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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 6903155" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 95, “Have we gone from the frying pan into the fire??" September 12, 1882, 12:15AM. </strong></p><p></p><p>George hurries over to the barrister to both protect and try to heal any injury or paralysis, keeping his body between the barrister and the baron. Gonzales says in Spanish, "It appears to just be a minor hold spell George. He will come out of it in a few minutes.” Gonzales then says softly to George, “In the meanwhile, should we discuss this matter with the benefit of his temporary absence?'</p><p></p><p>George whispers to Gonzales in Spanish "I am well in agreement, though I am not sure who all has ears for this tongue. We need to secure all the remaining French." In Arabic George addresses Mengsha "I would suggest to ensure the safety of your charge as best you can from here you secure the remaining French in the room until we can sort out true motives." The Queen exclaims, "Yes, do so, but not the Empress. She can be trusted." George quietly asks Gonzales in Spanish if he trusts the empress. Gonzales replies "Intimately." "I hope your carnal associations don't blind you" replies George in Spanish. Gonzales answers, "I am usually a good judge of character. And more importantly, her presence will help to calm the Queen. We may need that before this is over."</p><p></p><p>Ruby says pointing to the actress. "And we're very sure she is in on it so we can take no chances letting her get away. You should tie her to a guard." The Queen says, "Yes, tie her up. Also tie up that one on the ground who the Baron was moving towards." Two of the five guards obey the queen's command, the other three continuing to point their rifles at the other Frenchmen in the room. "Very wise your Majesty. If I might make a suggestion you should also retrieve your daughter's magical disguise from the actress also. I believe it was stolen from her but even if it was not the Princess is not here to claim it herself and it could be dangerous in the wrong hands."</p><p></p><p>The Queen says, "The only disguise that I know of it the ring which you used yesterday, and I have it right here." She reaches into her pocket and removes what appears to be the ring. Gonzales says, "Your majesty, I detect no magic at all on that item." Ruby says, "I detected a magical aura on her foot, I believe her right toe, that is where I believe her disguise came from. I would suggest checking there. Is seems more and more lies are coming to light." The guard who had tied her up removes the shoe to review a ring that looks identical to the one the Queen is holding. "Now THAT ONE is magical," Gonzales states.</p><p></p><p>George interjects, "I think all of them need to be searched for additional weapons and escape paraphernalia." Lawrence volunteers to search the prisoners. "I have to find someway of making myself useful." Gonazles suggest to Ruby that she or a magic-using companion cast a "detect magic" and then assist her friend with that task. Ruby nods her head. "Yes my teacher that is a wise suggestion."</p><p></p><p>Ruby casts detect magic and with Lawrence's help they will go around the room and search for magical items. Between Taine, Champollion, Passy, Jacquard, Bernhardt and the body of Larrey they manage to collect 6 magical rings, 3 magical wands, 2 pair of magical boots, 4 travelling spellbooks, 2 magical daggers, 1 magical belt, and a magical statue of a chimpanzee.</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Lawrence deposit the pile of goodies at the Barrister and Queen. "Someone came prepared for battle I must say, quite the stash of magic. Most people don't see all this in a lifetime. My mentor might know what some of this is but likely it would need time for examination." Ruby gives the pile a longing look but steps away. Before leaving the statue in the pile, Lawrence examines it closely. "I've never seen anything like this before. I wonder what it does, maybe a magical servant."</p><p></p><p>Abby looked at Bernhardt with real regret in her eyes. "Until just now, I'd believed maybe you were honest. Merimee expected you to be upset by the mission you were given. How sad that he so overestimates your character." Ruby moves over to the fake princess and purses her lips. She moves closer to the actress and tries to contain her anger but it's simmering in her eyes. "WHERE is the Princess?" she says between gritted teeth. "I don't think there is anyone here who is still believing your story." The tied up Bernhardt looks up at Ruby. For a moment it appears that she would continue spinning the tales she told before....until she gets a good look into Ruby's eyes and the spirit that is behind them. Sarah says, "I honestly do not know. I never saw her."</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "That's probably the only thing that will save you now. I don't think anyone believed you but even if they did I know I didn't. If you are honest now and tell the Queen and the court what you know perhaps you will get out of here with your life. Help us understand who made you do this and figure out what is going on." "Where did you get that ring?" Abby asked.