Epic - The Hidden Temple - Revision history

imported>Batu: /* The Heart of the Prime */

2021-11-11T16:36:10Z

The Heart of the Prime

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 11 November 2021
Line 155:		Line 155:
	There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide. The arches forming the vaulting were black stone at the base but where they joined to extend up the ceiling it looked like gold. We heard a weird owl noise from above and something swept down, landing heavily, but I could not see what it was at this point.		There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide. The arches forming the vaulting were black stone at the base but where they joined to extend up the ceiling it looked like gold. We heard a weird owl noise from above and something swept down, landing heavily, but I could not see what it was at this point.

	I started to light a ~~lantern~~ but then discovered that my tinder was wet from being dragged through the water earlier. Garuk helped, and as a spark caught we saw a tawny owl on the ground in front of us. It seemed to speak to Fulgar in a strange animal tongue, and Fulgar bowed slightly. It must be hengeyokai then, and this was confirmed when it changed before our eyes into a half-owl, half-human form. I relaxed slightly knowing this, and he said that he was here to help us and served Quang-Yin; his name was Hanuku. Sadly he said that he was unable to cure the poison within Fulgar. Fulgar made some introductions, which was all very pleasant right up to the point where we were attacked by invisible foes!		I started to light a torch but then discovered that my tinder was wet from being dragged through the water earlier. Garuk helped, and as a spark caught we saw a tawny owl on the ground in front of us. It seemed to speak to Fulgar in a strange animal tongue, and Fulgar bowed slightly. It must be hengeyokai then, and this was confirmed when it changed before our eyes into a half-owl, half-human form. I relaxed slightly knowing this, and he said that he was here to help us and served Quang-Yin; his name was Hanuku. Sadly he said that he was unable to cure the poison within Fulgar. Fulgar made some introductions, which was all very pleasant right up to the point where we were attacked by invisible foes!

	A blow bounced off my armour, but the others were hurt! The hengeyokai seemed genuinely surprised, so I didn't think he was expecting the attack either. A ghastly thing happened next - some animated human skeletons appeared in a shimmering from one of the rune markings to our left! I had never seen the dead come to life like this, and it was chilling. Fulgar howled and rushed the newly appeared skeletons, punching one. Garuk multiplied into over half a dozen copies of himself, all blurring so that we could not tell which was real and which an illusion. I moved up to support Fulgar as more skeletons appeared, and they met me halfway. Fulgar was struck again, and Garuk's extra forms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. There was some wielder of dweomer amongst the foe.		A blow bounced off my armour, but the others were hurt! The hengeyokai seemed genuinely surprised, so I didn't think he was expecting the attack either. A ghastly thing happened next - some animated human skeletons appeared in a shimmering from one of the rune markings to our left! I had never seen the dead come to life like this, and it was chilling. Fulgar howled and rushed the newly appeared skeletons, punching one. Garuk multiplied into over half a dozen copies of himself, all blurring so that we could not tell which was real and which an illusion. I moved up to support Fulgar as more skeletons appeared, and they met me halfway. Fulgar was struck again, and Garuk's extra forms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. There was some wielder of dweomer amongst the foe.
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	Fulgar called back, and sounded really angry, far different from his usual calm demeanor, and started swearing about the "dishonourable fucking temple things". I was really suffering from multiple wounds - how can one fight what cannot be seen? Fulgar came streaking over and when he connected with a foe set about pummeling it with a fury I'd not seen until it appeared and collapsed like the last one. I managed to connect a blow, hitting something behind me with a wild swing. Fulgar noticed at once and attacked in the same area, connecting with at least one blow. More of the streaks of light thudded into my back, causing intense bursts of pain, and Fulgar was hit physically, causing him to double over with pain. At least I saw where he was struck and could roughly guess where the attacker stood. I swung my Khopesh in an arc in that area and connected solidly; another lifeless hulk appeared and collapsed at our feet.		Fulgar called back, and sounded really angry, far different from his usual calm demeanor, and started swearing about the "dishonourable fucking temple things". I was really suffering from multiple wounds - how can one fight what cannot be seen? Fulgar came streaking over and when he connected with a foe set about pummeling it with a fury I'd not seen until it appeared and collapsed like the last one. I managed to connect a blow, hitting something behind me with a wild swing. Fulgar noticed at once and attacked in the same area, connecting with at least one blow. More of the streaks of light thudded into my back, causing intense bursts of pain, and Fulgar was hit physically, causing him to double over with pain. At least I saw where he was struck and could roughly guess where the attacker stood. I swung my Khopesh in an arc in that area and connected solidly; another lifeless hulk appeared and collapsed at our feet.

	There was at least one left, though, and the three of us started to search the room. At one point a globe of fire appeared and rolled past Hanuku, burning his feathers slightly, but after the initial surprise we were able to avoid it easily.		There was at least one left, though, and the three of us started to search the room. At one point a globe of fire appeared and rolled past Hanuku, burning his feathers slightly, but after the initial surprise we were able to avoid it easily. Fulgar eventually crashed into something and shouted that he'd found them. Garuk had recovered slightly by this point, and ran to join him. He swung his huge sword through the space Fulgar had indicated, and cut the last foe in half with a clean blow! Hanuku healed some of Fulgar's wounds and then flew up and disappeared. A strange intervention by the Gods, but he had certainly aided us in this fight.

			We were still left nursing our wounds, though, both mental and physical. Garuk was able to heal the physical ones with his wand. What the fuck happened? What were these things? Where did they come from? What did we do now? Fulgar warned that he was no longer in control of his mind in the way he was used to.

			I retrieved the torch and my halberd. The latter was still greasy so I scooped it up and rolled it in some clothing, placing it (in its small size) in my backpack so it would not be lost. Garuk found two pouches and two bundles of parchment. There were also some knotted belts on the remains of the creatures that he tried to get off. He had to resort to using his sword, but it was almost trapped as the belt contracted rapidly. He decided to leave them be after that. Fulgar prayed to Shang-Ti and I said a prayer to Huang-Ti to thank him for victory and to ask that he help us rid this place of corruption.

	~~Fulgar crashes into something~~ and ~~shouts~~ that he ~~is here~~. ~~Globe keeps rolling past Garuk who feels~~ the ~~heat but is not burned like Hanuku~~.		I found two pouches, a nasty blade, a jar, a small glass vial with creamy oil, and a small ring on various bodies. Garuk checked all of the items we found and separated those that he believed had some power within them. He kept doing this as we finished our search, and we retrieved more: two pouches (one a white drawstring bag with a silver powder inside, the other a bulbous pewter pot with a metal screw top), two leather scroll cases, two more pouches on another body (an earthenware pot with large cork, and two more three-inch diameter jars), a wooden "stick", and a metal scroll case with a screw top.

	~~Garuk moves to Fulgar's side and swings, connecting with something and cutting it in half with one blow! Same evil looking thing.~~		We then spent some time interpreting and decoding the symbols in the room. It was clear that they had been mislabeled, possibly to deceive someone, and that things were out of place. We could not move them - perhaps that could only be done by intervention in our world, but we could choose the right door to return and perhaps intervene before all was lost on the fateful day of the ambush that set all this in motion. We discussed how we might disrupt the ambush if we were to appear in the sacred valley and then stepped through the doorway. Our plans were for naught though, as we found that we had been restored to the place we were on that day, and I was once again riding towards the valley with the white tiger and my friend with me before the ambush. Now, though, I was armed with knowledge and experience and things would be different!

