Diablotin 2 session 62

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Session

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Prologue

[DiablotinNarrator] After you have had a chance to drop off your findings at the Society, and clean yourselves up, you have regathered to make your journey to the Mausoleum - with the exception of Ysabeau and Dominik, who sent messages saying they had been summoned to the palace, and to proceed without them. [DiablotinNarrator] Bessa has also elected to remain behind at the Society, in order to cast Identify on the ring you found and to begin the process of cleaning and attempting to repair the mundane items. [DiablotinNarrator] It is late afternoon by the time the rest of you set out. The Mausoleum lies outside the city, some half-dozen miles to the north. The road there is broad and well-travelled, and it will take you perhaps an hour or so to make the trip. [DiablotinNarrator] The road there is lined with ancient elm trees, giving the feeling of passing through a tall, leafy tunnel. The sky has clouded over as the day wanes, and the air feels damp and close, as though it might rain by nightfall. [DiablotinNarrator] (You have the opportunity to talk a bit on the way there if you wish)

• Sanadhil seems more together, at least, but is quiet and subdued.

[Alma] We haven't actually decided which tombs we will investigate today... [Sanadhil] I'm not sure they've been individually identified. [Ilphere] I would be interested in the tomb of the founder of House Wolf, obviously, if we could locate it..! [Seth] (what do I know about the Mausoleum from architecture school?) [Guillame] I'm still interested in those tunnels, but I suppose I shall organize another excursion to explore them. [Sanadhil] Its only after Loch Duchamp's research that we know much about the founders.

• Sanadhil nods to Ilphere

[DiablotinNarrator] (Seth, you know that the Mausoleum is built in layers, like an onion - with the oldest sections at the middle, where the Tomb of the Founders is) [Seth] (37 on my roll, if it matters) [DiablotinNarrator] (you would also know that no one has really explored the Tomb of the Founders, or at least not and come back to talk about it) [Alma] I was thinking that we ought to look for Amhara's tomb as well, as it is she who Loch du Champe experienced. [Alma] And obviously Empress Dorea. [Seth] I will be very interested to see the way in which the Tomb of the Founders differs from the outer layers, in which the more recent emperors lie. [Alma] (Tirizhian would be at Saltgrove Julie?) [DiablotinNarrator] (yes, Alma) [Alma] (Man why didn't we raid him too pfft) [Sanadhil] It may not be clear which belongs to who - they aren't marked, or at least in any legible way. [Alma] We ought to have looked for the tomb of Tirizhian as well...

• Alma muses.

[Sanadhil] It's primarily custom which identfies them. [Alma] Oh? [Sanadhil] Its possible that they may not have begun to differentiate the burial aeas at this early stage, anyway.

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Location also. [Seth] You seem to know quite a lot about our people's burial customs, M. Orecalo. [Sanadhil] I have been considering this expedition for some time, M. Argo. [Alma] So what should we expect to find exactly? [Seth] The Mausoleum consists of four layers, each built around the earlier. [Ilphere] ...like an onion...! [Seth] The Founders, the earliest of course, lies in the centre, and is rarely if ever visited.

• Sanadhil inclines his head to let Seth answer for now.

[Seth] Exactly so, Princess. [Seth] It is at a moment like this that I regret all too keenly that my powers do not function outside the city. [Alma] That IS a shame. [DiablotinNarrator] You can see the Mausoleum from some distance off, as it is a large and impressive columned structure of white stone, seemingly carved and ornamented over every inch of its surface.

• Seth pulls out his sketchpad and begins drawing.

[DiablotinNarrator] As you approach, you pass through an imposing pair of gates. Within, between the walls and the Mausoleum itself, is a beautiful garden, just reaching its summer glory, with a large round pool of water, graced with an elegant fountain, at the centre. [Alma] How lovely! [DiablotinNarrator] There are a number of people there - casual visitors, workers tending to the gardens, guards posted at the gate and at the entrance to the building itself, a few vendors who provide refreshments and guidebooks for the tourists. [Sanadhil] [To Ilphere only] :The fragments we found earlier definitely retain some strong divine power.: [Ilphere] [San] :Oh...! I was sure that was it! How exciting..!!:

• Alma holds Danyel's hand while she walks ^_^

[DiablotinNarrator] The many steps up to the doorway are quite impressive, although one has to wonder whether the Emperors' coffins are actually carried in this way, or whether they have a secret entrance... [Sanadhil] :I thoughht you woudl appreciate the confirmation: [DiablotinNarrator] You enter into the remarkable Shrine of Repose, where the body of the most recently-deceased Emperor is always laid to rest, until such time as his or her successor passes on and the predecessor is moved to a more permanent tomb. [Ilphere] :Thank you..!: [DiablotinNarrator] This is normally the only part of the Mausoleum where visitors are freely permitted, as many subjects often wish to pay respects to the latest Emperor. The grand sarcophagus at the centre of the chamber is liberally (though tastefully) decorated with flowers. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth, you feel oddly comfortable here - as though the unease you normally feel upon leaving the city has been erased.

• Sanadhil presumaby has some kind of permit to let us get beyond, which he will sow to the guards as appropriate.

[DiablotinNarrator] (You have a letter of Authorization, with the various high-ranking folks who approved your trip's signatures) [DiablotinNarrator] Once you make it known who you are, a guard can escort you to speak with Brother Aubert, Keeper of the Mausoleum, in order to be granted access to the tombs you are interested in.

• Brother_Aubert is located in a small chamber down a narrow corridor, which you presume is his office and probably also his living quarters.
• Brother_Aubert is quite an elderly man, probably near eighty, short and slender, mostly bald, with blue eyes that are still bright. He wears the purple robes of the Order of the Owl.

[Sanadhil] Good afternoon, Brother. [Alma] Good afternoon, Brother :) [Brother_Aubert] Good day.

• Guillame bows
• Sanadhil will make introductions.

[Sanadhil] ....and we are here from the Royal Antiquarian Society.

• Brother_Aubert nods politely to the royalty/nobility among you.
• Sanadhil will pass him the letter.
• Brother_Aubert reads it, his brow furrowed.

[Brother_Aubert] The Mausoleum normally closes to visitors at sunset...

• Brother_Aubert doesn't seem exceedingly overjoyed with this letter.
• Sanadhil nods.

[Brother_Aubert] Do you know much about the structure and history of the Mausoleum? [Seth] I have studied it, to some degree, from an architectural perspective. [Brother_Aubert] Then you would know that building you see around you was completed in 1515, during the reign of Empress Eleana. It was built around the Mausoleum of Emperor Maxence, which was built around the original Mausoleum of Emperor Sallustre, which was in turn built around the Tomb of the Founders. [Brother_Aubert] There is no way to reach the Tomb of the Founders without passing through the other structures first. [Brother_Aubert] Venturing into the oldest structures is strongly discouraged. There are defenses in place intended to prevent unauthorized intrusions, the control and operation of which are now but poorly understood. [Alma] Traps :| [Brother_Aubert] Indeed, Sister. [Brother_Aubert] None but the Keeper of the Mausoleum can traverse the path safely, and even then... it is not an experience I would care to repeat on a whim. [Sanadhil] This is not an unexpected problem - I think we should be qualified to deal with any we encounter.

• Sanadhil looks to Guillame.
• Ilphere nods, glancing at Guillame.

[Brother_Aubert] I have read in the accounts of previous Keepers that another group - scholars such as yourselves - were granted permission to enter the Tomb of the Founders during the reign of Emperor Cazimir. They never returned. [Alma] :o [Guillame] I have a little skill in detecting dangerous devices [Sanadhil] We understand the danger, Brother, but are determined to our course. [Brother_Aubert] I beseech you to reconsider this plan. I cannot vouch for your safe return if you insist on undertaking this expedition. [Seth] We do not ask that you so vouch.

• Brother_Aubert looks displeased, but resigned.
• Alma nods, resolute.

[Sanadhil] I believe the Princess and the Countess can provide us wth an exit in an emergency, as well. [Ilphere] Yes, that's correct... :) [Alma] Indeed, I was just thinking we ought to discuss what qualifies such an emergency... [Brother_Aubert] The First Mausoleum, that of Emperor Sallustre, and indeed the Tomb of the Founders, were built using skills and magics we no longer possess. Scrying and divinations fail to pierce their walls, and teleportation, dimension door and the like will not grant access to them. I do not know if making an exit with such spells would be successful. [Ilphere] Fascinating... [Alma] Such security for a mausoleum so new in the Empire's history... [Ilphere] It may be that it was intended to keep people out rather than in... Still, best not to count on an easy exit, it's true... [Sanadhil] We shall proceed with due caution, I assure you. [Brother_Aubert] If you cannot be dissuaded, very well... [Brother_Aubert] Sister Enarda will open the door for you that will permit you to enter Emperor Maxence's Mausoleum, and for the sake of security, she will lock the door again behind you. If, Gods willing, you return, ring the bell there and she will open the door once more to let you out. [Sanadhil] Thank you, Brother Aubert. [Alma] Thank you, Brother :) [Seth] (sm on this dude) [Seth] (29)

• Brother_Aubert seems to expect you are likely to die, and he will get blamed for it.

[Seth] Princess, might you write a brief note exonerating the good Brother for any harm that would come to us, before we enter? [Brother_Aubert] I see that your note authorizes you to take items or remains with you - may I request, respectfully, that you do not damage the buildings? No prying statues off the walls, that sort of thing? [Ilphere] Oh, certainly...! [Sanadhil] Of course. [Ilphere] Not that I think it will be necessary...!

