Slowly your senses return. You notice first, through the grogginess of sleep, that you are warm and lying in a comfortable bed with the feel of clean sheets on your skin.

Slowly opening your eyes you look around at a fairly large room. Morning sun shines through the windows high up on the wall. Each of you are in a nice bed and clothed in your normal traveling clothes. Your belonging and equipment either hanging on a rack or sitting in a chair close by.

Looking around you see the others, both old friends and new, in other beds around the room. There are several darkened archways that appear to lead out of the room. You notice a small silver striped tabby cat as it jumps down from Kel'li's bed and wanders off through one of the archways.
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:12, Sat 26 Mar 2022.

Sitting up, Kel'li says, "I guess someone wants us to work together."

“Mmmmm!” Basilisa stretched her arms with a smile positively feline in its satisfaction. She glanced at Kel’li. “It beats a bedroll on the ground, or a bed of straw!” The sliver cat caught her eye, but it sashayed off before she could coax it over.

As the others wake from their beds Cinnabar stands up, having apparently been crouched on the ground next to a bed that seems mostly unused, perhaps it had been used to prop her head against as she slept.  Looking around the room, and at each the others in the room it takes her a few more moments to come fully awake.

”It sure was nice of them to make sure we woke up again, but we should hold off on our assessment of their purpose for collecting us until we have at least some idea of how long it has been and how we got here.”

Lying in the bed, silently assessing the situation in which he finds himself, Joser suddenly stumbles to his feet, toppling the mattress and wrapping himself in a toga of quilt and bedsheet.
Where the fook am I?!  He is in a fighting stance, ready to trade blows with any who may prove to be a threat.  His head swivels back-and-forth, searching for possible foes,before he finally relaxes upon seeing the others.
How the fook we end up here?  His voice is calmer as he notices that all of their belongings appear to be present.

"Wherever here is, if they had intended us harm, we would not be well, and if they intended imprisoning us, we would be left without our things and separated from one another.  I would estimate that, whomever has 'gathered' us together has some task for which we are best suited and wants to ensure our safety.  But, that is a guess."

Tha's alotta work jus' ta be askin' us fer our help.  The urban warrior has a suspicious look on his face.Why na' jus' approach us inna bar?  Would'a been easier.  Why tha show?

Blue came to slowly.  Getting up from the bed proved less automatic for him, his method of shifting in place a less effective method for reaching his feet on a solid bed than, say, one that freely swayed.  He was on his feet none the same, donning his boots and gear without delay.

"Notta keen'un' fer drugin' inna lightaday."  Blue protested.  "Nota keen'un' fera bein' 'napped e neider."

Cinnabar doesn't seem worried about their surroundings, testing all of her gear and the magic she has associated with it as the others banter on.

“I recall a mist wafting over the street of Baldur’s Gate. Afterward, naught but pleasant dreams,” Basilisa said, as she examined her gear. “How considerate of our host—or hostess—to bring all our possessions.” The Bard looked specifically for the special item that had caused them so much concern.

After a few minutes of talking Bran and Softfeather both wake up. Though neither of them look especially chipper, apparently whatever happened and the trip to where ever you are did not sit very well with them.

A few moments later you can here the sounds of someone approaching from the direction of the doorway the cat had recently went through. You suddenly here the jingle of what sounds like glassware and such followed by "Damn it El, your going ta give and old woman a heart attack. You rotten cat."

A couple moments latter an elderly woman pushes a cart through the door. Looking over at you she smiles. "Ah your awake. Hope your hungry I've brought plenty to eat." Looking at the cart you see plates of various sliced meats and cheeses, bread, various vegetables and fruits, along with several pitchers of drink and mugs.

Moving towards his weapons, but not yet taking one up, Joser studies the elderly woman intently.  This would not be the first time he had encountered someone who appears defenseless but was truly someone of great power and dangerous intent.
Who are ye?  Where are we?

Kel'li eyes the woman intently.

The lady looks over at Joser with a smile. "I am Elah and as for where you are that is a bit more than I can explain. You may have to wait and ask Terlorn that one. All I could tell you is that it is somewhere not of Toril." She pours herself a cup of what appears to be a slightly brown liquid before moving over to a table with multiple chairs which you swear was not there a few moments ago.

Distracted for a few moments by the food Cinnabar's reaction quickly turns less than pleasant when the woman carrying it starts playing games with them.

”If you don't know where we are then it would probably be a good idea for you to take us to whoever does, so we don't have to force you or start breaking doors until we find the information ourselves.”

"I kinda have to agree with her.  Not that there might be things of interest here, but so far, it is just a mystery with no real clues."

Nah o' Toril?  Then where in all tha layers o' 'Ell are we?  Admittedly, the prospect of food is finding his stomach rumbling a bit.  'Ow long 'ave we been out?

Basilisa frowned at Cinnabar and her companions. “Now, certainly we can repay our hostess with better coin than threats!” She clucked her tongue and shook her head reproachfully. “If she meant us any harm, surely we would have awakened in chains and straw bed, rather than the comforts of this room.”

The Bard held her companions’ eyes before turning to face the old woman. “Elah, thank you for watching over us and keeping us safe as we slept. You said that Terlorn knows our current whereabouts. Might we meet him soon, kind lady?”

OOC:

18:00, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 20 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 10.  Honey, instead of Vinegar.

Joser looks around at his companions and the elderly woman.  If'n we gonna have ta wait ta meet tha one who brough' us 'ere, then we should accep'  'is, or 'er, 'ospitality.
He approaches Elah, nodding his head in greeting.  One gets the impression that, if he had one, he would doff his hat to her.  M'lady Elah, I am known as Joser the Demolisher.  Pleasure ta meet ya.
He collects himself a plate of food and goes to sit at the table.

Elah sits down her cup and looks over at Basilisa. "It is quite alright young lady. I can't blame any of you for being on edge after waking up here. I told Terlorn he should have asked you first. But he muttered something about not enough time and then ran off to his scrying room saying he had to speak with someone."

"Can't say I've ever seen him so flustered before. But back to you question of where we are, I'm sure I will get this wrong, but Terlorn says it is a remnant of a portion of Toril from a time during the Netherese empire that has been lost to time drifting between planes. Of course he says I am nothing but an echo of someone who once lived here." She shrugs and smiles, "I didn't bother to argue the fact as far as I know I feel alive and that's enough for me." 

Yer a shadow o' someone 'ho's dead?  This is not sounding good.  From what he remembers, shadows are spirits of the dead killed by other shadows.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Fri 22 Apr 2022.

