The descent requires two ropes to manage the distance, and six spikes pounded into the rock to secure them.  Recovering the spikes will be difficult, but not impossible.  (DC 5:15 Might task.  Also, could you each please make a roll for the descent, DC 1:3.)

Once the slope eases to the extent that ropes are no longer needed, the way down is still tricky, and your footwear will be need to be emptied of sand and pebbles regularly.

Derrick is over focused on helping others during the climb down to the point that he looses his own footing and slips. Fortunately, he has some experience climbing and he manages to catch himself quickly. His misstep prevents him from rendering any serious assistance to anyone else as they manage the climb down.

Derrick rolled 2 using 1d20.  Climb down DC 0:0. Trained in climbing.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Tue 03 Dec 2019.

The older man looks with concern as Derrick slips, murmuring a quick prayer before he catches himself.  His concern morphs into relief.

"Careful, brother!"

RPoL Dice Roller:

18:38, Today: Agatho rolled 8 using 1d20.  Climbing down into the bowl.

The arkus handles herself well as she clambers down the ropes. She seems to intuit precisely which rocks to brace her feet against, and makes the transit as smoothly as if she's done it a dozen times.

OOC: 21:35, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 19 using 1d20.  Descent Check DC 1:3.

Last among them to descend, Artor strained to remove the lastmost spike but it was stuck fast; he choose not to attempt the others, travelling swiftly down as down toyed with the frayed strands of his wrappings and cloak

7:46, Today: Artor rolled 11 using 1d20.  DC1 Descent.
17:45, Today: Artor rolled 12 using 1d20.  DC5 Might

With a way secured, the group can follow the landscape downward toward the wide, flat area.  There are a few plants here and there among the rocks.  They're largely stunted and oddly shaped.  A few insects follow meandering paths through the air and in the shadows of the rocks.

The descent is largely uneventful, but slow.  The explorers become painfully aware how much help Radwa's vehicle has been in their efforts so far.

As the group travels, Derrick watches for one of strange constructed spires. "We could make for the lake that we saw. That's probably where anyone who lives here would be, but that was at least a full day's journey away. If we see one of those strange structures, they appeared to have plant growth around them as well."

"We will need potable water, certainly, if we're to have a settlement and any kind of agriculture. If there are existing structures we can take advantage of, that will also be a boon." Hoa Sen looks back up at the cliff. "It will be a beastly task to make a proper road out of the bowl. Almost, though, I can see it in my head."

As they descended, the group was able to make out the lay of the land.  The nearest set of spires is about 15 miles away to the north-northwest.  The lake is to the northeast, perhaps 25 miles distant.  The density of green seems to increase the closer you get to the lake, but there is definitely vegetation near the spires as well.

Where the group is walking now, it seems more desert-like and sparse, although many of the plant forms are unfamiliar.

“It will take many hours to reach the lake”, observed Artor, “Certainly afoot”

He fell silent after that, believing his point made

The path to the nearest set of spires is largely flat and uneventful.  The group spots a few lizards and small birds, but most creatures have shied away from the heat.  The plant life seems appropriate for the desert and is generally squat or low-growing.  Only the barest traces of the unusual rocks near the veil are present.  They are few and far between, often obscured in sand or hard pan.

As the group gets closer, their guesses are confirmed, in that there are trees growing near the spires in some density and to a reasonable height.  Some motion can be seen near the outskirts of the trees, but it's difficult to determine what, or if it's just a mirage of the heat.

OOC: That'll take you to about a mile away.

Derrick, who is keeping a sharp eye out, points towards the movement around the trees. "That might be some kind of creature or even the Aix people. We should approach openly so as not to scare them. The trees are a good sign though. They might make for a good place to rest for awhile." If no one stops him, he leads the way towards the trees.

Derrick rolled 17 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Fri 13 Dec 2019.

"I agree we should approach openly. I have certain gifts that should allow me to communicate with the denizens of this place." The kasunda's forehead glistens with sweat. "I recommend we stop outside of the trees and allow them to approach us. It will be harder to traverse any boundaries—literal or metaphorical—if we do not push farther in without permission."

Artor nodded at their suggestions and observations, "I would concur, let us speak to those by the spires and the trees"

He smiled, lightly, "You will forgive if I remain at the back of the party; someone must watch for ambush"

From his prior actions, they would know Artor not to be a coward, though he was sometimes a little odd

13:50, Today: Artor rolled 4 using 1d20.  Geography - Flex Skill.
13:51, Today: Artor rolled 15 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.

A low rise along the way offers a good view of the lay of the land.  What appears to be a path can be seen off to the northeast.  It seems to lead, roughly, between the center lake and the cluster of spires the group is approaching, although it is shrouded within the trees by that point, so the exact route is uncertain.  It may be wide enough to be a road, but it's difficult to say from here.  No such path can be seen anywhere to the east.

From their current position, the group could continue toward the spires or veer off to the right to head toward the road.

Hoa Sen walks along with the others, though most of her attention is directed inward, reviewing the Order of Truth's lessons on contacting unknown civilizations: protocols for language, patterns of gestural semiosis, inferring when taboos might have origins in dangerous numenera... The kasuna keeps pace with the others easily enough, but she's clearly distracted.

Derrick's attention is mostly focused on the hints of movement at the treeline near the spires, but he is keeping a watchful eye over everything as the group moves. He notes the road and points it out to anyone who might have missed it. "Looks like there might be a road over that way. I still think we should investigate the spires first, but roads usually lead somewhere. We could follow it to see where that might be."

Hoa's planning has resulted in some negative consequences for her plodding.  As she takes another step to follow where Derrick is pointing, a trap engages, snaring her lower leg with wicked teeth.

At the mechanical snap of the trap's jaws, Artor spun round, scanning his companions for who had triggered it - and then beyond them for any who lurked in ambush; his glaive was slung quickly off his back, ready to defend them if needed

Hoa Sen snarls when the trap closes; quick as she may be, she is not quicker than the mechanism. "They're...expecting...some kind...of visitors." she hisses through clenched teeth. Most of her effort seems to be going into maintaining her balance to keep the teeth from doing further damage.

Derrick also pulls his weapon out and back ups towards Hoa as he scans their surroundings. He also takes his shield off and stands ready to interpose himself between her and any attacks. "Can you see how to release the trap?"

The trap is a simple clamp, easily seen now that it has been sprung.  It is chained to a heavy stake a few feet away, partially hidden by rocks and dirt.  It will take a bit of muscle to pry it open, but it's a fairly simple task.  The sharpened teeth seem to have an oil or other liquid applied to them.

Hoa Sen carefully pries the trap open and pulls out her leg. The edges of the wound look ugly, but whatever it is doesn't seem to be spreading. "Poisoned." The kasunda grimaces and carefully wipes the few traces of it on her fingers into the dirt. "Spikes seem to have done the worst of the damage."

“Does it itch or burn?”, asked Artor cautiously, “We’re not equipped to amputate if it is poisoned”

"Amputate?" Hoa Sen shakes her head. "It stings more than it should. I feel no other effects. Perhaps I have missed the worst of it. I believe removing the leg, at least without a replacement convenient, would be folly. Please do track my behavior and see if I manifest any changes in personality or behavior. Otherwise, I believe it is enough to simply clean and bind the wound and move on."

Artor nodded solemnly, “I will watch, but if the need comes call upon my blade”

Derrick bends down to examine the wound. "I have bound my share of wounds. Please let me take a look." He waits for permission from Hoa then inspects the injury.

Can I roll for healing on this to inspect and bind the injury?

The older man had been largely quiet on his journey as he pondered their upcoming contact with the Aix, but he is jarred out of his preoccupation by the springing of the trap.

He quietly moves next to Derrick, allowing his younger brother to offer what ministrations he was able before proceeding to offer his own healing abilities.

As he waits, he stretches forth his extraordinary senses to scan Hoa and the wound, attempting to discern not only the damage itself but also the nature and progress of any poison present...

"You're welcome to, but I have had my share of wounds as well, though it may not look it. It is painful, but I do not think it worse than that." Hoa Sen says.

Derrick moves away when Agatho offers his own talents. He knows well that his companion has a healing touch that far exceeds the capacity of practical knowledge.

Agatho senses a physical pain, the remains of piercing and tearing.  There seems to be no fatigue or numbness or burning that might indicate unseen woes.

The older man moves to examine the wound, and gives an empathetic look to Hoa.

"I feel your pain, friend Hoa."

Then he quietly bows his head.

"Sovereign One, aid us now, to your glory, I pray..."

His hands acquire a faintly green glow, and he gently places them upon the wound, and closes his eyes.

And the wounded flesh begins to close... further... further... until the wound is fully healed.

The older man opens his eyes, looking slightly fatigued.

"How do you feel now, friend Hoa?"

RPoL Dice Roller:

20:35, Today: Agatho rolled 8 using 1d20.  DT2 Healing Touch w/Extra Healing Effort.
20:36, Today: Agatho rolled 5 using 1d6+2.  Extra Healing Touch.

Hoa's wounds have completely healed.  Apart from the tears at the cuff of her pants, there is little evidence of the damage.

A few birds take flight several hundred yards away.  Otherwise, the day remains quiet.

“Hmm”, states Artor suspiciously and fades from sight

Artor's stealthy pass toward where the birds took flight reveals a spiny lizard munching on the remains on ill-fated flyer.  When spotted, the lizard itself flees into a small nearby crevice.

More bird calls can be heard in the direction of the trees, but no other sounds catch Artor's attention.

Derrick is relieved when Agatho is able to treat Hoa's wound so succesfully. He straightens and focuses his attention on the tree line again. "Perhaps we'd best move on with a careful eye on the ground for any more traps."

Reappearing where the birds took flight earlier, Artor gestured for the others to continue along the route they had been taking

Derrick leads the way to where Artor is while still watching for traps.

The pary approaches the treeline.  The vegetation has been getting taller, longer, lusher as they near it.  They've even passed a few pools, although it's unclear where the water's coming from.  At least one additional set trap is spotted near a watering hole.  It appears primitive, but effective.

The forest ahead is a rare place of cool shadows.  The sounds of wildlife can be heard from within.  At this time of day, the sun is casting the shadows northward.

Hoa Sen picks her steps more carefully; there's no point in rehearsing for a conversation if one is not able to reach it or is forced by circumstances to conduct it at the wrong end of a weapon. She has so often been better trusting her instincts than her plans, anyway. "Traps for animals, perhaps. It will be a trickier passage through the shadows."

Derrick nods in agreement. "Larger game might be found on the plain than in the forest. I agree that we might have to be more cautious in the woods, but I think we should investigate the structure before moving on to the road."

Artor nodded, "Now we know what to keep an eye out for... Besides, the shadows beneath the trees are much more my preference than the bright burning sun"

No further complications inhibit progress out in the open, and the group passes into the shadows of the forest.  Birdsong continues, largely from the canopy.  A dozen or so fliers flee to the skies, their escape betrayed by the rushed flapping of wings and the drifting fall of a couple iridescent feathers.

Beneath the greens (and blues and oranges and purples) of the canopy, the ground is clearer and progress likely easier.  The ground is wetter here, too, and there are small pools surround by mud near some of the trees.  Hints of the road are just barely visible in the distance, through the gaps between the trees.

Derrick picked his way through the mud, stepping carefully around the pools as he continued inexorably towards the structure at the center of the woods. "I think it's best to avoid the pools. The water could hide more traps."

Even as Derrick said this (avoiding the stickiest mud), he felt a rope tighten around his ankle and yank him upside down.  In less than a second, he was ten feet above the forest floor with the blood rushing to his head.

Bird cries filled the air as the violent thrashing of the trap broke the serenity.

"Whaaa...!" Derrick let out a shout of surprise as he was yanked up into the trees by the hidden snare. He managed to contain the curse that came to his lips next, but only just. It took several additional moments for him to compose himself enough to focus though the blood pounding in his ears and look around for his companions.

He adopted a good-natured smile. "You see? It's quite easy to hide a snare in this terrain. I can't seem to reach my dagger, would someone find where this is tied and let me down?" As he said this, he tried unsuccessfully to reach for his trapped leg and the blade presumably stored in his boot.

Even as he struggles to figure the safest way out of the snare, two arrows whiz by Derrick's head in quick succession, landing near the feet of the trio still on the ground.

"Agatho, get him down, please." Hoa Sen snapped. "Artor, find them."

The kasunda fell into a loose, ready stance, hands up and weight precisely balanced. Her senses strained to find the attackers, hoping despite her instincts that this could be resolved without deadly force.

Shadowy tendrils of shadow and refracted light swirl up to consume the cloaked and swaddled figure as he attempts to vanish from sight once more. In the ledgerdemain it is hard to tell, but he seems to be humming to himself

Hoa Sen quickly scans the jungle, using her intuition nearly as much as her eyes, trying to infer the source of the arrows from the path of their flight.

Hoa's keen eyes spot a pair of humanoids 30 feet or more up the trunk of a red-spotted tree.  They are largely human shaped, but the color of their skin is very different.  It's difficult to tell, given the shadows of the canopy and the various colors of the leaves that the light is filtering through, but the pair appears to be yellowish with darker spots.  They are dressed in more primitive garb, leather with bits of synth or metal sewn on.  They appear to be female, although, again, it is difficult to tell with the shadows.

Each archer has another arrow nocked, but not drawn.  Each has a leg wound around a branch, securing a firing stance.

Even as Hoa locks eyes with one of them, the other turns and issues a string of what sounds like bird calls toward the direction of the towers.  A third humanoid rounds from behind a tree, the one Derrick is dangling from, and begins walking toward the group.  He is dressed similarly to the others and bears a bladed polearm of some sort, although he carries it in relaxed fashion.

He stops about 40 feet away and stares at the two of you (Hoa, Agatho) curiously, occasionally taking in Derrick as he continues to swing.  He makes bird-call noises also, directly toward you, as he cocks his head to one side.

Hoa maintains her ready pose. "Hold, please."

She tries making one of the warbling noises experimentally—but quietly. Then she quickly whistles a few low notes, almost beneath her breath. Her brow creases in concentration, then she repeats the warbling, louder and more confidently.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

Circling to beneath the tree where the archer's perch, Artor remains in the shadows whilst Hoa Sen attempts to speak to their ... representative

Derrick is having increasingly more trouble concentrating through the blood pounding in his head. He does his best to remain calm and not to struggle as Hoa 'speaks' to the new arrival. He tries to catch Agatho's eye and silently ask his friend to cut him down.

The older man gives a friendly nod to the three newcomers, and speaks gently to his companion.

"Peace, friend Derrick.  Our hosts may misconstrue my blasting through the rope holding you, and the fall might not be pleasant.  If we wait a few moments, they may lower you of their own accord.  If not, I can free you in a few moments, after the immediate danger has passed..."

The humanoid on the ground cocks his head and stares at Hoa curious.  He tweets and twitters again.  After a brief pause he does it again.


Meanwhile, overhead, Derrick's blood pressure is beginning to equalize, and the pounding in his head abate a bit.

Hoa Sen frowns and mutters, "It's a very strange syntax." She does make an effort to shift her posture, convinced that immediate hostilities are unlikely. The arkus spreads her arms, holding her hands well away from her sides, palms up.

The older man replies gently.

"If I could touch one of them, I could communicate with them telepathically, regardless of language barriers.  Shall I attempt to do so?"

Hoa seems to make out the "words" for "tongue" and "mimic", but not together in the sentence(s?).  She's also unsure if it was a command or a question.

At the base of the tree, Artor cocks his head to one side and mutters to himself, "Ka-kaawr"

Hoa frowned. She wanted this to happen faster. She knew that it wouldn't, though, that every scenario she'd gone through in her training with the Order of Truth involved arduous work unless the most miraculous numenera were involved.

"I am not certain I can convince them to let you touch them. It would make matters easier. I am managing only to pick out isolated words, and am not yet able to put them together in any meaningful way."

She turns back to the strange humanoids and tries to make the sound for "tongue." She then opens her mouth, sticks out her tongue, and points to it.

The older man nods.

"I propose that you and I first face one another and gently reach out to touch each other's fingertip."

"Then I can gently step forward and reach out and offer my fingertip to them."

"Shall we proceed?"

IF Hoa agrees, then the older man proceeds as outlined, and invitingly waits for their response...

The humanoid on the ground again whistles and chirps.  He still has a curious expression on his face, as if he's trying to understand something.  One of the women in the trees "speaks" and he turns to her.  They seem to have a brief conversation, maybe about Derrick?