	~~Hanuku heals Fulgar a little and~~ then ~~flies up and disappears!~~

	~~Left nursing our wounds - mentally~~ and ~~physically. Garuk heals wounds with his wand. What~~ the ~~fuck happened? Fulgar is no longer~~ in ~~control of his mind~~.

	~~Retrieve torch~~, ~~try~~ to ~~get halberd but still greasy. Do manage to pick it up though.~~

	~~Garuk finds two pouches~~ and ~~two bundles~~ of ~~parchment~~. ~~Interested~~ in ~~belt. Swings sword into floor on body. Nearly gets tied up with knotted belt contracting~~, but ~~managed~~ to ~~escape~~.

	~~Fulgar prays~~ to ~~Shang-Ti~~ and ~~I pray to Huang-Ti - I pray to thank him~~ for ~~victory and~~ to ~~help us rid this~~ place ~~of corruption.~~

	~~I find two pouches and a nasty blade~~, ~~jar~~ and ~~small glass vial~~ with ~~creamy oil, a small ring. Garuk checks them~~ and ~~separates those he feels have power.~~

	~~Two pouches (one a white drawstring~~ with ~~silver powder, other bulbous pewter pot with metal screw top) and two leather scroll cases on next body so take them back to Garuk~~.

	~~Final body two pouches (earthenware pot with large cork~~, ~~two more 3" diameter jars)~~, ~~one wooden "stick", and metal scroll case with screw top.~~

	~~Walk through the door after discussing the plan... which is fucked when we find ourselves where we were that day. But we were~~ armed with knowledge and experience.

imported>Batu: /* The Heart of the Prime */

2021-11-11T15:57:24Z

The Heart of the Prime

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 11 November 2021
Line 155:		Line 155:
	There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide. The arches forming the vaulting were black stone at the base but where they joined to extend up the ceiling it looked like gold. We heard a weird owl noise from above and something swept down, landing heavily, but I could not see what it was at this point.		There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide. The arches forming the vaulting were black stone at the base but where they joined to extend up the ceiling it looked like gold. We heard a weird owl noise from above and something swept down, landing heavily, but I could not see what it was at this point.

	I started to light a lantern but then discovered that my tinder was wet from being dragged through the water earlier. Garuk helped, and as a spark caught we saw a tawny owl on the ground in front of us. It seemed to speak to Fulgar in a strange animal tongue, and Fulgar bowed slightly. It must be hengeyokai then, and this was confirmed when it changed before our eyes into a half-owl, half-human form. I relaxed slightly knowing this, and he said that he was here to help us and served Quang-Yin. Sadly he said that he was unable to cure the poison within Fulgar. Fulgar made some introductions, which was all very pleasant right up to the point where we were attacked by invisible foes!		I started to light a lantern but then discovered that my tinder was wet from being dragged through the water earlier. Garuk helped, and as a spark caught we saw a tawny owl on the ground in front of us. It seemed to speak to Fulgar in a strange animal tongue, and Fulgar bowed slightly. It must be hengeyokai then, and this was confirmed when it changed before our eyes into a half-owl, half-human form. I relaxed slightly knowing this, and he said that he was here to help us and served Quang-Yin; his name was Hanuku. Sadly he said that he was unable to cure the poison within Fulgar. Fulgar made some introductions, which was all very pleasant right up to the point where we were attacked by invisible foes!

	A blow bounced off my armour, but the others were hurt! The hengeyokai seemed genuinely surprised, so I didn't think he was expecting the attack either. A ghastly thing happened next - some animated human skeletons appeared in a shimmering from one of the rune markings to our left! I had never seen the dead come to life like this, and it was chilling. Fulgar howled and rushed the newly appeared skeletons, punching one. Garuk multiplied into over half a dozen copies of himself, all blurring so that we could not tell which was real and which an illusion. I moved up to support Fulgar as more skeletons appeared, and they met me halfway. Fulgar was struck again, and Garuk's extra forms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. There was some wielder of dweomer amongst the foe.		A blow bounced off my armour, but the others were hurt! The hengeyokai seemed genuinely surprised, so I didn't think he was expecting the attack either. A ghastly thing happened next - some animated human skeletons appeared in a shimmering from one of the rune markings to our left! I had never seen the dead come to life like this, and it was chilling. Fulgar howled and rushed the newly appeared skeletons, punching one. Garuk multiplied into over half a dozen copies of himself, all blurring so that we could not tell which was real and which an illusion. I moved up to support Fulgar as more skeletons appeared, and they met me halfway. Fulgar was struck again, and Garuk's extra forms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. There was some wielder of dweomer amongst the foe.

	I stabbed a skeleton with my halberd as it engaged me, scattering its bones with two blows, and Fulgar smashed one into a much neater pile of bones with his fists. There were still three foes that we could see... and then more appeared! Fire burst out from a space in the corner and over Garuk, setting his clothes on fire. Fulgar punched a second skeleton to pieces and started on another, and I did the same with my halberd, but I didn't feel like we were winning. ~~Our new owl friend~~ chanted a protective charm for Garuk, then set about soothing some of his burns.		I stabbed a skeleton with my halberd as it engaged me, scattering its bones with two blows, and Fulgar smashed one into a much neater pile of bones with his fists. There were still three foes that we could see... and then more appeared! Fire burst out from a space in the corner and over Garuk, setting his clothes on fire. Fulgar punched a second skeleton to pieces and started on another, and I did the same with my halberd, but I didn't feel like we were winning. Hanuku chanted a protective charm for Garuk, then set about soothing some of his burns.

	My halberd suddenly became very slippery and fell from my hand! Several of us were struck by invisible blows, but we were not seriously wounded just yet. I drew my Khopesh and shield, trying to find my attacker. Fulgar smashed another skeleton into splinters, and the last two were not reinforced this time thankfully. Garuk and Fulgar were also under constant mental assault, although I didn't realise it at the time, but it explained why Garuk became dazed and unable to act; his mind had been overwhelmed by the assault.		My halberd suddenly became very slippery and fell from my hand! Several of us were struck by invisible blows, but we were not seriously wounded just yet. I drew my Khopesh and shield, trying to find my attacker. Fulgar smashed another skeleton into splinters, and the last two were not reinforced this time thankfully. Garuk and Fulgar were also under constant mental assault, although I didn't realise it at the time, but it explained why Garuk became dazed and unable to act; his mind had been overwhelmed by the assault.

	Fulgar smashed another skeleton to bits, leaving just the one, but was struck by streak of lights in his back that came from somewhere between him and Garuk. I was able to deal with the last skeleton as ~~our owl friend~~ healed more of Garuk's wounds. Then we had to start hunting for the foe we couldn't see. Fulgar found one by bumping into it, but wasn't able to land a blow.		Fulgar smashed another skeleton to bits, leaving just the one, but was struck by streak of lights in his back that came from somewhere between him and Garuk. I was able to deal with the last skeleton as Hanuku healed more of Garuk's wounds. Then we had to start hunting for the foe we couldn't see. Fulgar found one by bumping into it, but wasn't able to land a blow. Fulgar's mind was also being assaulted, so it was relief when he managed to land a flurry of blows and kill the foe he had found. A horrible, unliving thing appeared and crumpled to the floor with more on its body than just bones but still evil and unnatural. We knew there were more than one of them, though. Hanuku created an area of darkness that hid Garuk from view, mindful that he was vulnerable, but it was Fulgar that was targeted next; lightning suddenly sparked around him, leaving burning white marks on our vision in the dimly lit room, and his fur was left smoking slightly.