Basilisa shook her head quickly. “No, no, no.

I think Elah means that she’s a magical memory of someone who passed on. If Elah were an actual malevolent Shadow, she wouldn’t be offering breakfast and making our beds.”

She stared cautiously at Elah. “At least I hope so…!”

Basilisa’s experience with the Undead was somewhat limited.

She preferred keeping it that way, too.

Kel'li went deep into her own mind, sorting through memories.  Was this real?  It was real enough for her.  She remembered her life, her purpose, her ablilities.  "So, if this is some pretense to get us to do some job for you, why not just ask?"

Blue's untrusting eyes glued on the elderly woman.  Funny thing about magic - the other one got, the more potent their power tended to become.  As for drugging them and carrying them off, that was hardly an offense he could easily overlook.  Fingers twitched, eager to reach for his blade, but he delayed the response.  There was a difference between reckless and suicidal when it came to the sort of power he had been beaten by.

"Where'n be eh' hexen 'arlock 'en?"  Blue asked, his off-hand settling on his hilt.  It wasn't an immediately aggressive action, but it wasn't the mark of a man who had discounted violence, either.  "Right'ee dun, askin' first."  His eyes quickly swept over the room, though his head didn't move.  "Trust'n'all.  Notta goddn' fer trust 's ah snatchin'."

Bran had come back to consciousness slowly. He had to rub his eyes and blink several times to be able to open his eyes fully. He let out a small groan as he gingerly sat up. Had he been drinking? Did he pass out?

He had frowned at the unfamiliar surroundings, but then noticed at least a few familiar faces so calmed down from the rising panic and anger. He muttered, "Well, if my three favorite ladies are here, can't be all bad.

He then had turned and focused on the conversation occurring, scratching his chin. He pushed himself up off of the bed and walked a little closer to the three he knew better, and especially Basilisa, a light frown still on his face until she 'told off' their allies for 'being rude', causing a smile to slide on to his face.

The smile slowly faded as the woman explained more. She used names he had heard of before only in passing or read in books once upon a time. He rubbed a hand over his face and then shook his head. "Ugh. Okay. I don't know if I understand enough to know how much trouble we're in yet."

"Trouble could be an overstatement, for now.  Let's say, challenged?"

Joser turns to Kel'li.  Trouble an overstatement?  He looks at the drow incredulously.We were knocked out, kidnapped, an' taken ta' another world.  Sounds like trouble ta me.

“We need information before we pick fights,” Basilisa said, but her gaze went to Bran instead of Joser. She walked over to him. She greeted Bran with a soft kiss. “I’m glad you slept well and woke safely, Bran Silverlight.”

Na' tryin' ta pick a fight, Joser responds, jus' sta<Aqua>Growin' up onna streets taught me tha' druggin' an'kidnappin' people, usin' magic or nah, us'ally does'na end up well fer 'emtin' tha obvious.</Aqua>  He cocks an eyebrow as he watches the woman walk over to kiss her male companion.
He turns to Elah.  Me childhood onna streets taugh' me tha' usin' magic, or any other method, ta drug an' kidnap people does'na gen'rally end up well fer 'em.

He shakes his head slowly a couple of times.  Now we go' sof' beds an' a food offerin' ta bribe us, ta show us 'e is really a good person tryin' ta right' a great wrong.  Then, 'e'll say we're tha only ones who can do this great deed, tha' all others would fail.

Elah set her cup on the table and gave the group her best smile. "I can't blame you for being upset and I know my word means very little to you. But You have nothing to fear here, no trouble or challenges. I can't remember there ever being any sort of trouble here and hopefully as soon as Terlorn joins us he can explain what happened."

She pauses and looks at each of you, "Is there anything I can get you? I could show you around if you wish, though that wouldn't take long. There is only the tower, main house and a couple acres to see."

"A nice, private bath would suit me just fine."

After several tense moments of silently listening to the mood of the room change, if not quite lighten, Cinnabar lifts her hand away from the crossbow attached to her side, the one that is always loaded.

”Let us see this proof of yours that we are not prisoners.  Take us to this Terlorn so he can explain and show us your lands on the way so we can confirm the story you are trying to convince us of.”

After a few moments, letting the other speak, Joser steps over to Elah's cart.  Taking a loaf of bread, he rips it almost perfectly in half lengthwise with his fingers separating it.
He then stuffs the open loaf with meat and cheese.  Closing the loaf, he begins to eat it from one end.
Wha'?  He speaks around he mouthful of food.  If i's poisoned or drugged, we'll fin' out they canna be trusted.  If na, then i's a step in the righ' direction.

“If Telorn isn’t ready to receive us, then I agree with Kel’li.” Basilisa rubbed the back of her neck. “A hot bath would be lovely.”

Bran looked surprised at the kiss from Basilisa, eyes widening for a moment, though he certainly didn't object. He smiled at her afterwards, thinking it wasn't the best time to talk about it or bring attention to it. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from her to focus on the conversation once more.

A couple of his newer companions had speech that was a bit hard to follow at times, but he tried his best to at least get the gist of what was said. He didn't disagree wholly with some of what Jozer said. He let out a small chuckle at the bath comment. He pursed his lips a moment but then shrugged lightly. "Do you have an idea of how long it will before they can join us or we can go to them?"

Blue nodded along with the centaur.  "Aye, a tour'd be jes a' ting.  Keen'a see that'n sootin' door out.  Mayhaps we meet'n'is 'Telorn' out'n'a open, aye?"  He agreed.

He watched Joser eat, and sighed.  He might well have made a break for it if not for the pugilist.  Funny enough how a barred cell tended not to trouble the ex-pirate if he was alone to pull tricks out of his hat.  The others...Blue wasn't yet sure if he had an interest in them beyond the wailing spirit haunting them.  "Ifn'ye goin'a kick it, them's fine boots's claim, eh?"

Elah sat quietly giving the group time to talk as they wished or to grab a bite to eat. After a little time had passed she stood up. "Now let me show you around and then if the ladies still wish I can arrange those baths."

She leads you through the building pointing out various rooms. The main living area consisting of a dozen bedrooms with private baths, sitting areas, kitchen, dinning rooms, and pantry/storage situated in one wing. Another wing of the building contained a fairly large library and study, a room devoted to alchemy and magic studies. The main tower according to Elah only had the one room at the top that Telorn used.

The outside grounds covered maybe an acres or so with various small gardens and numerous fruit trees. What is strange and somewhat unnerving is the blackness that exists just beyond the edge of the grounds.

