Chapter 18 One Great Hall Deserves Another
Copyright © 2002 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Game Master [2002-08-01 01:12:04]
Subject: Oh My...
Tension weighs heavy in this room. Eyes studying everything, every move; every breath taken in is measured and counted, each person standing at the ready for the unknown, waiting to bring down anything is thrown in their path. As the three tubes fill with their colored liquid and as that liquid is but a few moments from reaching the top of the tubes and the gems that have been placed there, Ssrivan strolls up to the console, snatching the three stones floating from in front of him as he makes his way, around the silver boxes, and to a point where different colored lights of the console can be seen reflecting off of his face and robes. Ssrivan pauses for a moment, watching the lights, looking at the stones, watching the lights again. He repeats this for a brief, but agonizing time as the liquid nears its goal. With one of the stones pressed to his lips in a thoughtful stance, a look of enlightenment crosses his face and he immediately places the stones. You watch as his arms move back and forth, like a musician playing some extravagant instrument. His look is confident and when he stops, it is with an air of satisfaction and a curt smile. With his arms crossed he gazes out over the room to watch what comes next.

The lights on the two silver boxes begin to alternate patterns at a fevered pitch. There seems also to be a sound, something like a low-pitched whine that keeps rising in tone. Hrissu playfully matches the tone with his voice as he sits upon his throne, absorbing all the activity around him. The creatures atop the pillars begin to let out a horrid screeching sound as they howl to the ceiling, chins lifted high and necks outstretched.

Deshnah watches intently as the green liquid reaches the stone that he placed in the wall. The stone seems to move a bit, perhaps being pushed out, and as Deshnah makes plans to reach to the stone in an effort to secure it, the stone shifts and appears to be sucked into a secure position. He ducks his head quickly as a sharp sound is heard from above and behind him. As he turns to see where the sound is originating, a blinding white beam of light flashes from the far-east wall, above the doors, and strikes the side of the large object hanging in the middle of the room. The light seems to be reflected throughout the object, and like a huge chandelier, the object begins to illuminate itself from within. After a few short moments three beams of white light shoot out of the object, each one seeking out one of the three placed gems. With this light comes an ear shattering crack that stuns Dlarumei to the ground, though still on her feet, and causes Deshnah to slip off the back of the short pedestal. Shih, while obviously stunned as well, remains firmly planted upon his post and ready for what comes next.

The dust, that had filled at least 1/3 of the air space, is no longer drifting about. It appears to have been pushed or drawn to the sides of the room where it has dissipated or now clings to the wall. Everyone watches as the tubes that filled from the bottom up with a colored liquid, now begin to glow brightly from the top down. Either brilliant Red, Green or Blue light starts to trickle back down the tubes, as the liquid that it engulfs seems to boil.

Once the light reaches the bottom of the tube, the floral pattern in the wall relief begins to have little dancing lightning strikes jump around within the carved pattern. This would explain the burn marks found earlier by those tracing the pattern along the wall. The small lights move out from the center of the pattern and move around the room quickly within the confines of the pattern. Once the pattern is completely engulfed, a process which takes but a few seconds, the dancing lights intensify and start to crackle. This causes many of the slaves and porters, especially those against the wall in the alcove, to start to move forward into the room. Stern glances from Churisan and Neshkriuma cause them to remain, though uncomfortable, where they are.

The pattern begins to glow and the light seems to be shot up into the alcoves arched roofs which casts an even larger arch across the entire room. At that moment some of the party notice the Livyani priest materialize next to Ssrivan. Ssrivan remains calm and unstartled as the Livyani speaks in his ear. You watch as Ssrivan reaches down, while nodding his head, and presses something on the console. With that, the light encompassing the room, up to the three-meter point, turns to a brilliant blue-white and swirls about overhead. Within a very few moments the light brightens to the point where it is painful to look at and you feel awash in mild forms of nausea.

With a flash the light is gone and you feel yourself drop several inches to the floor. Also gone are the creatures, the noise, the odors and the dust. The room is clear and clean. The tile on the floor is vibrant and exquisitely patterned. The large support columns shine with luster and the painted reliefs on the walls are bright and fresh as though newly applied. The tapestry hanging behind the three thrones is once again whole and depicts three humans, arms outstretch to the sky, gazing up at a burning circle above their heads. The room is bright and welcoming, warm with color and to the touch. The tables and chairs are all standing and in fine shape. Each table is covered in a brightly colored cloth, and several stone pitchers and goblets sit in the center of each of the ten tables.

All that you can hear are the footsteps of Ssrivan and the Livyani priest as they walk out from behind the tapestry.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-01 15:56:41]
Subject: NOT in Kansas any more
"There are nexus points that can shift someone backward or forward on the tree of time. Blessed Sarku, I believe that this is what has happened to us! I believe that we have appeared here for some divine purpose. Now would be a wonderful time to see if one of the paths by which we came has likewise been equally restored. If the owners of this room do not immediately kill us, then we must either 1) make our way here in this time, or 2) activate this device again and hope for the best. A friend once traveled back in time two days in service to our God Emperor. He mentioned some concern about not doing anything rash that would spawn a different future. It was all very confusing. Here, if I'm right, is where different languages are spoken and such knowledge as that of creating this room are available. If we can live. Ssrivan, I'm suggesting that we give the Livyani Priest ... well met finally and what IS your name? ... give the Livyani Priest one of the stones so that he can become invisible and verify my theory? Good Livyani priest, what say you about all of this?"

If it's possible to retrieve the colored lenses, I'm going to do so.

From: Urutlen Utu-Tengmai [2002-08-01 19:36:03]
Subject: Whew !!
Urutlen breathes a sigh of relief and starts heading for the stone pitchers & goblets to ease his stress.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-02 08:51:24]
Subject: Hiding is good
"Urutlen, we have provisions of our own. Please do not take that which is not offered until we are in dire need. We just made enough magical noise to awaken the dead. We will not be alone for long. Hrissu, I suggest you now get off that throne."

"Ssrivan, is the third console that had been destroyed now in perfect condition?"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-02 11:20:27]
Subject: progress
"Congratulations learned ones, you seem to have deciphered the mystery of this room. Is anyone injured? Shih, couldn't the magic simply have cleaned and restored the room? Why should we have traveled in time? I hope you are wrong, I have no desire to travel in time, only across the land. Speaking of which, all the fireworks are impressive, but are we any closer to getting to our transportation?"

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-02 12:23:00]
Subject: Great Grandmother of all vacuum cleaners
"Churisan, on behalf of this learned one, what can I say ... it's a gift."

Shih bows in appreciation of Churisan's blinding sarcasm.

"I have actually seen an ancient cleaning device ru'un. The idea that someone could come up with something so extravagant to clean and restore a room is, unfortunately, absurd. If one of the Tlomitlanyal, the Lords of Stability, had an aspect that captured the nobility of being an embattled street sweeper, then perhaps. I'm not as learned about the Tlomitlanyal … does Karakan perhaps have such an aspect?" :)

"My friend, I also dearly hope that I'm wrong about when we are."

OOC: Waiting for others to pipe in on my earlier suggestion.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-02 15:49:02]
Subject: absurdities
Churisan replied to Shih with careful carelessness...
"La, who knew my imagination was so outlandish? It seemed to me this restoration might be part of the arrival of some powerful entity. Or maybe if we were some other folk, all that energy would have affected us more directly? Do not some demons feed on fire or lightning? Ah forgive me, I guess I must be indulging in absurdities..." He called to the guards watching the open entrances to the room. "Ohe, guards, what can you see on the stairways? Has anything changed?"

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-04 20:49:06]
Subject: More toys for the curious
Ssrivan takes careful note of all that transpires during the transformation of the room, noting important points for his notes (a quick snapping of his fingers summons his luscious and dutiful scribe-servant to begin noting details for him while he works). As the third console is now complete, an investigation of that area would be of priceless value, so he will investigate carefully (and remembering the points of destruction, carefully avoid actions which might just trigger it again--repeating history, as it were).

From: Orun Vu'urtesh [2002-08-04 23:31:57]
Subject: Something sure sucks.
Orun smirks and lets out a slight chuckle.