			Then the owl was hit by a sword from invisible blow and clouds of nauseous gases enveloped me. Fulgar was close by and just managed to get out before he inhaled any, but I was not so lucky. The fumes left me feeling horribly sick and I started to retch uncontrollably, even though I managed to stagger out of the edge of the cloud. A swirling pattern of lights filled the area around the others and Hanuku was left standing hypnotised. I started to shout to Fulgar so we could co-ordinate, and as I was saying that they had left me I was attacked twice, so I quickly changed that to: "found them"!

			Fulgar called back, and sounded really angry, far different from his usual calm demeanor, and started swearing about the "dishonourable fucking temple things". I was really suffering from multiple wounds - how can one fight what cannot be seen? Fulgar came streaking over and when he connected with a foe set about pummeling it with a fury I'd not seen until it appeared and collapsed like the last one. I managed to connect a blow, hitting something behind me with a wild swing. Fulgar noticed at once and attacked in the same area, connecting with at least one blow. More of the streaks of light thudded into my back, causing intense bursts of pain, and Fulgar was hit physically, causing him to double over with pain. At least I saw where he was struck and could roughly guess where the attacker stood. I swung my Khopesh in an arc in that area and connected solidly; another lifeless hulk appeared and collapsed at our feet.

	~~Fulgar's mind also assaulted. Fulgar connects with~~ one ~~opponent. Owl creates darkness that hides Garuk from view (~~and ~~part~~ of the room ~~at that end)~~. ~~Lightning sparks around Fulgar~~, ~~smoking~~ slightly.		There was at least one left, though, and the three of us started to search the room. At one point a globe of fire appeared and rolled past Hanuku, burning his feathers slightly, but after the initial surprise we were able to avoid it easily.

	~~Owl hit with sword from invisible blow. Fulgar finally kills an invisible one. Horrible unliving thing appears and crumples to floor.~~

	~~Clouds of nauseous gases envelop me - Fulgar just manages to get out but I feel horribly sick and start heaving guts out, even though I manage to stagger out of cloud.~~

	~~Swirling pattern of lights fills area around the others, and Owlboy (Hanuku) is hypnotised.~~

	~~Shout to Fulgar that they had left me alone but then get attacked twice - found them! Fulgar sounds really angry, swearing about the dishonourable fucking temple things.~~

	~~I'm getting fucked up by invisible foes. Fulgar finds and connects with one, pummeling it until it appears and collapses.~~

	~~I connect with something behind me with a wild swing. Fulgar moves up to that point and attacks, also landing a hit.~~

	~~Magical missiles hit me in the back and Fulgar hit with another invisible blow, sags with pain.~~

	~~I connect well and another one appears and collapses at our feet. At least one left.~~

	~~Han and Garuk come round and we start searching the room. A globe of fire appears and rolls past Hanuku, burning him slightly.~~

	Fulgar crashes into something and shouts that he is here. Globe keeps rolling past Garuk who feels the heat but is not burned like Hanuku.		Fulgar crashes into something and shouts that he is here. Globe keeps rolling past Garuk who feels the heat but is not burned like Hanuku.

imported>Batu: /* The Heart of the Prime */

2021-11-11T12:10:52Z

The Heart of the Prime

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 11 November 2021
Line 153:		Line 153:
	Garuk placed a wooden torch in one of the braziers and it burst into a strange blue flame. This seemed to fit with the sheltered location here despite otherwise seeming unnatural; it was much cooler here than just outside. We added some earth to the other brazier, and the same blue flames came to life at once. As this happened the stars winked out leaving just a dark space inside the archway, so it was time to step inside. I went first, with Fulgar just behind and then Garuk, each of us disappearing as we stepped into the darkness. We appeared inside a temple in darkness, but it was clear once we could see the contents that this was the Heart of the Prime we had been seeking.		Garuk placed a wooden torch in one of the braziers and it burst into a strange blue flame. This seemed to fit with the sheltered location here despite otherwise seeming unnatural; it was much cooler here than just outside. We added some earth to the other brazier, and the same blue flames came to life at once. As this happened the stars winked out leaving just a dark space inside the archway, so it was time to step inside. I went first, with Fulgar just behind and then Garuk, each of us disappearing as we stepped into the darkness. We appeared inside a temple in darkness, but it was clear once we could see the contents that this was the Heart of the Prime we had been seeking.

	There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide.		There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide. The arches forming the vaulting were black stone at the base but where they joined to extend up the ceiling it looked like gold. We heard a weird owl noise from above and something swept down, landing heavily, but I could not see what it was at this point.

			I started to light a lantern but then discovered that my tinder was wet from being dragged through the water earlier. Garuk helped, and as a spark caught we saw a tawny owl on the ground in front of us. It seemed to speak to Fulgar in a strange animal tongue, and Fulgar bowed slightly. It must be hengeyokai then, and this was confirmed when it changed before our eyes into a half-owl, half-human form. I relaxed slightly knowing this, and he said that he was here to help us and served Quang-Yin. Sadly he said that he was unable to cure the poison within Fulgar. Fulgar made some introductions, which was all very pleasant right up to the point where we were attacked by invisible foes!

			A blow bounced off my armour, but the others were hurt! The hengeyokai seemed genuinely surprised, so I didn't think he was expecting the attack either. A ghastly thing happened next - some animated human skeletons appeared in a shimmering from one of the rune markings to our left! I had never seen the dead come to life like this, and it was chilling. Fulgar howled and rushed the newly appeared skeletons, punching one. Garuk multiplied into over half a dozen copies of himself, all blurring so that we could not tell which was real and which an illusion. I moved up to support Fulgar as more skeletons appeared, and they met me halfway. Fulgar was struck again, and Garuk's extra forms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. There was some wielder of dweomer amongst the foe.

	~~Black stone at base~~ but ~~where arches join to extend up to vault golden metal instead~~.		I stabbed a skeleton with my halberd as it engaged me, scattering its bones with two blows, and Fulgar smashed one into a much neater pile of bones with his fists. There were still three foes that we could see... and then more appeared! Fire burst out from a space in the corner and over Garuk, setting his clothes on fire. Fulgar punched a second skeleton to pieces and started on another, and I did the same with my halberd, but I didn't feel like we were winning. Our new owl friend chanted a protective charm for Garuk, then set about soothing some of his burns.

	~~Hear a weird owl noise~~ from ~~above~~. ~~Swoops down~~ and ~~lands heavily~~, but ~~cannot see anything~~.		My halberd suddenly became very slippery and fell from my hand! Several of us were struck by invisible blows, but we were not seriously wounded just yet. I drew my Khopesh and shield, trying to find my attacker. Fulgar smashed another skeleton into splinters, and the last two were not reinforced this time thankfully. Garuk and Fulgar were also under constant mental assault, although I didn't realise it at the time, but it explained why Garuk became dazed and unable to act; his mind had been overwhelmed by the assault.

	~~My tinder is wet! Garuk helps~~, and as ~~spark catches see a tawny~~ owl ~~in front~~ of us. ~~Seems~~ to ~~speak~~ to ~~Fulgar in~~ a ~~strange animal tongue, and Fulgar bows slightly~~.		Fulgar smashed another skeleton to bits, leaving just the one, but was struck by streak of lights in his back that came from somewhere between him and Garuk. I was able to deal with the last skeleton as our owl friend healed more of Garuk's wounds. Then we had to start hunting for the foe we couldn't see. Fulgar found one by bumping into it, but wasn't able to land a blow.

