Some Stories Are True

[MacConnell]

OOC: Posting on behalf of @Tellerian Hawke

Maka looks at Wrenn and nods affirmatively. He agrees with the plan. Wrenn shrugs his shoulders “Who am I to disagree? With these hostile greetings and the archers being branded, something nefarious is happening here. Perhaps the Storyteller deliberately had us arrive here to correct the situation.”

OOC: 94 + 50 = 144, 100+59=159

Cycle: 497. Season: Rebirth. Day: 13

Whether the low lying fog will burn away shortly or not becomes irrelevant. The young heroes easily creep up to the stone structure. In the calm of the morning, everything is eerily quiet. This stone structure is identical in construction to the other one. The roof, the floor, the columns, and the quad of interior structure each looks to have been made from single stones. Even if it were possible to cut a stone so large, especially the size of the roof, there could be no conceivable way to move one, but this technological anomaly is likely because the structures are from the time of the Yahdram.

From the direction that the party arrives, all four interior entryways appear to be in the same pattern as the other structure, as well, one per quad. The nearest entryway is on the immediate left. The room is dark, too dark to be able to see anything, but anyone in the party can cause a stone to illuminate and Oorvid still has his light stick that was discovered in the Chain of Keeps. Astrid, who can generate the longest standing light, illuminates the glass globe and Oorvid raises the stick above his head to maximize the illuminated area.

This room is apparently nothing but a staging area with a descending set of stone stairs. There are racks along the walls that would hold arrows and bows. They are mostly empty, probably because they were being carried by the group that attacked the party, but a few items remain. There are sconces in each of the four corners that contain a glass globe. The party is already familiar with these Yahdram items and lets Star Wolfess know that they are specifically used to hold mystical light, like the stick that Oorvid is carrying.

Oorvid quietly addresses the group. “We have no choice but to carry a light. We will not be able to see, but neither could any other people. Do we descend?”

Spoiler: Character Data

Astrid: full wellness
Mantle: 19
Stones: 20
Maka: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8
Oorvid: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Star Wolfess: full wellness
Jerkin: 36 - 2 = 34
Wrenn: full wellness
Tunic: 51
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8

Spoiler: Collectibles

41 marks: currency

(helps Astrid)
Aluminum: 2, {shock x3}

(helps all characters)
Bat Guano: 5 measures, {heat x2}
Spider Claws: 3 sets, {toxicity x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Viper Blood: 1 measure, {athleticism x3}

(helps Star & Oorvid)
waterfowl skull: 2, ??

(helps all characters)
Coal: 6 stones, {heat x3}
Magnesium: 3: {Mend x 2}
Slate: 1, {sound x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Rend Leaves: 2 measures, {Siphon x2}
Flowers: 4 measures, {Restore x3}
Tranquility Flowers: 1 measure, {Identity x3}

Spoiler: Discoveries

Bat Colony: 2
Chain of Keeps tunnel system
Amiradtha: Temnyy Veter
Rheini Village

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions. Reprint the 2 previous random rolls.

 

[astarte]

"Yes; I wonder what's down there."
If Oorvid doesn't want the Beaver skull, she'll ask him to give it to her and then put it in her pouch in the Rodent Skull's place.
36,29

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Astrid nods vigorously. "Yes, we need to figure out what is going on here. I think the only way to achieve that will be from down below. I will take the tail this time. I can generate another light using one of my sling stones that I still carry."

OOC: 96+56 = 152, 88

 

[MacConnell]

OOC: Posting on behalf of @Tellerian Hawke

Wrenn flattens his lips considering the possibilities and finding too many variables. “I guess at this point, we take a chance. Oorvid should lead with light. I will follow closely behind with an arrow at ready. Star, you and Maka should come next. Maka will be able to cover Astrid with his bow should something or someone come in behind us.”

Maka cocks his head a single time acknowledging his agreement.

