<Todd> (We all set?)

<Maimun> (Sure. ^^)

<Mark> (think so)

<Theodore> (I am)

<Todd> [ Behold the glory of Heidelstrass. Barring that, behold the
Heidelstrass of Heidelstrass. ]

<Todd> [ It's been two days. You've had time to become acquainted with
the 'city', so to speak. Khyra has been a popular act because, you know.
BOOBIES. Luca and Phillip have been incommunicado since yesterday
morning. The beer continues to be watered down, and Theodore finds
himself with very little to do since the Godspeed operations manager here
is MAD EFFICIENT. ]

<Todd> [ The time is now 9:45am at the Loose Screw, and if you want
breakfast you have 15 more minutes left in which to get it; since the
miners have such a regimented schedule and that's all there is for
clientele, the morning meal is served only briefly. ]

<Todd> [ Thus left to your own devices, the PCs are free to be wherever
they wish, but are cautioned to keep in mind that the GM is in the Screw,
so everywhere else is probably just a white matte backdrop and some craft
service. ]

<Todd> [ Game start! ]

* Theodore has been up for a while, checking on operations of the town,
and seems somewhat disappointed that he yet again hasn't found anything
to improve. He comes in the door and walks over to the barkeep to request
a breakfast.

* Khyra enters the room. She appears to have just woken up, as she's
still rubbing at one eye. But she smiles pleasantly at the room in
general, and at Theodore in particular as she walks over to the bar.
"Good morning, Master Godspeed."

<Todd> [ The barkeep gives Theo a nod. "Hungry, I see. What'll it be,
young master?" ]

<Todd> (Mark and Mags are upstairs, still asleep. The slash writes
itself.)

<Maimun> (And how!)

* Magellan , if there is coffee, is down there sucking on it like it was
oxygen.

<Khyra> (Augh, my BRAIN.)

* Theodore smiles pleasantly back at Khyra. "Good morning, Miss
Westwind." He then looks to Todd. "Pancakes and a coffee, please."

<Todd> (HA HA HA ahem.)

<Todd> (That made my night.)

<Todd> [ Pancakes and coffee descend from the heavens amid a choir of
angels! Because Theo went over the barkeep's HEAD! ]

<Todd> [ Alright, not really. ]

* Maimun , since he doesn't enjoy white matte background since it makes
him standd out a lot, has ccome to the inn. He has brought his own
'breakfast', though, with an apple in his hand as he walks in.

<Todd> (We will make the proper note in the log about that. ^_^)

<Theodore> ( ^_^; )

<Todd> [ The barkeep nods and calls that back to the unseen line cook,
and produces a small bag from under the counter; in it are coffee beans.
"I'm afraid this is all I have left for coffee, young master. Ye'll have
to brew your own. Ye need to get up early in the mornin' indeed to get
coffee afore the miners gulp it all down." ]

<Todd> (I have arbitrarily decided that the music for Heidelstrass is
"Traverse Town". Moving on.)

* Theodore takes the bag. "Thank you." He pays the man and goes to sit
down (presuming that they do have table service for food).

<Todd> (THey don't but you're rich and important, so yes.)

<Khyra> (gets KS CDs out)

* Khyra orders breakfast once Theo is done. "I'd like some pancakes and
if you have it, apple juice. Otherwise, water would be fine, please."

<Maimun> (That's why I have it ripped. ^^)

<Todd> [ A maid comes out shortly with a pot of hot water for Theodore.
"The pancakes be cookin', sir. Ah... do ye know how to brew your own
coffee?" ]

<Khyra> (I have not had a chance yet.)

<Todd> (This slow part won't last long, I swear. Just giving people time
to ease in before PLOT.)

* Maimun comes over to Khyra, who is ordering breakfast, and says, "Good
morning?" He takes a bite of apple. Mmm. Fruit.

* Khyra smiles at Maimun. "Good morning."

* Theodore does pay a little extra for the table service, he'll enjoy
privlidge, but doesn't try to get it on the cheap. "Miss Westwind, Mister
Maimun, care to join me?" He gestures to his own table.

<Todd> [ The maid pockets the tip with a speed bordering on the
superhuman, mutters more thank yous than are necessary, and vanishes into
the scullery. ]

* Maimun gestures with the apple. "They are even talking about you down
in the..." he trails off as Theo invites them over.

* Mark staggers down the stair, makes his way over to the barkeep. He
mutters about morning being too early in the morning, and then something
that might have been about eggs.

<Todd> [ Magellan does have coffee. Did I mention this? He has the last
at-table pot. ]

* Khyra looks at Maimun. "I'm sorry, what did you start to say?" She
awaits her drink before going over to Theo's table.

<Todd> [ The barkeep raises an eyebrow at Mark but after four days is
slightly used to this, and calls back for two eggs over easy, hard yolks.
]

* Magellan does not look awake. At all. He's kind of autonomously
drinking coffee.

* Theodore glances over Magellan. "Good morning." He says it in a voice
that doesn't particularly expect or demand a reply.

<Todd> (Hearing checks! Mags and Mark have a 4 point penalty.)

<Todd> (Um!)

* Dicesuke (akodomakot@ip68-13-166-245.om.om.cox.net) has joined
#otherworld

<Todd> (Okay. NOW do it. ^_^;)

<Theodore> 2d8

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d8) and gets 5.

<Theodore> (make)

<Todd> (6, but that's fine. ^_^)

* Maimun smiles a little from the darkness of his hood. "Sorry.
Marketplace. A lot of people were discussing your performances."

<Mark> 2d8+4

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d8+4) and gets 8.

<Todd> (More the luck for you. It's a d6, people. ^_^;)

* Khyra brightens. "How wonderful!"

<Mark> (Gahh!)

<Khyra> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6) and gets 4.

<Theodore> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 5.

