The Tower of Four Heavens - The Ear Room
<OOC> Iadoth thinks Aya will be late. Not sure about Bitr. <OOC> Iadoth says, "She might get here late. Say, did you get up extra early?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yep. *grin*" <OOC> Iadoth sighs. "Sorry." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "No need. I'm about to pose, though, if that's alright." <OOC> Iadoth says, "It is alright."
Ga'Elian departs the vicinity of the eye room, heading straight toward the cylindrical wall in the center of the room, and tries that door againt to verify that it is still locked.
The door is still locked. In a way, the whole set up of wall and niches now seems /more/ closed after the shutter came down, sealing off the niche and the carved jade sphere.
Ga'Elian shrugs, "Thought as much." He then strides to the entrance, and looks outside again, saying to the griffon "How're you doing out here, buddy?" <sildanyari>
Aya has arrived.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What's next? I kinda thought Bitr would be here, but alas." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Malorn is still expected?" <OOC> Iadoth didn't receive an @mail from Malorn or Bitr. <OOC> Iadoth says, "I'm inviting Ormud." <OOC> Iadoth says, "He is rogue."
Ormud has arrived.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Cool.So, any noteworthy results of my last pose?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Welcome! It's a non-combat plot, by the way." <OOC> Ormud says, "Okay!" <OOC> Iadoth ghosts the griffon a little. <OOC> Ga'Elian invites Ormud to addcom r3=RPThree.
The griffon growls, but there's nothing going on outside, except the two leaf leshies are continuing to attend to the stricken mandragora, assisted by the druid Eilrie and her tree companion. It's a very different kind of environment to the templar feel of the central toroidal room, or indeed the indoor nature park of the Eye Room.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "So what's next, chaps?"
<OOC> Iadoth gives Ormud some background. "The adventurers are looking for a legendary artifact, the Demon Cherub Pot, in a wizard's
tower, The Tower Of Four Heavens, out in the Vast. They fought kobolds up a ravine to get to the tower, where the entrance lobby, a
glasshouse full of rampant plant growth, also contained an angry mandragora and its leaf leshy defenders. Having defeated this, they
proceeded to the inside of the tower. The ground floor consists of a wide toroidal room with a central walled section, which one might
assume contains a staircase, except there is a locked door and three niches, bearing the symbols of an Eye, an Ear and a Hand. These
match the symbols on three doors off the toroidal room. So far the adventurers have investigated the Eye Room, a beautiful indoor nature
reserve where a waterfall split light into its component pieces, which had to be recombined to reveal the prize. This prize, a carved jade
sphere, was placed in the Eye Niche, which subsequently closed."
<OOC> Iadoth breathes.
Aya has found nothing here that makes her believe this tower is aptly named. Her version of paradise would not be anywhere near as annoying. "One completed, two to go, I presume?" Not in the mood to stand idly by, at least for now, she moves for the door marked with the ear symbol in attempt to enter said room.
<OOC> Ga'Elian continues, "So far we have set off 2 traps and expect there to be a third. Behind each trap is another door with a niche. The
ear room is DARK, and the hand room is, as yet, untried."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Aya will find the door to the Ear Room openable."
Ga'Elian tells his griffon, "Good boy, Erithamiel. Guard." then returns inside heading toward the ear room, as well.
<OOC> Ga'Elian notes, "My last post ^^^ was in Sildanyari." <OOC> Iadoth nods.
Ormud wore white linens and a white vest under a heavy green felt coat, and a pair of bandoliers holding his a rapier and a quiver of arrows for his drawn (and relatively nice) shortbow, and had crept back up on the party from outside, relaxing after her recognized them. "Did I hear traps go off? Should I take a look ahead?" The 'scout' posed as he followed behind them into the next room while his eyes darted around cautiously.
Ga'Elian responds to the enthusiastic human, "Two traps had, indeed, been sprung. While we anticipate another, We are first going to yonder room for to explore it. It's door lieth behind what was one of the traps."
<OOC> Iadoth thumbs up <OOC> Iadoth says, "Are you gonna go in?" <OOC> Ormud says, "Yes, while searching for traps/dangers/etc" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Alright!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Give me a perception check!"
GAME: Ormud rolls Perception: (17)+6: 23
You paged Ormud with 'The door seems safe and free of traps!'
<OOC> Ga'Elian rolls to assist Ormud.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls perception: (10)+17: 27
<OOC> Iadoth says, "You can't aid another on a perception check..." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay. I look around anyway."
"I think we're safe through here." Ormud noted as he pushed the door out of the way and crept in the door and quickly out of the way, to the side, to make room for the rest of them while he covered the newly entered room with his drawn bow.
You paged Ga'Elian with 'The door and surrounding area seems safe and free of traps!'
Ga'Elian reaches over his shoulder and extracts a full-length quarterstaff from his 60 cm-long quiver.
As Ormud pushes the door to, he would notice several things immediately. The first is the impenetrable darkness beyond. Impenetrable! It's almost as if the darkness is spilling back into the corridor, making the dim light seem darker. The second thing is the coolness and airiness of this room; it must be large, but clearly you're not sure how large yet. Finally, as you step through, the silence of the room disturbed by your footstep, you notice the beautiful sonorous quality of the space, as though it is a majestic cathedral.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Basically, it is DARK." <OOC> Iadoth says, "REALLY DARK."
Upon entering the room, Ga'Elian whistles in an imitation of a sparrow.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Charisma: (14)+1: 15
The sparrow call echoes around the room beautifully. For a brief moment, it is as though several sparrows flit through the dark room, but clearly this would be impossible.
"Can any of you see? I have a sunrod." Ormud crouched in the darkness and rifles through his pack in search of the object while still balancing the bow in his off-hand. His voice was low and rushed, oppressed by the density of the darkness around them.
Ga'Elian uses his quarterstaff as the modern blind employ their white canes. He says, "Methinks thou wouldst merely waste it. This darkness seemeth enchanted to me."
There is a brief pause, and then two things happen, a few heartbeats apart. Firstly, a bell chimes once, high above you and probably several dozen feet from the door. It is a lovely sound, perfect, one might think, for meditation. Secondly, there is a noise from somewhere off to your right, which sounds as though the wind blows is blowing through a tunnel or trees.
<OOC> Iadoth agrees with Ga'Elian. I can't find the specific rule for this though.
He consdiered what Ga'Elian was saying and resorted to using one end of his shortbow in a similar way to the griffon rider. "Keep talking. Let's try not to get separated."
<OOC> Iadoth notes for the record that that was probably Ormud. <OOC> Iadoth says, "What's the plan, folks?" <OOC> Ormud says, "It was! Sorry!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Nae bother."
At these new noises, Ga'Elian freezes immediately, then proceeds as stealthily as he can toward the sound of the wing, again making his way the best he can.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Stealth: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Perception: (11)+17: 28
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So much for being sneaky." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "... towards the sound of the winD, again..."
It is hard to be stealthy when one must rely on the clack-clack-clack of one's boots and a quarterstaff. The noise of Ga'Elian's movement rattles around the room, echoing a little, somehow making it sound wonderful rather than clumsy.
The motion of the quarterstaff on the flagged floor reveals, after a few steps, the edge of a hole in the floor.
GAME: Ormud rolls perception: (20)+6: 26
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What are you trying to perceive?"
"Did you find something?" He posed when the quarterstaff didn't hit where and when he expected it to from the pattern. Ormud halted and crouched down waiting for Ga'Elian's persepective.
<OOC> Ormud says, "Beating his 9 stealth. lol"
Ga'Elian answers Ormud. "I did, there appeareth to be a hole in the floor here." He pokes around the hole, trying to gauge its shape and depth via the quarterstaff, always maintaining a firm grip on the pole. He also aim his voice intp where he imagines the hole's center to lie, singing one of the tunes that Sylvanori children sing while climbing trees.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls perception: (2)+17: 19
<OOC> Iadoth says, "How long is a quarterstaff?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "That was for the probing. "Looking in the PRD..."" <OOC> Iadoth says, "About 5 feet in length." <OOC> Iadoth says, "It's deeper than that!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Right." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "What about the echo of my singing? Can I tell approximate depth from that?"
