Fontainver - Revision history

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-08-24T12:36:18Z

Elemental Paths

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 24 August 2023
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	Tak had faith enough to propel himself directly at the wall, which I was less keen on. He asked Silanna to lift him so that he could see what he was aiming at, then backed off to get a run up. The intent was for Silanna to boost him as he jumped, enabling him to get the height required. She ducked down, presenting her back as the platform for him to use, but the first time his weight and momentum was a bit too much and they both ended up in a heap instead! Silanna was better prepared the second time, and Tak was launched into the air. He blew out as his face met the wall, and again there was a flash of silver. This time the circle around the tree became more substantial, and he disappeared through the wall. He had been right!		Tak had faith enough to propel himself directly at the wall, which I was less keen on. He asked Silanna to lift him so that he could see what he was aiming at, then backed off to get a run up. The intent was for Silanna to boost him as he jumped, enabling him to get the height required. She ducked down, presenting her back as the platform for him to use, but the first time his weight and momentum was a bit too much and they both ended up in a heap instead! Silanna was better prepared the second time, and Tak was launched into the air. He blew out as his face met the wall, and again there was a flash of silver. This time the circle around the tree became more substantial, and he disappeared through the wall. He had been right!

			That left the two of us to get through somehow. Silanna, thankfully, had a potion that would allow her to reduced significantly in size, so we tied ourselves together and initially did the same as Tak. Silanna lifted me as I jumped and I passed through the portal. As she stood she drank the potion, and was dragged through behind me by the rope. Then it got strange. We were not together, for one thing. I found myself in the King's Hall in Yarlug in its glory days, a magnificent carved hall with a palantir glowing purple. It was well lit due to shafts in the ceiling, which meant there was daylight outside, but there were lights floating in the corners too.

			As I looked around, confused and amazed in equal measures, a pair of doors opened behind me and an armed party entered, stopping when they saw me. They seemed confused to, and demanded to know how I had got there. They confirmed that I was in Yarlug, but it was nothing like when I had left it, or even before to be honest. They were worried about the palantir, and me, seeing us both as a source of evil. This couldn't be real, though; it certainly wasn't the Yarlug I had left, it was rather what I would have wanted it to be. As I started to question what I was seeing, a moment later I found myself stood in a bleak, boggy plain in the open air. Tak was beside me, and he warned me to get low, pointing at an army moving in the distance.

	~~Silanna boosts me in the same way, again failing at first but then getting me through, dragging her behind as she chugged a potion of diminution.~~		I recognised it now; we were in the crater where Vorsaykorai had once been, and I pulled my cloak around me as I felt the cold in the air. His own vision had been different, finding himself near a fountain at Fontainver, initially feeling like he was home until he noticed the water was too pure and had begun to doubt what he saw as well. Silanna still wasn't there, though, and we were beginning to get worried when she eventually did appear. She had been in the glade of Walorin, and had met her kin and seen the tree when it had been used to travel, clearly a vision of the past. Like me, though, the other people in the vision had seen and spoken to her. So we had all seen a wonderful version of our former homes, but none of them were real.

	I found myself in the King's Hall in Yarlug in its glory days, a magnificent carved hall with a palantir glowing purple. Well lit due to shafts in ceiling, but lights floating in corners too. Doors open behind me and armed party enter, stopping when they see me. They are confused - how did I get here? They said I was in Yarlug, but it was nothing like I ~~had left~~ it~~. They~~ were worried about the palantir, and me, as a source of evil. This cannot be real, it's not the Yarlug I left - it's what I would want it to be, but it cannot be, who are you? In a moment I am atop a bleak boggy plain high in the ~~air~~, ~~an army in the distance~~ and ~~Tak beside me. Cold. He warns me to get low, which~~ I ~~do, and pull~~ cloak ~~towards~~ me as I ~~feel~~ cold. ~~(others~~ had a different ~~experience - glade of Walorin~~, fountain at Fontainver).

	~~Eventually Silanna arrives too! All had seen a wonderful version of our former homes~~, ~~but it~~ was ~~not real. Talk about what we~~ had ~~seen, and suddenly a loud voice came from a small fairy saying "the key?" Tak tries~~ to ~~greet~~ as ~~a friend, but she says he doesn~~'t ~~(smells of sea). I smell too~~, ~~but likes Silanna. Bryony? Live in the mud. Key of Kagrash is what~~ we ~~seek...~~ to get ~~to Vorsaykorai~~. ~~What to trade for it?~~

	~~Points to SW - massive battlefield with dead dwarf that is fairly obvious apparently. My people to west, Tak's to east apparently. Head SW and takes a couple~~ of ~~days due to the boggy terrain. Eventually more like a tundra than a bog~~, and ~~come across first carcass - a little preserved by the peat. Make our way into the battlefield~~ and ~~sleep amongst~~ the ~~dead~~, ~~having not found what we are looking for.~~

	~~Sleep for while but Tak notices~~ a ~~few lizard creatures approaching. Wakes Silanna and moves back, but they close~~ the ~~distance quickly, Tak tries to pacify them and promises to leave, but they aren't having it~~. ~~Silanna keeps moving back~~, ~~but then looses arrows~~, ~~hitting one twice which killed it outright. Other two close and Silanna hit. I wake with~~ the ~~commotion, fighting with Tak's cloak and seeing~~ the ~~threat.~~

	~~Silanna strikes back~~ and ~~Tak managed~~ to ~~land one blow, but is struck back. Tak hit again before I could get to him to help. Silanna cut~~ her ~~opponent down, though~~. ~~Tak shouted that he~~ had ~~tried to ask for safe passage~~ but ~~they~~ were ~~determined to attack so we should kill them. He killed it before I got there, though~~.

