After Seletos retreats back into the dark, all is quiet.  The 12 doors of the vault stand before you; but which one to try first.

Using the Dualis amulets, Aztar wills his intellect to join with Morteft in an attempt to find the right door and open it.

Morteft's hands go to his head briefly and he sways slightly appearing as if he will topple over.  He regains his balance and pulls his hand back, his eyes have an almost inner glow as he gazes about the room.

Aztar, however stiffens up.  His eyes are open but he looks to be catatonic.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 1):

Trysk comments to the others about what he noticed concerning the third symbol above the third door.

He looks around for any other symbols.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 2):

Shorty points tomAzatar and comments, "me look like dat sometime when Dull is talk."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 2):

They are the only symbols, the 12 above the doors.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 4):

Morteft moves over toward one of the doors.  Aztar does not move at all.  Trysk notices that Morteft moves to the door that has the most complicated pattern above it.

Morteft moves up to the door at which point it begins to glow.  A little bit closer and the symbol above begins to glow as well.  Everyone becomes aware of a vibration, the door begins to hum.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 5):

Warwick floats over to Aztar, to protect him in case something goes awry.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 6):

Shorty gets up and moves closer to Morteft in case the door opens on something unfriendly.  Shorty knows glowing doors

In reply to Shorty (msg # 7):

Morteft starts to move away from the door and the vibrations, glowing of the door and symbol stops.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 8):


Morteft will move back towards the door.  Again the door and the symbol above it begin to glow and hum.  He moves within an arms length and stretches out his hand towards the door.  When his hand is about a foot away the symbol appears on the door as well.

Morteft continues and puts his palm on the symbol.  The door and symbol above immediately stop humming and glowing.  A few seconds later the door slowly fades away.  When the door is completely gone a bright light shines forth from the room beyond and you have to shade your eyes.  The light fades to a level at which you can see a 10x10 room beyond, walls all white, in the middle is a golden pedestal about 5' high and on top of that is a spherical object about 5 inches in diameter, it has a pearl like luster and has an inner glow.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 9):

"Is that what we're looking fer?" asks Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 10):

Morteft shrugs. "Let's check it out."

He will go and examine it more closely.

Over the link, *careful. We were warned that each vault would be trapped.  Also, don't touch it since Dualis is now recommending that I'm the one to free Rigel.*

In reply to Aztar (msg # 12):

Trysk starts looking for traps on the entrance and then around f the giant pearl.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 13):

Morteft drops the mic and walks out. "Fine, go on in and check it out."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 13):

Trysk walks up to the opening cautiously, checking out the whole entrance way.  He finds no traps, that he can discover anyway.  He walks thru taking careful steps and makes it thru without incident.  He walks up to the pedestal and begins search around it.
   At this range he can feel the power of the orb.  It seems like it is calling out to him.  He finds no discernible traps anywhere.  Trysk then stands up and starts to stare at the orb.

The rest of the group sees Trysk standing dead still just staring at the orb.

Actions?

--DM2

Assuming aztar is still witnessing this via Morteft...  *quick.. Someone grab him and pull him out.  I don't think it would be good for someone unprepared to touch the orb.*

In reply to Aztar (msg # 16):

Shorty looks carefully at Trysks feet and nothing higher as he rushes into the room, grabs his friend and rushes out.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 17):

Trysk begins to reach slowly for the Orb.  He inches slowly forward when Shorty rushes in and grabs Trysk, running back out of the room as quickly as he can.  Trysk does not struggle strongly; however Trysk continues extending his arms as if still trying to reach the Orb.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 18):

Trysk continues to reach out for the orb and drools.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 19):

Shorty sighs and pulls a large sweat rag from his pocket.  He wipes off the drool and then ties it around his friends eyes so he can't look anymore.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 20):

 I might have Trysk make a save against poison gas.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 21):

Phhttttthhhhtttt!   Shorty don't smell nothin!

Aztar begins to move again and then slowly makes his way over to the door where he looks into the vault room but doesn't enter again.

He turns to look at Trysk, 'Well, this could be interesting... Apparently it seems the orbs want you to take them and if they are sentient it may be extremely hard to release it. Any thoughts on the best way to control the situation?'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 23):

"Aye, combine our abilities via the amulets.  If the orbs be sentient, then is it intelligence that can overcome their allure or something else?  And was Trysk overcome because he could see the orb or because he was closest?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 23):

Aztar is at the Orb room opening but feels no compulsion to take the Orb.