<Mark> 2d6+4

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6+4) and gets 16, a CRITICAL
FAILURE!!! "Maybe you should consider sacrificing some barnyard animals?"

<Maimun> 2d6-4

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6-4) and gets 4.

<Theodore> (Still make!)

<Mark> (Still failed!)

<Magellan> 2d6+4

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6+4) and gets 9.

<Maimun> (I threw in my HA. Made it with HA.)

<Magellan> (Nope.)

<Maimun> ((By two, made it.) Missed it otherwise.)

<Todd> (HA counts.)

<Todd> [ Magellan hears nothing but the soundtrack of his own brain ("NO
YOU'RE NOT, RAY!"). Khyra, Theo, and Maimun hear familiar arguing voices
outside on the street. ]

* Mark claps his hands over his ears and then winces, "Gah."

* Theodore listens for a moment but doesn't move.

* Maimun takes another bite of apple. "It is good news, yes." He tilts
his head a bit to the side. "It seems the Magister and his friend are up
early as well.

* Khyra turns her head in the direction of the street. "What, again?"

* Magellan is still snoozing. Mmm, coffee.

<Todd> [ Yes, again. "I didn't go through all that..." says the slightly
high-pitched voice of Phillip in agitation, as he enters the room,
"...just to turn back now! If you don't like it, go home!" Luca the
!Ninja wears an expression of pained annoyance. "I'm not going to leave
you, so stop making a scene." They both enter looking at each other
rather than around. ]

* Khyra sighs and heads over to Theodore's table, presumably with Maimun.
She glances at the bickering pair as she goes.

<Todd> [ They are Loud. It doesn't appear that they have realized they're
indoors yet. ]

<Maimun> (When Khyra gets food, we will move to the table. She should
have asked for something besides pancakes.)

<Maimun> (Oh. Okay, so we go now! Woo.)

* Magellan blinks. "Mmm, coffee... eeh?"

<Theodore> (Does Luca have an established last name?)

<Todd> (DId Khyra ask for food? Did I miss it?)

<Todd> (And no, he doesn't. Phillip has only ever called him Luca.)

<Khyra> (Khyra did.)

<Todd> (I missed it! Gimmie a sec.)

<Khyra> (Food and drink, actually.)

<Khyra> (Sure.)

<Todd> [ The barkeep, responding through the powers of timespace
distortion, produces Khyra's pancakes and some cider (the best he can do
juicewise) after sufficient wait. Khyra and Maimun are passed by the
maid, who brings Theo's pancakes to him along with a jar of syrup because
he is SPECIAL. Mark also benefits from presumed association as his eggs
are placed in front of him, but he's a lousy tipper and thus they are put
down with some force. ]

<Todd> [ Clang clang clang went the breakfast. Ring ring ring went the
bell. ]

* Khyra takes food and *then* moves to the table.

* Theodore stands as Khyra walks overs and pulls back a chair for her. He
then looks to Mark. "You're also welcome to join us."

<Theodore> (Oh, does Luca have an established last name?)

<Todd> [ Magellan's coffeepot is now empty. Theo's is now done brewing. ]

<Todd> ( <Todd> (And no, he doesn't. Phillip has only ever called him
Luca.) )

<Todd> (Was in the midst of spam.)

* Khyra takes her seat. "Thank you very much." She smiles again! But it's
a nice smile, so, hey.

* Maimun does go with Khyra, and has a seat himself. "Yes, thank you."
His smile is less nice and more... not there.

<Todd> [ Phillip frowns. "Then please, for me, STOP being s--" He pauses
when he hears Mark's eggs on skillet hit the table and turns around with
a glazed expression, then clears his throat. "Um, excuse me." Luca would
look embarrassed if it were in his list of two emotions. ]

* Theodore nods. "You're welcome." He then looks to the arriving group.
"Greetings Phillip, Mister Luca." He says the second bit with a slight
tone denoted wondering what the proper term of address should be.

* Mark gains eggs and leaves the lousy tip. He blinks blearlily at the
rest of the bar and then goes and takes a seat at the table next to the
one everybody else is sitting at...some time later enough braincells wake
up to remind him what a fork is for.

* Magellan opens his eyes. "Eh? Ach, blast, me coffee's gone." He looks
up at the barkeep plaintively. "Any more?"

<Todd> [ The eggs, realizing their time is nigh, quiver in terror. Or
perhaps in grease. ]

<Todd> [ The barkeep shakes his head at Magellan. "Good lord, man, no. Do
ye even have BLOOD?" ]

<Theodore> (Theo has a whole pot, right?)

<Magellan> Dinnae know. Ain't checked in a while.

<Todd> (Yes. Yes he does. The LAST ONE. *thunderclap*)

* Khyra takes a sip of cider and starts eating pancakes.

<Mark> (No, it's 30/60/20 mix of oil, alcohol and coffee :P)

* Magellan sniffs the air. His gaze centers on Theo. (You hear a
rattlesnake SFX!)

<Todd> [ They are... starchy. But apparently the cook can pour batter
into a skillet without killing herself or others, so they taste alright.
]

<Todd> [ The syrup, however, is absolutely badass. It is possibly the
best syrup ever. ]

* Maimun pulls a loaf of bread from his cloak and eats it. One cannot
live on fruit alone!

<Todd> [ Phillip and Luca busy themselves chatting with the barkeep, who
nods and heads into the kitchen. They then come toward Theo's table, and
Phillip gives him a small smile. "May we?" ]

<Todd> (WHat is this Cloak of HOlding that you have a loaf of BREAD in
it? c.c;)

<Maimun> (Not a large loaf. A small loaf. A loafette.)

* Theodore smiles. "Of course."

<Magellan> (Is anyone sitting at Mags' table with him?)

* Khyra smiles pleasantly at the two as they sit. "Good morning,
gentlemen."

