Door to Nowhere

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 6

Spoiler: Wariness

Astarte: 61(observation) + 50(hearing) + 51(d100) = 162
Leutheo: 55 + 73(tuning) + 50 = 178
Plumeir: 61 + 64(smell) + 87 = 213
Taylar: 48 + 46(hearing) + 89 = 183

It takes about an hour to climb to the nearest structure, especially since there is not a path and climbing in a straight line is not advisable. The facade looks like it was originally carved from the mountain itself and is of immaculate craftsmanship. There is a porch area, about nine strides wide and one stride deep, with an opening in its center, leading into the mountain. This opening once had wooden doors, but these have long since succumbed to weather, over time. There are two decorative columns at equal distance inset from the edge, dividing the porch into thirds and there is a base relief, chiseled fresco on each side of the opening. Cliff swallows have taken to residing under the awning part with their mud nest and the porch area is covered with their droppings. Being the season of Stasis, there are females sitting the tiny nests.

Plumeir can smell that animals other than the birds have occupied this structure before the party even reaches the porch. Astarte and Taylar both think that they can hear sounds, indicating that some animal is still inside, likely one that would be nocturnal, otherwise it would be out at the current time.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astarte: full wellness
shirt: 48
Leutheo: full wellness
tunic: 57
Plumeir: full wellness
tunic: 59
Taylar: full wellness
tunic: 60 - 3 = 57

Spoiler: Collections

various coins: 3127 marks value

boar tusks: 2 pair: {Health & Confluence +4}
cockatrice skull: 1: {Motility & Cohesion +4}
gobblerouse skull: 1: {Health & Confluence +4}
hyena canines: 1 pair: {Will & Adhesion +4}
spider fangs: 2 pair: {Motility & Cohesion +4}
white magpie skull: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}
wolf canines: 1 pair: {Strength & Confluence +4}

firestone: 1: 50 marks
pearl: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}: (Frostbite or Insulate x5): 100 marks

copper: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
molybdenum: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x4): 15 marks each
silver: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Cairn Doorframe near mining operation
Cairn Doorframe near Rheini village
Ferguine, Mining Commissioner
Francis, Priest of Dawn at Vineyard (Centrin)
cherry orchard, 1 day north of Vineyard
Rheini village: Grandfather of Maka: Pardal
Kol and party: Maldrog Explorers
Eastern Oasis in Ka’ard’taerm (Pelimonra village)
Portal Spire with two doorframes and odd symbol

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.

 

[astarte]

Astarte informs her friends that she's gonna obscure her presence and attempt to quietly walk toward the den of the nocturnal animal to determinate what kind of creature it can be. She'll do her best to not spook it, but in case she will anyway, she'll use husbandry. She asks Leutheo to help her by making the animal sleep, if it happens.
54

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Plumeir responds quietly to Astarte. “Since this is likely an animal, calming it or making it fall asleep is a little more in my purview than that of Lutheo. His talent is more specific to people. I will accompany you.”

OOC: 53, 81

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 6

Spoiler: Stealth

Astarte: 68(stealth) + 50(soullessness) + 54(d100) = 172
Plumeir: 60 + 64(camouflage) + 53 = 177

Spoiler: Mystical Assault

Plumeir: 114(bending) + 74(befriend) + 81(d100) = 269

As this is expected to be cursory examination, Leutheo and Taylar wait. Moving carefully and quietly, Astarte and Plumeir approach the opening, and Astarte takes a quick peek inside, shaking her head at Plumeir. Taking a peek inside for himself, the problem is immediately known. Even with the former doors missing, there is simply not enough light diffusing into the room to allow either of the two to see, but they can be certain that whatever animal is inside, it will be able to see, as most animals can see in the dark. Motioning for Leutheo, not only can he illuminate the entire structure by willing it so, he can control the level of illumination so that just enough light is provided for Astarte and Plumeir to see but not enough to make an animal nervous.

This particular structure was obviously once a familial dwelling. An anteroom opens immediately into an entertaining area with four small rooms exiting from the main room. Everything not made of stone has long since rotted or been destroyed. Once inside the structure, Astarte can readily hear that its current occupant is in the back right room.

Moving upward the two see that it is a female mountain leopard with two newborn cubs. The mother bares her teeth and emits a low growl, warning the two not to approach. Having previously decided not to disturb the animal after learning its identity, Plumeir emits a strange sound and pumps his left hand toward the cat. Calming her is a very simple matter for him, and she lays back down by her cubs, closing her eyes.

