Trial by Fire - IC Thread

[Sherwood]

The Curator nods. "Of course. Please, follow me." With that, he turns and leads you out of the hearthroom through several rooms until you come to a circular set of stairs leading both up and down. The strange spirit-like figure leads you down one floor until you are at the bottom of the manor house. A thin layer of dust on the floor shows that no one has come this way in a very long time. At this point, the Curator says, "There are a total of twelve tombs down here, but only nine are occupied. Two of the Exalts left before they passed on, and there was no one left to seal up the body of Kal Bax after that. I cannot help you explore the tombs; my orders prevent that. But I will not stop you from looking at them."

 

[D. Rex]

Bard pursued his lips, "That doesnt sound like you have been holding to what you promised very well. But I suppose that is only fair. Especially if that Smelly Kal Backside tricked you." He said with a grin.

"But I am sure we can send you back. We just so happen to know a sorcerer. I'm sure we can find a way to send you back much more reliably than a keystone. After all... if Kal Bax was as crafty as you say... then the keystone could very well be a trap."

Curling his mustache. He thought for a moment. "You have worked hard here. Built your own community up. Do you really wish to throw it all away, Queen Corr'dal? With us here, maybe we can make this area more to your liking. Perhaps even let you stay in the manor. Maybe even change the terms of your service to make things more amenable. One thing I can promise, is that things are about to get a lot more interesting in the world."

 

[Sherwood]

This seems to get through to the imps in a way that you had not before. U'awa blinks a few times, looks up at Corr'Dal and is silent for a long time as the two trade looks. Then, Corr'Dal looks up at Bard, and motions to U'awa to talk. He says, "You have gotten the attention of our queen. What exactly do you propose? Are you suggesting that we stay on willingly, and if so, what do you suggest as the reason for us to do so?"

 

[D. Rex]

Bard nodded and looked directly at the Queen as he spoke. "Willingly, yes. In a contract that you have a say in when it ends, rather than endless servitude. A contract that we renew under as many years as we agree on and make changes accordingly during that event. As well you can decide to stay in service, or leave for Malfeas. In the event the contract day comes and we are not present, you may make that decision on your own. To leave for Malfeas or stay. This way, you will not be stuck here forever. And maybe we can throw in the option of letting the homesick return to Malfeas."

"But you will not be slaves. As we will see that you recieve as well. I'm can sure we can see about getting provisions to you. Materials. Cloth. Luxuries. I do not know how much I can promise yet, but any in our service, we wish to see prosper. Even you. And I hope to get you the resources to do so."

"Just imagine!" He exclaimed. "If we made trade to the town nearby. You could mine and build and craft. You could sell your goods or use them. The more they prosper. The more you will. Heck! Do well and they may give you offerings like they do for spirits and gods."

"Moreover, this icey wasteland does not have to stay so. Sorcerers can do many things. I am sure we can find a way to warm things up. Get us some green, and flowing water too. Maybe even extend the borders if possible. And if you take care of it, I'm sure it will last."

"As I said about the manor. So long as you treat it respectfully, then I am sure we can allow you entry. I am sure we can find a wing to dedicate to you. I do not know the structure of the place, but at the very least, we can find a room for you and ones for others as well. So long as you provide, the amenities will be open to you. Such as places to enjoy and the kitchens, among others. When you hold festivals, you can do so in the dining hall. And mayhaps we can even share a drink."

"Lastly, as you protect the lands. Our protection will extend to you and those who serve. Take care of us, and we will take care of you."

"You will be expected to serve, yes. You will have duties and responsibilities. Rules, too, as there must be. I must look over the specifics of the contract to know what is to be changed. But know this... in return you are getting a slice of creation in which you can build and live and prosper the likes of which can never be achieved in Malfeas. Where no Demon Lord or hellish predator will take away your gains or hunt you for sport. And any who even think about doing such thing will suffer the wrath of Exalts."

"Work for us, no longer will you be slaves. But a vassal. Wherein we have the responsibility to take care of you, as much as you do us."

 

[Syvvaris]

Thallus followed the group without grabbing the artefact. Once at the lower levels of the manse, "Is there a crypt specific for Kal Bax, or would any of the empty ones do? Also, are there any traps in the crypts." Thallus asked.

 

[Sherwood]

D. Rex Psychie

For the first time, Corr'Dal actually speaks. In a rough croak that signals that it has not used its voice in a very long time, it says, "Honeyed words. Have hear them before. Promises can be made, but we have long been used by those promising to treat us better. What guarantees can you offer us that you will not forget us like the summoners did? Can you speak for all of your companions?"