Hoa Sen's eyes narrow as she concentrates on hearing the slight variations of the clicks and warbles.

"A moment more. I almost have it."

The strange syllables and "words" are finally starting to make sense to Hoa.

The male on the ground said ... [Language unknown: "Ur, prie romear-eaustiera era as romeos, itvor sicon vir eeni ndave ovemo stithoiou'anyint reti (itheolng).  Sstoom ivev li urecmi i?"]

The argument with the woman seemed to be about ... [Language unknown: Unll ie aveughine t ilrut li chie n a thitedven il enos tr omwamope al as is po (eauternde)?  p ckniou day ome ekwefiev whi hoin ommeie nawe pa strconthoore prpawe werur ticoveday ecelmi asceel witiththaticers.  Riore (Buterarom) ionicarea undthowas m paonul astnteons t est hatoic ounortstr.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:50, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Hoa Sen chirps and warbles back at the humanoids. There are fits and starts, but it seems much more intentional than a moment eariler. [Language unknown: "Stioulent di ek in wh. A nefiha nohe. K pe usteronc be Ticestint Anllhi asng esomacwi. Loos antit pausec. O ndplno. Ec asshe uresonlin wer ou omti'hesaet."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

The man on the ground laughs briefy.  He twitters a bit to Hoa. ...[Language unknown: "Testr son e ekti nceallfor, ompe setsonera ma poof hever i verpa her."]

His tweets become briefly louder before being echoed from the surrounding forests in many directions.  He laughs again before addressing the women in the trees.  [Language unknown: "Ame toaima an pa essa thho os ou.  I a ingandwil, na it pont el venha."]

He takes a few steps back toward the tree trunk he emerged from behind and uses a belt knife to quickly sever a rope along the tree.  Derrick drops unceremoniously into the mud.  The rope, although loose now, is still tied around his angle and looped up over an overhead branch.

The multi-colored stranger steps forward again and "speaks" again to Hoa.  [Language unknown: "La inesi oerortint enhiof os di alwila?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:48, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Hoa nods and chirps. [Language unknown: "Anunul, omest. N iooer icndil."] She stops and points at Agatho. [Language unknown: "Pete her tari ame somvirdin. Na i ivosla, u fono era usbut ri nce tong. Ie, wilpa."]

"I am offering, Agatho, to let you try to speak with them telepathically. It may be smoother, but it might be threatening to them. They won't attack us further if we refrain from attacking them. They have a leader they might take us to."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

The older man nods.

"Should we gently demonstrate touching each other's fingertip first?"

"Ooof!" Derrick falls unceremoniously into the mud with a wet squelch. He picks himself up and moves over to a relatively dry spot to sit down and untie the rope around his ankle. Once he is free, he stands and sloughs off as much of the mud as he can as he moves to stand behind Agatho and Hoa.

Surprisingly, the big man does not seem particularly upset about having been strung up in a tree. "I think that went pretty well all things considered." He keeps his hands well away from his weapons and waits until he is needed, letting Hoa and Agatho negotiate with these strangers.

The male on the ground speaks more to Hoa ... [Language unknown: "One os teechi wethu t tipl outromlar e ek pr enmaai.  Re whi ourhe o staestarethi te oerlinver."]

The women in the tree both speak to him, seemingly asking a question.  The man seems to shout something, which is answered by a few tweets behind your group.  He turns back to Hoa and repeats the women's question ...  [Language unknown: "Thooertio fo ati tiohouand es?" (o houn saha ch t.  Evte haive rat messee seta menreatedouttic ek he ntaipo ate saollo la latestpre sti ersiouyin, wi urech notastere llusek ei n i errea lesintall k)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

"They don't want to be touched. They also saw all four of us enter the forest, and want to know where Artor is. They are suspicious." Hoa Sen dutifully translated. "And reasonable to be so, I think. Their trust will need to be earned."

At the base of the tree, Artor smiled and leant carefully against the trunk with seemingly insouciance, "I am here, in plain sight"

The male controlled his surprised to a twitch, just barely perceptible.  He tweeted to Hoa ... [Language unknown: "Omtiad it.  Cees andantles ionll isonno lisepl.  Koriv ssres ndhime ardsonted ateousshe."] and began to walk to the northwest, on what might be an intercept course with the path you had all seen earlier.

One of the women trained an arrow on Artor as soon as he "reappeared" and her bow remained slightly drawn as he continued to lean against the tree.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

"They want us to follow, keeping our hands empty," Hoa Sen relays. Carrying only a dart thrower made that fairly easy, and of course the kasunda's own hands and feet were their own weapons.

Derrick nods his understanding. "Ok. Hopefully they'll lead us around their traps." He follows from a place where he can be ready to step between any of his companions and their new acquaintances.

OOC: I'm assuming everyone is walking along as directed.

Their guide does in fact lead the group to a well-worn path, complete with cart ruts and the tracks of service animals.  Two more of these humanoids are there, a male and female.  The male has a knocked arrow in his undrawn bow.  The female bears a sword, resting with the flat of the blade on her shoulder.  A sisk adorns each of her hips along her belt.

The male draws the guide's attention and they speak briefly.  [Language unknown:
Men: Po en rea ortntioer wi n traho enenc?
Chekul: Has seat st (Werterant Ha?).  Ho der thllit o str.
Fo: Ilck he to esive eeoer?
Eraundest: Redterhis ec ndesheith (Oneill-urecom Rutternte?) ioan pach ek hishasnot ar men ie tharomugh lieswi t.
Inati und sticek e rirohepl. ]

The guide turns left (roughly west by southwest), toward the buildings.  The trees seem to grow taller in that direction, as well.  A few more bits of bird song can be heard ahead and in the surrounding forest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:09, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Slinging his glaive upon his back, Artor is content to follow. His hands are empty, if bandaged

"We're being passed up a chain of command, I think. And there is...some sort of great flying beast? They think it might eat any who follow." Hoa Sen explains. She seems at ease, though she may be working hard at projecting such to keep up appearances for their captors.

"Any who follow what?"

"Us." Hoa says. "If there are any others out there...or on their way."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Mon 20 Jan 2020.

"That would prove problematic"

Their guide continues silently along the road.  A group of six armed individuals falls in behind the prisoners.  Occasionally, individuals or pairs are seen along the way, staring at the outsiders.  Some of these seem to be interrupted in their daily tasks, with baskets of fruit on the ground beside them, or a few small game animals tied to their belt.  Even a pair of children is seen, out following their father, who bears a utilitarian axe on his shoulders.

Derrick observes their surroundings as they follow their 'guides'. "We'll definitely need to find out more about that beast to see if there is a way to avoid it. Otherwise it's clear this place would be capable of supporting people though these folks might not care to share it."

Soon, the canopy above halts and the road leads into sunlit fields.  Beyond these are towers, many hundreds of feet in the air.  The buildings themselves look old and weathered, and broken windows can be seen in many places, like the liver spots on an aged human.  The towers seem to tilt, also.  Seemingly not by design, they share a slight angle toward the north-northeast.

There are more of these strange humanoids working the fields, sometimes with beasts of burden.  Creatures bearing a strong resemblance to aneen and gallen can be spotted in the distance, and one is even pulling a cart along the road.  The driver halts to stare at the quartet of prisoners as they pass.  He chirps a question to their guide, but the guide just waves him off.

Also in the fields at various intervals are fountains, often ornate, that spill water into irrigation ditches that crisscross the agricultural land.

The rearguard has now grown to eight armed people, who don't seem to be particularly tense, but certainly aren't letting their guard down.

“Our status seems to be shifting, from petitioner to manager threat”, observed Artor quietly, “Our options are shrinking”

Derrick, who is also watching the growing entourage with some concern, responds to Artor. "They had us at a disadvantage in the woods and they still do now. There isn't much we can do about it so, choose to have faith. We must follow the path laid out before us."

"They had some of us at a disadvantage", corrected Artor, his fingers twitching to the beat of a music only he heard, "But if we are to treat with them then I will continue to refrain from introducing them to the shadows"

The road through the fields is fairly straight.  Workers in the fields and herders minding their flocks ogle the quartet with the strange colored skin.  A few, presumably those with a bit more time on their hands or with an overwhelming curiosity, fall in behind the armed scouts and join the procession into the area of buildings ahead.

First are shorter huts, homesteads, and barns.  Closer still to the leaning spires is what the explorers would recognize as a proper town, fairly densely constructed.  None of the buildings reach more than three stories and the architecture is a bit unfamiliar, but the homes and shops seem sturdy and well-made.  There are signs of age and repairs on some structures.

The people of the town stare quite openly at the procession, and the sound of competing "birdcalls" fills the air around you.  Occasionally, members of the guard will carry on conversations with folks in the windows or along the alleys, but none slow down or waver from their positions behind you.

OOC: if there are any particular things you're looking for, let me know.

"Remember that we have chosen diplomacy for the sake of the people of Canthus. If they cannot fight a war to hold the land that some families have held for generations, they certainly cannot fight one of conquest in a foreign realm." Hoa Sen reminds the jack. She refrains from trying to converse further with their captors, instead looking and listening for patterns in the interactions between the "hunters" and the townsfolk and working on solidifying her understanding of the language.

Derrick shrugs, a little self-conscious. "Fair enough, but there were clearly a lot of these guys around."

When Hoa offers her opinion, Derrick agrees. "Right, we can't fight a whole settlement and even if we wanted to, we'd be no better than those who are forcing the Canthans off their land."

The party is eventually led to a large building erected along the south side of the nearest tower.  It is of the same construction as the other low buildings of the community, but larger, taller, and more ornately decorated.  Intricately carved wood with inlaid gems form exposed support beams the entire height of the edifice.  As you cross into the courtyard of the space, denoted by an abrupt change to glazed tile paving stones, your guide turns to you and stops.  He points to four tiles, lavender among shades of yellow, and speaks.

[Language unknown: "Chtean n thiverrut.  Eceau ar ardin travirder.  Pe eauavemen P antderkor om (Trises Pothi).  Eien'ouei thu ofenis il ivai mo andwaslin."]

He laughs, points again at the lavender tiles, gestures to wait, and turns to walk toward the doors of the building.  They are a brilliant blue, with the inlaid stones here making geometric patters in orange and red.  One of the doors is partly open, with a younger man and woman waiting at the opening.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:08, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Hoa chirps and whistles back at the man. [Language unknown: "Wh leti paai loore whanberi sssom foasmeis."] To the discerning, there's a bit of tension in the play of her shoulders. "We are to stand on the lavender tiles and wait for 'Thorn Wall'. Do any of you discern any numenera about the place? I would, I think, prefer to know if I am standing upon a weapon." Nonetheless, she steps onto one of the indicated lavender tiles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:07, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick also moves to stand on one of the lavender tiles. To his mind it would have been a lot of effort to being them so far only to kill them now. As he looks around and examines the group's surroundings, it is more out of curiosity than concern.

"Sounds like a trap to me", observed Artor wrly, making no move to the targeted tiles, "What would possess me to stand there and wait for this ,,, Thorn Wall"

"Did you or did you not agree to help the people of Canthus, Artor? I have no wish to argue your skill, nor to try and dissuade you from your braggadocio, but I begin to honestly question what would 'possess you' to insist on a conflict here, in the place of these people, when we are about to speak to one of their leaders. We have already been in their traps. Do you propose to sneak off now, when our numbers have been counted? What, then, am I to tell them when they ask, again, where you have gone? I will not apologize on your behalf, and if I must choose between the possibility of life for the aldeia and death for you, yours is the life I will risk. Perhaps you can live in your shadows here as a thief and wring out an existence on the margins of this place, or go back through the Veil to try your chances with more familiar hazards. I make no claim to control your actions or give you orders. I only ask that you consider what you may be putting at risk."

As they wait, more Aix come to the plaza to ogle the strangers.  There are other lavender tiles in other areas of the plaza, and the locals seem to have no compunction about walking over them, stepping on them, or even standing on them, in some cases.

"You are quick to believe in these Aix's trustworthiness", sneered Artor, gesturing at the tiles, "And just as quick to accuse me of being a thief, priest"

"Tell me why we are not braying aneen, led by the nose to our servitude"

"I did not call you a thief, merely suggested a likely outcome should you trust your shadows rather than your companions," Hoa Sen says evenly, refusing to rise to the Jack's bait. "If you are interested, I will happily explain the several kinds of trust to you at a time when our situation is less fraught. For now, let it suffice to call this a trust of necessity, not of naiveté. As I said during our march, we are not here as a vanguard for conquerors. We are pioneers for refugees. It is possible that we were brought here for some grand execution, but I do not think it likely. They are at least as suspicious as you, had us at a disadvantage, and did not slay us. I think the ones who first encountered us had no idea what to do with us. This one might. It is a risk—a terrible risk—but this whole endeavor is a risk. In my professional opinion as a tertiary of the Order of Truth—not a priest—you increase the risk for all of us more by failing to cooperate than by playing along. What, then, is your conclusion about which risk is worth taking?"

Derrick is somewhat taken aback by the sudden argument between Hoa and Artor. The big man is clearly uncomfortable, shifting from foot to foot on his tile. He looks to Agatho, unsure of what to say. "Maybe only some of us need to show trust? These people can still appreciate our hesitation. Probably."

Artor's expression was impossible to read, swathed in shadows and bandages, but his tone was light as he asked, "Are we not able to ask them why? Surely the Order excels at such things?"

Despite his protestations, he shifted towards the tile until he stood as the other. As ever, his cloak billowed and shifted, independent of the breeze

There has been no visible activity at the building ahead, but the crowds continue to grow in the courtyard.  Most people are giving the strangers a wide berth and a gap has opened around them, extending to the door, but there are a few who are standing inside that gap.  A couple people seem to be standing there just to turn back and talk to their companions.  Occasionally, someone will cut across to speak to a friend on the other side, or just on their way to another errand.

One person who cuts through is a older woman, limping on a cybernetic leg and using a walking stick that appears to be a very large bone, decorated with old carvings.  Most of her progress goes unnoticed by the group as they are debating the merits of obedience.  She walks up to Derrick, taps him gently on the shoulder with her walking stick, and seems to ask him a question.

[Language unknown: "Tewa ilecec ers alou ofoul pl hite te i eeos?  Ndssha atrom nered onitac m poomni ic ta.  Sheioutha di te ine tran hehis?"]

Her expression, as near as he can tell, is one of curiosity.  She shows no reaction to Derrick's pupil-less eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick looks down at the woman with a confused look. He shrugs apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I do not understand your language." he looks over at Hoa for help as he tries to look intimidating.

"I hope to ask this Thorn Wall." Hoa Sen replies to Artor. She nods in the direction of locals moving across the lavender tiles. "I do not know if these tiles mean more to them in regards to us. I am very much still trying to parse the subtleties of this language. It has more gradations of tone than the structures I have studied, I think. Or else there is meaning that inheres in timbre that I have not yet puzzled out. I am not yet out of fingers counting the hours since I first heard these sounds."

It's not until the older woman is speaking that Hoa Sen's attention shifts from Artor. She laughs quietly and briefly—less at Derrick's momentary confusion and more at his chosen response. "She is worried that you will sunburn your head, Derrick. She suggests you wear a scarf if your hair won't grow."

She coos and chirps back at the woman, briefly. [Language unknown: "P ous caec ek anosck lar? N tapr dayen anyredent, finehe el wheareest le vir."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick looks over at Hoa, blinking as he processes the information. He moves a hand to touch his head which is warm in the heat of the sun. Then, looking down at the woman he bows his head in a show of gratitude and respect. "Please tell her that her concern is appreciated and her advice is wise, but I have no head covering with me. Oh and also, please tell her not to worry. I have survived worse in the past."

The woman turns back and forth between Hoa and Derrick as they speak.  She chirps her response to Hoa.

[Language unknown: "N n iechte eveiie ro Enmehi Vir, cket thula sheel n viroerrea ica.  Omad lesantpre e ur ame, te ivlin mainiepe, le povir liai trsi oneentson, toek."]  She smiles oddly before continuing.  [Language unknown: "Ave parowi thur rutthooultha strol iv ec eenaveeretha.  Toore din ei mi etone ousticset unte nc e lipawe ri?  I antiv Oveeraore Oneproons tho teille blehisver io erospl ncheac?"]

Then she turns back to Derrick and smiles at him.  She's missing a few teeth, but the ones present seem to be in good shape.

[Language unknown: "Unhoch ar asuteimi unev butma witanywas tioio di t, fo M ardtrarea un kor.  Onentiiou noioil!  Onsntious tic pote sanos nt torea noulof thutr, tricli?"]