</p><p></p><p>Bernhardt replies, "It was given to me by the King of Hearts, Jean Meissonier. He has a keen eye for detail and briefed me on how to carry myself as the Princess." "So you are only an accessory to regicide and conspiracy?" quips George. Ruby says, "It's time to start imagining then. Someone got that ring from the Princess, and if he's observed her enough to coach you, it's likely to be him. Where would he be, or where might they hold the Princess? For now I'm assuming they'd want to preserve her life."</p><p></p><p>The Queen of Egypt approaches the woman and says, "My husband was going to have Miss. West executed for impersonating my daughter, although that now appears to have been done with her consent. You just admitted to having never met my daughter. I could have you executed on the spot. Speak the truth, and I may let you live." Bernhardt says, "I went to Zakazik this morning with my team leader Merimee. At the Grand Hotel I met with Meissoner and Jacquard. They said that the Princess was worried about meeting her father and asked me to accompany General Orabi in her place. I do not know anything about a plot to murder your husband your Majesty. Had I known that I would not have participated."</p><p></p><p>George states, "Your ignorance of the goal is no excuse for your participation, whether you were aware or not, they cast you in their web and you are guilty by association and participation no less than poor judgment." The Queen says, "I concur. Guards, gag this woman so she can cast no spells or attempt to use her charms. We can execute her later."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales approaches Abigail and says, "We have not been introduced yet, but I am Miss West's teacher. Do I detect a New Orleans accent young lady?" "Indeed, sir," she said, letting her full accent come through. She'd been downplaying it here in order to blend in better. "I'm sure Miss West was an eager student. I am Miss Abigail Marsters." Ruby says, "I am sorry Abby, that was quite rude of me to not introduce you but perhaps you can forgive me I was a little bit distracted with all this," she sweeps her hand in a large motion around the room, "Going on. This is my wonderful, amazing teacher who will have to tell me later just what he is doing here! Not that I am not grateful, of course. But as he knows I am dreadfully curious I am wondering how he ended up here just when we needed him most. He always has a knack for doing that and I am always and forever thankful for his presence in my life." Ruby pauses then gives him a very large hug. "Ah, that is much better."</p><p></p><p>"So, Abby, Mr. Gonzales, Mr G. Mr.G, this is my friend Abby, whom I have been having quite the adventure with here in Egypt. Something tells me you already know that. She is a very smart, sassy girl so you can imagine why we are friends," Ruby laughs. "All thing have their proper time, Ruby. The middle of a battle isn't always the right one for introductions. At least, not pleasant introductions."</p><p></p><p>The spell on the Barrister ends. He notes everybody is in different places and most of the French are tied up. "What has transpired?" he asks. As George watches the exchange between the Queen and Sarah he quickly briefs the Barrister on the spell he was under, the escape of the Baron and the interrogation of the actress. The barrister whispers back "Mr. Eastman. I would hope to avoid a panic, but we have a new problem. This pyramid was built with ventilation on each side, which earlier caused the various smoke to filter out and fresh air to come in. Due to my temporary absence I can now see a difference. They no longer appear to be open, as the air in the room is becoming quite stale and the temperature in the room appears to have increased a few degrees."</p><p></p><p>George rubs the bridge of his nose, "Ok, gather the prisoners in the far corner there and have everyone else go and sit in the other far corner and start talking to distract them. I will take two of the Nubians and we will try to dig a ventilation tunnel under the steel barrier. That is, unless the ventilation shafts are large enough for a human to squeeze in and open the louvers outside. " The Barrister says, "They are up above and too narrow for a person to travel, otherwise looters could enter the pyramid. And there are stones below the barrier, so digging would not be possible."</p><p></p><p>George says, "Let me have Gonzales on the team at the least he can put up a visual barrier so people don't know what we are doing, and perhaps he has some magic up his sleeve to help." Lawrence sidles up to George, "What's going on? Have we gone from the frying pan into the fire?" "Yes Lawrence, in fact." Ruby sees George pointing to her, Abby and Gonzales and motioning them over. "Seems we're wanted," Abby said, nodding toward George. "Let's head over." Ruby nods and the three of them make their way over to George. "Everything okay? Well, as okay as it's going to be locked inside a pyramid with just about everyone wanting to kill you and thinking you're trying to kill them?" she grins.