OOC: 97 + 53 = 150, 62

Cycle: 497. Season: Rebirth. Day: 13

Spoiler: Wariness

Astrid: 41(observation) + 41(tuning) + 152(d100) = 234
Maka: 31 + 46(smell) + 150 = 227
Oorvid: 31 + 43(hearing) +
Star Wolfess: 31 + 51(hearing) + 86 = 168
Wrenn: 45 + 47(smell) + 150 = 244

Oorvid takes the lead. He holds the lampstick in his left hand and an axe in his right. The stairs descend about 3 strides to land in a constructed tunnel. Once everyone is down, the party stands still for a moment to look, listen, and take in the smells. Even for those with an enhanced sense of smell, the aromas are of no benefit to information. The typical dirt smell of being underground dominates. Sounds echo and travel strangely, indicating that this may be an extensive system like the one under the Chain of Keeps, but it does sound like this system is currently occupied by other people. After a few seconds of standing still, other light is recognized, being off in the distance and around some corners.

Not only does this tunnel lead and turn immediately in the direction of the rest of the structure above, but it also continues for some distance straight away, which would take it under the cluster of trees where the party had camped. The light and sounds are to the right. There is nothing but darkness and silence to the left.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astrid: full wellness
Mantle: 19
Stones: 20
Maka: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8
Oorvid: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Star Wolfess: full wellness
Jerkin: 36 - 2 = 34
Wrenn: full wellness
Tunic: 51
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8

Spoiler: Collectibles

41 marks: currency

(helps Astrid)
Aluminum: 2, {shock x3}

(helps all characters)
Bat Guano: 5 measures, {heat x2}
Spider Claws: 3 sets, {toxicity x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Viper Blood: 1 measure, {athleticism x3}

(helps Star & Oorvid)
waterfowl skull: 2, ??

(helps all characters)
Coal: 6 stones, {heat x3}
Magnesium: 3: {Mend x 2}
Slate: 1, {sound x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Rend Leaves: 2 measures, {Siphon x2}
Flowers: 4 measures, {Restore x3}
Tranquility Flowers: 1 measure, {Identity x3}

Spoiler: Discoveries

Bat Colony: 2
Chain of Keeps tunnel system
Amiradtha: Temnyy Veter
Rheini Village

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions. Reprint the 2 previous random rolls.

 

[astarte]

"I think we should go to the right and if we meet other people, let's show them we're coming in peace."
49,3

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Astrid nods out of habit, even though no one can see it. She whispers back. "Okay, be ready though, in case we have no choice."

OOC: 99+59 = 158, 91+50 = 141

 

[MacConnell]

OOC: Posting on behalf of @Tellerian Hawke

Wrenn will move in pace with Oorvid, keeping his eye and aim ahead. If he must fire an arrow, he wants to do it quickly before the light changes. Maka paces Star, he watches ahead and glances back. He knows it is his responsibility to also help protect Astrid.

OOC: 100 + 56 = 156, 65

Cycle: 497. Season: Rebirth. Day: 13

The tunnel system is well manufactured. Stone bricks had been used to reinforce the walls after the tunnel had been dug, and the ceiling is domed to add strength. This is the same design as the tunnels under the Chain of Keeps. It is definitely Yahdram construction. The path is 2 strides wide, and two of the party members could walk side by side, but it is not really a good idea since it limits mobility should the need arise. After 9 strides, the path the party chose turns to the left and opens into a 9 x 9 room with an ascending set of stairs. It looks like this room was used for sleeping. There are globes in the corners of the room. One of them looks like it may be illuminated, but a piece of animal hide is thrown over it.

It seems that whoever threw the hide there was trying to cover the light, which means that someone else had to generate the illumination. Somewhere here there is a Bender. It is likely that the fleeing archer covered the light. In addition to the stairs, there is another hall in the center of the wall across the room. The stairs are deduced to lead back to the structure above. The hall is dark and leads into the unknown.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astrid: full wellness
Mantle: 19
Stones: 20
Maka: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8
Oorvid: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Star Wolfess: full wellness
Jerkin: 36 - 2 = 34
Wrenn: full wellness
Tunic: 51
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8

Spoiler: Collectibles

41 marks: currency

(helps Astrid)
Aluminum: 2, {shock x3}

(helps all characters)
Bat Guano: 5 measures, {heat x2}
Spider Claws: 3 sets, {toxicity x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Viper Blood: 1 measure, {athleticism x3}

(helps Star & Oorvid)
waterfowl skull: 2, ??