"I can say, noble Shih, that the followers of Karakan seldom employ broom handlers in their legions. But, there are many reports of "street sweepers", though they seem to leave more of a mess than was there to begin with, and they are usually not a welcome sight."

He then lets the crossbow hang from the strap on his side, still loaded, and slowly draws his sword.

From: Game Master [2002-08-04 23:42:24]
Subject: Reports from the edge.
Yamashan, Nebussa and Dhuktemn, the three guards who were sent to the Southeast entrance through which the entire party had entered, report that there is no door in that alcove and that the wall mural seems to be different some how. Khirasha, Lobi an Itlang, the three sent to the entrance that Shih and his entourage used, claim that the same is true in the North-West alcove save for the wall mural of which they have no reference from before the storm.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-05 08:19:49]
Subject: Mumble mumble
As Shih stands in contemplation of all around him, those in the room can hear him mumbling quietly to himself.

"Another time or ... perhaps ... an exact duplicate of the original room in some other location or plane of existence. How to know? So much energy in that nexus point ... could be anyplace or time. The fact that guards are not accosting us is a clue. Hmmmmm."

Shih casts Perception of the Energies (POE) to see what he can see.
From: Deshnah [2002-08-05 09:11:09]
Subject: Appearing from behind the pedestal
Nodding with approval those who watch Desh reappear from his fall, note he appears to be congratulating himself for such a well timed jump from the pedestal already.

He quickly glances around to check the reports of the guards at each door. " We seem to have lost several avenues of escape and potentially gained one new one if we really can return to our own time"

Meanwhile he will examine the phials to see if they show any sign of expiring or emptying.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2002-08-05 10:07:53]
Subject: Reluctantly
Hrissu pouts a little, but finally stretches, then removes himself from the throne. He holds his hand out to Dlarumei.

"If people are coming, it might be better to try to remind them of our dignity and glory than to hide from them like thieves."

From: Dlarumei Ba'ashcha [2002-08-05 13:32:08]
Subject: Light of heart
Dlarumei smiles from behind her ebony mask and with a light sound which caries a touch of amusement she says.

"You make a good point, noble Hrissu, singer of songs," She makes a slight bow in his direction. "And while I am no warrior either, I have been around them long enough to glean from them that honor is also found in the end result, and the achievement of the goal is that which brings glory upon themselves and their gods. I have no stomach for hiding, and I see no place to hide, but if our noble warring assemblage does suggest that we remove ourselves from the openness and seek refuge elsewhere, I will certainly not second guess their learned discussions. As I am sure that you would not either."

She bows a pleasant bow again, with the grace and poise that only a well trained person of her gender could produce, and turns to the rest of the group.

"Noble Hrissu makes for a good argument and I would suggest that we take some sort of action soon to prepare ourselves for what may come. Plans anyone??"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-05 15:01:04]
Subject: moving
Churisan moves around the room, checking on the guards' reports that the two entrances have disappeared. He moves them around, focusing on what are now the remaining entrances into the room, the doors on the west side. He looks curiously at the murals and carvings as he walks.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-05 15:31:40]
Subject: My complements
"Ssrivan, I am most impressed by your abilities. Was it you that determined how the consoles functioned or was it a team effort with the Livyani priest?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2002-08-05 21:36:28]
Subject: Counting
Since Churisan has left the alcove and is bustling around the room, Neshkriuma will busy himself accounting for the guards and porters left in his alcove, ensuring that weapons are available and the remaining few guards are ready for action. Nesh will also take this opportunity to examine the alcove carefully to note any changes since our "passage".

From: Deshnah [2002-08-06 03:32:47]
Subject: Checking the doors
Agreeing with Dlaurmei Desh starts to move across to the still intact four doors in the far end of the hall.

"Rather more decorative than last time I checked them" he commends to the party. " A nice red, and I wonder if these handles are metal and worth keeping?"

Has serious mask soon reappears and Desh gently starts to listen at each door for noises beyond.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2002-08-07 15:21:45]
Subject: What's This!?
After some rummaging around in the back of 'his' alcove, Neshkriuma ushers some of the slaves out of the alcove. They are carrying the inert form of Adzul, priest of Belkhanu, who appears to be dead. They carry him slowly to the area before the thrones. Neshkriuma speaks, in firm and solemn tones: "Come, learned ones, come all, here lies the body of Adzul. He has apparently passed from this existence."

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-08 10:58:50]
Subject: A sign!!!
"At this most auspicious of times for those who worship Sarku, Lord of Death, I see this as a sign. Unless there are objections, I will bless this offering."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-08 12:38:06]
Subject: What??!
Churisan looks appalled, and glares at Shih. "Sacrilege! The Worm Lord's blessing over a Belkhanu priest? This cannot be permitted. If he's dead then let his souls pass to the Isles. Keep the blessings of the tomb to yourself." He looks around to the other priests as he hastens to Adzul's side. "Cha, are you all so quick to find him dead? Is Adzul the only one among us with healing skills?"

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-08 14:43:16]
Subject: I heal ... really
"Churisan, I also have healing skills. And if you let me perform the rights, Adzul will again be a functioning member of our group."

"I respect Adzul's worship of Belkhanu, however misguided. If you insist, I will find some other way to sanctify this moment." :)

From: Orun Vu'urtesh [2002-08-09 01:54:03]
Subject: What's up doc?
Orun takes a few steps over to where Nesh has placed the yellow robed priest of Belkhanu and drops down on one knee to examine Adzul. He notices that there seems to be no signs of damage to the priest's body, no other damage than years of good eating and little exercise. There are the small trickles of blood that are present in his nose, eyes and ears that demark some sort of trauma.

"My encounters with the worshipers of Belkhanu have been limited. Adzul is the first yellow clad priest that I have been this close to for any length of time. Perhaps someone can fill in the gaps, but is it not proper for Priests of Belkhanu to be in touch with demons, or powerful icons and the like? Could something like that have caused his death in this strange place?"

He stands and turns to Shih, "I find Churisan's actions and words to be lan, noble priest of Sarku, and agree with him that there will be no glory to the worm god over Adzul's death today. And if by healing skills you mean the reanimation of his body, I am very sure that Adzul would not desire to be one of the walking dead. And if he were to be brought back to us in that fashion, how could any one of us control his demon guide that comes with him?? If he has one, I would not want to visit with that possibility! No, as Churisan has stated, there will be nothing for Sarku's benefit involving this priest today. Adzul will take his journey to the Isles with the help from HIS god, or on his own, but without the aide from any of the rest of us."

He turns back to Churisan and says,
"While I have no abilities to heal, I have seen many injuries to the head, as this appears to be, and few of those types of injuries have ever been healed with success. But let us bring a healer in to decide."

From: Deshnah [2002-08-09 03:36:07]
Subject: Return to the dust
Desh, dips and kneels on the floor. He holds some dust in his hand and scatters it in four directions in commemoration of the passing of a member of the party.
"May Adzul's spirit fly on the four winds in its travels"

A further dip of his head follows while he stats in quite contemplation for a minute"

Eventually Desh rises from his tribes simple ritual and finishes his study of the four doors. He waits patiently for others to complete their memorials before sharing his observations.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-09 07:24:10]
Subject: No really ... I can heal
Looking down remorsefully at Adzul's body as though to say "what a waste", Shih bows to Desh, Orun and Churisan.

"Since it's the consensus that Adzul should not enjoy life beyond death here, but should pass beyond to the Isles, I acquiesce. While I can reanimate the dead, I also can heal. In fact, I'm reasonably good at it. If those amongst us are injured during our journey, I can help. I do though hope that none of you are too squeamish about worms … "

Shih smiles to let you know that he is kidding. He then approaches Ssrivan and the Livyani priest, motioning Dlarumei over to join them.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-10 14:43:38]
Subject: just checking
Churisan feels for a pulse on Adzul's neck, and holds a knife blade in front of his mouth, looking for the condensation of a breath. He looks at Shih's back, then around at the others standing here and there, and frowns and mutters to himself.