</p><p></p><p>As Abby, Ruby and Gonzales come over to join George and Lawrence, George quickly explains the problem of the increasingly stale air. "Seems the French who fled want to finish the job, anyone have any ideas other than digging an air tunnel under the steel wall?" Gonzales tells George, "Indeed. I guess they decided that their colleagues still within the room are expendable. Actually, Miss West does have the means to help. The Mexican Fire Rod was originally designed for a naval vessel, to blast holes in other ships, both wood and metal. It should be sufficient to get through that iron wall." Lawrence claps his hands. "Well, then what are we waiting for? Ruby, do your magic!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby blinks, a little shocked. "Won't it cause a big explosion inside of here?" George stands agog at Gonzales. "Ooookkkaaaayyy. Uh now pardon my ignorance of arcane magic, but fire is fire and that much fire in here will consume a LOT of oxygen perhaps the remaining supply, not to mention the concussive effects, destabilization of the stones surround the area, collapses, cave-ins, not to mention the pressurization effects that could puncture all our ear drums, result in blackouts and leave our prisoners unguarded. You know other than those tiny issues I think it's a good idea." replies George with perhaps a little too much sarcasm.</p><p></p><p>To Ruby Gonzales says, "I have a scroll with a barrier spell that I can throw up first to shield those in the room. It creates a Wall of Ice. I've always brought it along on desert treks, as ice can be used to make water." He glances at George and then back to Ruby, saying, "Is he always one to worry about minor details?" "Physics aren't minor details, even in magic. Nor is the life of my Ruby minor in any way shape or form." replies George stiffly "It's okay darling, think of it as making our mark on Egypt," she grins. "Somehow everything will turn out just fine. It always does." George says, "Ok, as long as we don't permanently disfigure an Egyptian monument. It might look funny if the top of the pyramid was missing or the nose fell off the Sphinx."</p><p></p><p>Ruby shrugs. "Sounds good enough to me. I don't know that we have any other options anyway. I don't exactly want to be sitting in this room with people who just yesterday were ready to execute me. Any minute I'm figuring our warm fuzzy welcome here will wear out and they will want my head back on that platter. If there is a way to secure the prisoners first that would probably be good but otherwise I say let's go."</p><p></p><p>George says, "Ok, lets get everyone back against the back wall so Gonzales can set up the barrier. Then Ruby and I will go by that pillar over there. I will help her brace the rod against the pillar to minimize knockback. If we sit on the ground with our backs to the pillar and the rod braced against the pillar we should be good." Gonzales likes the suggestion, and builds the ice alcove around the pillar. With the Barrister's assistance Gonzales ushers everybody towards the back corner and throws up a very thick ice barrier, with an alcove built onto the side of for him, Ruby, Abby, Lawrence and George. He says, "Okay Ruby, time to throw caution to the wind." The corner of her mouth crooks up, "It's one of my favorite pastimes!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby holds up the Mexican Fire Rod, braces herself then recites the activation word at the wall where George had told her to aim. A huge energy missile shoots forth from the wand, travelling the very short distance to the iron doors where A massive explosion follows and the entire pyramid appears to shake. Much of the remaining oxygen is indeed consumed. The wall gets the brunt of the blast, but there is enough residual energy striking the stone walls to both sides that the room gets pelted with smaller stones blasted loose, resulting in several pieces embedded in the ice wall and many cracks in the ice wall as well, but it manages to hold. While the floor and walls of the pyramid are made of stone, there is enough sand and dust inside to stir up and temporarily reduce visibility.</p><p></p><p>When the dust settles, the six-foot center of the iron wall is pushed in over a foot, with a huge scorch mark. Most of the iron wall still remains, however there is a section on the left where it has separated from the stone wall and is bent outward creating a gap open to the outside that is about eight inches wide and four feet high. "Well, we have ventilation," Abby said with a bit of wry understatement.</p><p></p><p>With a cloth over his mouth and nose, George approaches the door to inspect it. Turning with a grin he quips "Guess it's too late to worry about starting a panic" to the barrister. George signals a few of the Nubians over to see if they can't open the gap in the wall a little more now that the metal has been stressed. George calls Ruby over and giving her a little kiss and a whispered "good girl" he shows her the gap. "Ruby call an unseen servant and have them set up just outside the door, have them take my jacket and use it as a fan to help push air into the room. Should be a good mindless task to set it to."