<Todd> [ The dynamic duo have a seat! A short time later the barkeep
produces a bowl of what appears to be granola and a small pitcher of
milk, then toddles off. ]

* Theodore pours coffee for anyone who wants it, and then looks over to
Magellan. "We have a bit left, you're welcome to join us."

<Todd> (You are alone. Mark got up and left your sorry ass.)

* Magellan fairly leaps from his table and settles down at Theo's.
"Thought ye'd never ask, lad." He plunks down his mug.

* Theodore pours for Magellan as well.

* Mark eats eggs, if there's anything wrong with them he's not going to
notice for a while.

* Theodore proceeds to eat his pancakes and, rather enjoying the syrup,
why he ordered them today.

<Todd> [ Phillip smiles at Khyra as he pours milk on his granola. "Good
morning." He pauses to eat a small spoonful. There's one more person than
chair, but Luca appears to be fine with standing watch. "I'm glad I ran
into you all." ]

* Maimun nods at the gentlemen, but doesn't speak up, instead breaking
off a roll-sized hunk of the bread and putting the rest away before
proceeding to gnaw on bread. Woo bread.

<Todd> [ The eggs are... typical breakfast eggs. 500% of your daily
requirement of Stuff Left In The Frying Pan. But they at least taste
okay. ]

* Magellan gulps into the coffee like it's ?Ale.

* Theodore looks to Phillip. "Have you discovered anything more?"

<Todd> [ Phillip has another spoonful of granola, then looks at Theodore
and nods. "I, ah... met with the mine foreman this morning. He's given me
permission to enter the abandoned shaft." ]

<Todd> [ He then makes a face. "The catch is I must go today, before
anyone from the Academy shows and he gets in trouble." ]

* Magellan blinks. "This mornin'?"

<Todd> [ The Magister nods. "During the lunch hour when the mine is
closed. He's prepared one of the coal trains to take us up to the shaft."
]

<Magellan> Ah, good. I'll have time for a few more pots of coffee.

* Theodore nods. "Do we have any idea how deep this shaft goes? Will we
need full camping provisions?"

* Khyra wrinkles her nose briefly but says nothing.

<Todd> [ Phil shakes his head. "It's tough to tell. They didn't dig very
far before the strange happenings began, but nobody's been inside for
months." ]

* Maimun frowns. "Camping? Underground? That sounds unpleasant."

<Todd> [ "I don't think it will be necessary. Unless the shaft is much
deeper than we could possibly imagine, we should be able to leave at the
end of the day and return under cover of night." ]

<Todd> (The AC kicks on. <_< >_>)

<Todd> [ An ornate clock in the corner of the room chimes the hour:
10:30am. ]

* Theodore smiles. "Good, won't need the luggage then."

* Magellan finishes his cup and tugs his beard. "Aye, well. I'll be ready
when ye are, then."

* Mark eyes the clock.

* Maimun nods very slightly and finishes his apple. "I wonder... what,
exactly, do you plan on doing once you get there?"

<Todd> [ Phillip looks at the clock, having finished his granola, and
seems a little nervous. "Ah... I must be going to prepare." He looks
around with a smile. "If you'd like to accompany me, meet me at the
Northwest coal lift at noon." ]

<Magellan> I'll see ye there.

<Todd> [ He pauses at Maimun's question. "Simply to look around, for now,
and see." He sweeps his gaze across everyone and smiles. "I am not the
fool the townspeople whisper I a... ah." He pauses and fixes his gaze on
Khyra. "Actually, you're Miss Westwind, yes?" ]

<Khyra> Yes, I am.

<Todd> [ Phil looks decidedly uncomfortable, then clears his throat. "I,
ah..." He pauses. "I would like to offer something in return for your
help, if you would not be too offended at the idea." ]

<Todd> (*pornmusic*)

* Theodore nods at the noon instruction and keeps eating.

<Maimun> (Oh baby.)

<Mark> (snerk)

* Khyra blinks in surprise. "My... help? I apologize, sir, but I highly
doubt I'd be of much help in this situation."

<Maimun> (Where's the cameras? Mark! Magellan! WHY HAVEN'T YOU INVENTED
CAMERAS?)

<Khyra> (*snerk*)

<Mark> (because it's only 10:30 in the morning!)

<Todd> [ Phillip smiles, but he still looks uncomfortable. "I don't know
if that's true or not, but..." He pauses. "I could offer you a letter of
introduction at the Lyrical, if you'd be willing to aid us." ]

<Todd> (Mullenwald types! Cultural Arts or Performing Arts checks! Except
Khyra.)

<Magellan> (I CANNAE INVENT FASTER, CAPTAIN! THE WORLD, SHE WILLNA TAKE
IT!)

<Magellan> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6) and gets 7.

<Magellan> (Woot)

<Mark> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6) and gets 9.

<Mark> (I love the smell of dicehate...NOT!)

<Maimun> (C'mon, Theo. You can do it!)

<Todd> (Mark knows nothing!)

* Magellan ruffles his whiskers. "Some kind of think from Lucia, ain't
it?"

<Theodore> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 9.

<Theodore> (Lemme see)

<Magellan> (thing)

<Theodore> (Make under cultural arts)

<Theodore> (Not under performing, unless it's a dance academy)

* Mark shrugs and goes back to his eggs'n stuff.

* Khyra looks positively stunned. "I... in my wildest dreams, perhaps,
I..."

* Maimun looks between Khyra and Phillip, before looking more directly at
Khyra. "This sounds like good news?"

<Todd> (It's not.)

* Khyra then composes herself. "Then I shall most definitely offer you
what help I may be able to provide."

* Khyra looks over at Maimun. "Far worth sacrificing the sky for one
day."

<Todd> [ Phil looks relieved that he didn't just get smacked and nods,
handing a letter case with a wax seal on it to her. "Just in case. Thank
you for your help." ]

<Todd> ( GM has defeated Stumbling Block! )

<Todd> ( Gained 1 PC! )

<Khyra> No, thank *you*.