• Ilphere will write a quick few lines in her notebook, then carefully tear out the page and pass it over.
• Brother_Aubert accepts your exoneration note.

[Alma] Brother, would you advise a casting of Find the Path, or do you suspect it would have no help against the defences? [Brother_Aubert] The path is not so complex... but I do not know if it would assist with the defences. As Keeper, I am able to pass through them safely.

• Alma nods.

[Alma] That's quite interesting in itself...

• Sister_Enarda arrives, having been summoned to escort you.

[Brother_Aubert] Gods go with you.

• Brother_Aubert makes the sign of the Wheel before you depart.

[Alma] Thank you, Brother.

• Sanadhil nods to him and smiles to Sister Enarda

• Sister_Enarda is a middle-aged woman of the Order of the Owl, with curly brown hair threaded with grey. She has a bundle of keys at her belt.

[Alma] Good afternoon Sister :) [Sister_Enarda] Good day.

• Sister_Enarda leads you through the corridors until you reach a large door.

[Sister_Enarda] When you pass through this door, turn left, then right - keep following that pattern, and eventually you will reach the entryway to the First Mausoleum. Beyond that door, I have never been, so I cannot tell you how to reach the Tomb of the Founders from there, but it should not be very far - the buildings are much smaller, of course.

• Guillame nods

[Guillame] Alternate left, then right.

• Sister_Enarda nods.

[Sanadhil] Thank you. [Sister_Enarda] I have no keys for unlocking the door of the First Mausoleum, although it certainly *has* a lock. Brother Aubert told me once that it requires taking "the right hand, each according to its direction and turning according to its number," but I don't know what that means.

• Sister_Enarda unlocks the large door with one of the keys at her belt, and steps aside.
• Sanadhil expects Knock will not cut it here
• Alma pulls out a small notepad and writes that down
• Sanadhil muses on the riddle.
• Guillame notes it down also

[Guillame] ... turning according to number. [Guillame] One second before you lock the door, Sister... [Sister_Enarda] Yes? [Guillame] Is this the bell mechanism, here? [Sister_Enarda] That's correct. I will return immediately upon hearing it.

• Guillame makes sure everyone knows where the "let me out" button is.

[Sister_Enarda] We have to keep the doors locked, for security... can't have people wandering in, of course. [Alma] (She means "something wandering out" doesn't she? :P) [Sanadhil] Of course. [Alma] (SM 44)

• Sister_Enarda probably means both of those things, Alma.

[Sister_Enarda] Good luck... [Alma] Thank you, Sister.

• Sister_Enarda waits until you are all inside, then shuts the large door behind you. You can hear the key turn in the lock.

• Sanadhil looks around the area

[DiablotinNarrator] The corridor curves away in both directions, following the outline of the old building inside the newer one. The way is well-lit with magical lights mounted on the walls, and this area bears signs of being visited fairly often - it is clean and well-maintained, certainly.

• Guillame starts looking for traps right away, just in case.

[Alma] Well, our options for flight are severely limited if there is some sort of effect like Forbiddance preventing intra- and extraplanar travel... though some do have the option of fleeing as mist if you can find the time to transform [Seth] (any footprints or other signs of recent human presence here?) [DiablotinNarrator] On either side of the passageway are sealed doors bearing the names of each Emperor and the dates of his or her life and reign.

• Ilphere will cast Mage Armour, after all the ominous words we've just heard... :)
• Alma will focus with deathwatch as we walk.

[DiablotinNarrator] (it's clean and well-maintained, that suggests humans visit here at least occasionally, Seth ;)

• Sanadhil also casts MA
• Seth will attempt to merge into a wall.

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth - no luck.

• Alma chuckles quietly

[DiablotinNarrator] You do, however, hear something when you try to do so, Seth.

• Seth listens more closely.

[Seth] Shh!

• Seth motions for silence.
• Sanadhil is quiet

[Alma] o_o [DiablotinNarrator] [w] come, join us...

• Sanadhil listens

[Seth] [w] Does anyone else hear that? [DiablotinNarrator] (Seth is the only one who hears it)

• Sanadhil shakes his head

[Ilphere] Ah, no...? [Alma] [q] No... [Guillame] It seems almost silent to me...

• Alma sweeps around us with Deathwatch

[Seth] It's saying 'come, join us'

• Ilphere eyes Seth...

[Seth] (male or female voice, can i tell?)

• Sanadhil touches the wall and listens

[Ilphere] How... welcoming... [Sanadhil] Perhaps it is the whispering of the dead. [DiablotinNarrator] (Seth - like a large number of whispering voices) [Sanadhil] This is their city. [Seth] A chorus of whispers, the whispers of shades and phantoms. [Sanadhil] Indeed. [Alma] I suppose this is a Necropolis of sorts.

• Alma will try to detect spirits around us

[Sanadhil] I advise against heeding them. [DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] the bell is tolling...

• Sanadhil says somewhat dryly.

[Seth] What does that mean? "The bell is tolling" ... for them, I suppose?

• Alma looks somewhat uncomfortable as she remembers that the dead around us have all passed through the Arch.

[Ilphere] It could refer to the eternity bell that tolled as they passed...

• Sanadhil nods to Ilphere

[Sanadhil] Or perhaps just a comment on the inevitability of mortality... [Alma] Why only Mr. Argo? [DiablotinNarrator] Guillame - you don't detect any traps in this area as you proceed down the corridor. [Guillame] I'm not seeing any traps yet... [Sanadhil] not in this section... [Guillame] Well, I wouldn't go that far! Just... not yet.

• Guillame smiles
• Alma switches back to deathwatch as we walk
• Sanadhil nods

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma - lots of dead people, not surprisingly... [DiablotinNarrator] Following the directions Enarda provided leads you, without further excitement, through the Second Mausoleum.

[DiablotinNarrator] You reach what you can only presume is the entryway to the First Mausoleum - the style of this doorway is surely much more ancient than the halls you have been walking through thus far.

• Seth will proceed cautiously, sketchpad out for drawing features of interest.
• Sanadhil examines the door.
• Guillame maps any other turnings we pass, so that returning should be more simple.

[DiablotinNarrator] The doorway is set back some distance from the corridor. The walls leading up to it are lined with six rather crudely-formed clay statues, set into alcoves. A seventh stands directly in front of the door. [DiablotinNarrator] (GT for map :) [Ilphere] Here we are... [Sanadhil] Perhaps it would be wise to make sure the entrace itself contains no defenses?

• Guillame checks carefully for traps again

[DiablotinNarrator] Make your Search check, Guy.

• Seth will also search

[Seth] (38)

• Guillame rolls 1d20+16: (5)+ 16 = 21

[DiablotinNarrator] (anyone else wanting to Search in general can also make a check)

• Sanadhil casts detect magic
• Sanadhil can actually search for traps also @_@

[Alma] Yes, checking for magic is good [Sanadhil] (18) [Ilphere] (I'll search)

• Alma checks for evil, spirits, invisibility in that order

[Ilphere] (27) [Alma] (specifically where the main statue is) [DiablotinNarrator] Ok - all of you search can notice the following things: In the chest of the largest statue are six holes, of small but varying sizes, set in a circle. Some examination reveals that the alcoves along the sides are numbered in archaic script - 1, 2, 3 along the left-hand side (from furthest from the door to closest) and 4, 5, 6 along the right (from closest to the door to furthest). [DiablotinNarrator] (let me put in the numbers so it's less confusing ;) [Seth] (are these constructs?)

• Seth concentrates

[Guillame] "take the right hand, each according to its direction and turning according to its number," [DiablotinNarrator] Guillame and Seth, you can also notice that there are a number of small holes in the floor. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - all of these are constructs, yes. [Seth] These entities are constructs! [Seth] We should be very cautious lest they activate. [Alma] How can you tell?

• Guillame examines the holes - do they look like a lock or like something spiky could come out?

[Seth] I have a scarab that allows me to discern their true nature. [Alma] Oh yes...

• Guillame blinks

[DiablotinNarrator] Guy - they look like something could come out of them - you can't detect any spikes, but possibly they could release a gas...

• Seth will look at the hands of the constructs - do they appear to be movable?

[Guillame] A scarab, of course... [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - each of the 6 statues has a crude key shape graven on its right hand. The end of the 'key' points to one of the fingers. [Guillame] These holes could be a means to poison any who can't open the doors - we should handle this very carefully. [Seth] See here, the engravings on the hands point to specific fingers.

• Seth points it out.
• Sanadhil nods

[Seth] This surely links to the riddle. [DiablotinNarrator] (Seth, you can also make a search check on the statues as you examine them) [Seth] (40) [Sanadhil] Do the fingers corelate in any way with the alcove numbers? [DiablotinNarrator] (Seth, you think the finger that is pointed to in each case could be removed - there is a very fine seam) [Alma] I don't suppose the hands come off? [Seth] Look - the fingers can be removed.

• Seth shows Alma.

[Alma] Oh... so perhaps they go in the holes. [Seth] Yes, but let us be cautious, the riddle is complex. [Guillame] Well, turning according to the number seems straightforward - a number of turns, correlating with the statue numbers. [Seth] It seems the most probable. [Guillame] But what of the directions? [Seth] Some may be turned clockwise and others counterclockwise?

