufa to light the cell mildly and progressively, so as not to hurt its occupants' darkness-accustomed eyes - he did not care about a Cynis' comfort, but he thought that Treon would resent him antagonizing the woman they had been sent to rescue at their first meeting -, and kept an eye on the pelagial. The creature would have to accompany them when they were going back. He had no particular desire to slay it, but if he had the choice between risking that the creature gave the alarm and executing it on the spot, he would have no compunction about doing the latter.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Fri 26 June 2009.

At the inquiries placed towards the room, several hushed whispers seem to raise, accompanied by the clatter of chains and movements in the darkness. Once Darel orders its demon to illuminate the room, it does so obediently, revealing to the group what lies within...

Several prisoners, perhaps upwards of twenty, are shackled with mismatched chains bearing strange inscriptions. most of them look like sailors or soldiers, and more than half seem to have been wounded - although most of the wounds seem treated and stabilized, they are not yet healed, and one can catch the sight of blood-soaked bandages here and there. The prisoners do shield their eyes as light floods their dark cell, struggling to catch sight of who might be coming to them with words of freedom and rescue.

Among the raising chatter, a voice raises, the same who spoke previously. Its owner is a woman of regal bearing, sitting straight with her arms chained behind her back and a heavy steel collar around her neck. Despite looking dirty and rather disheveled, she seems to carry herself with more grace and poise than most of the prisoners accompanying her. "... How would you know my name?" The woman asks when Treon speaks of it, her eyes scanning the assembled people within the doorway. "... No, you would not be one of them. You all still look human." She mutters, almost distractedly, as she tilts her head curiously.

The woman straightens in her bonds, stretching her neck to try to peer behind the group, the pace of her speech quickening now as she fires a salvo of rapid questions. "What are you people doing here? Who let you know how to find us? Are you savants as well? How did you manage to reach this room?" Megara squints, seemingly catching sight of something behind the group.

"Were you led here? Did Louis show you the way to our cell?"

Darel raised an eyebrow, glancing behind his shoulder in the direction Megara had looked. He would let Treon do the introductions.

"One of them?" Treon questioned as he stepped into the cell, then shook his head to suggest that answers to such a question could wait until later.  "But anyway, as I said, I am Treon Fireblade.  These are my companions, Darel Arwen" he indicates the man.  "Hera," he indicates the blonde woman.  "And Tomistoma," he indicates out of the room.

"As for what we're doing here, we came to find out what had happened to you and your expedition.  We have a savant amongst us and we found our way to the maze above, though we were led through by one of the pelegials we came across.  I'm afraid I don't know who Louis is."

As he spoke, he looked around the room, wondering how they were ever going to get this many injured sailors through the labyrinth, no doubt with pursuit hot on their tails.

"There was a tribe of people on a local island that was worried for your safety. We came here at their request. I am glad we found you well enough."

"I am infinitely glad to see you, Treon Fireblade, Darel Arwan, Hera and Tomistoma." Megara speaks the names carefully, as if to commit them to memory. Her face looks weary and pale, but she shows deep relief and gratitude as she sees the group. The sailors and soldiers look genuinely relieved as well, although fatigue, wounds and likely lack of proper food takes their toll on their reactions. Hushed murmurs and words of thanks are heard across the room, but otherwise, the men and women remain politely quiet while their leader speaks. Despite the hardships, they seem willing to wait a short while longer to know what will befall them.

"Yes, one of them. The Pelagials send some of their representatives at regular intervals because they are trying to find something I know. No matter what my homeland thinks are proper ways to deal with them, I will not give them the information they need. This would be foolish and unwise. Which is why they came here constantly in order to see whether or not they could change my mind by threatening me and my men and inflicting corporeal punishments on us. They've come... I think a few hours ago, so I was surprised that they would come back so soon. They might still surprise us, however, so I'd suggest you to be careful."

Megara nods at Hera's words, and a faint smile traces her lips. "Figured that it would be the case. When I go and disappear, the first worried are the tribesmen and not my own people. Well, there is nothing that can be done about that." She says, shaking her head slightly. "Again, I'm infinitely grateful for your assistance and your coming here. I do not even know you and you have risked life and limb to come to this place... I shall not forget this, no matter what the outcome of this day is."

With that, the woman turns her attention back to Treon, and nods to his last statement. Somewhere down the line, however, her lips purse, and she cradles her neck to gaze at the creature that led them to the cell. The monstrous being stands there uncomfortably, outside of the room, its head bowed and its shoulders drooping, although it does emit some sort of trill at Megara's look. She smiles at it, and the creature responds with another trilling sound and a bow of its head.

"That would be Louis." She says, indicating the creature with a nod of her chin. "The Pelagials did not give him a name, and he is incapable of telling me what his name used to be. So I gave him the name 'Louis'. I asked if he minded, and he replied by the negative."

"There is one incorrect fact in your statement, however. Louis is not one of the Pelagials - he is only one of their slaves. The Pelagials themselves are loathe to use their already small numbers to act as frontline guards to their fortresses, so they... alter slaves for that very purpose."

"That's right... Louis, along with every living creature that roam the Labyrinth area, used to be human, and looked just like you and I."

Darel turned to examine the creature. "Mmmh, that is interesting - in a horrifying way, of course," he said, dissecting Louis with his eyes. "What method did they use? Directed Wyld exposure, sympathetic Essence induction?"

He shook his head. "Forgive me, now is not the time for conundrum solving. How did the pelagials move so many people in the water-filled tunnels?"

Treon was stunned, to say the least.  The thought of so many people corrupted, and in such a way.  For defence?  He shakes his head, as he listens for an answer for Darel's question.

This is a lot of people to move in any case, and many are injured ... he considers as he waits.  And once we get up there, they will be pushing the capacity of the Hammerhead ...

"Concentrated Wyld exposure is the correct method, yes. I did not have time to investigate the matter much, but that is what I have concluded from my observations. They likely start with gills, and then add more... features." Megara herself looks deeply saddened and disturbed as she says these words, and glances at her own crew.

"They immediately engineer the vocal chords out, it seems. That is, I believe, so the slaves cannot communicate with outsiders or explain their nature to them. The Pelagials are a paranoid lot - they would not tolerate seeds of mutiny among their ranks. There are wards all around as well, to keep the slaves from stepping where they are not supposed to. Louis here, for example, can operate this door's mechanism, in case he is to toss in more prisoners. He cannot step into the cell proper, however. I am uncertain of the effects it would have if he were to cross the ward - perhaps it would merely stop him, or perhaps it would do something much more... drastic." Once again, Megara seems troubled at this thought.

"As for moving... They do not move people through the labyrinth. There is another road, a direct one, that is operated through an ancient Essence console of some sort. The Pelagials use it to move big amounts of slaves or cargo, as it would be impractical to do so through the Labyrinth. I have witnessed it once, when we were captured. It opens from the cargo area at the entrance of the Chasm, and leads below... To the Pelagials' city proper."

When I first heard of them they sounded like thoroughly noxious creatures, but I did not imagine them to be this bad...

"That is ... horrific," Treon says, the normally quite eloquent man robbed of his words as he tried to find those appropriate for the situation.  He shakes his head.  "I will not allow you," he gestures to the whole room. "Any of you to undergo that fate."

He moves over to Cynis Megara.  "These sigils ... do you know what will happen if I break the chains?" he enquires.  IF she indicates in the negative, or in the uncertain, he starts to cut at her bindings with the Warm Caress, drawing the collection of strands that make up the blade over the manacles.

"This other way.  How do you get from where we are now to the lower entrance?"

Darel tried to recognize the sigils- was it a peculiar form of warding, or a more sophisticated method for containing a subdued Essence user?

[Private to GM: [OOC:23:02, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 5 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,8,8,5,8,10. Int+Lore.
23:02, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 4 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,3,7,6,8,9. Int+Occult.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Sat 04 July 2009.