From: Game Master [2002-08-10 22:57:28]
Subject: Check Please.
Adzul is warm to the touch but there is no pulse to be found on any part of his body and nothing in the way of condensation or even a little fog. His eyes seem to be rolled up in his head and somewhat shriveled, like drying fruit, and there is still dark, thick blood slowly oozing from his ears and nose.

Nesh moves over to the porters holding Adzul's possessions and has them lie them down and start to spread them out. It is obvious that he is making preparations for a package that could be sent back to the Adzul's clan house at the party's earliest convenience. But Adzul carried many interesting items.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-13 07:32:00]
Subject: Recriminations
Dlarumei, Ssrivan, Urutlen, the Livyani Priest and I are huddled in a small group having a quiet though heated discussion about the preceeding room and what lies before us. The topic of the day is what did the Livyani Priest know that he didn't share. There's a pause in the discussion as we wait for the Livyani Priest to respond ...

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-14 10:48:48]
Subject: more conversations
Churisan moves to speak quietly to Hrissu, then to Urutlen, then rejoins Neshkriuma.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-15 16:43:12]
Subject: Snippits
Depending on your proximity to the group, everyone hears snippits of the following conversation between Urutlen, Ssrivan, Dlarumei, and the Livyani Priest:

Author: Shih
Subject: Time for a little talk ...
Shih approaches the LP (standing next to Ssrivan) and motions for Dlarumei to join them. Time for a quiet conversation.

"I am Shih hi Nacunya, scion of the ancient Jade Bone clan of Salarvya, mage and Sarku priest of the 4th Circle."

Speaking to Dlarumei and the LP, I ask:

"Who do I have the honor of traveling with?"

Looking to the LP specifically:

"I find it interesting that you had to physically join us to travel through the nexus point. From my perspective, it also begs the question why your presence would have endangered the group. The only thing I can assume is that the demons might have recognized you. Your assistance of Ssrivan also seems to indicate that you have greater knowledge of this place. Perhaps you've been here. I would know when and what stopped you from completing your quest then? Dlarumei, can I assume you were also part of this earlier expedition?"

Author: Ssrivan
Subject: Priests, journeys, and previous travellers
"It is sure that Dlarumei has been near this palce in the past, as she told us that she, as well as others, scouted out the path and left markers/ protections at some key points. Whether she has been here or not is questionable, as I am reasonably sure that the proper operation of the consoles was not fully known--some specifics may have been available to those in Monru, but the whole pattern wasn't known yet. Finding it was part of our task. Note also that this is definitely NOT the console I placed the keys into--these lights are new (he points to the new ones). We travelled in space to reach this point and possibly in time. One of those nicely handled doors should lead us out of here to the next phase of this journey, and unless the library at Monru had more useful nuggets of information buried in it than are known to the majority of us, we are pretty much on our own from here on out."

Ssrivan looks to Dlarumei and the Priest to see if his comments are close to the mark.

"Our friend Adzul was always a bit on the sickly side--this journey taxed him greatly. It is no surprise that the stresses involved in our transport here were too much for him. I wish him well on his journey to the Isles."

"Dlarumei, if you have any additional information to impart on the nature of this place and the next stages of our journey, now would be a good time to indicate as much. The same goes for you, oh noble priest, for we have heretofore had little opportunity to inspect your vast store of knowledge for pertinent details. Thank you for the information you divulged about the console--it was most astute."

Ssrivan waits for the reaction of the others while continuing to observe them, the room, and the consoles.

Author: Dlarumei
Subject: In her defense
Dlarumei looks to Shih, loosens the top tie of her robe and pulls her robe open enough to expose her right shoulder, part of her arm and a goodly portion of cleavage to show Shih that she bears, indeed, many tattoos. They are of extremely high quality, refined and fabulously detailed and intricate. They are not, however, reminiscent of the Livyani demon worshipers markings, thought they are surly Livyani in design, and they are far too ornate to be given to anyone preparing to be a sacrifice to one of their gods. She pulls her robes closed softly and says,

"Noble Shih, most, if not all, of this party have seen me at my morning ritual, which I perform without the aide of robes or coverings of any kind. Therefore, they are all aware of the many tattoos that are a part of my person. I am not Livyani, though I have spent some time there in their lands learning from their various priests and priestesses. And, yes that is where I was adorned with these wondrous markings. There is truth in knowledge and knowledge abounds in various forms through various peoples.

My father sent me with the Livyani priest who travels with us, to study and learn some of the ways of those who invoke demons.

I am a true and obedient follower of my Lord Ksarul, the prince of the blue room, and have enhanced my skills as a priestess of Ksarul by learning from the Livyani. I find no shame in this, and my abilities and understanding have done nothing but benefit me from my time spent with these people. I am a 10th circle priestess of the Lord Ksarul and yet my powers and abilities surpass some of my more learned colleagues.

As noble Ssrivan has mentioned, I have been near this area before, but I can assure you that this IS my first time in this underground area. I knew nothing of what to expect once we found our way underground, and I find it a bit distressing our Livyani aide seems to have been here before and was unable to assists us earlier. The only thing that the elders of Monru are sure of here is the tube car that is located somewhere close to where we are, or were. And now it weighs heavy on us to find its location."

While her tone and demeanor are pleasant but emotionless to Shih and Ssrivan, the look that she must be giving the Livyani priest standing next to her could probably melt stone. As she, with the other two, waits to hear what he has to say.

Author: GM
Subject: LP speaks.
"My noble companions," The Livyani priest starts. "It is obvious that our cultures are different enough to create friction between us. I am not here, oh noble ones, to do anything other than aide and assist with this journey. I am sure that you might find it hard to fathom that a Livyani priest would not have a secret agenda that is designed to create havoc and death for all non- Livyani persons he meets. And perhaps I do have a secret agenda? But that is no less likely than the fact that any one of you could also have a secret agenda. It is obvious that we have all had to put aside our ingrained opinions of each other, their religious beliefs and their origins to be a part of the group.

I know that my being a Livyani priest of the Horned one of Secrets is uncomfortable for many of you and because of our histories it is hard to trust each other. I also know that by not having a name that you can use for me has caused some problems, however, my name has been forgotten for a very long time and is not to be brought back. I am sorry if that is a problem, but as a Livyani priest I don't wish to have a name that others can use against me. By having a name, I become a reference point for spells cast against me or others in my company from those who would see us fail. As a Livyani priest I already stand out like a beacon in the dark for those who would search for me through high magical means. This is one of the reasons why I seek out other forms and, like my last transition, I moved in to a non-corporeal form, dispersing my energies and making it almost impossible for our enemies to locate me.

The other reason for me to take that form was, as noble Shih hi Nacunya of the Domed Tomb clan priest/sorcerer of the 4th circle within the Temple of Sarku and member of the ancient Jade Bone clan of Salarvya has pointed out most astutely, that I have been here before. I was here when the Hluss met their ends. I was hired by them to find this place many years ago, as they were certain that it was not a myth and that it held huge amounts of gems and other valuable items. It was a great treasure hunt for six Hluss trying to advance themselves. None of them escaped the room alive. They did not have enough information to know what they needed to make the room deliver its treasures. Three of them were burned to ash at the console when they, through greed, began pushing buttons in random order. This caused the winged creatures to descend and though the three remaining Hluss fought with great fervor and brought down many of the creatures, they had finally succumb to their beatings and were flown off through the third red door at the end of the great hall, where their agony could be heard for quite some time. I could raise no demon of my own to aide me in the battle; the room has a strange enchantment upon it. So I fought as best I could. Backed into an alcove I was able to limit the creatures from only being able to reach me from two sides, and I was able to keep them at bay. I felt that I could do this forever; if I were never in need sleep, water or food ever.

I also noticed that there was no end to the creatures, that there was always this horde of twenty to thirty creatures. That is when I noticed that they could not be killed. Even the ones that the Hluss had torn asunder into many pieces had reassembled themselves and started the attack anew. Perhaps it has something to do with the city of Sarku above us, or it is an old magic that keeps them alive. Either way, when I started to try to and bring up a bigger demon the incantation almost turned on me instead. I fought on for a short bit longer only to try and find a path to escape and escape I finally did.