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-08-24T12:20:52Z

Elemental Paths

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:20, 24 August 2023
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	Was the path forward through Air? It sounded like we would have to follow our own path rather than the one described in the verse at some point as well. Tak started to search the wall near the corridor, which just looked blank, but it wasn't until Silanna looked that she noticed something different quite high up - about eight feet up. Tak watched for foes approaching as I got onto Silanna's shoulders to have a closer look. Just as she lifted me up, Tak warned that he had seen movement and he was scraped by an arrow a few moments later. I could see an intricate tree within a circle in silver on the wall. It was huge, about five feet across, so the highest point was almost thirteen feet from the floor. I was just looking at what appeared to be twelve round nodes of some kind when Silanna was hit by an arrow, and dropped me as she cried out in pain. I fell heavily, which was also painful!		Was the path forward through Air? It sounded like we would have to follow our own path rather than the one described in the verse at some point as well. Tak started to search the wall near the corridor, which just looked blank, but it wasn't until Silanna looked that she noticed something different quite high up - about eight feet up. Tak watched for foes approaching as I got onto Silanna's shoulders to have a closer look. Just as she lifted me up, Tak warned that he had seen movement and he was scraped by an arrow a few moments later. I could see an intricate tree within a circle in silver on the wall. It was huge, about five feet across, so the highest point was almost thirteen feet from the floor. I was just looking at what appeared to be twelve round nodes of some kind when Silanna was hit by an arrow, and dropped me as she cried out in pain. I fell heavily, which was also painful!

			I started to describe what I had seen, but then Kobolds flooded into the room, forcing Tak to parry a blow and back off slightly. I sent a flechette into his attacker, killing it outright. Tak went on the offensive, killing both archers with his blades, and even decapitating one of them with the force of his blow. The last one we could see turned and fled again, but he would probably be back with more. With a sense of urgency now, Silanna threw me up near wall, so that I would be level with the tree, and I tried simply blowing on the tree near its top. There was definitely a reaction, as it flashed brightly, flooding the room with silver light for a moment, but it faded quickly and nothing else happened. The verse spoke of leaping, so perhaps we needed to actually leap at it as well.

			Tak had faith enough to propel himself directly at the wall, which I was less keen on. He asked Silanna to lift him so that he could see what he was aiming at, then backed off to get a run up. The intent was for Silanna to boost him as he jumped, enabling him to get the height required. She ducked down, presenting her back as the platform for him to use, but the first time his weight and momentum was a bit too much and they both ended up in a heap instead! Silanna was better prepared the second time, and Tak was launched into the air. He blew out as his face met the wall, and again there was a flash of silver. This time the circle around the tree became more substantial, and he disappeared through the wall. He had been right!

	Kobolds flooding into room, forcing Tak to parry a blow. I start to describe the tree, but see the danger and sent a flechette into one that had just hurt Tak, killin it outright. Tak killed both of the archer with blades, decapitating one of them! Last one flees. Silanna throws me up near wall, and blow on the tree near top, flashes with silver light but nothing else happens.

	Need to leap? Tak to get the height then. Takes a look at it and then runs up to leap off Silanna's back as she boosts him up. Completely fails the first time, ending up with both in a heap. Much better the second time, and circle around tree becomes more substantial as he disappears through the wall. Silanna boosts me in the same way, again failing at first but then getting me through, dragging her behind as she chugged a potion of diminution.
			Silanna boosts me in the same way, again failing at first but then getting me through, dragging her behind as she chugged a potion of diminution.

	I found myself in the King's Hall in Yarlug in its glory days, a magnificent carved hall with a palantir glowing purple. Well lit due to shafts in ceiling, but lights floating in corners too. Doors open behind me and armed party enter, stopping when they see me. They are confused - how did I get here? They said I was in Yarlug, but it was nothing like I had left it. They were worried about the palantir, and me, as a source of evil. This cannot be real, it's not the Yarlug I left - it's what I would want it to be, but it cannot be, who are you? In a moment I am atop a bleak boggy plain high in the air, an army in the distance and Tak beside me. Cold. He warns me to get low, which I do, and pull cloak towards me as I feel cold. (others had a different experience - glade of Walorin, fountain at Fontainver).		I found myself in the King's Hall in Yarlug in its glory days, a magnificent carved hall with a palantir glowing purple. Well lit due to shafts in ceiling, but lights floating in corners too. Doors open behind me and armed party enter, stopping when they see me. They are confused - how did I get here? They said I was in Yarlug, but it was nothing like I had left it. They were worried about the palantir, and me, as a source of evil. This cannot be real, it's not the Yarlug I left - it's what I would want it to be, but it cannot be, who are you? In a moment I am atop a bleak boggy plain high in the air, an army in the distance and Tak beside me. Cold. He warns me to get low, which I do, and pull cloak towards me as I feel cold. (others had a different experience - glade of Walorin, fountain at Fontainver).

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-08-24T11:04:40Z

Elemental Paths

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 24 August 2023
Line 308:		Line 308:

	The creatures were Kobolds; I had heard of them, but never encountered them before. Despite being weak they could swarm in large numbers, and we were sure they would be back. They did tend to keep to themselves rather than align with others, though, so that was reassuring. Tak started to make some sense of the runes on the floor, revealing verse that surely had some significance:		The creatures were Kobolds; I had heard of them, but never encountered them before. Despite being weak they could swarm in large numbers, and we were sure they would be back. They did tend to keep to themselves rather than align with others, though, so that was reassuring. Tak started to make some sense of the runes on the floor, revealing verse that surely had some significance:


	I ride the winds and walk the clouds.		I ride the winds and walk the clouds.
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	Come! Burn with me!		Come! Burn with me!

	~~Air is~~ the path? Tak ~~searches~~ wall near corridor, but Silanna ~~joins him and spots~~ something different ~~about the wall~~ about eight feet up. ~~I swap with~~ Tak ~~and he warns of movement down the corridor the Kobolds went down.~~ I ~~get on~~ Silanna's shoulders, ~~but~~ Tak scraped by an arrow ~~so urgency!~~ I see a silver ~~tree~~ on the wall - huge, about five feet across, ~~and intricate~~. ~~Then~~ Silanna hit by an arrow and I ~~fall~~ heavily ~~to the ground. Ouch.~~
			Was the path forward through Air? It sounded like we would have to follow our own path rather than the one described in the verse at some point as well. Tak started to search the wall near the corridor, which just looked blank, but it wasn't until Silanna looked that she noticed something different quite high up - about eight feet up. Tak watched for foes approaching as I got onto Silanna's shoulders to have a closer look. Just as she lifted me up, Tak warned that he had seen movement and he was scraped by an arrow a few moments later. I could see an intricate tree within a circle in silver on the wall. It was huge, about five feet across, so the highest point was almost thirteen feet from the floor. I was just looking at what appeared to be twelve round nodes of some kind when Silanna was hit by an arrow, and dropped me as she cried out in pain. I fell heavily, which was also painful!