"I... believe this to simply be Essence-dampening chains, or something of the like. I know I have no access to my usual tricks when wearing them." Darel, through his observations, can immediately confirm this much: the lines of essence within the chains serve to control and dampen the flows contained within an individual, by redirecting any Essence expenditure through the chains themselves. Darel cannot detect any warding patterns or any other functions otherwise, leading him to believe that Essence control is the only real function of the shackles.

"The way to the city is close to here. There are a few more corridors to go through, but Louis knows the way." She gazes towards the opening in the door then, and nods silently. As Treon frees one of her hands, however, she grasps the man's wrist firmly, her eyes taking on a strange intensity as she does so. "Though I am afraid there is something that must be done, before we all can escape. The Librum of Adamant Artifice... I have uncovered it. Or at least, part of it. The most powerful sections of the book have been ripped out. But still! This is a very powerful tome. If the Pelagials manage to decipher it, and can harness its contents..." She shakes her head at the thought, frowning deeply.

"We must recover it before we escape, lest this whole expedition will have served only to give the Pelagials the means to become a far more threatening nation than they are now. And I would not be able to live with that."

"If that is the case, let me break the chains and we can begin back to the surface. I tire of this place and whatever these energies that grow monsters from men."

She makes her way to the nearest set of chains. She carefully looks along the chain, feeling for the weakest point. She cements her grip, grasping as if her flesh and bone was composed of metal. Her muscles become taut and she pulls the chain apart with all of her force. Should this not be enough, she begins to tap into the strength given to her by Nan.

[Private to Raconteur: Strength and Athletics pool of 10 + stunt (if any) to break the nearest chain. Should this not be enough, she'll use Increasing Strength Exercise to bump the pool to 13 + Stunt. Should this still not be enough, she'll spend the WP to roll willpower to add to the pool]

"Given what you have told me of them, that sounds terrible in the extreme," Treon agrees.  "It seems they are capable of quite enough horrors without it's aid."

And with that, he raises his strange daiklaive, seeming almost to stroke the chains holding Megara with the strands of the blade.  Despite his seeming gentleness, the chains break easily enough, falling from her arms to land with a clink on the cave floor.  After she was freed, Treon moved onto the others in the cave, dealing with their restraints in much the same way.

"Who amongst can move unaided, and who needs help?" Treon asks of the assorted prisoners, trying to assess their status

Turning his gaze towards the surface, Darel summoned the powers of the wind, calling upon them to drift towards the Hammerhead, and Thetia.

"Darel here, objective one secured, twenty refugees to be evacuated, we must still secure the Libram, Indrid is wounded. Prepare for battle, diplomatic resolution compromised."

[OOC: Spending two motes on Winds-Carried Words Technique, for precisely twenty five words.]

Treon manages to cut Megara's chains, while Hera is hard at work breaking some of the nearby prisoners' - so far, she has seized and shattered three pair of manacles, moving on to the next one while the group continues to talk.

As this goes on, Darel composes his message to send to the ship, and lets it go free with the release of a small portion of Essence. It takes a moment for the missive to reach upwards, but after a few seconds, Darel can feel that his missive has safely reached Tethia on the Hammerhead.

At Treon's question, many grunts and mumbled answers are heard, until an older sailor - likely of Southern origin, given his skin tone and accent - speaks up for the group. "Many of us are either injured or weakened, chosen." The man says, although he himself sits straight and proud despite his chains, bearing pain and imprisonment with dignity. "If you it is an operation to steal this Librum you stage, then the lot of us will only slow you down. It will be difficult for you to try to lift this artifact with several people in tow, many of them wounded."

"You have to consider the possibility that the best course of action might be to leave us behind, and do what it is you must."

"I object to that." Megara says, authoritatively, as she rubs her wrists from where Treon sundered her chains. She gives a polite smile and nod in thanks to the man who liberated her, although her expression swiftly changes to a mask of deep concern.

"I cannot allow this, Ussan." Megara says again, shaking her head. She then turns to Treon and the others, trying futilely to make less of a mess of her hair while she speaks. "Ussan and many of my crew were slaves back in my homeland. I have promised them freedom when they were given to me by my house - and I will not allow this promise to die out in the dank cell of a dirty Pelagial dwelling while I am allowed to roam the surface."

"If I have to help you get the Librum so you can take it to the surface only to be returned here with my men, then so be it. But I will not leave them behind, no matter what you decide."

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon: There's 21 sailors total, excluding Megara. Out of this number, 13 have sustained wounds of various severities that will likely impede their movements and performance. 3 have minor wounds that would either not impede them, or impede them in a minor way. The remaining 5 seem to be in good condition, with tiredness and bad nutrition being their main ailment.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:53, Fri 10 July 2009.

"I don't intend to leave anyone behind to share a fate like Louis outside, no matter how injured or weakened they are," Treon states, as he continues to slice chains with the Warm Caress.  As he does so, he thinks, considering their best plan.  When he has reached a conclusion, he speaks once more.

"We will all of us go to the location of the transportation mechanism.  We have to go there first anyway, for I do not fancy our chances of getting away if our route of retreat is not secure.  Those of you who can still fight will remain down there, to hold this end of the device.  The injured and the weakened will go to my ship, the Hammerhead."

"Once we are joined by a few members of my crew, we," he says with a gesture that encompasses all the Exalts, Hera and Tomistoma, "will then go and find the Librum and get out of here."

He glances back to the poor mishapen form of Louis, and to the injured, abused men.  "Hesiesh help any of the pelagials which try to stop us."

"Any questions or objections?"

Darel thought to object for a second. He had all too easily been carried away by the 'rescue' part of the mission, but he had to remember that too much was at stake, far beyond the safety of a score Realm sailors... But he guessed that his companions would be somewhat insensitive to his arguments.

"Can you give me a description of the site where the transportation device leads, so that Thetia and Black Reed know what to expect?"

"This... seems like it could work, Mister Fireblade." Megara says, her expression settling into something akin to a mask of grim, focused determination. She nods, then looks at the faces around her. "I... do not like to have to involve you, your crew and your comrades. I have to apologize for even having you here, but I also have to be realistic, and admit fully that I do not foresee any other solutions." The disheveled Dynast nods once more, lowering her gaze. "Again... Thank you. All of you. I do not know what we would have done if..." She trails off, as if to chase away any traces of perceived or real weakness. When she speaks again, her words are posed, resolute.

"Mister Arwan, the transportation device leads to a well-concealed opening in the upper storage room. You should have passed it on your way here - a vast room near the entrance to the chasm, filled with gutted ships and other trinkets. I do believe our ships lie there now." Her expression darkens at that, but she does not let the memory hinder her explanation. "The pelagials use the device to move cargo and people between here and the storage area. This way, they can move people or important items without going through the labyrinth. For other, less important items, they simply rely on slaves like Louis, and make them go all the way through the maze."

"If we secure that entrance like Mister Fireblade suggested, we can move upwards quickly and easily, so I do believe it has a good chance of success." She turns towards her men then, regarding them gravely. "Do you understand, men? I cannot ask much more of you, but for those still able to fight, I would like to ask one more thing. Please, do your best to help with Mister Fireblade's plan - if not for yourselves, then for your wounded brethren. I know I am asking a lot, but I would not do so if I did not have faith in you, and if I did not think this was necessary. Will you do this, one last time?"

At her words, the sailors and soldiers still in fighting shape let out a collective sound of affirmation, their expression stern and resolute. Megara inclines her head gratefully at the response, then turns back towards the Exalts with a focused expression on her features. "We shall follow your instructions then, Mister Fireblade."

"Darel, if you would be so good as to let those on the Hammerhead know that people will be surfacing soon," he said to the emissary, then turned, walking over to the door by which they had entered the cell.  "Thank you for your guidance to this point," he said of the misshapen once-man.  He nods, and then organises the sailors with Megara into a rough order, suitable for moving through the tunnels.  It puts himself, Megara and Hera at the front along with Darel and Tomistoma. Then two of those who could fight, then the injured with 4 of the moremobile to help them (and carry Indrid), before  two more of the mobile sailors bring up the rear.  At the moment, those who fight are armed only with lengths of chain, but perhaps that would change soon.