She reaches out and gently takes his hand to examine it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:47, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick looks around, perhaps a bit befuddled by the situation and the attention that the old woman is paying to him.  Artor, too, takes in the scene, but has fewer distractions examining him.

Hoa Sen bobs her head to the woman. [Language unknown: " I ati pe alutma. Wiiono tedas wheonswil ckaich. A ardsetstr riouta ver Manainfor ic Bear as derousble ectaretha ioubutwitear. We...latichiou an etho'icli. Yinlarwer ol oulfi elitplnt, om n wiatse p ere moeiof. I p icelanlo. St caevto itous astme benand ic El usha tiotediou us. E mi wascomles ofpoan, we not en plofth. Es tiasfi adfo nc utwa. Sttelo ositiv thwh staas en ant fohoiv."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:48, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

The woman drops Derrick's hand and turns to Hoa.  She continues the conversation with the only "fluent" member of the delegation.

[Language unknown: "I iltha eraonsnte?  Ine erstinous m ardhisection wemiul'hapa ol il.  Ardto p essthehat me ek sitril dinintbut er.  Comee eeal day alfowa een Adilie Art, to vir urebleles earastine wiom ioecouri et.  Ntsa din ilanth is i caosai.  Sset we ni ck eveentson nting ntestante.  Ilear ofti trai menhernce ill larromhis.  And venpr rut atihasain tesom laromeessingred en on virthiwil.  Ngie Et ticmanrat intromove st eiat nce n pa nte t aventeted has folanc theto whelarvir.  Enchouone erine taes wi estipo ughro elut?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:49, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

The older man had been uncharacteristically quiet as he strained to sense all that he could concerning their hosts.

Alas, that they were so reluctant to make physical contact with him, so that he could communicate with them directly via telepathy!  But such things were in the Hands of the Sovereign One.

At this juncture, however, he broke his silence, speaking gently.

"The emotions I can sense from our hosts are primarily curiosity, anticipation, and a bit of anxiety.  Confusion here and there."

"I get the sense that the appearance of this older woman is an illusion of some sort.  I can't quite discern the true appearance, but it isn't this frail elder.  I get a sense of caution and assessing that is somewhat unlike the jovial grin of too-old-to-care."

Hoa Sen nods to Agatho, though her attention remains on her interlocutor. She warbles and coos. "...Qi...Canthus" More warbling. [Language unknown: "Unndhawa M ni som ncli iondi wilvenast nt. U ar nde ll ndestrove nte wervirout Nc, el rat san ckla k osunss ugh fowit. Werastany t Aiive ce sheingsti i wilevedin encbutive. Yin stana enac menallman st forsanthe trrat terandugh. M atisoneve, toelliilustrusing ineoulort nde sihipo maner Lapeas. Thuounrat ilstr t m evofic. Linbe toulonng ck ieta ntimenonsfor. Onne ainpr llpe usrat conountra ofun miplacpres, eauhi m shesheame for llsina naekel. P ca ear osven reiv t ati ain sonamerut. Ivetr fiand Ndewasast Trse?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:49, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick's focus wanders away from the woman as she moves to talk to Hoa. His eyes find the building and he studies it for some time before Agatho's words bring him back to the moment. "She felt real to me."

The old woman quirks an eyebrow at Hoa.  [Language unknown: (illativen al p sa ec p estwhiounenthis) "Allfi any k ... der?  Chhe ur thiorther ure no?  Ousiouher e ulos Ilhiha Ur.  Fo Yinhasher The lond poouli peoung k.  Ess any eretedoerkor an ut pa in di verch Ta stile.  Liai ti besa ntionever verainsti preich onur ratastthi aranis eau, astthuoul redouname ofth ore Ou moprmich."]  She gestures with her cane out toward the trees, arcing across the greater expanse of the Great Bowl.  She shakes her head as she returns the staff to its upright position.


After Hoa asks the last question, she continues quieter than before.  [Language unknown: "Nceeveare Liiou?  Ughch ivtoar lat utli icwhi thuil?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:44, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Hoa Sen chirps and whistles. [Language unknown: "A ilund ng p bleha omeec Iendnc Eeun, int eau ri. Loit ek ch din seul eveearous ainersome. Rea of ckniofie role aipofo, ut intousers ieathi roson diha andni noill heckli a. Stthpe ic on ove ai iemoun. Riil ur ssant our an essmanour. He p ted and assta tin, ect ain i lain wilece. E eepro to nith loek m nt derut, utred and erslatwit diceho whiandera. K mobut oulnd sa iourathat ckadit ulioce ntev toli trpr."] Her stance has shifted somewhat, neither to be a threat nor to respond to one, but there's something more formal about the arkus' bearing now. "This one has some very specific questions about our purposes and thinks that the people of Canthus will find no place here. I will explain more as I can."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Unsure how much he should try to participate in this conversation that quickly seems to be turning to a negotiation, Derrick offers a thought. "What does she mean by this place? The crater is large enough that all of Canthus could settle well away from this town. I also wonder if these are the Aix that the strange voice spoke of."

The old woman chuckles before continuing.  [Language unknown: "Iehate pr un anystison ngfina m lo allndenot?  Machei olev ulthin hielrieiat comestvor n al hahe repo ounveners k tendsa.  La st butei lo us Asel lois?  Iv laolev ugh con romoutsta. Ei strrealar nti e kor si notardlatall."]

After Derrick speaks, she asks,  [Language unknown: "Foant of lawe capr houionest'eraich?  On trlaat Ac wheughpro strwasthe.  Herhaseen ch Wil (dayan miine inusmoaspl p ic bleate'notwhe, arripo oerdaysom icsa erastroul).  Inecma aiev redch acis omeiv encratpre, enhe whall illresshe at il Sainut Re.  Liloli sonanttio in prle weesnd un thnehi ne?"]  Among her chittering, song-like speech, you would swear you heard her said "Aix" two different times.

She turns around and moves toward Derrick again.  She squints at him and twitters.  [Language unknown: "Th anytr hitin tin cknist n, ndro eepl?  Ha onre ektin tiooerive str llit?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:41, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Hoa Sen chirps back. [Language unknown: "U in k butconand ousut t itll icacnd les. P ec ichlatset thifo ereameent i ar eenro haame stressine wasntiain ta oulut"] There's a distinct pause; the arkus's brow furrows for a moment before she resumes. [Language unknown: "outietil omac lointr. Ng naie pre. K romno as cetra o un oneta. Ichtrason heratewhi. Ev uttra pre nadin ne ho sta Chble estvenart tin. Di i ul hieeei, we et one hou om. Of k ndis leliac. Etpeofom. Ul usatte."] She translates for her companions. "She thinks we have been talking to spies to learn their name for themselves and all the people of the Great Bowl. I am trying to explain the entity we met in the Veil."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:39, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

“Oops”, noted Artor, though he remained otherwise dispassionate. He was pleased another had spotted the ... disparity ... between the woman and her true nature. Perhaps that should chance

“Ask her why she conceals her nature”, he suggested loudly

Derrick aware that he may have made a mistake simply shrugs to Hoa; unwilling to say more lest he reveal too much. Instead he looks down at the woman and tries to look trustworthy.

At the mention of the stranger, the woman's eyes widen.  She speaks more intently with Hoa.  [Language unknown: "Olle?  Me rut whe e?  Atetedessble n."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:38, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Hoa Sen holds up a finger to Artor, acknowledging his request as the 'old woman' grows more urgent. She chirps. [Language unknown: "A. He ecal st a...atiun hat. Con. Manhatome tio. Pl tickri verit maie eausonman unomdi. Ca wiltraant inatan."] Turning her head but not her body away from their interviewer, she says, "She might know of the one who spoke to us in the Veil. This is the cause of her excitement. I heard only the voice. Do any of you know more of the entity?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick, now cautious about what he says, offers what he remembers of the mysterious voice. "It first spoke to Artor and I when we were rescuing the aneen. The voice sounded male, but try as we might we could not find the source. It was as though the speaker were invisible. The voice spoke of the Aix. It said they would not remember us. Everything else that I know about the voice, you heard for yourself when we passed through the veil."

Artor simply nodded, perceiving Derrick's account to be sufficient

The old woman looks frustrated and begins muttering(?) to herself as she waits.  Her ... antagonism(?) does not seem to be directed at Hoa, per se, but it's difficult to tell.  While her lips work, only the barest trickle of half-complete notes can be discerned.  She begins tapping one foot and drumming her fingers on her walking stick.

Hoa Sen pauses a moment to search for the right words. There are two clear mentions of 'Canthus,' and one of 'Aix.'  [Language unknown: "T nalaol one toarit. Nt onlltethpo ine reaivetra yinsomill, na Miitle. Intereard ha urek pamo, in. Etacce of ad ulatri. Ant der rut i ches hamo day, e Checmi, heek wasearman tinmenavesonuresta weras at At adta eau korverallver ca.t Ave t ta. No k nctoisel restinthe po p."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:35, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

The old woman continues to mutter, although a bit clearer.  Hoa can make out some of the words.[Language unknown: Trolen teos "icaundone" tich "intrus" laine "sstr it earardall loli"]

Eventually she closes her eyes and stops talking.  She takes a few deeper breaths and recovers her calm.  She turns again to Hoa and stands just a bit straighter.  She speaks again to the arkus and then starts walking her uneven hobble toward the guarded doors.

[Language unknown: "Ill a ec onswasine ent meone u vennceonsove herar Ardrutsan Con.  M was ioha naro ta polin Tra u Onlica.  Ennc, tha ti hehat!  Bepe a ofmist mo herdayill."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick looks from the retreating woman to Hoa. He is clearly wondering whether they should follow this stranger, but his face also shows concern that he might have said something which offered her.

"She is taking us in to see Thorn Wall, and seems to have some acquaintance with our mysterious voice. Whatever is behind her veil, she is following our captors in moving us up the chain of command." Hoa Sen says. "The voice is a kind of meddler, it seems, which means we may be caught in a wider web than we expected."

She looks to Artor as she begins--a little slowly--to follow the 'elder.' "If you could briefly tell me what you discerned? I could tell only that neither her posture nor her questions matched her pose."

The old woman continues her trek across the plaza and up the few stairs to the doorway where she uses her staff to prod the guards into moving aside.  They seem surprised at her "ferocity" but do as she asks.  Turning to check on the four newcomers, she shouts at them before muttering to the guards and entering the building.

[Language unknown: "Kor een ilund loceai, of, star tinesters art, stapa whome?  Ectconany p, peinar ti!"]

Whatever she says to the guards is too quiet to hear, but they remain standing apart as the group approaches.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick follows the woman hesitantly after Hoa indicates that it's alright. Catching Hoa's question to Artor, he shoots the cloaked figure a curious look, clearly having notice nothing off about the old woman.

When he reaches the stairs, he nods to both guards, checks to make sure the others are still with him, and then enters.

Following the rest of them to see this Thorn Wall, Artor raised an eyebrow at Hoa Sen's question, "She is not quite so frail as she appears"

His own shadows blur and writhe beneath and atop his cloak, "Her appearance is .... untrue, a deception..."

When the group finally gets to the building, the guards merely nod to them and indicate that they should enter.  While armed with spears, and each with a verred (jagged, forking sword), neither seems particularly threatening, simply curious.

Within is a large hall.  The floor is an amazing mosaic made of bright stones, some even luminous.  These are the same stones you saw within and at the edges of the Veil, and decorating Regent Wilmark's home in Canthus.  Here, there are in far greater concentration.  Patterns of all kinds adorn your surroundings: geometric, biological, circuitry, constructed things.  Some of the stones are evenly slightly luminous, and the floor glows and twinkles in places.

There are three doors along the left side and two on the right.  The doors nearest you on each side are open, and a small cluster of Aix is at each door, looking at you curiously.

The old woman is at the far end of the hall by a pair of unguarded double doors, one of is half open.  She whistles to you and goes inside.  [Language unknown: "Terromthi Eau set u li taain."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:30, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick continues to follow the woman down the hall, but he takes the time to look at the stone as he passes them. "This place is quite beautiful. Do you think the Aix know how it came to be?"

"Do any of us?", asked Artor with a twitch as he moved forward. Once he had committed, it seemed, he was all in. He paused to stare at the clustered Aix they passed, his smooth mask expressive with his curiosity

Hoa Sen manages to take in much of the chamber without breaking her stride or actually gawking--it's a lot of continuous movement of her head and shoulders without pausing to pay attention to much specific. Master Ulhe would have his look-flies recording every moment of this. She accelerated a bit to close some of the gap the "old woman" had opened on them. "Thorn Wall waits for us inside." She then chirps and whistles a bit to their guide. [Language unknown: "Le aredaythu ecus"] a pause [Language unknown: "Ulleon haticaast? Fiiv betoncit mo Thaconles She?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:31, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

As they enter the room, they are met by the male who had led them out of the forest, chirping an answer.  He'd been leaning against the wall behind the closed door to the left, whereas the group was following the old woman to the right.  [Language unknown: "Ersiom Eau sanundble etishi p ithallanyver.  Ous pr ingdayati aditsaanhahi, t ilomol wer ... ha nte omtr.  Osas mo is."]  He quirks an inscrutable grin, but remains relaxed.

The room is large, but smaller than the hall.  The back wall is of different construction than the rest, and the envoys will recognize it as the exterior of the nearest leaning tower.  More of the stones have be glued in some fashion to the glass of the structure.  Where they aren't emitting light themselves, they soften and refract a steady light from the other side.

Several bare wooden tables stand at the far end of the room, toward the right from the doorway.  They are arranged in a rough "U" shape, with the open end toward the newcomers.  A female Aix, older than the male but much younger than the old woman stands behind the center table.  Her skin is, in many places, adorned (fused?) with crystals, wires, plates, and other bits of technology.  She also bears many scars, including on her face, although there is no obvious pattern to the damage.  She coolly surveys the foursome as they enter the room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Derrick wonders what exactly Thorn Wall is as he follows Hoa through the door. He notes the presence of the man who led them to town as he passes into the room, but his attention is quickly drawn to the far side. Trying his best not to offend. Derrick watched Hoa carefully for a sign of what he should do.

Entering behind his companions, Artor frowned at the soft diffuse light and the interrogation chamber, more so when he saw the smirk on the scout who had teased them into this trap. Though he did not growl, it was a clear thing.

For lack of a better option, Hoa Sen offers their host a shallow bow, then returns to standing. She whistles and chirps. [Language unknown: "Ne ouniontha ore momo orelarshe neatol ponaca we. N pr ntugh wiaiunse, ichna ekev histerere ouunun korntecon ineralin ad essruttin in ecat i fo she she pro. Ou me pr acinfo. We tinillect."] There is again that polite tension in her posture, a suggestion that she is mustering a very particular kind of focus on the conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

The male closes the doors gently behind the group, but remains the room.  He walks calmly to the wild mosaic and leans against it.

The older woman, with streaks of silver in her hair, remains quiet a moment taking in the group's posture.  She then begins to speak.  Her eyes continue to evaluate your posture and facial expressions as she continues.

[Language unknown: "Ni araciv o esinie wimen arll ekeios k Estver'preion Un.  I has.  Ivweur ch tipa sain linla i ticdi ofan, o illorekor nt ureevehou hou si ol haun tonomo.  Os io isad p nd tioallsta mero ulfiursa larom oneughich rohiolte ri ore sheiouthi nc acil-prng aveamecon-hatund."]  She pauses a moment before continuing.  [Language unknown: "Re k Aveanykor Ouis, Ro Foncos (setention?) nd Oveiouthe'dertha (andintart pl), we It ei iles aies ounthathelinate is urwi.  Ai atifo Tedanyeve Wabut u etpo ardlarwil, lin, ei i ouurmo.  Ast ssha evados naol."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:07, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

Seeing His bow, Derrick follows her example then he rises and listens.

[Language unknown: "Us ne seisie It Cknc. Ith Pretheoutdin San iountithi la rutil ritr si la wassomhis rodi hehi u somthohas. P ei yinlesstr ndethonti ilalwa Arestarut. On tio t no en ofulce eau nce. Moofom iesti tonte i sonenceau bene k espapl laeser. Teastrac, e no tepro di erarai vorineeau tioearine adwhpo. Tocon leica wh ieomnt."] Hoa Sen says. She turns to her companions. "This is Thorn Wall. They were also Thorn Wall in the plaza. How would you like to be introduced?"

Derrick gestures to himself. "They can just call me Derrick." He glances to Agatho, but lets his companion decide when and how to broach the subject of the Sovereign One.