• Alma stands back
• Sanadhil nods

[Guillame] Maybe a way to map the constructs to their keyholes, but which directions? [Seth] And what does 'take the right hand' mean? [Sanadhil] perhaps relating to the side of the alcove.... [Alma] It's the right hand that has the key [Seth] The right hand, or the correct hand? [Alma] Either, I imagine. [Seth] Yes. [Alma] Well, perhaps from the centre of the room, facing the statue, the holes would match up to the placement of the alcoves...

• Alma stands in the middle and looks

[Seth] The simplest possibility is that each finger should be removed, inserted in the hole, and turned the number of times as its number,. [Seth] I do not understand you, Sister. [Alma] (Does Julie? :P) [DiablotinNarrator] (you're asking which finger goes in which hole? ^-^ [Sanadhil] the other issue is that the statues are numbered, but not the holes. Perhaps that is a matter of size? [Guillame] I suggest we take a few precautions before we take any action [Seth] (where are the holes?) [DiablotinNarrator] (in the chest of the big statue, arranged in a circle)

• Guillame dampens a rag and ties it across his face

[DiablotinNarrator] (well, and there are also little holes in the floor...)

• Guillame takes some more cloth, and gingerly begins plugging the floor-holes as best he can.

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok, you can make a Disable Device check)

• Sanadhil watches him
• Guillame will take 20, which gives me 30

[DiablotinNarrator] Ok - you believe they are thoroughly blocked, Guillame. [Guillame] Well, with any luck that's one less thing to worry about.

• Sanadhil examines the holes just plugged to see if they are at all similar to the ones in the statue
• Alma notices there's a hole at 12 o'clock or something and tosses that idea out
• Seth examines the six holes on the statue.

[Seth] (are they all different sizes, or are two of them the same?) [DiablotinNarrator] San - smaller, regularly spaced around this room. [Sanadhil] (okay) [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - they are all slightly different sizes, you would say - some are pretty close in size, but you think they're all a bit different. [Alma] (Are the side-statues different from each other? How their hands or fingers are for example?) [Seth] (yes, that was my next question - I check that too!) [DiablotinNarrator] Well, as on a human being, each finger is a different size - pinky smaller than ring finger, etc. Apart from the keys engraved on them pointing to different fingers, they aren't otherwise substantially different from one another. [DiablotinNarrator] It is possible each finger to be removed would only fit one hole, you think. [Seth] All right, I believe we should just begin removing the fingers, starting with the first. [Alma] Oh, maybe it is as simple as clockwise or counter-clockwise... [Alma] Four clockwise, three counter... [Seth] Pardon? [Seth] There are only six holes, Sister. [Alma] Yes, I meant finger numbers four and three. [Alma] As four is on the right, you turn it four times clockwise, and as three is on the left, you turn it three times counter-clockwise. [Alma] I think M. Orecalo said something of the sort [Seth] I think that is not necessarily valid. [Guillame] I am still not clear as to how the finger keys match to the locks... [Seth] Why would the ones on the right be clockwise, necessarily? [Seth] I suspect the direction they turn may not matter, or indeed, they may only turn one direction. [Alma] Well I'm not sure what else "each according to its direction" might mean, as the hands are not pointing in a particular direction, and the location of the statues does not correspond to the holes. [Sanadhil] indeed. [Alma] Seth: One might as well ask why our clocks turn they way they do... [Seth] Clocks turn rightwards from the top, but leftwards from the bottom. [Sanadhil] The ancients did not have clocks. [Seth] Indeed. [Alma] That's not necessarily relevant.

• Sanadhil says with a bit of tired peevishness

[Sanadhil] the question is whether we turn the fingers in the directon of the statue.

• Alma shrugs

[Seth] I do understand, yes. [Seth] I will begin with #1. [Sanadhil] I suppose the alternative is ti turn them i the direction the statues face [Alma] That matter of perspective still applies there. [Seth] We can debate this endlessly, it will not solve our problem.

• Sanadhil nods

[Alma] I just think it's quite reasonable to assume an upright person would consider the issue at the top. [Sanadhil] hopefully the trap is sufficiently stopped up

• Seth goes over to statue #1 and examines the fingers on the right hand, then sees if he can remove the one pointed to by the key.

[DiablotinNarrator] You are able to remove the finger, Seth.

• Sanadhil gestures to Seth to go ahead, but retreats to the edge of the alcove just in case
• Ilphere moves back as well...
• Seth goes over to the main statue and examines it to see if the finger might fit best in a specific hole.

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth - you think it would fit best in the topmost hole.

• Guillame takes a closer look at the chest holes to see if he can glean any knowledge of the mechanisms
• Seth inserts it, then.

[Seth] (does it feel like it can turn?) [DiablotinNarrator] Yes - there is enough left sticking out that you could grip it and turn it. [Seth] (either way? or just one way?) [DiablotinNarrator] (are you randomly wiggling it around to find out? ;) [Seth] (no, just seeing if I can tell) [DiablotinNarrator] (You think it could turn clockwise) [Seth] (but not counter?) [DiablotinNarrator] (maybe if you really pushed it?)

• Seth will turn it clockwise, once.

[DiablotinNarrator] All right - the finger-key clicks once.

• Alma looks at the holes

[Seth] All right. We're not dead. Yet. [Sanadhil] so - the direction it faces, then? [Seth] We shall see. That one seemed most naturally to turn clockwise, not counter. [Alma] Perhaps... I suppose we won't know unless we get one wrong. [Seth] Perhaps they alternate.

• Sanadhil nods

[Seth] Odd clockwise, even counter. [Sanadhil] That seems less likely [Alma] It specifically mentions direction...

• Seth goes back to #2 and removes the finger.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ok - finger 2 would fit in the next hole clockwise from the top, you believe.

• Seth goes over and inserts it.

[Seth] (does this one also seem to turn clockwise?) [DiablotinNarrator] (You believe it does)

• Seth turns it clockwise, twice.

[DiablotinNarrator] *click click*

• Seth repeats the process with #3, turning it clockwise three times (if it seems to move clockwise readily).

[DiablotinNarrator] *click click click*

• Seth goes to #4 then, and removes the finger and brings it over.
• Sanadhil relaxes a bit

[Alma] [q] I suppose if it was based on which side they were on, it would be "each according to it's placement" or "location" or somesuch.

• Alma looks at Danyel... "What a contrived mechanism..."
• Danyel shrugs.

[Seth] Sister, please stop, lest I invite your gods to smite you.

• Seth inserts #4 - does it turn naturally clockwise or counter?
• Alma frowns

[Guillame] This seems too straightforward to me also - each number in turn, turning that same number. It's not much of a cypher. Still, it may be correct. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - you think it feels a little different than the others - maybe it is supposed to turn the other way? [Sanadhil] it would be considerably less straightforward without the cipher. [Alma] Without the riddle, you would have no clue at all.

• Seth turns it counterclockwise four times then.
• Sanadhil nods to Alma

[DiablotinNarrator] *click click click click*

• Seth does the same with #5 then, counterclockwise 5 times

[Sanadhil] Certainly as regards the number of times it must turn [Guillame] Ah, a different direction? [DiablotinNarrator] *click click click click click* [Seth] Indeed, towards the direction each statue faces.

• Seth does #6 last.

[DiablotinNarrator] *click click click click click click* [Alma] .oO( Yes, towards that direction *at the top*! ) -_- [DiablotinNarrator] The great clay statue creaks into motion.

• Seth backs away.
• Sanadhil watches
• Alma takes a defensive posture

[DiablotinNarrator] It steps forward, allowing the door to swing open. [Alma] Ah, excellent.

• Sanadhil gives a little sigh of relief

[Ilphere] Excellent...! [Alma] I wonder if perhaps Sister Enarda was not supposed to tell us that... [Sanadhil] . o O (Argh, my nerves @_@) [Seth] If she was not supposed to tell us that, who exactly was she supposed to tell? Why would Brother Aubert have told her? [Danyel] It does seem a little odd - why would Brother Aubert not have explained it himself? [Alma] Indeed. It seemed she mentioned it in passing, as if told in passing. [Alma] She is, after all, a caretaker here, and may perhaps replace Brother Aubert some day.

• Seth listens - do I hear any voices/whispers?

[DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] another one is here... [Sanadhil] Perhaps we shoudl investigate the way beyond.

• Guillame examines the doorway and hall beyond for more surprises
• Alma nods and will step forward just a step behind Guillame, deathwatch active.

[DiablotinNarrator] The passage you find yourself in now is much narrower - only just wide enough for two people to stand abreast. The carvings on the doors to the Emperors' tombs are worn and rather dusty, and the lights fainter, giving the place an eerie atmosphere that the previous section did not have.

• Ilphere looks around with interest...

[Alma] It's amazing, when you think of it, how long these lights have been lit.

• Sanadhil casts DM again

[Danyel] Maybe Brother Aubert has to relight them every so often...

• Sanadhil concentrates while Guy checks the area ahead

[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame can make a Search check [Alma] I suppose he did say he could come this far.

• Guillame rolls 1d20+16: (9)+ 16 = 25

[DiablotinNarrator] You don't detect any traps in the corridor up ahead, Guillame.

• Guillame moves forward, staying alert

[DiablotinNarrator] The corridor spirals inwards. The air feels stale and close, stifling, and the sound of your footsteps seems loud and echoing in this resting place of the ancient dead.