Someone very perceptive would note that the hole in the floor is longer than a quarterstaff. The reverberations of the song seem a little muddled, as though the sound is being baffled by something. It is probably quite deep, though --- enough to hurt if one fell in.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "That last clause is a bit of a clue --- it's at least 10 ft. deep." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Got it. Thanks." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Don't fall in!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Although.."
As you wiggle the quarterstaff to and fro, it catches on something at the edge of the pit. Something solid enough to feel as though it's attached to the internal wall of the pit, but definitely proud of said wall.
As he makes this discovery, he says, I feel something different, and stows the staff in his quiver again before kneeling at the hole's edge to use his bare hand to feel this new solid thing.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Er, that was me." <OOC> Iadoth nods.
It consists of two vertical metal staves, descending downwards into the pit, with thick, flat metal crossbars connecting them.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "A ladder, then." <OOC> Iadoth nods! <OOC> Iadoth laughs.
Ormud used a combination of homing in on the singing with the tapping of the quarterstaff to hone in on Ga'Elian's position. He hunkered down near to the floor and began to feel around for the edge of the pit from a conservative, suspicious distance. He began to work his pack over onto a single shoulder and rifle through it for a length of rope. "We can tie a weight to something. See how long it takes for the rope to slack." He was offering, apparently still stuck on the subject of its depth as Ga'Elian had already moved ahead to discover the ladder.
Ga'Elian says, "I had not considered that experiment, but in the light (so to speak) of finding this, what seemeth to be a ladder, I would propose instead to use thy rope differently. Perhaps we might tie it between us to assist in case one of us slippeth on our descent?"
Ga'Elian unstraps the buckler from his arm, lays it aside, safely away from the hole's edge, then removes his chain shirt, putting it with the buckler. He slings the quiver back on.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I probably should have mentioned before that you were following the direction of the wind sound when this interrupted
you. The wind sound was more or less at your level, rather than above or below you. Just letting you know."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "nods. Without my armor and shield, my flat-footed AC is 10, regular is 14."
"Oh, a ladder... That's good news." He insisted as he passed one end to Ga'Elian and tied himself off at the waist five feet from the other man's allotment. "There's not always a ladder. Most of the time there's not. I'm forever dangling in pits..." Ormud related as they prepared themselves and he headed for the edge. He shouldered his bow and said; "After you." while gathering the excess rope into a spool on his forearm.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What are you tying it to?" <OOC> Iadoth nods to Elian. Don't worry.
After tying the rope around his waist, Ga'Elian leads the descent down the ladder.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls athletics: (20)+7: 27
<OOC> Iadoth says, "No need for rolls to descend a ladder."
Five feet behind him, fastened to the rope at that length, Ormud followed after down the ladder with the excess gathered against his chest.
<OOC> Ga'Elian just didn't want to slip. *grin*
It's hard to tell in the dark, but it's about 20 ft. down from the surface when you get down there. It's just as dark and solemn when you get down here.
<OOC> Aya sighs at work.
Ga'Elian extracts his quarterstaff again and probes the place with it. He says, "Well, as we are here now, I would explore to find any objects. In the previous chamber there was a ball of carved jade about the size of a child's kickball."
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls perception: (10)+17: 27
"What do you suppose this is? About twenty feet down with a ladder..." He murmured. "If it was a trap, I don't think there'd be a ladder." Ormud limbered his bow and began to gently touch-out the edges of the pit in an attempt to map its floor. "I don't feel anything like that... Don't feel much at all so far." He ran a gloved hand along the wall as he felt with the bow.
As Ga'Elian wanders around with the quarterstaff, and as Ormud does the same with the walls, you get a picture in your mind of this space. It's about 60 ft. by 45 ft., with a 30 ft. by 25 ft. rectangle of solid wall at its centre. You find three other ladders, too: one on the (shorter) wall by which you already ascended, and another two in the centre of the opposing (longer) walls. Both lead upwards. Other than that, you don't find anything of note.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So the tall ladders are on opposite sides of this rectangular structure?"
It is a few minutes since the bell chimed and the wind blew, and all of a sudden, the bell chimes again. A few heartbeats later, there is another noise: A noise as if water is being poured from one small container to another.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "The ladders are all on the outside wall, not on the internal one (that of the smaller rectangle)." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay, but they are on opposite sides of the room, i.e. not next to each other?" <OOC> Iadoth nods. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Ahem. The wall you descended via has two ladders upwards."
Ga'Elian says, "A-ha. How about we each take one." He unties the rope from around his own waist.
<OOC> Iadoth gives you this:
____________
| LL |
|L ______ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |____| |
|L |
|_____LL_____|
<OOC> Iadoth says, "A line or space is a 5 ft. square, so it's squashed in the wrong direction"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "L is a short ladder, ans LL is a long one?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "You don't know about how long any of the ladders are, except the one via which you descended. LL was meant to imply
it spanned across two squares (but it's still the same width as the other ladders)."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "okay. The one we descended was which?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Bottom left."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay, I'll head to the verry bottom ladder on the diagram."
<OOC> Iadoth nodnods. Are you climbing it?
<OOC> Ga'Elian will pose that, but yes. Before I do, though...
Ga'Elian uses the gift of his race to call upon the spirits of the forest and reveal to him the direction of true north.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "The axis running 'LL' to 'LL' is the north-south axis." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Child of the Woods > Know Direction 1/day, CL 4"
"Sounds like a plan." Ormud said as he began up toward the upper (North) ladder and began to ascend the ladder up there while Ga'Elian worked on the other. He felt out for the rungs and began to bound up the ladder once he'd recognized it.
Ga'Elian heads to the south wall's centre and climb's the ladder there.
Ormud finds the north ladder similar to the south ladder; the upper platform, too, would appear to be identical.
After he'd had a chance to feel out the upper platform, and was convinced there were puzzle keys asking to be recovered up here, he headed back down the ladder and headed toward the ladder he'd known Ga'Elian to take in search of him. "You up there?" He called in a muted hiss.
Another few minutes have passed, and the bell chimes once more. A few seconds later, the wind sound is heard again. It comes from the south, above the upper platform, and is approximately in-line with the shorter ladders.
Ga'Elian answers, 'I am. Hast thou learned ought?"
Ormud shook his invisible head and confirmed; "Nothing, no." He emitted a grunt of a sigh before pointing out. "At least there's only one ladder we haven't tried. Which we should, now, I guess, right?" He looked up toward whistling wind and added; "But I suspect the way forward might have more to do with whatever those noises are than the ladders."
<OOC> Ga'Elian will need to take a break in 40 minutes, but can resume in approximatelt an hour after that. <OOC> Iadoth will be going home in about an hour. We may have to reconvene next week. <OOC> Iadoth just typed 'OOC' in a spreadsheet. Sighs. <OOC> Ormud says, "No worries, I appreciate you letting me in!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Would you be able to join again next week?"
Ga'Elian probes this southern plstform with his quarterstaff.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls perception: (18)+17: 35
<OOC> Iadoth points to earlier pose, reposes below. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Oh. I thought I had."
The ascent ladders are about half the height of the descent ladders, placing them halfway between floor and pit base. The north and south platforms are both dull and uninteresting, comprising of the same flat floor as the base of the pit. They are 60 ft. by 10 ft., and aside from the descent ladder, are otherwise featureless.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "No hidden doors, huh?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Not that you've found, no." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay. Heading to the NW ladder, then." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Okay!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Are you posing? It's okay if you're fed up of posing about ascending ladders, just don't wanna cross-post." <OOC> Ga'Elian will pose, just testing my understanding of the layout.
Ormud headed up the ladder to the northwest after Ga'Elian, evidently having the same idea he had.
The ladder is 20 ft. high, and returns you to the surface from which, several minutes before, you had departed.
There, Ormud stopped and tried to figure out where the air was originating from.
Ga'Elian says, "I found nothing, let us try the last ladder." and climbs. Upon reaching the top, he recovers his armor and shield, merely carrying them.
Aya has disconnected.
