"One of those who made it in here had some flaw that made them unsuitable to this place.  One of the guardians seems to have torn them to bits for their effrontery at even attempting to enter the place.  I wonder if they were part of the party that left the shards outside or not? "

Srivan will carefully observe the bits strewn about and also look at the rough fountain a bit more closely, though he will carefully avoid touching it as of yet.  Lastly, he will examine the positioning of the chairs to see exactly what their referent points are in relation to what he has observed of the fountain itself.

Sung to the tune of God Save the Queen (classic version) ...

With the assumption that
this fountain at one time held
liquid energy,
Shih's focus is on the vat.
The most likely place that
might still contain some liquid
is the fountain spouts.

Seeing no exits from ...
this room has only one ...
fountain's the key.
Climbing on fountain top,
trace stuff to power'm up,
might send some pieces of himself
into spouts I see.

OOC: The Vogons would be proud!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Mon 17 Nov 2008.

While exits are none, there’s still one that you know of
But if hunches are correct it must be worn like a tight glove
Hidden to those who have no honest clue
Yet still available to beings as… “creative” as you
With finger deep seeking and hopes raised on high
A feeling of moisture is no great surprise
The expression of bliss washing across your weathered face
The fountain still holds the keys to this place
The tiniest of drops your body absorbs
Hope for more well springs your minds eye implores
From one small tributary to the next, advancing right
Your time is well spent in eureka delights
From each small impression from whence energy had flown
Your essence increasing deep down to the bone
A small shard of vessel and some old thread for a wick
You empty each spout of the fountain quite quick
With a half bowl of essence
And a grin from ear to ear
You search for the solutions
To lose the four of you from here
It is obvious that individually the power brings you little hope
But the small shard of joy could some mechanism coax or even jolt
There are few things around you that would accept such an offering
There are three small figures that adorn the fountain spring
And each upon examination reveals a small slot
Perhaps for a coin or a stick or some slop
Your interest again risen
Your intellect peaked
It’s time to get busy
It’s time to get tweaked

Shih informs the others of what he has found.  Since you haven't written descriptions of the three figures, is there nothing distinguishing about them?  It is auspicious that there are three here capable of getting the fluid and three statues.  One must wonder whether that was by design; a final lock to prevent those who are not worthy from passing beyond.

"I am suggesting that we each deposit our fluid at the same time into these three statues."

Ssrivan nods to Shih and also calls his scribe over and rummages in the small pack she carries.

Dlarumei, obviously fatigued and in pain, sits on the bench facing the fountain.  She watches the activities for a few moments and then simply pulls her robes from her shoulders.  Her robes draped on the bench like thick liquid she sits up straight her skin bare and he tattoos dull and dark.  Not the usual sight you are used to with this person. The normal luster and even glow of her body markings seems to have all but faded away.  She calls Shih over to stand behind her. In doing so he notices that the marking in the middle of her lower back is the same as the worn symbol that is still pronounced at the top of the fountain.  Shih helps to bring her robes back up over her back and she pulls them tight against her body as though she is cold.

“The markings matching the fountain script means we are on the right path and that this is one of our trials to prove that we a worthy to find the Emerald Sphere of Sighs.” 

Upon uttering the words of that which you seek Dlarumei’s breath fogs and you feel a chill in the air. You can tell by the look on her face that Dlarumei did not expect that reaction to her words and she seems cautiously pensive at the moment.

"Again we have a puzzle.  Only enough energy remains ... or has been deposited ... to allow one of us to stay alive.  By our nature, if either Dlarumei, Ssrivan, or I touch that liquid, I suspect that we will absorb that energy.  In other words, we would not be able to then re-deposit it into the slots in the statues.  This fountain is the portal.  Dlarumei, that symbol is not the same as what we saw on the moon.  Do you know what it is.  As the one so marked, I must wonder whether we should all stand on the edge of the fountain while you trace that symbol and utter the name of that which we seek."

"Shih, I am sure of one thing--you do not have enough of the essence to do that which you seek to do.  Too little was left here by the ancients and the passage of aeons.  All is not lost however.  I have here two vials of the essence, presciently collected at the places where it still flows, and reserved for the time when they would save us.  There were once three, but the third was exhausted to open the living door.  Dlarumei, once more I offer you one of the vials, as in this place you are also the one of the mark.  It is obvious you belong here, as this figure embodies Patience."

Ssrivan brushes his fingertips over the head of the figure he mentioned and motions his scribe to attend him to ensure she remains within the confines of his being when the transfer engages and moves to another of the figures.

