Daniella's brow creases. "Five new families? How do we know which are the right families?"
Acacea shrugs distractedly. I would think it would just be a representative group most likely to pass it on, yoa? We're making the right families? She glances for confirmation. The previous ones are mostly goo.
She blinks at the floor regardless of response, murmuring to herself absently while rattling her hands to chime the bells at her wrists. So Milsy or any other interested parties are not likely to move except when moving on the Conduit? Whatever it is, exactly...
How far is this and what do we need? What kinda resistance are you anticipating? There is some emphasis on the word, as if to distinguish it from what she or the others might be anticipating already.
"I don't think I'm one of the Five...but I'll get them to the Conduit. If anything to witness something...special."
She laughs a little. I vote the Poetrs!
*Quenton pipes up* Well I'm game! *Looks to Charm* Com'on let's go first! ...Wait... How do we get outta here?
*Nods enthusiastically to Quenton*
Let's get to gettin'! To the Conduit *Raises a hand in a "charge" like fashion, pointing one way, then another, then another. As she holds her last pose, she turns her head tot he gnomes for direction.*
Foresta chips in from the back, in a gap in the questioning. "Yes well I'd just like to commend you all for keeping watch over the balance all these years, yes, quite a dedication, I mean hows it been, you got everything you need down here...I suppose.... oh as they have said I think it will do us all no harm for some confirmation and clarity about the five! *she casts an uncommitted look at Acacea and reinforcing her question she adds. "oh yes we will need to know what lies ahead alright?"
The elder gnome looks across the speakers for a few moments. His eyes then go to Plenarius, Daniella and Acacea, each in turn as his brow creases slightly as if trying to figure something out. Perhaps it is words, perhaps it is understanding... It takes only a few moments before he turns his eyes on Acacea again.
“The 'goo' disease is a considerable concern, yes,” he says to Acacea, “It is taking the Gifted away from this world very rapidly and we do not understand why.” He pauses, as concern washes over his features, “We cannot believe that this would be an unforeseen effect of the Gifting by the Gods. We believe it is being caused by some external force. We worry especially for those of Shindelaria's chosen line, for there were only a few handfuls to begin with.” He pauses again and looks down.
“We do not know where the Conduit is,” he says, answering her other question, “However, we know the Failsafe will guide the Sparked to the location. We can only tell you that centuries ago it was said to be below ground, somewhere on this continent.”
Lucinda, she offers helpfully when he looks at her. What do you imagine would happen if just anyone went to the Conduit? Or if they were powerful people or dragons or whatever? Or if they were perhaps a dark elven wizard guy who changed a continent to be named after him? What could you do with it besides what you want us to do with it?
Ohhhh... those are some pretty good questions. Maybe haste can wait a few minutes. *shrugs*
I'm not sure what this Gift does, but it would make sense for Milara to want to collect it for himself, if that's somehow possible. He could be trying to manipulate the forces at work here to get that Divine Power he's been after for so long. I am willing to bet he will find us and the Conduit before this is over, and will want something. And he may be willing to take it himself.
If I may ask our hosts a question, must the choosen families be picked from those already Gifted? If so, we may need to make haste as soon as we determine what we must do. If not, and others can receive the Gift, that may be Milara's angle to get what he wants, if he's really after this Gift. We may need to find replacements, if that's the case. Or be the replacements.
Plen continues to listen as his mind expands through a range of subjects. With Acacea's last question he looks curiously to the gnome.
“What do I imagine?” he asks Acacea with some bemusement. His smile lingers for a few moments but his thoughts clearly turn inward as he considers her questions. His thoughts are somewhat stalled out by the next direct questioning and he turns to Tyra as she speaks.
His eyes narrow somewhat and then he turns a rather intense look on Acacea.
“You suspect Milara has the Conduit?”
*Throws her arms up in the air*
Why can't we just get answers?
Why is this such a game?
Why do we all have to guess or think that we have the right answers?
What is so hard about just saying it?
Why?
I can understand not knowing where the Conduit is, The failsafe knows. Kay. Got it.
Why is there a question to answer another question? Is that even allowed? Usually when an answer is given, the question is no longer a question.
*Puts her hands on her hips and waits for a response*
He looks over at Charm's extended outburst, at first alarmed and then a little offended. He straightens as she begins to fade off some.