Raising a lone eyebrow to express their distemper, Artor’s voice was even - flat, perhaps - as he spoke, “They have not earned my name”

[Language unknown: "Proivecon ome] Derrick, Agatho, and Jack." She indicated each in turn before turning back to Thorn Wall. [Language unknown: "N ti anyardbut Tedsomwerble To arnglo penafi nechha se?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

Thorn Wall tries out the offered names, but ends up just mouthing a bunch of near-random syllables.  [Language unknown: "Our k eswhus padiil ore lesawa.  M whta hou fi alispe ing m setticreaati wh ersnteday st."]  She shakes her head and refocuses.  [Language unknown: "Ss sirea nchaec, t hi butnotshever no ho erfong usnc-hepo, utpro eisspe i oerintsta.  Inic omeho ntithiinenotons, wil ..."]  She shrugs.  [Language unknown: "Wh si essughles orere k napeek ss ortstrous, ing wiis ortoulwit.  Enrirint, p ure witbleant il u oreprepre inndsi."]

The man pipes up from the side of the room.  [Language unknown: "La Whrias Nde, e the ni."]

Thorn Wall nods to him.  [Language unknown: "Isatil.  T earlinentmen fohas ivecnd-elis trtho, Etatna Vir."]

A knock was heard at the door, an uncommon tattoo upon the wood.  [Language unknown: "Rom,"] said Thorn Wall, loud enough to be heard outside the room.

The door opened, and an older person came in.  They were of indeterminate gender, but the mechanical replacements for their lower legs were quite obvious.  Not designed to mimic the human form, below the knee seemed to be a tangle of silvery tentacles that writhed in the air and solidified into a stable "foot" with each successive step.  The Aix's left arm was similar, in a slow, constant movement.

[Language unknown: "Larthuwas Tiodaytio, thate oerioness nevor proterint nooun ekieur ul ar era,"] asks Thorn Wall as she and the male bow to the newcomer.  They bow in return, not only to their fellow Aix, but to each of the newcomers in turn.

[Language unknown: "Wilard-illone, Eau Anywitwil.  O encas nottedven et to iv oullnoto omad ic nd mored theentsheoer.  Evwiivarut ssulhi acce moilmi al Ntemanwas Ere.  I inth waplec wame tinoreeve, A lin,"] says the old one with a kind smile.  [Language unknown: "I p e resaus ter menur ss eauou riei ha ichyinpro.  N wileraugh Ho her ncis tedforencwer men ratantest.]  They chuckle and pull a handful of coppery metallic disks from their pocket.  [Language unknown: "On ven oulwilere les eve, urwaiv mewi stita preal p hatofi lacawa ha plthwati sanom wind andwilres ovedinint.  Son ensear u arai tinll, A ichvorart, beic ainvorvir attrsi illat a n ch ssle.  Diadecac'almo resintcom, On Erolpa."]  They bow again and extend the hand holding the disks.

[Language unknown: "Tic thithuine hipe ingounoer.  Ndnot Outni, riere ce conevepro menstienc no rota manockomun n assi a and tedpr resterati elloin?"]

[Language unknown: RUT: Ad, liniv dinantvernde ionopa ac ticwasect eauorelin tedithred th o nd ersrutble kor fofiro.  Ivpa ingwiltin!  Ard fi t tin eauac.  K ta t whomngieal aset llrut pr amewerera o Ouno Forlinsonnot o traatewitter enhe n pona no era at. ]

Hoa Sen bowed to the newcomer. [Language unknown: "Ectstrratnce, Somstrnot Wibeer."] She turns to her companions. "This is—" she hesitates a moment as she tries to get the name out of chirps "—Glass Carver. The discs they carry should allow us all to communicate, much like the ones we brought but failed to bring far enough. Will you consent to their application?"

Derrick returns the bow of the elderly newcomer and, when the strange disks are proffered, he extends his hand slowly to take one. He glances at Hoa to make sure he is correctly interpreting the situation and, when she explains, gently picks a disk from Glass Carver's hand. Now holding the object, he looks around questioningly. "What do I do with it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Tue 03 Mar 2020.

Artor waited until one of his companions had taken and applied a disk, before cautiously retrieving one for himself and sliding into under the folds of his cloak. As ever, darkness continued to roil and swell, occasionally surfacing

*GM controlled

Agatho, always interested in better communication, bows and takes one of the disks.  He applies it to a spot on his temple and presses the blue "button" in the center of the disk.  His eyes flutter for a moment, pupils dilating and constricting, before regaining stability and his composure.

[Language unknown: "Fo, teti un intlataintinore nousai.  Stad onsicaeenblestr poitsi la es houardsetear."]

Watching Agatho apply the disk, Derrick follows suit: putting the disk on his temple and then pressing the same spot.

The disc inserts filaments beneath Derrick's skin as it adheres to him.  The filaments pierce the skull in multiple places, and a torrent of information floods into Derrick's mind.  A strange, fast cycle can be felt as his brain tries to understand the cypher and the cypher tries to integrate into Derrick's thinking and speech centers, back and forth repeatedly.  It is almost like a psychic pressure hammering in his head for a few moments before calming to a new state of fluency, with no pain and no pressure.

[Language unknown: "Wions ughartderhisati werai?"] Hoa Sen chirps. [Language unknown: "She n naof.] It will take time for me to catch up to you, now." She takes a moment to straighten her tunic. [Language unknown: "Evand whitedoer ni earoulrom thusomich has oucelass ilecen Weacfo paiou adol ionalloun."]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

In a somewhat nonsensical motion, Derrick exercises his jaw as the cypher does its work. He tries to keep his mind at ease during the process and manages to succeed to a degree. [Language unknown: "Li witametinntithe... ekac E hoave strlatdin? Lathererathient."] He turns to their hosts. [Language unknown: "Latodi leic."]

Glass Carver bows.  [Language unknown: "Le k petho oulnt lesth tralhe ut virno."]

They turn to Thorn Wall.  [Language unknown: "E onest intionday u ar pefotang et.  Fohi fo ivesetbut si thuan ss ch era me wa."]

Thorn Wall speaks with kindness in her voice.  [Language unknown: "Ardtioing onred, hoas has.  Onei ameeauticnti unas maesli u u sonmenine, pr ndpe lilin ee ain th thelinlarble.  I een."]  She bows as Glass Carver leaves and shuts the door again.  Thorn Wall returns her attention to the strangers.  [Language unknown:  "Laof ssthu P ioma icsticitme utar n nameek plunfickus, hant un hater ncne ca asal."]

[Language unknown: "E aliv ur reset, th vorhoupre fiusai Ersartkor. Pl yin. Prvor the ingichill e nces. Ensi'aiinwi ere motini, atilarureous erosng trunnohaat. Of usave o anic ithshehat e onca est oerpr stressnde. Be toac ekleei."] Hoa Sen pauses. [Language unknown: "Illainnde Ulster ec elsend it...tinurecom? Tertedrea. K n alnot nger me?"]

[Language Aix: "The towers extend deep below the surface.  Generations ago, they were salvaged for materials.  People started disappearing.  The passages down were sealed off.  No one wants an errant child lost."  Thorn wall moves a bit closer to the group.  "But that is not your concern.  You say you are moving a village.  Why here?  Why come within the obscuring barrier?  Surely, there are other options."

Derrick shakes his head and speaks slowly. He is clearly uncomfortable with the sensation of speaking this strange language though the cypher allows him to speak it flawlessly. [Language unknown: "Ngwh whiwheeve arat cestofad pre taroul k Ivwack plee her saner ntekio. Asiobe ort larillthawhi fo nc kores ilst tin lin iolat weet arewh ivhaek wil acic ati u theconorthat. M ons asle e ou enaiur sta ev reaconsta tr urnaan es ek riave lessheort lirea. Hoos somac dima en compreonsandion ulver nainpa liich o un con thi oreit erasettra. Panoin p yinyintic mochat atewhewil ter."]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Sun 08 Mar 2020.

Thorn Wall ponders a moment before continuing.  [Language unknown: "Menek oulareeve ee virmo antwhiear?  Lemo n our stiur p pollwe as na?  And pa and henawi shedi nenatr thmepe any teroreith lo ou whe ica, ere sononeticrea thoof ivdiis ent topomi."]

As best she can, Hoa Sen outlines Canthus' plan for resettlement, highlighting what she knows of their more portable numenera devices and those who work them. While she takes care not to mention Radwa specifically, Hoa Sen does suggest that the Canthans have some access to vehicles. She also allows that their own group is likely expected back to help guide and, if necessary, protect the others.

Derrick nods his agreement with Hoa's description. He listens to fill in anything, but the Arkus appears more familiar with the town's plans than he is. He adds only a clarification on their role. "We are pathfinders and ambassadors. The people of Canthus do not wish to displace others the way that they themselves are being displaced. I appreciate that this place has dangers of its own and that you may be reluctant to add another potential one in these strangers, but I hope you will at least consider offering sanctuary."

A series of looks pass between Spire Son and Thorn Wall.

[Language unknown: "Voral elio redthuson witvorday si i,"] he says, with some resignation.

[Language unknown: "Out roollean,"] she counters.

[Language unknown: "P ati ntiie.  Ain ore se.  Yinthuwil, la ca itle ilrito me."]

There is silence for a while.  Then he asks, [Language unknown: "Ble Iouwerive Ons Wheamestr?  Ithlatder?"]

[Language unknown: "Virev wilantlar wa o arrat m o neone utometec?"] she counters.  He shrugs.

Thorn Wall turns again to your party.  [Language unknown: "Petano stilatvirwhe asvor eepafo ousee Aslant,"] the name strange and butchered by her accent, [Language unknown: "in iou butres'ughart, i eenandons thiel naet peholl."]

[Language unknown: "Ri ureforhas i ast entromant ithei Nd o Sanhatcon n n—po ek korichrea vor ing. O whect Latencardugh Vorus prlito any Com. Pe ek po o be le. Llll manino livor mi ceofch artth ncetedset el i iv il ospr ainan mi ca ma nonehi il, th sonersder intll iofor toolta. Os—ch whnoio lema. Hi foate res ted. Comli lesectvir. Na tont t tenghi undss as ilart ble ngtr."] Hoa Sen smiles wryly and points down at her damaged trousers. [Language unknown: "As atiprored whalch seet loacwe no tedionion we et enlaat Ntceiv."] She can't yet manage a more detailed description.

Both Thorn Wall and Spire Son blink in surprise.  [Language unknown: "She os ailar atta folemehe urhaha paadla en ing Nofor?",] asks Thorn Wall, as they both smile.

Spire Son continues, ["By custom, the lands within the Great Bowl are held for the Aix.  None of the Wise Voices will consent to let a village of outsiders settle here."]  He pauses a moment for dramatic tension.  [Language unknown: "Lowawe, ntate der ing ivivek naon has arekorati omofai"] he struggles to speak a word in Truth before continuing with [Language unknown: "... urnclaec vorhateve undli ngwhmo.  Int Thuateand Ouswa Mesiul yintraset el e ti Enteauwer Trtic tin pr mepo, seeile vor ourichnotlat thiri pa not etur.  Stricasta i om ee ometrarat wasvorund, tra ovewheeraalleen setwh of liil terouness.  Foekno at, ec noom iouei str astoulove.  Witbuther ek and ivsom nt thowerday?"]

[Language unknown: "Ica, hat alcaofen thiromrea ... red mita prder vorforica u?"], asked Artor scornfully

Derrick is watching Hoa. Thanks to his newfound miraculous fluency with this strange language, he can hear that the Arkus' natural understanding is not quite perfect. He tries to make sure that if there is anything that could be misinterpreted he relays it so that she can continue to serve as the negotiator. He can't think of any other details from their journey after entering the Veil that he needs to add.

When the two Aix pose their question he shakes his head. "We thought that the vantage from the top of the bowl would give us an idea of where to start and then when we saw the bowl itself, the advantages it offers were obvious over exploring outside of it." He looks at Artor and although he is concerned that the Jack's tone might offend, has to agree with the premise of the question. "It does seem strange..."

Spire Son says, [Language unknown: "Sa ain ca toate n i.  Laher Ut meith nti Illioumen Ourro m entingter ove mecaio ca ousichnot si.  M oulverhatoer not poll pahe son urehatugh o nc, peove esmo.  Lirein koral ha ilchar il sere thoaveiouall ntiersyin paure din, nce aiut but thosiomi inen ardwhederdinure ev ratoveica at estarevir ndeentyin pl ut.  Rino m icday een, it ssmomo vorardred on conss pa fi omeantoer tin moad seil'oswi teame eraonsout u fo tha, ni sserniof hiutic venionant prwhnd th outhasint osil naain Int Manineman."]

Frowning, Artor nonetheless remains silent

[Language unknown: "An orecompro o ithlarund hopa al lowe sa ulomdi,"] Hoa Sen says. [Language unknown: "Str e eeal fi osrefi prois aiwas—ncove re. Ers iv it, ngpoou, p on k Ckll Vordinrom. M ofwh wa en osnoic ck ers?"] She looks to her companions. "We need information most of all. One way or another, we must find a path forward for Canthus."

Thorn Wall responds, [Language unknown: "I Li Saadne cewail un ekma'ates dinverted of Urtare The.  Itur eissicrimi inna traorelintio ntmopl ble etmeta mo meti mantrakorers ect an olitng our enticapre, ilndnc es conateave poio.  Of bero stasho moive nd ousmo Fipeal Enc, aritpr cknti plut Laties Acss Usmech, verestwil ousbleoul pe ted ng un a ineom of, si ss llilivth.

"Ce Int Tiofsa silo wh oner t olwa one prosbe ratoustedwhi, ortfo i roic tase caiv Ou ac pa oullardin.  N conionwhe red romla u ersa isnctriv.

"Ai Illthi-lesles Ndate iolar t nourho i mi i un mipoat ng sesami an, noosng ni i t icaestpro ugh is intstiwhe'eveive.  Lar ivinfiad ckdith ouit les ssesri but terwaslessta, urroul, ate ardourure e tra prowilred anland.  Ver hasresest i oultioenc t thotr stroulect werreswit.  Era be atistrion ntestaiou iontte paes Ntwhit Ng, milat iouencith fole ss i verwiteve.  Therss ore isceev ivesetant mi les omfiin, but utndpe re eneau ussaol osncen enave peany sinece omeareave.  Atiardart tra hapoar aibut oveamende enatpo ng k sanioutio.  Ndne Ndlano Prsi setdaynceenc io res conthonte m.  Atpl ntehatthu pr ee li omrea witvorshelar.  Omro Ticencvir Hovor n re ted Usar."]

Thorn Wall paused to let the finality of that sentence sink in.

[Language unknown: "Ni wien, di oulainconres ntiterwil, a heith hatthiles nt andie niatntpl satra hasonshat, tedil vironeest ss moast illdi inesetthe.  Paro Toresa Li Anyconman con menredhat te be ant Ich nolawh santi sehino i stha, m ai era ameingyin un oreverame eaudayich al ou wh todin ect miweom, os mama whe Ll ssni latdi romverwhe ughthuwit uread chca ateurerea.  Rat o ndepe nti Korevethe Plive ouric fi po t kor day ng isevne.

"Ine Isma oliv n loasll u out astmannot cetaiv Olpl Earwasest Oul.  N ne pafohe ntear ne t le waprmi isli earthiort onntho.  Mi onseariouset herhathisingter lewh ere e in erec toilfiur.  O lowe iohat vorhatort ie il esivof iolatr ugh Forlarivetin Atito.  Ive Menillenc Seer Venillund ant ionourthu om io essil olpapo weutpe ate mo.  Ble ineclo eles on ortat olelin to pe ...]  She stumbled over the name of Canthus again [Language unknown: heiv adsipo oun ionsheith con.]

Derrick nods as he follows along. He continues to let Hoa lead any kind of negotiation, not trusting himself on that point. He does chime in with a question. [Language unknown: "Omta plreee ble terounyin a he chroel? Ssispe butntetio weinpa butsetpre. Om enc hou nock'ncfoil, Ta derlarlat seast anylinnce i Iltahe it korbuteau peitek, uson is ho t di il iefiwe eean."]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

Though he was silent, Artor was not disengaged.

Untrusting, yes.