<Theodore> (Then just made under cultura arts. :P)

* Khyra takes the letter case and just stares at it, as if she's not
entirely sure it's real.

<Todd> [ It's heavy enough to be real. The seal ring is metal. ]

<Todd> [ Luca clears his throat, and Phillip bows. "Please excuse me. See
you at noon." Then they are gone! ]

* Maimun smiles faintly. "More valuable than Selenium, then. It must be
quite a person to be introduced to."

<Todd> (Up to you if you wanna play around a bit or go directly to
blipvert.)

* Theodore bows slightly back. "Until then."

<Magellan> (Blipvert.)

<Maimun> (Unless Khyra/Someone wants to respond to Maimun's stupidity,
Blippy.)

<Khyra> A place, actually.  The most amazing place in all the world.

* Khyra still seems slightly dazed.

* Maimun just smiles a little and waits for disorienting flashes to take
him to the mineshaft.

<Todd> [ And thus was Khyra roped into coming! An hour and a half passes
swiftly. The Northwest Lift is marked clearly with signs, so it takes
very little effort to find your way there. All the miners are home or at
taverns for lunch, so the town seems a little deserted. ]

<Todd> [ Phil and Luca are waiting for you, and everyone piles into the
coal lift (basically a mine cart on a horizontal motor-driven track) to
head up the mountain! ]

<Todd> [ The trip is going to take a minute or two, so there's time to
converse. The view of the plains of Mullenwald is absolutely breathtaking
once you get above the tree level of the Della forest. ]

* Khyra stares out over the plains. She has her small travel pack resting
on her lap.

* Maimun looks at the view and smiles. "This is a good view of the land.
So green.'

* Magellan has his wrench! And his toolbox. He's peering out intently.

<Khyra> It's lovely, really.

<Todd> (The wrench is atypical, I should point out, even to another
mechanic like Mark.)

<Khyra> (It's the Huge Wrench O'Doom.)

* Mark looks a bit more awake than he did before, "Yeah...it's also a
long way to anywhere else too."

* Theodore stands in the shaft, making sure she's got a good view. He's
carrying a briefcase but not much else.

<Magellan> (For one, it's four feet long. c_c)

<Todd> [ The view is every propaganda shot of the Midwest you see during
the national anthem at the Superbowl. It's beautiful. IN the very, very
far south you can see the spires of the T�tenschloss rising forlornly
into the sky, and then the sea. You are a *long way up* by now. Phil
looks absolutely entranced. ]

* Theodore watches and smiles. "So much room to grow in."

<Maimun> Grow?

* Magellan turns from the glass. "Aye. A forge in every backyard."

<Theodore> Not every backyard, that'd be redundant.

<Todd> [ To the north, should you look, are the taller of the Swordedges.
They are very Tolkein-esque in their geologicalness. ]

* Theodore keeps looking around.

* Khyra frowns ever-so-briefly, but the men probably cannot see it as
she's still gazing out at the landscape.

<Magellan> Ach, yer spoilin' me dream.

* Magellan grins.

<Theodore> * Magellan grins back.  "Well.  Perhaps some could be
recreational."

<Theodore> (Gah.

* Theodore grins back. "Well. Perhaps some could be recreational."

<Todd> (*patpat*) 

* Mark blinks at Theodore, "Why?"

<Todd> [ The cart comes over the lip of the shaft's portico, so to speak,
and slowly but surely grinds to a halt. There's more than enough room for
everyone to get out without careening down the mountain to certain death.
Luca hops out with shocking agility and then helps out Phillip. ]

* Theodore looks to Mark. "Well, a forge in every backyard would make for
horribly inefficient production. But if people simply wanted one for
their own purposes, nothing wrong with that."

* Magellan thuds out, using the wrench as an immense cast-iron cane.

* Khyra nimbly climbs out at the cart and then begins looking at
everything *except* the shaft entrance.

* Maimun steps out himself in a smooth robey motion.

* Mark shakes his head, "If you say so."

* Mark follows Mags in.

<Todd> [ Phillip walks over ahead of everyone to inspect the mine
entrance, which isn't even boarded up since getting up here is
practically impossible. It's also quite dark. Otherwise, it doesn't look
too different than normal. ]

* Magellan sniffs the air. "Ahhh. Rarified always smelt better. Just like
some of the old days."

* Maimun turns away from the plains to look at the mine entrance, giving
a quick glance to the looney old man.

<Todd> [ Phillip bites his lip, then holds out his hand and recites the
word "Lumos." A ball of light the size of a baseball appears there and he
gently tosses it in front of him, where it hovers silently.

<Todd> ( + ] )

<Mark> Well, I'm glad you're having fun.

* Theodore heads in. "Really, if you like I could show you the figures.
Decentralized production has been tried, results in a collosol loss of
labor."

* Maimun looks over to Khyra the hesitant. "They are going, Khyra."

* Khyra reluctantly turns back. "Ahh." She takes a deep breath and heads
in.

* Maimun follows her in, since they're last.

<Todd> ( The music for this is "In the Gloomy Darkness" from FF:CC.
Cathuriges Mine stuff.)

* Magellan follows in, looking around. He taps the wall with his wrench.

* Theodore walks in confidentally. He takes in his surroundings and looks
for anything unexpected mine wise.

<Todd> [ Phillip's spell gives off a cold, sterile white light that makes
the mine seem especially eerie, despite having good range. Tools are
abandoned in a few places, and the entire place is deathly quiet; not
even the usual drip of glacial meltwater trickling away somewhere
disturbs the sound of your footfalls. Luckily, the shaft is fairly wide;
three people can walk abreast easy. ]

* Khyra keeps pace behind the group, staring intently at their backs.

* Maimun looks around, and puts his hood down, since it's not like anyone
can see him anyway, up here.