--DM2

'Dualis has informed me that if we merged the orb would be able to attack us both.'

'I'm going to head in and see what happens.  Anyone have any spells that can augment my own strengths and possibly help fortify me against any control,would be appreciated.'

'I have an item that is supposed to protect me from charm and mind enchantments but against an artifact I'm not sure how effective it will be.'

'The one thing I know is that we were warned not to have two doors opens and let the orbs get close to each other.   Do what you must if I seem to loose control once taking the orb.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 26):

"I can bless ye, lad.  But, I don't have any spells that can augment ye, sorry."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 27):

Shorty double checks that his drooling friend is okay then steps forward digging into his marble bag.  He pulls out three gem like stones.  The first is blue.  The second is red and blue and the last is green and pink.  <<OOC:  and no complaining about Shorty's color descriptions.  His human is mostly color blind too>>

Shorty points to the first too.  "Dem makes head hurts lots cause brain works too hard.  Kinda scary dat way.  Udder one makes udder people be not so smart.  Sometimes dem tink Shorty look pretty good.  Dat just dumm.  Trow in air and dem fly round head.  Maybe helps n maybe nots.  But me get marble back when done.  Just like warwick fuzz face give back."

Shorty holds them out.

'I'd think a bless would help a little.'   Altar turns to shorty holding out his hand,'I would love to borrow your marbles and will certainly,return them.'

He studies them trying to fully understand what each of them may do based on shorty's description and if he feels they would be helpful sets them spinning above his head.

Assuming no one has any other aid or suggestions, the alchemist takes a. Deep breath and heads into the room.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 29):

"Certainly, lad.  I only wish I had more I could offer."  Warwick casts bless on Aztar.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 30):

Warwick casts Bless on Aztar after which he sets each stone zipping around his head.  It looks like there are 3 large flies buzzing around him.  He moves forward.

As soon as Aztar enters the room Trysk feels no more compulsion to get the Orb, he relaxes in Shorty's grip.

Aztar appears to move in slow motion as he nears the Orb.  He stops an arms length in front of it and then stares.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 31):

Shorty gently lays Trysk on the ground and sets himself up for another rescue run.   Just in case

After pauseing for what seems an eternity, the alchemist slowly extends an arm, reaching out for the orb, his focus solely on imposing his will on the device and not allowing it to control him.

OOC:  and we'll see how well that goes!

In reply to Aztar (msg # 33):

Aztar reaches slowly for the Orb.  His hand seems to inch forward, painfully slow for some of you.  The rest of the group starts to see Aztar's shape distort as he is a fraction of an inch from the Orb  .. and then at the instant he touches it you see and feel a strong pressure wave emanate from the Orb.  It almost knocks some of you over, all taking a step back except for Warwick and Shorty.  The chest slides a bit backwards.

Aztar holds the Orb out in front of him, the Orb now has a strong white light coming from it and Aztar stares unblinkingly at the Orb.

any Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 34):

"Lad," calls Warwick.  "Ye okay?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 35):

No carry him out wid marble.  Us Promises.  Shorty shakes his head in frustration.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 34):

Trysk continues to drool.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 36):

"If ye think we should, Shorty.  Do ye want to do it or should I?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 38):

Shorty sighs, "me do.   Me might break him hand when knock marble out.  Him nots gonna bees happy.  Den we gots one friend dat leak an one wid broke hand."  Without looking up at the marble Shorty yells out, "be talking reals quick or me comes get.  Me counts to lots den come..... One ..... Two...... Four......"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 39):

You all see Aztar wince a little bit but he still holds the Orb and stares straight at it.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 40):

Shorty looks at Warwick and ask, "him leakin at mouth too?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 41):

Warwick shakes his head.  "I don't see any drool.  Maybe he's still talking to it?"

In reply to Shorty (msg # 41):

Me no got talking marble.  Dat be cool.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 42):

Beads of sweat start to appear on Aztar's face, his face also readens and contorts a bit similar to a face when someone is lifting a heavy weight.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 44):

"i say we give him more time, lad.  Seems like he's fighting with the big marble."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 45):

You then see Aztar beginning to look in some distress.  His body begins to shake in small tremors and then full spasms, legs, body and arms shaking yet he holds onto the orb.  His mouth opens in a silent scream.  You then notice the Orb is quickly glowing brighter, soon you must shade your eyes for the light becomes painful.  Aztar's form begins to disappear as the light intensifies.  Then the Orb erupts in a brilliant flash and your eyes, even if shut, are overwhelmed.  All you see is white.