That is the reason why I was not seen in the great hall with this party. I feared that if the creatures recognized me, that they would attack me, and the rest of the party, at once. As for my suggestion at the console, I had seen what the Hluss had done wrong and what Ssrivan had figured out. My suggestion was only to validate the choice that Ssrivan had made himself. Besides, I would not have been able to travel with you through the nexus point if I remained without form hence my rapid materialization just before the flash point. I think that now we need to get moving, but if any of you have more questions, I'll be pleased to answer them."

Author: Shih
Subject: Enemies
To the LP:

"Honorable Priest, you speak of enemies. What enemies do we have on this quest? Or, are these perhaps personal enemies? In either case, why would beings of such power seek you out? Is the Hluss queen aware of this expedition? That would be an adversary to be reckoned with!"

From: Deshnah [2002-08-19 02:45:19]
Subject: Still observing the doors
Desh, Continues to spend time following the demize of Adzul looking at the three doors again.

These are more interesting and hold more surprises than they did previously -There a re patterns on the doors.

The patterns on the doors are carvings of three people. One woman and two men, always one of the three has a sphere in hand, though it varies from door to door as to whom is carrying the object.

Does anyone know who these figures could represent?

The northern most door is simple with only a single circle in its center with rays of carved light emanating from around the circle.

To all of the doors, save this last one, there is no sound or feeling coming from behind its closed surface. The last door seem to have the feeling of energies behind it, some sort of power there that Desh can slightly hear and defiantly feel.

As yet I have not touched the doors for fear of alerting what lies beyond...

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-19 07:04:54]
Subject: Doors and Musings
"It is actually an interesting pattern on those doors Desh--I would suspect that each of the three leads to a destination room much like the room we left--and that it is probably one of them. That leads me to the thought of where the other two might go. The spheres they carry are known as well--we are on the road to seek one of them, the Emerald, we have seen the fragments of the Azure in Monru, and were told of the probable existence of the Crimson while we were there as well. If these depictions are correct, we now know that all three spheres are of approximately the same size (OOC: about the size of a bowling ball, as described in Chapter 6). Since Monru had the Azure sphere, I suspect that one of the termini is there, while the third may be our destination. Is there any color to the spheres in the depictions?

This also provides a major clue as to the probable location of the Crimson sphere as well--somewhere in the depths below Sarku City.

As to the last door--it is a place of power, and as such may control the operation of the entire system. It may also be exactly where we want to go if we are intending to use the Tubeways--note the rays going in all directions.

Two choices as to direction await us, and it is possible that one of them--the three doors, is only a one-way path to bring people here, or even more so, a place to allow them to rest while waiting for their transport to arrive, a thought strengthened by the presence of this feast hall we are in right now. As we came from the domain of the Crimson sphere, I suspect that those would be the rooms prepared for us."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-08-19 08:49:00]
Subject: stories on the walls.
Churisan speaks up in response to Ssrivan:

"I'm glad we are getting ready to go. You may wish to look over the murals on the walls of the alcoves and elsewhere. They seem to indicate some history of the spheres. I guess there may be writing there too, but I can't tell.

As to Adzul, I do not think we should leave him here. It seems ignoble to me to discard his remains this way, and not kind to the room and its keepers either. If there is any hope that we will reach the surface again soon, I suggest we bring him and his things with us, at least for a day or two. Subject of course to the approval of Urutlen and noble Hrissu, of course. If we get to the surface we can bury him properly and leave a marker."

From: Orun Vu'urtesh [2002-08-19 18:09:54]
Subject: Warrior ways
Orun has moved into the organizing the guards, slaves and porters, as the others seem to be working on other things. He has set a small guard perimeter around the slaves and porters, which have once again been backed into an alcove (the second one from the east on the south wall) and the other guards have been posted in strategic locations for both early warning and defense. Once finished with these placements he says.

"I agree with Churisan, though I know nothing about the burial rites of Adzul's god, I don't think that we should leave him here. Once we wrap him up, if that is in accordance with his rites and not offensive, then we can have a few slaves bring him with us. Hopefully we can find an appropriate burial place soon, I'm not sure what the scent of the dead will bring our way in this underground area.

And just in case no one else has noticed it yet, the chandelier in the center of this room is alternating color within itself. Green, blue and red colors seem to roll around inside it. Though the light shining through it is golden I can clearly see the others within."


From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2002-08-20 16:52:40]
Subject: Viewing the body.
"La, his skein unwound. Noble Urutlen, I hope you do not find it unseemly that I sing our friend Adzul's part in this. It is ironic that I perform a blessing for him, when I thought that, in the end, our fates would be reversed."

Hrissu quietly keens the Thirteenth Shorter Dirge for the Departure of the Soul through the Gates of Paradise. His voice reminds you of another voice singing a song just like this one. An unerring copy of Adzul's voice, singing his own dirge.

"Goodbye, friend."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-20 20:04:07]
Subject: Jumping Beans
Ssrivan jumps back from one of the trees on the wall with a loud exclamation, shakes his hand a bit, and grins mischeviously.

"Beware the symbols in the mural, they bite with sorcerous energy."

He continues his examinations from an appropriate distance, going to the apparent beginning of the mural and looking for a design thread that might indicate the beginning of the sequence.

(This is going to hurt)

From: Urutlen Utu-Tengmai [2002-08-20 22:04:39]
Subject: Listen to the Music
"Not at all, Noble Hrissu, your songs are quickly becoming the stuff of legend. I only hope that we are all around to tell our grandchildren about all of this." To the party: "If we have decided to take Adzul's body with us for now, then I suggest that we make the arrangements and find the correct door to get under way."

From: Deshnah [2002-08-21 02:44:23]
Subject: Clues about the doors?
Ssrivan you seem to have started to discover information in the murals - I can discern no hint of colour or variation in the spheres show carved on the doors.
The only variation is which of the three people hols the sphere - are you able to add clues from your murals to understand the carvings on the doors?

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-21 06:54:03]
Subject: Spheres and doors
"Desh, the door with the woman is the one for the Emerald Sphere, as she is its carrier. The men carry the Azure and Crimson spheres, at least in all of the depictions I've seen so far--though my data on the Crimson Sphere is sketchy at best, as the only image we have of it so far is on one of those doors, and the fact that I know the other man is carrying the Azure Sphere."

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-21 18:22:10]
Subject: Thinking out loud ...
"Here is a sphere that can offer ultimate protection to anyone controlling it. Why did it fall out of use? Was it somehow stolen? If this is the path to it, then stolen doesn't make sense … unless it was stolen by the adversaries of the people in the mural and the knowledge to activate it could not be obtained. Then it might have been hidden away to prevent it from being used. Still, with the apparent link to the other two spheres, stolen doesn't feel right.

"It WAS hidden away. It wasn't lost because someone went to a great deal of trouble to create this passage to it. Why was it hidden? Hmmmmm."

"She Who Must Not Be Named is known for providing vast rewards for anyone serving her. Perhaps the device, in addition to providing some kind of a shield, also has terrible properties. What is the price for the protection offered by the sphere?"

Shih surreptitiously watches the LP and Dlarumei for any reaction to his conjectures.

To the LP:

"What is this thing we seek and is it for good or ill?"

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-21 21:44:40]
Subject: Emerald Mindsets
"Maybe the device required a certain type of person to use it to proper effect, and there wasn't anyone available who could do so at the time they hid it away.

It is also possible that they used it only when they needed it and hid it away in peaceful times for future emergency use, as it was just too powerful for daily protection--you don't burn out an entire field of dna grain to kill a colony of pesky dri ants.

Note also, that though it provided physical peace, that would not necessarily exclude those with thoughts that tended otherwise, and theft is not necessarily in opposition to peaceful behaviour--so defense would be necessary, and active, human defense would possibly be in opposition to the Sphere's own powers. In such an instance, secure storage, such as this, makes a great deal of sense."