</p><p></p><p>I can do that, hopefully it can get some fresher air in here." Ruby casts an unseen servant and after handing it George's jacket sets it out the break to send in some fresher air. It's something anyway. Now, I guess we can wait a bit to see if someone comes around from outside to help us out of here. Barrister, did you say someone was on their way here?" The Barrister says, "There were several people still outside when the doorway was sealed. They hopefully have not gone far." The air begins to circulate and the ogre guards examine the opening then try pulling on it to open the gap wider.</p><p></p><p>Abby came over and took a look at the gap as well. She knew a little about architecture, so she hoped to use that knowledge to find a better way to widen the gap. She notices that there are a pair of steel poles against the pyramid wall not far from the King's throne, probably used to carry the throne in on top of. They would work as ideal levers to widen the gap. Speaking Egyptian, she pointed out the poles to the guards and helped bring them over. She pointed out the ideal points to apply the levers and lent a hand, as long as it wasn't offensive to the guards. The ogres use the poles to widen the opening, soon bending the metal wall far enough back that not only can the humans exit but the ogres as well (albeit, a rather tight fit for the larger race).</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "If nobody objects, I'd like to take a look at the General's body." Ruby searches the body gently, desperately hoping to find any clues that lead her to believe this isn't really Orabi. She finds nothing obvious to indicate that the man is anyone other than who he appears to be. There is no magical aura surrounding him. Ruby leaned back on her heels and let out a deep breath she didn't even realize she had been holding in. "It looks like him. I had really been hoping it wasn't him and maybe there is some other trick here I don't know about. Perhaps the Princess was wrong about him. Perhaps he had been under a spell of some sort. This just seemed so crazy, she was so convinced..."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales suggests "Perhaps he was under some type of powerful mind control? Chevreul is the world's foremost expert on magical potions, so might have created something that caused the General to act on Chevreul's commands. That also might explain why Chevreul was here in the pyramid and also here in Egypt for that matter, as the man is not known for traveling. In fact I do not believe that he has ever left France until now. It would have been nice if we could have found out more about what the old alchemist was up to prior to this." Ruby says, "Well, we need to find a way to find to find him then. Or I'm sure someone else has to know something. I wonder where they would have gone. Maybe the actress knows?"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 6903155, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 95, “Have we gone from the frying pan into the fire??" September 12, 1882, 12:15AM. [/B] George hurries over to the barrister to both protect and try to heal any injury or paralysis, keeping his body between the barrister and the baron. Gonzales says in Spanish, "It appears to just be a minor hold spell George. He will come out of it in a few minutes.” Gonzales then says softly to George, “In the meanwhile, should we discuss this matter with the benefit of his temporary absence?' George whispers to Gonzales in Spanish "I am well in agreement, though I am not sure who all has ears for this tongue. We need to secure all the remaining French." In Arabic George addresses Mengsha "I would suggest to ensure the safety of your charge as best you can from here you secure the remaining French in the room until we can sort out true motives." The Queen exclaims, "Yes, do so, but not the Empress. She can be trusted." George quietly asks Gonzales in Spanish if he trusts the empress. Gonzales replies "Intimately." "I hope your carnal associations don't blind you" replies George in Spanish. Gonzales answers, "I am usually a good judge of character. And more importantly, her presence will help to calm the Queen. We may need that before this is over." Ruby says pointing to the actress. "And we're very sure she is in on it so we can take no chances letting her get away. You should tie her to a guard." The Queen says, "Yes, tie her up. Also tie up that one on the ground who the Baron was moving towards." Two of the five guards obey the queen's command, the other three continuing to point their rifles at the other Frenchmen in the room. "Very wise your Majesty. If I might make a suggestion you should also retrieve your daughter's magical disguise from the actress also. I believe it was stolen from her but even if it was not the Princess is not here to claim it herself and it could be dangerous in the wrong hands." The Queen says, "The only disguise that I know of it the ring which you used yesterday, and I have it right here." She reaches into her pocket and removes what appears to be the ring. Gonzales says, "Your majesty, I detect no magic at all on that item." Ruby says, "I detected a magical