There is nothing of value or interest within this structure. The next nearest is on a lateral line, following what used to be a definitive path that should take about an hour to traverse.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astarte: full wellness
shirt: 48
Leutheo: full wellness
tunic: 57
Plumeir: full wellness
tunic: 59
Taylar: full wellness
tunic: 60 - 3 = 57

Spoiler: Collections

various coins: 3127 marks value

boar tusks: 2 pair: {Health & Confluence +4}
cockatrice skull: 1: {Motility & Cohesion +4}
gobblerouse skull: 1: {Health & Confluence +4}
hyena canines: 1 pair: {Will & Adhesion +4}
spider fangs: 2 pair: {Motility & Cohesion +4}
white magpie skull: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}
wolf canines: 1 pair: {Strength & Confluence +4}

firestone: 1: 50 marks
pearl: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}: (Frostbite or Insulate x5): 100 marks

copper: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
molybdenum: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x4): 15 marks each
silver: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Cairn Doorframe near mining operation
Cairn Doorframe near Rheini village
Ferguine, Mining Commissioner
Francis, Priest of Dawn at Vineyard (Centrin)
cherry orchard, 1 day north of Vineyard
Rheini village: Grandfather of Maka: Pardal
Kol and party: Maldrog Explorers
Eastern Oasis in Ka’ard’taerm (Pelimonra village)
Portal Spire with two doorframes and odd symbol

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.

 

[astarte]

structure. The next nearest is on a lateral line, following what used to be a definitive path that should take about an hour to traverse.

"Let's us go and check this one"
86,36

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Leaving the first structure, Plumeir shakes his head for Taylar and Leutheo. "Nothing in there but a big cat. No reason to bother that animal."

He then responds to Astarte. "Yes, that is why we are here. You and Taylar should take the lead. I will follow with Leutheo. I do not think that child was exaggerating. We should be wary."

OOC: 56, 84

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 6

Spoiler: Enhancements

Astarte: 51(soullessness)
Leutheo: 79(blur)
Plumeir: 64(camouflage)
Taylar: 39(soullessness)

Spoiler: Wariness

Astarte: 61(observe) + 51(hearing) + 86, 36(d100) = 198, 148
Leutheo: 55 + 79(clairvoyance) + 75 = 209
Plumeir: 61 + 64(smell) + 56, 84 = 181, 209
Taylar: 48 + 46(hearing) + 86, 84 = 180, 178

Spoiler: Reaction

Astarte: 63(readiness) + 54(speed) + 38(clarity) + 86(d100) = 241
Leutheo: 37 + 48 + 105(tranquility) + 75 = 265
Plumeir: 46 + 70 + 74(clarity) + 84 = 274
Taylar: 78 + 48 + 36 + 86 = 248
Voltarian: 230 + 83 = 313

Being the protectorate for the party, Taylar takes the lead. Astarte follows him. Leutheo and Plumeir, neither of whom need to be close to an enemy to engage one, come after. Everyone pays close attention to the environment because of the previously discussed potential for danger. While the party walks, Leutheo happens to notice a dark blue, semi-transparent stone with flecks of orange running through it, called Nebulastone. While its mystical potential is not needed by anyone in the party, it does have considerable commercial value. He also discovers an ingot of silver.

Just after Leutheo retrieves the ingot, a shadow passes over the ground that draws his immediate attention skyward. At that same instant Astarte taps Taylar to draw his attention and points. She too has noticed the same potential threat. Whatever is flying overhead turns to make a dive. Based upon its size and streaming tail, it is most definitely not a bird. Despite the fact that all of the party members are maintaining some form of mystical obscurement, the creature is definitely honing in on them.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astarte: full wellness
shirt: 48
Leutheo: full wellness
tunic: 57
Plumeir: full wellness
tunic: 59
Taylar: full wellness
tunic: 60 - 3 = 57

Spoiler: Collections

various coins: 3127 marks value

firestone: 1: 50 marks
nebulastone: 1: {Motility & Cohesion +4}: 100 marks
pearl: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}: (Frostbite or Insulate x5): 100 marks

copper: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
molybdenum: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x4): 15 marks each
silver: 3: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Cairn Doorframe near mining operation
Cairn Doorframe near Rheini village
Ferguine, Mining Commissioner
Francis, Priest of Dawn at Vineyard (Centrin)
cherry orchard, 1 day north of Vineyard
Rheini village: Grandfather of Maka: Pardal
Kol and party: Maldrog Explorers
Eastern Oasis in Ka’ard’taerm (Pelimonra village)
Portal Spire with two doorframes and odd symbol

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.