She grumbles a little at something as people speak, the agitated rattling of the bells at her wrists louder and more rapid at each name-drop, but starts to take a deep breath when questioned only to glance to Charm with interest. Though seeming practically a beggar beside Charm and her winning smile, Acacea still flashes one her way and holds up her hands.
Think of the time-frame, here! Old even by elven standards, hey? All this stuff's been passed on through all different flavors of Ridiculous, so it's kinda amazing what's been preserved, yoa?
They don't know about how Milsy sorta led-us-to-the-failsafe-intentional-or-not, with a glance to the gnome as if to catch his attention back with the statement, and they weren't in on our spitballin' about why he or anybody else might have wanted us to have it. They've just been passin' it down and waiting for Things To Come to Pass and are all prancy to see stuff happening in their time, at least until we dropped the M-word.
We oughtta send a sternly written note to the Seven before we demand too much more of the ones that have carried out the instructions. She grins, but looks back to the gnome.
But possible uses paint possible users. A random example! Besides the obvious just gobbling it, say with sufficient power, I imagine even the most godly conduit could potentially go both ways, hey? No idea! Or, could it be subverted, to plant a lot of new and unwitting servants? You tell me! Who bound mystery to spark, or, you know, another one, how does it ensure peas? What're you supposed to do with it besides pass it on?
I could draw you out a couple different scenarios with my, shall we say, brilliant sketch artistry, but I can't tell ya 'til right before it goes boom if I'm just drawing constellations from unrelated points, ha!
The point is, hey, like you say, external forces bringing about the end of the Five Families. Even when you wipe out all the hows we don't understand, when you assume it's on purpose, only a couple real potential reasons and players come up, yeah?
She snickers and coughs as the rambling prattle of words ends, spreading her hands apologetically. Ybumukewa!
((Ybumukeeeeewa from me, too, so sorry, but I might not have much chance to check back for a few, so might as well Ramble On and make sure it takes that long to read...))
Daniella clears her throat softly. "If there aren't any more answers or instructions, we should all rest before we go. Time is running out it would seem and we have quite a distance to travel."
Foresta listens to Daniella quietly, she scans the room seeking something and in the silence that follows she explains. "Well I would still like clarity on who the elder here "she throws a hand out to the Gnome."thinks the five are."
" Sir can you explain your understanding of the five ? Just to put that one to rest. The other thing is about the conduit, I am not sure anyone suspected Milara had it, but could he use it ? and if so..well again for clarity what might he use it for ?"
She shrugs before adding "Oh look might as well get all the questions out, you have already suggested you thought another hand is at work making this task more difficult, and well quite deadly for some..can you suggest anything that might lie ahead for us on our ....task?"
*Zig briefly smiles at Foresta but his smiles seems to be strained*
Milara gonna de what de bassard does. We can try and play chess all ye loike but he gonna be one step ahead.
*He winses and clasps his ears as somewhere in the back a large piece of metal strikes another and the sound of gears can be heard doing something*
Oi agree we need te git goin' as we seem te be between a failsafe and a conduit. De seven foind der new foive whoever de be. De journey now grow dangerous and de riddles be done with Oi hope. Now we persevere and take dis failsafe ting te ehts mother.
*He offers the gnomes some ale and looks around trying to find the exit*
The elder Gnome looks somewhat chastened to Daniella and spreads his hands in apology.
“We can escort you to our guest's resting and recovery place,” he says, “You will please excuse our excitement at the events that have transpired... Of course you have been through quite a lot just to have arrived here. Our apologies. Anyone who would like to do so, please follow our sister to the shared quarters. We prepared them while you worked.”
He turns to Acacea and smiles again.
“Indeed,” he says with continued apology, though lets his arms drop, “We are somewhat, how is it said? 'Out of the loop'? It seems that we have much to offer each other and very little time. Very little of your questions had been previously wondered by myself. There are others who have studied the hypothetical device and may be able to present more discussion in this area at a later time. However, I believe that one of our Truths would offer some caution to your speculative concerns. 'A well crafted device rarely serves one purpose.'” He frowns a bit with his words, “I believe, if the Conduit is somehow in the hands of Milara, the world is in grave danger...”
“The Failsafe will guide you to the Conduit, wherever it may be,” he says, “We can do little to prepare you for Milara's forces that would undoubtedly be guarding the device. It seems you are at least somewhat prepared already. Perhaps there is more you can do on the way to wherever it guides?”