aura on her foot, I believe her right toe, that is where I believe her disguise came from. I would suggest checking there. Is seems more and more lies are coming to light." The guard who had tied her up removes the shoe to review a ring that looks identical to the one the Queen is holding. "Now THAT ONE is magical," Gonzales states. George interjects, "I think all of them need to be searched for additional weapons and escape paraphernalia." Lawrence volunteers to search the prisoners. "I have to find someway of making myself useful." Gonazles suggest to Ruby that she or a magic-using companion cast a "detect magic" and then assist her friend with that task. Ruby nods her head. "Yes my teacher that is a wise suggestion." Ruby casts detect magic and with Lawrence's help they will go around the room and search for magical items. Between Taine, Champollion, Passy, Jacquard, Bernhardt and the body of Larrey they manage to collect 6 magical rings, 3 magical wands, 2 pair of magical boots, 4 travelling spellbooks, 2 magical daggers, 1 magical belt, and a magical statue of a chimpanzee. Ruby and Lawrence deposit the pile of goodies at the Barrister and Queen. "Someone came prepared for battle I must say, quite the stash of magic. Most people don't see all this in a lifetime. My mentor might know what some of this is but likely it would need time for examination." Ruby gives the pile a longing look but steps away. Before leaving the statue in the pile, Lawrence examines it closely. "I've never seen anything like this before. I wonder what it does, maybe a magical servant." Abby looked at Bernhardt with real regret in her eyes. "Until just now, I'd believed maybe you were honest. Merimee expected you to be upset by the mission you were given. How sad that he so overestimates your character." Ruby moves over to the fake princess and purses her lips. She moves closer to the actress and tries to contain her anger but it's simmering in her eyes. "WHERE is the Princess?" she says between gritted teeth. "I don't think there is anyone here who is still believing your story." The tied up Bernhardt looks up at Ruby. For a moment it appears that she would continue spinning the tales she told before....until she gets a good look into Ruby's eyes and the spirit that is behind them. Sarah says, "I honestly do not know. I never saw her." Ruby says, "That's probably the only thing that will save you now. I don't think anyone believed you but even if they did I know I didn't. If you are honest now and tell the Queen and the court what you know perhaps you will get out of here with your life. Help us understand who made you do this and figure out what is going on." "Where did you get that ring?" Abby asked. Bernhardt replies, "It was given to me by the King of Hearts, Jean Meissonier. He has a keen eye for detail and briefed me on how to carry myself as the Princess." "So you are only an accessory to regicide and conspiracy?" quips George. Ruby says, "It's time to start imagining then. Someone got that ring from the Princess, and if he's observed her enough to coach you, it's likely to be him. Where would he be, or where might they hold the Princess? For now I'm assuming they'd want to preserve her life." The Queen of Egypt approaches the woman and says, "My husband was going to have Miss. West executed for impersonating my daughter, although that now appears to have been done with her consent. You just admitted to having never met my daughter. I could have you executed on the spot. Speak the truth, and I may let you live." Bernhardt says, "I went to Zakazik this morning with my team leader Merimee. At the Grand Hotel I met with Meissoner and Jacquard. They said that the Princess was worried about meeting her father and asked me to accompany General Orabi in her place. I do not know anything about a plot to murder your husband your Majesty. Had I known that I would not have participated." George states, "Your ignorance of the goal is no excuse for your participation, whether you were aware or not, they cast you in their web and you are guilty by association and participation no less than poor judgment." The Queen says, "I concur. Guards, gag this woman so she can cast no spells or attempt to use her charms. We can execute her later." Gonzales approaches Abigail and says, "We have not been introduced yet, but I am Miss West's teacher. Do I detect a New Orleans accent young lady?" "Indeed, sir," she said, letting her full accent come through. She'd been downplaying it here in order to blend in better. "I'm sure Miss West was an eager student. I am Miss Abigail Marsters." Ruby says, "I am sorry Abby, that was quite rude of me to not introduce you but perhaps you can forgive me I was a little bit distracted with all this," she sweeps her hand in a large motion around the room, "Going on. This is my wonderful, amazing teacher who will have to tell me later just what he is doing here! Not that I am not grateful, of course. But as he knows I am dreadfully curious I am wondering how he ended up here just when we needed him most. He always has a knack for doing that and I am always and forever thankful for his presence in my life." Ruby pauses then gives him a