• Sanadhil will focus on his spell as we proceed, keeping towards the ear but not right at the back

[DiablotinNarrator] (brb bio) [Alma] Do you hear anything else, Mr. Argo? [Seth] Whispers again ... 'another one is here' ...

• Seth says, smiling.

[DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] seek your soul's redemption... [Seth] [q] seek your soul's redemption ... me, or another? [Alma] Perhaps "they" think you are an Emperor... [DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] do you hear us? you... you... [Seth] I hear you ... speak to me ... [DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] listen... his heart's still beating, so loud... [Seth] who? [DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] just to see the city again, once more... [DiablotinNarrator] The voices are overlapping with each other now, becoming harder to understand. [Alma] What do you hear? [DiablotinNarrator] [w to Seth] beware the bones that never sleep...! [Seth] The voices of dead emperors ... they are suggesting that one of their kind is living still, I think. [Sanadhil] Hmm. [Alma] Do they mean you, or another? [DiablotinNarrator] It's a constant low background murmur now, Seth. You can't really pick out clear words anymore. [Seth] "Beware the bones that never sleep" ... I do not think they mean my bones. [Alma] Oh [Alma] I wouldn't call that "living" [Ilphere] Undead... [Alma] Yes. [Alma] I will try to hide us from any undead, so that at least we might have surprise. [Sanadhil] (No magic, I assume?)

• Seth looks at the walls and floor and ceiling around - anything unusual?
• Alma casts Hide from Undead on everyone here.

[Alma] (Two hour duration) [DiablotinNarrator] San - the doors are arcane locked, but other than that, no. [Sanadhil] (to the tombs?) [DiablotinNarrator] (yes)

• Sanadhil maintains the spell as long as it lasts, but does not recast

[DiablotinNarrator] You finally arrive at a simple archway. Beyond, you feel sure, must lie the Tomb of the Founders, your goal. [DiablotinNarrator] Over the archway is a simple but puzzling inscription in archaic Aveyronnais: "Truth is first is least" is what it seems to say.

• Seth pulls out a sketchpad and draws the archway including the inscription.

[Ilphere] Hm...

• Alma translates.
• Ilphere jots it down as well.

[DiablotinNarrator] Beyond the archway but before the entrance to the tomb lies a pattern of carvings on the floor. Roughly-engraved depictions of animal forms mark each square. [DiablotinNarrator] [Alma] A word search? [DiablotinNarrator] (X = ox, btw :p_ [Sanadhil] Rat [Sanadhil] ? [Seth] Seven houses, not six. Interesting. [Alma] We don't know the order... :| [Sanadhil] Rat - the rirst Empress [Ilphere] The Rat was not... forgotten until later. [DiablotinNarrator] You are standing at the left-hand side, and the door is across, at the right. [Sanadhil] (first) [Sanadhil] rat was first, in truth, and also the smallest... [Seth] That makes sense.

• Guillame is beaming

[Seth] Perhaps it means the first we need to step on is the R immediately in front of us. Perhaps not. [Sanadhil] I imagine so [Sanadhil] if yo trace the order of ascention afterwards, it does for a path [Alma] Oh of course...

• Sanadhil points out that you can easily go from one to an adjoining square of the next house

[Sanadhil] (form a path) [Seth] M. Orecalo, I am not sure I agree with your analysis. [Alma] That only works if you consider Dorea as Rat and then Bear... [Seth] If we start at the R, we would need to proceed, B, L, X, W, O, C, correct? [Sanadhil] ye, truth. [Sanadhil] yes

• Sanadhil agress with Alman, and then Seth

[Seth] Oh, I see, you mean on different rows, using diagonals. [Sanadhil] yes, proceeding across. [Sanadhil] they are not all diagonal, but some are, yes [Ilphere] I see what you mean... [Alma] (Julie, are we near the tomb of Sallustre?) [Seth] Well, I cannot see any more fruitful line of inquiry, so perhaps one of us should take that path? [Alma] Hmmm. [DiablotinNarrator] Alma - yes, fairly near. [Alma] (There's no extra Bear Emperor before him is there?)

• Guillame looks for the booby-prize

[DiablotinNarrator] Not that you can see. [Alma] I don't see any tomb of a long lost Bear Emperor... [Guillame] Let me see if I can find out what the prize is for failure... [Alma] Doesn't mean that isn't how it should work. [Sanadhil] perhaps Hroc followed Dorea.

• Guillame rolls 1d20+16: (16)+ 16 = 32

[Guillame] (looking for what could be triggered by a misstep) [DiablotinNarrator] Guillame - you think that these are Glyphs of Warding - each one could have a different effect, in theory.

• Guillame blinks

[Alma] Yes, that would make sense. [Guillame] I think they're magical glyphs... it's beyond me to know the repercussions of triggering them.

• Sanadhil nods

[Alma] Hmm. [Sanadhil] It woudl be difficult to know without careful study [Alma] (Can we see the glyphs or are they hidden?) [DiablotinNarrator] The carvings are actually animal symbols, not letters - presumably each one is a glyph. [Guillame] Ok, let's give this a try, then. Rat for the first? [Alma] Well, wait a moment... [Sanadhil] It coudl be dispelled, but then we may not be able to open the door.

• Alma casts Read magic
• Guillame hesitates, ready to take the first step.

[Seth] Sister, the answer is not going to become clearer through greater reflection. [Alma] Actually, it may. [Ilphere] Go on, Guillame...!

• Ilphere says encouragingly...
• Alma will attempt to identify the glyphs on R and then B

[Guillame] Are you attempting to find out what the glyphs do, Sister? [Alma] (Spellcraft 28, 32) [DiablotinNarrator] I suppose the DC 13 spellcraft check is no problem ;) [Alma] (Yeah no, but I rolled to see in case you put penalties :P) [Alma] Yes, exactly. [DiablotinNarrator] R = contagion, B = ray of enfeeblement. [Alma] :o [Guillame] Then I feel quite willing to let you continue before I put my feet in danger. [Alma] One stores contagion, and the other a ray of enfeeblement... [Alma] But I suppose that doesn't say anything to the trigger... [Sanadhil] Indeed. [Guillame] Duly noted.

• Guillame steps onto the R

[Alma] Well, at least we know you won't explode. [DiablotinNarrator] Guillame, you step onto the R with no ill-effects. [Guillame] Well, that's a good start [Guillame] Bear next, was it? [Sanadhil] yes.

• Guillame steps to the bear

[DiablotinNarrator] Fort save, please, Guillame.

• Guillame rolls 1d20+6: (20)+ 6 = 26

[Guillame] (I also get +2 vs clerical) [DiablotinNarrator] Ok - you succeed, although you can tell something felt a bit off there. [Alma] Do you feel... weaker? [Guillame] Ugh [Guillame] That... something happened there. [Sanadhil] hmm [Guillame] I don't think that one was right, although I don't seem to be harmed.

• Alma will identify the spell in the Lizard in front of Guillame, in case we're supposed to hop

[Alma] You can shrug spells like that off, sometimes... but it does throw off our assumption. [DiablotinNarrator] Alma - L = inflict serious wounds [Sanadhil] hmm [Alma] Lizard is an inflict spell... [Sanadhil] Perhaps it is just a straught shot across....? [Sanadhil] (Straight) [Ilphere] Now we *are* just guessing, though...

• Sanadhil will also cast RM and try to identify the spell on the W

[Sanadhil] yes. [Sanadhil] but the riddle give no direction further than the initial step [Guillame] Yes, I'd rather not test each square [Sanadhil] if it isn't an order, I think a line is as likely as anything else. [DiablotinNarrator] (San - spellcraft check?) [Guillame] True enough. Let's find out what I'm going to be stepping on. [Sanadhil] (23 with no roll ;p)

• Alma checks Owl in front of Rat

[DiablotinNarrator] San - W = bestow curse [DiablotinNarrator] O = blindness [Sanadhil] Bestow curse on the W, blindnes son the O [Alma] Yes, I can remove blindness... [Alma] That doesn't make sense though... [Sanadhil] I can remove the curse [Sanadhil] if it becomes necesary. [Sanadhil] our other option is to attemtp to dispell them and see if we can open the door on our own [Alma] I don't think the order would be based on size of the animal either, at least it doesn't form a path... [Alma] That I can see... [Sanadhil] no. [Guillame] Well, if I step to my right, onto the O, that would be the blindness. Or I could move right and onwards, onto the W, which concerns me more greatly but takes me further across the riddle. [Sanadhil] try the W [Sanadhil] if you go blind.... we will fetch you. [Alma] Removing a curse is no more difficult than removing blindness... but I would be careful not to fall. [Guillame] Either way, I can probably make it back to the Rat unless I go blind, so here goes.

• Guillame steps onto the W

[Alma] I wonder what would happen if we just floated over. [Seth] Presumably whoever designed this trap thought of that. [Alma] Yes. Perhaps just being above the glyph would activate it. [DiablotinNarrator] so you step from the B in row 2 to the W in row 3? [Guillame] (... yes? :( ) [DiablotinNarrator] Will save, please.

• Guillame rolls 1d20+4: (20)+ 4 = 24

[Guillame] (+2 vs clerical again) [DiablotinNarrator] Ok, succeeded. [DiablotinNarrator] (still feels wrong, but you're not cursed at least...)