"Shih, if you would stand with your bowl at the third figure there as the embodiment of Strength, we should be able to proceed.  The slots at their tops are for the liquid.  Be sure not to waste it, and be sure that all are filled simultaneously, unless you want to vanish beyond even the the ken of our gods."

Ssrivan then places his arm about his scribe and waits for Dlarumei's response and that of Shih.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Fri 05 Dec 2008.

Certainly the best idea that he's heard, Shih takes the position directed and pours synchronously.

"Since it had a noticable effect, I'm suggesting that Dlarumei utters the name of that which we see as we all pour."

“I am sure Shih,” Dlarumei says.  “As one who follows Sarku you follow the belief that what doesn’t kill you only makes you wait longer for the perfect peace.” She chuckles a rye chuckle at her joke and stands.  Pulling her robes about her and ensuring they fit snug, she moves to her appointed station with the vile that Ssrivan has given her.

“My friends, I think that it is important that you understand that the number three seems to be playing a major role in our little adventure.  I know that Ssrivan has had his theories and conjectures but notice the three figures, the three passageways in the last room we were in, the one of three spheres we seek.  I am not sure how this plays into what will happen next, however, there may only be three of us who make this next journey. Ssrivan, your scribe, one who you have drawn close to over our journey may not be able to travel with us.  If she stands a chance at all she will need to hold onto you as tightly as possible.  She must stand with you as one, breathing the same breath, heart beating the same beat.  If she remains here she will parish for sure.  If she attempts to come with us I can make no guarantees for her surviving our journey either.  For that matter, there are no guarantees for any of us.  We are playing with technologies we know very little about and while I am sure we are in the right place and I am fairly sure that we have struck upon the proper procedure, I am not sure of the outcome.  I do know that we will die if we stay here so either death will come quickly or it will endure for weeks.  I think we should all take a moment to prepare.”

Dlarumei slides her ebony mask over her face, this symbol of the prince of the blue room has been missing from her outfit for some time and it seems odd that she now uses it.  She slows her breathing and begins to concentrate on the task, her arm causing her enough pain that small whimpers can be heard between her mystic words.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Mon 08 Dec 2008.

"If you die, I can likely bring you back for eternity if my powers are restored.  I know that the Worm Lord's gift may not be in keeping with your beliefs.  However, I believe that I could now so tie your intellect to your body that you would literally be restored to full abilities, but without human frailty.  And if not, you would not be significantly diminished."

Seeing her hug Ssrivan more tightly, he tips his head as if to say ... ahh well.  He watches Ssrivan for the signal to pour.

Ssrivan will don the pack that his scribe has carried so faithfully and so long, and wrap his cloak about her tightly, binding her to him as closely as a lover.  With that he will position the vial above the slot, and locking eyes with Dlarumei at her station, he will give the signal to pour.  As the fluid courses down the slot he drops his lips to his scribe's and locks her into a fierce, lover's kiss.

Shih pours at the signal, his thoughts conflicted and a bit cynical.  There was a time when his offer to Ssrivan's scribe would have been more genuinely pious.  Now, having seen and been nearly destroyed by an aspect or incarnation ... what to call it?! ... of Sarku, he viewed it as more a function of power and ability.  He felt somehow violated to his core.

Dlarumei cautiously and steadily pours the silver elixir into the appointed place and mumbles ancient words, long since vanished from the common vernacular.

Merry Christmas to all and a wonderful New Year!!!

There will be a new post from the GM on the Fifth.

Enyoy your loved ones and your life and prepare for things to come.

Uchang

OOC: Fifth ... was this a reference to a date or a quantity of alcoholic beverage? :D
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Sat 17 Jan 2009.

OOC: Adam, he didn't specify the month--or even the year.  I will be patient and wait, as always.  :)

OOC: I actually spoke with Kevin a week ago.  He seemed to still be possessed of his faculties, though he expects to shift faculties next year and is looking forward to the experience.  Life seems to have him a bit preoccupied.  All things in time. :D

Bump

Bump-2

OOC: I'm off to Turkey for two weeks. . .I leave in a couple of hours.

I know you have family there.  Have a safe journey and stay.

OOC: I'm back, now all we need is for Kevin to return from hibernation. . .

He and I talk by phone occasionally.  RL is intruding on us all.  I've written a couple of files out to the Yahoo Tekumel group.  Running in this medium is arduous. I keep hearing the siren's call, but can't consider it until I have my life back in order.

I'll be moving from California to New Orleans soon.  Work that will pay the bills has proven surprisingly elusive.  I've opted for damage control.   Perhaps, I too can get a job with our government.