(helps all characters)
Coal: 6 stones, {heat x3}
Magnesium: 3: {Mend x 2}
Slate: 1, {sound x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Rend Leaves: 2 measures, {Siphon x2}
Flowers: 4 measures, {Restore x3}
Tranquility Flowers: 1 measure, {Identity x3}

Spoiler: Discoveries

Bat Colony: 2
Chain of Keeps tunnel system
Amiradtha: Temnyy Veter
Rheini Village

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions. Provide 2 random rolls.

 

[astarte]

Star Wolfess will try to kinetically pull off the hide to uncover the source of light, without coming even a step closer. If she fails however, she'll walk close enough to do this with her tomahawk or hand.
26,29

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Seeing that Star is moving to uncover the light source in the room, Astrid quietly voices her thoughts. "These archers that have now attacked us twice are obviously not Benders. The fact that this globe is illuminated indicates that someone here is. Brock and garin noticed that the archers are branded. I think we are dealing with some mystical manipulation. I think someone here is sacrificing other people to protect themselves. We need to be wary. We may be facing at least one Blighter."

She looked around the room for a few seconds. "I think we should take this other hall. If that archer had gone up the stairs, I do not think he would have bothered covering the light."

OOC: 62, 53

 

[MacConnell]

OOC: Posting on behalf of @Tellerian Hawke

Having nothing really productive or insightful to add Maka and Wrenn look around the room a bit but are ready to move on when the others decide. Wrenn finally formulates some thoughts. “Star, you were not with us for most of the Chain of Keeps, but the Amiradthae had coerced and bribed another tribe to do their bidding. If we are dealing with Blighters as Astrid suggests, this situation will be far more dangerous.”

OOC: 59, 68

Cycle: 497. Season: Rebirth. Day: 13

Spoiler: Wariness

Astrid: 41(observation) + 41(tuning) + 152(d100) = 234
Maka: 31 + 46(smell) + 150 = 227
Oorvid: 31 + 43(hearing) +
Star Wolfess: 31 + 51(hearing) + 86 = 168
Wrenn: 45 + 47(smell) + 150 = 244

Star Wolfess pulls the piece of hide from the light source, further illuminating the room, but it did little to alter the darkness of the length of hallway. After poking around the room for a minute and finding nothing of importance or interest, it is decided that the suggestion from Astrid seems logical enough, and the party takes its walking order to continue down the dark hall.

Walking slowly, the tunnel continues on a level plane for quite some distance then slopes downward for about half of the previous distance walked. The passage then turns directly to the left and continues for some distance, and a set of stairs descends farther down into the earth. There is faint light coming from the left passage, but nothing can be seen from looking down the stone steps. Like with the Chain of Keeps, it seems that the structures on the surface are going to be connected underground.

The party must decide if it wants to take the left passage or descend upon the stairs.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astrid: full wellness
Mantle: 19
Stones: 20
Maka: full wellness
Tunic: 58
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8
Oorvid: full wellness
Tunic: 50
Star Wolfess: full wellness
Jerkin: 36 - 2 = 34
Wrenn: full wellness
Tunic: 51
Ularin Arrows: 40, damage 8

Spoiler: Collectibles

41 marks: currency

(helps Astrid)
Aluminum: 2, {shock x3}

(helps all characters)
Bat Guano: 5 measures, {heat x2}
Spider Claws: 3 sets, {toxicity x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Viper Blood: 1 measure, {athleticism x3}

(helps Star & Oorvid)
waterfowl skull: 2, ??

(helps all characters)
Coal: 6 stones, {heat x3}
Magnesium: 3: {Mend x 2}
Slate: 1, {sound x2}

(helps Maka & Wrenn)
Rend Leaves: 2 measures, {Siphon x2}
Flowers: 4 measures, {Restore x3}
Tranquility Flowers: 1 measure, {Identity x3}

Spoiler: Discoveries

Bat Colony: 2
Chain of Keeps tunnel system
Amiradtha: Temnyy Veter
Rheini Village

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions. Provide 2 random rolls.