• Alma will try to read L in front of him.

[Sanadhil] Well? [Guillame] That... also wasn't right. I think it would be best to return to the beginning in order to determine the pattern - it may be that the square I move from is part of the trigger. [DiablotinNarrator] L = inflict serious wounds. [Alma] Yes, possibly. [Guillame] Any objections? [Seth] I agree. Also, reading the letters seems not to tell us whether it's correct, simply what it might do to us. [Sanadhil] no, that makes sense [Sanadhil] yes [Alma] Oh, wait a moment... [Sanadhil] if one of these triggers is a fireball, I would rather be forewarned [Alma] If it is from smallest to largest... [Alma] No, nevermind. [Seth] You think, from smallest to largest animal? [Seth] Rat, Owl, Cat, Lizard, Wolf, Bear, Ox? Or ... ? [Guillame] There doesn't seem to be a clear path that way either. [Ilphere] some owls can be quite large... [Sanadhil] that's a little subjective. [Alma] No, I thought I saw a path but I was wrong [Seth] It has a large wingspan, but is lighter. [Guillame] Yes, the Owl-cat-lizard part is pretty subjective [Guillame] So, back to the beginning, then? [Sanadhil] Yes.

• Sanadhil rubs his temples
• Guillame takes a two-footed jump back to the floor past the puzzle, before the rat

[Ilphere] Oh dear, it seemed so promising...

• Ilphere sighs.

[Alma] Oh n... [Guillame] (Jump roll?) [DiablotinNarrator] (Yes, and you're passing over O so also a Fort save) [Guillame] (OK) [Seth] So Rat is first. We know that. What could come next?

• Guillame rolls 1d20+5: (13)+ 5 = 18

[Seth] It could be that it goes inversely in the order of the houses, so from Rat to Cat, but that's a very long jump. [Ilphere] Are there any clues that we are missing...? [Guillame] (as always, +2 vs. cl) [Seth] Unless we step sideways from Rat to Cat...

• Ilphere scans the room just in case...

[Guillame] Oh wait, that was my jump

• Guillame rolls 1d20+6: (10)+ 6 = 16
• Alma watches Guillame to see if he goes blind

[Guillame] (That one gets +2 vs cl) [DiablotinNarrator] You make it back over successfully, and unblinded. [Alma] You OK, M. Rionet? [Guillame] Ugh, again - I think it is only by luck that I am. [Guillame] I would advise against the floating suggestion. [Ilphere] Is the glyph on the first rat still active? The tile Guillame touched without incident? [Alma] Yes, I realised that about glyphs... -_-

• Ilphere casts DM.
• Guillame prepares to step on the rat again.

[Sanadhil] (I was just typing that, but you go ahead ;) [DiablotinNarrator] Yes, still active. [Ilphere] ... Yes, it is.

• Ilphere answers herself.
• Guillame steps onto the rat.

[Seth] What else could follow Rat, logically?

• Alma scrapes her memory for any old or archaic order for the Gods. (Religion, history?)

[Alma] (The order clockwise from Rat in the sky?) [Seth] Perhaps we should try going from Rat to Owl, straight across?

• Ilphere will also rack her brain for any pattern that we could try...

[DiablotinNarrator] (You can make both checks, Alma, if you want)

• Sanadhil nods to Seth

[Seth] Once we determine the second step, the pattern will become clearer. [Sanadhil] yes [Guillame] If nobody has a better suggestion, I will try that next. [Alma] (26 religion, 18 history) [Seth] Right now, with only one clue, that gives us the first step, there is no way to tell. [Sanadhil] indeed [Alma] Perhaps you merely need to step on the tile of the smallest animal around you... [Ilphere] (33 religion 28 history) [Guillame] (Do the animals all face the same direction? [Alma] (Divine Insight 30 if you want to make my last suggestion sound really good :P) [Guillame] Would I step next on the Owl or the Cat, in that case? I suppose we could find out by testing the owl.

• Alma begins plotting a course with her last suggestion

[Guillame] Here goes, then.

• Guillame steps onto the owl.

[Ilphere] I would try skipping over the bear to the lizard... [DiablotinNarrator] Fort save, please. [Ilphere] Since there was actually no Bear emperor in the first set of Emperors...

• Guillame rolls 1d20+6: (16)+ 6 = 22

[Alma] Yes, that's not a bad idea... perhaps the trigger is if you do NOT jump over it. [Guillame] (+2 if clr) [DiablotinNarrator] (success) [Alma] We appreciate your good work, M. Rionet -_- [Guillame] Wrong again... I'm glad I can tell, I suppose.

• Guillame hops back to the edge and steps to the rat.

[Guillame] (Do the animals all face the same direction?)\ [DiablotinNarrator] (yes) [Alma] Now try hopping to Lizard, over Bear. [Ilphere] Try the lizard...!

• Ilphere urges.

[Alma] If the puzzle is this literal, I imagine there will not be another Rat. [Guillame] That's twice I could be wounded... are there no better suggestions? [Guillame] A justification behind trying wolf?

• Alma checks to see what Wolf is.

[Ilphere] I would try it myself if I were as athletic as you... :| [Seth] I would say that more likely would be to step sideways, to the Cat [Seth] Going in reverse order. [DiablotinNarrator] W = bestow curse [Guillame] Is there a path that way? [Alma] I do have a very good feeling about Mme.'s plan. [Seth] Yes, if you feel like jumping. [Seth] But I agree that Lizard is more likely. [Sanadhil] What about Find the Path? [Seth] Alas. [Alma] Yes, there's always that. [Guillame] I do not - that's the reason I'm asking for alternatives [Sanadhil] perhaps this is the time. We have been here some time and have no clear answer ahead of us.

• Guillame smirks

[Alma] Though we do have more indication that the spell might be needed for something else... [Guillame] That's worth a try - I'll jump if it's fruitless. [Guillame] Oh, we do? [Sanadhil] ahh. [Alma] Yes, the bones that do not sleep? [Sanadhil] that is a fair point.

• Guillame sighs, and hops over to the nearest lizard.
• Alma prepares herself to jump out after him, just in case...

[DiablotinNarrator] so hopping to L in row 1? or L in row 3? [Guillame] To L in Row 3 [DiablotinNarrator] All right - you land on L in row 3 with no ill-effects. [Guillame] That... seemed ok. Very encouraging.

• Ilphere hops up and claps her hands...

[Ilphere] Yes...! [Guillame] So it's the Ox next? [Seth] All right, then to Ox ... one hopes. [Ilphere] :D

• Guillame steps diagonally forward and left.

[Sanadhil] Well done, Ilphere.... [DiablotinNarrator] You step to Ox safely. [Guillame] Then to wolf...

• Sanadhil reads the remainng glyphs in our path?
• Guillame steps forward-right to the wolf in row five.

[DiablotinNarrator] You step to the Wolf safely. [Seth] Then straight on to Owl, then diagonally onto Cat, and you should be there! [Guillame] Owl...

• Guillame steps forward

[DiablotinNarrator] Owl also doesn't zap you. [Guillame] And cat!

• Guillame says as he steps forward-right again, onto the cat.

[DiablotinNarrator] And you are safely across!

• Guillame steps across to the other side.

[Alma] Excellent.

• Seth will follow along the same path Guillame took.

[Guillame] Excellent judgement, Princess.

• Alma will proceed.

[Ilphere] Thank you, sir...!

• Alma makes sure her robes don't stray
• Ilphere beams, then follows Alma.

[Guillame] Something is watching over me today, I must say.

• Sanadhil follows along as well

[Guillame] Never before have I been marinaded in so many curses.

• Guillame examines the door.
• Danyel also crosses over.

[DiablotinNarrator] The door to the Tomb of the Founders is low and narrow, most unlike the grand structures of the later buildings that surround it. [Alma] Perhaps a salt bath is the secret to preparing for ancient puzzles and coming out hale :) [DiablotinNarrator] The door is locked, with no visible keyhole or other means of opening it. [Sanadhil] Hmm

• Alma looks for glyphs while read magic is still active.
• Sanadhil will *try* knock?

[DiablotinNarrator] San - the door opens. [DiablotinNarrator] Alma - no further glyphs in this room. [Guillame] [w] Founders guide us, if we be of worth. [DiablotinNarrator] The chamber within is low-ceilinged, dark and earthy and womb-like. There are no lights.

• Sanadhil smiles

[Sanadhil] (can I still see a bit of the way in?) [Ilphere] (what do those of us with dark vision see?) [Guillame] (indeed) [Seth] Perchance a light would be in order? [DiablotinNarrator] You can see scattered remains lying on the floor, some niches in the walls that may contain other remains... [DiablotinNarrator] (those of you with darksight, that is)

• Sanadhil 's smile fades a bit when faced with the cave-like tomb, but he sets his expression

[Ilphere] Some of the remains may have been disturbed...

• Alma will open the lantern from Gsran

[Ilphere] I see bones scattered on the floor...

• Alma checks for undead

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma - you detect no undead. [Sanadhil] or they may be more recent than the founders.

• Ilphere nods to Sanadhil.

[Guillame] Yes... it's uncharacteristically disordered. [Sanadhil] there was another party, we were told.... [Guillame] That does make sense. [Alma] Yes... that's true, if they made it this far :| [Ilphere] We should be wary, then... whatever killed them may well still lurk here...! [Guillame] And would suggest that we ought to be extremely cautious right now.