What could we do on the way? Do you have something that could be useful against an ancient powerful dark elf wizard? Like a really sharp knife?"
Acacea points at the gnome and gives a thumbs up at the Goranite quote. Syho dryhgc, quylaan lae! Exactly how I am meaning! Someone said there would be difficulty before you knew of Milsy, though. Were you expecting something else, or you just assume since goo, that there'd be toll trolls?
She glances towards the shared quarters the gnomish woman guides to. So do you know how the Sparks were meant to be used if they'd been given the chance, how this could ensure peas, or did you all just listen to the same Talkies we did and don't really know things not built into the walls? She smiles teasingly. Nice work on those, by the by! I'm just saying, if no one actually knows why they are important, only that they are, how can you say that they must not falter? Tell me why we need new ones - what are they for besides coins in a well? Weapon? shield? torches?
Despite the directness of the questions, they almost seem half-hearted, as though she does not expect much more and is already distracted by something else.
((For the elven speakers, quylaan lae, "Just so."))
“I meant only that the Conduit has been hidden from the world since before the Great Cataclysm,” he says with a slight shake of his head, “It could be sometime before you reach it's hidden chamber.”
“As to the purpose of the Spark,” he continues with a slight pause, “I believe Goran, in His wisdom, helped create a tool for our races to.... be regarded equally to the great beasts of the realm.” He pauses and he arches a brow, looking intently at Acacea to see if she follows.
The Dragons? Regarded equally in what way? Are they Gifted also? Do they have some stake in this going as planned? Or would it benefit them if it went wrong?
So many questions, so few answers, and so little time to piece it all together...
*Swipes some hair out of her face*
I just ain't got the patience, it's a curse I tell ya. Gets me all worked up and everything.
*Yawns and smiles politely*
You said somethin' about bed and snacks? I be satisfied with that. Thank ya ever so much.
*Her rash of questions forgotten, her interest in the rest of the conversation gone, she is onto something new*
She mutters to herself in a fluid language with an exaggerated, dramatic tone, though cause and content are unclear. Glancing to where the sister led to quarters again, she grins and lifts her hands. I want snacks, too. And maybe some golem introductions. Have you ever met Jalgo? Never mind. Hopefully we will talk again, about stuff like, "How in Strife would we get a new batch of families through the resistance expected to the Conduit?" ha! She laughs again at herself, as if the humor of the image strikes anew.
With a gesture and a murmured, half-sung phrase, she attempts to conjure the minorest of protections around the gnome, should he allow it. Magic keep!
She clinks-and-jingles off towards the shared quarters, waving Charm to come see what sort of gnomish fare is available.
She calls after Acacea. "I have a feeling that those there at the Conduit at the time may end up the new progenitors of these new families."
She throws a weird look over her shoulder. One time, I had a broken few years when I forgot Common, am I doing that again? That would explain SO! MUCH! She giggles at herself and runs to investigate snacks.
Foresta places an acknowledging hand on Zig's shoulder as he warns of action with his words "Milara gonna de what de bassard does. We can try and play chess all ye loike but he gonna be one step ahead.""You may be right Zig and if you are you may call me Indi." She retires to the back of the group as the gnome and the halfling get round to talking about rest and food. She vanishes to be repalced by a white wyrmling which flaps noisily clucking away as she climbs to examine the back wall. To all intents and purposes she appears to be looking at what passes for nature in this huge and ancient underground chamber awaiting impending rest.
The gnome watches those departing with a touch of disappointment. He looks then to see who stays (if any at all).
The sister guides the rest, out of the chamber past many a watchful golem (probably more of them than visible acolytes for any who are counting) down a hallway, into another and then across a bridge. The bridge is quiet long and ends in a sturdy gate. This gate opens up into a very wide chamber, so wide that even those keen of eye cannot see the other walls. The wall that is closest to them is actually open most of the way, more like a fence than a wall. Bars drop down from the barely visible ceiling every four inches or so.
Within the area there are gnomish tinkered lights spaced out through the area, piles of pillows and blankets, some cots, bed rolls and several low tables furnish the room. Far from the opening some can also see some free standing room dividers.
“Foryourrest,” the gnome offers a bit awkwardly but with a smile. “This door. to. remainopenunless you. wish. toclose. We, bring.your.fastbreaking. Wewill bring.you.to.surface.when.you.are.ready....” She nods to them a little, looking around to see if they understand her words or to see if there is anything else they might ask her.