	~~Changes before our eyes into half-owl, half-human... I relax slightly - Ah, he is Hengeyokai.~~

	~~Says he is here to help and serves Quang-Yin. Cannot cure the poisoning of Fulgar.~~

	~~Do introductions - all very pleasant... until we get attacked by invisible foes! Bounces off my armour but others hurt. Animated skeletons appear in a shimmering from runes to our left.~~

	~~Fulgar howled and rushed the newly appeared skeletons, punching one. Garuk multiplies into over half a dozen copies of himself.~~

	~~I move to engage as more skeletons appear and they meet me halfway. Fulgar struck again. Garuk's extra images disappeared again.~~

	~~I stab skeleton with halberd as it engages me. Fulgar smashes one of the skeletons with a second punch. I finish the other one off. Still three here.~~

	~~More appear though. Fire arcs from a space in the corner and over Garuk, setting his clothes on fire.~~

	~~Fulgar punched another skeleton to pieces and started on another. I smashed a second skeleton, but don't feel like we're winning yet.~~

	~~New owl friend chants a protective charm for Garuk. My halberd suddenly gets very slippery and falls from my hand.~~

	~~Owl heals Garuk. Several of us struck by blows, but not seriously wounded yet. Draw Khopesh instead. Fulgar smashes another skeleton. Only two now - seem to have stopped coming...~~

	~~Garuk and Fulgar were under constant mental assault and Garuk overwhelmed, becoming dazed and unable to act.~~

	~~Fulgar smashed another skeleton to bits. Fulgar struck by magic missiles from somewhere between him and Garuk.~~

	~~Owl still healing Garuk. Fulgar finds an invisible opponent but can't land a blow.~~

	Fulgar's mind also assaulted. Fulgar connects with one opponent. Owl creates darkness that hides Garuk from view (and part of the room at that end). Lightning sparks around Fulgar, smoking slightly.		Fulgar's mind also assaulted. Fulgar connects with one opponent. Owl creates darkness that hides Garuk from view (and part of the room at that end). Lightning sparks around Fulgar, smoking slightly.

imported>Batu: /* Entering the Heart of the Prime */

2021-11-11T11:15:03Z

Entering the Heart of the Prime

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:15, 11 November 2021
Line 141:		Line 141:
	The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him. We were oblivious to this at the time, but eventually Fulgar returned although he was gasping for breath and barely made the crossing. He looked oddly scorched but wet, and he explained about his encounter with the fire creature. He had brought three vials back with him in case they were another offering from Shang-Ti to aid us, and given the distance we had to travel and our inability to swim we each took one and drank them in good faith, stepping into the water to see what effect they might have had. It turned out that Garuk and I were able to breathe the water, and Fulgar could swim really fast. A solution presented itself - Fulgar was able to drag us across one by one to the air pocket using his new speed, so Shang-Ti had indeed provided for us.		The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him. We were oblivious to this at the time, but eventually Fulgar returned although he was gasping for breath and barely made the crossing. He looked oddly scorched but wet, and he explained about his encounter with the fire creature. He had brought three vials back with him in case they were another offering from Shang-Ti to aid us, and given the distance we had to travel and our inability to swim we each took one and drank them in good faith, stepping into the water to see what effect they might have had. It turned out that Garuk and I were able to breathe the water, and Fulgar could swim really fast. A solution presented itself - Fulgar was able to drag us across one by one to the air pocket using his new speed, so Shang-Ti had indeed provided for us.

	==~~Entering the~~ Heart of the Prime==		==The Heart of the Prime==

	When we were all together we took stock of our new surrounds and noticed that there was an iron bowl there that seemed out of place. We held on to Garuk as he pushed it out into the water and were suddenly struck by heat again. This time it was not elemental fire, thank Shang-Ti, but just a glaring sun high above us and desert-air around us. We had appeared in front of a great temple facade carved into a rock face at least fifty feet across. It had pink marble pillars, six steps of a bright white material leading to an entrance. A hexagon with black jet and gold symbols like the runestones was high above the entrance, but we could not make out the detail from the ground. Golden braziers sat each side of the top step, embossed with gems. On the front of the third step was a symbol like the amulet Fulgar found in the desert, orienting the elements for us. Fire should be above and water below.		When we were all together we took stock of our new surrounds and noticed that there was an iron bowl there that seemed out of place. We held on to Garuk as he pushed it out into the water and were suddenly struck by heat again. This time it was not elemental fire, thank Shang-Ti, but just a glaring sun high above us and desert-air around us. We had appeared in front of a great temple facade carved into a rock face at least fifty feet across. It had pink marble pillars, six steps of a bright white material leading to an entrance. A hexagon with black jet and gold symbols like the runestones was high above the entrance, but we could not make out the detail from the ground. Golden braziers sat each side of the top step, embossed with gems. On the front of the third step was a symbol like the amulet Fulgar found in the desert, orienting the elements for us. Fire should be above and water below.
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	We wanted to check the tops of the steps all the way up but without stepping onto them, so Garuk levitated himself higher. In immediate response two huge ant-like creatures appeared, one either side of us. Garuk dropped straight to the floor and drew his weapon. Fulgar tried to placate them but they chittered in a language none of us understood and attacked anyway. They had multiple weapons each, and I was struck, but Fulgar was able to parry each blow the other one made with his bare hands. Garuk came to my aid but was unable to land a blow. Fulgar struck at a weak point between joints in the thing's shell and killed his attacker.		We wanted to check the tops of the steps all the way up but without stepping onto them, so Garuk levitated himself higher. In immediate response two huge ant-like creatures appeared, one either side of us. Garuk dropped straight to the floor and drew his weapon. Fulgar tried to placate them but they chittered in a language none of us understood and attacked anyway. They had multiple weapons each, and I was struck, but Fulgar was able to parry each blow the other one made with his bare hands. Garuk came to my aid but was unable to land a blow. Fulgar struck at a weak point between joints in the thing's shell and killed his attacker.

			We surrounded the last creature and all managed to strike it so it fell beneath our combined onslaught, Fulgar landing the final blow. We retreated to the far side of the natural bowl we were within, putting a tent up to provide some shelter from the sun, and rested. We drank water and debated how we could heal Fulgar's wounds, as one in particular was looking puss-filled and weepy. We had no means at our disposal so decided the press onwards without wasting more time hoping that we could aid him soon.

			Using the simpler method of lifting someone physically we could see that there was a silver depression in the centre of the second step, a hole in the first step on the left and an iron cap on the right. I passed water to Garuk so he could fill the bowl and once he had done so we noticed air swirling out of the hole. We moved around and outside it to climb the steps but that caused it to fade away. We had to pass through the elements and not around them, then. We refilled it and this time climbed the centre of the stiars. We reached the top to find a doorway that was black with stars seeming to glow within the darkness... and it matched the pattern that Garuk had taken from our foes in the desert, except for one extra star at the bottom.

	~~I landed~~ a ~~strong blow that damaged~~ the other ~~creature~~, ~~but~~ it ~~didn't go down~~. ~~Garuk struck again~~ just ~~before Fulgar came to our aid~~ and ~~killed~~ it.		Garuk placed a wooden torch in one of the braziers and it burst into a strange blue flame. This seemed to fit with the sheltered location here despite otherwise seeming unnatural; it was much cooler here than just outside. We added some earth to the other brazier, and the same blue flames came to life at once. As this happened the stars winked out leaving just a dark space inside the archway, so it was time to step inside. I went first, with Fulgar just behind and then Garuk, each of us disappearing as we stepped into the darkness. We appeared inside a temple in darkness, but it was clear once we could see the contents that this was the Heart of the Prime we had been seeking.

