The party steps through the portal and escapes the trap.  Sir Floradine's staff liquid levels empty.  He will need another vial to insert if he is to use the staff again.

The party continues down the hall, which narrows to five feet in width and begins a long descent down stairs hewn into the rock.

At the bottom of the stairs, you enter a long, narrow room with a low, vaulted ceiling.  A row of levers runs down the center of the floor.  Each of the five levers points ahead (north), and each one is a different color.  Starting with the farthest left, you see a red, yellow, green, blue, and purple lever.  A pair of gratings has been set in the floor at each end of the row of levers, and several grilles have been added to the ceiling above them.  In front of the levers, portcullises block two archways [the wavy lines you see].  The remains of two badly charred corpses lie nearby.  From their position, it looks like they fell while running away from the archways.



Beyond the archways and portcullises, you see a much larger and loftier chamber containing a flat topped pyramid surrounded by a stagnant moat.  Sickly flames flicker at the top of the pyramid, emitting a fiery orange glow.  You can catch a whiff of superheated rock.  Stone sluices, now closed, lead from the top of the pyramid to the moat.  Gratings in the floor at each corner of the pyramid look just like the ones next to the levers in the antechamber where you stand.

"This must be what the note I found referred to," Floradine says.  Then, just for good measure, he repeats the note for everyone:

"To unlock the levers, throw the one that rings the gong.
Drain the moat before moving the lava.
The blue lever drains the moat and sounds the horn.
The red and purple levers do not control the lava.
You hear a whistle if the lava drains away.
You hear a bell if the lava flows into the moat.
The lever that rings the bell is next to the green lever.
The lever that rings the gong is at one end of the row.
The purple lever does not ring anything.
The lever that blows the whistle is next to both the lever that rings the bell and the lever that sounds the horn.
The portcullises rise to a drumbeat.
The yellow and green levers do something to the lava."

"Any ideas?" he asks.  "My guess is that the top of the pyramid is filled with lava."

He tries to lift one of the portcullises to see what will happen.

Shae listens to Floradine as he reads out the dead man’s scroll again.  Her brow furrows in its usual fashion when she is in thought, pondering the words, the levers colours and how to get through this new obstacle.

“I think I know how we get past this. See if my thoughts are flawed though,” she says before quickly telling her companions the order in which she thinks the levers should be manipulated (as follows).

1. Red Lever: To ring the gong and unlock other levers
2. Blue Lever: To drain the moat before moving the lava
3. Yellow Lever: To have the lava flow into the moat
4. Green Lever: To drain the Lava away
5. Purple Lever: To open the portcullis’…..hopefully

“Of course, I am willing to do the testing on my solution, whilst you take cover” she says waving her good hand at her companions, “I still have one good hand left to do the pulling!”

She grins as she says the last.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:50, Mon 07 July 2003.

Illborn ponders Shae's idea and says, "Your plan sounds plausible to me.  I think it would be good to try.  But first let me send my crow in to check out the room."  He sends a crow forward and describes anything new that the crow sees.

[Check the site for recent updates (marked "NEW").  Remember to refresh the browser when you go there to get it updated.]

Through the crow's eyes, Illborn confirms that the top level of the stone pyramid is filled with lava.

Everyone steps back as Shae tries the levers.

First, she pulls the red lever.  As she does so, a gong can be heard sounding in the niche below the lever. You hear two audible clicks, but nothing seems to happen.

Then she pulls the blue lever.  You hear two audible clicks and the sound of a horn blowing from the niche below.  The water in the moat begins to drain.  You estimate it will take 4 rounds to completely drain (24 seconds).

You wait patiently but with anticipation.  [Please note that the drain in the moat is open.  Indicate whether you want it open or closed before pulling the yellow lever.]

Shae waits whilst the water drains away, her thoughts obviously still upon the lever puzzle.  After the water has drained away, she flicks the same lever back, closing the mechanism that let the water out.  She then continues with the rest of the levers.

Shae lets the water drain and then pushes the lever back, shutting off the drainage valves.

She then pulls the yellow lever.  You hear the sound of a bell ringing from below.  The sluices open, and lava drains from the interior of the pyramid into the moat where the water had been.

She then flips the purple lever. You hear the sound of a drum banging from the niche below.  Then you hear a click and the portcullises rise, allowing entry into the pyramid room.

With a pleased smile, the druid moves off into the pyramid room, her younger sister still held closely in her arms.

"Its nice to do something right." she comments quietly to herself.

Sir Floradine follows Shae in, but he stands by the portcullises to make sure they don't come crashing down and lock part of the party in and part of the party out.

The party moves back into the room with the levers.  Shae and Shanjalae move into the pyramid room, noting the intense heat.  Sir Floradine hovers near one of the portcullises.

Illborn, staring idly, suddenly gasps as his crow flies over the now emptied top chamber of the pyramid.  You hear a muffled squawk before seeing a stone-like hand, glowing red and dripping lava, reach up and snatch the creature out of the air.  The ruined and melted body of the bird is then flung and falls at Shae's feet.