very large hug. "Ah, that is much better." "So, Abby, Mr. Gonzales, Mr G. Mr.G, this is my friend Abby, whom I have been having quite the adventure with here in Egypt. Something tells me you already know that. She is a very smart, sassy girl so you can imagine why we are friends," Ruby laughs. "All thing have their proper time, Ruby. The middle of a battle isn't always the right one for introductions. At least, not pleasant introductions." The spell on the Barrister ends. He notes everybody is in different places and most of the French are tied up. "What has transpired?" he asks. As George watches the exchange between the Queen and Sarah he quickly briefs the Barrister on the spell he was under, the escape of the Baron and the interrogation of the actress. The barrister whispers back "Mr. Eastman. I would hope to avoid a panic, but we have a new problem. This pyramid was built with ventilation on each side, which earlier caused the various smoke to filter out and fresh air to come in. Due to my temporary absence I can now see a difference. They no longer appear to be open, as the air in the room is becoming quite stale and the temperature in the room appears to have increased a few degrees." George rubs the bridge of his nose, "Ok, gather the prisoners in the far corner there and have everyone else go and sit in the other far corner and start talking to distract them. I will take two of the Nubians and we will try to dig a ventilation tunnel under the steel barrier. That is, unless the ventilation shafts are large enough for a human to squeeze in and open the louvers outside. " The Barrister says, "They are up above and too narrow for a person to travel, otherwise looters could enter the pyramid. And there are stones below the barrier, so digging would not be possible." George says, "Let me have Gonzales on the team at the least he can put up a visual barrier so people don't know what we are doing, and perhaps he has some magic up his sleeve to help." Lawrence sidles up to George, "What's going on? Have we gone from the frying pan into the fire?" "Yes Lawrence, in fact." Ruby sees George pointing to her, Abby and Gonzales and motioning them over. "Seems we're wanted," Abby said, nodding toward George. "Let's head over." Ruby nods and the three of them make their way over to George. "Everything okay? Well, as okay as it's going to be locked inside a pyramid with just about everyone wanting to kill you and thinking you're trying to kill them?" she grins. As Abby, Ruby and Gonzales come over to join George and Lawrence, George quickly explains the problem of the increasingly stale air. "Seems the French who fled want to finish the job, anyone have any ideas other than digging an air tunnel under the steel wall?" Gonzales tells George, "Indeed. I guess they decided that their colleagues still within the room are expendable. Actually, Miss West does have the means to help. The Mexican Fire Rod was originally designed for a naval vessel, to blast holes in other ships, both wood and metal. It should be sufficient to get through that iron wall." Lawrence claps his hands. "Well, then what are we waiting for? Ruby, do your magic!" Ruby blinks, a little shocked. "Won't it cause a big explosion inside of here?" George stands agog at Gonzales. "Ooookkkaaaayyy. Uh now pardon my ignorance of arcane magic, but fire is fire and that much fire in here will consume a LOT of oxygen perhaps the remaining supply, not to mention the concussive effects, destabilization of the stones surround the area, collapses, cave-ins, not to mention the pressurization effects that could puncture all our ear drums, result in blackouts and leave our prisoners unguarded. You know other than those tiny issues I think it's a good idea." replies George with perhaps a little too much sarcasm. To Ruby Gonzales says, "I have a scroll with a barrier spell that I can throw up first to shield those in the room. It creates a Wall of Ice. I've always brought it along on desert treks, as ice can be used to make water." He glances at George and then back to Ruby, saying, "Is he always one to worry about minor details?" "Physics aren't minor details, even in magic. Nor is the life of my Ruby minor in any way shape or form." replies George stiffly "It's okay darling, think of it as making our mark on Egypt," she grins. "Somehow everything will turn out just fine. It always does." George says, "Ok, as long as we don't permanently disfigure an Egyptian monument. It might look funny if the top of the pyramid was missing or the nose fell off the Sphinx." Ruby shrugs. "Sounds good enough to me. I don't know that we have any other options anyway. I don't exactly want to be sitting in this room with people who just yesterday were ready to execute me. Any minute I'm figuring our warm fuzzy welcome here will wear out and they will want my head back on that platter. If there is a way to secure the prisoners first that would probably be good but otherwise I say let's go." George says, "Ok, lets get everyone back against the back wall so Gonzales can set up the barrier. Then Ruby and I will go by that pillar over there. I will help her brace the rod against the pillar to minimize knockback. If