Yeah! All the questions!*Quenton follows Charm and Acacea*
*Falls in step with Acacea as she leaves. When Acacea stops to address Tyra, Charm pauses, watches each person, and then giggles with Acacea at her response. Then turns and continues on merrily to the resting quarters.*
*He acknowleges Foresta's touch tilting his head down to his shoulder and then watching intently as the white wyrmling ascends*
Dat day may come sooner dan ye tink (referencing her "Indi" comment)
*He walks with the others to were the gnome leads them staying in the back of the group. When they get to the big room he finds one of the beds near the wall and sits on it. After many hours of drinking ale and scanning the room and the others he finally takes his rest as he know he'll need for what lies ahead.*
In the quarters, Acacea does not rest after any potential food opportunities, but paces around, sometimes standing in a single spot and spinning and spinning and spinning until she gets dizzy enough to stagger. She never turns down food where it is offered, but thanks the gnomish woman absently in the wrong language and goes back to walking patterns on the floor or talking to herself in a chattery mishmash of words cherrypicked from different tongues.
At times she will stop suddenly, the cessation of movement more attention drawing than the movement itself, only to stand there looking around and singing tight, focused pitches that at times slide droningly down or curiously upwards, even spinning them into small cantrips. At others she will disappear after trying to taste someone else's snack (it might be better), only to be heard bouncing her thoughts incomprehensibly quickly off of a golem around the corner and asking him what he thinks.
She makes for a restless companion in shared quarters until she leaves them for good to chat up gnomes until the others are ready to leave.
Katelyn has been listening, waiting patiently near the back of the crowd. As it thins, she approaches and asks, "Do you know anything about what the Conduit might look like, how we can get past any protections on it, and how we can activate it? How do we determine who the new families will be? I'm thinking we'll need one of each of the five races, right? Few of us in this group have children. Whoever the heads of the new chosen families will be, how can we be sure they are good breeders? Is continuation of the families even necessary, or is this a task to be done and over?"
The gnome nods to Katelyn's questions, his expression kind. “These are good questions,” he says with a small nod. “Some of the others asked same ones but have gone to rest. Please. Take some rest. Those who wish to listen will hear our answers after. We will gather over a meal for refreshment and shared knowledge.”
Whether Katelyn (and anyone else staying behind) wish to rest or not, the Keepers depart from the chamber.
Several hours later, a pair of gnomes seek to gather the party, saying that anyone who wishes may leave the temple and will be escorted up.* The rest are invited to come and hear Ehkaheic. Dressed in fine robes with gears and tools embroidered throughout, he greets those who return, politely.
The room has a large oblong table that is laid out with various gnomish fare and a few basic foods (cheese, local fruit, bread). Each person is invited to sit among the gnomes, each also dressed in Goran themed finery. An effort was apparently made to find away to accommodate the much taller people at a second nearby table though it's somewhat inadequate for anyone over the average height of an elf.
“My name is Ehkaheic, eldest Keeper of the temple, and my apologies for not having introduced myself yesterday,” the older gnome from the previous evening begins as the group is still considering whether or not they will sit and/or eat, “I have much to offer and you, no doubt, have considered another hundred questions during your rest,” Without really waiting for an acknowledgment, he continues.
“First let me begin with what seemed to concern many of you last night,” he says, “Regarding the collection of new families, it is not a something that should be done for this moment. With the Conduit's still unknown location, it is not important to select who shall go. What is important is finding the Conduit so we may consider that question with the knowledge that it will be safe to ask of people to devote their life and that of their children's children's children to the Seven and the betterment of our world. We cannot know how many Gifted yet remain. By design, there should now be too many to count. Only the elves with their long lives and long memories can be counted well, and that Family has been in decline for some time. Current matters have made this much worse...for everyone but especially the elves.
“The Conduit itself, we have only ancient texts and a few pieces of art to reflect upon what it actually looks like. There is a room near by we have set up, away from the food and other dangerous items, in which you can look at what little we have for yourself. We will take you there once you have eaten your fill.
“The history tells us that the device was created centuries ago to create a shield of sorts. It was created to ward against another war as was seen when Bloodstone first rose to power, to shield the people from the ravages of dragons. To our knowledge this is the first time that shield has ever been brought up to defend the peoples of the world from the beasts since that time. With all that has happened in recent times, we fear the shield has been weakened beyond the point where it can be sustained.