"I suggest the five of us lead, and then when we have confirmed a corridoor is safe, the rest will advance up to us.  Please, lead on, Cynis Megara."

Darel nodded, asking Treon if he didn't have any additional content for the message, and sending it afterwards: "Numerous people about to resurface near Chasm's entrance, some wounded. Once evacuated, Libram will still have to be secured with crewmember's help." His anima blazing, the Aspect of Air then unsheathed his sword and kept his throwing knives at the ready.

[OOC: 3 more peripheral motes, not damaging yet, but that may come soon.]

Finishing breaking the chains, Hera nods and exhales deeply. "Of course. I will lead the way if that will help get these people out of here."

"Louis will guide us. He has a better idea of the complex' structure than I do, and I trust him." Megara announces confidently, to which the mutated creature does a motion that could be a polite nod - the limited movements its fish-like head can do render awkward and forced. "He is already going to be blamed when the prisoners escape - he is in just as deep as we all are."

Under Treon's orders, the group seems to be rather bolstered and spirits are lifted, perhaps only because the sight of order is a reassuring notion to these men and women who until very recently had been imprisoned with no hope of seeing daylight again. The Captain's strategy seems to confer a certain sense of confidence in the group, the tactics understood by the sailors and soldiers and each taking on their roles very seriously.

After a moment's preparation, the column begins his slow advance, meticulously advancing and avoiding obstacles as best as possible. The progress is slowed down by the fact that some of the wounded prisoners cannot move too far without resting, causing the group to have to stop here and there in various niches Louis finds for them. In the rare areas where there is no water (fortunately all the prisoners have been given a mixture by the Pelagials that allow them to breathe underwater), Megara explains that Louis is leading them through the mining complex of Black Rock Chasm - the reason why rooms without water in them is to facilitate the incorporation of human slaves. She explains that the water-breathing mixtures given to prisoners initially are a temporary measure, as the herbs required to make them are available only through summer and thus making the potions too valuable to waste long-term. In time, slaves are mutated with aquatic parts, much like Louis has, and thus becomes forever a part of the Chasm's denizens.

Between these bits of explanation, the group continues to move, led by the mutated creature through the less busy parts of the mining compound until the group arrives at a downward bend in the tunnel. Louis then comes to a stop, indicating with sign cues that their target is below - and that danger lurks ahead.

What the group can see when they peer downwards is that a single construct that appears to be a giant crab made of rusted metal watches over the gate, gem-like eyes at the end of eyestalks darting back and forth to catch sight of the intruders. No other guards are in the vicinity, and the door to the upwards tunnel is closed, leading to the belief that no one is currently using it.

This thus means that the group has a chance to secure the lift now... If they can figure out how to get past its guardian.

"How would you suggest we deal with this creature?" Darel wondered in a low voice. "I must confess that this is somewhat bigger than what we have faced before - we should be cautious... Prepare tactics..."

[Private to GM: [OOC:21:14, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,8,10. Int+War.]]

"It appears to be something we in Home call a crab and should show the same weaknesses as them. Thick shell resistant to blades, unconventional movement, and claws more powerful than their apparent strength. The ones I am used to are no more than a foot across, but I imagine the place to strike remains the same. Aim for the joints, crush, do not cut. Look, the metal already fatigues and decays, the battle is almost already won." She smiles with an eagerness to test her mettle.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Fri 14 Aug 2009.

"Unless our resident savant has a better idea ...," he says with a glance to Megara.  "Hera's suggestion seems to be a good one." He turns to regard the soldiers and sailors which made up the guard.  "You watch back the way we have come, lest our battle with the crab guardian draws the pelagials or their guards."

Then Treon wraps himself in an aura of invulnerability as he considers the crab monster further...

[Private to Raconteur: How giant is giant?]

"I have scant little save my blade in this situation," Darel said. "I am not a martial artist. I will likely remain behind, and target its weak spots with my knives should the opportunity arise."

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon: The crab is about the size of a small horse carriage. It's big enough to carry a rider, likely, though there is no one sitting atop it at the moment.]

"That is an astute observation, Miss Hera." Megara says appreciatively, nodding to the Golden Child. "This seems like a construct of some sort, but the corrosion and nicks in the shell and on the limbs seem to indicate that this thing is not made from magical materials, but mundane ones. Which likely means that the shell serves as an armor of sort, providing some kind of protection for the move fragile mechanisms within."

The Dragoness then turns to Treon, who, to her eye, seems to have taken on the role of military leader. "I am not certain how we can pull this sort of feat logistically, but I can pretty much confirm with almost certainty that concentrated attacks on the construct's belly or underside would likely cause very serious damage to it."

"Whatever the case, we should make sure to step as close as possible before fighting it - the Pelagials have certain sensors in place that can detect abnormal water displacements and ripples... We will need to try to contain such disturbances to this room as best as we can."

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon; Darel Arwan; Hera: Here's the reply - Very very sorry about the recent delays to this thread, people. Times have been kinda rough recently so I've been dropping the ball here... Big apologies for that. Things have gotten better now though, so I'm back at my post.]

"What about ... fire?" Treon asks with a smile.  Something about the grin suggests he's not being entirely serious about how much he likes fire.  "Though the Warm Caress," he indicates his exceedingly odd Daiklaive, "is also naturally good at find its way through the cracks."

"Still, if we should close, we should close with it soon, lest it wander over here and we're forced to fight in the doorway ... with all the disturbance that is likely to cause."

Treon readies himself to join battle with the mechanical monster.
[Private to Raconteur:  23:04, Today: Cathak Garel Treon rolled 6 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,10,8,10,8. JB (just to get it rolled). ]

"I'll take the lead.I wil work on cracking the shell, give more cracks for the flames to enter. Is everyone ready?"

Darel checked his knives. "As ready as I can be," he said.

"Then is sounds like a plan." Megara agrees, giving silent direction to her own subordinates according to the Exalts' plans, and ordering them to keep the tunnel behind them secured while they assault the crab-like construct.

"I can help you disrupt the construct with elemental attacks... But I am not used to be part of a larger unit in this fashion. I will help in any way I can, but you will have to direct me to get the best effect, I would surmise." Megara nods to Treon, although she also turns to the others as well, meaning that her last statement could as much apply to them as it would to him. The Fire Aspect had seemed to take on more of the commander role for this operation, but she does consider all of them on similar footing when it comes to giving advice as it pertains to this operation.

"I will be ready when you are, then. Let us do this quicly so we can move on with the rest of the plan." Taking a deep breath, Megara waits for the others to move, so she can time her own movements with theirs. She nods to Hera then, who has offered to head in first, and signals her own readiness.

OOC: Okay, Join Battle for everyone (except Treon, who already rolled his), as well as your first actions within the coming battle. If you plan to actually try to organize your small group (by using war), post it in your next action as well.

The gleam of Darel's knives flickered in the pale lighting. The scion of Mela waited for an opening into the creature's defense...

[OOC: 12:18, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 2 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,3,8,1,2,9. Join Battle.]

Treon glanced around him to assess the battle readiness of those assembled with him.  Seeing them ready, he nods.

"Very well.  Here is how it will go," he gestures.  "Hera, you expressed a desire to attack first.  That you should do.  While she is getting into position, I will move to flank it on the other side, forcing it to divide it's attentions," he gestures to the other side of it.

"As myself and Hera strike, you should both attack it from here, with your knives or elemental bolts.  We can hopefully overwhelm whatever passes for a brain in the thing and all strike to good effect."

---

20:01, Today: Cathak Garel Treon rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,1,1,9,8,3,8,8. Cha+War (group of 4).

So, if we all act on Treon's action (5 ticks after he starts to act), the crab will be at -4DV!  This should let everyone strike much harder.

Hera takes a moment to moment to glow with greater golden light. Her muscles bulge slightly.