• Guillame nods to Ilphere.

[Seth] Perhaps someone should detect magic?

• Sanadhil will cast Arcane Sight

[DiablotinNarrator] San - there is a lot of magic in this room. [DiablotinNarrator] (let me count auras, sec ;) [Sanadhil] There is a great deal of magic within... [Ilphere] Oh...?

• Sanadhil blinks his sligtly glowing eyes

[Sanadhil] yes

• Ilphere also casts Detect Magic, then.

[DiablotinNarrator] (9 auras, unless I'm miscounting...) [Sanadhil] Nine separate Auras.

• Sanadhil will give some basic info re schools and such
• Seth will draw the tomb while everyone else is looking at auras.
• Alma will cast Detect Undead which will give her a 60' cone instead, and step in to try to cover the whole room.

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma - you detect no undead in the range of your spell, which can certainly cover the whole chamber if you look around. [Alma] Well... no undead here. [DiablotinNarrator] San - you think this is mostly items, lying in the remains on the floor.

• Guillame looks for more mechanisms

[DiablotinNarrator] These bodies have been dead for perhaps as much as 500 years, certainly not 2000 or more - they still have scraps of clothing and hair, for instance. [DiablotinNarrator] Guy, you can make a Search check. [Alma] When was Emperor Cazimir... [Sanadhil] predominantly items carried by the deceased whose remains lie scattered...

• Guillame rolls 1d20+16: (6)+ 16 = 22

[Alma] He followed Ruchard, didn't he? [Sanadhil] (26 for history roll) [Ilphere] SHould we collect them...? [Seth] I believe that we have every right to do so. [Alma] I don't see why we wouldn't. [DiablotinNarrator] (Alma's right) [Sanadhil] after we know whether the area is safe, yes.

• Alma checks for spirits and invisibility

[DiablotinNarrator] Guy, here is what you notice: The skeletal remains of the Founders lie in the niches around the edge of the room - looking somewhat disturbed (an arm or skull fallen off here and there) but not completely messed up. [DiablotinNarrator] Their names are carved above each niche in simple, almost crude characters. [DiablotinNarrator] In the centre of the room is a raised, round platform, perhaps a foot or so high and five feet across. Strange symbols are scribed around the edge, and in the centre is a large glyph. [Guillame] Ok, I can see in there quite well... [DiablotinNarrator] Alma - no spirits or invisible creatures here. [Sanadhil] is it safe to proceed? [Guillame] It looks like someone's moved the founders' bodies some - there's even a skull displaced. [Ilphere] Could it be, ah, vermin...?

• Ilphere doesn't say 'rats'.

[Alma] Or a tremor even?

• Alma looks over the displaced founders to see if it could be as simple as that.

[Guillame] There's also a platform in the middle, with inscriptions and a large glyph, which I cannot read, but I could draw for you to look at before we proceed?

• Sanadhil steps over to where G is and sees if he can make out the glyph

[Sanadhil] (or the inscriptions) [DiablotinNarrator] (you have low-light vision, right? not dark?)

• Ilphere will examine the glyph from where G stands (darkvision).
• Alma has a lantern open

[Sanadhil] (yes, but Alma has the lantern out :) [DiablotinNarrator] (ok, that's fine) [DiablotinNarrator] You can try to read magic on it if you like.

• Alma is carrying the starlight lantern from Gsran. She looks over the bodies of what is most likely the previous scholarly team to see if she can tell what happened.
• Sanadhil will!
• Ilphere will also examine it with read magic

[Sanadhil] (so it is magic also then?) [Alma] (Heal 27 if you want it) [DiablotinNarrator] yes

• Seth keeps drawing, including the bodies.

[DiablotinNarrator] those of you reading magic can also make spellcraft checks, not that it probably matters ;)

• Alma will eventually read the glyph

[Sanadhil] (29) [Ilphere] (27) [Alma] (27)

• Alma looks back to trying to see what killed the scholars...

[Ilphere] (so we can't tell what spell it might be, if any?)

• Ilphere would like to look over Laeken's tomb...

[DiablotinNarrator] Those of you reading magic, are you also reading the symbols around the edge, as well as the big glyph? [Sanadhil] (hyes) [Ilphere] (oh yes, I missed that) [Seth] (do I hear any more voices?) [DiablotinNarrator] Seth, the voices are quiet for now. [Alma] What school is the glyph, Mr. Orecalo? [Sanadhil] (Julie? even if my spell is gone now, I'd have seen it before I let the Arcane sight go) [DiablotinNarrator] Enchantment. [DiablotinNarrator] (which you already knew, sir ;) [Sanadhil] enchantment. [Alma] Hm... probably not a glyph then? [Sanadhil] (...yes, I did -_-) [Sanadhil] (K: arcana?) [Sanadhil] (34) [DiablotinNarrator] (with your spellcraft check, you would know it's a Symbol of some sort) [Alma] We seem to be alright though... [Sanadhil] A symbol.... [Alma] Hmm. What about the ring?

• Sanadhil frowns, as he should have known better :p
• Seth casts Barkskin on himself, and makes sure Nell keeps behind him.
• Alma is not looking very hard at the moment -_-

[Alma] (Do you just activate that or cast it?) [Seth] (cast it) [DiablotinNarrator] The arcane symbols around the edge form syllables - it could be an incantation of some sort, but not one you understand or recognize. [Alma] Mr. Argo, was that a spell? [Seth] Yes, of a sort, I suppose. [Sanadhil] The ring is a spell or incantation, but it is not familiar to me. [Sanadhil] (Cna I tell anything about it? school?) [Sanadhil] It is meant to be read aloud [DiablotinNarrator] (not a spell - a series of syllables. It could be a password of some sort?)

• Sanadhil copies down the sylables though

[Sanadhil] Well, not a spell.... some kind of activation... [Ilphere] Is it in Archaic Aveyronnais, perhaps? [Sanadhil] A passcode. [Sanadhil] No.

• Alma leaves the bodies alone... "I can't see how they died, though they have been there a long time."

[Sanadhil] (is it gravonian or any other language I recognize? )

• Alma looks over the ring to see if it's in any language she knows.

[DiablotinNarrator] (well i don't know what languages you all know ;)

• Sanadhil copies down the sylables in his notebook, and will cast Comprehend Languages

[Ilphere] (same question... if I look at the syllables do they make words in any of the languages I know?) [Alma] (Everything but Gravonian and the elemental languages) [Sanadhil] (Aveyronnais, Cozovodë, Draconic, Gravonian, Archaic Aveyronnais, Middle Aveyronnais, Infernal, Psyrene, Placensial, Shadar Kai) [Alma] (Oh, no Draconic.) [DiablotinNarrator] (they are not words in any language any of you know) [Sanadhil] (Cl it is!) [Alma] They could be purely magical syllables. [Alma] I don't recognise it, and I know quite a few dialects.

• Sanadhil will touch his notes to translate, rather than the ring itself
• Seth steps into the room and scans for constructs

[DiablotinNarrator] (it's magical writing, so CL doesn't work) [DiablotinNarrator] No constructs here, Seth. [Sanadhil] (Oh, n/m) [Ilphere] (how many syllables are there?) [DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere, you would read it as 7 syllables. [Ilphere] Seven syllables... [Ilphere] (are they placed roughly corresponding to the founders' tombs?) [Sanadhil] (I assume 17 is not good enough for decipher script ;) [DiablotinNarrator] (no) [DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere - roughly, yes. [Sanadhil] Hmm. [Alma] (Is the number of syllables notable at first glance?)

• Sanadhil will examine the remains more closely to see if there is anything with them

[DiablotinNarrator] (alma - you could notice it with casual observation) [Ilphere] Roughly corresponding to the placement of the tombs...

• Ilphere is mostly thinking out loud.
• Seth looks at the remains of Laeken, though not getting too close ...

[DiablotinNarrator] San - anything like... magic items? mundane items? [Sanadhil] (both - pesumably I've already earmarked the magic items?) [Ilphere] (are the syllables part or all of each founder's name maybe?) [DiablotinNarrator] All magic items are in the pile on the floor - it seems like whoever the previous group were, they had gotten as far as looting, anyway.

• Sanadhil will start carefully recovereing anything of note, then, from the floor and then checking the tombs

[DiablotinNarrator] There are some mundane items remaining with the Founders' bodies. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - anything particular you're looking for there? [Seth] (anything out of the ordinary? waiting for a dark message? I dunno) [Alma] If you take anything from one of the alcoves *please* note which one you took it from; I would like to get readings from them. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - the only thing you notice out of the ordinary is that his skull is missing. [Sanadhil] of course [Seth] (it's not nearby anywhere, like behind?) [DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere - you think so - first syllables of each name. [DiablotinNarrator] You can make a search check to try and find it if you want.

• Sanadhil will take careful notes :)

[Ilphere] They're the first syllables of each name...! [Seth] (38) [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - you are confident the skull is nowhere in this room. [Seth] Laeken's head is missing.

• Guillame checks the walls and pedestal again for traps, taking his time

[Ilphere] ... W... what? O_o [Sanadhil] Perhaps it had to be placed somewhere special, as in aushinre's time [Seth] It is not here, anywhere that I can see.

• Ilphere goes over to look, distracted from the puzzle.

[Seth] The other skulls are undisturbed. [Alma] You would assume the others would also hav... yes.