It has been several minutes since the last bell chime, and, right on cue, it chimes again, followed this time by a well-defined /click/, as if from two stones connecting.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Direction of sound?" <OOC> Ormud says, "er, sure!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "To the southeast." <OOC> Iadoth says, "It is at your level."
Using his quarterstaff as his guide, probes the floor to avoid falling as he pursues a course toward the sounds.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "... as his guide, Ga'Elian probes..."
"We might have to try to free climb the last (Eastern) wall. I'm thinking there's another platform up there, but maybe one not accessible by ladder." Ormud lamented. "Or maybe I could climb up one of the other sides and take a leap." He said in the I-don't-want-to-do-that-and-its-not-a-good-idea tone.
The sil follows the edge of the pit away to the south, by the expected 45 ft. to the southwest corner above the south platform. Here Ga'Elian discovers that the path from the edge of the pit to the wall is 5ft. wide at its largest, and at this point, next to a smooth round stone column semi-set into the wall, half that. The path continues to the east.
Ga'Elian says, "I have found a stone column set into the wall." He feels with his hands, probing to find any takable object on atop this short column. He also listens to the echo of his voice.
After feeling it out for himself, having followed Ga'Elian's voice to the column, he clung to the front of it and swung around onto the ledge headed east. "I think you found our path." Ormud observed. "The source is this way, I think." He added as he went ahead amid the other man's consideration of the stone column.
Ga'Elian observes aloud, "We have heard Air, Water, and Earth. All that the fourth chime could have left would seem to be flame."
The column extends from the ground to above your head, and presumably on towards the ceiling. There is a slight niche and lip here, into which is set a solid metal grille. At present you hear nothing coming from this column.
Anticipating flame to issue from this grille when the chime next sounds, Ga'Elian stands aside, and waits. He says, I feel a grille of solid metal, but we are seeking some object to put into the niche by the door in the circular room above."
<OOC> Iadoth thinks. "Can I have a Wisdom check?"
GAME: Ormud rolls wisdom: (6)+1: 7 GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Wisdom: (15)+3: 18
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ga'Elian, you've already heard a sound from this column. It was the watery sound."
Again the bell chimes. This time the noise following it comes from due north, and is the loud sonorous clang of metal on metal.
<OOC> Ga'Elian begins to understand. There must be (guessing) four columns around the room.
As a bit of realization dawns upon him, Ga'Elian tests the grille and column to determine whether they have moving parts."
The grille is very, very firmly set into the column. There is sufficient space for fingers to pass through, but no more.
<OOC> Ormud says, "Was I able to get to the east side of the structure, where the air was coming from, using the ledge that led east?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Around the first column? Certainly."
After crossing the ledge in the dark to the eastern platform, Ormud called back; "I'm over now. I'm going to look for another grille or column or something over here." He explained in the dark while feeling his way around the platform for what he'd described.
As Ormud continues along the narrow path, squeezing by the first column carefully, he uncovers a second column, 30 ft. from the first, which is probably the location of where the air sound emanated. The column is very similar to the one which Ga'Elian had been feeling, replete with grille. No sound or air movement seems to be coming from here at the moment, though.
Ga'Elian says, "Well, I suppose I cannot adjust this." and heads south seeking another column/grille/etc. and using his quarterstaff to navigate.
<OOC> Ga'Elian +noms you both and thanks Iadoth for running, but prepares to head out in a moment.
<OOC> Ga'Elian needs Bitr.
<OOC> Ormud says, "Thanks for playing man!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "You are at the south wall; the column is set into it. If you head east, you will find the same column that Ormud has just
uncovered."
<OOC> Ga'Elian is at a loss now, for what to do next, but either seek another column besides these three, or probe the middle between them.
Anyway, 'til next time, then.
"I think you're right. One of these things gets activated at a time. There should be... what, two more that we've heard?" He supposed as he set out across the Eastern platform to see if he could uncover another column at the other end of the eastern platform, at the other end of the edge, where it would be if the four were arranged into a rectangle.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Bye, now, and thanks again."
Ga'Elian has disconnected.
<OOC> Iadoth should think about leaving, too.
<OOC> Ormud says, "Thanks for running!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Do you have any questions about the setup so far?"
<OOC> Ormud says, "Nah, I think I'm starting to get it. If one is in the center of the south wall, that means they might be arranged like a star
and there's five of them, I think? But I'll have to look around to figure that out."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "In the south wall, there are three: One next to the west and east corners of the pit, and one in line with the ladder up to
the south platform."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "You've not investigated the north wall yet."
<OOC> Ormud says, "*nodsnodsnods*"
<OOC> Ormud says, "Thanks again!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Welcome! See you next week."
Ormud has disconnected. Ga'Elian has arrived.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hi"
Aya has arrived.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "No, there is no reason why you shouldn't. I was just checking."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I would hope Ormud will come, but I am uncertain. I have not seen him around."
<OOC> Ga'Elian missed the beginning of this conversation.
<OOC> Iadoth was just finishing something I started in NAT20, don't worry.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Does anyone know if Ormud has any alts?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian notes that he may be a bit intermittent at the first.
<OOC> Iadoth has approx. 2.5 hours.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "According to his +finger, Ormud was last on this past Monday."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "He might never have even seen this +event posting."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Yeah, that figures."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Well, nae bother."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I'll give him 15 minutes, then we can get cracking."
<OOC> Iadoth figures there will be no Ormud. Ga'Elian, Aya, you still up for this?
<OOC> Aya is up for anything.
<OOC> Iadoth huzzahs.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Ayup! :)"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Aya, I'm assuming you didn't wade through the enormous amount of text from the previous session. So I will provide a
little catchup."
<OOC> Ga'Elian appreciates that, too.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ormud and Ga'Elian entered the dark room, which is unnaturally dark. After poking around a little, they discover a pit,
and a ladder down into it. This pit is some 20 ft. deep, and features a central core (unassailable) and two platforms, which are 10 ft. high.
They have now exited the pit and are creeping around the outside of the room, finding pillars at 30 ft. intervals on the south wall. These
pillars are smooth and, presumably, extend to the ceiling; they have immovable grills built into them, too."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "And we've been hearig chimes at regular intervals, too."
<OOC> Aya attempts to catch up. "So, down the ladder into the pit, then up to platforms, then out to another room with pillars?
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Every few minutes, you hear a beautiful, sonorous bell chiming overhead, followed a few heartbeats later by a sound
from somewhere on the walls. These sounds have been: Something akin to water between poured into a small container, the sound of
wind passing through a ravine or channel, the click of pebbles on pebbles, and a metallic clanging sound."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "No, Aya, it is the same room. They ascended and descended on different ladders, but out of and into the same room."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I am assuming you stood in the doorway whilst they explored."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "We were probing around like the blind with their canes."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "If I recall correctly, Ga'Elian, you were standing next to the left-hand column on the south wall."
<OOC> Aya ahs. "By unnaturally dark, I assume some sort of magical darkness?"
<OOC> Iadoth does.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yep"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Viz-a-viz the kind engendered by the Deeper Darkness spell. I fiat'ed out the use of sunrods and moonrods, because...
well, because it's more fun without them."
<OOC> Aya says, "They wouldn't work in even normal Drakness, anyhow."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Is that so?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Sunrods do, according to the SRD."
<OOC> Aya says, "Darkness/Deeper Darkness prevent any mundane item from increasing the light level as well as any magical effect of a
spell level that is not higher than that of the darkness spell. So Light doesn't help with Darkness, as Darkness is level 2 and Light is level
1."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Light is a cantrip."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Oh right; so Deeper Darkness presumably works the same."
<OOC> Aya says, "Sorry, cantrip, but same thing applies."
<OOC> Iadoth didn't realise that, so that's good news.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I thought I was being a bad GM."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Anyway!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What's your next move? I assume the darkness has gotten to Ormud, and he's made his excuses."
Aya is not accustomed to darkness actually hindering her, so this is a somewhat novel situation. She remains at the doorway while the others stumble blindly about for a time before asking. "Did you find anything of note?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Kinda like the opposite of what happened in Sunshine, I guess."