	~~Retreat~~ to ~~tent at far end~~ of ~~bowl to rest for a moment~~. ~~Hot so drink water and debate whether to heal Fulgar's wounds - one looking puss filled~~ and ~~weepy~~.		There were twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor, and six runic inscriptions in circles on the floor. A vaulted ceiling was at least eighty feet above us, and the room was about the same in length, although only about forty feet wide.

	~~Silver depression in 2nd step centre, hole in 1st step on left and iron cap on right.~~

	~~Fulgar feeling ill so need to hurry.~~

	Pass water to Garuk who fills bowl. Air swirls out of hole, so move around it to climb steps but fades away. Do it again but stay inside the elements - reach the top to find a doorway that is black with stars glowing.

	~~Matches pattern that Garuk took from foe in desert - but extra star at the bottom.~~

	~~When Garuk places torch in brazier it lights but with a blue light. Much cooler here. Adds earth to other one and that lights too.~~

	~~Stars wink out leaving just the archway.~~

	~~I step in to archway and disappear with Fulgar just behind and then Garuk.~~

	Enter temple in darkness. Twelve doors with written references to the yearly cycle in front of them on floor. Six runic inscriptions in circles. Vaulted ceiling eighty feet above, and room about eighty feet long (only forty wide).

	Black stone at base but where arches join to extend up to vault golden metal instead.		Black stone at base but where arches join to extend up to vault golden metal instead.

imported>Batu: /* The Path of the Second Pagoda */

2021-11-11T10:54:55Z

The Path of the Second Pagoda

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:54, 11 November 2021
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	The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him. We were oblivious to this at the time, but eventually Fulgar returned although he was gasping for breath and barely made the crossing. He looked oddly scorched but wet, and he explained about his encounter with the fire creature. He had brought three vials back with him in case they were another offering from Shang-Ti to aid us, and given the distance we had to travel and our inability to swim we each took one and drank them in good faith, stepping into the water to see what effect they might have had. It turned out that Garuk and I were able to breathe the water, and Fulgar could swim really fast. A solution presented itself - Fulgar was able to drag us across one by one to the air pocket using his new speed, so Shang-Ti had indeed provided for us.		The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him. We were oblivious to this at the time, but eventually Fulgar returned although he was gasping for breath and barely made the crossing. He looked oddly scorched but wet, and he explained about his encounter with the fire creature. He had brought three vials back with him in case they were another offering from Shang-Ti to aid us, and given the distance we had to travel and our inability to swim we each took one and drank them in good faith, stepping into the water to see what effect they might have had. It turned out that Garuk and I were able to breathe the water, and Fulgar could swim really fast. A solution presented itself - Fulgar was able to drag us across one by one to the air pocket using his new speed, so Shang-Ti had indeed provided for us.

			==Entering the Heart of the Prime==

	When we were all together we took stock of our new surrounds and noticed that there was an iron bowl there that seemed out of place. We held on to Garuk as he pushed it out into the water and were suddenly struck by heat again. This time it was not elemental fire, thank Shang-Ti, but just a glaring sun high above us and desert-air around us. We had appeared in front of a great temple facade carved into a rock face at least fifty feet across. It had pink marble pillars, six steps of a bright white material leading to an entrance. A hexagon with black jet and gold symbols like the runestones was high above the entrance, but we could not make out the detail from the ground. Golden braziers sat each side of the top step, embossed with gems. On the front of the third step was a symbol like the amulet Fulgar found in the desert, orienting the elements for us. Fire should be above and water below.		When we were all together we took stock of our new surrounds and noticed that there was an iron bowl there that seemed out of place. We held on to Garuk as he pushed it out into the water and were suddenly struck by heat again. This time it was not elemental fire, thank Shang-Ti, but just a glaring sun high above us and desert-air around us. We had appeared in front of a great temple facade carved into a rock face at least fifty feet across. It had pink marble pillars, six steps of a bright white material leading to an entrance. A hexagon with black jet and gold symbols like the runestones was high above the entrance, but we could not make out the detail from the ground. Golden braziers sat each side of the top step, embossed with gems. On the front of the third step was a symbol like the amulet Fulgar found in the desert, orienting the elements for us. Fire should be above and water below.

imported>Batu: /* The Path of the Second Pagoda */

2021-11-04T12:50:45Z

The Path of the Second Pagoda

@@ Line 139: / Line 139: @@
 This journey was more trying that I had expected! Garuk summoned another pocket so we did not have to hold our breath for long, but as he did so the wand crumbled to dust and was gone. Fulgar investigated the water, as it turned out he was a good swimmer, and found that there was a bubbling air pocket tantalisingly close to where we were. He warned that it was not an easy swim, with currents swirling around, and said that he would investigate further and come back. He made the journey safely, and as he crossed the boundary he passed through the bubbles back into breathable air. The pocket he was now in contained a fiery creature in the centre, about eight feet tall, and there were loose flasks, cases and bits of equipment floating around in its vicinity... along with the charred remains of a body.
-The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him.
+The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him. We were oblivious to this at the time, but eventually Fulgar returned although he was gasping for breath and barely made the crossing. He looked oddly scorched but wet, and he explained about his encounter with the fire creature. He had brought three vials back with him in case they were another offering from Shang-Ti to aid us, and given the distance we had to travel and our inability to swim we each took one and drank them in good faith, stepping into the water to see what effect they might have had. It turned out that Garuk and I were able to breathe the water, and Fulgar could swim really fast. A solution presented itself - Fulgar was able to drag us across one by one to the air pocket using his new speed, so Shang-Ti had indeed provided for us.
 I landed a strong blow that damaged the other creature, but it didn't go down. Garuk struck again just before Fulgar came to our aid and killed it.

imported>Batu: /* The Path of the Second Pagoda */

2021-11-03T11:45:22Z

The Path of the Second Pagoda

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 3 November 2021
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	There was more detail there, with a crescent moon in light and darkness, and other moon symbology around the edge. It seemed like life was on the left and death on the right - Fulgar had entered on the wrong side. There might be a time element, with the moon waxing towards the top and waning towards the bottom although we couldn't be sure. We stepped in from the top left, and were enveloped by a golden glow that made us feel revived and refreshed. Our waterskins refilled, food reappeared, everything we had used on the path so far was restored. Another great blessing from Shang-Ti, although I couldn't help but think that the warrior that had spoken to me was Huang-Ti; was it him I should be serving given my role of protector?		There was more detail there, with a crescent moon in light and darkness, and other moon symbology around the edge. It seemed like life was on the left and death on the right - Fulgar had entered on the wrong side. There might be a time element, with the moon waxing towards the top and waning towards the bottom although we couldn't be sure. We stepped in from the top left, and were enveloped by a golden glow that made us feel revived and refreshed. Our waterskins refilled, food reappeared, everything we had used on the path so far was restored. Another great blessing from Shang-Ti, although I couldn't help but think that the warrior that had spoken to me was Huang-Ti; was it him I should be serving given my role of protector?