More to come...

OOC: You may still try to act if you want.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 46):

Shorty acts on instinct keeping his eyes closed as he would when fighting in the dark. Meh rushes forward and attempts to grab his friend around the waist with one arm.  He uses the other hand with the non functional black glove and tries to grab Aztar's arm.  If he can grab the arm, he will attempt to smack Aztar's hand against the pedestal to knock the marble free and then back out of the room as quickly as possible.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 47):

Shorty moves quickly forward in an effort to 'save' his friend.  He does not get very far as he rushes headlong into what feels like a wall but even Shorty knows it is not a wall.

He smashes into the 'wall' with a grunt and rebounds backwards, luckily missing anyone behind him, and falls in a heap on the ground.

He has smashed his nose and forehead (6 pts), he may talk 'funny' for a while.

He stumbles getting up at which point the intense light fades; but the groups eyes will take time to adjust back to normal light.

Actions?

--DM2

As the light fades, Aztar is left standing there, holding the orb in his hands.  His whole body is exhausted and his eyes shows that he is completely worn down by whatever just occurred.

He looks out of the room and sees the group blinded and Shorty laying on the ground.  He pauses a moment and then speaks, his voice clearly showing the exhaustion he's feeling, "Well, that isn't something I'd want to experience ever again.  However, I have managed to assert my will over the artifact and I'm able to free Rigel."

"What happened out here?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 49):

"Just worry for ye," replies Warwick, still hovering in the air.  "We thought we'd lost ye."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 50):

Morteft says, "Good. Let's get out of here."

"Couldn't agree more, Morteft."

Aztar moves to the doorway so that he can see out into the larger room.  Once everyone's eyes have cleared and they can see see, Aztar adds, "Make some space by the door so that I can summon Rigel and he won't crush anyone."

When everyone is clear, Aztar commands the orb to release Rigel and then waits to see if everything works properly.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 52):

Trysk, having somewhat recovered, moves quickly to the side to avoid being squashed.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 53):

"Lad should ye wait until we're out of the maze?"

Aztar almost turns pale and glances up in the darkness above the room, "That would require taking the orb out of the vault which I'm not comfortable with and goes against our agreement regarding freeing Rigel."

"I don't believe we'll have any issues getting him out, but if there are complications, we'll figure it out when we run into them."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 55):

"As ye wish lad," answers Warwick as he flies off to the wall.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 56):

Aztar requests that everyone move to the edges of the room so when Rigel appears no one will get caught under the dragon.  You all move to some section of the wall.  When you are all out of 'harms' way, Aztar gives a slight nod and looks at the Orb.

Suddenly a large bright bluish dragon appears.  Luckily sapphire dragons are not as huge as some of their other cousins and no one is pinned against the wall, although Morteft almost has a tail in his face.  The dragon, Rigel,  faces Aztar.

Actions?

--DM2

Aztar smiles, 'Greetings Rigel.  I am pleased to see you.  I'm sorry for your capture but am glad to say the troll that captured you has ceased to exist.'

'Are you alright?   I'll put this orb back and we'll get out of this place.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 58):

Shorty grins and waves.  "Hiya Ribel drabon.  Me miss boo.  Sorry be talk punny.   Broke be nose I tink."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 58):

"No real harm done."  replies Rigel  "Eventually it would have absorbed me.  Yes, please put it back where you found it."

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 59):

Rigel gives Shorty a a sideways glance, "Greetings Shorty."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 57):

Trysk examines the sapphire dragon, having never seen one before.

Aztar nods, moves back into the vault, pausing only a moment to study the orb for a brief moment, still exhausted from the battle of wills to control it, places it back on the stand and moves out of the room.

'Yes, I understood that because of the time shift it would've absorbed you which is why we got here as quickly as possible'

Aztar turns to the open door and waits to see if it closes automatically or if he has to do something to close it.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 63):

Warwick bows, while hovering in the air.  "I am pleased ye be well.  We greatly feared for ye."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 64):

Rigel also gives Warwick a side-wards glance.  "Yes, appreciated Lord Warwick."

--DM2

In reply to Aztar (msg # 63):

Rigel addresses Aztar.  "I would suggest you put me in figurine form for the journey out of here.  Further, a request, call me forth again once we are outside."

Rigel waits.

--DM2

Aztar seems to be lost in thought for a few moments, nods slowly and holds out his hand, willing Rigel back to his figurine.

once he has the figure in his hand, he literally slumps to the floor, almost completely exhausted.  He pulls out a wine skin and takes several drinks before looking up into the darkness, waiting....