* Mark trudges near the back of the party.

<Theodore> I must admit, I'm used to traveling by lantern or
technological light.  Mines look a bit different by your method.

<Todd> (GOod thing too, since with it on Maimun was practically blind.)

<Maimun> (I thought that would be a sideeffect. @_@)

<Maimun> Does it normally look more... friendly?

* Khyra shivers briefly.

<Mark> Holes in the ground look friendly?

<Magellan> Aye. Though this mine fair gives me the willies.

<Khyra> You as well?

<Todd> [ Phillip nods slowly without turning around; he's slowed his pace
to let Luca walk in front a bit. "Perhaps. There are a number of theories
at the academy among illusionists about the properties of color and
light..." He almost trips over the mine cart rail, only to have it
abruptly end a few feet in front of him. ]

<Todd> [ It's bloody cold in here, by the way. ]

* Khyra draws her cloak a bit closer to herself.

* Magellan taps the wall with his wrench again.

<Todd> [ It gives a satisfying, metallic *thunk*. Them walls are solid. ]

* Mark shivers.

* Khyra pats something in her cloak pocket.

* Theodore rubs his hands together as he walks, staying a bit behind
Phillip and Luca. "Some what more friendly by some sources of light, but
I think hit may depend on what you're used to."

* Maimun shivers too, despite being in a cloak. "I am used to being
outside, so perhaps nothing would help."

<Magellan> Ye get used to it.

<Todd> [ Luca, about five feet ahead, comes to a halt, and Phillip behind
him. Before him is pitch black. ]

* Magellan stops, and peers forward.

<Todd> (Visual checks! 2 point penalty.)

<Magellan> 2d6+2

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6+2) and gets 5.

* Maimun stops too and tries to look.

<Magellan> (Made.)

* Mark manages to keep from running into him.

<Mark> 2d6+2

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6+2) and gets 9.

* Theodore stops and lays his other hand on his briefcase as he looks
forward.

<Theodore> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 11.

<Theodore> (Nope)

<Maimun> 2d6-2

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6-2) and gets 2.

<Mark> (ha, no!)

<Khyra> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6) and gets 9.

<Maimun> (... Made good. ^^;)

<Khyra> (Aha.)

<Khyra> (Not a chance.)

<Theodore> (Oh, forgot the penalty. so actually missed by even more. ^_~)

<Todd> (Theodore sees the reaper!)

<Todd> (Well, alright, not really.)

<Theodore> (Whew)

<Todd> (Oh, wait.)

<Todd> (MARK! Forget what I just told you.)

<Todd> (I am a dumbass. You people and your M names.)

* Maimun leans forward a bit. "Perhaps the darkness is playing tricks on
me, but there is something that gives off light in the distance."

<Magellan> Aye. A twinkle... nay, a sparkle.

* Magellan squints and peeers!

<Magellan> Can ye off the light?

<Mark> If you say so, I don't see anything.

<Khyra> Off?

<Theodore> Hmm...

<Magellan> Off. Turn 'er off.

* Khyra bites her lip. Hard.

<Mark> ...If it's reflecting light...turning it off wont help.

<Todd> [ Phil blinks at Magellan and Maimun, then nods slowly and closes
his right palm into a fist. "Tenebras." The light goes out. There's a
moment of OMGDARK for all of you for a minute. ]

<Magellan> Didn't say she was reflectin', did I?

* Khyra suppresses an ouch as she bites her lip harder and shuts her
eyes.

<Todd> (I allow time for people to be scared of OMGDARK!.)

<Mark> So it's glowing?

* Theodore waits as his eyes adjust. He actually grips his briefcase a
bit tighter and looks a bit less confident, but it's dark, so who can
tell.

* Maimun blinks a few times, not that anyone can see that. "As black as a
moonless night."

* Mark waits for the show, and rubs his arms because it's
cold...yeah...that's it...it's cold.

* Magellan waits for his eyes to adjust as well. "Could be. Can't tell
less the light's out, can ye?"

<Todd> [ It's as Mark says this that your eyes adjust and then you see
it: you're in light. You've hit a dead end, but the dead end is rock
covered in flecks of luminous gems... not Selenium, but clearly out of
place here. Most of them are very large and rough, but are such vibrant
colors as not seen by any jeweler known to man. ]

* Khyra snaps. "Hurry up and find out what it is so we can go!"

<Todd> [ Even Luca is forced to raise an eyebrow. Phillip's breath
catches. Everyone is bathed in multicolored light. ]

* Magellan actually gasps. "Ach...."

* Khyra opens her eyes when the light begins to shine. "Ohh..."

<Mark> ...They CLOSED this?

* Maimun gasps as well. "By the sun... what stones are these?"

<Todd> [ Your voices echo. COnsiderably. And surprisingly, it's not as
cold here. ]

<Magellan> Magister... ye ken what this be?

* Theodore blinks. "I would not touch it, nor come too close for the
moment." Although his voice has a definate eagerness in it.

<Todd> [ Phillip shakes his head, hesitantly reaching out but following
Theo's sound advice and stopping. "In all my years of study of geology, I
have never seen their like." ]

<Magellan> Nor I, in all me years of smithin'.

* Khyra blinks. "I certainly haven't." Her tone has nothing of its prior
impatience and nervousness.

* Theodore grin slightly. "If I'd seen such thing before, Miranda
wouldn't have quite as much to gloat about."

<Todd> [ The gems do not explode. Phillip is awestruck. ]

* Maimun smiles a lot, if that can be seen. "I have seen things as
beautifu, but nothing with exactly this beauty."

* Mark stands and stares at the gems...and then pulls his glasses down so
he can look at some of the closer ones.

<Todd> (Anyone examining the rocks who has Phys Sciences, or Craft *with*
the Jeweler specialty can make a skill check.)

<Magellan> 2d6-2

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6-2) and gets 1.