Thallus followed the group without grabbing the artefact. Once at the lower levels of the manse, "Is there a crypt specific for Kal Bax, or would any of the empty ones do? Also, are there any traps in the crypts." Thallus asked.

The Curator points off in one direction. "Off that way. There is a statue of the Maker standing above where he was going to be laid to rest marking the tomb he had picked out for himself. Yes, there are various traps in the tombs to keep the unwanted away. I cannot control them to turn them off."

 

[Psychie]

Spider looks at the imps with a sad look. "No, we cannot guarantee that the others will accept our promises, but what we can say that our friends are of a similar mindset, and will probably accept any agreement that will help us both out. Your people will benefit from our protection and support, and we will benefit from your protection. A win-win for us all. Why would they not wish to go along with that?"

 

[Sherwood]

U'awa looks surprised that Corr'Dal actually spoke for herself, but quickly recovers his composure. He says, "Noble Bard, Noble Spider, you have given us something that we have not had in a very long time: Hope for the future. We will carefully consider your words and help to escort you to the Fortress where you can speak with your companions about this. If you are true to what you have said, it may be possible for us to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

If there is nothing else that the two of you need to say, you will then be guided out of the hut and on your way to the Invisible Fortress.

 

[D. Rex]

Bard bowed at the Queen, "Take your time." He said with a smile. "There is no risk if your answer is no. Or theirs. For if you wish to return, I shall see you returned to Malfeas even if I must learn the ways of sorcery myself."

With a flourishing turn on his heel, he allowed himself to be escorted out to fortress.

When it was just him and Spider. He looked at her with a grin. "I think that went rather well."

 

[Psychie]

Spider looks over at Bard with a wide smile. Instead of killing them, or banishing them back to Malfias, it looks like we may just have a nice little protection force to keep people away from this Invisible Fortress.

"You certainly do have a slick tongue, my friend! Lets go tell the others what has come of our meeting."

 

[Syvvaris]

"Can you at least tell us where and what kind of traps they are?" Thallus asked.

 

[Sherwood]

"Can you at least tell us where and what kind of traps they are?" Thallus asked.

The Curator shakes its head. "I am sorry, Noble Exalt. I was uninformed as to what kind of traps that were placed on the various tombs. I do advise you to be careful; the original residents of the Fortress were quite . . . paranoid."

 

[jaydude]

Filing away the Curator's lack of knowledge about the traps for later, Kuaidao would enter the crypt with some trepidation, keeping a wary eye open with regard for traps.

[Activating Sensory Acuity Prana for 5m Personal Essence. And using 4m Peripheral Essence for Awareness Excellency. With double 9's, that's 4 successes.]

 

[Random Word]

Maja bounces around happily, putting her paws up on the plinths to examine the animal statues, staring at her reflection in the black mirrors, and studying the heroic statues. She commits it all to her now-perfected memory as she explores every nook and cranny of the manse, using her excellent hearing to follow the conversation even far from the hearthstone chamber.

Once she's completed a cursory exploration of the Manse, or if someone sounds like they're about to attempt to breach a tomb she heads down to the crypts to join them.

 

[Sherwood]

At the Fortress, Kuaidao carefully steps out and begins to look around while Maja is much more enthusiastic about her explorations. Everything here is made of worked stone, and off to either side of you are multiple statues marking the final resting place of the various Exalts that used to live here. It does not take long to discover that there are three tombs that are not occupied; or at least, there is no cover stone or statue over them.

You can see that there is a cover stone over the occupied tombs that appears to be a single massive slab. It will not be easy to move them to get access to the actual resting place of the Exalt below.

While you are looking around, the Curator suddenly says, "We have more company coming. I will go greet them." With that, it vanishes from sight.


Spider and Bard manage to make their way to the front door of the Invisible Fortress, and just like they did for the others, the imps do not approach any closer. The front doors are still open, and as you approach, there is a strange faceless figure floating there just inside the entrance waiting for you. It bows deep and says, "Welcome, Noble Exalts."

 

[D. Rex]

Bard paused, blinking for an instant before realizing that this must have been the curator that the imps mentioned. Good thing too, else bard might have suspected it to he a ghost.

"Thank you, it's good to be back home." He said with grin and waved for the apparition to rise, pretending he knew exactly what was going on. He didn't. But floundering around rarely did much good. So might as well just wing it.