As Elah finishes the tour she turns to the group, "Well that is the width and breadth of my world. Are you ladies still interested in those baths?"

"Very much so.  One picks up a lot of dirt in the streets of town, and while magicking it away may make you clean, it doesn't have the same feel as a hot bath, thank you."

Joser sniff the air, then leans his head down to sniff at himself.  A quick grimace, and he looks up at Elah.  P'rhaps I coul' use a 'ot bath' as well.  I seem ta be smellin' a wee bi' ripe meself.

Bran was watchful during the tour, taking note of where things were as much as the route itself. One never knew when one might have to make a quick dash somewhere, and getting lost was never fun. Of course, he hoped it wouldn't be necessary, and that was no ill intention in their...'arrival'...at the place.

He gave a small bow of his head to Elah, "Thank you." He wanted to again press to see their 'host' but bit his tongue for the moment. His pestering didn't seem to be getting them anywhere.

He smiled at Joser. "Just because we aren't ladies, doesn't mean we don't want, or need, baths as well."

He chuckles.  Oh, I know.  Some arenas where they hold death matches will treat ya almos' like royalty.  Benn in a couple meself, but I don' like 'em.  All the big purse, wine, women, an' song mean nothin' ta me if I'm dead.  He shakes his head.  Bu', the 'hores they offer ye sure do like a man ta smell pretty.

When Joser went on about the “whores”, Basilisa stared at him with a coolness in her blue eyes that was chillier than the desolate blackness beyond the window. “We women who aren’t ‘ores’ prefer it, too.” She warmed a little as she looked back at Elah. “Thank you for showing us around, Elah, and for your hospitality.” Whatever the “Shadow” was forced to suffer in her strange existence, Basilisa didn’t intend to make it harder.

Joser grins at Basilisa's apparent anger.  Once she has finished speaking with Elah, he moves to her side.  Tha' "ladies" like a man who smells pretty,, I've no doubt.  But, ye see, me maw worked on her back ta make sure I has clothes on mine, and food in me belly, an' a roof over me head.  An' when I faced 'er killed in tha arena several years later, naked an' unarmed, I beat 'im down.  An' when 'e jumped up and stabbed me in the back, I made sure 'e would ne'er get up again.
He smiles again, this time a bit more feral.  I've respec' fer 'hores, because I know tha' the difference between 'hores and ladies is tha' a 'hore tend ta be more 'onest abou' 'ow she earns 'er livin'.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Wed 04 May 2022.

“I feel no contempt for women who earn their money ‘on their backs’, as you say,” Basilisa told Joser with a noticeable thaw in the ice. “Men leave women few choices in the world for agency. I always stand in solidarity with artists, workers, and the outcasts.”

“I’ve learned many valuable skills in life from beggars, thieves and whores. People that I count among friends and mentors. I’ve every confidence that I would have said the same if I’d known your mother.”

Kel'li tended to shrink back at the talk of 'working women'. She remained silent, as it was past, and it shouldn't control her future.

Bran frowned slightly as Joser's 'crudeness' but let he and Basilisa talk about it without comment for a moment. He certainly hoped to never himself gain the cold glaring look from her after saying or doing something.

He smiled slightly, shaking his head. "I have had quite different experiences than some of you at least it sounds like. But I think variety is good. Everyone has something to offer in a group."

He gave a small shrug.

Throughout the entire duration of the tour, Blue had but one thought - escape.  The hopes faltered at the sight of the inky darkness fencing in the gardens.  That certainly changed the shape of the puzzle, but any prison that could be built could be escaped.

Joser glances at Kel'li, a questioning look upon his face as he notes her expression.  But, he turns to Bran Silverlight, having noted the disapproving look as well.  Do ye no' like tha way I talk?  Is it me dialec'?  Or me choice o' words?
The darkskinned cleric is a bit taller than the gladiator.  Well, if it would put you more at ease, I could speak more like this.  Monks visited the brothel where I grew up to educate the children of the prostitutes who worked there.  Our mothers asked them to, because they felt education is important to an improved life.  And they wanted us out running the streets of Dockside as little as possible.  His Waterdhavian accent is much clearer now that he has dropped his street inflection.  I just find my normal way of speaking more honest about who I am.
He turns back to Elah, reverting to his street patois as he speaks.  Now, ma'am, I'm curious.  I see all these rooms 'ere, an' I 'ave ta wonder.  Will we be workin' from 'ere?  Like a Base of Operations?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Wed 04 May 2022.

About halfway through Joser's monologue, Kel'li bolted from the room.  She found a window ledge in the hallway and curled into it.

While clearly still suspicious of their new environment Cinnabar does seem inclined to at least inspect it in some level of detail, entering each room as indicated and even checking some of the cabinets or other containers to see if they have the kinds of objects in them one would expect.  This doesn't delay her for long and she catches back up with the group easily as they move along following their much slower guide from place to place.

When Joser changes his speech pattern she looks at him seriously for the first time, and even addresses him directly.  ”So you can speak the common tongue, as well as understand it, you just refuse to do so?  That is good to know, if you need to communicate with us you can, if you do not you are welcome to speak whatever language you are most comfortable with to yourself.”

Bran looked at Joser with a tilted head and cocked eyebrow for one moment. "You make assumptions, but you are not alone in that. I wasn't judging you for how you talk, though you do, for some reason, make it more difficult to understand what you are saying." He shook his head then. "No, I meant what I said before. The ways of those in cities are not what I grew up with. I am unused to some things and do not like them, even when they are done willingly." From his tone and speech, he wasn't just talking about 'whores' either.

He stopped himself and sighed. "I try not to judge others, but I am only a man. I do my best, but am not perfect. That's not your problem though, it's mine."

He looked down. "...I think I would like to take a bath now." He turned and began walking after Kel'li.

Ev'rybody makes ass-umptions, he replies, saying that particular word in a particular way to get a particular meaning across.  Even me.  On tha stree's, if someone speaks ta ya in "proper" Common, they're either  tryin' ta sell ya somethin', or tryin' ta scam ya.  Most times, they're doin' all of it at tha same time.  We learn no' ta trust it.
'Specially if they look rich.  He shrugs.  'Sides, i's who I am.  Rude, crude, crass, an' all.  An' if people think I'm stupid for it, tha's their mistake.
He suddenly looks around.  Where did'jer friend run off ta?  Did I say somethin' she dinna like?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Fri 06 May 2022.