	Kobolds flooding into room, forcing Tak to parry a blow. I start to describe the tree, but see the danger and sent a flechette into one that had just hurt Tak, killin it outright. Tak killed both of the archer with blades, decapitating one of them! Last one flees. Silanna throws me up near wall, and blow on the tree near top, flashes with silver light but nothing else happens.		Kobolds flooding into room, forcing Tak to parry a blow. I start to describe the tree, but see the danger and sent a flechette into one that had just hurt Tak, killin it outright. Tak killed both of the archer with blades, decapitating one of them! Last one flees. Silanna throws me up near wall, and blow on the tree near top, flashes with silver light but nothing else happens.

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-08-24T10:39:10Z

Elemental Paths

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-08-24T10:37:55Z

Elemental Paths

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:37, 24 August 2023
Line 306:		Line 306:

	They disappeared into either a corridor or another room to the left, although the main corridor continued forward. Silanna took a minute to light a torch, and that revealed the arched entrance they had used. There were runes all over the floor, all well worn, so they were bound to be significant. The domed ceiling showed winged black beasts with scorpion-like tails, flying anti-clockwise in a night sky. On our left, behind us as we entered, was show a range of mountains with a tall tower on the left, with a fiery sunset or sunrise behind it. Opposite where we had entered was depicted another mountain range with another tower, but this time with a rough sea at its foot. The wall where the creatures had gone through showed a dwarven tower like the one we had seen before - the archway right below it. There was nothing on the right where the corridor continued. It seemed that this was an ancient place of evil and order (more Devils?) that was dominated by air, although it didn't seem to be that way now. It didn't feel right for where we were trying to get to, though.		They disappeared into either a corridor or another room to the left, although the main corridor continued forward. Silanna took a minute to light a torch, and that revealed the arched entrance they had used. There were runes all over the floor, all well worn, so they were bound to be significant. The domed ceiling showed winged black beasts with scorpion-like tails, flying anti-clockwise in a night sky. On our left, behind us as we entered, was show a range of mountains with a tall tower on the left, with a fiery sunset or sunrise behind it. Opposite where we had entered was depicted another mountain range with another tower, but this time with a rough sea at its foot. The wall where the creatures had gone through showed a dwarven tower like the one we had seen before - the archway right below it. There was nothing on the right where the corridor continued. It seemed that this was an ancient place of evil and order (more Devils?) that was dominated by air, although it didn't seem to be that way now. It didn't feel right for where we were trying to get to, though.

			The creatures were Kobolds; I had heard of them, but never encountered them before. Despite being weak they could swarm in large numbers, and we were sure they would be back. They did tend to keep to themselves rather than align with others, though, so that was reassuring. Tak started to make some sense of the runes on the floor, revealing verse that surely had some significance:

			I ride the winds and walk the clouds.
			On wings of fire, I cross the skies.
			Ruined cities lie in my wake,
			The shattered dreams of many Kings,
			The broken tones of power's call.
			For deep within, it is the soul
			That hears my wings and cries with joy.
			I bring no peace to calm the storms
			Of kingly men or common born.
			One and all hear my call,
			From Temple Priest to simple man.
			I burn away the worlds of both.
			With wings of fire, I call to man
			To leave his world and fly with me.
			I am the torch that all men seek,
			The Light of Knowledge, the Flame of Passion,
			That ends the gloom within the soul.
			The sun's own light is paled by me
			And men see me with awe and fear.
			I am the light of ages past,
			Yet hold the keys to future time.
			If you would seek the Higher Light,
			Then take the wings within your soul,
			Leap to the sky and seek me out!
			You will not find the path I flew.
			It is your own, not mine you seek.
			You are not I, nor will you be,
			Until the day you take the torch
			A Dragon then to shout my words,
			of burning skies!
			Come! Burn with me!

			Air is the path? Tak searches wall near corridor, but Silanna joins him and spots something different about the wall about eight feet up. I swap with Tak and he warns of movement down the corridor the Kobolds went down. I get on Silanna's shoulders, but Tak scraped by an arrow so urgency! I see a silver tree on the wall - huge, about five feet across, and intricate. Then Silanna hit by an arrow and I fall heavily to the ground. Ouch.

			Kobolds flooding into room, forcing Tak to parry a blow. I start to describe the tree, but see the danger and sent a flechette into one that had just hurt Tak, killin it outright. Tak killed both of the archer with blades, decapitating one of them! Last one flees. Silanna throws me up near wall, and blow on the tree near top, flashes with silver light but nothing else happens.

			Need to leap? Tak to get the height then. Takes a look at it and then runs up to leap off Silanna's back as she boosts him up. Completely fails the first time, ending up with both in a heap. Much better the second time, and circle around tree becomes more substantial as he disappears through the wall. Silanna boosts me in the same way, again failing at first but then getting me through, dragging her behind as she chugged a potion of diminution.

			I found myself in the King's Hall in Yarlug in its glory days, a magnificent carved hall with a palantir glowing purple. Well lit due to shafts in ceiling, but lights floating in corners too. Doors open behind me and armed party enter, stopping when they see me. They are confused - how did I get here? They said I was in Yarlug, but it was nothing like I had left it. They were worried about the palantir, and me, as a source of evil. This cannot be real, it's not the Yarlug I left - it's what I would want it to be, but it cannot be, who are you? In a moment I am atop a bleak boggy plain high in the air, an army in the distance and Tak beside me. Cold. He warns me to get low, which I do, and pull cloak towards me as I feel cold. (others had a different experience - glade of Walorin, fountain at Fontainver).