<Magellan> (Pwned it.)

<Maimun> 2d6-1

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6-1) and gets 5.

<Theodore> 2d6-2

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6-2) and gets 6.

<Theodore> (Made by one with physical science)

<Maimun> (Well, that's a make, if 'looking at them with avaraice and
curiosity witout any magnifying stuff' counts as examination.)

<Theodore> (Oh..)

<Theodore> (Just avarice.)

<Theodore> (sigh. ;_;)

<Theodore> (Oh, Maimun said that, not Todd.  Whee!)

<Todd> (Ha.)

<Theodore> (Well, a little curiosity too.)

* Magellan lifts his glasses and peers. "Nae even cut, but they sparkle
like they spent a week in a tumbler."

<Mark> ...I don't think even a month in tumbler would make them glow.

* Theodore nods. "This doesn't seem natural at all."

<Todd> (The man has a point.)(

<Magellan> Well, I meant the polish, not the glowin'.

<Khyra> No.  It certainly doesn't.

<Maimun> Yes. If they were not unnatural already, that certainly confirms
it.

<Todd> [ Phillip starts looking around the walls with a distracted gaze.
Luca's eyes follow him with vague concern. He's apparently off in his own
little world and hears none of this. ]

<Todd> (Music: "Endsector" from BoF5.)

<Maimun> (Damn. The first song I don't have.)

<Theodore> I'd assume that something like this caused the workers
condition, likely magic involved, although I can hardly say what it's
exact nature would be.

<Todd> [ The gems are shiny, but nothing terrible appears to be happening
to anyone yet. ]

<Khyra> Well if this was the cause, maybe we should be leaving.

<Todd> (Anyone getting reasonably close to them?)

<Magellan> (I am.)

<Mark> (not yet)

<Todd> (Cham, roll a d7.)

<Magellan> d7

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (d7) and gets 4.

<Maimun> (I'm probably inevitably creeping closer. They're so pretty.
*_*)

<Theodore> (Theodore is staying that safe distance back.  He's greedy,
but he has his limits.)

<Todd> [ Magellan, being not too careful, nudges an emerald with his
elbow. It shines briefly, then a musical note wafts through the air,
stopping after a second or two. ]

<Magellan> (I'm old and senile, bring on the magical ... ooh.)

<Todd> (Performing Arts checks, if you have it! Music specialty. Can't be
used untrained.)

<Khyra> 2d6-3

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6-3) and gets 7.

<Todd> (s/"Music"/any musical)

<Magellan> Oh... aye, pretty.

<Khyra> (Yes, actually.)

* Khyra hums the same tone softly.

<Theodore> (Oh, is just having performing arts enough to count as
trained?)

<Todd> (Yes.)

* Mark nods, "It is..."

<Theodore> 2d6-1

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6-1) and gets 5.

<Theodore> (Yup)

<Todd> [ The note, for the record, sounds as if plucked from a harp. ]

<Magellan> (Torin's Passage flashbacks.)

<Mark> (heh, to the lower worlds with us!)

<Todd> (*mutter*)

<Todd> [ Phillip looks up and turns around at that, as does Luca. "What
was that sound?" ]

* Theodore listens to the music for a moment, also humming along. He
sounds trained, but nothing like Kahlya's level of expertise. He then
checks the scales and you can hear him getting out something, maybe a
notebook, and jotting down notes as he figures them out in the dark.

<Khyra> (Khyra.  I do not have a scythe.)

<Khyra> (Yet.)

<Maimun> (Ha.)

<Todd> (Yeeees.)

<Mark> (hehe)

<Theodore> (Gah, why do I GM? ;_;)

<Magellan> I bumped a gem.

<Todd> (I am asking myself the same question.)

<Mark> (because we're having fun!)

* Maimun starts to step closer as well. "They are even more beautiful
now."

<Todd> [ Phillip tilts his head. "Like... so?" He reaches out and touches
a ruby. It plays a lower note. ]

<Todd> [ Khyra and Theo recognize it as B-flat. ]

<Magellan> Aye, just so.

<Mark> ...It's a musical insturment?

* Khyra can't help herself. She takes a few steps forward and touches a
different gem.

<Theodore> So it would appear, each gem having a different tone. 
However... We may wish to be more cautious.... ::His tone is getting
slightly nervous::

<Todd> [ There are five other stones: citrine, topaz, sapphire, amethyst,
and azurite. ]

<Magellan> Ye be daft! How can it be an instrument, way down here.

<Todd> [ Phillip looks at the ruby as it shines and plays its note.
"Fascinating..." ]

<Khyra> Think of the songs that could be played upon this!

<Todd> (*frowns at his notes* Not azurite. Lapis.)

<Todd> (Sorry.)

<Todd> (Which stone do you touch, Khyra?)

* Mark glares at the back of the old mans head, "Listen to it, you've got
that bird for a reason."

<Khyra> (The sapphire.)

<Theodore> (Quick check, there are seven notes on a staff, ,right?)

<Khyra> (In a scale, you mean? Yes.)

<Todd> [ The sapphire glows for only a moment. It plays a G, higher than
the F the emerald played. ]

* Khyra smiles as her theory is confirmed.

<Khyra> The colors correspond to the scale.

<Magellan> Aye, I'm listenin'.

* Theodore nods. "So it would seem."

<Khyra> Start at the red one, and go all the way up through the colors of
the rainbow.

<Todd> [ Phillip is thunderstruck. He smiles at Khyra, pleased. "I knew
it would be in our best interests for you to come, Ms. Westwind." ]

<Khyra> Seven colors, seven notes.  I wonder if it could be made to
change keys somehow...

<Mark> Size?

* Maimun looks slightly confused.

<Theodore> Interesting, I wonder if this means of producing music is
reproducable.

* Khyra looks at Phillip and smiles. "Well, now that we have such a
thing, what are we to do with it?"