we sit on the ground with our backs to the pillar and the rod braced against the pillar we should be good." Gonzales likes the suggestion, and builds the ice alcove around the pillar. With the Barrister's assistance Gonzales ushers everybody towards the back corner and throws up a very thick ice barrier, with an alcove built onto the side of for him, Ruby, Abby, Lawrence and George. He says, "Okay Ruby, time to throw caution to the wind." The corner of her mouth crooks up, "It's one of my favorite pastimes!" Ruby holds up the Mexican Fire Rod, braces herself then recites the activation word at the wall where George had told her to aim. A huge energy missile shoots forth from the wand, travelling the very short distance to the iron doors where A massive explosion follows and the entire pyramid appears to shake. Much of the remaining oxygen is indeed consumed. The wall gets the brunt of the blast, but there is enough residual energy striking the stone walls to both sides that the room gets pelted with smaller stones blasted loose, resulting in several pieces embedded in the ice wall and many cracks in the ice wall as well, but it manages to hold. While the floor and walls of the pyramid are made of stone, there is enough sand and dust inside to stir up and temporarily reduce visibility. When the dust settles, the six-foot center of the iron wall is pushed in over a foot, with a huge scorch mark. Most of the iron wall still remains, however there is a section on the left where it has separated from the stone wall and is bent outward creating a gap open to the outside that is about eight inches wide and four feet high. "Well, we have ventilation," Abby said with a bit of wry understatement. With a cloth over his mouth and nose, George approaches the door to inspect it. Turning with a grin he quips "Guess it's too late to worry about starting a panic" to the barrister. George signals a few of the Nubians over to see if they can't open the gap in the wall a little more now that the metal has been stressed. George calls Ruby over and giving her a little kiss and a whispered "good girl" he shows her the gap. "Ruby call an unseen servant and have them set up just outside the door, have them take my jacket and use it as a fan to help push air into the room. Should be a good mindless task to set it to." I can do that, hopefully it can get some fresher air in here." Ruby casts an unseen servant and after handing it George's jacket sets it out the break to send in some fresher air. It's something anyway. Now, I guess we can wait a bit to see if someone comes around from outside to help us out of here. Barrister, did you say someone was on their way here?" The Barrister says, "There were several people still outside when the doorway was sealed. They hopefully have not gone far." The air begins to circulate and the ogre guards examine the opening then try pulling on it to open the gap wider. Abby came over and took a look at the gap as well. She knew a little about architecture, so she hoped to use that knowledge to find a better way to widen the gap. She notices that there are a pair of steel poles against the pyramid wall not far from the King's throne, probably used to carry the throne in on top of. They would work as ideal levers to widen the gap. Speaking Egyptian, she pointed out the poles to the guards and helped bring them over. She pointed out the ideal points to apply the levers and lent a hand, as long as it wasn't offensive to the guards. The ogres use the poles to widen the opening, soon bending the metal wall far enough back that not only can the humans exit but the ogres as well (albeit, a rather tight fit for the larger race). Ruby says, "If nobody objects, I'd like to take a look at the General's body." Ruby searches the body gently, desperately hoping to find any clues that lead her to believe this isn't really Orabi. She finds nothing obvious to indicate that the man is anyone other than who he appears to be. There is no magical aura surrounding him. Ruby leaned back on her heels and let out a deep breath she didn't even realize she had been holding in. "It looks like him. I had really been hoping it wasn't him and maybe there is some other trick here I don't know about. Perhaps the Princess was wrong about him. Perhaps he had been under a spell of some sort. This just seemed so crazy, she was so convinced..." Gonzales suggests "Perhaps he was under some type of powerful mind control? Chevreul is the world's foremost expert on magical potions, so might have created something that caused the General to act on Chevreul's commands. That also might explain why Chevreul was here in the pyramid and also here in Egypt for that matter, as the man is not known for traveling. In fact I do not believe that he has ever left France until now. It would have been nice if we could have found out more about what the old alchemist was up to prior to this." Ruby says, "Well, we need to find a way to find to find him then. Or I'm sure someone else has to know something. I wonder where they would have gone. Maybe the actress knows?" [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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