	Garuk discovered that he had some new bits of paper that he seemed very interested in, and Fulgar now had a golden torc around his neck that had not been there before. We were all stronger from our experience on the path.		Garuk discovered that he had some new bits of paper that he seemed very interested in, and Fulgar now had a golden torc around his neck that had not been there before. We were all stronger from our experience on the path. Now that we were closer, Garuk used his dweomer to understand the "stick" floating above the embers - apparently it would enable him to summon a pocket of a different plane, whatever that meant. We applied a lighted torch to the grate and it caught fire easily, quickly growing into a massive fire that surrounded us all - we had been transported to a place of fire and the heat was unbearable! Thankfully Garuk was able to use the "wand" he had studied to create a place that we could survive on, the heat instantly subsiding.

			It was difficult to see much of anything outside the sphere we were in, but it was clear that there were other pockets of different material out there. Garuk was able to extend the sphere incrementally until it intersected with what looked like the nearest, and turned out to be a rock wall. Given the heat it had been subjected to, though, it was hot, molten rock rather than the solid stone we were used to. Following the sequence of Shang-Ti and the elements, we applied the lighted torch to the surface of the molten rock and instantly flames ran along the surface. Garuk stepped right into it, disappearing! We followed, despite it seeming really unnatural, and although we did not get covered by molten rock I still emerged from the other side on fire! Fuck that hurt! My friends managed to extinguish the flames before too much damage was done, although it used precious waterskins.

			Once they had done so it turned out to be very dark, though, so Garuk put flame to a lantern revealing another pocket he had created. There was a pattern on the floor - another runestone-like symbol with five pedestals. I started to approach the one we thought should be activated only for a triangle to fall from beneath one of my feet! Fulgar grabbed me and pulled me back before I lost my balance, but it did at least reveal the correct way to approach the pedestal given the pattern. I did so and dumped the last of the crystal dust onto the pedestal, and at once we were surrounded by water.

	Garuk ~~uses dweomer~~ to ~~understand~~ the ~~"stick" floating above~~ the ~~embers - apparently enables him~~ to ~~summon~~ a ~~pocket~~ of a ~~different plane~~.		This journey was more trying that I had expected! Garuk summoned another pocket so we did not have to hold our breath for long, but as he did so the wand crumbled to dust and was gone. Fulgar investigated the water, as it turned out he was a good swimmer, and found that there was a bubbling air pocket tantalisingly close to where we were. He warned that it was not an easy swim, with currents swirling around, and said that he would investigate further and come back. He made the journey safely, and as he crossed the boundary he passed through the bubbles back into breathable air. The pocket he was now in contained a fiery creature in the centre, about eight feet tall, and there were loose flasks, cases and bits of equipment floating around in its vicinity... along with the charred remains of a body.

	~~Add a torch~~ to the ~~grate~~ and ~~catches fire easily... then grows into~~ a ~~massive fire~~ that ~~surrounds us - we are~~ in ~~a place of fire now~~. ~~Garuk uses the wand~~ to ~~create a place that we could survive on within this place~~.		The creature closed quickly to engage Fulgar, so he was forced to defend himself. Will all the fire it hurt Fulgar badly, but he was thankfully able to best it and a mini-fireball imploded leaving nothing but a little smoke that dissipated in the air. Fulgar screamed "that was unnecessary!" in pain and frustration, although there was nobody there to hear him.

	Difficult to see anything outside the sphere we are in, but there are other pockets out there. Garuk extends the sphere incrementally until it intersects with a rock wall - even when he extended it there was still rock there.

	Hot, molten rock. Apply a lighted torch to the molten rock and flames run along the surface. Garuk steps into it! So we follow and I emerge on fire. Fuck. Hurts but friends manage to extinguish me before too much damage (using waterskins).

	~~Once out dark, so Garuk lights lantern.~~

	~~Garuk has created another pocket. Pattern on the floor - another runestone symbol. Start to approach a pedestal (there are five) and a triangle falls and I almost fell, but Fulgar pulled me back.~~

	~~Does confirm we can reach the one we wanted. I dump last of crystal dust on to pedestal and suddenly surrounded by water. Garuk summons another pocket, but his wand is gone.~~

	~~Fulgar investigates water (he can swim) - there is one bubbling like air, but cannot use mental skills and some currents that affected swimming.~~

	Fulgar swims over to air bubble - as he crosses boundary he passes through bubbles but back into air, but only 60 yds across. Fiery creature in the centre, about 8' tall. Flasks, cases, equipment, and charred body floating around in air around it, although not really focused on it.

	~~Creature closes quickly to engage Fulgar, so has to defend himself. Lots of fire coming at him, fights back but not as effective as he would hope.~~

	Fulgar bested it in the end, but suffered some damage. Mini fireball implodes leaving nothing but smoke that dissipates. "That was unnecessary!" Fulgar shouts in frustration, although nobody there to hear it.

	Fulgar returns, gasping for breath and barely making it. Looks scorched but wet? Explained about fire creature. Brought vials x 3.		Fulgar returns, gasping for breath and barely making it. Looks scorched but wet? Explained about fire creature. Brought vials x 3.

imported>Batu: /* The Path of the Second Pagoda */

2021-10-16T13:07:39Z

The Path of the Second Pagoda

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:07, 16 October 2021
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	Luckily the last foe had been confused by Garuk's mental assault and was still "fighting" with the air where we had left it behind so we had time to try and sort out the mess we were in... well Garuk did anyway. He used his knife to unravel the net without touching it, so that Fulgar was at least free, but we were both still asleep. He messed around a bit getting his bow back and healing some of his wounds before moving us away from the last foe in case they regained their senses. Then he tried to use water to revive us, but instead created some kind of electrical monster that quickly built in strength and injured him and me. He fled again, taking us away from the new threat as fast as he could but leaving a massive electrical storm behind.		Luckily the last foe had been confused by Garuk's mental assault and was still "fighting" with the air where we had left it behind so we had time to try and sort out the mess we were in... well Garuk did anyway. He used his knife to unravel the net without touching it, so that Fulgar was at least free, but we were both still asleep. He messed around a bit getting his bow back and healing some of his wounds before moving us away from the last foe in case they regained their senses. Then he tried to use water to revive us, but instead created some kind of electrical monster that quickly built in strength and injured him and me. He fled again, taking us away from the new threat as fast as he could but leaving a massive electrical storm behind.

	Eventually we woke up, and were grateful to Garuk for protecting us. We were ravenous with hunger so I started eating some rations. Fulgar went back for his kill, but trying to eat it sent him asleep again and we had to wait even longer!		Eventually we woke up, and were grateful to Garuk for protecting us. We were ravenous with hunger so I started eating some rations. Fulgar went back for his kill, but trying to eat it sent him asleep again and we had to wait even longer! As we waited I heard a message in my head from the warrior we had fought for; he said that we had served Shang-Ti well and that a messenger would come. As foretold, just as Fulgar was awakening again, a huge bee-like thing the size of a man flew up to us. It spoke, bidding us to come with it and flew away. Fulgar was feeling shame again and doubting whether he was worthy to follow the path. I tried to reassure him, after all the shame was theirs for bringing magic to a fight, not ours.

			The bee creature took us towards a section of floating earth with water flowing across and down the side, and and trees growing atop it. He would go no farther so we continued and alighted on the ground before the trees. There were iron figures standing between us and the trees, and as we landed they reacted - moving slowly towards us. There was a stream to our left flowing quickly and we split up as we moved forward, noticing that they moved to intercept one of us each. The others moved around the edges as I drew one into the centre. Once they were apart we ran towards the trees, hoping that they could not catch us. Fulgar was hit by a blow but then we were into the treeline and they stopped, seeming unwilling to enter.