“We know only the Gods can activate the device to give the Spark when they are happy with who has been presented. We do not know if the device could be used for other things, though as I answered last night, rare is the device that can only be used for one thing. If the device has somehow been discovered and put to use by the one known as Milara, it is probable he will have found a use that is not what the Seven intended, and he should no doubt be stopped if anyone is able. It should not have to be said, we and Goran object to the perversion of such a device and would risk much to help see the device away from Milara's control. We have little to offer but our knowledge but it is yours if it will help you gain control of the chamber.
“This is as much as we know of the questions you asked,” says Ehkaheic, finally seeming to wind down and going a little hoarse from the likely far more than usual words shared at such a volume. “These are the most important pieces of knowledge we can offer. Much of the rest is unimportant by comparison to time, how little remains. We will take those of you who are interested to see the other room. Please remember no food or fluid, no touching and even as little breathing as you can manage. They are delicate treasures that will soon be too fragile to survive.”
//*Please indicate in the thread if you were escorted to the surface with the first wave. Remember that if you have been escorted up in the first wave you will NOT have the information presented here, including this post, until a player who stays shared with you.
Plen has never left the original chamber for rest nor food. He'd nibble on some rations onl when necessary. He continued to think quietly interspersed with prayer and devotion to Katia. When some were gathered to hear from Ehkaheic he joined in listening.
Tyra remains to see the room of artifacts. She wraps a small silk scarf about her mouth, and puts her silk gloves on.
*Quenton rests like a rock. When it's time for food he eats voraciously and listens sporadicly. At the end of the speech he asks:*
So... We do or do not need to find more of the decendants of the families? Or new people will be chosen at the conduit?
Acacea, having had little opportunity for rest with her shenanigans, is not so much dragging tiredly while listening as she is antsy, the shaking of the bracelet on one hand a constant undertone of the speech while she looks around and seemingly pays little attention, possibly even interrupting during the occasional pause to ask another gnome things like Ruf tu oui cyo ...? with a point at a piece of food. Each nod is repeated several times like a bobble head halfling, and occasionally segues into a more general rocking back and forth on her feet.
Khydedita, khydedita! Kat-the-Cat's halfling has to come, he will remember and could confirm the right size or shape or what have you! QUENTON! she hollers, whether he is beyond the reach of hearing or only on the other side of Plenarius, then starts at his question. Aha!
Assuming she is not prevented from attending she will join whomever goes to the room, chattering most of the way even if often to herself, and likely slips into pieces of other tongues when she picks up speed. Could it really have been an accident, though, just a part of the usual manufacturing crises and handwaving? That just seems insanity, but it would go back to the original explanation, and that would make Aedan the martyr of the story! But that's such a stretch, we are basically cut to the choice of "still don't understand why we we were given the failsafe, why not just do your thing!" and "divine intervention" though the latter is admittedly welcome in this case, under the circumstances and all, that is I don't see why they wouldn't give the gatekeeper a little nudge to insist on it except if he was bound by it that's different and anyway I wonder if you ripped the sparkles out of someone they'd just fall apart like that, too, if it's so bound up in everything, maybe it was always as simple as that but on the other hand I'm really gonna have to ask the dragons and that is such a bother...
The white wyrmling that is Foresta does not desert the original chamber, prefering to use her time to see truly the chamber as it was meant to be. She even steels herself long enough to examine the whirring things the Goranites call Golem, all this with proper and prudent politeness to her Gnomish hosts. She keeps her own counsel by and large and gathers information from the scene rather than from any written works around. When the others are invited to continue on to see what relics exist , she shifts to Druid form, and she happily listens, acknowledging even Acacea's ramblings with a nod and a hmm here and there. She complies with there insistence on good form and appropriate behaviour.
I'll remember the right size or shape of what? I might have already forgotton... AND Of course I am going... I woldn't miss going even if these gnomes had a block of cheese the size of Krashin with water crackers the size of Leringrad!
