In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 446):

Ah, now I see what you were thinking Zuriel.

We can of course lead her down to the barriers, use the knowledge she already has to overcome them, and as need be, use her as magically inclined and motivated determination to overcome them.

That's quite some sinister forethought Zuriel- and the first real sense you've made all morning.

In an unorthodox measure to wake Keef, Maeve crosses to the bed, scoops Chubbs out from under it, and deposits the toad next to his protege hoping that its wholesome influence will be able to rouse Keef from his unconscious state.  She then resumes sentry duty.

Zuriel looks at Giles with disgust. "I don't know if you're being serious or simply trying to nettle me, Giles. Either way I would suggest you either hold your tongue or make yourself useful. I'm willing to put aside our differences until the current quest is resolved, but you're going to have to meet me half way. And I will brook no further harm to our prisoner unless she violates the terms of her surrender.

To the party at large, he says "I would recommend leaving this place. We could use the opportunity to rest and regroup, and heal. We can have this conversation in a more pleasant setting. With tea."

Ignoring Giles' remark about using our captive to break the barriers, Boreas continues.

Easier to show us?  I suppose that makes sense.  Zuriel, do you have any further questions before we take a look at these barriers?  I don't think we should delve into the vault itself just yet, but it could be helpful to assess the situation.  We'll need to gag Cassie once we set off.  A caster with even her voice to work with is dangerous.

Resting up first is probably a good idea.

He looks to Chomper

Chomper, how are you holding up?  We will do our best not to hurt Cassie if we can.

Zuriel nods in agreement with Boreas. "Yes, I think it would be wise to take a look with Cassie."

The paladin walks over to the trap door, opens it, and then moves back over to the bed. He offers his hand to Cassie to help her stand. His eyes return to their normal state, and though tinged with weariness, still shine with their usual earnest kindness.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

Boreas finds a strip of cloth for a makeshift gag, ties it around Cassie's mouth, then unties her feet.

How are you doing, Keef?  I don't want us to separate - could be dangerous.

Giles, could you help to steady Keef? OOC: Or, if he's still unconscious, lift himFor reasons that are beyond me, the boy really looks up to you.  It might do him good to have a friendly face nearby.

As the P.A.R.T.Y makes ready to leave with Cassie in tow, Maeve looks down at their small pile of loot.

We'll also need to decide what to do with these.  Not to mention that staff.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 453):

Cassie allows the paladin to help her to her feet, and stands patiently by while the P.A.R.T.Y. debates its options.  Her pet mills nervously nearby, unsure what to think.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

Zuriel helps the Druid walk over to the trapdoor, mindful of her injuries. She leans heavily on his shoulder as she limps over. He turns back to see which of his party members will be accompanying him below, noting the scene with Keef with particular concern.

Come Keef. There's no need to get rid of the staff, but if you just keep sitting in the corner, you won't get to keep exploring and see what other fun things we can find for you to play with.

There's no more adventure to be had in this room, but down this mysterious trapped door with the wounded villain? Adventure is sure to abound!

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 456):

It's certainly a trap door, Giles, but let us hope it's not also a trapped Door!  Maeve, can you gather Cassie's belongings?  I believe we are moving on.

Maeve dutifully gathers up the pile of loot and makes ready to leave.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 458):

Keef slowly lowers the staff, but doesn't let it go.

Chubbs hops up onto his knee and croaks soothingly, almost in song.

Slowly Keef's breathing becomes less shallow and he relaxes and uncurls.

He refuses Gile's hand to get up, rather, leaning on the Everstaff to stand.

Keef smiles thinly.  Given what you've seen of him, it's clearly not genuine but it appears to be an attempt to overcome... whatever was bothering him.

What else is there in this lair?

In reply to Keef (msg # 459):

Bound and wounded, Cassie slowly leads the P.A.R.T.Y. down into the cellar door.  It's a rather narrow opening at first, no wider than the door's frame, and only one person at a time can make it down the passage.