Then it stands up, a humanoid creature apparently made from lava, standing about six feet high and with glowing eyes.  Small wings stretch out as it stands and stares down at the intruders.  Lava oozes from its skin.  It has a hooked nose, pointed ears, wide eyes and a protruding chin.  It opens its mouth and lets out a deep rumbling sound.  Its fang-like teeth are completely black.  Its eyes glance momentarily at the lava drained from its sleeping place and then focus on Shae, Shanjalae, and Sir Floradine.  It is clearly not happy.


This message was last edited by the GM at 11:55, Tue 08 July 2003.

"I would eat my last words if I could," Shae murmurs as she edges away from the dead crow at her feet, her eyes glancing between the sister in her arms and the lava loving monster.

She tries to edge closer to Floradine obviously hoping that he might protect her should the need arise.

Joseph did not feel so good after the fight with the Orcs and Gan.  Knowing that he probably couldn't stand up in a fight he pulls out his bow and notches an arrow while standing back by the levers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:14, Wed 09 July 2003.

Kallad rushes forward with sword drawn, ordering Shae to take Shanjalae back out of harm's way.  He will hurdle over the moat of lava and strike at the lava creature.

Illborn draws a dagger and goes to the green lever.  "Should I flip the green lever?" he asks aloud to any who will listen.

Floradine follows Kallad's lead and strikes at the creature with his two handed sword.

[Everyone, sorry, my mistake.  I forgot to include the green lever.  However, with the order in which Shae pulled the levers, the green lever wouldn't do anything (and thus I forgot to include it).  When she pulled the green lever, a whistle could be heard from the niche underneath.]

Illborn goes ahead and pulls the green lever again.

Shae moves back to where Joseph stands ready with his bow.  She quickly places Shanjalae beside the ranger, knowing that he will protect her should the need arise.

As she rises to her feet she notices the many wounds that mark Joseph's body. She grimaces in sympathy, before launching into a quick prayer to her totem, begging the spirit-god to heal her companion. [Casts Cure Light on Joseph].

The lava creature holds up one hand to the side and makes unintelligible sounds.  There seems to be a heat ripple, a wave of coalescing superheated air that then turns into a swirling fire and then a round fiery hoop.  Another of the creatures steps through the gated portal, and it closes behind him.  You now face two of the lava creatures.

Kallad swings his sword around.  He hits the first lava creature in the chest.  (10 hp dmg).  When he draws back his sword, it is glowing red from the heat.  Kallad himself is injured by being so close to the heat-intensive creature.  (2 hp dmg).

Sir Floradine swings his two handed sword, hitting the creature at the base of the neck.  (12 hp dmg).  He too is damaged by the heat.  (2 hp dmg).  The creature, angered and deeply wounded, strikes out with its fist, hitting Floradine. Although the impact of the fist is only minor, Floradine's clothes burst into flames.  (1+6=7 hp dmg)  Floradine falls back and must spend the next turn putting out the flames or be burnt.  His sword also glows red from the heat.

Joseph fires an arrow, just missing the creature.

Shae casts a spell, healing Joseph.  (+6 hp).

Illborn pulls the lever.  You hear the whistle in the niche and a click from the top of the pyramid where the first creature stands.

The second lava creature stands still but begins making a strange gurgling sound.

Joseph lets loose another arrow, this time hitting the lava monster.  (5 hp dmg).  The creature grasps at the arrow and falls back over the pyramid and into the molten lava moat.  He seems to dissolve directly into the moat.

Floradine quickly removes any clothing that is on fire or pats down the flames.  Then he will launch himself at the second lava monster with his two handed sword, hoping that his gloves hold back the heat in his sword.

Illborn throws a dagger at the creature.

Shae quickly runs from Joseph to stand near Floradine and Kallad. She quickly glances between the two warriors seemingly trying to make some decision.  Nodding to herself, she launches into yet another prayer, her eyes glowing illuminus gold and she reaches forward to touch Floradine. {Casts Resist Elements: Fire - upon Floradine].
This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Thu 10 July 2003.

Kallad swings his sword at the creature, aiming for the neck.  [Called shot to the neck.]

Joseph really didn't have time to thank Shae for the healing as the creatures before him poised a danger to the entire party.  He was please though to see one of them dissapear as his arrow hit it.  Drawing another arrow he notches it and continues firing.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:05, Mon 14 July 2003.

This message was deleted by the player at 14:34, Thu 17 July 2003.

I'm sure the GM is caught up with real life Joseph, hence the delay. We will just have to prove we have that virtue known as Patience. *g*

Sorry GM for OOC chat in the middle of the game, I'm sure you will be able to delete these posts though. :-)

Sorry everyone.  I had to leave the country suddenly and this is my first chance back to a computer.  I am still out and will not be returning home.  The game will resume on July 22, 2003 when I get back.  Truly sorry about the delays and sorry I couldn't give you advance warning.  See you again Tuesday. :)

Okay, everyone, I'm back...I will post today when I get a chance.

Floradine is busy putting out the fires on himself.

Illborn throws a dagger, but it falls short.

Shae moves to stand beside Floradine and Kallad and begins casting a prayer.

Kallad makes a called shot to the neck of the creature...but just misses.

