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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is time to be forceful...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Darel squinted his eyes, trying to identify the runes.

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

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

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