When Joser recited his pedigree again, Basilisa rolled her eyes. “You’re hardly the only one here who lived on the streets. It buys you no more credibility than a nobleman flouting his station. Bran is a kind and understanding man who treats  the people he meets in like manner. Show him a little more respect.

As for Kel’li, she likely felt eager for her bath, or just as eager to escape your company,” Basilisa  said with a sly smile and a chuckle. “I think she has the right idea with the former. The latter still remains to be seen.” She said the last with a teasing smile, a little less harsh than her earlier rebuke.

It was obvious that the subject Joser had been discussing was not one Elah was use to. He cheeks had turned a couple different shades of red as the the topic was discussed. She look a bit concerned when Kel'li ran off but didn't say anything.

As Bran mentioned that he also wouldn't mind a bath she straighten and smiled. "Ahm, Yes just pick whichever bedroom you wish. Your baths will be ready. In the mean time I will get to work on dinner. With any luck Telorn will be down soon." She turns and heads off toward the kitchen.

Bran wandered around until he spotted Kel'li. He hesitated for a moment as he watched her. He didn't want to intrude, but didn't want her to be alone if she didn't really want to be. But it might not just be one specific person she moved away.

Finally, he decided it should be her choice, just as it should be in most instances. He made a small scuffling noise to make sure he didn't startle her too much before getting closer.

"Are you alright? If you want to be alone, I'll leave you to it, but I just wanted to make sure you were alright." He smiled. "But you have friends here, just to be clear."

Kel'li looked up at Bran through tear-stained eyes.  She tried to speak, but had to shudder a breath and try again. "The crudeness of some folk brings back painful memories.  I had to endure things in life I would not want to talk about, but the choice was to react in anger or to run and hide.  Since I know that, one day, I might have to count on others to save my life, I thought it better to not harm them now."

She slowly climbed down from the window ledge and asked, "Was there any mention of getting that bath?  That might be very helpful right now."

Bran gave her a look that was sympathetic but also friendly. "Well, I'm sorry that painful memories were brought up, and that you had to endure painful things in the first place. And while I certainly won't push, if you ever desire to unburden yourself and talk about such things, I am willing to listen without judgment."

He then smiled at her and nodded. "As a matter of fact, yes, Elah said to just pick whichever bedrooms we wish and our baths would be ready." He took one step back. "I will assume you wish to bathe privately, so I will let you get to it if you don't wish to speak further."

"Thank you, that would be preferable."

With that, she found the nearest empty bedroom and took advantage of the privacy, and the hot water, to recompose herself.  The feel of cleansing and refreshing made the past fade to the place she tried to keep it locked in.

Joser gives a less feral grin.  Oh, jus' you wait.  I've no' yet begun ta grate on ya.  He follows that up with a wink.
As everyone heads to find themselves a room, Joser grabs his gear to do the same.  He watches as everyone picks their room,waiting until he is the last to do so.  He then picks his room, and leaves his belongings there while he goes back to grab the remaining food he has grabbed from the cart.
Back in his room, he eats and drinks quickly.  He then removes his tunic, takes a fighting stance, then begins to throw punches at the stone wall.  While he works hard at it, it does not take long for his knuckles to split and show a need for bandaging and healing.  With bloody hands, he strops out ofnhis clothing and climbs into the atill-warm tub.

Blue took to pacing as the others took their baths.  He wasn't actually grumbling, but there was a definite, almost tactile sense that he was.  "An' ifin' 'h don' show, 'ow's we gettin' back off'a dis'ere cell?"  He finally asked Elah, eyes wild.

“They think themselves so clever,” Basilisa said with a bemused smirk as she left Joser to pick her own suite. Indulging a hot bath sounded so splendid! First, though, she needed her gear. Basilisa returned to the room where she awoke. She searched for her gear, specifically the container that caused them so much trouble.

After a hot bath, Kel'li availed herself of a chair in the corner of the room and curled up into it.  She wasn't sure what was going on, and not positive about all of the people around her, especially Joser, who seemed to purposefully push her buttons.

For those that wished to indulge there is a warm bath waiting when they chose a room. Various scented bath oils and soaps are laid out on a small table next to the tub along with washcloths and thick towels. Once you finish you all find clean clothes laid out on the bed along with a pair of sandals. They may not fit perfectly but they are close and look to be comfortable.

There is also a folded note "If you have any items you wish cleaned or repaired please leave them on the chair by the door."

------------------------------------------------

When Basilisa returns to gather her gear all the beds are gone, the table full of food is stil there and her gear, along with the item is stacked neatly to one side.

-------------------------------------------------

Elah pauses as Blue asks his question of her. Turning she smiles, "I wouldn't be worried young man. Telorn isn't the type to miss his dinner. He will definitely be down by then." She does frown for a moment, "Though to be honest if something happened to him here. I'm not sure how you would get home. I wouldn't worry to much about it though there is nothing dangerous here." She then heads off to the kitchen to get started on the evening meal.

OOC: Okay the group has plenty of time to explore, relax & discuss matters as they see fit.

After his bath,Joser steps out of his room dressed in the clean clothes that had been left.  They seem a bit big on his slim frame, though the sandals fit well enough.  He leaves all his belongings in the room, choosing to wander about, looking to find which room is Kel'li's.
When he finds where she is, he knocks gently on the door.

Having taken all of her possessions with her when she left the first room, through the whole tour, and into one of the extra bedrooms with a bath it is no surprise that Cinnabar returns with all of it when she is done, but what might surprise some is that all of it and all of her is both clean and dry.

Kel'li uses her cleansing stone to clean her clothes, ignoring the clothes waiting for her, as well as the note.  She needs some time alone, and is most comfortable in her own things.

Hearing the knock on the door, she ignores it. Her mind is elsewhere, trying to bury a past that she thought already left long in the past.

After Kel'li had taken her leave, Bran wandered off to find a room with a bath for himself. It wasn't that he strictly wanted to be alone, it was more that he didn't want to intrude on anyone else. So he cleaned himself and then re-dressed and set himself back to what he should be - but had used the time to pray a bit and cleanse not just his body, but also his thoughts and more.

He then headed back towards the 'common area' they had all awoken in, finding it much different than before. He sat down to wait.

There wasn't much to be done, then.  Blue first loudly spewed a string of profanities covering a good half-a-dozen languages at least, then continued to grumble further on his way to clean up.  There were the obvious expletives, and some colorful instructions for the wizard who captured them involving unpleasant sounding violations to his person, all delivered in the pirate's mangled tongue.  Blue neither had to repeat individual curses nor any of the tirade of increasingly vulgar self-desecrations or questionable implications of Telorn's parentage until he had bowl-bathed himself or worked the travel dirt from his own clothing and gear.