			The trees were thicker that we thought and I lost track of where the others were until Fulgar shouted that he had found something. I moved towards him, arriving almost at the same time as Garuk. There was a star inside a circle on the floor, about ten feet across. The lines were inlaid with gold but grass was growing between lines. At the centre of the star was a raised circular bowl about a foot and a half across with burning embers inside and an iron grate covering them. A stick of wood was floating above the grate, although it was really dark and tapered at one end unlike any natural stick I had seen. Fulgar stepped inside the outer circle and doubled over in pain, coming out quickly and making us study the patterns more closely.

	~~Get message~~ from ~~warrior~~ that we ~~serve~~ Shang-Ti ~~and~~ that ~~a messenger will come. Bee thing (6') comes as Fulgar wakes up, and bids us~~ to ~~come with~~ it~~. Shame~~ of ~~Fulgar - worthy to follow the path~~? ~~Shame is theirs for bringing magic, not ours.~~		There was more detail there, with a crescent moon in light and darkness, and other moon symbology around the edge. It seemed like life was on the left and death on the right - Fulgar had entered on the wrong side. There might be a time element, with the moon waxing towards the top and waning towards the bottom although we couldn't be sure. We stepped in from the top left, and were enveloped by a golden glow that made us feel revived and refreshed. Our waterskins refilled, food reappeared, everything we had used on the path so far was restored. Another great blessing from Shang-Ti, although I couldn't help but think that the warrior that had spoken to me was Huang-Ti; was it him I should be serving given my role of protector?

	~~Takes us towards floating earth with water flowing~~ and ~~trees growing atop~~. ~~Carry on without him to approach trees and alight~~ on the ~~ground there~~.		Garuk discovered that he had some new bits of paper that he seemed very interested in, and Fulgar now had a golden torc around his neck that had not been there before. We were all stronger from our experience on the path.

	~~Iron figures standing between us and trees, react and move towards us but slowly. Stream to our left.~~

	~~Start moving forward and they move to intercept. Others move around edges as I draw them in to centre. Then run for trees. Fulgar gets hit, but then all move into trees and they stay behind.~~

	~~Fulgar shouts that he has found something, so need to move to him.~~

	Reach ten foot across star in circle. Gold inlaid, but grass growing between lines. Centre circle is a raised bowl about a foot and a half across with burning embers and grate. Wood floating above it but really dark branch (tapered at one end). Fulgar inside circle but not at centre, but seemed to be in pain.

	~~Life on left, death on right, waxing north, waning south.~~

	~~Step in NW - golden glow and suddenly feel revived and refreshed, water refills, food, everything we have used on the path.~~

	~~Blessed by the Gods as we step inside. Although I am blessed by Huang-Ti rather than Shang-Ti, and Fulgar seems to notice. Speak of our different ways.~~

	~~Garuk has papers - very interested in them. Fulgar has a golden torc that is new. All stronger for our experience.~~

	Garuk uses dweomer to understand the "stick" floating above the embers - apparently enables him to summon a pocket of a different plane.		Garuk uses dweomer to understand the "stick" floating above the embers - apparently enables him to summon a pocket of a different plane.

imported>Batu: /* The Path of the Second Pagoda */

2021-10-14T12:25:48Z

The Path of the Second Pagoda

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 14 October 2021
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	As we approached the "blob" we saw that it was actually a massive cube of metal that began to loom in front of us as we grew closer. Fulgar stopped sharply when he realised this, and we had to quickly stop nearby in fear of overshooting. We took a moment then to discuss where the fuck we were. Garuk was the only one that seemed comfortable, and just described it as a place of Air. I did feel strangely at ease here, perhaps because Air was aligned to Shang Ti in some way? As I was thinking this I suddenly saw a great warrior riding on a chariot pulled by winged horses, and saw that he was being chased by a handful of winged people. As I looked he started to bank towards us, and it felt to me like this was meant to happen, was part of our test of worthiness. The others wanted to escape and avoid a fight, but I said that we must stay to meet him... but only I could see him - they only saw his pursuers!		As we approached the "blob" we saw that it was actually a massive cube of metal that began to loom in front of us as we grew closer. Fulgar stopped sharply when he realised this, and we had to quickly stop nearby in fear of overshooting. We took a moment then to discuss where the fuck we were. Garuk was the only one that seemed comfortable, and just described it as a place of Air. I did feel strangely at ease here, perhaps because Air was aligned to Shang Ti in some way? As I was thinking this I suddenly saw a great warrior riding on a chariot pulled by winged horses, and saw that he was being chased by a handful of winged people. As I looked he started to bank towards us, and it felt to me like this was meant to happen, was part of our test of worthiness. The others wanted to escape and avoid a fight, but I said that we must stay to meet him... but only I could see him - they only saw his pursuers!

	As they approached I saw and heard, more softly than I expected, the warrior calling to me to protect him, addressing me as "Protector of the Path".		As they approached I saw and heard, more softly than I expected, the warrior calling to me to protect him, addressing me as "Protector of the Path". We could also see the flying creatures more clearly and there was a strange aura around them, almost as if there were elements in conflict: dust and sparks of lightning mixed with the air. Garuk, for a moment, also saw the great warrior... surely a God come to judge us? The next moment his chariot passed straight through us, and we heard a command for us to destroy them. We felt energised by his touch, even though he disappeared, and Fulgar suddenly felt emboldened to fight. The Gods were with us! The creatures were onto us quickly, but Fulgar made the first blow, punching powerfully into its abdomen. They appeared like flying females but with the weird aura making their existence feel wrong here.

			Garuk was struck by spears twice but Fulgar dodged a blow and I blocked one with my shield. They produced nets, and it was clear they wanted to capture us in some way. I struck one with my Khopesh, and Garuk drew his sword and connected with an overhead swing in one smooth action. Garuk attacked with his mind, but it wasn't clear if it had changed anything. Fulgar lashed out again and killed one, and my second blow finished another. Garuk didn't disappoint, managing to the kill the one he wounded. That left two of them.

			Fulgar was struck by one of the spears, and immediately fell into a deep sleep. His foe threw their net, which wrapped tightly around him, and then turned as if to make off with him. Garuk started to phase in and out as we had seen before, and a spear that would surely have hit him found nothing to connect with as he did so. Fulgar was dragged away, but we were able to keep up and I cut at the thing dragging him twice, killing it. When I tried to free Fulgar, though, the magic affected me and I fell asleep as well!

	~~Aura~~ around ~~flying things is different - elements~~ in ~~conflict~~, ~~dust, lightning~~, as ~~well~~ as ~~air~~.		Luckily the last foe had been confused by Garuk's mental assault and was still "fighting" with the air where we had left it behind so we had time to try and sort out the mess we were in... well Garuk did anyway. He used his knife to unravel the net without touching it, so that Fulgar was at least free, but we were both still asleep. He messed around a bit getting his bow back and healing some of his wounds before moving us away from the last foe in case they regained their senses. Then he tried to use water to revive us, but instead created some kind of electrical monster that quickly built in strength and injured him and me. He fled again, taking us away from the new threat as fast as he could but leaving a massive electrical storm behind.

	Garuk ~~sees~~ him and ~~his chariot passes through us, commanding us~~ to ~~destroy them.~~		Eventually we woke up, and were grateful to Garuk for protecting us. We were ravenous with hunger so I started eating some rations. Fulgar went back for his kill, but trying to eat it sent him asleep again and we had to wait even longer!