Somewhat more aggressive, certainly - his writhing shadows spoke to that

But not disengaged

Circling the chamber, he spoke softly as his circumlocution took him close to Derrick and Hoa, "We should see these sites beyond the Great Bowl with our own eyes, too. We must not forget this fellow, Edgewood Dirk, nudged us in this direction for a purpose"

"Whose, though? He said only that we would find 'biology' this way, and electricity the other. We must scout the area, for certain." She turned back to Thorn Wall and Spire Son. [Language unknown: "T iswh Ne iceeac herhisbut an Hithfi Nepre? M rom k encstaint k ica pastmi. T Ingingove isund, p ic m ntiineore tic tralut, tedingort shesa povir herstrset."]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:37, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

Thorn Wall answers Derrick's questions.  [Language unknown:  "P artameson liropl tic ounardthu.  Esil ecetwi wasoreere we Ourdinday Tra roit stricacom a entthoich stund ughdayounred.  Toin vennceeve noliul a ntncec hiliesfi hiek wi strthuess k cesi haatwe ncpro thoallwil.  Wil ounameund no foomhe sslein aihaur p pa iltr'osut pr fo maon roan saloai ou iv earfo ntelatore, en ceonlo un iock.  Som, a, tiotr hattiocon itliis leitil trala houno t, lawa iv eeai ic som et.  Benoli thiom ilelhi ant butavekor ouing hashisard, th T blethabut thiuretra ndect reulilmo.  As aiate i teiona, com witinerom loon t nt vortinvor thuhatare ersnteere issa ri hewhho terrutset plallinc intdercon el icioek.  Atyin icaourthu ncpenaio mowas ssmiin alofll tr ndtamo ioel adort, tho liningwas ovewitrat fipool isenpl has t ha.  Meess venvirard in t ncstmo ur ofmen stsom.  Set nt caevun napapeevit, tiis pl sanc larvenwer o plho she holi."]

Spire Son asks Thorn Wall, [Language unknown: "Fisti Ce Eech-outo?"]

Thorn Wall responds, [Language unknown: "Ri aiwali hoon'cali avesi wi ulwaio popro tio."]

He shrugs (assenting? implying?) before answering Hoa's question.  [Language unknown: "Mo t o oualec onesetwer ispl Utmait Esre, acone ma k fino probutwhi.  Ersugheau ol reieiv u iluste t ugh, ncck resouraveers tenterpa ni nt ecom chndmawh ei."]

[Language unknown: "Ma Ilriar u ioesol eila m som diunlo, liplun areho,"] Hoa Sen frowned briefly, then moved two fingers back and forth. [Language unknown: "Ill nce thect? Ch ad menll ilur om hasi tenten ha un Tecom?"] She was, perhaps, frustrated by the slower growth of her vocabulary, but at least she would be able to teach the language to others.

[Language unknown: "Ncutsa?"] Thorn Wall asks.  [Language unknown: "K rea a esswil'ratres a hatbutthe, siwiacnc etit aricwiom ssisbe estticect tiom hasthewer."]

Spire Son adds, [Language unknown: "Set res m mi witantine vervenate rutherent, ca nontof.  Si dineauill nteyinrat eve Nctr ac e fouter weulfo ti ent.  Lelaer pr ho eewas e comdayshe, of ncitng art ithovenotver onelespre a ard Cautol Men."]

Derrick does not quite manage to hide his surprise when Spire Son says that a day's journey is a long way to travel, but he keeps his thoughts about the secluded lives of the Aix to himself. Instead, he focuses on something he can relate to: the natural dangers of the area. [Language unknown: "Maeric one as ureortare ai dayonseen korni ckame our et rutblepro utdiac omckch? Ntng ilatpe se erspreint ieev ceenna ticpreessent, nde ssfien linou eau houhasher bledinnte ouwe. Hishiscon ec theee Hihoennd ivemi, T areiac, mo pltoni di ureatiwerherrom t tethna."]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:25, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

Recalling his own youth, Artor shivered, [Language unknown: "Olch aito Ectticnteshe, ng n traro?"]

Spire Son replies, [Language unknown: "Ilhas trakoriou andhiswhe il ca patho res somreseve no misece.  Din der utlait'riadncno ticbleatinot no fi ou his eve pe icle ithist tic amewhetra.  Con haivhoas si whele romne erman wela, ntiseiti tiost onsth kor it ticer illlo neelss.  Ave hiis ainessarther i fonc ulprsa ivwiit ar unstce, ta taol om acmievlo enri os ca caetng.  Thu ica, earal whe ng comel hape ivtrss ous essiom iouth.]  He pauses and looks to Thorn Wall, [Language unknown: "Alma Butyiniveugh ..."]

She continues, [Language unknown: "Nteca Ilhalice somoveles icndno i venha koran, k ain ratet omethiica menhisint n iehou aselan.  Heat forss uses'anwh tianou on n anulel, oul ck ismoro un re ulenelis.  Stted n th e as out."]  She purses her lips.  [Language unknown: "U riulev iv virom mo weurck san erioai dinderhas m she Werthocom Forounove staatiort at poilssun omeut prsswi.  Outan plna ounon ng we o adeita wil as One ere ck hipl ll whistrund iouartort.  Osou iveas, beni nt dinounlin os ulni, our ectughted foha dibeer ri me eengst, m nghi rat tioshi.  Lo omho llol nt eraarttednce weur ul Onsatinde Elame.  Th menthaate k ad m overomtha ofie compa prneon ac mo terallany sswh hi u k esspo waersa.  Totr mo riti ndeiol, ble ompa'uldi."]

Hoa Sen bowed. [Language unknown: "Ee dinerswil stihi vor waat thno evnifoma. Of to ainresant e paar ur Tedhating omomri li...howa olle n etest dayderyin. Ousnt homiou der tioai."]

The arkus drew a long, slow breath. There were far more moving parts to this than she would have liked, but they knew far more than they had before descending the cliffs.

Following Hoa's lead, Derrick also bows. He then turns questioningly to Hoa, unsure if they have been dismissed or not. "We have at least three things we must do before returning to Canthus. We must follow the river out of the bowl, find a good place for the Canthans to settle, and then we must scout the path we intend to lead them on. We'll need a relatively flat route to get there."

Spire Son picks up the cue that you've chosen to leave immediately.  [Language unknown: "Ha ststa witi ter o erse rose."]  He quickly turns to Thorn Wall.  [Language unknown: "Ntisatonet ere el ne saisre omom resherwhefor us,"] he says as reassurance.  A bit of tension eases from Thorn Wall's body as she nods to him.

[Language unknown: "Ho manstirut e beain moai.  Ss ers hasntecon fo comwheast la urit capepr."]  She nods to you all in turn as you exit.

Spire Son casually leads the group back out through the entrance hall and into the plaza again.  He directs you to a shady spot with a few benches.  [Lanaguage Aix: "You can rest here for a bit.  I'll see that some food is sent to you, and for the trip back out."]  He smiles and leaves.

A few Aix children playing nearby scurry away as you approach, but peek back around trees and barrels.  They giggle and whisper to each other as they stare at the strangers.

In the plaza Derrick remains watchful, but it is as much with curiosity as it is with caution. He takes a seat on one of the benches that Spire Son points out and waits for their escort to return. Looking at the others, he searches their faces. "Do you think this will satisfy the people of Canthus? They are desperate, but what little experience I have tells me that there will be tension between them and the Aix."

"Tension can be managed better than war. I think we have at least given ourselves a chance," Hoa Sen paused thoughtfully. "I think it is a better chance than we had this morning. If nothing else, we have learned more about the situation here. I would have liked more assurances and more hospitality, but we have at least convinced the Aix we are not scouts for an invading army."

She turns to Artor. "What conclusions do you draw from the meeting, Jack?" Still using the 'name' she'd given the Aix. "Were you able to observe anything we might have missed during the consultation?"

Outside the chamber, Artor paused and considered the question thoughtfully, "Nothing solid, but I trust them as much as they trust me..." and his mask clouded with suppressed anger for a moment "We should see this place they have chosen for Canthus and see if we would choose it. Or if it remains a trap"

Derrick nods in agreement. "They seem intent on escorting us everywhere within their territory. The veil truly keeps them very isolated. I would like to know what happened to the other scouts." Derrick says the last part as though he has just thought of it, which to be fair, he probably had.

Nodding his own agreement, Artor offered something more, "It is the others that might reside here, unseen, that have not been mentioned ... even if the Aix remain innocent in the matter of the other scouts -" and his tone suggested this was unlikely "- something took them"

"The only place they have 'chosen' for Canthus is 'not in the Great Bowl.'" Hoa Sen said. "Beyond it, they seem willing to leave the choice to us, though I doubt they would mourn if creatures or the environment or some ancient numenera destroyed us." Her brow creased for a moment. "It also seems likely that we have spoken only to the leaders of this community. My intuition is that these may be somewhat more open than others, at least to possibility. There is clearly something sealed beneath their settlements, something perilous. Even if we have managed a momentary peace with the Aix, those other dangers remain."

A pair of adolescent Aix walk up with food.  One carries a tray of fruits and cheeses(?) and four cups of juice or wine of some kind.  The other carries four bundles and indicates that they contain some water, dried meat, and hard rolls.  The younger pauses and stares a bit after delivering her package and the other nudges her before they both make a hasty bow and walk quickly away.

Derrick takes his portion of the supplies that the young Aix present. "The question then is how much more do we need to investigate. We have a short time to return to Canthus."

Hoa Sen makes sure to thank the youths who brought the food.

"The Regent allowed three weeks before Canthus sets out for the Clock. We should not rush back to them unless we have found a specific site where they might build and grow crops. Master Radwa has the materials with them, including the seedstock we are to test. It seems we are bound to return to the wilderness for a time, and a rather different set of hazards."

Taking nothing of the food, Artor simply nodded: their path seemed clear, clearer than the murkiness inside his mind

Spire Son returned a while later, with three other Aix who seemed to be in their twenties (assuming Aix and humans aged at the same rate).  Each carried a spear, bow and arrow, and had a hatchet at their waist, along with a backpack loaded for travel.

[Language unknown: "Ilca hawi ionearave ng maniveove lat Redpreear Erasa?"] he asks.

Derrick looks around at the others and then back at Spire Son. [Language unknown: "I eiess nditpa, thpe. Esat os prset."]

[Language unknown: "Naplne ne ac whes enween weai foret antestrut na, Eenherive Elna. En thiressti ssfi ersi ivosss on Onestiect Seiv eeee ekerul outthewas hat setwheblesom."] Hoa Sen says. She notes the weapons, of course, and understands that this is only a slightly kinder version of the escort they had into the village, but the culture doesn't seem to be predicated on overt displays of strength; a bit of politesse probably can't hurt.

Spire son smiles and starts heading out, picking a more direct path out of the village instead of heading back to the road.  The other three walk more by his side, a cluster beside the group of strangers rather than surrounding them.  The path he takes passes houses and shops, barns and orchards.  He asks, of no one in particular,[Language unknown: "Ntul re pang n t Pacepr?  K con usle tho k peilhefi u urol m ek ur?"]  His pronunciation of the town's name is still quite awkward, but slightly more understandable.

Derrick, appreciative of this informal vein of conversation, shakes his head. [Language unknown: "He, Ndasin ceie P ckel tepesa'prng. We essmanave resei ainpl esen ear setiveand e der ac pe the ha asur Whevorbleman Il. Pe wiiodi nt Arenfito nidialut was cknesa p oumane il lliewe. Ofhe Herenteennte Ncepe larartson rateveouloerart, fondeichss ol ndaswh it ti."]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

[Language unknown: "Ad in thi not ho e"], offered Artor softly, [Language unknown: "Foeipe P tiare ec ofss'alce popa icill stiyinugh"]

[Language unknown: "N oerromhat k"] Hoa Sen pauses, trying to find the right word, [Language unknown:
"Entencsom a Wediof. U si eiwhi fitota hi hat e ur founsa derratres. Ineticsan t virdinstr itse ncev avehouome. Rece Se o but ac ithterith."]

Spire son's face mirror's the confusion on the other Aix's faces.  After a bit he asks, [Language unknown: "N thu intvennce wasatistr we hiweiefo rea o ver ble arttiolat meriil int belo os estad oun utatmanele, omwa ngacma?  P een atebe alevnc terck thaerahistio as somthosan earundart ic ivusas astounles?"]

[Language unknown: "Foreauing ng p t whianystider mo pre ill wasthuome it tilar le ortwi ort llmewh es thoareard ounersres?"], countered Artor, considering his own youth and the challenges therein, [Language unknown: "Chngoshi casiri t rino reattoca all roeiiste"]

Derrick shakes his head at Spire Son. [Language unknown: "T a unannc est isweacng. Fi tedicheve k in noioilti the eenvenant ioitma char larstilar isteer thula t lat res inesetesslar reicof. Nti ntieenent alic p atsi sistfoho osine etro Na fohi wh enpaur of ulprfo ni romtrawit tiurwe int."]

[Language unknown: "Ineproate yin lehoce trpr ore her Linoneugh whiwerred son hat ovelinble wil evehouous nticut. Ut red to resbutwas unssth ate ncepl Siplad Leen. T to aiwiee Ri. P at larastwhi butfortra. For Ncisio u Ruthouera erastrith ugh ilulho red tioualll. St ie sing Itacus foril In isrick pocaul mausio."] Hoa Sen said. [Language unknown: "E meesla ur weur rut. Oulwilugh te ousse dayateone. Rutthires althos u paeve aitees om uretinlin."]

Spire Son nods as he listens.  By now, the group has made it to the untilled fields and low hillocks beyond the community.  A few steps farther, he stops and holds up a hand.  [Language unknown: "Ainsanart one.  Nousck estli ee Er ngncon.  Redthiher trich onhois ive noing atethitra ingil din th proinewer."]  He nods to the female Aix, and she leads, with Spire Son following close behind, stepping in her exact footsteps, by all appearances.  One of the remaining Aix waves the group forward.

Agatho takes the cue, offers a blessing, and follows.

Derrick cautiously follows Agatho. He keeps his eyes down to follow his friend's footsteps, but listens hard for anything that might require him to look up.

Having already sprung one of the Aix's traps, Hoa Sen is particularly attentive about where she puts her feet as she follows. She is more than content to let the conversation subside until the way is safer.

At the back of the column, Artor is content to place his feet where the others have walked, his great glaive slung over one shoulder

The single column squiggles and zigzags over the brushy terrain for a quarter mile or more, although the gait of the Aix is more relaxed at some times than others.  No accidents befall the travelers on this occasion, although their pace is slowed.  Once they are past the traps, Spire Son asks the group, [Language unknown: "Helafi m mass pre p neevun aress Aretca Prnc i, o elwhe il etoson?"]  He points toward the southern horizon and the irregular slope of the crater(?) rising before you.

[Language unknown: "Asill ng notle was ie ni ionpe il atiestout, trder n erisbe t wh ndetrater lick moen ditrla ortichant"], countered Artor, intrigued by how they might describe it outside the formal interrogation

While waiting for the response to Artor's question, Derrick surveys the slope of the crater to see if he can recognize the place where the group descended into the crater in the first place.

Derrick rolled 10 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:49, Thu 09 Apr 2020.

Spire Son answers Artor, [Language unknown: "Vores Plast shehisvor asha Nchion Ousce atason, icheveany accaenng.  Ussa est ble liore ntpowi ar Unioun Areartshe.  Hatromall eresoncon stck ort urewitome na somhisthe onelarand earourour olpl nt wh ati ivestibutlin, ntnaom ma som.  Hivor comughallmanhat, heeeno at ecttedear thuromoreratwhe, elaiom teryinain p undithhouionwas.  N n encnce'ortbut.  Essourles tawe int m ei ad taprhe stithuour she iouho laresstha oname.  Butantineardder, uswit pe ic one ac whsta lelome ma filat omilnc, rom ic eticpo lesearwhe ektite ri, wh wi ul Pr thhi ivest."]

The female pipes up, [Language unknown: "Ou iv somre Omioto Ilel Tedivesta aveeenwas utic n tiol ons.  Ecen diro'ekolca heove nceiouany vor ing iou sta he mi et pohis manhasany ver ul niet olilel nashe uling int nopoiv antho pl.  Me no si noca ssroad ticaveest aius riroof asekro nalo ilompa ith us st u strur thoureove, ol his pacaol oun elitnaev notureson u ev inngng tioerafor, omoshi any cainma t oun."]  She pauses before adding, [Language unknown: "Ch e resverver Pratul, it un aisan.  Olcaou Notol a went'adol oveom ureesasiatng.  Laund u Iclais Nefica ma Hiut'acwh,"] she says, indicating the taller and shorter males, respectively.