*Griff keeps quiet and listens while the others converse. He will eat n drink his share of the refreshments and rest with the others. To prepare for entry into the relic chamber he will groom himself as he would before entering the temple of Vorax and polish his armor to the bright shine of mithril. Then he will enter the chamber when escorted to such.*
*Kyle picks at his food...and listens to the elder gnome. He will go into the artifact room with those who go. He pulls up his hood and ties a cloth around his nose and mouth to mask his breathing and will breathe slow and steady within the room.*
*Zigruum seems to not have slept very well and at the first chance to go topside he gladly takes his leave with the first wave or group. The golems and machinery and various weird walled rooms, even if ancient, are not for him. He'll gladly take any ale or snacks offered to him before he leaves. He wishes the remaining adventurers well letting them know he's fine securing the topside while they diddle daddle. Before he goes he also bids the ancient gnomes fairwell and thanks them for their hospitality and thier patience.*
*Charm doses off easily as she is an expert of naps. Despite the constant foot twitches and arm flutters, as if she is just as active asleep as she is awake, she rests soundly. When food and drink is around, she eats; when it’s not, she’s asking about it. As people talk, she mostly listens with some related (or not) questions.*
*As the others get ready to enter the chamber of relics, she stuffs her hands into her pockets and repeats to herself…no touching, no touching, no touching…, but she still has her doubts.*
The group of visitors and gnomes are guided, after most are finished with their meals, into a hallway and then into a nearby room. It is a stuffy, muffled room filled with books and scrolls and display cases. Prominently positioned are a few things with gloved gnomes standing near them in various states of waiting.
“This room is filled with much of our gathered knowledge of many things Goran,” Ehkaheic says a bit more quietly as the sound travels easier despite the muffled nature of the room. “However, out before you here are our few items that predate this temple. Our brothers and sisters will move them carefully as they can, please ask if you have a need for them to rotate or explain an item.”
The first is a display of stone tiles of very similar shape and size but each bears a different shape or design engraved on the surface. Twenty seven in total, some of the items are easily identified as a dragon, though if there is a specific dragon, it is hard to tell. As well there are some of the members of the Seven represented by archaic deity symbols. There are a few pieces that are symbols of something else, a bridge, fire, mountain, something else that is likely water or air, and so on. Noticeably there is also a tile with a hexagon carved in.
Near-by are two clay pots. One has the head of Deliar and the other of Prunilla. A gloved and masked gnome shows them gently to those who look on, showing that the heads remove to allow the pots to be filled and that their decorative symbols loop and fill the entirety of the pot. The hexagonal marker is on the belly of both pots.
The pots, to the educated crafter's eye, are not ones meant to be decorative but used and likely a student or novice makers' practice pieces. A number of symbols and simple pictures adorn the pots, covering seemingly random aspects.
Next is a large bronze shield. Though clearly meant as an ornamental or ceremonial item, this large, round bronze shield clearly has the heft and integrity to serve as a functional means of protection. Though clearly quite old, this shield remains in excellent condition, likely due to the fact that it has been kept out of the elements for most of its existence.
Domed and circular in shape, the shield's face is hammered, engraved and apparently sculpted to an extremely high degree of detail, so much so that there are no discernible tool marks except where clearly intended as an aspect of the shield's artistry. The quality of the surface suggests that it was once polished enough to have been reflective, though time has degraded the surface to a dull luster.
On the face is depicted a scene now familiar to most: an arrangement of symbols that describe a hexagon with another in the center. At each point is something symbolic of each deity presently gathered in the overhead skies of Layonara and in the same relative arrangement. Though they are not the commonly-accepted imagery in modern times, the overall theme of the symbols makes them easily recognizable. Each symbol is set on a backdrop of several multi-pointed objects. Upon closer examination, these smaller features form the constellations of each deity represented.
From a distance, there appears to be a painting in remarkably good shape considering its age. However, as one draws closer, the truth is slowly revealed. The “painting” is in fact made not of paint on canvas but of an intricate and complex collection of shapes assembled together like some impossible puzzle.
When closely examined, the “canvas” is actually a stone tablet that has been carved and inlaid with what must be thousands of pieces of stone creating every hue and detail of the image. The stones used seem to range from common river stone to mother-of-pearl to what appear to be slices of precious gems, each cut, shaped and fit to such high precision as to leave no visible seams between them. The whole work was polished to appear smooth and glassy, and there is only a slight dulling of this despite the age of the work.
The image depicts a cavernous room bathed in light where a shadowy contraption sits over a pit of some kind, looking as though it supports a very large crystal. White beams (of light perhaps?) pour down into the crystal and red beams of something pour out of the crystal, seeming to push into five individuals.