From: Game Master [2002-08-26 18:09:07]
Subject: The LP Speaks
"As it appears that everyone can hear me in this conversation, I will speak louder to make no mistakes." Says the Liviani Priest in good humor. " I have no liking for the Hluss, though they are as useful in certain endeavors as any other race, I suppose. If you know how to manipulate them properly. To make a long and very convoluted story shorter, suffice it to say that the Hluss Queen, my temple discovered, was seeking a particular item that would aide her in the eradication of man. Or so she thought. She tried to be deceptive by claiming that this was a mere excursion to locate valuable gems and that she knew of a mysterious location of gems piled high, just ripe for the picking. But the reality was that though it was part fable and part ancient history she had discovered several talismans, which brought her to several conclusion as to where she might locate this one item.

I was never able to find out with certainty what the item actually was, as after several failed attempts, including the one that I was a part of, she abandoned the search and turned her attentions to other, more pressing, issues. I do speculate, however, that the item she wanted had to be one of these three spheres. They are fabled to have incredible powers over man and machine. So when my temple learned that a group of Hluss drones and solders had been sent out to search in this region, it became evident to us that we would need to learn as much as possible about this venture.

I traveled with them for several months without them knowing that I was present in every thing they did. After sending back countless reports to my temple they felt that, perhaps we could assist the Hluss and gain greater knowledge about their true goals. I believe that the first contact we sent to the hive was eaten at some festival and so a larger, stronger contingent was sent and somehow an agreement was made. This allowed me to join the little excursion that I had been following in a more official capacity. It was still a rather unpleasant affair and not one that I would like to repeat. We ventured to the room we were in prior to this one through different paths and the result was, as I described earlier, rather bad.

As to those who would stop us or interfere with our journey. Well, we have seen that the worshipers of the flame god and those that reek of cinnamon are interested in us and our little trip, as well as, a host of others who would like to get their hands on this Emerald Sphere of Sighs. Of course, being Livyani in these lands also produces a number of enemies as well, especially with that last war not really all that far in our past. And, of course, there is the Hluss Queen, who blames me for her expeditions failure, especially since I survived when the others did not, and because we are "obviously a weaker species" than her people, there is no way one of us could survive when her solders were slain. All of this just brings me to the conclusion that it is far better to be cautious where this group is concerned so that I do not draw too much attention to what we do.

I would love to go on with these stories some other time perhaps, as for now I believe that we might wish to continue on before whomever or whatever keeps this place returns." With that the Livyani Priest bows deeply to Shih, Ssrivan and Dlarumei, who are standing closest to him, and waits for his dismissal


From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-26 20:11:28]
Subject: Symbols and loose ends ...
If it already hasn't been done, I'm going to retrieve the red, green and blue crystals.

To the LP:

"I appreciate candor as well as subtlety in its place. Your altruism on behalf of mankind is laudible! Because I've had dealings with the Hluss myself, I have some appreciation for their qualities and perspectives. I would not choose them as companions either."

"While we each are individuals with our own motivations and loyalties, in this place, we must depend on each other to succeed. You could have made our journey through that last room a rather simple exercise. Instead, you chose to let all of us muddle through. And, if by some fortune we were all killed, well then, you would be able to bring word of the calamity to our clans and temples. Clearly a priority for you. Of course, you would have the three crystals and the missing pieces of the puzzle: the only keys to pass through the energy barriers."

"The only reason you chose to appear is that you couldn't take the risk that Ssrivan would figure out how to invoke the nexus point leaving you inconveniently behind. No, not acceptable at all."

"As someone discorporeal, you can pass through walls. You can safely scout ahead to smooth our way. What say you?"

If the LP blinks wrong, I'm going to bring all my skills to bear to render him harmless. My first spell will either be Translocation or Hands of Kra (if I can position it to not kill anyone else).

From: Game Master [2002-08-27 12:51:01]
Subject: Saggy bums?
"Noble Shih hi Nacunya," the Livyani Priest starts. "Your fears over me, though misguided, are perfectly understandable and I take no offence to your words or posturing. But, I truly am just as much a part of this journey as the rest of you, and am employed as all of you, though I have a much greater stake in all this than the rest of you do.

Darmkula Ba'ashcha one of the High Elders of the Clan of the Azure Gems and one of the eight elders of Monru is a man that I own a life debt to. I do not have the time to go into great detail over this issue but it is an allegiance that I take very seriously.

As a Livyani Priest, I may represent many things to you, but one thing that I am above all else is loyal to my words and vows. I am not allowed by my order to break vows made, nor will my life debt allow me any other course of action than to see to it that this party and the Emerald Sphere of Sighs makes it back to Monru alive and well. I am here for my abilities as all of you are and for the knowledge that I posses in certain areas of this journey.

I truly regret that I gave you any perceptions about the last room that create poor feelings about my intent. I remained in a non-corporeal form in that room as a safety measure. I felt that if I were recognized by the creatures in the ceiling as a previous defiler of their temple, that I would bring down their vengeance on all of you. My knowledge about this room was its location and how to get inside, once within its walls, I was much a novice as the rest of you. I am the reason why Kunur and Dlarumei had the tokens that they needed to pass through the stonewalls to begin with. Kunur had obviously passed his token to you as his replacement. My only additional assistance would come in the form of not allowing you to make the same, deadly, mistakes that the Hluss made. If any of you had approached those life-threatening actions then I would have certainly intervened.

You are right when you accuse me of appearing at the last minute in solid form so that I would not be left behind when the nexus point opened. But there is no other dark reasoning behind my actions.

As to your request for me to act as a non-corporeal scout, I would be pleased to assist this noble assemblage in any fashion requested of me. If it is within my abilities I will not falter in any request. However, Shih, unlike you, I am not a leader in this, only a minion to serve where I am requested. Being Livyani affords me no other roll with this party, just as it does not allow me within the walls of Monru. I know my place and shall remain as instrument for all of you. You must only ask and I shall remain honest and forthright with any of you in my answers. More than this, I know not how to offer, and I hope for you all, that I may be of service."

The Priest takes a long, low bow, filled with genuine respect and humility.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-27 14:37:08]
Subject: Bums
"Noble Livyani Priest, by your words I judge you to be an honorable man. Understanding the role that you play in our effort and your true purpose though is as elusive as shards of the Egg of the World. Yet, I must believe in the bond that we share to complete this quest. Your actions will speak for you. If I've wronged you, I apologize."

"I would ask that all with the ability to perceive extraplaner energy look upon the symbols on the walls. These are not just ordinary symbols wondrously hidden within the artwork. As you've heard, they do possess magical properties. In this one alcove that I'm standing in for instance (north side third one from the right) I can now clearly see all the symbols on this segment of wall. I can see also that if I were to pull these symbols straight down to rest on the lip of the bench seat circling the alcove, that they would form small work type groupings of two to four letters or symbols. I can only recognize these writings in-so-much-as they are symbols of the ancients, however, not a single symbol is recognizable."

Looking to Dlarumei and the LP:

"Can either of you understand this writing?"

From: Deshnah [2002-08-28 05:14:02]
Subject: Doors can be so interesting
Friends, Although I have noticed nothing new from studying these doors further - all hold images relating to Spheres in some way.

I have noticed something about what may be beyond the 4th door (the Northerly one). There seems to be someone or something behind it as I can now hear breathing.

With that Deshnah moves back away from the door towards one of the alcoves - no point getting in the way of the archers!

D
From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-28 10:34:49]
Subject: Tubeway station???
To Deshnah:

"You hear breathing behind a thick door? To do that, either your hearing is exceptional, the thing on the other side is very large, or you may have found a tubeway station. The tubeway cars make a whooshing sound when they move through the station. In the tubeways themselves, there is no air."

As I've been in tubeway stations before, I move over next to the door in question and listen. I make every effort to not stand in the archer's line of fire with anything other than my head. :)

"By the way everyone, the crystals that enabled us to get into this room along with the stones that allowed us to pass through the illusory walls did not transfer with us. I'm not sure how anyone will be able to get back to that original room."

From: Deshnah [2002-08-29 02:25:40]
Subject: or possibly not so thick?
Shih - " it may be that the door is not as thick as you imagine" Says Desh from the comfort of the alcove.

Desh points to the Northerly door as he says this.