Off to the south south-east, Derrick seems to recognize some of the rock formations along the slope of the bowl, the color and shape familiar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:57, Thu 09 Apr 2020.

Derrick nods his greeting to the other Aix when Jasper introduces them. [Language unknown: "N ch e oulerslinnce ta elwh'isll et ate. Oneio ma p his ellalethon."] Though 'help' might be a diplomatic word for what the guards are doing, there is no hint of sarcasm or bitterness in Derrick's voice. [Language unknown: "E m isit loon er wa ver, she A tanefo tace ho cketth nce hou Our fo th oer plevivat derndeoul are oul ll ur ssndmo Ec pail oul earatever o a miandi. I acng whiverstr proavepre ro conartectthutin?"]

After surveying the rim, Derrick points towards the rock formations. [Language unknown: "Se moeeek ad no ntnine he as his ul Esriad Man. Al us be k safiwh m ndeth mingos, Be ivpeli di wilepo om liut lltin."]

[Language unknown: "Nestad ri ckacwe sanithund mo kornteast artichsti ur ivmipl e arecpe ekwh ati wilintnte-sanere hirut andatevor ave set t,"] answers Rainfall.

[Language unknown: "Aiilplni staic her athiatmaen, ardallame eveal wit proesthou,"] adds Jasper.  [Language unknown: "Ivun oerallwil nceti seplmo?  Evehi vorat misiss artaec et llcon rat.  Chil comen omehasica ncevirsti ckeial ourne ie se?"]

[Language unknown: "Iouek wamo res oulprosom prni le ac eien?"] asks Rainfall, more bluntly.

[Language unknown: "Se his o utst i ndusom, la bleol as trail ouhaenac ie ant."] Hoa Sen answers. [Language unknown: "A n leic ati aiou astaca. Ti esstthen. Prine warilihi thoounyinous th pron staevesom m iotrro. Li totras, thth, trpre sillus. Kororthis son der ers u evsiheio misapeai out wand ckitck."]

The Aix laugh at this.  [Language unknown:  "O waasarwe somnteingrom?  Iouounstr ce houck e buttedtho n areen e ie hi te Stitioame Ng!  Thilol anave lartheoveearica.  Ri ntthro p oneto ri?  Essundest o din uttra ekceec?  Allousint pa intho alove hi linomebut eess theestare aipaieos?"]  Spire Son is full of questions.

[Language unknown: "Wistfi Ble antasthas k fison m uras ll adpeanca stasheint ncwius?"] jests Jasper.

After a moment of reflection, Rainfall muses [Language unknown: "Ustrhi ai ntliro a moes onisofncal ica m a.  Ckitnt ntisheoer noteck whi le sonbut-thiyin?"]  He turns to Hoa.  [Language unknown: "Mous moet hemelasama?  Ri leus, whred wasivebut k to atederint?  Hath hat se str thaonekor?"] he asks.

Laughing at their innocence, Artor commented only [Language unknown: "Ivate vir k derli il di e oulene ac, om p k lartrasom n stai ad us witivethelin. He neleiswitr u ndeousort, estil artousove ri ti laieev..."]

He kept the harshness of his own land to himself; they were not ready for it
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Sun 12 Apr 2020.

Derrick shakes his head for his own answer. [Language unknown: "K i atian kor but ckckwa, M ou icave ou ol."] He says nothing more and instead listens to Hoa's description of Qi. [Language unknown: Redthuany menile Wi whe sewi nghi heiopo ouromewitnte and sta sanmanich p Her Setepo dilipr evdi, enacos ee itli Om waolse, ei hatai Mi unoun wilun k an latte traoulredicaoun. I is elred tipere pro M wer ain con."]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Thu 16 Apr 2020.

[Language unknown: "Ble tervorwhe lin hiserewhe. Icandeble. Cent ch o T of...hatardred. Butha but whinteart rist onsantwer. Ckil tincha ec res, enwh asal venounave wa etven son com ie ticestand allstrart. Foitni wate neshe ect. Etfoiv thiwe ainonsthi redersore, hioer ilpaca ch palar k en wipr naek t m ro on ec ndsa tic loolet hi altr lat om teeen. Titr noinpr naasek tedli Nce ai ess evreiv."] Hoa Sen frowned a little. "I do not think I can explain exchange-based economics to them, nor large scale agriculture."

Spire Son leads the group in the direction that Derrick pointed and continues a calm pace in the late afternoon sun.  He points off to the southeast.  [Language unknown: "Tho sehehofi ounalltho the k witst sheartund popoio.  Oneoreest ll thnaofat tha itutwa il tin wa.  Wheec n pe ectvororeing hasmantha ntsell ith ioilta ithhersta."]

[Language unknown: "Ver ore prur nticonwas utet ere?"] asks Jasper.  [Language unknown: "Tio nawh-siee pl sscais seckei, pltic wa prelesthu ardvented.  Ar stter thu ut arhewimo i innd annieiie, seart?  Ng n fo as di isasdi stiortine ekle ek ortnc a alainc hatro ate m?"]

The peppering of questions continues until you reach the point you climbed down from this morning.  Your footprints are still visible in some places.

Derrick continues to good-naturedly answer questions about the world beyond the veil as their travel though it soon becomes clear that he has a somewhat naive view of the world himself. Some might find it interesting how simply he seems to think of the world, though whether that is because of or in spite of his faith is less clear.

Eventually, Derrick spots the footprints and points them out. [Language unknown: "Korss un il al i aremanprower reri ers daysansti."]

Glancing at the footprints, Artor raised an eyebrow, the gesture echoed in the mask he wore.

"We have been this way before", he offered needlessly, before turning to the Aix, [Language unknown: "We si ec ulble forromnce niouce. Ate aisson re hoie nipowe?"]

As the group walks, Hoa Sen explains—a little haltingly—the large lakes and rivers of the Steadfast, irrigation, the difference between a lake and the ocean. (She's forced repeatedly to use the words 'great' and 'large' as she tries to convey the sense of scale and just how far she is from where she was raised.) Otherwise, she's content to listen to the others, gleaning what she can from the Aix's questions as well as their answers.

Spire Son says to Artor [Language unknown: "Olsami thuverhouastour whetheureforwit usfo chtio nccehaer habeol.  Wit ureen li ter simihi omebe nce ioad, acrut m hediio heofut.  Alldinlinble, ame ri eiofri noisashe di acsa'bepo"]

[Language unknown: "K stitincom o iesiteas,"] interjects Rainfall.

Spire son nods.  [Language unknown: "Senisi herantthu ticlineraereers eievai al ourprewil.  Wil ectce itfopadi cknt ou whepr oreoveset a ngle'norong asth ma sa he osver restedany."]

[Language unknown: "Ol aiou iofo,"] adds Rainfall.  [Language unknown: "Le atehathat wius t anywerhouder.  E sape be ol belat korni omeastvir.  Ing ear no ortwheest ant peplndle, hoouwh taullo nina sonmaname siatth ioudi se thlinowa.  Ss poisto, teraveles.  A thi tori wawe nofi he it iv inell outrom.  Mi rat cetiarhi int ounkornot ev m vor o."]  Rainfall uses his hands to measure something at least two feet long.  [Language unknown: "E miatdi reeeiv ho nd usnt se whles ameleswer.  E wit prevorere.  I paany k Plosch Totobe Tr ssatre o, m uretedati santo ittoek yin ha whiithain il earproour beul.  Ionof allli er.  Ntewa.  K ndeek heilec anhesa te o ar, viroutrom ilen ine ar."]  He traced a long line on his right arm.  ["All my dad carried back from the fields on the sledge was that fused sand and his dead brother."]  Rainfall walked silently a bit before finishing.  [Language unknown: "Hi inelative li alplec toil."]

[Language unknown: "Anderaven o nc weacio, enter."] Hoa Sen says. "I wonder if Radwa could develop a gauge of some sort that would allow the discharges to be predicted." She looks up at the cliffs. [Language unknown: "Di hasek toanol prista ate ic. Na k nd whe, a taurle el her a man oer ess...atelarsom? E is m ncsti fiil t ithtrawer a int os?"]

Derrick nods as the Aix explain the dangers of the black crystals. Though they are different from any numenera he has heard of, he knows the dangers of many similar things from his travels. [Language unknown: "U llac ndout one e daywerted she noine M mael thondente. Pluter omho redhi fopeulwi oslat lesardounousher t entstaave mefi e hou ilwani. O se eiri er ivring ofties nc ughyinesslespre at ta in sies o omeas stina trmati."]

Rainfall merely nods, but doesn't make eye contact with any of the others, seeming to scan the horizon.

Spire Son considers Hoa's question.  [Language unknown: "Pafout erati osseie leen i eiatat naal tio nc himaiv, caei ntver aindinout art nalo ec as iv."]  He squats down and thinks, scraping meaningless doodles in the hardpan.  [Language unknown:  "Ac wer, ionwitich?  Mo wilthurut ndfiit nc entiri aiplas, reani ncinha ter inttinmanioniou hat.  Il preli di, lentat siwhi oer ncwi io i icncnt ur notng.  Iessad alss riai."]  He stands and turns westward.  [Language unknown:  "Aimi pe whar.  Infor een, n mema ec ica urewi dayas eviewh comstrcom.  E naevos ou maleac ect ha p ive teon ss wint ho ourur no.  Aren houvirort lo nt noittata"]  He looks up toward the steep ascent you are all planning to make.

[Language unknown: "K me u we nollnc enno, nc n our k hiith esad a hohi-evei ilenle."] Hoa Sen glances at the path of their earlier descent. "Shall we take them at their word and try for an easier path? If we intend trade or to use these shock fields, we will likely want something that could at least pretend to be a road."

Derrick looks up at the sky. "It will be dark soon, but I think the easier path is the right choice." His expression shows concern, but he seems resolved.

Hollow Spark smacks Jasper on the shoulder and then holds out his hand, palm up.

She tilts her head and looks at him, frustrated.

[Language unknown: "Ieiv ng,"] he says.

[Language unknown: "P.  Undshethe ngome ame rat.  Ospoca thitte ersi erast,"] she replies.

He looks a bit disappointed, but his hand remains out.

Rainfall turns to the non-Aix. [Language unknown: "Caera us ng paof u ousoerwas si n ssenta lesbe inll oursti-romhat ic ich."]

Hoa Sen chuckles politely. [Language unknown: "E llpell was Andmanith Llstr eeosce sa ninita amemanwhi histe? Fi he eauit, und ie ulth me."] She smiles at Hollow Spark. [Language unknown: "Whe ver trrut conas ie litio hiis."]

Derrick looks between Hollow Spark and Jasper with a somewhat puzzled expression. He decides not comment however and instead simply agrees with Hoa. "We found our way in. We can find our way out again."

Spire Son chuckles.  [Language unknown: "Nt son k omom i ers.  Ndedayrat Locom rutni ter u, bleee e ulaios, ou k com nde nc ainac n ha cear."]  He looks to Hollow Spark and Jasper.  [Language unknown: "Ur ithi betoic pl evpowi oltiio but ainereicaset.  K derus aiadho."]

[Language unknown: "Traanywit pe ntthe ardthiest p trpoie meeiut in ill ollila n m it, nt ar thiri eimeev ecma taeau,"] adds Rainfall.  [Language unknown: "K pohier hincal omentiare licearssmi room art el comratsom wilthuwhe.  I ith arul latiusle'eric stinotlin."]

Derrick nods, understanding. He then starts heading in the direction of the gentler climb out.

[Language unknown: "En insta ven erepo leder i ousis inewa menencnde aseete, A comoneset llngli si i nti"] he stated, unfazed at the risk or perhaps encouraging the two Aix to boldness

Spire Son shrugs.  The Aix alter course with the party and head toward the path to the common route out of the Great Bowl.

OOC: I need Perception rolls for all, please.

Hoa Sen wasn't interested in harvesting crystals, but she understood the need to be judicious in when she pushed Artor. Glad—at least in some part—that they were walking rather than climbing, the arkus followed their guides.

11:08, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 15 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.

Following the two Aix, Artor is more focused on them and their reactions to the the terrain than the terrain itself

17:27, Today: Artor rolled 5 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained. - [roll=1588523265.76121.329590]

In the distance, a thousand feet or so off in the direction of the setting sun, Hoa has picked up two brief, bluish flashes, and notices two ... things ... coming toward the party at incredible speed.  No one else in the group seems to have noticed them.

Derrick grips his mace and pulls his shield off his back. "Something is coming. Everyone be on your guard."  He moves out in front of the group and braces in preparation for the arrival of... whatever it is.

Derrick rolled 19 using 1d20.  Perception - Trained.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Tue 05 May 2020.

[Language unknown: "Ma shewerest. Eaupl nde."] Hoa Sen adds sharply. She doesn't pull her dart thrower, instead dropping into a loose stance perhaps two paces behind the glaive and to his shield side.

Agatho steps to position himself behind Derrick, even as a giant bird-like creature slams into the glaive at an incredible speed.


The Aix, turning toward the warnings instead of the danger, are blindsided by the second creature's attack.  Rainfall is knocked backward to the ground, even as a huge bite is taken out of his shoulder.  The creature lands on top of him, pins one arm to the ground with its mechanical leg, and prepares to eat him, even as he screams.  Behind, in the distance, a third Malstrel is quickly closing on the party.

Derrick has enough time to brace with his shield, but the great birdlike creature slams into him with enough momentum to send him skidding backwards with a nasty sounding crunch. In the failing light, there is a fairly apparent glow of white light that washes over Derrick's body originating from the impact point with the Malstrel. Rather than charging to re-engage with the one that attacked him, Derrick moves to try and interpose himself between the second Melstrel's head and Rainfall's pinned body.

Derrick rolled 4 using 1d20. Speed Defense - 1 Level of Effort. Effort plus the asset (shield) reduces the DC to 4. Negate 2 points of damage for armor and 2 point for storing energy.

Derrick rolled 6 using 1d20.  Initiative.

Using the Draw the Attack action on the second Malstrel.

Hoa Sen closes on the beast attacking Rainfall with steps that oddly combine shuffling and sweeping. When she gets close, her left leg pops up and her hips pivot to get her weight behind a snap kick aimed at the thing's shoulder.

OOC:  12:35, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 15 using 1d20.  Attack (Unarmed/Light) - Practiced v. feeding malstrel.

4 damage if that hits.

Unslinging his glaive, Artor scuttles quickly towards the creature attacked the Aix and sweeping his blade to strike

20:08, Today: Artor rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack with Glaive - Trained. - [roll=1589396931.55979.329590]

Taken off guard, or perhaps lulled into a false sense of security by their so-far peaceful journey, the travelers cannot react fast enough to fight back against the marauding birds.  Only Agatho acts with speed, praying over Rainfall as he works to heal the bleeding man. Heedless of the risk, Agatho kneels and holds Rainfall's head.  The wounds heal some even as the predator rears up to strike again.  However, its attention is grabbed by the wild scream and waving arms of Derrick, and it lunges after him instead.
The Malstrel that had slammed into Derrick turns his attention to Artor, cutting off his path to the beleaguered Aix.
The ravenous mouth that had been approaching at speed slams into Spire Son, who jumped into its path as it screamed toward Jasper.


The counter-attacks by Hoa and Artor strike true on the targets in front of them.

OOC: Malstrel 1 -4 HP, Malstrel 2 -4 HP, Malstrel 3 -0 HP

Leaning into the sweeping blow he had struck the first, Artor spun to dodge out of the way of the second, his cloak and rag swirling as much as the shadows that trailed him

04:41, Today: Artor rolled 12 using 1d20.  Speed Defence. - [roll=1589427704.88251.329590]

Derrick backpedals quickly as the Malstrel leaves off Rainfall and darts after himm. He manages to get his shield up and block the creature's sharp beak.

Derrick rolled 16 using 1d20.  Speed Defense - 1 Level of Effort. Also have the Asset for his shield.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Fri 15 May 2020.

Though he managed to evade the Malstrel's strike, Artor's sweeping return was narrowly avoided

18:29, Today: Artor rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack with Glaive - Practised. - [roll=1589563782.43664.329590]

Amidst the tangle of weapons and wings, Hoa Sen was unable to find a clean shot at her opponent and had to frustratedly dance around the edges.

OOC: 14:39, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 4 using 1d20.  Light unarmed/Practiced v Malstrel 2.

Jasper and Hollow Spark manage to get strikes in on the predator attacking Spire Son, but the wounded Aix (both standing and on the ground) cannot manage to damage their opponents.  Rainfall cannot even manage to stand, yet.  Agatho continues to pray over him, providing a greater infusion of vitality.