"What news do you have for me? And where are my friends?" He didnt know if it was within the things power, but he continued anyway, "Also, I need some things from you. Draw up our manors inventory. I need to see what is still here. And get me the exact contract that Kal Bax used when binding the demons. I need every word, mind you, no paraphrasing." Might as well act like he owned the place. After all, if his memory was any indication, he did.

 

[jaydude]

Upon hearing the Curator mention the arrival of others, and seeing it leave to greet them, Kuaidao decided to abandon his search of the crypt and head to the front gates, arriving just as Bard was making his request.

"Hmm, I think I get where you're going with this." said the Dawn, after giving both Bard and Spider friendly nods. "But do you really think we can find a record of this contract? For all we know, it might not even have been written down." he continued, thinking in terms of magical, spoken oaths.

 

[Sherwood]

"What news do you have for me? And where are my friends?" He didnt know if it was within the things power, but he continued anyway, "Also, I need some things from you. Draw up our manors inventory. I need to see what is still here. And get me the exact contract that Kal Bax used when binding the demons. I need every word, mind you, no paraphrasing." Might as well act like he owned the place. After all, if his memory was any indication, he did.

The Curator nods. "Of course, Noble Exalt. What sort of inventory are you interested in? Food and supplies? Furniture? Or are you more interested in the various Artifacts that are still in these halls? And I regret to inform you that I do not have any information to offer up about the binding of the demons. It was done before my time."

 

[D. Rex]

Bard nodded at his brother dawn, "Youd be correct. Records have to be of it somewhere. Or someway to learn of it. We will at least need it to be able to alter it appropriately."

He turned to the curator. "I wish to know mostly about the artifacts. Given that you have been keeping the imps out I'll trust the furniture is still here and in good condition. But also let me know if what food and supplies here are stocked and in good condition. If we have a store of materials, let me know that too."

"As for the demon contract, tell me what you do know. What rules you have speculated them following, and any snippets regarding the contract you may have heard from Kal Bax, the other exalts, or the demons themselves. Surely you must have heard something."

 

[Sherwood]

The Curator replies, "In all actuality, much of the previous wooden furnishings were destroyed and replaced with stone, so much of the original decor is no longer here. As for the imps, I know little of their contract with Kal Bax. Other than the order for them to be banished from accessing the Fortress after their failed attempt to kill the Exalts here, little has been told to me. I have simply kept the outstanding command to keep the Fortress free of their destructive tendencies."

He falls silent for a moment, then says, "There are a number of Artifacts locked away in the armory, many of which were created here by the Exalts of the Fortress. Among the weapons are a Wrackstaff, a pair of Flame Pieces, two Powerbows, a Dire Lance, three Daiklaves, a Dire Chan, a set of Pan Pipes, and a set of magical hand wrappings. As for armor, there are suits of various types and sizes made of the Magical Materials. There are also multiple hearthstones locked away in the armory."

 

[Psychie]

Spider lets out a low whistle. Such a vast fortune in artifacts! "That is quite the arsenal. You say that the Exalts used to make their own items? That is amazing that they were able to make so much. What of the Keystone? You didn't mention that in your description. Where is it?"

 

[Sherwood]

"My pardon, Noble Exalt. I only listed what I thought you would be most interested in; the weapons, some information on the armor and the hearthstones. There are other utilitarian items in the Fortress, but as for the Keystone, I believe that it was interred with one of the past residents of the Fortress, but I do not know exactly where it is."

 

[Psychie]

Spider frowns. "That is disappointing that you do not have the Keystone available. We need to find it." She looks over at the others and says, "I guess that means we're tomb diving in order to locate it. Assuming it is even still here."

 

[D. Rex]

Bard nodded in while hearted agreement with Spider. "What information do you have on the artifacts themselves? I wouldnt mind knowing what they can do."

"And don't assume too much. Even artifact tools come in handy. Tell us those as well as."

The news about the imps trying to kill the exalts was disturbing. But not unexpected. It did mean there was a very big flaw in the previous contract, though.

 

[jaydude]

Spider frowns. "That is disappointing that you do not have the Keystone available. We need to find it." She looks over at the others and says, "I guess that means we're tomb diving in order to locate it. Assuming it is even still here."

Kuaidao cleared his throat at those words. "I can join you in your search. But I think we should examine the Keystone ourselves before destroying it." he said to Spider. "True, the demons claimed it was binding them to Creation. But the Curator here claimed it was keeping them from sacking this fortress. Right now, I'm not sure who's right, and I don't want anyone to make any uninformed decisions they'll later regret..."