In reply to Aztar (msg # 67):

Shorty looks down and says, "you bees little.  Me ken carry till times to fight gin."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 68):

Warwick flies over to Aztar.  "Ye okay lad?"  He pulls out his own wine skin.  "Try a sip of this.  It'll put some hair on yer face, but it should also give ye some energy to make it out of here.  Just a sip, mind ye."

Aztar smiles at his friends concern, though does take Warwick up on his offer of the drink, 'The orb was just quite thorough in determining my worthiness to command it and I've never had something dig through my mind like that.  I hadn't realized how exhausted I was until I finally had Rigel back in my hand.'

He stands back up and leans against a wall, 'thank you for the offer shorty.   I'll be ok until we get out of here and then I believe I may sleep for several days.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 70):

Trysk, wondering what he's gotten himself into, says, "If you're strong enough to move, Aztar, I suggest we depart."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 71):

Shorty looks around.  He then offers, "shorty home be not far once get out dis place.  Birdie n thief n baby keep safe.  Even gots room for Rigel n plenty food for Rigel.  Ken all come."

'Seletos is coming back down now that Rigel is a figurine.  Hopefully he has an easy way for us to depart.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 73)

Aztar calls Rigel back to his figurine and Rigel quickly morphs into a figurine in Aztar's hand.  Almost at that instant the door to the Orbs vault re-materializes and is sealed once again

Shortly there after Seletos reappears thru the black above you.  Again he sits down in a squat position before you.

"I must say that went better then I expected.  I am glad I did not need to incinerate you Aztar.  You wish to exit now?"

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 74):

"Aye, Lord, we'd like to leave.  Although I'd like to thank ye for yer help.  And, if ye ever want some companionship, contact us."

Aztar shrugs slightly, 'I am a man of my word. I was only here for my companion.   Though, I must admit, after going through the challenge to control it, I can see why someone would feel they earned the right to keep it.

'Yes.  We wish to exit.  I am tired and need rest.'

In reply to Aztar (msg # 76):

Seletos regards you all, "It is well then."  Seletos looks at a section of the wall, it fades and you see a 10' wide passage opens before you, there is no end in sight however.
"Follow this passage and you will soon be in the main foyer."

--DM2

Thank you.   I hope we meet again someday.'

Aztar then heads down the passage.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 78):

Shorty follows glad to be leaving the strange place

In reply to Shorty (msg # 79):

Morteft hurries down the corridor. "I am eager to get the hell out of that place."

Star suddenly remembers something and reaches up and removes the marbles floating around his head and holds them out for shorty, 'Thank you my friend.  I believe at least one of them helped me in the vault'

OOC:  Just wanted to make the return of those official!

In reply to Aztar (msg # 81):

Warwick waits for Trysk to leave and then makes sure they've left nothing behind.  Bowing low to Seletos, he floats after the group.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 82):

Trysk hurries out of the area.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 82):

Seletos nods toward Warwick.  "Lord Warwick, do not tarry, your past awaits."

--DM2

In reply to Trysk (msg # 83):

As Trysk and Warwick enter the corridor Seletos says: "Farewell, safe journey, remember, this is not a place for you."

The wall closes behind you and the corridor lies open before you.

--DM2

'Rockjaw?  Do you sense anything we need to be concerned about in the passage?  I'm guessing it's fine, but didn't know if anything seems u usual.'

Assuming the answer is no, or if he can't tell, Aztar simply heads down the hallway assuming the way out is safe.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 86):

Warwick frowns as he floats down the corridor.  "What did Lord Seletos mean when he said that me past awaits?"

In reply to Aztar (msg # 86):

RockJaw replies: "It seems I am not attuned anymore or this corridor is not part of the maze."

Given his reply you all move forward.  The corridor is all white with no defining features.  It takes the group 5 minutes to reach the end of the corridor and they find themselves back in the foyer.  The golem is there, it looks at you and says "Greetings, I hope you enjoyed your visit."

The main door leading out is open.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 88):

"Let's get out of here, lads."

Aztar shrugs as Warwicks question, 'I am not sure. But possibly something related to the time shift.  Bu,t a mystery for another day I think.'

Aztar heads out of the foyer and back into the Main Street, 'remember, we still have a ways to go before we can teleport or use planar magics.  So keep your eyes open for awhile longer.'

The alchemist draws silver and heads down the street, trying to prepare for anything that feels like testing the group.'