			Eventually Silanna arrives too! All had seen a wonderful version of our former homes, but it was not real. Talk about what we had seen, and suddenly a loud voice came from a small fairy saying "the key?" Tak tries to greet as a friend, but she says he doesn't (smells of sea). I smell too, but likes Silanna. Bryony? Live in the mud. Key of Kagrash is what we seek... to get to Vorsaykorai. What to trade for it?

			Points to SW - massive battlefield with dead dwarf that is fairly obvious apparently. My people to west, Tak's to east apparently. Head SW and takes a couple of days due to the boggy terrain. Eventually more like a tundra than a bog, and come across first carcass - a little preserved by the peat. Make our way into the battlefield and sleep amongst the dead, having not found what we are looking for.

			Sleep for while but Tak notices a few lizard creatures approaching. Wakes Silanna and moves back, but they close the distance quickly, Tak tries to pacify them and promises to leave, but they aren't having it. Silanna keeps moving back, but then looses arrows, hitting one twice which killed it outright. Other two close and Silanna hit. I wake with the commotion, fighting with Tak's cloak and seeing the threat.

			Silanna strikes back and Tak managed to land one blow, but is struck back. Tak hit again before I could get to him to help. Silanna cut her opponent down, though. Tak shouted that he had tried to ask for safe passage but they were determined to attack so we should kill them. He killed it before I got there, though.

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-06-25T20:58:54Z

Elemental Paths

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 25 June 2023
Line 301:		Line 301:
	We walked down a narrow corridor in which torches flared to life as we passed, giving us only five feet or so of illumination ahead. At least we could walk comfortably, or at least I could as it was a good size for me. We began to worry as we walked on, though... it must have been two hours or so before we saw any change. The Dwarves had been known to carve out for over a mile if there was a rich seam, but this was long even for that. Just as I was thinking that we might have to turn back, Tak saw something warm up ahead. He shouted "hello ahead, we seek friends!" in Common. Oh crap, why does he do this? Even if they were friends they'd probably be wary of an unknown voice calling them. I tried calling in Gnomish, hoping that this time they might actually not try to kill us, but an alarm sounded in the distance and an arrow flew out of the dark, catching my shoulder.		We walked down a narrow corridor in which torches flared to life as we passed, giving us only five feet or so of illumination ahead. At least we could walk comfortably, or at least I could as it was a good size for me. We began to worry as we walked on, though... it must have been two hours or so before we saw any change. The Dwarves had been known to carve out for over a mile if there was a rich seam, but this was long even for that. Just as I was thinking that we might have to turn back, Tak saw something warm up ahead. He shouted "hello ahead, we seek friends!" in Common. Oh crap, why does he do this? Even if they were friends they'd probably be wary of an unknown voice calling them. I tried calling in Gnomish, hoping that this time they might actually not try to kill us, but an alarm sounded in the distance and an arrow flew out of the dark, catching my shoulder.

			Tak ran forward and punched one so hard it stunned them. They were small reptilian creatures and individually probably not a threat, but the alarm suggested there were more of them. I quickly searched it for any clues about their situation, and found some keys in a small pouch, which I took. Surely these things weren't jailors, were they? Tak kept moving forward, but reached a room and when he turned the corner he saw a group of them prepared for attack, so he fell back into cover and warned us. The light went out as he reached the end of the corridor, but winked back on near to me as the next in line - an interesting design!

			Silanna joined Tak, and they both drew weapons. Some of the foe moved forward into melee whilst others held back to loose arrows when they could. Tak was hit, but Silanna decapitated one in return. She then took an arrow from the side, and I was hit by one as I closed to melee. I kept close to Silanna, as she seemed to be the biggest threat to them, but I was able to run one foe through as they tried to flank me. Silanna was favouring her side after the last arrow struck her, so Tak spat on his hand and rubbed it on Silanna's neck (Eww), but it somehow healed some of her wounds so I guess it was worth it. Silanna ran forward with me, refreshed, and killed an archer. I wondered if this was right, because it was a bit of a slaughter... but they had the keys, so they could have helped if they wanted to, perhaps? I was engaged in melee before I could think any more, but Silanna cut down the foe I was about to strike. The rest of them turned and fled, although they still had numbers so they might be back if we weren't careful.

	~~Tak runs up and stuns one - small reptillian things. I search the body and find keys on it, so take them. Tak runs forward, but sees massed group of them in~~ a ~~bigger~~ room ~~at the end of the corridor ahead. Retreats and warns us before heading back. Light goes out at end of corridor - returning~~ to ~~me as next in line.~~		They disappeared into either a corridor or another room to the left, although the main corridor continued forward. Silanna took a minute to light a torch, and that revealed the arched entrance they had used. There were runes all over the floor, all well worn, so they were bound to be significant. The domed ceiling showed winged black beasts with scorpion-like tails, flying anti-clockwise in a night sky. On our left, behind us as we entered, was show a range of mountains with a tall tower on the left, with a fiery sunset or sunrise behind it. Opposite where we had entered was depicted another mountain range with another tower, but this time with a rough sea at its foot. The wall where the creatures had gone through showed a dwarven tower like the one we had seen before - the archway right below it. There was nothing on the right where the corridor continued. It seemed that this was an ancient place of evil and order (more Devils?) that was dominated by air, although it didn't seem to be that way now. It didn't feel right for where we were trying to get to, though.

	~~Silanna joins Tak, both drawing weapons. Tak hit, but Silanna decapitates one in return. She takes an arrow from~~ the ~~side~~, ~~though. Closed down and in melee, but hit again with arrow. Run to join Silanna, killing~~ the ~~nearest foe. Tak spits on hand and rubs on Silanna's neck, somehow healing some of her wounds. Silanna runs~~ forward ~~with me, killing an archer. I wonder if this is right... but they had keys..~~. ~~are they the captors? Engage in melee before I can think more, but~~ Silanna ~~cuts down the foe I was going~~ to ~~strike. The rest of them flee, although there were still quite~~ a ~~few.~~