Ga'Elian shouts up to the door, "Well, yeah, but I'm not really sure what to do next. We've found the room to be rectangular, with a sunken section and ladders. Long story short, we haven't found the thing yet to put in the slot by the door. <sildanyari>
"I doubt we'll find anything by looking, here," Aya must admit. Maybe painfully. She does finally enter the room fully. Carefully, slowly, and following the echoes of Ga'elian's words. "What about sounds? Smells? Differences in the stone?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ga'Elian?"
Ga'Elian answers, "About that, we didn't smell anything, but we've heard a few chimes followed by elemental noises--water, wind, pebbles, and metal. We also found three pillars here with grilles in them--they don't seem to move. By the way, we used poles to get around without smacking into walls or falling down holes." <sildanyari>
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Sorry, typing, pushing kids to get ready for school, etc." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Nae bother --- just checking." <OOC> Ga'Elian now getting in car to head to office. <OOC> Iadoth nodnods. <OOC> Iadoth banishes Ga'Elian's previous comments to the OOC bucket! <OOC> Ga'Elian is at the office now. <OOC> Iadoth says, "That's short commute!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yep. :)" <OOC> Iadoth thinks Aya is next to pose. <OOC> Iadoth buggrit.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (6): 6
Again the bell chimes, right on cue. A few heartbeats pass, and then the gurgling sound is heard from the grille in the column next to where Ga'Elian stands. The sound is heard clearly throughout the room, which has excellent acoustics, and lasts for a few seconds before ceasing, a slight echo resounding through the room.
<OOC> Iadoth tilts head. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Ga', did you receive that last pose from me?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yes, but on a different device, please repose?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Gurgling, like... something alive?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "No, it's the same sound as you've heard before. As if water is being poured into a small container, perhaps." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Okay."
Ga'Elian asks, "Did you hear that, Aya? we seem to have cycled through the sounds back to the beginning of the pattern--water, and it came from the pillar where I am." <sildanyari>
<OOC> Iadoth will assume Aya has been RL'ed.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So, the 3 pillars are on the same platform? and at the points of a rectangle?"
<OOC> Aya was RL'd, yes.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "WB. :)"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "The 3 pillars are in a line on the south wall of the 'floor level' of the room (i.e. not pit level or pit-platform level). They
are 30 ft. apart. This one is in-line with the south-west corner of the pit, with a very narrow gap between pit (a drop to the south platform,
here) and pillar."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Thanks, so are they at the ends and middle of the wall? or is there more wall to explore? (I'm guessing that there may
be a fourth pillar.)"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "The west-most is 10 ft. or so in from the southwest corner of the room. You've not explored past the east-most yet."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Example: O---------O---------O---------?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Quite so."
Aya turns and tilts her head. "Yes, I heard the chime. It must be the answer, or part of it." She continues her slow (maddeningly so) walk through the darkness and towards the pillar(s). "What was next in the pattern?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "|__--____--____--?????????????"
Ga'Elian feels his way along the wall to the sw corner, then back past the three pillars to what lies beyond--always maintaining contact with the wall.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Note that the columns are not 10 ft. wide, but their centres are in the centre of two squares."
He responds, "Wind."
Past the third column, there is a slight gap of just over a couple of steps --- something like 12.5 ft. --- before you reach a wall running perpendicularly north from your present location. The east wall, nonetheless.
Ga'Elian continues to vocalize for Aya's navigation, saying, "I'm continuing along the wall past the three pillars, and found... another wall turning towards the North." I continue walking carefully along the northward-going wall, if there is still floor upon which to tread.
There is more space to walk here --- if one investigates to the west, there is always 15 ft. from the east wall to the eastern edge of the pits. After another 12.5 ft., there is a column, but this one has no grille. After 30 ft., another column, similar to the first, and then a third again, 30 ft. further. Beyond this, another 12.5 ft. north, Ga'Elian reaches a corner, from which a wall extends westerly.
When not speaking, Ga'Elian takes up to quietly sing an old ballad from his tribe about a Sylvanori boy who had been orphaned in his extreme childhood and found and raised by the dryads of an ancient oak. Not loud enough to wreck concentration, nor mask the chimes, but a constant sound for the Mul'niessa to hear so that she may sense his location.
Ga'Elian follows the north wall to the west, probing with his hands.
The north wall is a mirror of the south wall: Three columns, at 30 ft. intervals, each replete with a grille. Predictably, the west wall appears some 90 ft. after leaving the east wall behind.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (3): 3
As Ga'Elian reaches the west wall, there is a chime from overhead, and then a sound from several dozen paces behind, as if wind is whistling through the tight-knit branches of a tree.
Ga'Elian follows the west wall back to the sw corner.
<OOC> Aya is sorry. "Every time I try to pose, I am assaulted by work." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "1-sw-water, 2-ne-wind, 3-..." <OOC> Iadoth says, "How are you counting?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "1-sw-water, 2-ne-wind, 3-__-pebbles, 4-__-metal, then over again... in order of chime soundings, so far observed." <OOC> Ga'Elian notes that the chime comes from aloft, where the element sounds are from this level.
The west wall is almost a mirror of the east wall, but features the doorway in place of the middle column, where Aya still stands. There are two chunky square marble columns extending upwards at either side of the door way, presumably to the ceiling.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ah. There have been two windy sounds. One baritone, and one more whistly."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "The whistly one is the NE one. The baritone one... I can't remember if you were tracking it at the time."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Oh! I think you were. That one was from the south, central column."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "and came before the pebbles?"
<OOC> Iadoth nods...
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I think"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Yes, that's right."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So then: 1-sw-water, 2-ne-whistling wind, 3-s-baritone wind, 4-__-pebbles, 5-__-metal?"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "That's right."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "You've explored the whole room, and have discovered six columns with grilles, some of which you can connect to
sounds that come through in response to a chime from the ceiling."
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (3): 3
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "But only 5 sounds, so one column isn't associated with a sound?"
Again chimes the beautiful overhead bell, followed this time by the whistling sound from the northeasterly column again.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Not as far as you know." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Where is that one? Or I don't know which of three it is, I suppose." <OOC> Iadoth agrees with that assessment.
Ga'Elian heads to stand at the north central column.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Just out of interest, are you going east first or north first?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "North past door, then east." <OOC> Iadoth nodnods.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (4): 4
Another one of the chime period passes, before the bell rings again from on high. From directly south, Ga'Elian would hear the baritone wind sound from the southerly column.
<OOC> Iadoth smiles.
Ga'Elian tries to feel round the grille on the north-central column again, looking for hinges, latches, keyholes, or any other features that might open or move it, or even how it adheres to the pillar (screws, welding, etc.)
Ga'Elian also stops singing, and presses his ear to listen at the grille for a few seconds.
There are no obvious features on how one might remove the grill. It may have been set magickally into the marble column, or perhaps just by expert hands --- sufficiently advanced technology being indistinguishable from magic, and all that. Even Ga'Elian's sharp sil ears don't pick up any sound this time.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (5): 5
Another one of the chime period passes, before the bell rings again from on high. From directly south, Ga'Elian would hear the baritone wind sound from the southerly column.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "The one from before should have been the clicking pebbles, from the south-easterly column. Sorry about that."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "NP, so the metal is either NW or N, and the other has no sound, except possibly the chime, but if that is true, the chime
is at the top of it."
<OOC> Iadoth gives some affirmation to that.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What are you going to do?"
Ga'Elian pulls the 5 ft quarterstaff again from his 60cm quiver, and uses it to probe upward along the north-central column.
Insofar as the quarterstaff extended at full arm height can tell you, the column continues upwards at least 10 ft. One could assume it extends to the ceiling, but then again, one makes an ass of oneself and others when one assumes.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (4): 4
The probing takes some time, and the bell rings from above, in the centre of the room. Way above where the quarterstaff had probed, that's for sure. The noise this time is the click of pebble-on-pebble, from the southeasterly column on the south wall.
<OOC> Ga'Elian needs Bitr's advice. <OOC> Iadoth assumes the role of Bitr.
Ga'Elian waits for the metal clicking to happen again, to tell which pillar it emanates from, but in the meantime wonders aloud, "So, we went down the ladder, and found nothing there except a couple of mid-height platforms, that were empty, too." He rubs his chin in thought.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "You found that central core, too."