Activate Increasing Strength Exercise

15:21, Today: Hera rolled 2 successes using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,1,10. Join Battle

The mechanical Creature continues its silent patrol in front of the supply tunnel entrance, apparently still oblivious to the group's plan or its approach. Whatever they do, they seem to have a small window of opportunity before the construct reacts... And perhaps alerts the other Pelagials. They will simply have to make the strike count.

Megara uses the last remaining seconds before the approach to direct her own people and give them the proper instructions according to Treon's plan. The Water Aspect seems to be intent on following every step of this plan to the letter - perhaps a hint of her own methodical approach to problems. Once done she turns towards the others.

"I am ready." Megara says, holding a hand in front of her, the palm already glowing with a blackish blue light, and getting ready to unleash her elemental bolt when the others are in position.

As one, the group falls to silence. Quietly, the three Exalts and Golden Child place themselves accordingly to Treon's original idea.

As one, they will bring this obstacle down.

OOC:
Current tick order is as follows:

Tick 0: Treon (Holding action for Coordinated Attack)
Tick 3: Megara (Holding action for same reason)
Tick 4: Darel, Hera (Earliest tick usable for the Coordinated Attack)
Tick 5: -
Tick 6: Crab Construct

Thus, if everyone goes with the original plan, you can all act on Tick 4, with the Construct being at -4 DV. You can post your actions in any order really, since you're all going at once - you can make that reflect in your stunts as well. Make it count!

Treon holds himself back, waiting until everyone in the group is ready.  Then, on the appointed moment, he drops his hand to signify the attack.  As he drops his hand, he's already moving wide to give Darel and Megara clear lines of attack, circling around to take the mechanical contraption from the other side to Hera.Mere instants after she strikes, he does too.  The strange twisting prongs of the Warm Caress glow with an inner light as he channels essence through them, stroking them over the metal skin of the thing.

Sparks rise up in slow motion from where it runs.

Treon rolls, ducking under one of the legs.  His arm moves in slow motion once more as he draws the blade over the skin.
[Private to Raconteur: Two attacks, 2m of First Melee Excellency on each, for pools of 15 and 14 before stunt.  Each does 9L(P)]

Swinging his sword in an arc, Darel tried to bisect one of the crab's legs' joints.

[Private to GM: [OOC:23:32, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 6 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,2,6,9,10,3,7. Attack.
Straight Sword: Speed 3 Accuracy 7 Damage +5L Defence 4 Rate 2]]

Hera draws back her right fist, her golden light gleaming off of her bracers and fists. She begins rushing forward. With each step she picks up speed and by the time she reaches the construct her momentum is far from what would be expected from someone of her side. She begins to swing her fist covered with chain at the largest pocket of rust on it's breast and waves of sunlight pulses off of her exposing this tunnel to the first glimpse of the light of day is has seen. Every crack in the stone is filled. Every spot of grit and grim is irradiated. When her fist collides witht he rusted patch, it is as the hammer hitting the anvil. The sound rings out for all to hear.



Activates Sledgehammer Fist Punch (Speed 5)
9 Dice to hit  + Stunt
17 Dice Bashing Damage + Accuracy
Damage Doubled Pre Soak, if Constructs count as Objects
Soak from armor is halved.

And thus, as one, the group sets out to disable the mechanical guardian keeping them from reaching the coveted supply tunnel.

With an ease only possible for one adept at the military arts and command, Treon directs the group's attack and keeps it focused and steady, his strategy meant to both overwhelm and disable the mechanical construct. Timing his attack so it comes only a breath after Hera's, he quickly lacerates the crab's armor with the Warm Caress, his strategically sound attack tearing apart some of the mechanical being's tough shell (5L).

At the same moment, Hera's attack comes as well, although it is not the strike of finesse that Treon's is - but there is a raw, almost primal force to the Golden Child's assault, and with every step she takes, the power of her assault explodes. And then the strike comes - and even though she challenges the monster's thick carapace head on with her powerful fist, the attack still finds purchase. Hera's tremendous punch, so well-suited to destroy objects, pokes right through the monster's carapace, a shattering sound echoing around when she strikes the more fragile mechanic parts underneath... Steam and a strange, oily dark fluid escape the hole in the construct's shell, and it twitches uncontrollably for a few seconds over the sheer force and damage of the impact. (9B, Ouch!)

As directed by Treon, Darel also joins in on the assault, taking up the flank and aiming his strike at one of the automaton's leg joints. Overwhelmed and taken by surprise, it is incapable of mounting a proper defense, and Darel's strike finds purchase between two of the leg's armor plates. Sparks and the sound of mechanical grinding accompany the dexterous strike, and although it was not enough for Darel to clean the leg at the joint, one can easily tell that what damage has been done will severely impair the limb's mobility. (2L)

As the others approach their target as indicated by the battle plan, Megara prepares herself her bolt ready to fire just as the other hits come. With the impact sounds coming from Treon's, Darel's and Hera's attacks as a beacon, the savant opens her palm, freeing the energy she was holding in one quick surge. The blue-black beam that escapes Megara's outstretched hand streaks towards the crab with incredible velocity, striking, as asked of her, the weakest point she could find on the creature. Using the hole punched through by Hera as a target, she unleashes the bolt at the exposed mechanical components underneath the shell, the impact accompanied by a satisfying crunch and more debris falling from the 'wound'.

The crab momentarily looks ready to turn and meet its attackers, but it seems that the combined weight of attacks has taken too much of a toll on it. It twists to the side, but the leg wounded by Darel makes it wobble unsteadily as it tries to keep its balance. Sparks and the sound of grinding can be heard from the lacerations Treon made and the hole Hera punched through, and once again the construct twitches uncontrollably. It looks about to resort to some alternative method of attack, but unfortunately for it, the damage it has taken is too extensive. Losing power rapidly, the construct collapses with a clang, The light display on its 'face' flickering a few times before dimming completely. (2L)

The assault was formidable, and now nothing seems to stand between the doorway and the group.

Treon stands alert until it is clear the crab automaton will not rise from its resting place, before he relaxes his stance somewhat.  He glances around to check no one is hurt, but it seems that the machine was overwhelmed before it could even begin to strike back.  He nods to those who had participated in the assault.

"Good work there, all of you.  Very controlled attack.  And hopefully it was over quickly enough that anyone who heard the sounds will dismiss them as nothing."  After all, it was all over in a handful of seconds.

"Now we'll advance up to the doorway.  Hopefully one of us can make the device work," he says, the latter comment directed to both Megara and Darel.

He gestures for people to move forward as he starts to move himself, cautiously alert for further guards.

Hera exhales as she motions for those that were captive to come. "Yes come. Let's make haste." Her golden glow lights the way forwards.

Darel scanned the creature's remains, visibly interested by its design. He shook his head, tearing free from his fascination. "Let's hit the road."

Quickly, Megara reconvenes with the others, and works at deciphering the mechanism that opens and closes the loading bay door. "Just a moment... I think I have it. It is a pretty ancient mechanism, but it does not seem to have been tampered with to get extra security measures. Wait... Here, I think that did it."

Almost on cue with the end of the sentence, a clicking surfaces, followed by the strong pull of a metallic mechanism.A few seconds later, the door slowly opens, revealing a rusted metallic shaft, obviously patched together and repaired with metals from various sources.Without losing even a second, the group fulfills their tasks according to Treon's plan, the wounded being immediately carried within the elevator shaft, Indrid among them. Within seconds, everyone falls in place, perhaps galvanized by the security of Treon's plan and the possibility of freedom dancing at the horizon. Within mere moments, everyone is in position, including the group charged with the difficult task of holding the elevator. With everyone in place, the doors are close once more, putting the group into near-complete darkness.

Megara, using her anima to light the platform, uses the moment to catch a breath. It is the same with many of the wounded and weary, who never thought they would see the outside of their cell ever again. After all, who would come for them in this underground prison? It would have been much more likely for them to be written off as MIA and promptly forgotten. And yet, here they are now, on their way to Freedom, rescued by the hand of a group they never expected even existed.