<Todd> [ The Magister shakes his head. "I don't... really know." ]

<Todd> (Khyra: Mind Check.)

<Khyra> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6) and gets 11.

<Khyra> (Damn you.)

<Todd> [ Phil frowns and starts studying the gems a little. He touches
the topaz, which expectedly produces a D, then takes his hand back and
knits his brow. ]

<Todd> (VIsual checks, everyone but Khyra!)

* Theodore frowns and jots a few more notes, we'll see if they're
legigible when he sees them in the light.

<Theodore> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 6.

<Theodore> (Dicey likes me tonight)

<Maimun> 2d6-4

<Todd> (That and you have absurd stats. ;)

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6-4) and gets 7.

<Mark> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6) and gets 5.

<Maimun> (... Wow. Missed by 1, I think. I am sad.)

<Mark> (Made!)

<Magellan> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6) and gets 3.

<Magellan> (Made.)

<Todd> [ Magellan, Mark, and Theo all notice the same thing: A scrap of
parchment on the floor about three feet behind Maimun, against the wall.
]

* Magellan blinks. "What be that?"

<Todd> (It be paper.)

<Mark> ...Looks like some paper.

<Todd> (Mark is a bright lad.)

<Magellan> Aye, lad, I mean what's on it?

<Mark> I don't know yet.

* Maimun tries to figure out where Mags and Mark are looking, and looks
behind him.

<Todd> (That's right. He doesn't.)

* Khyra is too entranced by the gems to care about some silly scrap of
paper. She begins humming a soft tune.

* Theodore smiles slightly. "I wonder if perhaps it might have musical
notes or instructions on it."

* Mark walks over and takes a look.

<Todd> (I'm assuming you're picking it up? It's not that big.)

<Mark> (sure)

<Todd> [ The paper reads, in a badly-scrawled but reasonably legible
hand: "Spring's Swan Chariot". ]

<Todd> [ It looks like it was torn off of something. There's no music on
it. ]

* Mark peers at it, and then holds it next to on of the crystals for
better light, "...Says Spring's Swan Chariot. That mean anything to
anybody?""

<Theodore> Maybe a song name?

<Mark> (Three word system!)

<Magellan> Nae a bit to me, lad.

* Maimun shakes his head slightly, then turns back to the stones. Ooh.
Shiny. He tries to look at them without touching them.

<Todd> ( The citrine leaps out and devours Maimun. )

* Khyra looks up. "It *is* a song. A simple harp song. Shall I play it?"

<Maimun> (Gwah, my face!)

<Todd> (Mind chekc again, Khyra. -2 bonus. )

<Khyra> 2d6-2

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6-2) and gets 7.

<Todd> (Dicehate! Good lord.)

<Khyra> (Dicey, you really are making me work for it tonight, aren't you.
 Made.)

<Khyra> (...stfu, bot.)

<Mark> Eh, why not?

<Khyra> It's in a different key, though.  I'll need to transpose it. 
Give me a minute...

<Magellan> Ye play well normally. Te hear it with this instrument'll be a
treat.

* Khyra starts humming, every so often pausing. She appears to be
repeating a phrase, though it sounds slightly different every other time.

* Khyra stops and looks over at Magellan. "Oh? Thank you!" She then
resumes her humming.

<Mark> Take all the time you need.

* Maimun looks back at Khyra, then backs away slowly. "It will be very
interesting, I am sure."

<Todd> ( Whee. We may run a bit later than I expected. That okay with
people? )

<Khyra> (Fine by me.)

* Theodore jots down something more and then puts his pad away,
listening.

<Theodore> (Sure)

<Todd> (Not much later. There's just oooone more thing after this. Maybe
two.)

* Khyra finishes and steps up to the gems. "All right. Here we go."

* Khyra moves her hands among the gems, playing the tune she just started
humming. After one verse's worth, she begins to sing.

* Mark pushes his his glasses and listens in silence.

<Khyra> At night, you and I / In the swan boat a-goin' / The spring's
gentle breeze / through it we are rowing / Come, gentle goddess / bring
life giving rain / and this swan chariot ride / with my favored young
swain.

<Todd> (Exposition: Ho!)

<Todd> [ Khyra sings! Every time she hits a note in the B-flat major
scale, regardless of pitch, the appropriate gem shines and the wall plays
along. At the end, there's an echoing silence as the music fades away,
and then the ground underneath you lights up in the form of a magic
circle of soft white light. ]

<Todd> (Also, I wrote that song, uh, 'just now', so dno't be mad that
it's so hokey.)

<Theodore> ( Nice! )

<Mark> (Hookey lyrics or not, it's the singer that matters!)

<Khyra> (And I sing well.  *preens*)

* Magellan looks down. "Beauty, but nae we have new developments...."

<Todd> [ Phillip shakes his head. "No... this is..." He pauses and closes
his eyes, extending his hand out; at his fingertips a miniature version
of the magic circle forms out of the same light as he whispers words too
quiet to hear. ]

* Mark pulls his glasses back down again, and then looks at the mages,
"This a good thing or a bad one?"

<Todd> (OKay. This is going to take a while to desc, so bear with me.)

<Khyra> I honestly don't know.

<Theodore> The miners may have made it past this, and left that paper,
but I doubt they heard such a lovely show.

* Khyra looks longingly at the gems again.

* Maimun just eyes the ground and the walls and just about everything
warily.

<Todd> [ Phillip's chanting goes on a while, and then he suddenly stops,
slumping; Luca rushes over to catch him. The gems on the wall all flash
again, once... and then the wall starts to move to the side, as if a
secret passage. Beyond it... ]

<Todd> [ Well, beyond it is sky. And grass. And trees, and a lake, and a
*city*, in a valley far below, a direct drop down from the opening made
by the moving wall. ]

<Todd> [ It's as if you had a volcanic caldera, but instead inside you
put Geneva, Switzerland. You can hear birds chirping and flying overhead.
]

* Theodore looks genuinely shocked, note it, won't get this all the time.
"That's, just, amazing..."