He returned to the common area much as he had left it; fully dressed and bearing his full gear, grumbling to himself, though his weathered face lacked the sheen of sweat he had awoken with.

The scarred gladiator stands silently by the door, his fist still held against it from his last knock.  He leans his forehead against the door, eyes closed, for a moment.  When he looks up, he sees the darkskinned cleric walk by.  He give the other man an acknowledging nod of his head.
When he speaks, his voice is quiet and lacks the bluster of earlier.
 Kel'li, I dunno if'n yer asleep, or awake an' hidin', but I ge' the impression tha' we need ta speak.  He pauses, awaiting a response that does not happen.
He sighs, his shoulders slumping a bit.  Wha'ever this is tha' we've all gotten ourselves inta, we're in it t'gether.  If'n we canna be friends, can we at leas' na' be enemies?

Kel'li did not answer, but she did instinctively take a tiny ball of bat guano and sulfur from her components pouch in case the door opened.  Now was not the time to talk about this.

“Leave her alone,” Basilisa said as she passed Kel’li’s room. She walked in a newly cleaned outfit, rich with scarlet and gold accents. The Bard set down her gear and brushed  her raven hair as she looked at Joser with a bemused smile. “Fate may have brought us together, and Necessity keeps us together. However, you’ll make no friend of Kel’li if you don't respect her wishes for privacy.”

Stepping closer to the door, Basilisa finished brushing her hair and spoke in a gentle, warm tone. “Kel’li. Stay in your room as long as you need. Join us again when you will, sweet friend.”

Snatching up her traveler’s pack, Basilisa shooed Joser from the door. “Go on about your way, Joser. If you’re of a mind for talking, let’s go find the others.”

When Basilisa arrives and tries to shoo him away, he turns to her in response, If'n ye'd eavesdrop prop'rly instead o' buttin' in, ye' d realize tha's wha' I'm plannin' ta do.
He waits again, for more than just a moment or two (one of which is actually 4 seconds in length).  After several, he nods his head.  If'n an' when yer ready, ye'll find me easy e'nuff.  I'm goin' ta bring a plate o' food an' leave by yer door.  Ye'll need ta eat soon e'nuff, whether ye come out ta join us or no'.  This way, ye dinna have ta.
He leaves for the common room, where he gathers a plate full of vegetables, bread, cheese, fruits, and meat, as well as a glass of mead and utensils.  Once he has left them outside of her door, making just enough noise for her to know, he goes back to feed himself again.

“If I’d wanted to eavesdrop, you never would have known I was there,” Basilisa said with a smirk. She remained by the door until Joser made it clear he wouldn’t stay.

When they reached the others, she prepared her own plate. “Willfully pestering a woman isn’t the way to win her friendship,” she told him with a purposeful look. Then, she partook of the meal that Elah prepared.

Bran gave a nod to Blue when they entered the 'common' room. He perked up a bit more, however, when Basilisa entered, favoring her with a small friendly smile. "Hello again." He gave a nod to Joser as well when they entered.

He watched as Joser grabbed food and left, thinking that they wanted to eat alone perhaps - but then returned empty-handed and too quickly to have consumed it realistically. Plus they didn't bring anything back with them. One eyebrow rose up at that, but he chose not to make a comment about it.

He gathered his own sustenance and ate slowly, not only for enjoyment, but in case Cinnabar or Kel'li were coming - though he suspected the latter wouldn't show up too soon.

“Bran,” Basilisa answered with a delighted smile. “Good food and your good company. Two blessings for one occasion!” Her lips touched a sliver of melon, and the taste thrilled her. She closed her eyes as she savored the deliciousness. “Telorn seems especially interested in providing the choicest accommodations and foods for our shared exile with him.”

Joser joins the others with a plate and glass for himself this time.  No' pesterin'.  I's a peace offerin'.
With that said, he starts to eat hungrily, as if he had not eaten something only a couple of hours ago.

Bran earned a sour grunt in reply, quick enough to be a reflex in Blue's foul mood.  He quickly recanted with a softer, "Ahoy," when better sense divorced the priest from the contributing factors to Blue's discontent.  The priest hadn't, thus far, even said a word that Blue could have taken as offensive.  Bran probably hadn't even done anything the drow witch could take offense from.  Wasn't natural to be that anti-confrontation, in Blue's mind.

"Yeh be'n a 'oly 'un, I kin right?"  He asked in an attempt at small talk.

Bran let out a small chuckle at Basilisa's words. "Thank you, but I could say the same, and more, about you. Selune smiles down on us." He smiled. "Wow. Look at the enjoyment you get from the simple act." He tried a bit as well and it was quite good.

He didn't know exactly what Joser was referring to so let it lie.

He glanced at Blue, trying to make out the broken accented words. He wasn't sure about the use of 'kin', but thought he grasped the question's intent at least after a moment. "Holy one?" After confirmation that was what was being asked, he shook his head. "No, I'm not holy myself, but I serve the Moon Goddess as one of Her clerics." He reached down and held up the holy symbol hanging from his neck - a pair of eyes surrounded by seven stars. They would have previously seen the same symbol also emblazoned on his shield. "She has helped me through many things now. I am grateful and always happy to spread word of Her."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Sun 15 May 2022.

"Oi aye; he dun' a gran' fixin' fer us 'ere 'is captives."  Blue said dryly, rolling his eyes.  "I is not 'unna trust me ma' leech suckin' jailer."

He raised an eyebrow at the pugilist, sparing a quick look up and down the man.  "Whatn'a darkes' nine 'ells yun gone'n done, Jos?"  He asked in a tone that implied that he was neither surprised not particularly judgmental of whatever social mishap Joser might have had.  "Prithee tell yen not' gon' fisticuff 'at 'ole washer lass?  Even'at grape-sour hexer hag?"

The pirate offered the priest a blank look for a moment, before slowly shifting to a more thoughtful expression.  "Aye; 'oly 'un ifin' seas's salty aye.  Bright luck, aye; me's not'n 'unna fix uppa' slash inna 'hurry."  Turning towards Joser, Blue jerked a finger in Bran's direction.  "Catch it, aye Jos?  Lad'sa 'oly 'un.  Fer 'at moon lass.  Bright spotta luck, inna fete."