From: Urutlen Utu-Tengmai [2002-08-29 06:42:31]
Subject: Help Mr. Wizard...........
Urutlen, wanting to give Adzul at least a reasonable send off, can be seen standing over him. He is chanting some words that most cannot understand. (Urutlen doesn't totally understand half of them) He takes three of the teeth from Adzul's bag, puts one in Adzul's mouth, one on his chest, and one in his hand and binds the hand closed. Urutlen then takes some of the herbs and sprinkles them on and around Adzul's body. Urutlen then bows and those close enough to hear him, hear him mutter "I wish there were an appropriate priest about, go in peace." He then stands and says "this is not a proper place to leave Adzul. He needs to be wrapped up and taken with us, at very least until we can find a better place..." His voice sort of trails off at the end.
Urutlen then begins looking at the walls/doors to see if he can figure any of the carvings out.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-29 06:44:49]
Subject: Tubeway Station Doors?
Ssrivan interrupts his study of the writing in the murals long enough to see what Desh seems to be worried about. He looks at the door he identified earlier as the probable Tubeway station door--what interesting changes do we have there now? If it appears to be nothing important, he will return to his studies.

From: Orun Vu'urtesh [2002-08-29 13:46:44]
Subject: Adzul's end
Orun sensing Urutlen's end to his small farewell, instructs several slaves to bring cloth and bind Adzul in the fashion that Urutlen demands. He is then to be carried with as much dignity and respect as can be used in the present situation, until an adequate resting place can be found for him.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-29 14:51:00]
Subject: Waste
Shih occasionally glances whimsically over at the proceedings associated with Adzul. Most of you feel reasonably certain that were Adzul and Shih the only ones traveling together, that they would be continuing their journey together at this very moment. Certainly, Adzul would be no more or less talkative than he is now. =)

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2002-08-29 16:09:35]
Subject: Frustration
Almodhim is feeling a bit frustrated, as usual. She decides to look around on her own, seeing how nobody in the group is in a particular hurry to leave. She glances around, determining which way to go....

From: Dlarumei Ba'ashcha [2002-08-30 13:11:23]
Subject: Humm. let's see now
Dlarumei, seeing that there is some discussion over some of Adzul's belongings, walks over to where Neshkriuma, Churisan and Urutlen are standing and where Urutlen stands holding three crystal vials of colored liquid. If allowed, she will examine the vials herself and then offers up these comments.

"This light blue colored vial is one that I recognize. Its purpose is simple. You throw it at something and when the crystal shatters against an object it erupts into flash and flame. It is quite devastating for whatever lies in its path. The small red flakes that you can see floating around in the liquid are the igniters and the amount of them that are present in the liquid is what determines its power. By the size of this vial and the amount of flakes within, I would say that it would be a medium explosion meant for a smaller target or for indoor use. Some of these that I have witnessed can destroy entire dwellings.

As to the purple colored vial, it is quite possible that it is an acid of some sort, though I think that Ssrivan would know more about this vial than I would. And for this dark blue one, I have no idea what its purpose is and could not even hazard a guess."

With that she turns towards Ssrivan and motions for him to come and examine the vials.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-30 14:50:46]
Subject: You can relax
Turning to Orun and the archers:

"You can relax, though remain vigilant. This door has a one-way enchantment that prevents anyone or anything from entering from the other side. That's its only enchantment. The other three doors are amazingly magical."

To Dlarumei and the LP:

"Given your proficiency, I'm hoping that you have sufficient knowledge to determine what's on the other side of a nexus point without actually going through it. I have read that those of sufficient knowledge and experience can do this."

"Kurnur indicated that the next phase of our journey was by tubeway. While these three magical doors might be easy methods of transport to our destination, they smell like traps."

To GM: Do I have any additional information?
From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-08-30 18:30:42]
Subject: Vials and other fun stuff
Ssrivan moves over to the group and looks at the proferred vials. He sniffs carefully of the air over each of them, brightens visibly, and grins while carefully returning them to their wrappings. He holds each up shortly before stowing it away.

"This purple fluid is, in truth, a potent acid. You would not be pleased with the results if you got any of it on you--and you would be sure you had found your way into the hottest of Vimuhla's fires as it burned its way through. The other is most probably an antidote to neutralize it, though that cannot be guaranteed without some careful tests. These are usually used together with a stone funnel to remove the workings of recalcitrant locks."

He looks down at the body of Adzul and reaches out slowly to raise something from the still chest.

"This is the final part of this puzzle, it would be necessary if we are to use the others effectively."

He holds a small object somewhat like a tooth, and places it into the wrappings with the vials.

"If you don't mind, I'll keep these safe, returning them to Adzul's clan if no circumstances arise that might require their use during our journey. It is thus that he may continue to contribute to the success of our task, even as he makes his journey to the Isles."

Ssrivan then looks around the circle to see if their is any dissent or protest.

From: Urutlen Utu-Tengmai [2002-08-30 19:42:44]
Subject: Ignorance is not always bliss...
(To Churisan and Nesh) "I, unfortunately, know nothing of the mapstones or the vials. That is not my level of expertise."
(To Ssrivan) "I hope you have not somehow defiled my meager ritutal, but if these things can help our quest, I'm all for it."

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-08-31 00:29:50]
Subject: Whooooosh
"From the sound, I believe that this is a tubeway that I hear. The breathing sounds are tubeway cars passing through to their destinations or some other ancient device to move air so that we can breath. Before we scout ahead through this door though, I believe that it's in our best interest to try to understand the symbols on the walls and what's behind the other doors."

To the fighters:

"Honorable warriors, I know that you chafe at the slow pace, but please consider the mortal danger of taking the wrong course. Had we misjudged in the preceeding room, we'd have been charred bone and ash. From here, taking the wrong door might send us onto the plane of a greater demon or to the bottom of an ocean. It's best to be cautious. I suspect that all too soon, you'll have an opportunity to ply your trade."

To Dlarumei and the LP:

"What say you about the writing and the doors?"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-02 12:40:19]
Subject: Adzul's items
Churisan gestures to a cloth spread on the floor in front of him. A torch-bearer stands close by. "Colleagues, here are Adzul's items. Dlarumei and Ssrivan have identified the vials and their contents, and this compass is familiar to me. Can any of you read mapstones? There are several here. The remaining items appear to be mundane, but perhaps one of you could check for sorcerous power? And does anyone know what the symbols on the slate are?" On the cloth before him are these items:
--A (surprisingly?) heavy case that contains 5 map stones of the area surrounding the mountains east and north of Sarku city.
--Several small tools used in taking bearings and a gourd filled with oil and a small stone placed on a cork so keep it floating in the oil. There are several markings around the lip of the gourd that you notice once you remove its lid.
--There are letters of introduction and letters of passage for his traveling
--A ring with a large red gem
--An interestingly designed necklace that was around his neck.
--A small bag of teeth and herbs
--Several other small bags with snacks of dried meats and fruits
--A staff
--A small slate with symbols and hash marks that follow each symbol. Some with III and some with IIIIII

{ooc: hmm, I thought I sent this already, but I don't see it in the public posts. Apologies for possible redundancy}

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-02 12:46:38]
Subject: puzzle part
Churisan nodded to Ssrivan: "It sounds like you are best prepared to use the acid. What is the tooth for?"
[after Ssrivan's response]
"If this other vial is a thing of flame, perhaps Almodhim should carry it. She appears to be vaguely familiar with thrown weapons as well..." He grinned slightly.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-03 08:25:02]
Subject: High cartography
"Have you picked up the map stones? While there are very few adept at the art of high cartography today, a friend in Jakalla has such knowledge. He has a very extensive collection. His most valuable piece is a stone created by the ancients. He told me that while current stones require extensive knowledge to understand their meaning, such stones created by the ancients required no such knowledge. They transferred their information directly into the mind of anyone holding them."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-03 18:48:09]
Subject: a surprise from Adzul
"I might have felt something when I touched the stones, but I only handled them briefly. I do not care to have things shoved into my mind." While Churisan spoke, he fiddled with the case that had held the stones. "Ah! Here is something the learned scholars had best examine. There is a set of shiny metal rods hidden under a false bottom. They look like they might fit together." He reached for one, but then pulled back his hand. "Perhaps a sorcerer should investigate these..."