	~~As passes through feel energised and Fulgar suddenly emboldened to fight. The Gods are with us! Into melee. Fulgar punches one with a powerful blow.~~

	~~Garuk struck twice but Fulgar dodges and I block. They bring nets out as well as their spears. I land a hit and Garuk draws sword and strikes in one action.~~

	~~Garuk attacks with mind. Fulgar strikes another blow, killing one. I cut down my attacker, and Garuk finishes one of his as well.~~

	~~Fulgar struck and falls asleep, then wrapped in net! Garuk phasing in and out, so blow passes through him. Fulgar dragged away so we both follow, and I cut at attacker twice, felling it.~~

	~~I try to free Fulgar but magic affects me and I fall asleep.~~

	~~Garuk uses knife to unravel net so Fulgar is free, but both still asleep. He fucks around with out bodies, getting bow back and then moves us away from last, confused foe. Heals himself with wand.~~

	~~Garuk tried to use water to revive us, creates some kind of electrical monster that harms him and me, growing constantly, so flees with us as fast as he can. Massive electrical storm forming.~~

	~~Eventually we wake up, grateful to Garuk for protecting. Ravenous with hunger so start eating - Fulgar goes for kill, but it sends it asleep again.~~

	Get message from warrior that we serve Shang-Ti and that a messenger will come. Bee thing (6') comes as Fulgar wakes up, and bids us to come with it. Shame of Fulgar - worthy to follow the path? Shame is theirs for bringing magic, not ours.		Get message from warrior that we serve Shang-Ti and that a messenger will come. Bee thing (6') comes as Fulgar wakes up, and bids us to come with it. Shame of Fulgar - worthy to follow the path? Shame is theirs for bringing magic, not ours.

imported>Batu: /* The Path of the Second Pagoda */

2021-10-14T11:08:42Z

The Path of the Second Pagoda

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:08, 14 October 2021
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	Seemingly satisfied now that the other creatures were beaten, the plant creature returned to the previous room and slowly returned to its original stone form. We assembled in front of the pagoda again, and Fulgar prayed to Shang-Ti, saying that we had faced his challenge and asked that the Way could be revealed to us. It seemed that his prayer was answered as we heard stone grinding on stone somewhere on the far side of the pagoda, followed by the sound of rushing air. Garuk asked Fulgar whether it was acceptable to take water from the pagoda, and as they debated what might be a violation of Shang-Ti's holy place I moved around to see what had made the noise.		Seemingly satisfied now that the other creatures were beaten, the plant creature returned to the previous room and slowly returned to its original stone form. We assembled in front of the pagoda again, and Fulgar prayed to Shang-Ti, saying that we had faced his challenge and asked that the Way could be revealed to us. It seemed that his prayer was answered as we heard stone grinding on stone somewhere on the far side of the pagoda, followed by the sound of rushing air. Garuk asked Fulgar whether it was acceptable to take water from the pagoda, and as they debated what might be a violation of Shang-Ti's holy place I moved around to see what had made the noise.

	It was clear that ~~holes had opened in the floor and ceiling, and~~ there was a strong current of air moving upwards at some speed. I described this to the others, and we were of the consensus that we needed to travel up with the air to continue on the Way. Before we did anything, though, Garuk used his wand to treat our injuries - it was truly a gift from Shang-Ti.		It was clear that there was a strong current of air moving upwards at some speed behind the pagoda, but there were no visible holes either above or below that could explain how it was moving. It was strong, that was for sure, pushing my hand up hard when I reached out to it. It would probably carry our weight, although it seemed that it would just smash us into the ceiling. I described this to the others, and we were of the consensus that we needed to travel up with the air to continue on the Way. Before we did anything, though, Garuk used his wand to treat our injuries - it was truly a gift from Shang-Ti.

			We looked again at the column of air and the stone above, and I commented that it seemed to be a test of faith... at which Fulgar immediately stepped into it, not wanting to show any doubt of Shang-Ti's path! He disappeared quickly, and it was clear that he had been taken somewhere else, so I followed as quickly as I can with Garuk just behind me. We all appeared quite close together bathed in a pale blue light, but were all strangely aligned at angles... I couldn't tell which way was up! I started to fall almost as soon as I thought about "down" and "up", but Fulgar grabbed me and stopped me in mid-air... how was he flying? I asked him as much but all he could answer was "I don't know"!

			Garuk appeared to be able to move around, even though he made no effort with his arms and legs. He tried to explain that we had to use our minds to control our movements. I was very confused, but as I tried what he suggested it was almost as if my mind knew what to do and it only took a few moments before I found it quite easy to move around without effort. Fulgar asked if there were any land, wanting to be stood on firm ground, and Garuk pointed out a blob of something solid he could see at some distance (it was hard to tell how far in this place). As we looked around we noticed that there were a lot of blobs of all kinds of shape and colour around. Fulgar, thinking that whatever it was would be land and that he wanted to be there suddenly shot towards it at incredible speed! I shouted that he needed to wait, and that we needed to make a choice rather than just go to the nearest thing we liked. We had to give chase just to stay within sight of him, again using our minds.

	~~Column~~ of ~~air but no holes - really strong current~~ of ~~air~~ that ~~might bear~~ our ~~weight~~.		As we approached the "blob" we saw that it was actually a massive cube of metal that began to loom in front of us as we grew closer. Fulgar stopped sharply when he realised this, and we had to quickly stop nearby in fear of overshooting. We took a moment then to discuss where the fuck we were. Garuk was the only one that seemed comfortable, and just described it as a place of Air. I did feel strangely at ease here, perhaps because Air was aligned to Shang Ti in some way? As I was thinking this I suddenly saw a great warrior riding on a chariot pulled by winged horses, and saw that he was being chased by a handful of winged people. As I looked he started to bank towards us, and it felt to me like this was meant to happen, was part of our test of worthiness. The others wanted to escape and avoid a fight, but I said that we must stay to meet him... but only I could see him - they only saw his pursuers!

	~~Seems~~ to ~~be a test of faith - Fulgar takes that~~ to ~~heart and immediately steps into it~~, ~~disappearing quickly. I follow~~ as ~~quickly as I can. Then Garuk~~.		As they approached I saw and heard, more softly than I expected, the warrior calling to me to protect him, addressing me as "Protector of the Path".

	~~Appear in pale blue light all next to each other but strangely aligned at angles... which way is up?~~

	~~I start to fall but Fulgar grabs me - how is he flying? Ask how he is doing that, but he doesn't know.~~

	Garuk appears and seems to be able to move himself. Explains we have to use our mind to control our movements. Confusing, but it's almost as if my mind knows what to do and I quickly find I can control myself.

	Fulgar asks about land and Garuk points out a blob of one - notice there are a lot of blobs of all kinds around here. Shout that he needs to wait - need to make a choice not just go to the nearest thing we like. Chase after him, mentally.

	~~Massive cube of metal looming in front of us so Fulgar stops sharply and quickly stop nearby.~~

	~~Discuss where the fuck we are - what is this place? Air... Shang Ti... Garuk only one who seems comfortable, although I am strangely more comfortable that expected.~~

	Suddenly see great warrior riding on chariot being chased by winged people, bank towards us. Feels like this is meant to happen. They want to escape but advise to stay and meet him... only I can see him, they see only flying creatures.

	~~I see the warrior calling to me to protect him, calling me Protector of the Path.~~

	Aura around flying things is different - elements in conflict, dust, lightning, as well as air.		Aura around flying things is different - elements in conflict, dust, lightning, as well as air.