As Blue finish his sentence the group hears footsteps approaching down the hallway to the south. For some reason you don't recollect the hallway from previously. Shortly a rather tired looking gentleman enters and looks around at the group. "Ah thank the gods your awake. Maybe now I might get some answers."

He pauses for just a second, "Wait a minute wasn't there lass of Drow heritage with you earlier?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few minutes later after Joser had left Kel'li hears a soft knock on her door. "Miss Kel'li it appears Telorn has finally decided to come down from his room. If you would like to rejoin your friends and acquaintances."

You also notice the silver striped tabby cat from earlier has somehow found it's way into you room and is currently rubbing up against your legs.

Kel'li reaches down and gives the cat a scratch around the head and neck, gathers herself and opens the door. "You coming, my feline friend?"  She will join the rest, giving wide berth to Joser.  For now, she keeps silence, her thoughts her own.

Joser gives an incredulous look.  We're ki'napped off the street or from the tav'rn in broad daylight, ta wake up 'ere wit' you two odd ducks.  And you want ta get answers.

“Yes, we have a Drow companion,” Basilisa replied. An eyebrow rose as she asked, “Weren’t you older when you bumped into me in the street?”

Bran blinked a few times as what he thought might be words tumbled quickly out of Blue's mouth, but he only caught some of them. Luckily for him, before he had to try and translate or interpret what was said too much, their 'host' showed themselves.

His eyes slid to Telorn and he frowned. "Agreed. You have brought us here and we want to know why." His tone was a tad less polite than normal, but that was about it.

He relented slightly, "Waiting for Kel'li so you don't have to tell everything twice is better I suppose." He nodded and gave her a small smile when she showed up. "Now, please explain your actions and intentions."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Fri 20 May 2022.

Kel'li chose this moment to interject her thoughts. "Life is a series of choices, decisions, and of course, consequences.  You, sir, have forced your choices upon us, and without satisfactory explanation, could come with some less than desirable consequences."

Joser gives a small smile.  Apparently the others had not notice Kel'li's entrance, but he had.  He seems to enjoy seeing people surprised....

"I's naye keen'n ye dun gon'n 'napped me'in mine inna brightn'day neider, I's naye.  Blue agreed, watching the newcomer carefully.  His fingertips twitched as the pirate resisted the urge to draw steel.  "Yeh says ye be wantin'a ask, aye, mayhaps we'k'n getta'at.  Aye.  'N I's's keena gettin' on meh merry way."

Telorn appeared to be less than happy when the group spoke. But when Blue spoke he stared for a moment before raising his hand and rubbing his forehead. You could see him quietly repeating what Blue had said. Finally he frowned and sighed, "First. if someone could be so kind as to translate for the gentleman." As he nods to Blue, "I'm afraid I am having a bit of trouble with his accent."

"Secondly I did not bring you here by choice. When I first felt the presence of dark powers in Baldur's Gate I decided it was time to leave. And for some strange reason or twist of fate. I know not which or why. The lot of you ended up tagging along."

"I've spent the better part of the day trying desperately to find out the reasoning behind it but I have found little explanation. Other than the lot of you are now somehow bound together and bound to whatever is in the case the young lady carries."

He pauses as he looks to each of you in turn. "Does anyone have any thoughts that may be of help? As for leaving that will be easy enough when the time comes. The magic that allows travel from the tower unfortunately only works once per day."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:47, Tue 24 May 2022.

Kel'li interjects, "Maybe it would be prudent to look in the case?  If its contents are what brought us here, it would be nice to see what that is."

“We’d need Magic to translate that accent,” Basilisa said with a wry chuckle. Luckily, Kel’li saved them from that task. She nodded at her friend. “Yes. It’s at long last time that we see what caused such a stir.”

 Basilisa held up the case and laid it on the nearest table. “Can anyone detect magical traps?” She felt confident she could pick a lock, and certain that their new companion with the indecipherable tongue could pull it off.

"I cannot detect it, but should the need arise, I can certainly attempt to dispel it."

Wha' Blue is tryin'ta say is 'e isn'a too happy 'bout bein' taken in broad daylight.  yer wantin' answers, so le's get ta findin' 'em, an' get what needs ta be done, done.
He listens as Telorn continues on.  Blue, here, 'as been followin' some evil spirit, an' we somehow found this group, who seem ta be tied to it in some way.  Now, yer sayin' when ya left, we got dragged along.  Which means yer likely tied to it in some way, too.
He turns at the mention of looking in the case, wondering what the contents could be

Bran listened a bit and then gave a small shrug. "My magic does not detect traps, per se, but yes, I can detect magic with a spell." He gestured towards the case, "I assume on that before we open it? Very well. It will take a few minutes." He didn't want to waste spell energy if he didn't have to in their current situation so thought 'wasting' a bit of time would be more preferable.

He then gripped his holy symbol and uttered a quiet prayer to his Goddess, eyes closed and concentrating for about ten minutes.

OOC: Casting Detect Magic as a ritual, not sure if this weird place will cause an issue with that.

Telorn sighed and nodded as he looked over to Joser. "Yes that very thought has crossed my mind. This entanglement is very frustrating and not of my choosing I assure you. Hopeful whatever is in the case will shed some light on the current predicament and things can be set right."

"This evil spirit. None of my scrying has shown anything. What do you know of it?"

“Wait,” Basilisa held out her had to her companions. “We’re not opening that case until Telorn starts opening up with more truthfulness.” She stared at their host. “I commented on your being younger than the first time we met. You brushed over my observation, though. What aren’t you telling us about yourself and our arrival here?”

Telorn sighed and took a seat. "Yes I generally take on various ages and looks when I journey outside this small realm." He paused for a moment gathering his thoughts. "You see when I transported myself back here I only intended to bring you Basillisa, to save you from what I sensed was about to befall the docks of Baldur's Gate. I had no idea that what ever was linking the lot of you would bring all of you along."

"The truth is that I can only leave here once every six tendays. And can only atay away for one day. Generally if I bring visitors I can send them back whenever I wish, but when I tried with your group I failed. Which leaves me to believe that, as Joser pointed out, that I have also become linked to you and your group. Which is problematic to say the least."

"I have made inquiries of several of my allies in various realms and planes. But so far none have proving to be of help. I apologies but until we can figure out how this link or bond works and how to break it I'm afraid you too are stuck here with me."

Bran hadn't wanted to interrupt Basilisa so he waited patiently, but then quietly said, "No magic on the case I can detect." He then listened as Telorn replied to her. He sat up straighter and glanced at Basilisa at what was said, but relaxed slightly when it seemed like there were no ill intentions and in fact that he was trying to save her.