• Sanadhil says as he moves over to start taking any of the remaining items from the other tombs.

[Sanadhil] Perhaps it was a custom only of the wolf [Sanadhil] ? [Alma] Possibly... [Ilphere] (what kind of mundane items are with Laeken's corpse?) [DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere - nothing is with his body. [Sanadhil] but there is no woflskull in its place either, I suppose. [Sanadhil] (but the others all have stuff?)

• Sanadhil will make sure none of the deceased party had a bag of holding and skull stealin' tendancies ;p

[DiablotinNarrator] The others all have small amounts of stuff - maybe a piece of jewelry or weapon, not a ton of things)

• Alma will select at least two effects from each of the founders which have them, and put them somewhere to take back to the Society.

[Alma] He has no possessions with him either? [Ilphere] Nothing...

• Sanadhil nods to affirm

[Guillame] Maybe they looted him first...? [Alma] I'm not sure that's it... [Alma] Perhaps it is some sort of ascetic tradition?

• Alma doesn't sound convinced.

[Sanadhil] or they wanted ot for something. [DiablotinNarrator] Oh, I never had Guy make his other Search check... go ahead and do that, Guy.

• Alma will also search for good measure

[DiablotinNarrator] (sure - anyone who hasn't made a Search check yet can make one if they want) [Alma] (24) [Ilphere] (searchin' [Sanadhil] (13, whatever :p) [Guillame] (I'll take 20, so that's 36) [Ilphere] (37) [DiablotinNarrator] Guillame and Ilphere, you think possibly the raised platform could move somehow. Maybe it conceals a further chamber?

• Alma frowns

[Ilphere] Huh... [Ilphere] It looks like this might move...? [Guillame] It seems like this platform could move... [Alma] [q to Danyel] How am I going to verify which magic items are Laeken's if I can't tell what he "feels like" [Alma] Oh? [Guillame] Maybe the inscription invokes its opening? [Ilphere] Perhaps if one spoke the syllables in the correct order, yes... [Sanadhil] Starting with Dorea's name? [Sanadhil] or perhaps....

• Sanadhil tries toremember which died first

[Sanadhil] Hroc? [Alma] Why Hroc? [Sanadhil] Did he die first? [Guillame] Maybe Laeken's head is below... [Sanadhil] him or damodar... [Sanadhil] perhaps [Sanadhil] we could try the opening spell.... but it could be dangerous [Sanadhil] regardless of how we open it

• Sanadhil eyes the symbol out of the corner of his eye

[Guillame] Yes, it seems like the probably source of whatever killed these looters. [Guillame] Who were surely so very unlike us. [Alma] Yes, it was probably not the symbol, if it is Enchantment.

• Guillame says loudly.

[Sanadhil] Oh... [Sanadhil] You can have Symbol sopells that can kill instantly [Sanadhil] that could certainly have been it. [Alma] Yes, but those are Necromancy, I believe. [Alma] I forget if you said the ring is magical itself. [Sanadhil] They could have gone mad and killed each other [Alma] Hmm... good point :| [Alma] Should we ... dispel that? [Guillame] (Is there a clear starting point, or does the inscription form a circle?) [Sanadhil] I was just thinking that.

• Sanadhil will cst dispel

[DiablotinNarrator] (There is a symbol, like a dot, at one point - maybe that indicates where to start?) [Alma] Shall I? [Guillame] There's a point here which could be the start... [Ilphere] Oh... I see...!

• Alma looks closer.

[DiablotinNarrator] (San, you can make your dispel check) [Guillame] If you dispel it, there will be one less defence next time the tomb is looted [Sanadhil] (24 -_-) [Alma] If it's another expedition under the sponsorship of a scholarly society, I don't see that as a problem -_- [Guillame] Well, if we know the way to open it, I don't see leaving it in place as a problem. [Ilphere] I think we should go ahead and try the names... [Guillame] I agree. [Alma] Shall I? [Ilphere] If you like... [DiablotinNarrator] No luck dispelling it, San. [Sanadhil] (figured) [Sanadhil] hmm. [Guillame] I'd vote for yes.

• Alma will cast Resistance, and read the seven magical syllables.

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma - when you read them, the circular platform lowers slowly into the ground, revealing an opening. [Ilphere] Excellent...! [Alma] Well that was... anticlimactic. [DiablotinNarrator] The space below is completely dark, almost foggy in appearance. And no, your darksight/low-light/lamps do not let you see into it. [Alma] Hmm. [Seth] (can I hear anything now?) [Alma] Magic? [DiablotinNarrator] You hear nothing apart from the sounds of your companions, Seth.

• Alma checks for undead, and then spirits

[Guillame] There's... something stopping me seeing into it. [DiablotinNarrator] Alma - no undead, no spirits. [Guillame] Not normal darkness. [Sanadhil] *that* may be worth dispelling.

• Alma pulls out her morningstar and casts Daylight

[DiablotinNarrator] To no avail, Alma. [Ilphere] I will attempt to dispel it...

• Guillame sighs

[Alma] (Could it be a portal to the Shadow Plane?) [Guillame] [q grumble] We're going to jump into that, I just know it. [DiablotinNarrator] (it *could* be anything...) [Danyel] Do you wish me to descend first? [Ilphere] (only rolled a 14, which is never enough anyway) [DiablotinNarrator] (yeah, no) [Alma] (Are the stairs wide enough for two?) [DiablotinNarrator] (who said anything about stairs? :)

• Ilphere shakes her head...

[Alma] (aaagh) [Ilphere] That did not work... [Alma] Well, we don't know what's down there... there might be no stairs [Alma] Perhaps one of us who can float... [Ilphere] Drop a stone or something...?

• Guillame finds a stone and drops it.
• Ilphere listens.

[DiablotinNarrator] The stone falls into the darkness. You do not hear it land. [Alma] Oh lovely. [Ilphere] :/ [Sanadhil] . o O (This is.... not a good day.) [Ilphere] It could be that this... effect also deadens sound... [Alma] Yes... [Alma] Are we to continue?

• Sanadhil carefully sticks a hand into the smokey darkness

[Seth] Can you honestly say you would come this far, only to leave this here unexplored? [DiablotinNarrator] San - you stick your hand into the darkness and pull it out again, unaffected. [Ilphere] I am not willing to turn back, no... [Sanadhil] well [Alma] Then I will float down and see.

• Sanadhil nods

[Guillame] I'd like to answer yes to that, Seth, but if you recall we didn't baulk at entering the mind of a slumbering Queen, so I suspect that the answer is "no"

• Alma begins to mist slightly as she begins to become insubstantial

[Guillame] The things we do for archaeology.

• Alma will float up above the shadow after about half a minute and slowly drift down past it.

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma - you can descend into the hole. [Guillame] Is anyone expecting her to emerge unassisted? [DiablotinNarrator] As you pass through the fog-like layer, you find yourself in a strange, dark chamber. Got any way to see? [Alma] (Uh, that depends on whether my light still works.) [Ilphere] Can you hear us...? [Alma] (Or the lantern)

• Ilphere calls down, not expecting an answer.

[DiablotinNarrator] (Let's say it does, for the sake of moving on ;)

• Sanadhil tenses sligtly as Alma disappears with all our light

[DiablotinNarrator] (you can have dropped it down first if you want) [Alma] (Sure.)

[DiablotinNarrator] The walls are lined with books, papers, scrolls, tablets... On a stone table is a skull, along with a number of other papers. [Skull] Hm. A visitor. [Alma] :o

• Skull hovers up in mid-air to... look? at you.
• Alma ... reforms slowly.
• Guillame lowers himself into the hole, bracing for Transportation To Another Plane or somesuch

[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame, you lower yourself past the foggy barrier as well and find yourself in the same room - it's really not far down at all. [Ilphere] M. Rionet..! [DiablotinNarrator] (no sound can pass the barrier, for the record) [Guillame] Hello Sis... er...

• Ilphere is frustrated at being left behind...

[Alma] Good... afternoon. [Skull] Goodness. [Ilphere] I am going in... :|

• Ilphere starts to clamber over the edge.

[Skull] You certainly took your time. [Guillame] Erm... Good day... Sir?

• Guillame bows.

[Seth] Tell them to come out and get the rest of us if possible! [Sanadhil] ...yes... [Alma] We were uncertain ... as to whether it was safe to come in.

• Seth says to Ilphere as she goes down

[Alma] Laeken, I presume?

• Sanadhil will wait until she goes down and try to contact her telepathically!
• Skull nods in mid-air.
• Alma detects under -_-

[Alma] (undead) [Sanadhil] :Ilphere?:

• Ilphere lowers herself to the ground below...

[Ilphere] (can I hear San?) [DiablotinNarrator] (Your telepathy works through the barrier, yes) [Ilphere] : sanadhil...!:

• Seth casts Speak with Animals on Nell, and tells her to go down and then come back and report.

[Alma] (deathwatch even, not the detect undead where his epic level hurts my brain.) [Ilphere] :o [Sanadhil] :Is all well?: [Ilphere] : It's... the skull is here...!: [Ilphere] Sister? M. Rionet...? [Sanadhil] The skull is down there, and Ilphere seems fine, if excited. [Ilphere] : it's floating...! : [DiablotinNarrator] Deathwatch gives you no result, Alma. [Sanadhil] apparenlty it is floating. [Guillame] He can hear you, Princess. And respond quite eloquently, if I may say so, for one... in such a state. [Alma] (As I would get from a construct?) [DiablotinNarrator] (mmmaybe?) [Ilphere] I see... [DiablotinNarrator] (more like... no result, not 'neither alive nor death nor undead') [Alma] (Ok.)