Five meters down, you find yourself in another hallway -- one that looks much, much older than those above it.  The walls and ground here are hewn of what may well be bedrock, though you don't believe yourselves to be quite that deep into the world's bowels.

Strange runes line the walls at regular intervals, glowing with a faint amber light that provides ample illumination, and the path proceeds as far as the eye can see before curving to the right and out of sight.

Cassie and Chomper wait patiently for the rest of the P.A.R.T.Y. to descend, making no motion to move.

"As you can see, we can only proceed in a line two beings wide.  Where do you want me?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:53, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 460):

Chubbs hops up to Cassie and makes rude croaking noises at Chompers as if calling him out.

I know you could beat him Chubbs, but she might not want someone so dangerous escourting her
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

In reply to Keef (msg # 461):

Cassie pantomimes stepping back from the toad in fear, then winks at Keef with more grace then you'd expect from someone in her condition.

Presently, she finds herself positioned next to the paladin in front, and continues to lead the way through the winding trail that continues to slope downward with every step.

After about half an hour, the trail widens into a larger chamber where everyone can gather comfortably.  The floor is covered with straw here, and the walls adorned with chains and iron collars.  Several troughs line the walls, as well, but there are no animals to be found.

The only other exit from this chamber is an opaque wall of shimmering green light, roughly six meters wide.  Cassie points to it with a weak flourish.

"Ladies and gentlemen, toads and wolves, I give you the Master's barricade.  The Feyic Vaults lay beyond it, but as I made clear before our little misunderstanding... only the Master knows how to get through."

She winces as though aware of her wounds for the first time, then sighs.

"I don't suppose anyone has anything to eat?  I skipped lunch, and you seem to have deemed my raspberries to be a weapon."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:02, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 462):

Keef paces back and forth a few times, then plops down in a corner and cracks open his books.  Chubbs hops back and forth, generally disapproving of everything.

So this is the famous barrier.  How does it function?  Have you ever been down here when the mast opened it?  What did he do, and what have you tried?

Boreas ungags Cassie, leaving her hands still tightly tied.

Chomper, what have you seen here?

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 464):

"He could summon it at will," Cassie replies evenly.  "And dispel it the same way.  A special spell he designed for the process, similar to a force sphere.  I imagine a sufficiently powerful mage could crack it.  Or, of course, the master himself, if you would reconsider my ritual."

Chomper nods his agreement.

[Private to Boreas Highwind: "Yeah, that's the only way I've seen it done, too."]

Zuriel takes some bread and cheese from his pack and offers it to Cassie as she answers Boreas' questions.

"You can never be too careful with raspberries. 'Tis a treacherous fruit.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 466):

Ancient spells and Sylvan curses. How exasperating this adventure is.

I'm used to much more of a snatch and grab approach to my heroism. This is really beginning to drag on.

And I'm getting hungry.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 466):

Keef snaps his book shut and shoves it unceremoniously into his pack.

He siezes up the Everstaff and while Chubbs croaks something that sounds like a trumpet fanfare he gets a running start and charges bodily at the barrier.

Διαλύετε φράγμα ! he cries and strikes the Barrier with the Everstaff.

In reply to Keef (msg # 468):

Promising!

In reply to Giles Thistleworth (msg # 469):

The Everstaff flashes with a vibrant red light as it strikes the baracade, and Keef's eyes flicker the same color for a moment.  A deafening blast accompanies a cacophony of color, and when your vision clears, the barrier is gone.

Keef appears no worse for the wear, nor does anyone else. Cassie eyes the boy up and down for a moment and grins knowingly, then beckons to the others.

"Looks like the Master was no match for your mage.  Come, it's only a mile or so to the first trial."

I don't believe any of us are in any condition for trials just yet.  It may be wise to rest first and regain our strength.  Besides, we would like to talk to you a bit, Cassie.