	~~Obviously a corridor on the far side to our left where they are headed. Silanna lights~~ torch and ~~see an~~ arched entrance ~~to left~~. ~~Corridor continues in the same direction on other side. Runes~~ all over floor, well worn. ~~Domed~~ ceiling, winged beasts with scorpion-like tails, flying anti-clockwise in a night sky. ~~Black creatures. Mountains~~ with tall tower on left, fiery sunset~~/rise, right is~~ another mountain range with another tower ~~and~~ rough sea at foot. ~~North is~~ dwarven tower, like we ~~saw~~ before~~, with door~~ below it ~~that~~ the ~~creatures are going through~~. ~~Nothing to south.~~

	~~Ancient~~ place of evil and order (Devils) dominated by air, ~~but not~~ that way now~~, it seemed~~. ~~Not~~ where we ~~wanted~~ to go, though...

imported>Rusty: /* Elemental Paths */

2023-06-25T19:03:00Z

Elemental Paths

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 25 June 2023
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	Tak was really excited and happy about the experience he had just had, not having known that such a wondrous place existed, but Silanna very unimpressed and made that perfectly clear. She had nearly died, and now Cassandra was gone! She despaired that she might have gone forever, having been together since she was young. Tak tried to console her, promising to take her back to the Efferendil to find Cassandra as soon as we could. Meanwhile I found it interesting that they had returned from Water through Air... although that did seem to be the right "direction" (if such a term meant much here). The room, Tak noted, now "matched" the symbology that his Lord had given him, so he seemed happier, although darkness was now ascendent.		Tak was really excited and happy about the experience he had just had, not having known that such a wondrous place existed, but Silanna very unimpressed and made that perfectly clear. She had nearly died, and now Cassandra was gone! She despaired that she might have gone forever, having been together since she was young. Tak tried to console her, promising to take her back to the Efferendil to find Cassandra as soon as we could. Meanwhile I found it interesting that they had returned from Water through Air... although that did seem to be the right "direction" (if such a term meant much here). The room, Tak noted, now "matched" the symbology that his Lord had given him, so he seemed happier, although darkness was now ascendent.

	Tak moved to examine the door, which was still in the same place in the wall despite the wall having moved. He found a lock, and noted that the door itself was made from a material that was wonderful and fine, but he hadn't seen it before.		Tak moved to examine the door, which was still in the same place in the wall despite the wall having moved. He found a lock, and noted that the door itself was made from a material that was wonderful and fine, but he hadn't seen it before. The lock was beyond his ability, though, and instead he focused on the tower depicted in the mountains which had the symbol of Earth (Aarda in the Dwarven tongue) upon it. He worried that we might be drawn into the rock, but the tower was an imposition of order onto the element so it would not be the same. I, having the closest affinity to Earth, agreed to be boosted up by Silanna and try touching the symbol. As I touched it I felt that I should say something, so I uttered: "In my ancestors name, I seek order within the rock and those trapped within." There was a sudden glow around the outline of the door, and when Silanna let me down I pushed on the door and it opened easily.

			We walked down a narrow corridor in which torches flared to life as we passed, giving us only five feet or so of illumination ahead. At least we could walk comfortably, or at least I could as it was a good size for me. We began to worry as we walked on, though... it must have been two hours or so before we saw any change. The Dwarves had been known to carve out for over a mile if there was a rich seam, but this was long even for that. Just as I was thinking that we might have to turn back, Tak saw something warm up ahead. He shouted "hello ahead, we seek friends!" in Common. Oh crap, why does he do this? Even if they were friends they'd probably be wary of an unknown voice calling them. I tried calling in Gnomish, hoping that this time they might actually not try to kill us, but an alarm sounded in the distance and an arrow flew out of the dark, catching my shoulder.


	Tak interested in tower and sees symbol of Aarda (Earth). Nothing elemental but I am closest. Get boosted up by Silanna and touch the symbol saying "In my ancestors name, I seek order within the rock and those trapped within." Glow around door and I ask to be let down and push on it - opens easily. Walk down a corridor that illuminates in front of us only five feet ahead, enough to walk by not see. Continue for two hours before anything changes! Others pretty uncomfortable, and even I think it's unusual that there is no change.

	~~Tak shouts "hello ahead, we seek friends" in Common. Oh crap. Try to call ahead in Gnomish, but alarm sounds in the distance. Get shot with an arrow!~~ Tak runs up and stuns one - small reptillian things. I search the body and find keys on it, so take them. Tak runs forward, but sees massed group of them in a bigger room at the end of the corridor ahead. Retreats and warns us before heading back. Light goes out at end of corridor - returning to me as next in line.		Tak runs up and stuns one - small reptillian things. I search the body and find keys on it, so take them. Tak runs forward, but sees massed group of them in a bigger room at the end of the corridor ahead. Retreats and warns us before heading back. Light goes out at end of corridor - returning to me as next in line.

	Silanna joins Tak, both drawing weapons. Tak hit, but Silanna decapitates one in return. She takes an arrow from the side, though. Closed down and in melee, but hit again with arrow. Run to join Silanna, killing the nearest foe. Tak spits on hand and rubs on Silanna's neck, somehow healing some of her wounds. Silanna runs forward with me, killing an archer. I wonder if this is right... but they had keys... are they the captors? Engage in melee before I can think more, but Silanna cuts down the foe I was going to strike. The rest of them flee, although there were still quite a few.		Silanna joins Tak, both drawing weapons. Tak hit, but Silanna decapitates one in return. She takes an arrow from the side, though. Closed down and in melee, but hit again with arrow. Run to join Silanna, killing the nearest foe. Tak spits on hand and rubs on Silanna's neck, somehow healing some of her wounds. Silanna runs forward with me, killing an archer. I wonder if this is right... but they had keys... are they the captors? Engage in melee before I can think more, but Silanna cuts down the foe I was going to strike. The rest of them flee, although there were still quite a few.