He put the case down on the cloth. It is sturdy wood, carved with small patterns. Lying in the bottom are 6 metal rods, they have silvery mirror finish. They end in threads and sockets, except for one that has a needle-sharp point at one end and a socket at the other, and another with a blunt end and a threaded end.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-09-03 19:28:15]
Subject: Answers on Teeth
"The tooth isn't really such, Churisan, it is a funnel to get the acid to the exact point I want it to perform its work at. It has to be of a material thet doesn't react with the acid, or it becomes a danger to the user, as well as to the material surrounding the work area, as it could break and drop acid where the user was not intending it to be."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-09-03 19:30:33]
Subject: Stowing the acids away
Ssrivan will then carefully place the vials of acid (in their wrappings with the tooth) into one of the packs carried by his porters (the one where he keeps his useful tools).

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-03 21:26:56]
Subject: Stoned
Shih still has POE running and looks at the stones and hollow pointy fragmented tube (hmmm ... would acid go into this?). He then carefully picks up each high cartography stone to learn what he may. If the stones somehow fit together, he will endeavor to understand how and make it so.

From: Deshnah [2002-09-04 03:21:09]
Subject: Looking at the items
Desh also decides there may be something of interest or use in the belongings now laid out before him.
He carefully takes a close look at each including the map stones.
D

From: Deshnah [2002-09-05 04:49:22]
Subject: Losing interest in the pile of items...
Desh, wanders back to the door. " Whilst you might not all understand or appreciate the skills and magic talent it takes to listen through such a thick door - I still think it rude to leave a person outside the door - does any one object if we open it?

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-05 05:28:18]
Subject: 4th door
Assuming that Deshnah is now standing by the northernmost door ...

"Again Deshnah, I'm suggesting that we wait to hear all that we may about the writing on the walls and from anyone who might be able to discern the destinations of the three magical doors." Shih points to the three doors with sphere-in-hand designs.

"While I hope that I'm right about the 4th door going to the tubeway, I could be wrong. Before we open any doors, I'd hope that we'd arrange ourselves to properly greet anything coming through in an appropriate manner."

I'm still waiting on feedback from Dlarumei, the LP, or anyone who can shed light on what's here.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-05 13:19:11]
Subject: manners
Churisan smiled in response to Deshnah. "La, shaman, if they have not the manners to clap or knock on our door, why should we admit them? Perhaps you walk into each other's huts wherever you come from, but civilized people don't enter a place unannounced."

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-05 15:45:02]
Subject: Laughter
Hearing Churisan's comment, Shih laughs out loud at the absurdity of the expectation of civilized behavior in the tsuru'um where rules and the Concordat do not apply.

"Churisan, just curious ... do your slaves proclaim your passage whereever you go in the tsuru'um? I have not traveled with you before so am not familiar with the manner of it. If this is the case, you either live a blessed life or you are as mighty as Hagarr of Paranta. Deshnah, Churisan jests with you. Civilized behavior and courtesy in the tsuru'um are quite likely to get you killed."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2002-09-05 16:53:09]
Subject: Appropriate Greetings
(Obviously dismissing the perusal of Adzul's formerly cherished posessions):
"I agree with you, Churisan, that we should not rashly open this door or that. Let us align ourselves, the guards, the slaves, and our magical energies to 'properly greet' who-or-what ever awaits on the other side"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-05 18:47:45]
Subject: preparations
Churisan nodded to Neshkriuma. "I think Orun has mostly arrayed our little army. He tended to it before the conversation with the Livyani. But perhaps we should attend more closely to the door that breathes." With a quick order he arranged for a couple of additional spearmen and crossbows to guard the door.
"Noble ecclesiarchs, is there more to learn from Adzul's goods? If not, we will store them away while you finish deciding what you have learned from the murals and enscriptions, and how we may best leave."

From: Dlarumei Ba'ashcha [2002-09-06 13:28:54]
Subject: Thoughts
Dlarumei steps back away from the wall where she was engrossed with looking at symbols hidden in the paintings.

"My dear noble ones, while I am able only to understand a very few of these ancient symbols, it is obvious that they hold many answers to a great number of questions. It is also obvious to me that, unless someone can read these words now, that it would take us a life time to come to some understanding of what is written here. I also fear that these symbols are magically endowed, as noble Ssrivan has tested and our new companion Shih has confirmed, and that fact alone would give me great concerns for our attempts to manipulate them in any fashion.

It would appear that these issues, along with the fact that we are already charged with a journey of discovery, dictate that we move on. Unless someone has the power to discern what lay beyond the three figure carved doors with some clarity, then I suggest that we trust our Shaman and his abilities in this case. It seems the most plausible exit at this moment. At least that is what I believe I am hearing from the rest of you."

At this point Dlarumei crosses the room to where the 4th door is to consult with Deshnah about exactly what it is that he has been hearing.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-06 19:42:25]
Subject: Very strange and preparations
"For those interested, the high cartography stones, the metal spear (if that's what it is), and the box containing it are all very worthy of note."

"Though I don't know much about it, every feature including the size, shape, color, texture, line and whorl has a meaning to one knowledgeable in the art of high cartography. That said, these stones are very strange indeed! As I move my hand over them they change color and hue. I've seen the stones in my friend's collection and none of them had this shimmering attribute. It's extremely odd and I must wonder about the place it depicts. I may be wrong, but I'm guessing it's not a place on Tsolyanu. Possibly another plane?"

"The box containing the spear is quite valuable. It is capable of shielding the metal spear pieces within so that a magic user can safely carry it and still employ magic. Looking closely at the box, you will notice that there are some very intricate carvings and patterns, which surround the entire thing. Using Perception of the Energies, you will also notice that there are some similar symbols on the case as can be seen now within the wall art.

The shielding attribute of this box is fortunate as the metal composing the spear is extremely disruptive to magic. It seems though to contain or conduct magic aggressively. I had thought about gently trying to push the smallest trickle of extraplaner energy through it but wasn't sure if I could control the result. Even now with just Perception of the Energies in effect, I suspect that simply touching the metal would kill me. Any magic using creature would be horribly damaged or destroyed were it hit with this spear. It would be my weapon of choice against an everliving wizard or greater demon."

Shih carefully directs his slaves to place the pieces of the spear back in the box and closes it. Shih gives the box to Churisan's slaves for storage along with the map stones.

"Arguably, the spear could just as easily transmit its power into something else, perhaps recharging it. The spear's workmanship is incomparable ... beyond anything I've ever seen or heard of!"

To the LP:

"I still await your analysis of the writing on the walls. Also, I would hear your thoughts on these stones and the spear? While it may have been the private property of Adzul, I suspect they were provided to him in Monru as things necessary for our success."

To expedite matters, after hearing the various responses, Shih takes up position between two of the end archers so that he can invoke Hands of Kra on anything coming through the 4th door (once it's opened) without affecting the party.

From: Deshnah [2002-09-10 02:40:30]
Subject: Bowing low
As Dlarumei approaches Desh bows low as is expected on one of lower rank - much lower - as Deshnah sometimes thinks even the personal slaves are held in higher esteem than he!

He quietly explains to Dlarumei why he is sure it is a human being behind the door, and that the person is in meditation.  Once finished he bows low and smiles as he excuses himself.

He quickly walks over to Churisan and leans towards the man, he then whispers something in his ear - surprisingly for the rooms acoustics only Churisan hears the words.

Desh leans back straight, smiles a knowing smile at Churisan, bows and returns to the door.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-10 14:36:54]
Subject: Heh???
Shih casts his gaze from Deshnah to Dlarumei and finally rests on Churisan, cocking an eyebrow as if to say, "OK what gives?"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-10 16:34:55]
Subject: inscrutable barbarians
Churisan responded to Deshnah only with a non-committal "Mmm" and a slightly perplexed look. He appeared not to have seen Shih's inquiring look.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2002-09-10 17:00:30]
Subject: Getting ready for the road again
Nesh is speaking in low tones and motioning the slaves/bearers involved with Adzul's body and posessions to carefully bundle them for travel, and to be prepared for motion soon.