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (2): 2
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yes, with no doors, ladders or any other features."
At the next chime period, the bell rings on cue, followed by a loud slapping sound, as if leather or flesh were striking leather or flesh with a little force. The noise emanates from the column by which Ga'Elian stands.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "That's correct." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "A new sound!" <OOC> Iadoth nods! <OOC> Iadoth says, "From right next to you!" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Are you going to carry on waiting for the sounds?"
Having now figured out the pillars' sounds, but still finding no mechanism, he steps carefully to the downward ledge and tries to reach the core walls with his quarterstaff.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Are you stepping down from the ground level to the minus 10 ft. level?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "If you are, I'll need an Acrobatics roll to avoid taking damage." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "No. Standing at the edge, reaching out with staff to try and probe the core walls." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "at this height." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Oh."
The quarterstaff extends into space, and you can work out that the central core probably doesn't extend outwards as it extends upwards. You would think, from your explorations of the lower region, that it's at least four paces away from the upper edge of the platform.
<OOC> Ga'Elian is really grasping at straws here, trying any last-ditch thing he I can think of.
<OOC> Iadoth considers throwing a lifeline, but wonders if Aya has any input. Is also aware Aya might be RL'ed.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "It's a slightly tricky puzzle. Azog pointed out that puzzles are either too easy, or too difficult. I may have pitched this too
hard."
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (1): 1
Ga'Elian drops to his knees, and offers, "Oh great Eluna, Huntress that Sings in the Skies of Ea, please hear me and illuminate my path as with the shafts of moonlight that lightens the dark night." <sildanyari>
The pair wait four more chime periods whilst puzzling out their surroundings. The bell chimes each time, clearly and sonorously, from on high. The four sounds that come back are two gurgling water sounds from southwest, the whistling from the northeast, and, at least, the clang of metal on metal from the northwest column.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "If in doubt, pray." <OOC> Ga'Elian nods. Ga'Elian has experienced an Eluna-inspired dream-vision as he came of age in his tribal lands. <OOC> Iadoth must depart work and head home. I will GM on my way home, but I will not have all my notes. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Okay we're good to go." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "WB." <OOC> Iadoth pokes Aya. <OOC> Iadoth says, "So twenty-five minutes until I'm home."
Ga'Elian says, "Okay. Let me try something else." He returns to the north central pillar and slaps the grille with his hand. <sildanyari>
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Nice try ." <OOC> Ga'Elian momentarily considered pissing on the southwest column, but...
There is no response from the northerly column. Instead, the clang of metal on metal is repeated from the northwest column.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Done." <OOC> Ga'Elian :/
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Wisdom: (14)+3: 17
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Huh?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Maybe my character is more clever than his player." <OOC> Iadoth says, "What are you doing" <OOC> Iadoth says, "This rain is bugging me."
Ga'Elian stands there, trying to puzzle out all his observations of this room, trying to perceive the overall solution.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I got the roll but Not the context. Ab, thanks."
Ga'Elian considers that he struck one column, and elicited a response from the original column that sounded, without a a chime from the bell.
As the new realization strike him, Ga'Elian heads to the NW column and smacks the grille with the flat of his dagger.
The sound of metal on metal resounds through the room, and is echoed too by the column itself, followed in short order by the overhead chime.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (3): 3
A few moments later, the chime from overhead sounds again, followed by the soprano wind noise from the northeast column.
Ga'Elian heads to the NE pillar and whistles a high, loud note, as if hailing a taxicab.
The sound is repeated by the column, and then the chime rings on high.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (1): 1
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Done that one."
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (5): 5
The chime again, then the baritone wind of the southern column.
Ga'Elian continues south, and takes his pouch of sling bullets in hand, shaking it vigorously by the grille.
<OOC> Iadoth arrives home. Will stay connected.
Aya has disconnected.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Did you see my post about shaking the pouch of sling bullets next to the SE coulmn's grille?" <OOC> Ga'Elian AFKs for a moment. I'm really hoping to conclude the ear room, if we're CLOSE. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hello?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "I am kinda here."
When Ga'Elian shakes the bag near the southeast column, there is no response, but the southern column plays its note again.
<OOC> Ga'Elian tries to sprint to the finish line. :]
Ga'Elian similarly goes to the s-central column and makes a low-toned exhalation by the grill, then... over to the SW and takes his vial of holy water, shaking it in front oh that grille.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "... in front oF that grille." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Well, I have a plot I'm scheduled to run in an hour. Can't stay. Thanks, Iad." <OOC> Iadoth rawr. <OOC> Ga'Elian boing.
Ga'Elian had just finished groping his way to each of the six pillars around the chamber, using whatever he had available to reproduce the sound that comes from each, directly in front of their respective grilles.
Bitr has connected.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Whoa!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "That was unexpected."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Hello Bitey One!"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Heya. *grin*"
<OOC> Bitr crawls from her grave. RAAR! :D
<OOC> Bitr says, "Yes! Hello there! It is a new week and I am no longer dying to children's illnesses!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Well, that's good news"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Weirdly that makes me feel better too."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Also, I'd freel really bad about missing Friday's run, buuuut I also was pretty sure I was watching the walls melt due to the
cocktail of death-to-bugs medication I was on. :O So I'm not sure it would have been a good time to play."
<OOC> Bitr did get the day off! Bonus! ... Not sure how long I was loopy! Negative!
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Hmm?"
<OOC> Bitr says, "So what did you guys find so far in the ear room!"
<OOC> Bitr says, "Also, welcome back, Ia!"
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ahh."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Hello."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Door level: rectangular wall with 3 columns on north wall, 3 more on south wall. All have a grille on them. Every so
often a chime rings from high overhead followed by a sound from a random grille. NW-striking metal plates, N-slapping as of leather on
leather, NE-a soprano wind, SE-pebbles knocking about, S-a baritone wind, SE-gurgling like water..."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Oooo. Has anyone tried to climb up in the pitch black darkness?"
<OOC> Bitr says, "Otherwise, I think I'll try that stupid path to assured self hurt. :3"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "the center of the room is 20 ft down, accessible with ladders, with a high plain-walled rectangular center, and a couple
other ladders leading up from the bottom to bare platforms 10 ft above the bottom but below the door level."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "climb? no, but I tried how far I could reach with my quarterstaff, and they're > 10 ft high."
<OOC> Ga'Elian had just finished groping his way to each of the six pillars around the chamber, using whatever he had available to reproduce
the sound that comes from each, directly in front of their respective grilles.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "When I would make a sound by a particular grille, the room would make one of the sounds back, but without the
chiming from above."
Aya has arrived.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hey, Aya." <OOC> Iadoth re-issues the last few poses.
The chime again, then the baritone wind of the southern column.
Ga'Elian continues south, and takes his pouch of sling bullets in hand, shaking it vigorously by the grille.
When Ga'Elian shakes the bag near the southeast column, there is no response, but the southern column plays its note again.
Ga'Elian similarly goes to the s-central column and makes a low-toned exhalation by the grill, then... over to the SW and takes his vial of holy water, shaking it in front oh that grille.
<OOC> Iadoth now issues new responses.
Once Ga'Elian sings a low note into the grille, the note is repeated, followed by an overhead chime.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (4): 4
<OOC> Aya is here, but may be claimed by RL at any time, to warn.
Ga'Elian's shaking of the holy water is interrupted by the overhead chime, followed a few moments later by the pebble noise from the east of the sylvanori.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What's next, Ga'?"
Ga'Elian says, "Huh."
Aya watches... or, rather, listens as Ga'elian makes his rounds to several of the pillars. The chime seems to be an indication of some success, but there are no signs of instant gratification. "What did you learn?" she asks of him, between the active soundings of the columns.
Ga'Elian says, "Can either of you figure this out? I have exhausted mine ideas, and still know not what to do."
Aya pages: Is there any loose stone or debris here? Possibly on the floor and discernible by walking on it?>
You paged Aya with 'No, the floor is solid and sound flagstones.'