Shae finishes her spell, and Floradine is enveloped in an aura of protection.

Joseph only manages to get off one shot because Shae, Kallad, and Floradine are partly blocking his way.  However, the shot hits its mark and embeds itself in the lava creature's chest.  (7 hp dmg)

The lava creature belches forth a huge blob of lava, hitting Kallad. (6 hp dmg)  It strikes out with its claws at Floradine but misses.

The flames finally out, Floradine is ready to attack in the next round.

The lava monster is standing in the lava and appears to get energy from the lava it stands in.  (+2 hp).

The heat from the monster is almost unbearable from where Kallad and Floradine stand, but they take no damage from the radiating heat.

Sir Floradine swings his sword at the lava monster.

Joseph moves slightly to his left in an attempt to get a clearer view of the creature before he notches another arrow and fires.

Illborn throws another dagger at the lava creature and then helps Shanjalae move back well out of the range of the creature's attacks.

Shae steps back after casting her spell, "You are protected somewhat from fire and heat now, Ellid," she shouts to the Paladin, "Though I don't suggest you get to close to that lava!"

She then moves within in reach of Kallad her voice raising again in prayer to the Spirits, her good hand faintly glowing the familiar blue of a healing spells as she chants. [Casts Cure Light on Kallad]

Illborn dashes off another dagger...but misses the creature, although he almost hits Kallad in the process.  He moves back to the rear of the room with Shanjalae in tow.

Shae begins saying a prayer to her totem god.

Joseph fires another arrow...and it flies wild, skipping off a wall and flashing with a bit of fire as it sinks into the lava.

Kallad strikes out at the lava creature...and hits it at the shoulder.  (9 hp dmg).

Floradine also swings and hits the creature, landing a massive blow through its middle.  (13 hp dmg).  The creature falls from the lava and crashes to the floor, dissolving into a pool of lava.  The heat in the room dissipates substantially, but Kallad and Floradine have to sheathe their weapons from the heat.  Both their swords have a slightly reddish orange tint of fire.

Shae finishes her spell, and Kallad's body is enveloped in a blue aura as he receives its healing benefits. (+4 hp)
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:26, Thu 24 July 2003.

Floradine thanks Shae for the protection spells, especially with his body aflame.  "Anyone see any way out of here?" he asks, and then he looks up into the top of the pyramid.

Sir Floradine peeks over the top of the square-based pyramid.  Inside, he sees a compartment that has been opened in the floor where the lava previously covered a floor panel.  Apparently, the green lever moved the panel after the lava was drained to reveal the open niche beneath.

In that niche, you see a blood-red orb about the size of a fist.  It is perfectly round and glows from some unknown inner light.  That light pulsates lightly.  You remember again the purpose of your descent into the dormant volcano and the words of Ashe.  Now you have confirmation that the Orb of Athlan, one of the 24 Planarial Artifacts of Allevia, is in the Eye of the World, also known as the Kazangan, which Kallad translates from Allevian as the "Volcano Rock."  Now that the defenses are all down, it will be easy to lift the orb from its resting place in the niche .

Curiosity overcoming him, Illborn joins Floradine at the top of the pyramid and looks down at the orb.  He looks closely at the device holding the orb and asks anyone if they know how to check for traps before removing it.

Floradine says, "I don't think anyone here is an expert at traps.  If we can't see anything, I think we should just try to take it.  If there is any trap, I am best positioned to take the damage."  He politely pulls Illborn aside and lifts the orb from its position.

Sir Floradine leans down to take the orb.  Above it are inscribed in small letters in the niche, "The Three Words of Power Must Be Incanted for Removal."

Floradine tugs at the stone, but it will not budge.

Floradine says, "Ah, I think I remember those words."  Then he says, "Arigalm, Bartigalm, Marigalm."  He tries to remove the orb after finishing with the three words of power.

Shae moves to pick up Shanjalae again, her eyes keeping careful watch around the room as she does so. It's obvious from her cautious movements that she expects further trouble, despite Floradine uttering the same words she would have used to retrieve the Orb.

"I should expect Gillimar to make an appearance soon." she says quietly to herself as she holds her younger sister close.

As Floradine utters the three words of power, the three clasps under the orb lift off and Floradine nearly loses his balance as the orb suddenly comes loose into his grasp.  He turns for all to see.

There do not appear to be any traps or other devices connected to the orb.  However, as the orb is lifted from its place, the entire dormant volcano seems to shudder and shake as though from an earthquake.

Floradine has to jump back off the pyramid as the center suddenly cracks and opens.  Dirt and debris fall from the ceiling around you, and the stone tiles on the walls start to crack.

Then a spray of molten lava erupts from the center of the pyramid, an odd orange and yellow fountain that will soon fill the entire chamber.

"I think it's time we got out of here!" Floradine yells to the others.  He clasps the orb under his arms and leads them out the way they came in.

"You've got that right!" Shae says loudly over the noise of the crumbling pyramid and rumbling of the cavern walls.  "But first Sir Knight, put that artifact in a safe place, like the portable hole, or backpack.  I fear that under your arms is just not safe enough. We cannot affort to lose it."

The druids face is earnest as she gazes at Floradine.