Exhausted, Megara leans against the platform's railing, shaking her head softly. "You have done so much for us, and yet there is still more you wish to do - I am not certain how I or my people can ever repay this debt." She raises her gaze then, looking back towards the others in turn.

"Do you think it can be done? Do you really believe we can take the book back and escape with out lives?"

OOC: A small breather before reaching the Hammerhead. You have a chance to exchange a few words and react here, but by tomorrow night, thursday at the latest, the thread will advance once more and the last part of this chapter will begin, regardless of who posts in the meantime.

Darel looked at Megara, surprised to see a trace of human weakness and uncertainty in her. He still had nightmares about the Dragon-Blooded magistrate strolling into the meeting in Wavecrest, slaying his mentor and others without the slightest hesitation. Hooo, aren't we touching, Dynast? Is that the face you wish to show the West as you squeeze freedom and tribute from us, starting with the Libram?

He decided to refrain from cynical quips while there were others within hearshot, others who might be shaken with visible dissent.

"I am certain that we shall overcome," he said with utter conviction. Though I wish I'd brought a contingent of warrior demons with me.

What is it with you and the Realm, Darel?  Treon wondered as he saw the look which passed from Darel to Megara.  And Megara, would you still be so grateful if you knew what I had done? Treon thought to himself, as one hand unconsciously reached up for the braid bound in white silk.  It's a thought that he soon dismisses.  It wouldn't help them now.

"Once we heard, we could hardly abandon anyone to an unknown fate beneath the waves.  And knowing what we do now, it seems we cannot leave the book down there for the Pelagials.  That would be wishing too much misery on this part of the West."

Hera nods to Treon her golden glow slowly fading, "Absolutely, though I am not from this land, when I heard that there were those in danger there was no other choice but to help. I am glad that so many people have tasted freedom once again."

"I see. I am not certain I understand how or why you ended up risking your lives for us, but I do certainly am grateful for it. Please remember this." The savant pauses for a moment, looking at the wounded and fatigued remnant of her once proud crew - the people she promised freedom to. Something shifts into her expression, akin to regret or a great worry... And she shakes her head softly, as if reaching an important decision.

"Listen to me carefully. When we head back there and retrieve the Librum... I wish for you to keep it. Keep it in your custody, and make certain it is not abused or falls into the wrong hands. Perhaps it is wrong of me to ask such a task out of you... but I cannot trust anyone to take care of such a treasure. Not even my own homeland. I cannot ascertain that it would not be used for something I cannot agree with."

She pauses, letting out a long, pained sigh. "I have been a seeker of knowledge for as long as I can remember. This Librum... It represents years of my life, spent researching and exploring. I was obsessed with it, in a way. Not for what it would end up being able to accomplish, but for the sake of finding such a precious lost piece of our collective past. But now... Now all I wish is for this knowledge to be kept away. Because no matter how hard I try, I cannot make those around me appreciate knowledge for what it is. Because there always will be someone ready to exploit these findings to gain an advantage. This is only half of the Librum... But I do not wish for the object I have searched for all this time to become an object of suffering."

"And so, when we find it... Please, take it with you. Perhaps your lack of affiliation will be your strength in this. You are your own masters, so no one will force you to use the knowledge within for something you do not desire. That is my wish."

Lowering her head, the savant lets out another breath.
Her crew remains silent throughout the trip up.

***

28th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
Afternoon
The deck of the Hammerhead

After an uneventful trip through the supply platform (and a passage through a pump room serving as bridge between the platform and the submerged cargo area), the group and the wounded finally arose above water once more. Even the tired, sometimes heavily wounded crew let out small cries of joy at the sight of the sun, something they had never thought they would see again. Carefully, the wounded and exhausted were hoisted on the ship, the crew scattering and preparing to accommodate such a big influx of new arrivals.

And now, the group finds itself on the deck of the Hammerhead a short breather allowing them to prepare for their last dive within Black Rock Chasm. From here, the crew has some time to take care of everything they need for this final expedition, to talk to whoever they need to speak to, and get ready before plunging for the Librum once more.

Success or failure, there shall not be another attempt after this one.

Once Hobnail calls shakily from the crow's nest, "I... I see someone surfacing! They're back, the Captain's back!" Black Reed rushes to help Treon, Darel, Hera, Megara and the wounded crew that follows them. The black skinned ex-slave shouts for the men to extend rope ladders for everyone to climb. Tonsar and Hailstorm are among the first to answer, but soon near the entire crew is participating, hauling up those too wounded to climb effectively.

"By the gods, man," says Reed when Treon is back on the deck with the others, firmly clapping his shoulder. "I never thought I would say this, but I am glad to see you. The crew has been restless waiting here, they think the dark water is cursed. Though I can't blame them. It's silent here, too silent, and there are strange shapes swimming in the depths."

Dark-haired Aranita is there as well, meek at first, though her eyes light up to see that Treon has returned safely. After some hesitation she hurries below deck, and comes back with towels - ratty towels, but still retaining absorbence - to help the newly arrived Dragon-blooded and crew to dry up. "Sirs, the cook's started the heat on the kitchen furnace, too... if you wanted to rest somewhere warmer. And there are more than enough beds..." Of course there would be - Captain Kossuth's crew was at least three times the current size.

Tethia looks on coolly, merely observing, far removed from the efforts to bring the others on board. Finally she steps up to join Reed in greeting the others, and her aquamarine eyes glance over at Megara and her wounded, disheveled men. A glimmer of recognition stirs in her eyes, though from the expression on her face it is not necessarily a happy one.

Averting her face from the sorceress, Tethia addresses Treon, Darel and Hera. "I presume your mission was a success then." Unfortunately none of them know yet that there's still more to be done.

[Private to Raconteur: Tethia was always supposed to be an ex-Realmite. I'm thinking of making Tethia and Megara cousins. Though they may not want to call out that recognition right now. Particularly not Tethia who left the Realm for her own reasons. My thought is possibly that she fell in love with an Outcaste during a spying mission to the Threshold and ended up staying with him (this being Kossuth of course) as Siakal's curse warped his mind.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:28, Mon 28 Sept 2009.

Since coming back from undersea, Darel had been in a brooding mood - even more than was usual for the sorcerer. Something was troubling him, and the furtive glances he cast at Cynis Megara left little doubt as to the source of his trouble.

I have no reason to doubt, he thought, steadying himself.

"Our task is only half-done," Darel said. "The Libram is still in the hands of the wyld-damned pelagials, and we have reasons to believe that they could put it to foul use. We must intervene. I wish I had a week to prepare some nasty surprises, but we cannot linger."

Treon acts to conceal his surprise at what Megara says as they ascend.  "I thank you for your faith in us," Treon says, as his mind tries to get around what this meant, for the ship and for the Alliance.  Soon though, they reached the sea and were climbing out and to the deck.

"Believe me, it feels good to be out of there," he says as he towels himself off, smiling in thanks to Aranita as she offers him a towel.  "But as Darel says, we must return there, at least briefly.  A tome that the Lady Megara retrieved cannot be allowed to remain down there," he indicates the Dragon-Blooded woman.  "The Pelagials are foul and loathsome creatures and I cannot sail away and leave it in their hands without some effort to retrieve it."

"So I will have to ask all of you," his gesture and manner encompasses all the crew on deck.  "To remain steadfast up here for a while longer.  Since we cannot win a protracted fight down there, we must be brisk.  But you will have to wait up here, at least for a while more."

He looks around for dissent, before he goes over to the pile of clothing he left on the deck, pulling on the thick protection of the Charcoal Gold.  Now that they knew of the elevator, he would wear it and take it's protection.  He wouldn't have to swim too far with it.

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon: Just corrected Anahita to Aranita, I got her name totally wrong! ^^;]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:28, Mon 28 Sept 2009.

There are some who grumble in annoyance. The crew seems as much irritable at the continued wait as they are about the dirty strangers starting to settle onto the Hammerhead. "Who are all these people anyway?" mutters Sang while Hobnail eyes the new people uncomfortably, and Iron Beetle asks loudly, "So didja find any real treasure down there?"