"Only that they seem to respond to the same." Aya moves for the eastern pillar and the sounds of falling stones. A thought strikes and she toes the floor, but the flagstones seem solid. "Do either of you happen to-" a pause and minor epiphany. "Little one, do you carry a sling?" She isn't sure where Bitr manages to get to, but she might be around somewhere in the dark.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Oh! HEY!" <OOC> Bitr says, "We're back!" <OOC> Bitr says, "Oh. Oh, no. That was Iadoth reissuing poses. :3" <OOC> Iadoth says, "There's a bunch more stuff since then, but nothing too exciting :D" <OOC> Bitr giggles. Okay! So. <OOC> Bitr says, "When they manage to mimic the sounds coming from the pillars, they get a good chime?" <OOC> Iadoth nods. <OOC> Bitr heee!
Ga'Elian says, "I carry a sling."
<OOC> Bitr does too! For those times that I can't quite reach a thing I want to bite. Also for annoying birds. <OOC> Bitr says, "Let's see." <OOC> Bitr says, "Striking metal plates? If I can borrow someone else's weapon, we can have a blind sword slap fight!" <OOC> Bitr says, "Slapping leather on leather. Um.... blind sling slap fight." <OOC> Bitr says, "Or I guess I could just strip off my leathers and slap them together. It's not like anyone could see me in there." <OOC> Bitr says, "Pebbles, well, we've got nature thing back in the other room. Gurgling like water... hm. Water skins!" <OOC> Bitr says, "Or something more horrible." <OOC> Bitr says, "Soprano and baritone winds is the tough one. That means someone with musical ability." <OOC> Ga'Elian already did such things. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Don't worry about musical ability."
"For this one," Aya calls from near the pillar of falling pebbles, "a handful of sling stones, dropped, may appease it."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "That was supposed to be ooc" <OOC> Iadoth nodnods.
Ga'Elian says, "Oh, certainly."
<OOC> Bitr thumbs up. So, which ones have we -not- gotten chimes from? <OOC> Iadoth is trying to work that out. <OOC> Iadoth says, "But maybe Ga'Elian has a better grasp on that than my flu-addled brain." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hasn't kept track of that." <OOC> Bitr grins! Here's hoping it's the singing tone one. Then I can totally show off my utter lack of performance and screech. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Do eet!" <OOC> Bitr can just see it now. "Bitr. Bitr, no. No, Biter. Stop it. Bitr. BIT-someone grab her." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Right, you've done the baritone column (south central), metallic clang (north west), and soprano whistle (north east)." <OOC> Iadoth says, "So, you have the leathery sound (north central), the clicking pebbles (south east) and the watery sound (south west)." <OOC> Iadoth says, "The current is the clicking pebbles." <OOC> Bitr will go drink a lot of water and make the watery sounds for the SW pillar then, when we next play. :O <OOC> Bitr says, ".. Okay, that sounded bad, but what I meant was by spitting the water out." <OOC> Iadoth laughs. <OOC> Iadoth says, "I will repeat it for the record now that it sounds like water being poured into a small container." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Thanks. In my frustration, I had considered pissing on the southwest column." <OOC> Bitr says, "Oooh." <OOC> Bitr says, "Small wooden container, or just the 'wooOOOOP' sound of something filling up?" <OOC> Ga'Elian notes Bitr is not on the RPThree com channel.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (4): 4
There has been a pause of a few minutes since the last chime, and so the bell goes off overhead, ringing beautifully throughout the hallowed space. A few heartbeats later, the clicking, pebbly sound is heard again from the column by which Aya stands.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "I have previously described this sound as if of two small stones clicking together, in case you hadn't seen that before." <OOC> Bitr says, "Gotcha." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Why am I being given a break?"
Ga'Elian uses his hands to guide him along the south wall back to Aya and the pebble pillar, then takes a couple stones from his pouch of sling ammunition and strikes them against each other in his hand.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Flu!" <OOC> Bitr says, "Didn't know I was wrong! :D" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Hey, nae bother."
The clicking sound is repeated after Ga'Elian clicks the stones together, and then the bell chimes overhead.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (1): 1 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (6): 6
After a few moments, the bell chimes again, followed by the watery sound from the south-eastern column.
<OOC> Ga'Elian notes, for Bitr's benefit that the door is in the west wall.
The halfling barbarian Bitr - quite pleased with herself for how the ligth show turned out - remained in the 'light room' for quite a bit longer after everyone left. Mostly so she can kick the empty nests in annoyance and plot some form of revenge against the point eared small folk who plopped the bare creations upon her time and time again.
Pebbles in the shoe, perhaps.
Gathering up a few small pebbles and dumping them into the small leather pouch at her hip, the 'tiniest giant' heads towards the dark room. And stops within the first foot.
"By mine father's grey whiskers, what mask is this? Mine eyes are naught but emptied." A dark frown. "Be ye others among this miasma? And what be yon flow - another river?"
Ga'Elian says, "Ah. Good." and heads north the west to the north central column. As Bitr's voice appears, he says, "Hast thou any water? If thou wilt feel along the wall to thine right, thou wilt find a column on the south wall near the corner. It needeth that someone should make the sound of water pouring into a small container near the column." Once he reaches the north central column, he removes the leather belt from his waist, and folds it over double, then snaps it against itself.
At the sound of the leather slapping on leather, the gurgling sound from the southwest column is repeated.
<OOC> Ga'Elian +noms everybody. <OOC> Iadoth does likewise. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Did you get my last pose, Ga'Elian?"
"Aye, water on mine person and amongst mine person."
States Bitr with a bit of disgust, still soaked from her time climbing about the river and climbing up the bars of the river. Frowning once more into the empty darkness, Bitr turns her head southward. Blind, she can't even really tell if she turned far enough save by looking over her right shoulder. "But 'tis a sound of a skin feeling, mine ears think, rather than water splattering. I have mine water skin - give me yours as well, and I will fetch another drink."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "And, indeed, Bitr and Aya." <OOC> Bitr did! <OOC> Bitr says, "Ahem. But 'tis the sound of a skin filling -- not feeling" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yes, was awaiting Bitr or Aya. :)" <OOC> Iadoth thinks Aya may be RL'ed. <OOC> Ga'Elian nods. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Lovely."
Ga'Elian puts his belt back on, then continues west, the south after Bitr.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (4): 4 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (4): 4 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (6): 6
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "... west, theN south..."
There has been a sufficient pause in proceedings. A chime, then, sounds overhead, and the watery sound is repeated from the southwest column.
Bitr waits in the dark, fiddling with her water skin. Then - in utter annoyance - uncorks the top of the kidney shaped sling, before filling her cheeks full to bulging. And then letting it trickle back out into the skin. Bluuuurgh. Maybe it's enough.
The watery sound is repeated, followed by a chime overhead. There is a longer pause than usual, and then a second chime sounds, followed this time by the slapping sound from the north central column.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Swish and spit for the win." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Usually works." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So, the leathery slapping isn't resolved yet?" <OOC> Bitr says, "Gotta do them in order! Like a key turning!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Perhaps I should have waited." <OOC> Bitr says, "Go back and slap your leathers. :O" <OOC> Bitr says, "Slap them good!" <OOC> Iadoth bwahaha.
Ga'Elian returns to the north central pillar and slaps his belt against itself again, aa before.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "or aS before, even."
The slapping sound is repeated, and the bell chimes once overhead.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (5): 5
<OOC> Bitr totally applies to be Iadoth's suitor, having no idea what suitor actually means ICly. "Aye! I suit thee well! For I, too, am a fan of
running wild and shooting horses!"
<OOC> Ga'Elian stays away from that last ^^^^.
After a short pause, the overhead chime rings /twice/. It is followed first by the soprano wind sound, and second by the baritone wind sound, from the north-east and south central columns respectively.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Oh god. We're playing bob-it in the dark with a mad wizard's maze." <OOC> Iadoth laughs. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Am I the mad wizard?" <OOC> Bitr says, "Whistle it! Now slap it! Now spit it! Good! ChimeChimeChime." <OOC> Bitr says, "Yes."
Ga'Elian tries to mimic the wind sounds by whistling the two notes.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Where are you standing, Ga'Elian?" <OOC> Ga'Elian is still at north central, but facing the core of the room.
On the whistling of the two notes, they are repeated, in the same order, without an overhead chime.