imported>Rusty: /* Mountain Depths */

2023-06-24T21:42:03Z

Mountain Depths

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 24 June 2023
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	We just about managed to get inside the opening before the step slammed up behind me. The others were crawling, but it was the perfect height for me. Tak kept going forward, pushing the stone block ahead of him, and it was about sixty feet before the block raised before him to reveal more stairs spiraling down. At the base of the stairs we entered a room full of bright light, but could see no obvious source. Wooden doors stood opposite the foot of the stairs at one end, about five feet from them. As we emerged into the room more fully, we could see relief carvings on either side, both of mountain ranges, although different, with large towers upon them. The symbols below the carvings had been smashed, but the one on our left showed the mountains surrounded by water, where the one on the right had a blue sky above the mountains that once must have been vivid but was now slightly faded. I looked up and saw that there were veins of golden light that seemed to be smashing through the ceiling and illuminating everything below. There were two concentric circles on the floor, silver and gold, with what had once been four symbols carved into the stone but had been scratched out at some point.		We just about managed to get inside the opening before the step slammed up behind me. The others were crawling, but it was the perfect height for me. Tak kept going forward, pushing the stone block ahead of him, and it was about sixty feet before the block raised before him to reveal more stairs spiraling down. At the base of the stairs we entered a room full of bright light, but could see no obvious source. Wooden doors stood opposite the foot of the stairs at one end, about five feet from them. As we emerged into the room more fully, we could see relief carvings on either side, both of mountain ranges, although different, with large towers upon them. The symbols below the carvings had been smashed, but the one on our left showed the mountains surrounded by water, where the one on the right had a blue sky above the mountains that once must have been vivid but was now slightly faded. I looked up and saw that there were veins of golden light that seemed to be smashing through the ceiling and illuminating everything below. There were two concentric circles on the floor, silver and gold, with what had once been four symbols carved into the stone but had been scratched out at some point.

			==Elemental Paths==

	Tak was drawn to the carving of the sea, which he felt an affinity for, and started to meditate with his hand upon it. We inspected the rest of the room, and I commented that it seemed like a place where portals to other worlds could be summoned to travel elsewhere (I remembered that I was supposed to meet Orodruin in this way before we were attacked). Suddenly four braziers appeared in a circle around Tak, with a scroll at his feet... his prayers had been answered! I was immediately suspicious. The world had already gone to shit because the uplanders had meddled with the Gods and brought them down to fight among us - was this what he was doing? Tak, though, claimed that the Lord of the Sea was a part of our world and not a God that lived separated from us. Hmm. Was there a Lord of Rock, then? I would have to think on this.		Tak was drawn to the carving of the sea, which he felt an affinity for, and started to meditate with his hand upon it. We inspected the rest of the room, and I commented that it seemed like a place where portals to other worlds could be summoned to travel elsewhere (I remembered that I was supposed to meet Orodruin in this way before we were attacked). Suddenly four braziers appeared in a circle around Tak, with a scroll at his feet... his prayers had been answered! I was immediately suspicious. The world had already gone to shit because the uplanders had meddled with the Gods and brought them down to fight among us - was this what he was doing? Tak, though, claimed that the Lord of the Sea was a part of our world and not a God that lived separated from us. Hmm. Was there a Lord of Rock, then? I would have to think on this.

imported>Rusty: /* Mountain Depths */

2023-06-24T21:41:20Z

Mountain Depths

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:41, 24 June 2023
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	I peered through the web strands and could see Dak chanting, and Silanna shouted that he was going to create some grease. Sure enough, as Tak went to check the door he slipped and landed on his arse! I lashed out with my mind, having some effect because I felt the connection, but it wasn't clear what. Dak moved towards us, raising a shield of dweomer, but then stopped and started shuffling around in a circle looking at the floor, muttering "where is it?" to himself in Gnomish. Silanna was forcing her way through the web with huge effort, reaching Cassandra and pulling her free, but still had to reach the edge to get out.		I peered through the web strands and could see Dak chanting, and Silanna shouted that he was going to create some grease. Sure enough, as Tak went to check the door he slipped and landed on his arse! I lashed out with my mind, having some effect because I felt the connection, but it wasn't clear what. Dak moved towards us, raising a shield of dweomer, but then stopped and started shuffling around in a circle looking at the floor, muttering "where is it?" to himself in Gnomish. Silanna was forcing her way through the web with huge effort, reaching Cassandra and pulling her free, but still had to reach the edge to get out.

	Tak was still struggling to get to his feet, now on all fours as he wondered out loud why anyone would want such dweomer (he obviously hadn't had to deal with rust or worn bearings before). Silanna managed to break free, though, and joined me at the edge of the grease.		Tak was still struggling to get to his feet, now on all fours as he wondered out loud why anyone would want such dweomer (he obviously hadn't had to deal with rust or worn bearings before). Silanna managed to break free, though, and joined me at the edge of the grease. I asked if Cassandra was ok, and happily she was, and Tak was finally able to get to his feet. Unexpectedly, as he had been focused on the door, he crossed to the image of the tumultuous sea, which apparently really bothered him. He placed his hand against it and recited some verse that started with "The Sea brings life, the sea brings death..." then there was something about bringing order to chaos to bring hope. It sounded really good, but didn't seem to have the effect that Tak was looking for. He banged his head, despairing at the chaos, as I looked back to see Dak still scrabbling around on the floor.

			I heard a gasp and looked at Silanna - Tak had disappeared! Silanna moved to where he had been, touching the image of the water as he had done, and she was suddenly in mid-air diving into the water and was gone as well! This was bad - that could only lead to a place of elemental water, and whilst Tak would probably love it, Silanna would be in danger! To make things worse, the Demon Gnome found what they were looking for and he started to scribe a purple circle on the floor, reforming the circle that had been there as we entered. I crossed to the spot where the others had disappeared and tried my last dweomer on it, trying to bring order to the chaos, but it just didn't have enough power to make a difference.

			I had no way of knowing, but as I suspected my friends had been immersed in water, but thankfully Silanna had found a potion that enabled her to breathe. She was more worried that she had lost her connection to Cassandra, and indeed she had left us entirely although I didn't know it at the time, as she was so hard to see. Tak concentrated on the ring, thinking of the symbol he had seen on the tower, and they were surrounded by a screen of bubbles with a circle turning around them like a wheel. It brightened and faded as it turned, but was silver, and Tak grabbed Silanna ready to go through it. He pointed first and then swam really quickly to hit the centre of it as it passed around them.