Despite these comments, the crew is still generally loyal to Black Reed, and they remember that Treon could well have executed them all, or worked them to bone without any care for their safety. So they complain, they spit and grouse, but they don't do more than that. Yet.

There are a few more helpful folks on board, fortunately - such as Jarvan (the cook, when he's not defending against boarders), Hera's two followers from home, Silas and Ferio, and of course Aranita, who seems either uncaring or naive about the stares the former crew of "Bloodeye" Kossuth gives her. They make sure the former prisoners are taken care of.

Reed and Tethia remain where they are, listening to the plans of the Dragon-blooded. The dark-skinned man responds first. "Sir, you're going back down there? Well, can't say I understand what book could be worth the trouble, but if that's what you'll do we'll hang on. Right men?" As he says the last sharply, his hard gaze sweeps over the crew still loitering on the deck, and there's a smattering of "Aye sirs" and acknowledging grunts. "Anything we can do for you while you're here?"

Tethia crosses her arms, still not quite looking at Megara, but facing Treon boldly. "I am a chosen of Danaa'd, I could accompany you if you wish. I can shoot a bow just as well under the waves as above them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:41, Mon 28 Sept 2009.

Treon dons his coat.  The subtle magic of the Charcoal Gold wraps around him, making him seem just that little bit larger than life.  "These are the those that remain of Cynis Megara's crew," he says with a gesture to indicate the Dragonblood.  "The rest the pelagials have taken.  That is why we must dive again, to prevent them from gaining the power to raid further afield."

"The one thing you must do is get ready to leave," Treon says to Black Reed.  "When we surface again, I want us to be on our way with speed.  I have no plans to tarry here any longer than is necessary," his eye roams over the crew as he says that, conveying that he considers this dive necessary.  "Beyond that, see that these men are treated decently, as you would want to be treated after a ship wreck."

"Your presence down there would be welcome," he says to Tethia.  "Though we are not swimming too deep, I imagine when we depart we might not be entirely alone ..."

As soon as Treon gives his order Black Reed salutes crisply, "Aye sir, we will start promptly. Men, you heard the Captain! Get the Hammerhead ready to sail, then stand by until he returns!" Immediately the formerly idle and bordering on insolent crew leaps up and starts getting to work double-checking rigging, rudder, sails and weaponry, and assuming (or climbing up to) their traditional position on board.

It remains to be seen how Megara's men are treated, but for now Jarvan seems to have taken over the duty of organizing them, along with Tonsar. Treon might remember later to commend them for being so level-headed.

Meanwhile, Black Reed hands Treon and Hera another supply of the maruera gum (OOC: the gum from the Tya that helps deep-sea divers breathe, if you've forgotten), then steps back. "Good luck sirs, we'll be waiting."

Tethia, upon receiving Treon's okay, has already begun to strip off her boots and most of her clothing, leaving on (much to the crew's dismay perhaps) a skintight indigo bodysuit and her black jade breastplate. Carrying her arrows in a bundle strapped securely to her thigh, she shoulders her powerbow and gets ready to dive, gazing down at the dark-hued sea.

---

OOC: now we'll just need Raconteur to continue the last part of this quest. :)

"Do not forget me as well." Megara says, joining the group quietly. She still looks rather tired, wet from their last trip and bearing the marks of her rough treatment at the Pelagials' hands, and yet her eyes have lost nothing of their resolve or their fierceness. "I need to see this through to the very end. And... I don't know what I can do for him, but I would like to help Louis as well - when it is found that we escape, they will likely torture him to know what occurred, and very likely kill him. He is the only one out of them who put his own fears of being punished aside to help me and my crew, and I cannot forget that."

As the Water Aspect ties back her hair in a tight, compact bun, she turns back to Treon, nodding sharply towards her fellow Exalt. "Mister Treon... Even though I will be in charge of helping find the Librum and securing it, you seem to be the one most used to organizing troops and coordinating people together. I will rely on your word and your command - Please do conduct this as you see fit. I do not wish for more death if it is avoidable, and your knowledge might be the only way to ensure that." With a final nod and a speechless word of thanks for the men and women who have decided to accompany her, she finally steps close to the railing, gazing at the dark waters below.

OOC: Last chance to specify anything you needed to do on the boat or any other preparation you want to make before headed back to the Chasm - the thread will advance again tomorrow regardless, and begin the final incursion.

"I had not forgotten you, Lady Megara," Treon says as she joins them.  "I will see what we can do for Louis too, it was a sorry state that he has been left in."

"With regard to the Libram, do you have any idea where it might have been taken?  Or where the best place to find this out is?  It would seem wiser to plan what we can up here, at least briefly."

Hera spends her time on the boat meditating on the front of the ship. She is calm and collected, focusing as best she can inwardly to recover much of the essence she spent on the first trip underwater. She allows the wind and air to dry her off as best they can, a subtle chill coming over her. As the group gets ready to travel, she returns to them with a smile and determined look on her face.

"Yes, it would be, I believe... I can share with you what I know, Mister Treon, and perhaps you and your allies can weigh in with what you think is the best way to approach this situation."

Using a part of the Hammerhead's deck as a sort of drawing board, Megara uses what props she can find to illustrate the area of the Chasm they will be traveling to. "I am sorry if this is not as precise or as concrete as you might wish it to be, but I will try to give you as much details as I can from memory and what I could recognize form my quick trip to the vaults, where they interrogated me the first time."

"For once, the Pelagials' paranoia plays in our favor. Because they move objects of great value between the cargo area and the vaults, they wanted to minimize the passage between the two - to have the least possible 'open' and unguarded area in-between. As I mentioned earlier, the Pelagials prefer to leave the guarding of their labyrinths to mutants and traps, since they are unwilling to further let their already dwindling numbers be thinned out even more. But their many vaults are different affairs. They do not trust slaves with them if they have to, and thus we will likely encounter true Pelagials, warriors trained at their soldier's academy."

"The way to the vaults is hidden, but Louis knows how to operate the secret door - it stems from the same corridor the cargo door opens into. It opens from the floor, and leads into a submerged corridor that bends and twist many times, in an attempt to confuse senses and orientation. It goes one for what I think is several hundred feet. It is patrolled regularly, but from my time there I seem to recall that there is a delay of about two minutes between patrols, leaving us time to push and clear this corridor between rounds if we play our cards right."

"Next, somewhere in the belly of the complex, are the vaults. There is an unbelievable number of them - even myself was highly surprised at the sight. I knew the Pelagials collected objects of power, but I never knew they would possess that many. In any case... Unfortunately, I do not know how many guards are in this room, or what their patterns are. I simply know that the room is very vast, and sprawls downwards in a series of concentric circles where vault rooms are arranged. Depending on our situation, we might not be able to avoid confrontation here."

"The Librum is in the vault marked 21 - I dare hope they have not moved it to another room." The savant looks worried for a moment, then shakes her head. "It would surprise me greatly, however, since they seem to furnish their vaults in accordance to what is inside, customizing them as necessary. Moving items around would require refurnishing of other vaults, which would be highly impractical..." Megara shakes her head then, forcing herself back on topic. "In any case... The doors are locked and trapped, but I believe me and Louis can work together at handling this obstacle."

"The Librum is on a pedestal in the vault, past a ward that keeps water from flooding it. A second ward surrounds it, that, if I am correct, might alert the whole Chasm if the book is taken out. I will do my best to try to break the ward, but I cannot give a guarantee - we might have to simply snatch it and make a run for it at this point, since we are bound to be discovered the more time we take, and this might give enough time for the Pelagials to cut our exit before we can make it to the surface. It would perhaps work better for us to hightail back to the elevator, and then somehow prevent them from using it themselves..."

The savant nods and turns her gaze to the others, her lips pressed together in a tight frown. "That is as much information I have... I hope that is enough."