<OOC> Ga'Elian is not whistling softly, but like hailing a cab. <OOC> Iadoth nods. "It stands, though." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "There are no other sounds, or vibrations? like mechanical movement anywhere?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Newp."
The halfling claps her hands over her ears, squinting into the darkness before she speaks. "Curse thy pipes, daft small-ling! Thy winds are not trying to catch thee a mate from the trees. Be crafty, like mine own self, and stand afixed to the ... " She pauses in the blindness. ".. hole from which thy sound issues. We'll catch this mad maze yet."
Having said her part, she goes blindly towards where the soprano sound came from, cussing softly.
<OOC> Bitr is heading for the column the soprano tune came from!
Ga'Elian heads around the room (by the west) to the south central column.
<OOC> Ga'Elian notes that the soprano whistle was at the northeast column. <OOC> Bitr nods. <OOC> Iadoth says, "What's next?"
The halfling pauses once she reaches her northeast corner, and whispers over her shoulder to the darkness. "Be thee ready?" Yay or nay, she'll clear her throat and due her best to 'la' it up in a high voice. Which isn't hard, being both female and halfling, but she's spent most of her life talking in a gruff down octave, so we'll see!
Ga'Elian replies, "When thou art ready, whistle thou the high note, and I shall follow with the low note here."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Shall I roll, FluDoth, to see how horrible this is? :D" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "La works, too." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "What side were the downward ladders on?" <OOC> Bitr says, "(Ladders?)" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Down the 20 ft to the lower level." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Don't trouble about the rolls. The ladders are on the west side." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "And the 10 ft offset platforms?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "On the north and south, at the base of the bit, and inline with the central columns." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Base of the Pit." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Are you going to do the whistling?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Thanks. Yes. Bitr?" <OOC> Bitr says, "Yep!" <OOC> Bitr says, "Also, of all the times to need a bard with ghost sound, eh?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Oh, yeah." <OOC> Iadoth laughs. Bards!
Immediately after Bitr make her high-pitched sound, Ga'Elian makes his low sound.
The sounds are repeated, and then a single chime sounds from overhead.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d4: (2): 2 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d4: (1): 1
Two more chimes sound from overhead. This time, the slapping sound is followed by the metallic sound, from the north central and northwest columns.
Sighing in bitter (Bitr?) annoyance, the halfling growls. "What be we, two playthings in yon mad wizard's game of echo-me-not? Pfah!... I'll take yon leathery sound." So stating, the halfling begins blindly stumbling her way towards the north column.
Ga'Elian calls out, "Just what I had in mind." and heads west then north to the nw column
Bitr pauses when she reaches her column, and calls aside. "Ahoy, point ear; Can thy small-lings eyes pierce this gloom, or be ye as blind as me?"
Ga'Elian responds, "Nay. I see not, but what is more, neither doth Aya see in this darkness." He draws his dagger.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ready?"
"Good."
Comes the only response, followed by a faint squelch and soft cussing as the halfling struggles out of her leathered top - which means putting her broken sword aside. Grumbling to herself as she holds it up, before she asides. "Prepare they noise!" .. And then slaps the wet leather against itself.
Straightway thereafter, Ga'Elian smacks the NW column's grille with the flat of his dagger.
The sounds are echoed by the columns, and so the bell chimes overhead once more.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d2: (2): 2
The bell chimes twice overhead, and this time the watery sound, followed by the clicking sound, are issued by the southwest and southeast columns respectively.
Ga'Elian says, "Bitr, hast thou still enough water about thee to make it heard? I can return across to the pebble pillar if thou wilt return to that which thou first did visit."
Bitr is grumbling, struggling to get her squelching leathers back over her top again when the two noises go off. Snorting softly. "Ah! Joyous! Another set to fulfill in this jiggery. Mine thoughts turn, perhaps, to climbing these blind corners to yon cheerful bell and striking it flat with the palm of mine hand. I'll give it a lesson in jingling."
Snort. ".. I've the water sounds, aye. A swallow and a spit is naught but easy to do."
<OOC> Iadoth laughs. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Let me know when you're ready to go with that."
Ga'Elian heads to the opposite corner, sheathing his dagger and grabbing out a couple of stones again.
Still muttering her aggravation, the halfling returns to her own column, swishing the skin back and forth before removing the cork. Mmm, backwash! "Be ye ready?" She'll call, before the faint glugging sound of her chugging cheeks full. Followed by the trickle out to the skin again. Bluuuuurgh.
Ga'Elian responds, "Whenever thou art."
As the sound of the chipping stones fades away, the gurgle and the clicking are repeated, followed by a single chime from overhead.
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d6: (2): 2 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d5: (4): 4 GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d4: (1): 1
From overhead, there are three chimes, followed by the clapping sound from the north central column, the low baritone note from the south central column, and the clanging sound from the northwest column.
Ga'Elian grumbles, "This groweth tiresome. Which wouldst thou do, Bitr?"
"GRAAH!"
Shouts Bitr, kicking the stone blindly before her. "A pox on thy riddles! A baldness on thy head! Patchy be thy whiskers, sour be thy belly! I'll find thy curator of this madness and take his ears for mine WALLS!"
Panting slowly, her temper tantrum still simmering, Bitr spits to the side. "Mine for the clapping. I've naught but one metal weapon on me."
<OOC> Iadoth laughs. <OOC> Iadoth says, "I promise this is the last." <OOC> Bitr says, "Aww. :D" <OOC> Bitr likes throwing tantrums. <OOC> Iadoth says, "I'm about to leave work, but I'll finish this on the way home, probably." <OOC> Bitr thumbs up. <OOC> Iadoth says, "Pose up when you're ready; I'll get going in a mo." <OOC> Bitr thumbs up. PRobably gonna go - Ga, me to clapping, Ga moving back around and striking metal on metal again? <OOC> Iadoth smiles.
Ga'Elian calls out, "Then I shall follow thee with the low whistle. Perhaps Aya can smack the metal plate with some object of hers? Or I can head over there after whistling here."
<OOC> Bitr says, "doesn't seem to be a timer on it as long as we get it before the single 'chim'e' of th etimer restarting." <OOC> Ga'Elian nods.
Ga'Elian stows his sling stones and takes position at the south central pillar.
"Aye, 'tis a good plan. .."
A pause. ".. Hast thine ears caught wind of Aya for a while?" Another listen, before the halfling snarls. "Fie on it. Make thy noise, I'll follow with mine clap, then work thy way quickly about to bang thy metal. If it ne'ers works, I'll kick the accursed stone in and yank all the strings."
And then she's ready to clap when Ga makes his first noise.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Insofar as you know, Bitr, insofar as you know."
Ga'Elian says, "Methought the slap was first, then the whistle and finally the metal."
<OOC> Iadoth can't check backlog for now, so... <OOC> Bitr will check! <OOC> Iadoth says, "Yes, that's right then."
"Be it?"
Bitr blinks blindly, then shrugs in annoyance. "Maybe. Maybe. Mine head is afired with the need to gut some worthless minstrel who thought this amusing." Snorting, then, Bitr speaks. "Ready?"
... Clap Clap Clap.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "What's your base speed, Ga'?" <OOC> Bitr says, "That's always a great question for the DM to ask. Totally innocent. :D" <OOC> Bitr says, "Nothing to worry about at all~" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Yeah, It's like: Bitr, what's your touch AAC?" <OOC> Bitr says, "While angry, or WITHOUT anger? :D" <OOC> Iadoth giggles. <OOC> Bitr is very easy to touch when she's angry! :3 ... <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "30 ft" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Okay." <OOC> Bitr says, "(Mine too!)" <OOC> Iadoth says, "You guys ready then?" <OOC> Bitr says, "Yeah! Bring on the blindsight minotaur!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yes. Am I racing from S to NW or are we spoofing Aya taking the NW?" <OOC> Iadoth says, "Crikey. I hope i never encounter one of those." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Whatever you like, I don't mind." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Let's spoof Aya, then." <OOC> Iadoth says, "Goforit!" <OOC> Bitr oh noooo, meeting time. :O I haaaave five minutes left! <OOC> Iadoth says, "Okay." <OOC> Bitr says, "And then I'll be back again after that." <OOC> Iadoth will be done by then. <OOC> Bitr thumbs up.