	I ~~ask if Cassandra is ok,~~ and ~~happy~~ to ~~hear she is. Tak really bothered by tumultous sea~~, and ~~finally manages~~ to ~~stand and escape~~ the ~~grease so starts towards that wall~~. ~~When he gets there recites some verse~~ The ~~Sea brings life~~, the ~~sea brings death~~... ~~something about bringing order~~ to ~~chaos to bring hope~~. ~~Sounds good! Dak~~ still ~~scrabbling around~~ on the ~~floor~~.		I had looked over at Dak just as he completed the circle.. and the entire room seemed to flip over! I suddenly found myself falling, and used my mind to land gently on the gold streaked former ceiling. The silver veins were now above me, and the rock and fire walls had also reversed. At least the web had gone as well. Tak and Silanna appeared shortly after this, but again they were on the ceiling! Dak had completely disappeared, presumably in the "other" room still. Silanna quickly used dweomer to slow them both before they hit the floor, and I could see that she was wet through. I also noticed that we could still see the bars on the air wall (which hadn't changed), and that the waters were now calm, bringing the room into a better balance.

	Tak ~~banging head~~, ~~despairing at chaos~~, and ~~Demon Gnome finds what they're looking for - circle starts~~ to ~~reform~~ as it ~~scribes~~. ~~Purple circle~~..~~. Silanna touches wall and pulled/dives into water! Now alone!!! Try a cantrip to bring order~~ to the ~~chaos, but doesn't have any impact~~. ~~(they are immersed in water and Silanna panicked because Cassandra gone and in water~~, ~~then bubble screen surrounds them as~~ Tak ~~concentrates on ring... turning circles within it~~, ~~brightening and fading as they turn~~, ~~and bright silver~~. Tak ~~grabs hand~~ and ~~suggests with pointing~~ that ~~they go through~~ the ~~circle then swims fast towards~~ it).		Tak was really excited and happy about the experience he had just had, not having known that such a wondrous place existed, but Silanna very unimpressed and made that perfectly clear. She had nearly died, and now Cassandra was gone! She despaired that she might have gone forever, having been together since she was young. Tak tried to console her, promising to take her back to the Efferendil to find Cassandra as soon as we could. Meanwhile I found it interesting that they had returned from Water through Air... although that did seem to be the right "direction" (if such a term meant much here). The room, Tak noted, now "matched" the symbology that his Lord had given him, so he seemed happier, although darkness was now ascendent.

			Tak moved to examine the door, which was still in the same place in the wall despite the wall having moved. He found a lock, and noted that the door itself was made from a material that was wonderful and fine, but he hadn't seen it before.

	Look over at Dak and completes circle.. room flips over! Fall to floor - mind saving me. Rock and Fire flipped in direction and web gone - silver on ceiling and gold on floor. Then Tak and Silanna appear on the ceiling! Dak completely disappeared. Falling, so Silanna quickly uses dweomer to slow them before they hit the floor. Silanna very wet. Still see bars on air wall but waters are now calm.

	Tak seems really pleased about his experience, but Silanna not impressed - nearly died and had to drink a potion to stop her. They came back through air... interesting. Silanna despairing that Cassandra is gone forever. Try to console her, but understand loss. Flipped room now seems to match "now" in terms of elemental arrangement and dark ascendent. Tak examines door that is still in the same place, finding a lock. Door made of a special material, and seems wonderful in construction.

	Tak interested in tower and sees symbol of Aarda (Earth). Nothing elemental but I am closest. Get boosted up by Silanna and touch the symbol saying "In my ancestors name, I seek order within the rock and those trapped within." Glow around door and I ask to be let down and push on it - opens easily. Walk down a corridor that illuminates in front of us only five feet ahead, enough to walk by not see. Continue for two hours before anything changes! Others pretty uncomfortable, and even I think it's unusual that there is no change.		Tak interested in tower and sees symbol of Aarda (Earth). Nothing elemental but I am closest. Get boosted up by Silanna and touch the symbol saying "In my ancestors name, I seek order within the rock and those trapped within." Glow around door and I ask to be let down and push on it - opens easily. Walk down a corridor that illuminates in front of us only five feet ahead, enough to walk by not see. Continue for two hours before anything changes! Others pretty uncomfortable, and even I think it's unusual that there is no change.

imported>Rusty: /* Mountain Depths */

2023-06-24T10:53:14Z

Mountain Depths

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:53, 24 June 2023
Line 282:		Line 282:

	I said that I would rather go towards stone, as that was our intent and we should stay on our path lest we became lost. Silanna pushed at the door mechanism, but as she did so she heard a noise behind us (it was the Demon Gnome, who called himself "Dak"), and then Tak and I fell instantly into a deep slumber! Silanna challenged Dak, who said that he wanted us to join "THEM" and didn't seem friendly any more. Silanna was able to wake Tak, but then three more figures like Dak appeared around him. Actually, they were EXACTLY like Dak, and it was likely that this was just some defensive dweomer. This was confirmed when Silanna loosed an arrow that passed through one of the images, causing it to disappear. As she was doing that, Tak was able to wake me, and Silanna continued to fire at Dak. Just as we were about to move up to help her, a giant, thick web appeared between us and Dak, with Silanna trapped inside.		I said that I would rather go towards stone, as that was our intent and we should stay on our path lest we became lost. Silanna pushed at the door mechanism, but as she did so she heard a noise behind us (it was the Demon Gnome, who called himself "Dak"), and then Tak and I fell instantly into a deep slumber! Silanna challenged Dak, who said that he wanted us to join "THEM" and didn't seem friendly any more. Silanna was able to wake Tak, but then three more figures like Dak appeared around him. Actually, they were EXACTLY like Dak, and it was likely that this was just some defensive dweomer. This was confirmed when Silanna loosed an arrow that passed through one of the images, causing it to disappear. As she was doing that, Tak was able to wake me, and Silanna continued to fire at Dak. Just as we were about to move up to help her, a giant, thick web appeared between us and Dak, with Silanna trapped inside.