The last piece is a beautiful work of instrumental art. Though several of the original seven strings are broken and left in that state to preserve its authenticity, this gilded lyre bears the hallmarks of a skilled craftsman. It is about half a meter wide at its widest point and slightly shorter than that in height. Along the bottom third of this harp, the surface is covered with bone or ivory bearing intricate carvings.
These carvings seem to tell a story and are not unlike the mural found outside the Chamber of Seven. Though no one in the group is allowed to physically touch the item, a gloved gnome curator is all too happy to show both sides of the harp to those gathered, thus completing the holes in the story.
Foresta looks at the objects one at a time slowly, she has the Gnomes turn them where they will. She is looking at the detail of the art, seeking anything that has been added and not initially obvious. She assumes every detail added will have a purpose.
Foresta finds that everything is as it seems, as far as she can tell.
//This thread will be tying off on Sunday, June 14th (at a non specific day light hours CDT time) with the exit descriptions. Any last minute questions or actions should be finished by then.
Tyrra takes detailed notes while observing each item, making rough drawings of each item's unique features. She does her best to describe what she can't adequitely draw, as well as taking down notes regarding the apparent construction of each relic. She then asks where these things are from, and for any know facts regarding craftsman, age, purpose, and importance.
*Quenton takes notice of the prunillian pot and tries to inspect it closer*
That's neat! Any idea who made it? Or when or where it was made? I bet the folks at castle mask would love to see it!
*Griff inspects the items and when the musical instrument is shown he inspects it in detail, asking the gnome to step closer and rotate accordingly.*
//Apparently this insturment indicates what was on the mural in the hall of seven and shows us what was missing or damaged on the mural. Could we get an accurate and complete description of the scenes missing on the mural and now revealed from this instrument please?
Foresta will make another check of the items while she listens to any explanation given to the others questions about the origins of the items. She checks for any residual magic contained within any of the items. She further checks for any secret compartments amongst the relics.
The bone carvings on the lyre play out much as the stone mural did outside of the Chamber of Seven. The key differences between the two are obvious stylistic differences between artists and the medium, the fact that the bone carvings blend more fluidly as one continuous carving per side of the lyre as opposed to the mural which seemed to be done in sections, and the fact that the bone carvings seem to tell a more complete story.
On the first side, the carvings start at the left depicting a scene from the dragon wars, with fearsome dragons being held off by Bloodstone and his army. This blends into Bloodstone's banishment followed by the stellar conjunction, depictions of deities: Lucinda surrounded by a representation of magic; Prunilla and Deliar surrounded by what appears to be small people of all ages grouped together; Goran equipped with some kind of tools on his body, standing in front of some kind of large drawing; Dorand before a forge, creating something; Aragen seated in the middle of a circle with other nondescript people around him; and Shindaleria alone with hands open to display what is held within, a small idol in one hand and some kind of paper in the other. A lithe, childlike being, possibly fey in nature, holds a parchment in its hand and is surrounded by swirls that could as easily represent grass, wind or Magic. At the far right of this side of the lyre is carved a depiction of the Chamber of Seven, showing five groups of non-descript people surrounding a large crystal that is encircled by machinery of some kind. From this machinery, beams of what appears to be light shine upon the groups of people, bathing them in a glow.
Those who have seen the Chamber of Seven recognize that this ends at the same point the carved mural did deep in the earth.
When the caretaker turns the lyre, another long scene is revealed. At the far left corner, the Chamber of Seven is presented in its barest detail with people walking away from it in all directions. Most of the rest of the carving is dedicated to scenery depicting peace, but eventually it shows several dragons hovering menacingly over a group of people. Beyond this is another depiction of the stellar conjunction. Standing below it are five people, carved with enough detail to show their racial characteristics (one each: human, halfling, elf, dwarf and gnome), each with an arm raised and a hand outstretched toward the conjunction. Once more, a depiction of light bathes these people, but it is more subtle. The end of the carving depicts what appears to be the same five people with their hands raised to a group of dragons, their palms facing the beasts, and the beasts recoiling from them.
Tyrra is, perhaps, disappointed by the lack of known details. She gets the known era (some two or more millenia ago), and regions they came from (various locations around the world) and little else. Their 'importance' varies by who she might ask, she's told, as they are ancient relics from the past.