Darel picked up his buff jacket. If a fight was much more likely, he'd have to better protect himself. Let's hope the neomah knows how to handle seawater-drenched clothing! he thought. He ordered his agata to stay ready to intervene, hovering on stand-by above the Black Rock. His neomah would remain on board, though. She was not defenseless, and could actually provide help should the pelagials launch a counter-assault.

"This should suffice. I am half-tempted to ask my eristrufa to materialize and use its tentacular mass to barge in and overwhelm resistance. I will probably have to send him to battle this way. I'd rather have a platoon of baidak, but time is short..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Wed 07 Oct 2009.

"Yes, that should be enough," Treon says after some careful consideration.  "The fact that we have a fixed objective--even if it is a highly guarded one--improves our chance of success markedly.  The route you have described seems like it would be the best way to go in, assuming we can time our swim through the passage accurately enough."

"I'm not sure how much help one demon can be a in a direct assault," he says to the sorcerer.  "Anything like that is almost certain to cause alarm and I don't want to stir the whole settlement up.  In my mind there are two uses the Demon could be put to.  The first would be to confuse and distract, much like it did with earlier, so that we can gain the treasure room and perhaps the vault without alarm being sounded.  The second would be to attack somewhere completely different, in the hopes of drawing attention away from us."

28th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
Afternoon
Final dive into Black Rock Chasm

It takes a few more moments for the group to agree on the plan for the retrieval of the Librum. After the initial details are smoothed over and polished, Treon goes over the objectives and the procedures one last time, to make certain everyone in assistance will be in perfect synchronicity. A lot of work, perhaps, but the group also realizes that there will be no second chances once the operation is underway - if it fails, the whole of Black Rock Chasm will be alerted. Escaping in this case will be difficult, returning will be nigh impossible. If they cannot complete their task with this one chance, they will have to leave the Librum with the Pelagials, for them to use as they see fit.

This time, there is absolutely no room for failure.

Within the Chasm

The group, alongside Megara and Tethia, manages to make their way downwards to the bottom of the elevator platform without much of a problem. There, they met with Louis, who had remained in hiding at Megara's instruction in preparation for the last chance to snatch the Librum from the Pelagials' grasp. The once-mortal looks rather nervous at the undertaking - after all, his fate lies in the balance of this operation - but nonetheless, even without actual language to help making himself understood, the mutant looks very much ready to take this big risk and help the group with their plan. After Megara explains the details of the proceedings to Louis, everyone gets ready for the actual execution.

Fortunately, with the group's abilities being used as appropriate, coupled with Louis' knowledge of tunnel patrol timings (which he communicates to Megara, acting as his spokesperson), and the approach to the vault comes without a hitch. It is there, however, that the assembled group gets its first glance of the 'real' Pelagials.

Although their features are not as fish-like as Louis' or his mutated brethren's, the creatures are not a pleasant sight. Patrolling the vault area, is is immediately clear just how agile the deformed, fallen race is underwater, their strong manatee-esque lower bodies pushing moving them swiftly and quickly through the Chasm's drowned interior. White, blubbery skin makes them stand out against their nigh lightless surroundings, their deep black eyes and kelp-like hair providing a keen contrast and giving them a sinister appearance. The Pelagials the group sees here carry spears of good make - perhaps even artifacts salvaged from gutted ships, from the look of it.

Breaking through the vault

The vault itself is just as Megara had described it, an immense room stretching upwards through the chasm in a series of concentric circles, each ring displaying doors to six to ten round vault doors. It is a blessing that the savant even knows the room in which the Librum lies - having to search through each of the rooms would be impossible, in the present circumstances. It makes one wonder, at this grand sight, just how many objects of power the Pelagials have in these halls, and how many of them are to be shipped back to their fallen capital, the City of Shining Reefs...

The break-in into the vault starts as planned, but soon enough, the plan starts to go awry: within barely a minute of leading Megara and Louis to the vault door, the group is discovered, leading to an immediate skirmish with a group of three guards while a fourth one rushes for the alarm. With a few precise shots from Tethia, however, that crisis is delayed... But at this point, it cannot be averted completely. The valiant fighting Hera, Treon and Darel are engaged in will only attract further attention, and the group's time is highly numbered.

More guards, accompanied by mutants and automatons, surge into the vault room moments after the group manages to keep the first wave under control. Pushed further back into the vault entrance, the group starts to lose ground further and further, and the situation looks rather bleak... Until a click resounds from behind them, letting them know that Megara and Louis have managed to break into the vault. Quickly, the Librum is retrieved and secured, but now comes the hardest part of all - escaping Black Rock Chasm while it is on high alert.

Spearheaded by Treon's strategic direction, Hera's thunderous, bone-crunching strikes, Darel's swift cunning and bold use of his demonic ally, Tethia's surgically precise bow attacks and Megara and Louis' sideline support, the group manages to launch a desperate, highly dangerous counter-offensive that allows them to take their opponents off-guard and rush into the tunnel from which they came from.

The advance is quick, but the group has to fight for every yard they manage to cross. Wounded, tired and strapped for time, they make an heroic effort to continue pushing onwards, even after waves of Pelagials, mutants and automatons of all kinds seem to block their path. It looks nigh impossible, and someone lesser would have simply given up. And yet, despite the adversity, the rag-tag group manages to fight its way to the elevator door, forcing their way in and immediately pushing for the top. As they go along, a wounded Megara enlists the aid of all in assistance in sabotaging the elevator, putting it completely outside of commission once it reaches the top.

Minutes later, the inky black surface near the Hammerhead is broken. Battered, hurt and exhausted, the group, plus Louis and Megara, make it back to Treon's ship, while the crew hurries up to leave the premises before the Pelagials can launch a full-on counterattack.

It took a lot out of them, but they have succeeded - all of them are alive, and the Librum is safely in their possession.

28th Day of Ascending Water, RY 768
Late Afternoon
Deck of the Hammerhead

Black Rock Chasm - Aftermath

Treon's crew does not need to be told twice about leaving Black Rock Chasm, and thus the Hammerhead speeds swiftly away from the foul place, the late afternoon sun feeling like a blessing after such a long and hellish dive into the dark depths.

Despite the fatigue and wounds, the overall mood aboard the ship is rather festive. For many of Megara's people, this is a situation that they had lost hope for - escaping with their lives and be allowed to see the light of the sun once again. Although the memory of those that perished tarnishes the euphoria, there is a certain reverence and celebration of life that permeates the mood as the ship pushes onwards, away from the Chasm itself. Even Louis, looking so much more vulnerable and scared outside of the darkness of Black Rock Chasm, is thanked by Megara's crew for his help and dedication. The mutated man seems reluctant to accept the praise, however, almost as if he somehow expects punishment and scorn to follow.

Of course, with the completion of one objective comes a time of decisions - the time where the group will have to decide where it will go next.

"I have said so many times over, but I must say it again - thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart." Cynis Megara has had a rough experience; her left arm is broken, and many cuts and gashes show on her skin. And yet, in this moment, she holds herself as a diplomat would, bowing deeply to the people she is thanking so earnestly. "I am deeply sorry for causing you all this trouble... But having seen you in action, I simply know you are the right people to trust with this half of the Librum. You should not have to fear from the Pelagials unless you walk into their domain again... They do not venture far from their lands. But be aware that others will try to take it from you, if they learn that you have it. This book is a powerful key to parts or our shared lost past... Many will go to great lengths to recover it."

The savant turns then, and gazes at the horizon carefully, breathing out a sigh of relief. Closing her eyes, she lets the sea breeze brush her skin for a moment before speaking again. "We have inconvenienced you long enough - I do not wish to dictate where you will head now. But if you could leave us at the closest port town, I would appreciate it. I will strive to charter a new ship there, or try to contact my homeland for one... Just being on land and handling the usual tedium will be a blessing, at this point." For what might be the first time since she has been rescued, the savant smiles a true, genuine smile.