Ga'Elian whistles low just after the sound of Bitr's leather-slap, then Aya smacks the NW grille with a piece of metal.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Posed out of order in the interests of RL time."
As the sounds made by the adventurers fade away, they are repeated again by the columns, and the bell chimes overhead. Then, there is a long, sustained rushing sound of water from the lower pit. After a minute, it ends suddenly, the echoes fading over time.
<OOC> Ga'Elian still can't see, huh?
<OOC> Iadoth newp.
<OOC> Bitr says, "All yours, Gae! I gotta go sit down and let people talk at me for thirty minutes until I say 'not my department' and go back
to my desk!"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Thanks."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Thanks Bitey."
<OOC> Aya apologizes, but won't be able to resume any time soon.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "No worries."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Ga'?"
Ga'Elian heads over to the west, and feels around for the armor he has previously deposited on the floor. Once he finds it, he strips off and leaves everything together there and heads to the south downward ladder, and down it to the water.
The water is only inches below the floor level here. It is cool, still and fresh.
<OOC> Iadoth will arrive home shortly.
Once he realizes how high the water is, he jumps in and tries to find the core wall.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls athletics: (4)+7: 11
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Thanks!"
The sil quickly swims to the central core and finds it slightly higher than floor level, with dozens of holes in the stonework. Hauling himself up, he will find a small altar, and atop, what feels like a conch shell, ribbed on the outside, smooth within.
<OOC> Iadoth is outta time! <OOC> Iadoth stays connected for the log. <OOC> Iadoth may respond shortly.
Ga'Elian retrieves the shell, holds it while returning through the water, tells the others, grabs his stuff and carries it all back through the door, dripping wet. Once everyone is out, he puts the shell in the receptacle, then gets dressed again, including armor and shield.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So far that's two rooms where I've had to get in water. *snerk*" <OOC> Ga'Elian supposes he should have sounded a blast on the shell in the room. Am happy to insert that above. <OOC> Ga'Elian doesn't know what perform skill that is, so will roll Charisma instead.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Charisma: (6)+1: 7
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "meh" <OOC> Iadoth returns,sorry. <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "NP" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So, did you see my poses and ooc comments since you got home?"
As before, a cover slides down, covering the niche. There is a sound of the conch dropping behind the cover. That just leaves the hand niche unoccupied.
<OOC> Iadoth saw everything up to 'meh' after you rolled Cha.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Nice. That was all. Is curious whether to try the hand trap now (leaving the room for next time) or to wait on the trap,
too."
<OOC> Ga'Elian could roll perception to find the thing, then disable device to try to bypass it.
<OOC> Aya returns, if briefly.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "We're done with and out of the ear room. I wouldn't mind springing the hand trap before concluding, but that's up to
Iadoth."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "You did set us on the right path, Aya. Thanks."
<OOC> Aya tried.
<OOC> Ga'Elian is still 1,550 XP short of 5th level.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Heeeyo!"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "WB. We're done with the ear room."
<OOC> Bitr says, "I read that! You found a conch!"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Yep."
<OOC> Iadoth can do the hand trap, but lacks notes.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Oo. Tempting, tempting anyways! How much can you remember, Fludoth?"
<OOC> Iadoth thinks he has everything.
Ga'Elian says, "Well, now that that is over, I believe there is likely to be a trap somewhere before that door." He points over at the door with the hand symbol. He approaches cautiously, using all his senses.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls perception: (5)+17: 22
The trap is there, alright: A set of slightly raised tiles act as a trigger. There's a hole in the hand symbol above the final door, and you can surmise that the tip protruding from said hole is likely to be something sharp to be hurled at you.
Bitr is waiting for Ga'Elian when he exits the sound room, still muttering to herself as she wrings out her leathers. Not for any sort of fashion sense, but because wet leather chaffs very uncomfortable places. Even battle hardened creatures of chaos with callouses galore can get raw! She squints up at the shell as its slotted into place, and snorts. "A fine trophy for a miserable pack of riddles, thy find is. For mineself, I prefer the room with waters and rivers."
And then she eyes the hand door. "Oh, aye? .. Kick it aside, says I!"
<OOC> Iadoth will accept one of two approaches: trigger the trap, or Disable Device. <OOC> Ga'Elian attempts to disable, but also to stay out of the apparent line of fire.
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Disable Device: (6)+2: 8
<OOC> Bitr says, "YOUR FAILURE DOOMS US" <OOC> Iadoth says, "That's a spectacular failure." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "I aim to please." <OOC> Iadoth says, "What's your AC?" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "18" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "I mean 19"
GAME: Iadoth rolls 1d20+10: (4)+10: 14
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Bah." <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Wheh!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Or even Whew!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "So it strikes my armor, then?"
Ga'Elian's clumsy attempt to disconnect trigger from dart results in the inadvertent springing of the trap. The dart sallies forth and strikes his armour, but is deflected. When it lands, you notice the purple liquid on its tip, which even a novice might recognise as a poison.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Either or. AC can be dodging or armor-ness!" <OOC> Bitr says, "Since both add to it!" <OOC> Ga'Elian says, "This works."
Bitr jerks back when the arrow comes off, then squats down on her heels to pick it up by the haft. Squinting at the purple muck along the tip, before grinning toothily up. "Aye, and yon door cared to give thee a kiss, Master Arrowcatcher." She chuckles, and slides it (point down) into her pouch. Never waste a good bit of metal! Or poison.
"Well, thy stumbling earned the door - crack it open!"
Ga'Elian ducks momentarily in a reflexive reaction to being pinged by the dart's glancing strike. He grins sheepishly at the small giant, then rises to his feet.
<OOC> Ga'Elian supposes we should leave the room until another +event.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Give Aya and them a chance?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Certainly."
<OOC> Ga'Elian kinda wonders what the poison would do.
<OOC> Bitr can stab you with it?
<OOC> Bitr :3
<OOC> Ga'Elian will pass, thanks.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "It's Purple Worm Poison. Dex damage, some hp damage."
<OOC> Bitr shall find a purple worm and stab them! To see what happens.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Nice."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Oo, nasty. DEX damage in a maze designed around touch."
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Yup!"
<OOC> Iadoth needs to work out the details of the last room.
<OOC> Bitr says, "You'd be more less like a bull in a china shop so much as a drunken three headed dire bull in a gnomish china shop filled
with explosives for inexplicable reasons."
<OOC> Bitr says, "OR perhaps the reasons are because it's gnomish."
<OOC> Aya says, "In a room focused on touch, acid covering every surface would be rather insidious."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Ouch."
<OOC> Bitr can't wait until she gets DR. "The walls are acid. What do you do?" "TOUCH ALL THE THINGS AT ONCE"
<OOC> Ga'Elian roars.
<OOC> Aya says, "DR doesn't protect against that, unfortunately."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Aw."
<OOC> Bitr says, ".. That'd still be my answer, though."
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "energy resistance/acid #"
<OOC> Bitr says, "That one hurt! Maybe this one..? NOPE. HURTS. Maybe the first one stopped hur-OH GOD IT HURTS EVEN WORSE THE
SECOND TIME"
<OOC> Aya allows Bitr the honor and glory by strapping her to her own feet to skate across the floor.
<OOC> Bitr says, "All problems can be solved by throwing a Bitr at them. This is a universal truth."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Even if that problem is 'giant angry monster'. At the very least, I'm a good delay tactic while everyone else runs away."
<OOC> Ga'Elian calls the magic item emporium for speedy delivery of winged boots.
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Thanks again for running, Iadoth."
<OOC> Bitr says, "Crazy Hazeem's Gently Used Emporium Of Adventuring Supplies? Not gonna lie - it's all from dead adventurers."
<OOC> Bitr imagines some fellow whistling a tune as he occasionally swings by mazes and death traps, poking items loose from gears with a
broom or nabbing them ou tof gently bubbling acid pools.
<OOC> Bitr says, "Yes, thanks all around, Fludoth"
<OOC> Ga'Elian waves.
<OOC> Iadoth says, "Thanks Aya."