Quenton is told that they, the group before them now, are the only people in at least a century to have seen these artifacts. They have very little detail on who might have been the crafter of this set other than the fact that they were in their novice years.
Foresta finds traces of preservation magic upon the items but little else. She is very sternly (if necessary) forbidden from exploring the item for anything hidden. Touching (a pretty necessary aspect of full exploration for hidden components) is expressly forbidden except for those of the temple wearing proper gear.
//**NOTE: Previously stated in response to Tyrra that the known era was 2 or more centuries, this was an error. They are two ore more -millenia- ago. Corrected now.
Acacea gives several of the relics a look-over that is almost offensively cursory. There is a little oo'ing a bit in appreciation of the mosaic for its pieces, though it seems to take her a few looks to blink and adjust her focus to see the image the stones form, after which she pouts. The constant background noise of her wrist twitching its bells clearly goes unnoticed by her.
Barring artifacts related directly to Lucinda, she seems most interested in the lyre, again for its own sake. Bet Andrew in the Red Coat would have been impressed! He makes very fancy things, yoa yoa! You should hunt him down if you feel like making new fancies, or if you want that one repaired. Just sayin'! If they were going to make commemorative instruments, they should have brought in - err... she ticks off her fingers as if counting. Oops, ybumukewa!
She rocks a little back and forth on her heels, humming droning pitches while looking past the lyre with a look of some curiosity. At one change in pitch, some of the keys hanging around on her person rattle against the others. Beside her, Plen nudges the halfling gently and widens his eyes with a smile; the humming stops abruptly and she coughs sheepishly.
Is 'having' it the same as 'knowing where it is' or 'controlling the area where it lives' in which case that is definitely true? 'cause I don't get how else he could 'have' it. It's not really good for hanging on the wall, you know?
Ehkaheic looks to and then addresses Acacea with her questions. He parts his hands in a sort of shrug.
“It was one of your own who suggested Milara may have something to do with all of this,” he offers, “With questions of 'what ifs', and questions of how the Conduit might alternatively be used. We may be reclusive but we know Milara and his desires much like others who have fought him more directly,” he gives a meaningful look to a few in the present room, “And we know that it is not impossible for him to both have acquired control and potentially be using the Conduit for darker purposes.”
She waves the less bouncy hand in a dismissive gesture and nods to him. Yoa, yoa, I had only wondered of your wording from before and had hoped I misunderstood. She winks to the gnome with a shrug of her own. I was crossing the proverbial fingers that it was a thing that was gone from there and not the thing that stayed; it would have confused me less! She giggles at herself.
Thanks for filling in the blanks with those carvings! We saw them in the Hall of Seven already and some were all crumbly and the - what, T'ol? - one was attacked with a maliciously narky chisel. We'll have to tell you all about it after we do something spectacular! Maybe you can put new talkies in the walls.
Once everyone has had a chance study all the pieces of artwork (to the extent that they're allowed, of course), Ehkaheic moves toward the door of the gallery and projects his voice.
“Time is short and it is very important to find the Conduit as soon as possible,” he says. “If Milara or someone like him possesses it...” Ehkaheic pauses slightly, apparently struck by the weight of words. “It pains me to think of what wrongs could be made with the Conduit when its purpose is quite the opposite. Let the Failsafe guide you. It will protect you from distant eyes if you keep it close. Discover the Conduit's location, and then you will know what you might face. When you do this and before you move to reclaim it, send word for us. We will aid what we can. Now we must prepare, as must you.”
He offers a slight bow to all and backs out of the room, encouraging you all to exit as well. Time is given to the group to freshen themselves and manage their gear then he and the gnomes escort the group out to the surface. There are a series of passages and hidden doors with intricate locks opened with delicate keys that look impossibly complex. You all emerge from what seems like a cellar door into the cold air of the northern Whitehorn after climbing a run of stairs. Ehkaheic points out a specific landmark and bids you to head due south once you reach it in order to return to Silverdell Grove. Before everyone departs, he reaches into his robes to withdraw a small scroll case which he passes to Acacea. “So you remember...” he says.
Without a further word, he and the others slip back into the opening in the ground through which everyone emerged. The “door” closes behind them, followed by a collection of somewhat large stones that are moved by some unseen and very effortless mechanism until they cover and conceal the doorway, leaving nothing of interest to someone who did not already know the secret.
The cold forest around you is quiet, and the road ahead awaits your first step.