"What befell the docks?" Maybe that had been stated earlier and he had missed it during his ritual casting. He then waved a dismissive hand. "Never mind. Problematic for us all, really. So what is this place? How do you travel and where are we going?"

Never let it be said that Joser never just listens.  He sits down, after grabbing a mug of ale, or whatever is currently available to drink, and falls silent.  His attention is directed at the conversation before him.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Fri 10 June 2022.

Terlorn looked to Bran. "From my studies I believe this place is a portion of a Netherese estate that was jettisoned in to this plane during the cataclysm that befell Nethril. I was investigating the ruined remains of a Netherese site years ago when I came across this strange archway. I must have been triggered it while examining it. I awoke here, since then I can at times think of any place I wish to go and be instantly transported there. But unfortunately as I mentioned earlier there are limitations."


"Since there is no magic emanating from the case. Do you wish to proceed with opening it or should we try further examinations or are there other questions?"

Bran listened as Telorn spoke. Some of it...he didn't understand. Some of it he sort of understood. He thought he vaguely recognized the Nether-named stuff. "Hmm."

He frowned a little, then thought REAL HARD about being back in Baldur's Gate along with his friends. "Once every tenday, only for a day. Sounds...complicated and annoying. Does the transportation aspect only work for you? Have others tried?"

Then he shrugged and glanced at the others, but - barring any objections - he opened the case.

The pirate, somewhat annoyed that Joser had had to 'translate' for him. fumed for a minute while the others went back and forth. He sighed, and reached out to catch Bran's hand when the priest approached the case.

"Oi, 'oly 'un.  Iffin'a box go'in give yee a nasty, best a 'oly 'un 'handy 'n waitin'"  He cautioned, and motioned to the case.  "I'sa a mind mayhaps this be may kin'a mystic, nay 'oly nay hexer."

As he spoke, Blue gestured at the case and slowly slid his blade free.  Assuming no further interruptions, he slid the case a little closer to himself and opened it in place of the healer.

Bran looked over at Blue and blinked a few times. "I caught like...two of those butchered words, I think." He took the case and handed it over to Blue. "But...I think you are wanting to open it instead of me?"

He stepped back.

The case is larger than a standard scroll case being about 3" in diameter and slightly over a foot long. It feels a bit heavier than you would expect. Possibly due to what looks like a cylinder style locking mechanism that encircles the tube about midway and has 8 rings with various symbols etched into them.

Without resorting to magic of some sort, cracking the correct code may prove time consuming.



OOC: The locking portion looks similar to this but with runes instead of letters. Should you wish to try the more mundane method it will require four separate Thieves' tools rolls starting at a DC 15 if missed there is a cumulative +2 on further rolls.

“Umberlee’s Tits! Damn this infernal thing!” Basilisa tried, but fumbled like a novice on all but one attempts. “Shit!”

With a disgusted grunt, she plunked her tools on the table. She looked at Blue & Joser. “I hope one of you has better luck on the damned locks.”


OOC:

Yeah, no.

13:58, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  DEX w/Thieves Tools.
13:58, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 9 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 4.  DEX w/Thieves Tools.
13:58, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1.  DEX w/Thieves Tools.
13:57, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  DEX w/Thieves Tools.




 

Watching Basilisa take a crack at it Cinnabar pays close attention to the process.  When it is complete she stretches out one short arm and inquires of the other woman.
”Do you mind if I take a look at it?”

Once passed the device she settles in to examine it further, pulls out a set of fine tools from a pouch at her waste and begins manipulating it very carefully, turning it and locking it at each stage of the process.

“By all means,” Basilisa said as Cinnabar worked on the locks. She felt better turning it over to Cinnabar, but would allow anyone who could to try. For expediency’s sake, she hoped that Cinnabar succeeded on the first attempt.

Bran had stayed back while Basilisa had worked on the device, just in case there was any kind of...mishap, but had been ready to dash forward with healing if such was the case. He let out a small sigh when nothing bad happened, but frowned that nothing good had happened either.

He joined Cinnabar in examining the runes and mechanism, but staying just back a bit so as not to crowd her or hopefully make her uncomfortable.

Time seemed to go unnoticed as first Basilisa and then Cinnabar worked on the lock. Finally though it yielded to Cinnabar's efforts. There was a slight pop and a hiss as the case came open.

Terlorn audible breaths a sigh of relief as his posture softens. "Thank the Gods. I was sure something horrible was about to happen."

With the lock disabled the cap slips loose and falls to the table. Inside you can see what appears to be a tube of blueish-white metal which fits snugly inside the case.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Wed 29 June 2022.

Clearly satisfied with the work itself and not particularly interested in the thing inside Cinnabar sets it down in the center of the table she was working on and stands up to move around a bit.

Joser stands up and leans over the table to look more closely at the item.  Wha' is it?  A container o' some kind?  Or jus' a bar o' metal like used fer forgin' weapons or tools?

“Good work, Cinnabar.” Inside the case was a strange metal. Joser brought up a question likely on their minds. “Whatever it is, people have died for it,” Basilisa said, as she stared at the strange metal.

"Well, someone take it out."

Bran smiled and gave Cinnabar's shoulder a quick squeeze. "You are amazing, as always. Thank you."

He peeked inside a little. At the urging and speculation, he gave a shrug and reached inside to pull out what was inside, to make it outside instead.

Bran slips the metal cylinder free of the case, holding it in his hand. Now that it is out into the light you all can see that it is made of lead coated in oil.

Terlorn groans a little, "Well that explains why it wasn't showing any magic."

Apparently whatever is inside the lead is of great enough importance for Nicodemus or someone to go to quite a bit of effort to conceal its magic or someone is playing an elaborate joke on the group.

When Bran pulled out the oil-slick lead cylinder, Basilisa shook her head with an incredulous laugh. “Either the lead is yet another case, or we’re the victims of an elaborate jest.” She chuckled softly as she looked the tube over. “So much trouble for a prank, though. Only the gods would possess such a capricious sense of humor.”

"Well, maybe someone should try opening the lead case?"

Bran shrugged a little. "It only hurts sometimes to check." He smiled.

He will examine the lead cylinder, looking to see if it appears it can be opened and any clues on how to do so. He will then set it down on the table in case others wish to examine it as well.

08:26, Today: Bran Siverlight rolled 17 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 14,14.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Wed 06 July 2022.

Basilisa brushed gently past Bran, their hands touching as she reached for the last case. “Hmm!” Her muffled tone hid a pleased note. “Let me try again.” The Bard hoped she would redeem herself from her last clumsy attempt.