• Sanadhil will slip carefully over the edge.

[Guillame] You have been waiting for us, then, Founder? [Ilphere] Are you... Are you truly Laeken of the Wolf? [Skull] Waiting for someone.

• Seth goes in.

[Skull] Someone worthwhile. You seem to be it. [Guillame] We're honoured. [Alma] ... [Skull] And yes, I am Laeken of the Wolf.

• Alma looks at Guillame.
• Sanadhil marvels at all the books and papers, oooooooh :o

[Skull] Or was. [Sanadhil] (What language is he speaking, or is it going directly into our heads like my telepathy does?) [Ilphere] ... There are... so many things I would ask you...! [Sanadhil] ....What are you now? [Alma] (26 on my sense enchantment SM on Guillame, Julie) [DiablotinNarrator] (what now?) [Alma] (You can SM someone to see if you think they're under the effects of an enchantment.) [DiablotinNarrator] (you think he's fine)

• Guillame sms the skull, because somebody has to.
• Alma looks a little confused

[Skull] Well, why not take me with you? We can talk at our leisure.

• Alma detects evil
• Guillame rolls 1d20+19: (8)+ 19 = 27

[DiablotinNarrator] No evil detected, Alma. [Seth] [m] just to see the city again, once more...

• Alma eyes Seth.

[DiablotinNarrator] (Guillame - hard to read a SKULL, but then, why would you trust a floating skull?) [Guillame] (indeed. I suppose he looks smug.) [Guillame] (maybe I can tell something from his "voice"?) [DiablotinNarrator] (maybe) [Ilphere] What prevents you from leaving on your own...? [Skull] Someone would notice a floating skull?

• Sanadhil checke the books and such while the others chat it up with Smiley McPsycho

[Alma] (SM 35 as well, but without much expectation.) [DiablotinNarrator] (I suspect Alma is disinclined to trust this entity already ;) [Sanadhil] :What pact did you make with Emkathon?: [Sanadhil] (to laeken, clearly ;) [Skull] Oh, so many questions... [Alma] You are ... an unusual find.

• Skull ... laughs? that might be what that sound is.

[Alma] We had hoped we might find some small thing to teach us more about the foundation of the Empire, or the Arch... [Guillame] Well, I suppose we've found that. [Guillame] No offence, Sir. [Skull] None taken. [Ilphere] I think we should... [Alma] (K-Death on flying skulls Julie: 38 )

• Skull is speaking what seems like more-or-less modern Aveyronnais, btw.

[DiablotinNarrator] (demilich? probably the first thing that would spring to mind, Alma) [Ilphere] The things he - you could tell us...! [Alma] (D: D: D:) [Guillame] It seems unfitting to put you in a bag or something, but if you'll answer our questions, then taking you with us seems more than fair. [Seth] I am surprised to hear myself saying this, but, I agree with Ilphere. [Skull] Oh, a bag would be acceptable - I've seen worse. [Seth] I'm sure we can find a safe place for you in the city, where you would remain undetected. [Guillame] Well, I'm sure that can wait until we're closer to the exit. [DiablotinNarrator] San - in perusing the books, you can tell that certainly some of them, most of them even, are more recent than Laeken's day. [Sanadhil] ....Does Brother Aubert bring you these? [Sanadhil] (or maybe mot that recent, let me reprhase)

• Alma looks over.

[Skull] He's not nearly as sporting as some of the previous Keepers. [Sanadhil] Do the keepers bring you these?

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] So he knows you are here.

• Guillame casts an eye over the room, taking it in for the first time

[Sanadhil] why doesn't he let you out? [Skull] He may not know specifically, I haven't had the chance to speak with him.

• Guillame rolls 1d20+16: (18)+ 16 = 34

[Sanadhil] ahh. [Sanadhil] but the others, who did? [Skull] There was a time when I had no desire to leave. But I've run out of things to read now.

• Alma looks around for what might be a soul gem.

[Guillame] (search check) [DiablotinNarrator] (pft, like he leaves those lying around ;) [Sanadhil] We could bring you some books.

• Sanadhil says warily.

[Seth] That would be much more suspicious. [Guillame] (not looking for anything specific, just taking in the room) [Skull] Mm. And how would you know what I want?

• Sanadhil scans through the topics of the books in here

[Sanadhil] Extrapolation? [Skull] It's been ages since I saw a good library.

• Skull says a bit wistfully.

[Alma] When was that? [Sanadhil] You have the makings of one here, certainly..

• Sanadhil runs a finger acoss the spne of some old tome he would certainly love to read....

[Skull] You like the books, do you. [Sanadhil] Of course. [Skull] I've memorized their contents.

• Sanadhil nods

[Alma] With respect, I believe some of us are concerned about why you might be here in the first place. [Skull] Take one. Go ahead.

• Skull offers Sanadhil.

[Sanadhil] ...

• Sanadhil looks at all the books @_@

[Skull] A fair concern, Sister. [Skull] I mean no harm to anyone. I'm merely a scholar - like yourselves. [Guillame] (nothing that wasn't previously mentioned?) [Alma] Well, not entirely like ourselves. [DiablotinNarrator] (nope - mainly books, books, books) [Guillame] (ok :) ) [Skull] Like you could one day become.

• Sanadhil is trying to figure bout how he would even pick *one* book from all of these @_@

[Alma] I meant more your current state of being, rather than your expertise...

• Sanadhil nods absently, still lookings at boooooks

[Guillame] Well, as I say, it seems unnecessary to pack you away just yet, but I do have a reasonably soft bag here somewhere for when we get closer to the exit, assuming that you and the Sister can come to some kind of agreement. [Skull] So did I. [Skull] Although it's undoubtedly true that my expertise far exceeds yours. [Alma] .oO( I've some perspective on undeath )

• Sanadhil sighs

[Seth] Might I suggest that we came here to learn about the Founders, and here, we have found what we are looking for. [Ilphere] I agree completely... [Seth] I believe that, despite the reasonable concerns one might have, we need to take Laeken with us. [Alma] Yes, but it does seem like perhaps the founders, and two millennia of Keepers, have seen fit to leave him here... [Ilphere] He *is* a founder...! [Skull] I'm right here, you know.

• Skull says dryly.

[Sanadhil] What do you plan dto do once you are out? [Alma] I'm quite aware, I've read the reports of the vision of Amhara. [Skull] You are scholars, yes? So you take me to your finest library, and I will make myself comfortable. [Sanadhil] and when you are done with it? [Skull] Then I will find another.

• Sanadhil nods
• Sanadhil would totally be down with spending his eternity flitting around different libraries

[Alma] May I have your word that you will not do acts of evil within the Empire? [Skull] But of course you may have my word.

• Sanadhil opens his bag of holding :x

[Alma] .oO( For what good it's worth. ) [Skull] Is this where I will be travelling?

• Skull peers into the bag.

[Seth] I want your word that you'll stick around long enough to speak with us. We have a lot of questions for you, Founder. [Sanadhil] if you like. [Guillame] Well, as I said, I had this pouch, also. And you suggested earlier that we could talk on the way... [Ilphere] And... we can tell you many things in return... [Sanadhil] we have others but this one likely has more interesting things in it, and is quite spacous. [Skull] Oh. Oh, certainly. I will answer to the best of my ability. [Sanadhil] (Totally books in there ;)

• Guillame takes a velvet gem bag from his pack.
• Alma looks at Danyel, having no idea what to do .oO( D: )
• Danyel shrugs - he also has no idea.

[Danyel] It... he... did give his word... [Seth] Very well, it's settled then.

• Sanadhil nods
• Sanadhil will also pick a book ^-^

[Ilphere] Wonderful...! [Skull] Splendid...! [Seth] Shall we collect your library, or is that not relevant any longer? [Guillame] (is there a means of exit visible?) [Sanadhil] (maybe a couple if he doesn't stop me @_@) [Skull] No longer relevant to me... If there are items you want, feel free to help yourselves. [Ilphere] (I will select a couple of books then) [Ilphere] Oh, thank you...! :)

• Sanadhil will take whatever he cat fit, plus skull unless he'd ride with G

[Guillame] Do you have any old literature on House Rat? I'm afraid the current state of knowledge is quite poor...

• Skull can suggest particularly good books, no doubt.
• Skull will then hop into the bag for his exciting journey!
• Seth will see if there are any cool architecture books.
• Sanadhil will climb out once the looting is complete @_@
• Alma look for things which were written by Laeken

[DiablotinNarrator] You can boost one another out of the hole without much difficulty.

• Guillame takes any Rat books, and helps people out of the hole.

[Sanadhil] (which bag did he go in?) [DiablotinNarrator] (bag of holding) [Sanadhil] (yay ^-^) [DiablotinNarrator] You can make your exit from the Mausoleum, bid a polite farewell to Sister Enarda, and make your way home.

• Seth makes sure to pick up all the other items of relevance from the tomb as well!

[DiablotinNarrator] (I will post the list of your loot ;)

• Guillame helps him collect the stuff that the previous looters had

[DiablotinNarrator] (it starts with "A Skull")