			I peered through the web strands and could see Dak chanting, and Silanna shouted that he was going to create some grease. Sure enough, as Tak went to check the door he slipped and landed on his arse! I lashed out with my mind, having some effect because I felt the connection, but it wasn't clear what. Dak moved towards us, raising a shield of dweomer, but then stopped and started shuffling around in a circle looking at the floor, muttering "where is it?" to himself in Gnomish. Silanna was forcing her way through the web with huge effort, reaching Cassandra and pulling her free, but still had to reach the edge to get out.

			Tak was still struggling to get to his feet, now on all fours as he wondered out loud why anyone would want such dweomer (he obviously hadn't had to deal with rust or worn bearings before). Silanna managed to break free, though, and joined me at the edge of the grease.



			I ask if Cassandra is ok, and happy to hear she is. Tak really bothered by tumultous sea, and finally manages to stand and escape the grease so starts towards that wall. When he gets there recites some verse The Sea brings life, the sea brings death... something about bringing order to chaos to bring hope. Sounds good! Dak still scrabbling around on the floor.

			Tak banging head, despairing at chaos, and Demon Gnome finds what they're looking for - circle starts to reform as it scribes. Purple circle... Silanna touches wall and pulled/dives into water! Now alone!!! Try a cantrip to bring order to the chaos, but doesn't have any impact. (they are immersed in water and Silanna panicked because Cassandra gone and in water, then bubble screen surrounds them as Tak concentrates on ring... turning circles within it, brightening and fading as they turn, and bright silver. Tak grabs hand and suggests with pointing that they go through the circle then swims fast towards it).

			Look over at Dak and completes circle.. room flips over! Fall to floor - mind saving me. Rock and Fire flipped in direction and web gone - silver on ceiling and gold on floor. Then Tak and Silanna appear on the ceiling! Dak completely disappeared. Falling, so Silanna quickly uses dweomer to slow them before they hit the floor. Silanna very wet. Still see bars on air wall but waters are now calm.

			Tak seems really pleased about his experience, but Silanna not impressed - nearly died and had to drink a potion to stop her. They came back through air... interesting. Silanna despairing that Cassandra is gone forever. Try to console her, but understand loss. Flipped room now seems to match "now" in terms of elemental arrangement and dark ascendent. Tak examines door that is still in the same place, finding a lock. Door made of a special material, and seems wonderful in construction.

			Tak interested in tower and sees symbol of Aarda (Earth). Nothing elemental but I am closest. Get boosted up by Silanna and touch the symbol saying "In my ancestors name, I seek order within the rock and those trapped within." Glow around door and I ask to be let down and push on it - opens easily. Walk down a corridor that illuminates in front of us only five feet ahead, enough to walk by not see. Continue for two hours before anything changes! Others pretty uncomfortable, and even I think it's unusual that there is no change.

			Tak shouts "hello ahead, we seek friends" in Common. Oh crap. Try to call ahead in Gnomish, but alarm sounds in the distance. Get shot with an arrow! Tak runs up and stuns one - small reptillian things. I search the body and find keys on it, so take them. Tak runs forward, but sees massed group of them in a bigger room at the end of the corridor ahead. Retreats and warns us before heading back. Light goes out at end of corridor - returning to me as next in line.

			Silanna joins Tak, both drawing weapons. Tak hit, but Silanna decapitates one in return. She takes an arrow from the side, though. Closed down and in melee, but hit again with arrow. Run to join Silanna, killing the nearest foe. Tak spits on hand and rubs on Silanna's neck, somehow healing some of her wounds. Silanna runs forward with me, killing an archer. I wonder if this is right... but they had keys... are they the captors? Engage in melee before I can think more, but Silanna cuts down the foe I was going to strike. The rest of them flee, although there were still quite a few.

			Obviously a corridor on the far side to our left where they are headed. Silanna lights torch and see an arched entrance to left. Corridor continues in the same direction on other side. Runes all over floor, well worn. Domed ceiling, winged beasts with scorpion-like tails, flying anti-clockwise in a night sky. Black creatures. Mountains with tall tower on left, fiery sunset/rise, right is another mountain range with another tower and rough sea at foot. North is dwarven tower, like we saw before, with door below it that the creatures are going through. Nothing to south.

			Ancient place of evil and order (Devils) dominated by air, but not that way now, it seemed. Not where we wanted to go, though...

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:39, 24 August 2023
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	I ride the winds and walk the clouds.		I ride the winds and walk the clouds.

	On wings of fire, I cross the skies.		On wings of fire, I cross the skies.

	Ruined cities lie in my wake,		Ruined cities lie in my wake,

	The shattered dreams of many Kings,		The shattered dreams of many Kings,

	The broken tones of power's call.		The broken tones of power's call.

	For deep within, it is the soul		For deep within, it is the soul

	That hears my wings and cries with joy.		That hears my wings and cries with joy.

	I bring no peace to calm the storms		I bring no peace to calm the storms

	Of kingly men or common born.		Of kingly men or common born.

	One and all hear my call,		One and all hear my call,

	From Temple Priest to simple man.		From Temple Priest to simple man.

	I burn away the worlds of both.		I burn away the worlds of both.

	With wings of fire, I call to man		With wings of fire, I call to man

	To leave his world and fly with me.		To leave his world and fly with me.

	I am the torch that all men seek,		I am the torch that all men seek,

	The Light of Knowledge, the Flame of Passion,		The Light of Knowledge, the Flame of Passion,

	That ends the gloom within the soul.		That ends the gloom within the soul.

	The sun's own light is paled by me		The sun's own light is paled by me

	And men see me with awe and fear.		And men see me with awe and fear.

	I am the light of ages past,		I am the light of ages past,

	Yet hold the keys to future time.		Yet hold the keys to future time.

	If you would seek the Higher Light,		If you would seek the Higher Light,

	Then take the wings within your soul,		Then take the wings within your soul,

	Leap to the sky and seek me out!		Leap to the sky and seek me out!

	You will not find the path I flew.		You will not find the path I flew.

	It is your own, not mine you seek.		It is your own, not mine you seek.

	You are not I, nor will you be,		You are not I, nor will you be,

	Until the day you take the torch		Until the day you take the torch

	A Dragon then to shout my words,		A Dragon then to shout my words,

	of burning skies!		of burning skies!

	Come! Burn with me!		Come! Burn with me!