 

[astarte]

"Watch out!" Astarte shouts while looking for any cover and preparing to shoot the beast with a mithrin arrow and augmenting her bow shot with with heat. If possible she'll target it's head.
39,22

 

[Eric Zephlaer]

Seeing the shadow a second or so later and hearing Astarte's words, Plumeir exclaims, "What in the Six Hells is that!?"

He sees no point in attempting to throw one of is good knives at it; instead, he will cause the air around its body to become caustic, hoping to cause it some physical harm.

OOC: 59, 87

 

[MacConnell]

Cycle: 498: Season: Stasis. Day: 6

Spoiler: Enhancements

Astarte: 51(soullessness)
Leutheo: 79(refraction)
Plumeir: 64(camouflage)
Taylar: 39(soullessness)

Spoiler: Speed

Voltarian: 500 - 313 = 187
Plumeir: 500 - 274 = 226
Leutheo: 500 - 265 = 235
Taylar: 500 - 248 = 252
Astarte: 500 - 241 = 259

Spoiler: Physical Assault

Taylar: 81(aggression) + 48(accuracy) + 54(bolster) + 59(d100) = 242 + 46(strength) = 288
Voltarian: 230(finesse) + 67(d100) = 297

Taylar: 78(readiness) + 48(counter) + 28(analysis) + 59(d100) = 213 + 39(soul) = 252
297 - 252 = 45% * 6 = 3 - 6(tunic), ineffective
Voltarian: 230(dodge) + 67(d100) = 297

Spoiler: Projectile Assault

Astarte: 63(launch) + 54(accuracy) + 35(clarity) + 59(d100) = 211 + 50(range) = 261

Voltarian: 110(avoid) + 66(d100) = 176
261 - 176 = 85% * 12 = 10 - 8 = 2

Spoiler: Mystical Assault

Astarte: 86(bending) + 51(heat) + 87(d100) = 224
Leutheo: 66 + 81(refraction) + 75 = 222
Plumeir: 114 + 84(corrosion) + 87 = 285

Voltarian: 120(conditioning) + 81(d100) = 201
285 - 201 = 84% * 12 = 10

Realizing the threat, Leutheo decides that protecting the party may be his best first course of action and bends the light rays in an area around the party that obscures them from the winged creature better than each person can hide himself.

The creature, later learned to be called a Voltarian, swoops down far faster than anyone in the party can act. It does not land. It unfurls its wings just above the party’s heads and whips its barbed tail toward Taylar. Taylar is too slow to be able to counter as the barb strikes him in the chest. The force causes him to adjust his feet, but the barb does not penetrate the bearskin tunic. Taylar swings his bludgeon at the retreating reptile, but it misses.

Just after this attack, Plumeir mystically assaults the beast just before Leutheo creates his mirage and Astarte releases her arrow. It does not hit the head, but the shot is good. The combined attacks ground the reptile. It is not dead, but it is no longer in any shape to fly or attack. It can barely move and emits a strange wailing tone. The tone is not loud, but the pitch carries. Astarte instinctively realizes she can stifle the sound by manipulating mechanical waylines.

Spoiler: Character Data

Astarte: full wellness
shirt: 48
Leutheo: full wellness
tunic: 57
Plumeir: full wellness
tunic: 59
Taylar: full wellness
tunic: 60 - 3 = 57

Spoiler: Collections

various coins: 3127 marks value

firestone: 1: 50 marks
nebulastone: 1: {Motility & Cohesion +4}: 100 marks
pearl: 1: {Will & Adhesion +4}: (Frostbite or Insulate x5): 100 marks

copper: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each
molybdenum: 2: (Compulsion or Electrocute x4): 15 marks each
silver: 3: (Compulsion or Electrocute x5): 20 marks each

Spoiler: Discoveries

Cairn Doorframe near mining operation
Cairn Doorframe near Rheini village
Ferguine, Mining Commissioner
Francis, Priest of Dawn at Vineyard (Centrin)
cherry orchard, 1 day north of Vineyard
Rheini village: Grandfather of Maka: Pardal
Kol and party: Maldrog Explorers
Eastern Oasis in Ka’ard’taerm (Pelimonra village)
Portal Spire with two doorframes and odd symbol

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. State nominal actions and intentions and provide a random roll.