"When you do so, I would be grateful if you could leave me there as well." Tomistoma speaks, in his usual tone, arms folded across his chest. The Dragon-King looks pensive, visibly considering the events that have transpired here. "I came here to investigate the rising troubles in the west and to assess how they might touch my people. I have found, however, that those we faced in that dark place are a threat that cannot be ignored. I will continue to investigate and see what can be done about them. This is a path, however, that will lead away from yours - it seems it is here our roads split, Captain Fireblade, Lord Arwan."

"The words of mine Lord Tomistoma are my own as well." At some point between the first excursion and the ship's departure, it seems that Indrid has come back to his senses, looking not too worse for wear considering what he could have gone through. "Though I eternally remain in thine debt, the oath I have made shall not be broken. I am servant to mine Lord and will accompany him where he goes. Therein lies my will." The alchemist then turns towards Hera, a questioning look on his features.

"And what of you, Lady Hera? Where does thy path lies? I am certain thou would be welcome among us, should thou so choose."

"I have been charged with exploring all that is outside home, in order to tell my father Nan all that is outside his kingdom. I believe it would be best to continue on the ship Hammerhead. If they'll have me and my countrymen. Their path leads to other lands for me to learn of." The pale woman smiles and looks towards the sky hoping for a sign from Grandfather Sun.

Darel was visibly saddened by Tomistoma's leaving. "I am saddened to see you go, lord Tomistoma. I looked forward to hearing many tales of your people while we journeyed together. I hope that we will meet again some day, in a more peaceful context."

It was obvious that Darel was a bit more relaxed around Megara - while it could not said that he was overly fond of her, he did not seem so tense as he had been before when she was around, nor did he sport his hostile frown whenever she was speaking. And so, when she spoke about returning to her homeland, he did not even seem to bite back a cynical quip. There was perhaps an ounce of regret in his attitude, as if he wanted to say something.

But it was true that the Libram was a burden. He would have to discuss it with Treon - and the other higher-ups of the Cobalt Alliance. The book had to be secured at whatever base the Alliance had - it could certainly not be kept on a sailing ship for too long... Or perhaps it could be entrusted to the Emissaries of Perfect Waters? Who knew.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Thu 22 Oct 2009.

"You would be welcome to continue to sail with us," Treon nods to Hera and her companions.  "Your actions in the caverns below have more than earned you that right," though his tone of voice suggests they would have probably been welcome to sail with him any way.  Though there was a lingering doubt.  The remains of his immaculate upbringing coupled with the sunlight he had seen.  Though it didn't seem to carry with it the creeping taint--or at least unnaturalness--of the demonic, in the same way that Darel's ... assistants did.

"As for your requests Lady Megara, Tomistoma," he nods to each in turn, "It is now my intention to sail south to rejoin with the rest of the Alliance.  We will sail past Wavecrest on the way and will need to put in to restock at a port there anyway, which should suit both of you too.  From any of the major ports, you should be able to charter a ship wherever you like."

"As to your faith in us with regards to the Libram, I am not sure I can thank you for that," he says, referring to its  potential to bring upon them a great many hunters.  "But I can assure you that we will not willingly betray that faith and allow the Libram to fall into the hands of those who would abuse it."

"Very well then." Indrid replies to Hera, bowing deeply to her before standing back up, with a smile crossing his features. "Thou shall be missed, Lady Hera." As the Golden Child smiles and looks upwards, so is the Amiliki's gaze also attracted to the skies, to try to catch of glimpse of whatever the lady was peering at. Above, a few clouds drift and dance across the otherwise cerulean tapestry. For a moment, as Hera stares up, some of the clouds seem to shift slightly, letting the rays of the sun bathe the Hammerhead in a gentle, nurturing glow, filling the Golden Child with an approving warmth. The moment is subtle and gentle, but for Hera herself, there is no mistake as to its meaning, fortuitous of not.

Meanwhile, Tomistoma nods to Darel's words, obviously thankful for their generous nature. "You shall hear the tales for the rest of this travel, Darel Arwan - and more later, I am sure. Our paths split here, but one day, I am certain we will meet each other again. As long as your objectives lead you in the direction you are going, we shall meet somewhere in the center."

Megara smiles a somewhat sad smile now at Treon's words, and she shakes her head slightly. "You are wise, Captain Fireblade. The Libram I leave in your hands is a burden rather than a prize. You only possess half of it right now - I do not know where the second half is, or who might be holding it. Whoever does, however, is likely to wish to pursue you. Please, be very careful with it, and trust no outside sources with its safeguarding - not even the island nations of the West, nor my own homeland. There are too many who would risk using this knowledge for their own self-aggrandizing, and I am certain this is something you would not allow."

Megara inclines her head at this statement, as if she had dispensed all the advice she had on the subject. She turns towards the others then, and smiles towards each one in turn - another wordless thanks for all they have gone through to save her and her crew.

Maybe I have managed to do some good - if not by finding the Libram itself, then by directing these people to it.

Its delicate fate are in their hands now.

***

As Treon commands, the Hammerhead travels southwards, to meet back with the rest of the Alliance who has gone to investigate rumors of Lintha activity within Wavecrest borders. A refreshing change from the hellish dive into Black Rock Chasm, the sailing is smooth and uneventful, and the weather pleasantly mild. The long period of travel ahead gives the group and crew a chance to rest and partake in some personal activities, a chance that some of the wounded are very thankful for...

As per the agreement, Megara and her people, as well as Tomistoma and Indrid, are let off at a port town at the outskirts of Wavecrest. The goodbyes are brief, given that all the parties involved have many tasks ahead of them, but are nonetheless heartfelt. Megara spends some time thanking everyone personally one last time, and Indrid and Tomistoma similarly spends some time thanking the group and exchanging goodwill with them, focusing a bit more on Hera. After one last moment of shared pleasantries, the Hammerhead finally leaves port again, headed towards its destination.

Keeping track of the rest of the Alliance's position through communication with Jadira, the group continues to sail south, towards their next big adventure...

OOC: You can all post here how you will spend your time during the trip, including describing what you might want to train and possibly requesting mentorship from other members of your group. Besides those coming posts, this actually concludes the Black Rock Chasm portion of this game. Big thanks to those who kept active and stuck with it despite hardships and slowdowns.

Darel spent much time listening to Tomistoma's tales, when he was not busy walking alongside the ship, stepping lightly on the water, using his wind-bound knives in a elaborate dance, entranced by the power of Air, until he started to master the gales, ordering them to protect and cushion him.

During the journey back, Darel also spent a lot of time sitting in the ship's crow's nest, drinking in the salty winds, reinforcing his connection to Mela.

Hera spend her time over the trip trying to learn as much as she can from those of the crew of the Hammerhead. She lends a hand and works as much as she can among the crew to learn of the functioning of the vessel. She attempts to learn the language she hears many speak naturally, speaking with each man there, asking the words for every object onboard. She also asks those on the crew to wrestle with her, as active as she is, it is difficult to match the daily wrestling matches with her father, but she tries.

Treon does not spend a lot of time studying, quite concerned with the day-to-day though he does spend a little time with Tethia, both to get to know her better and to learn her knack for noticing things.  He also spends time with Aranita, aiding her in learning the things she needs to know on a ship, providing her some company although always a gentleman about it.  When the Lady Megara departs, it is with a letter, which he asks if she would see back to the Realm (if not in person, then with someone she trusts).  Perhaps more than learning anything specific, Treon spends his time with those of his crew.  He gets to know them, makes sure they know him, and they know the Cobalt Alliance.  Doing his very persuasive best to kindle a flame in their breasts for himself and the Alliance.  And for each other.  With word, and effort, and charm he works to forge them into a crew once more, a crew of the Cobalt Alliance.  A crew with pride and with fire in their eyes.  His crew.  If Hera approaches him in her quest for knowledge of their tongue, Treon is more than willing to help her learn aspects of it outside the purview of items which are found on a ship, including how to form the letters.  He also tries to find a little more of where she comes from, and her purpose in adventure ...
[Private to GM: I'll discuss actually spending in the XP PM thread.  Nothing surprising though.]