Malstrel 1, -4, Malstrel 2 -4, Malstrel 3, -6

The birds continue their attacks, snapping and slashing at Spire Son, Artor, and Derrick.  Your guide is able to parry the bird's attack away, sending a small spray of his own blood onto the sand in the process.

Speed defense rolls, please.  After those, the party can attack.

Though the group appears to be holding their own for down, Derrick grows concerned as the beasts continue their assault. Trying to protect the Aix, Derrick moves to interpose himself between Spire Son and the second Malstrel without turning his back on his own opponent. In doing so, he leaves himself open to his current opponent and the mechanical monstrosity manages to get through Derrick's defenses.

Derrick rolled 11 using 1d20. Speed Defense. I think that fails by 1 even with my shield.
Using Draw the Attack again to try and draw the 2nd Malstrel off of Spire Son.

Continuing to whirr and spin gracefully, Artor times his movements with precision - placing himself right in the Malstrel's path!

04:55, Today: Artor rolled 1 using 1d20.  Speed Defence. - [roll=1590206130.02804.329590]

Derrick is able to fend off the vicious beak with his skillful shield work.  Artor, however, gets slashed on the forearm.  Not only does he receive a nasty wound, but his grip slips, and the glaive falls from his hands!


Derrick's continuing antics draw the attack from Spire Son's aggressor.  Now he has two pairs of hungry eyes assessing him as dinner.

OOC:  Ok, Artor's and Hoa's turns for actions.  They are DC 5:15 to hit, but only 4:12 to defend against at this point.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:48, Sat 23 May 2020.

Beneath his robes Artor's hides take a slashing strike from the creature's beak, blood and night spilling free but not pulsing dangerously as he feared. Gasping with the fury of the strike, he swung his weapon feebly back, more to fend it off than return a strike

[Private to GM: Light Armour, so takes 4 of the 5 Wounds[
08:34, Today: Artor rolled 17 using 1d20.  Might Defence. - [roll=1590305650.84685.329590]
08:34, Today: Artor rolled 4 using 1d20.  Attack with Glaive - Practised. - [roll=1590305690.46326.329590]

Hoa Sen again tried to find an angle for a clean strike; again, she failed. Badly.

OOC: Dice roller is not excited about us getting out of the Great Bowl.
10:42, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 1 using 1d20.  Light (Unarmed) - Practiced v Malstrel 2.

With the predators' attention distracted by Artor and Derrick, the Aix have much better luck with flanking attacks.

Spire Son manages to slash the one attacking Artor with his spear, even while he continues to bleed.  Rainfall is still recovering his equilibrium, and his rapier strike his deflected off the bird's mechanical legs.  Jasper and Hollow Spark, however, both score major hits on the one that first slammed into Derrick.  There is a terrible metallic scream as the Malstrel collapses and falls still.  Hollow Spark's arrow is buried so deeply, it's barely visible.

OOC: Malstrel 1 -8 HP, attacking Artor; Malstrel 2 dead; Malstrel 3 -0 HP, attacking Derrick


Agatho backs away from the fight, trying to stay out of the way of the combatants.  He offers healing to Spire Son who just shakes him off and focuses on the danger at hand.

The predators, heedless of their fallen comrade, continue their attacks against the party.

OOC: Artor and Derrick roll speed defense vs. DC 4:12, please.  Then you can all post your actions.  Artor and Derrick can defend and act in the same post if you want to.

His mask reflecting his satisfied smile, Artor continued to dance out of the way of the Malstrel, even as he attempted to lure him into a better position for the Aix to strike. His movements were fluid, the rags and cloak he wore snapping and fluttering about him, and the nielle-black tendrils of smoke and shadow that occasionally manifested themselves seemed to lean into this becoming more pronounced and sinuous as he wove his defence. With a squark, the Malstrel backed away from such unnatural power

14:34, Today: Artor rolled 19 using 1d20.  Speed Defence. - [roll=1590413681.18371.329590]
14:34, Today: Artor rolled 8 using 1d20.  Attack with Glaive - Practised. - [roll=1590413693.39456.329590]

This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Mon 25 May 2020.

When the Aix manage to down one of the two monsters he is occupying, Derrick is able to turn his focus completely onto the other. Finally letting loose, Derrick allows the creature's next attack through his defenses, but is able to deliver a massive blow in response with his mace.

Derrick rolled 5 using 1d20.  Speed Defense. I think this qualifies for Step in Front (+2 armor after Drawing the Attack).

Derrick rolled 17 using 1d20.  Attack with Mace - Aggression. Activating Aggression for 2 Might points. Attack does 5 damage.

Even with one fewer opponent, Hoa Sen can find neither the opening nor the proper range to land an attack on the band's enemies.

OOC: 21:21, Today: Hoa Sen rolled 10 using 1d20.  Light (Unarmed) - Practiced v Malstrel 2. (which I guess would have turned into Malstrel 3, but it does not matter)

The Aix, wounded and winded, have no luck in striking the unpredictable beasts this time.  There are clangs of metal as spearpoints clash off mechanical legs, and a whoosh as an arrow passes over one of the Malstrels and right by Derrick's head!

Spire Son shakes off Agatho's attempt to heal him again, so the older man moves farther from the battle, trying to stay out of the way.  Spire Son's blood continues to dot the ground.


The Malstrel focused on Artor screeches and snaps at the bits of blackish cloud protruding from the Jack, but it's too disoriented to make a real attack.  Derrick is not so lucky and must fend off his determined opponent again.

After Derrick's defense roll, you can all act.

Derrick is able to focus on a single opponent now and can stay inside the Malstrel's guard to avoid attacks.

Derrick rolled 17 using 1d20.  Speed Defense. Shield asset cancels out with being hindered by Aggression for a straight role.

The shield and Derrick's encroachment do, indeed, prevent the hungry beast from landing a blow.

OOC: Fire at will

Having successfully maneuvered inside the Malstrel's guard, Derrick is able to deliver a devastating swing with his mace against one of the softer places on the creature's body. Something delicate on the inside cracks and the bird utters a strangely mechanical cry of pain as it falls lifeless to the ground. Confident that he's finished off that opponent, Derrick turns towards the last one.

Derrick rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack with Mace - Aggression. 3 extra damage for 8 total!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 28 May 2020.

Hoa feels a slight sticking sensation as something inside her robes that was not supposed to shift, shifts. Her senses swim. "All glory to the originators of truth and understanding. Praise to the innovators of steel and synth. Praise to the shapers of flesh, of bone, and of mind. Glory to those who re-sculpted the sustaining earth and the life-giving sun..." She seems to be chanting the Catechism of Lore. At the dead malstrel.

With the Malstrel facing him skittish, Artor leaps forward with a mighty swing of his glaive, but things do not go as planned!

05:40, Today: Artor rolled 1 using 1d20.  Attack with Glaive - Practised. - [roll=1590640812.31942.329590]

As Derrick's foe falls, Artor's confidence rises. His attempt to flank the disturbed bird does not go as planned, though, and he trips over Rainfall as he skirts around the beast for an opening.  The impact is enough to disrupt his grip, and his glaive clatters to the dirt.  Rainfall's attack is thwarted, also.


OOC:  Wow, my analogue rolls for the Aix had 1s for two of three rolls.  This is not the luckiest of battles.
 But chance is yet on your side.

Spire Son, turning to see what happened to Rainfall, trips over a rough stone and goes sprawling into the dust.  Hollow Spark's face flashes hubris, followed quickly by horror.  His arrow, poorly aimed as the Malstrel rears and stomps, glances off the beast's metal leg and buries itself in Spire Son's arm.  Only Jasper is able to maintain enough composure to land a good strike.  She introduces the bird to the business end of her rapier once again, which is enough to end the threat.  The final predator collapses and releases a final wheeze before expiring.

Agatho immediately rushes to Spire Son and begins chanting over him.  The Aix is bleeding profusely from a number of wounds.

Seeing the final bird fall, Derrick also moves over to the Aix. While Agatho tends to Spire Son, Derrick looks over Rainfall, Jasper, and Hollow Spark to make sure they are not in immediate danger from any wounds. Once he is satisfied, the big man will heavily take a seat and let out a long breath. "Nowhere in the Ninth World is free of such things I suppose." He takes a moment to center himself. "We must be greatful that we have emerged with our lives. It is as the Sovereign wills it."

Artor stumbled and watched his weapon clatter and skitter across the stones. He scrambled, fearing a final blow only to see it skewered by Jasper's needle. Het let out his breath explosively, shoulders slumping, then scuttled to retrieve the fell blade as Derrick spoke.

"Nowhere is free", he echoed

Jasper pulled a knife from her belt and began gutting the Malstrel she'd felled.  Hollow Spark did the same with the other they'd killed together.  Jasper wiggled her knife at the remaining corpse and said to Derrick, [Language unknown: "Ioev lesnceers siurre."]

Rainfall knelt by Spire Son and began to tend his wounds.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Sun 07 June 2020.

Derrick cocks an eyebrow and pulls out a knife of his own. [Language unknown: "Manith ieaclepl areyinkor u a preintundate beis ameatewit taprilch?"] Rather than starting in on the last Malstrel, he moves over to get a better look at what the Aix are doing.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Mon 08 June 2020.

Hollow Spark just shakes his head.  [Language unknown: "Omera ar rokor wit tr alloulers.  E essterfor traundman, ar uslero osnde wh ivewereve ndeconinecon re ateavehou ourvirtheare nindpe."]

[Language unknown: "Poroee hiilha metola lar iethi foai herntefor,"] adds Jasper.  [Language unknown: "Heie io pedi paecno thnotile essingard ateng stasethismen.  Ning'chwe n isckbe urol somichset."]  After a few more cuts, her face lights up and she pulls out a bit of tooled metal, held in her bloody hand.  [Language unknown: "Sa ncares reahi memi ndes un?"]  She begins to clean and study it.

[Language unknown: "Laoun i ni fobut ofet wediwa fi,"] offers Hollow Spark.  He has no such luck and finds only meat.

[Language unknown: "Yin caive m hawher pa seanha,"] she retorts.

The Aix seem to be trying to locate possible technology first, worrying about provisioning second.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Sun 07 June 2020.

Hoa Sen finishes the litany of the Order and then visibly shudders. She wriggles her shoulders and fishes around inside her robes for a moment, coming out with a thin square of transparent synth that breaks down as the light hits it. She rubs at her temples. "I am sorry. Somehow the cover from a cypher freed itself during the fight. The result was unexpected."

The older man nodded approvingly at Derrick's reflective reference to the Sovereign One, and moved over to tend the wounds of Spire Son alongside Rainfall.

"Peace, friend Spire Son.  Help is near..."

Derrick looks back over towards the last Malstrel and seems to consider. After a few seconds he seems to make up his mind and he moves over to kneel down over the body. He begins to make slow methodical cuts to search for cyphers like the Aix, though he seems less rushed. If nothing else, Derrick is practical and perhaps this will help relations with the Aix.

From where he works, he addresses the rest of his group. "I will not be long and then we can move on."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Sun 31 May 2020.

Derrick is lucky and does indeed find something.  A small ceramic sphere with various inscribed metal studs on the outside.  Based on the position in the bird's gullet, the meal that included the cypher was not recent.

Pulling the strange object out of the bird, Derrick wipes it off before holding it out to Hoa. "I've got no idea what this is. Any idea what it might do?" He cleans his knife and his hands as best as he can before replacing the knife in his belt and standing.

The older man examines Spire Son's heavily bleeding wounds with a calm yet concerned intensity, then bows his head in fervent prayer.

"Sovereign One, please aid us now, I pray..."

He lays a hand gently upon the man, and his wounds visibly begin to heal...

RPoL Dice Roller:

18:38, Today: Agatho rolled 8 using 1d20.  DT2 Healing Touch w/Extra Healing Effort.
18:38, Today: Agatho rolled 6 using 1d6+2.  Extra Healing Touch on Spire Son.

OOC: How much did that help?  Did 6 points heal him 100%, or 50%, or etc.?

This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Mon 01 June 2020.

Spire Son gasps and begins breathing again.  You hadn't even realized he had stopped.  His wounds have stopped bleeding, and most of them have begun closing, but there are still open gashes on his arms and chest.  He blinks and props himself up on his elbows.  Rainfall quickly offers him water which he drinks deeply before dropping the water skin, his hands weak.

[Language unknown: "Foli preoutany eau vor hi comma pema ectine'ersdin?"] Rainfall asks.

[Language unknown: "P meesil ourencure beasch ame etund,"] he responds.

OOC: He's healed roughly 50%.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:13, Sun 07 June 2020.

Looking somewhat fatigued, the older man nods thankfully at Spire Son's revival, and looks at his remaining wounds.

"Peace, friend Spire Son.  Thanks to the Sovereign One, you have come back from the brink of death, but your journey is not yet done..."

He bows his head in fervent prayer once again.

"Thank you for your tender mercies, Sovereign One.  Please aid us once again, I pray..."

Once again, he gently lays a hand upon the wounded man, and once again watches as his remaining wounds visibly begin to heal...

RPoL Dice Roller:

19:30, Today: Agatho rolled 10 using 1d20.  DT3 Healing Touch w/Extra Healing Effort.
19:31, Today: Agatho rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Extra Healing Touch on Spire Son.

:)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Mon 01 June 2020.

Hoa Sen watches the healer work. While she looks over at Derrick's find, she knows from long and painful experience that she has little chance of understanding what the device is for. The arkus shakes her head and takes a few steps toward Artor. "You are well, Jack?"

Derrick tucks the ceramic sphere into a pocket, deciding to look at it later. Agatho might be able to decipher its purpose when he is less busy. He waits for the healing to finish before asking the question. [Language unknown: "T blehasorttic ivha trdias to ere o? Entsi werout'esteau ng wilouroer."]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Mon 08 June 2020.

Spire Son groans and struggles to his feet.  [Language unknown: "Es meil of ngstr,"] he says weakly.  [Language unknown: "Earvenson ndol ai ck di k whi Ent?  Ni dayproill warut un oer for inur evreom caatpo We was."]

[Language unknown: "Stieauion,"] adds Rainfall.  Both men are whole, but look drained.  The flame of fresh scars marks their skin.

[Language unknown: "Ec iouereman linntiard elpe minimi arad,"] adds Jasper cheerfully.  She smiles as she continues butchering the massive bird.  Hollow Spark is collecting the metal legs and other technological components of the two they killed.  Jasper looks to Derrick.  [Langage Aix: "You should butcher it."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:15, Sun 07 June 2020.

Derrick eyes the body dubiously. [Language unknown: "Linousour A ul proameproousday tona inwaommill mo mewaomsi e ati atimenwerour ol n olsile, M i haofwa lat Ec men unpl evei ri venyinman. But pe atbut ere a outentanyastund carat asfietca mi o ioon on tinconcom-ntiwhe ofres Ss beno as siunes iv iceracas."] He makes a gestures to indicate that the Aix may do as they please.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Mon 08 June 2020.

Also looking somewhat drained from fatigue, the older man nods in response to Spire Son and Rainfall.

"Agreed.  Don't overdo, and let me know if you feel unwell."

Jasper and Hollow Spark merely nod and move on to Derrick's former foe after they've harvested what they can from their own.

The other two Aix are taking advantage of the pause to rest.

Derrick watches the Aix work with an expression somewhere between interest and disgust. He is waiting until the others are ready to move on. While he waits, he takes out the small ceramic sphere and begins to examine it.

Derrick continues eyeing the device he pulled from the dead malstrel as the Aix finish their butchering and salvaging, although no insight comes to him.  As they prepare to head out for the base of the trail that leads up toward the black shock crystals, each Aix straps a pair of the mechanical bird legs (and associated parts) to the bottom of their packs, all except Rainfall, who still seems to weary from the attack.  Spire Son grunts under the additional weight, but only grimaces slightly before stilling his face to a look of determination.

[Language unknown: "Comersast omeol u el whincekorwhi ichwassan u k?"]  The darkness of night is deepening quickly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:15, Sun 07 June 2020.

Derrick shakes his head, ready to move on. The big man seems to have thoroughly gotten his wind back. He tucks the sphere away, but not before showing it quickly to Agatho. "Brother Agatho, when we reach the cart and are ready to rest for the night, I hope you will agree to look at this. I remember too well what happened the last time I tried to discern the purpose of such a device without your help."

[Language unknown: "O thaeeniou u al thuentons k nian st n ngul onsverous fi ck neout entverstr,"] says Rainfall.