OOC:

18:36, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Investigation.

Bran and Basilisa's investigation of the cylinder confirms that if there is something encased in the lead that the lead cylinder was poured around it. There are no lines or cracks, the only mark is at one end where it appears a small portion of lead was shaved away.

Basilisa couldn’t quite make sense of the cylinder. “Whoever crafted this cylinder ensured protection of whatever is inside.” She shrugged in resignation, at least for the moment.

OOC:

12:50, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Investigation.

After the initial investigations prove the cylinder is solid Cinnabar shares her conclusions with the others.
”I expect that whatever is contained within the lead is considerably more dangerous to us than we are to it, I can melt away the shell but it would probably be better to do so in a spare pot or bowl of iron rather than just tossing it on the floor, unless someone can can create one of Tenser's Floating Disks to hold it, that would work as well.”

Bran shifted his eyes to Basilisa when they touched, a small smile lifting the corners of his lips, but he made no other comment or movement. He examined the cylinder with her and finally let out a sigh.

He glanced at Cinnabar and shook his head. "Hmm...I'm not sure we are there yet. Whatever's inside could be very helpful or very dangerous. Or both." He looked at the others. "Do we need to know what's inside right now?"

“We’ve undertaken so more than a few pains to protect this little treasure,” Basilisa said as she stared at the cylinder. “Aren’t you curious, Bran? I would like to know what lies inside that lead casing.”

Bran let out a little chuckle. "Of course I'm curious! Of course I want to know what's inside." He smiled and shrugged. "If we can do so safely, if we think we can contain whatever is inside if it's bad or destructive, then I certainly wouldn't try to stop anyone."

He stood up and stepped back from the cylinder with a gesture to 'go ahead' if that was the group decision.

Gesturing first to the cylinder Cinnabar doesn't seem particularly concerned.
”I don't know about whatever is inside it, but there is only one way to find out. Toss it in and we will find out.”

Then with a few quiet words and a gesture she points at the ground nearby where nobody is standing and a five foot cube bursts into flame and burns without fuel.

Telorn looked at the group and shrugged. "I suppose it's safe enough. Hopefully there is nothing fragile or explosive inside." From his stance you can tell he has a spell ready to be cast.

With the fire crackling, Basilisa cast Mage Hand. She attempted to grasp the cylinder with the spectral hand and set it into Cinnabar’s fire. “May Tymora favor us now!”

Basilisa's mage hand is able to move the lead ingot into the flame. There is just a moment as nothing seems to happen. But then you all can see the grayish white color a portion of the flame turns as the lead begins to slightly burn and melt away.

Everyone waits and watches. After a few moments there is a sudden pop and a flash as the flame turns black and then vanishes. Laying on the floor is a crystalline rod about a foot in length and a couple inches in diameter. You can see what appears to be a faint lights emanating from inside it, slowly shifting and pulsing.


OOC: If everyone would please make a perception roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Mon 25 July 2022.

The crystalline rod elicited a gasp from Basilisa. She stared in rapt silence as she watched the light pulse within. Her mind pored over the snippets of magical lore she’d accumulated over her life in hope of identifying the power at work.

OOC:

20:20, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Arcana.
20:20, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 8 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 6.  Perception.

Kel'li's attention is taken by the rod, as she tries to remember if she has seen its like.

Kel'li rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Arcana.
Kel'li rolled 7 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 3.  perception.

Joser has very little formal education, having grown up on the streets.  But, his education on the streets has brought him into contact with many things.  So, he racks his memory to see if he has encountered anything about, or any information about, a similar item.
Unfortunately, it seems likely he has not.

22:04, Today: Joser the Demolisher rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  History.

22:04, Today: Joser the Demolisher rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  Arcana. 

Bran watched with curiosity, along with a healthy dose of apprehension, as Basilisa used her magic to put the cylinder in the fire. He wondered if it was too tough for the flames when nothing happened at first. But no, it just took a bit of time!

"wow. beautiful."

Then he racked his brain to if he had heard anything about this before in his religious studies.

"Do you want me to take the time for a detect magic ritual again?"

08:04, Today: Bran Siverlight rolled 13 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 2,10.  Perception.
08:06, Today: Bran Siverlight rolled 14 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 11.  Religion.

Without waiting much more than a second or two Cinnabar reaches down into the flames, which wink out as her hand passes through them, and picks up the crystal rod before it can even grow warm in the fire.

None of you can recall ever hearing any rumor or reading any description of a magical rod that fits with the one you are seeing. Telorn looks on at the rod now exposed and appears about to speak when Cinnabar reaches forward and picks up the rod.

Bran's eyes shifted slightly, then again. A frown marred his face and his eyebrows drew closer together. He started looking around more and more. "Uhhhh...does anyone else see that? Or...feel that?"

He moved closer to the floor where the rod was at. "There are...cracks...the color is fading..."

He stepped back and looked closely at Cinnabar to make sure nothing was happening to her too.

Kel'li took a step back, ready to either bolt or support her 'companions' as needed.

The tension in the room feels like it could be cut with a knife.  Joser looks at the nervous faces and stands up.  With a nod and a small smile, he steps back a couple of feet.

As Cinnabar picks up the rod everyone can see the discoloration and cracks that had begun to form. Those that had noticed it a few moments earlier the low groan you felt immediately ceases.

Cinnabar stops moving and is standing motionless, you can see that her eyes have glazed over.

Telorn looks on with a mix of fascination and concern. "Well this could either be really bad, somewhat good or maybe even neither. Either way I suspect we should stand ready."

Kel'li takes another step backward.

While clearly not passed out Cinnabar does remain focused entirely on the rod, or something it is doing, the occasional flash of expression on her face far more subdued than normal is the only suggestion she is even remotely active any more.

Bran eyed the cracks for a moment longer, checking to make sure they weren't still growing. "Huh. Well. That's strange. We should likely not put it down on the floor again."

He looked over at Cinnabar. "Cinnabar? Are you...alright?" He took a step towards her.

Everyone notices that the room has grown eerily subdued, sounds seem distant and far away. Cinnabar doesn't respond to Brans question. You would think she is paralyzed except for the movement of her eye and various expressions. It is almost like she is elsewhere ore watching something only she can see.

The rod however shifts in color the pulsing growing in frequency. As you all individually debate your next action the rod suddenly glows a brilliant blinding white light. You hear a faint pop followed only a second later by a deafening boom.


Continued in Where are we now?