When the guards are alert and ready for action, Nesh girds himself for battle, if necessary, when the door opens.

"La, let us await the fate for which we have been most carefully chosen. Hopefully Adzul will smooth our path if we take the final turning in the road."

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-10 18:09:28]
Subject: Meditating boojum
"Deshnah or Dlarumei, whichever of you would care to respond, why do you think there's someone meditating on the other side of this door? Is there a hum? Is there a pattern of loud deep breathing that you recognize? If it's a hum, then I have some concerns that I've already expressed about ru'un. Such ancient devices can react faster than any human to cause terrific damage!"

From: Deshnah [2002-09-11 04:25:05]
Subject: It's all in the ears
The noise behind the door is most definitely human - a person breathing whilst in meditation. Even, regular but unhurried. I know because of my spell of enhanced hearing.

I assume the person on the other side is either unaware of our arrival or is not concerned by it, either way I feel we can safely open the door without dying from a hoard of Ru'un or similar on the other side.

Whether ths individual is friendly however even my hearing can not confirm...

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-11 11:37:24]
Subject: Shudder!!!
Shih involuntarily shudders at the thought of a hoard of ru'un. One is extremely bad. A hoard?! (Visions of whirring treads and multiple blazing turrets!) I suppose it's reluctantly possible. Unghhhhhhh!

From: Game Master [2002-09-11 13:22:08]
Subject: From the LP
The Livyani priest pulls himself out of a trance like state to answer Shih.

"Noble one, trying as best I can, I am unable to discern the meaning of these runes or symbols. It is true, as has been said, that they will form words if dropped down into a line, and I can see repeating patterns which would help us to translate what is written here if we had a solid place to start and some time. But I must, unfortunately, agree with Dlarumei when she said that it would take us a while to learn what we need to learn here. I am sure that these words would unlock several mysteries about what we seek and perhaps even how the world came to be as it is, however, we do not have the luxury of time on our side. Therefore, and regrettably only for the sake of knowledge, I agree with those who say move on, and I also agree that it is the fourth door that is our best bet."

He turns back towards the wall, apparently to gain as much knowledge as possible before the door is opened.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-11 17:53:02]
Subject: What says Ssrivan?
"Master Locksmith, can we open the fourth door now?" asks Churisan.

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2002-09-11 17:57:49]
Subject: shuffling feet...
Almodhim is watching curiously. She is anxious to ask what the group is looking for. Are they hoping to ask the person meditation behind the door how to get out of this tomb? She readies herself to start asking the questions that will get the company up and out.

From: Deshnah [2002-09-12 02:24:49]
Subject: Gently does it
Deshnah, glances swiftly around the room to alert all that he is going to try to open the door, he pauses for a few seconds to allow others to ready themselves.

Then he gently touches the handle of the 4th door. If no reaction he will grip it as hard as necessary to pull the door open, he hovers cat like on his toes and moves back with the door, to allow the opening to be cleared to view by the archers and warriors.
....

From: Urutlen Utu-Tengmai [2002-09-12 06:57:42]
Subject: All Righty Then !!
Urutlen positions himself to get a shot off (or several if need be) arrow is hanging limply on bow string and Urutlen has a glazed, almost trance like look on his face.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-12 15:08:51]
Subject: fools rush in
Chúrisan grimaces when he sees what Deshnah is doing, but says nothing. He just signals to the guards to be ready, and like Urutlen, nocks an arrow.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-12 17:03:52]
Subject: Don't rush in
"So that everyone knows, I may be using the spell Hands of Kra. The effect is like smashing two granite walls together on a target. I'm going to try to limit it's power but, given the fertile nature of this region, may be considerably larger than even above in Sarku City. Fighters, please don't rush forward into the area of effect."

From: Game Master [2002-09-12 17:58:20]
Subject: open says me!
As Deshnah moves towards the door the rest of the party moves away. Backing up to allow Deshnah plenty of room to maneuver, if need be. He has failed to hear the words of those around him, his concentration being great and his focus narrow he stands before the door with outstretched hands.

With bows, swords and spells at the ready, most of the party stands in a semi circle facing the door and Deshnah. The rest have taken up strategic positions in various parts of the room. You can hear Almodhim's breathing increase, as she is obviously ready to pounce on anything that comes through the door. Urutlen's bow is taunt and ready, his eyes fixed and his breathing measured, as is that of Churisan whose eyes focus down the shaft of his nocked arrow. Dlarumei and Shih concentrate on holding called up spells at bay while Orun and Neshkriuma ready weapons and take up stances of strength and defiance. The guards stand at the ready, weapons drawn and muscles tense. Hrissu and Ssrivan stand together next to the closest table and secretly discuss a plan of action while the Livyani priest stands flat up against the wall next to the third door.

The effort Deshnah needed to open the door is minimal and with the slightest touch of his hand, the door slowly swings open. Deshnah half bounds and half flies out of the way and into the first alcove, where he lands gingerly on the table, his weapon being drawn on the way. You can see a slight green light that dissipates quickly as the door opens up to its furthest most point, up against the wall.

What you can see, from where you stand, is a room in the shape of a dome, rough-hewn out of the living rock. You seem to be at an entrance that is off center in the room as your view of the dome room is not symmetrical. You notice the reflection of water on the walls and ceiling of the room and also several doorways leading off into other directions.

From: Shih hi Nacunya [2002-09-12 19:08:37]
Subject: Beware of nshe'
In the taut silence after the door is opened, I'm sure we all listen carefully.

"Where there is water, beware nshe'. It can only be hit with weapons when in solid form."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2002-09-14 19:35:52]
Subject: Taking a look
Churisan steps up to within a couple of paces of the doorway, and looks more fully into the room. If anyone is there or anything moves, he dodges to the side.

From: Urutlen Utu-Tengmai [2002-09-15 07:52:32]
Subject: Two arrows are better than one.
Urutlen moves in with Churisan to his left along side to also get a closer look. He is also ready to spring to the side or fire if need be.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2002-09-15 12:35:05]
Subject: Ssrivan's actions
Ssrivan seems lost in whatever it is he's doing with the items he is storing away in the packs, though once that is finished, he heads back to the wall to continue to study the murals while he has the chance to do so. He is not really paying much attention to the goings-on near the door, though he will stay with the group if/when they really do start to move on. In any case, he is obviously somewhere near the rear--far from anything interesting to those hoping to press on.

From: Deshnah [2002-09-16 02:41:48]
Subject: Nimbly leaping down...
Desh, slips softly off the table with weapon in hand. He prepares to follow the warriors into the room.

D

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2002-09-17 10:02:43]
Subject: brandishing
Almodhim has her sword at the ready and is more than anxious to cleave in half whatever dangers arise!!

From: Dlarumei Ba'ashcha [2002-09-17 17:23:40]
Subject: walk on the wild side

Dlarumei takes a few steps forward trying to peer into the room as well. She follows in closely behind Urutlen, but not so close as to disturb his concentration or get in the way of any shooting that might take place.

From: Orun Vu'urtesh [2002-09-17 17:30:01]
Subject: Floats like a churfly stings like???
Orun moves rather nimble for such a large man as he crosses the floor behind Churisan, Urutlen and Dlarumei. With his sword up, over his head and held with both hands, he places his back up against the wall just on the north side of the open door. It becomes obvious that if there is a retreat the thing that tries to come through the door after Churisan and Urutlen are in the room, is going to get hit hard. He makes a motion with his head and the two pikemen sweep around to just behind him, pikes lowered in a prearranged stance for defense. Orun pulls in a deep breath and readies himself for what comes next.

From: Game Master [2002-09-17 17:45:46]
Subject: Nesh's post
I am moving this post over to the public side to save time. It would be something that all of you would have noticed.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2002-09-16 20:24:23]
Subject: What's Up Now? [Delete]

Nesh is going to make a security scan of the room. After first checking to see that the doorway has no immediate danger coming through it, Nesh will look around the room to see if anything untoward is going on. If Ssrivan is not currently guarded, Nesh will assign one of the guards - sword or spearman - to him for protection.