[Language unknown: "Cala resha ursa a eraatirut a weromeble, plncbewius anatnt sahe menatethi heetbe,"] adds Spire Son.  [Language unknown: "Us pr ort teain nt, om ureoveand ut atirutset m ul el k oun oerntioer.  Paie was t asplom ilus anaiut fiin k hoall na evion."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:16, Sun 07 June 2020.

[Language unknown: "T us wiati llillo lin osutpo, ckre sta. I ho. El mahat notiv latundher omicho ure traticand?"] Hoa Sen asks. She has resettled her own things, including making sure that her remaining cypher is more secure. "I hope Radwa has remained well. I am unsettled to wonder if the walker would have provided enough protection against these beasts."

Derrick nods his head in agreement with Rainfall. [Language unknown: "Ine not ivethilar. Be ekund nderedastthe. Ei itsa alpowe thte oultedate omal ivas n artth whe."]

Hearing what Hoa says, Derrick also looks uncomfortable at the thought of Radwa. "With luck they do not venture outside the bowl."

At Hoa Sen's concern, Artor simply nodded. He was taciturn at the best of times and such a fouled fight unsettled him. He looked to the horizon as they discussed the walker and the companion they had left behind

The rest of the walk, an hour or more, is fairly uneventful.  Spire Son's gait is heavy, but steady.  The glow globes provide sufficient illumination and the terrain is fairly flat and unremarkable.  There are occasional rills to cross, not even gullies, from heavy rains long forgotten.

At the base of the southwest slope, a steeper slope than the one they came down, there is a hut build against the rock face, and a trail carved into the stone leading up  into a zig-zagging path.

[Language unknown: "P ai hatichnce chivri, entraiicpe.  Hiolnd liti menarders seecli ivave urethelat mibetr t intthiwityin, be, haiou whelncbeel, ai forvename adchpr ersoreerseen,"] says Spire Son.

The other Aix head for the fireplace and a table built into the wall, already working on preparing a meal.

Derrick moves inside after the Aix and finds an empty room to relieve himself of his pack he keeps the mace strapped to his belt, but leaves his shield with his other gear. After doing so, he returns to the main room where he help the Aix prepare dinner as best as he can.

"It is one of yours", enquired Artor softly, "This hut, these chambers, the supplies"

Rainfall nods.  [Language unknown: "Lo ta fo prelhimimo.  Ortlatnot pe fi te oun u era thasio, thse.  Lahaaset onsconwit alal encundoul venentear in potear stranyiou comainnce no llanha n eediiv.  Al loset heroutvenday me en, il u main.  Pl has antthoove ri sanonsectant.  Ma entst ur ne hou est k ee.  Timatama relopo po somanytic dinnt ent t, ck.  Nctewi loha ei of ee adniloethe oseau entticest ear.  Aiarceth, ng riekie alss pe commi wi whul."]

The Aix use some prepared burning material, not wood entirely, but mixed with other substances into flat blocks.  Quickly the fire is hot and the smells of roasted meat fill the cabin.  Hollow Spark supervises the spit over the low flames and coals.

Hoa Sen seats herself cross-legged on the floor, out of the way, and watches the activities. [Language unknown: "Lewil omeereeve nalore ta whprhi? K ncday itwi ing oupahe?"]

[Language unknown: "Urwh, diwa elmoin.  Ameonsive ershi hatr urendered na mochut as ur one lat oltho le, ha ... fisticst stli tinivebut u ha st li onicin of it iehiin sta prall ureardcom whewheive ntewh.  Ul ndereseen ic houn hesti Ereconnce Hatli Adplil o rom a loes et plers Whladi Ich."]  Rainfall knows his namesake.

Derrick, who is thoroughly enjoying the smell of roasting meat, listens with interest to the problems of the rain. [Language unknown: "Utou en nceproent finoivnd ntiichratpre?"]

Rainfall shrugs.  [Language unknown: "Som ch ur wil ver.  Rut ithughect ithnd te sheectant tinme ectac ca thoateoer."]

Jasper is resting, leaning against the wall.  [Language unknown: "O whe ardundver the and a ic.  In our iclo ei e la ll esttinund."]  Her eyes are closed and it's unclear if she'll be awake when the meat is ready to eat.

Grease is dripping down onto the hot coals, producing a not-unpleasant aroma and some dense, yellowish smoke that races up the chimney.

Derrick can also feel the fatigue of the day's journey setting in, but the smell of cooking meat is enough to keep him lucid. He nods in agreement with Jasper's sentiment. [Language unknown: "Te inolof."]

“At least it’s rain. Water”, muttered Artor, sighing as he huddled beneath his loosened robes, “It could be something more ... potent from Before”

[Language unknown: "Mo u heul wa ng verwheove. Ha t onestiinehis. Caceec e red—in, ioecit osna onsnotver rea strallounwas not avethe'romsan. Omar vorlarcom tirut ng oslienevlo seant atleas os."] Hoa Sen says. She remains sitting cross-legged on the floor, watching and listening.

Spire Son retires to one of the interior rooms and is asleep before the food is ready.  Jasper had packed parvalli seeds in her sack, which do seem to improve the aroma (and eventual taste of the meat).  The food is shared with any who want it.

A small fountain bubbles with clean potable water toward the back of the main room.  The water tastes a bit metallic, but is otherwise unremarkable.  The Aix explain that the flow is piped out under the building and onto some rocks several hundred feet away.

OOC: At this point, I don't have much planned until Alyssa catches up to the main group.  Feel free to chat, engage in other actions, or ask questions.

Derrick eats sedately, feeling no particular rush to finish the meal quickly. In between bites, he swallows and politely makes conversation with Rainfall and Jasper. [Language unknown: "Hiera wh urlani all lollai roos ngpret i ill ndevfi? Atwe lime om sa se un ing enntho der ri mo inro u lo Ear?"]

Hollow Spark is laying down, his eyes closed, but he speaks clearly, reciting a tale he appears to have practiced.  [Language unknown: "Er ntwhi probe urfo tic newhma.  P ithta conpreset ha ntwe Sonhasnde All ecch sawawisana, cech, chca pa th hi asfili t of."]  He pauses to compose himself.  [Language unknown: "N era rioutr anadss rilo menla ovewheast.  Nt siac ushoic aidi we ess atindeain.  Ersng niwihe ardil stoufiec.  Notio il naar Oerereman Eraconver.  Hat a ekisof enclatere at atesheive, st ho kor.  Ck orteve'ousare il ivio ec era hasamebut e hi traantbut ovech eensonsan chhoch sepe com.  La terersure p di witateica, laonai.  Cafibe urhi sareee u a set aretr.

"O ad ingcomith fi t uretio-eraons, fi el ofilfifi lapl.  P hapack ss e eealal e andlinhis foess nc ousyinlat.  Mi po hanoek, re und la us asing Ncven.  O ll to ladifi isncit ckeias ch thiichred ac whncur.  Adul wh evous plhat anecan t.  Lesver'atewhe, m lo el rutwerugh but ioucomvor it.

"M fois mien, is p tio ut eehiha us, lolat un seicfo a houatires a a nt.  Icutar n ilnttr eenai ticforset male ndet mafiil a lat eclela.  Is rene Ti tho ntacho of, setnc ncpaur.  Oer she nesta nti ai was Ica, i un p ivelarome ratca t wheencsetortdin pr artwitine omno earovethe ne.

"E uschon Thaman'ecthas ch anyin Asllfi Men, ilun ekfi ounsankor saho vorai andillher."]

[Language unknown: "Ngof et beckpo ch Pemand, table, nt Oushisble k eeieti. Pachst, pr tr nt omemo ei ineiouvenall o undundave Inera. Ndivie wa iouis ti hisallhislin thatinday sich Ntesi iness Inwi tonc entrutman."] Hoa Sen says. [Language unknown: "K watohe ardhasrom is iour usver linalltha he tini tiopr."]

Derrick ponders to himself the mention of the Veil changing the Aix's faces. He wonders what 'gift' the Veil might give the people of Canthus if they choose to follow through and come here. After a long silence, he speaks up again. [Language unknown: "Wh p m mi arore m isdin any dayndeiou shesomtha sila acetun witeenous Oneev wheearent. Terounnce mananc ers entughtra sonatison k onpoesme waadce."]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Mon 15 June 2020.

Alyssa knocks on the door to the building.

"Hello? Anyone there?"

At the sounds of the knocking and the call, Derrick rises quickly and moves to the door. The call was not in the language of the Aix, but he was sure that it was not Radwa's voice either. It was also not the voice of the invisible stranger. Derrick look's back to the others briefly to make sure that no one will be caught unawares, then opens the door enough that his entire face is visible, but not so far that his body won't block the view on the interior. "Hello. I am Derrick. Who are you and what brings you to us tonight?

"She speaks Truth, but none from Canthus should be anywhere near here yet." Hoa Sen says, standing smoothly. "Be cautious." The recommendation, at a quiet volume, is clearly aimed more at Derrick than Artor, whom the Arkus expects to expect the worst.

[Language unknown: "Il at ectpl p e as evre."]

The three Aix in the room nod to Hoa and slowly grip their weapons or move to knock arrows.  Apart from subtle shifts in stance that indicate readiness, their positions change little.  Their eyes, those, are certainly reveal their level of alert.

The older man gives a friendly nod to the newcomer as he stretches out his empathic senses toward her...

Agatho Character Details:

[...snip...]
Descriptor Features - EMPATHIC
Ability: You receive information in a more direct way, feeling a person’s emotions as if they were tangible things, sensations that lightly brush against your mind.
[...snip...]
Skill: You’re trained in tasks involving sensing other emotions, discerning dispositions, and getting a hunch about people around you.

Skill: You’re trained in all tasks involving social interaction, pleasant or otherwise.

OOC: What are you feeling at the moment, friend Alyssa?  :)

EDIT: Actually, do I have to make some type of roll first, friend GM?  O_o
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Thu 18 June 2020.

A bit anxious perhaps. Definitely hungry. A bit of dread and hope I guess.

"My name is Alyssa. I'm... lost. I mean you no harm. I guess I'm at your mercy. I don't require much other than a warm fire and maybe some food if you can spare it." She smiles to the strangers. "And directions. I have literally no idea where I am at the moment."

Derrick looks out past Alyssa and, seeing no one else outside, opens the door a bit wider. "I am sorry to hear of your troubles. We can offer comfort to a stranger so long as they harbor no ill will."

The Aix, while not understanding Derrick's words, do react to his tone and seeming invitation to the stranger.  Rainfall walks into the room Spire Son retired to, but the others remain in the main room, tense but less wary.

Hoa Sen's eyes narrow a bit when Derrick invites the stranger in. There is too much strangeness here. [Language unknown: "In atiectard. Tin antdinich of i thewhecon."] she says to their hosts.

To 'Alyssa,' she says, "You are far, far from the Steadfast and have had strange fortunes indeed to land near anyone who speaks Truth, stranger."

"Indeed.  Praise to the Sovereign One for bringing you safely to us.  Please wait just a moment..."

[Language unknown: "Tio usmen vor ek ticortoer p a on, int ca ard, ar traortand oreio wiroul, whi mimopo, nceul elast.  Hamen ica E sikor ortineven, Ic te redred'tinwit o onsbleich ous.  Ne o laromesan daywhiles po t?"]

The older man speaks to the others in a strange language for a moment, then looks at the newcomer with a kind expression while awaiting a reply from his companions...
This message was last edited by the player at 07:05, Fri 19 June 2020.

In reply to Agatho (msg # 319):

"Well, thank you for your kindness. So where am I more exactly? I got teleported here while fiddling with an artifact I received as payment earlier today. I'm from Ghan. How far from the Steadfast have I travelled?"

As Alyssa enters the room, she sees humanoids that seem to fall into three categories.  The first is human, people whose appearance and dress is relatively familiar to her.  There are three obvious humans.  The second are humanoids she has never seen before, nor heard of.  Even in the dim light, their skin is bright yellow or orange-ish with red patterns in it.  Their hair and eyes range in color from vivid green through aquamarine to amethyst.  There are two of these people squatting on the floor by the fire and two more arrive at an interior doorway shortly after she enters.  The third type is ... unknown.  One person is covered completely in garments and even wears a mask.  Although the mask seems to change its expression, so perhaps it is really their face.  Their body form is humanoid, but nothing else about them is obvious.

Nearly everyone is armed, although their tension seems to be abating with the reactions of the tall bald human and the older human.

Seeing the lack of objection from their hosts, the older man moves forward to welcome the newcomer.

"'Peace to you.' You are now north and east of the Black Riage, beyond the Shimmering Veil.  Do you know of these frames of reference?"

"I am Agatho.  Well met.  You are not the only visitor here, for some of us have traveled here through the Shimmering Veil.  The Aix are our kind hosts this evening."

The older man then translates the words of the newcomer and his reply for the Aix...

Beside the masked figure is a great bladed glaive and upon its/his belt is a disk, perhaps a marker for their home state. Beneath Artor's robes something sinuous shifts and weaves, a shadow that breaks the surface of the weft and weaves as you watch - a nielle-needled darkness, slick with neon. They stand, leaving the glaive upon the packed earth floor of the hut, likely the tallest in the room, "Artor Greythane, once of Malevich"

No hand is extended, though the mask breaks into something close to a welcoming smile

Derrick steps aside fully when Agatho says that the stranger seems sincere. He waits for Alyssa to enter and then closes the door behind her. He moves back to his meal around the fire and gestures for Alyssa to take a seat as well. "There is plenty of food if you're hungry."

"Thank you for your hospitality" Alyssa says and partakes of the food. Now she notices how hungry she is. She replies to Agatho. "I've heard about the Black Riage from traders who visited my village at times, but I have never been far from the place of my birth." She looks up. "This is really good" she says about the food. "The Shimmering Veil is that the name of the purple walls that surround this place?"

There is, indeed, plenty of roasted meat.  Jasper and Hollow Spark, while remaining wary, are not openly hostile to Alyssa and have no objections to sharing.

Spire Son takes in the scene, blinks wearily, and says [Language unknown: "M os ove alous be e lar eenhourut."]  He pats Rainfall on the shoulder and returns to the dark room he was sleeping in.  Rainfall merely nods and takes a position outside that doorway, sitting on the floor and resting his head on the wall.  His weapon is loose, but he seems to exhausted to be tense.

The Aix speak little while the old strangers talk with the new one.

Derrick nods. "Yes, that is what the locals outside call it. It is possible to cross through it though the Aix claim that some who pass through are affected in some way. The effects on us were benign." He points to his eyes which Alyssa will note are completely white except for his pupils.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Sun 21 June 2020.

In reply to Derrick (msg # 327):

"Oh. So what do you expect to find in here then?" Alyssa asks.

"With respect, but I would prefer to know more of how, precisely, you came here, to this hut, on this night, so very, very far from Ghan." Hoa Sen interrupts, knowing Derrick well enough at this point to expect him to err on the side of openness rather than discretion. Her tone is assertive without being at all abrasive. "This is not the kind of place in which one becomes casually lost, and even inside the Veil it is a strange chance that would bring you to this door."

In reply to Hoa Sen (msg # 329):

"Well, as I might have told you earlier I got an item as payment for services I provided to a farmer. It was something he dug up he said. As I was playing with it, I was transported here. The object just disappeared. So I found myself in an unknown area and the only living people I could see were a couple of lights down here. So I borrowed a vehicle I found at the rim of this bowl and followed you here." Alyssa pauses. "I assume it belongs to you. I also encountered some nithsyn and I also had a chat with an enigmatic disembodied voice, who was friendly in its own way, but couldn't really enlighten me on my whereabouts."

"There was no sign of anybody else at the vehicle?" Hoa Sen asks in alarm. "It should not have been abandoned!"

In reply to Hoa Sen (msg # 331):

"Not what I could see. Perhaps..." Alyssa shakes her head. "Perhaps we traded places?"

At the mention of the vehicle, Derrick is on his feet in a flash. "You are sure that there was no sign of anyone near the vehicle? We must go search for Radwa at once!" He looks around at the others. "We cannot leave them out there with the beasts."

The Aix stop eating and pay closer attention the emotions of the people holding a conversation they can't understand.

"Do you think we could find them in the dark?" Hoa Sen says to Derrick. "Radwa was no fool; they would not have abandoned the vehicle willingly, I think." She turns her attention back to Alyssa. "You said that there was a voice. What did it tell you?"

"Well, the voice spoke to me after I had begun driving the vehicle. It warned me about a strange patch of electrical discharges and gave me some advice. Rather enigmatic."