<Mark> ....We didn't go that deep into the mountain....

<Todd> [ As for the city, a cracked cobblestone road leads into it from a
position about 50' below you. There's no ladder or anything of the sort.
The city is a bit away, but it looks... odd. The architecture is foreign,
for sure, to Mullenwald and Solaria. It's surrounded by a ring lake. ]

* Magellan blinks. "Ach." For once, it's all he says.

<Khyra> How lovely... and yet... 

<Todd> (Mark! Mind check.)

<Khyra> I should not say impossible, but...

<Mark> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6) and gets 6.

<Mark> (Woot!)

* Maimun smiles. "Perhaps strange or magical."

<Todd> [ The breeze must feel great. The air is much cleaner, too, for
sure. ]

<Khyra> Magical, yes.  Most certainly that.

* Khyra takes a deep breath. Already she seems better.

<Theodore> Phillip, can you tell us anything about this?

* Theodore still has the note of amazement in his voice, he's trying to
sound cool and collected, but isn't there yet.

<Todd> [ Phillip looks indisposed. Luca adds, looking actually concerned
for once, "He performed a great ritual by himself... he is exhausted." ]

* Khyra takes a step towards the light.

* Maimun brushes a hand through his hair. "Caution, Khyra..." He walks
forward a bit himself, though, perhaps not listening to his own warning.

* Mark pulls up his glasses blinks at the city, "That's...odd."

<Todd> [ Behold the sun! Maimun melts into goo under its purifying rays.
Well, not really. But Khyra feels the wind again and it's lovely. Also,
she's 5' away frlom falling to her death. ]

<Maimun> (Mark comes back to keyboard woos at the spam!)

<Theodore> Is he alright.  Can we proceed or should we let him recover
first? ::there's some concern in Theo's voice, but it seems to be
fighting with eagerness::

<Todd> (*punches Mecha in the face*)

<Khyra> I'll be careful.

<Maimun> (Ow. ;_;)

* Magellan takes a step forward, too. "Strange, yet ... compelling."

* Khyra stays put, though her face is turned towards the sun. She nearly
laughs as the wind swirls around her.

<Todd> [ Luca answers by slinging the apparently featherweight Phillip
onto his shoulders; it clearly takes more strength than Luca looks like
he has. "I'll carry him for now. But..." He looks down over the
cliffside. "How to get down is a question." ]

<Todd> (Piggyback, I should say. He's not carrying meat.)

* Magellan looks down the cliff for a path.

* Maimun frowns as he looks off the edge. "Well..." he looks around, then
says, "I do not know how any of you could get down there without ropes."

<Khyra> Sadly, I have no rope, or anything of that nature.

* Mark points, "You know...when I was a kid a bunch of us went to go look
at T�tenschloss...just to see if it was as bad as every body said it
was...."

* Khyra glances back at Mark. "And?" It's probably the first time she's
acknowledged him since they met.

* Theodore shakes off his amazement. "I can get down without any trouble,
but getting the rest of you down is a bit harder."

<Todd> [ The drop's pretty severe. It's not a "fall and pray" deal. ]

<Mark> Exept for the whole not having a giant lighthouse thing it's
pretty much just like that...

* Maimun looks at Mark for a second with an open mouth, then over at
Theodore suddenly with a curious look on his face. "How do you plan on
doing it?"

<Todd> [ Anyone who's even seen so much as a picture of the T�tenschloss
can see his point, upon careful examination. The 'foreign' style of
building is quite similar. ]

* Magellan turns to Mark. "Ye ARE daft! T�tenschloss?"

* Theodore stands right at the ledge and looks over, his feet a few
inches over the edge itself, he doesn't really seem to have much fear.

* Khyra looks at the city, then at him. "There is a certain amount of
similarity in the buildings."

<Todd> (Not, like, carbon copy, mind. But close enough for government
work.)

<Mark> ...I decided that I'd rather stay home and help.

* Theodore seems to be a bit lost in thought at the moment. He's got his
notebook out again and is jotting down a few things.

<Todd> (MAIMUN DO SOMETHING OR YOU LOSE 5% MAX HP!)

<Todd> (>_<)

<Maimun> (I will in a second. Theo seems to have something he wants to
do. ^_^;)

<Theodore> As for how I was getting down, I was planning to walk.

<Todd> [ Theo is clearly nuts. Tackle him before he does something
insane! ][

<Magellan> ALL of ye are daft? Walk where?

<Mark> You're going to walk down the cliff...how?

<Khyra> Walk? What? How?

<Khyra> (I'm so eloquent.)

* Maimun blinks, then says nervously, "Wal... well. That... makes it
easy, then." He turns back to the group, rubs his hands a bit, then
sighs. "If he can walk, I can think of a way to get you all down there,
but it may take a bit."

<Todd> [ Luca, meanwhile, is over in the corner doing something. Phillip
is leaned against a wall, thoroughly unconscious. ]

* Theodore laughs quietly. "Good, as I was stumped about that part. I
could carry some of you down, but my strength is not unlimited."

<Magellan> Ach, trapped in a mountain with a magical portal and a load of
daft people. What next, I ask ye?

<Todd> [ Luca walks by Theodore, Phil on his shoulders, and then *down
the cliff face*. As he keeps going, you'll notice he somehow attached the
daggers from his belt to his *feet* and is using them to wall-walk,
basically. ]

<Todd> [ It doesn't take Mags or Mark's engineering skill to know that is
Not Supposed To Happen. ]

* Khyra points. "That... is far from ordinary."

<Magellan> ... that's next. Why do I even bother te ask anymore?

<Mark> ...I'd like to know what thoes knives are made of...

<Todd> (Good question.)

* Theodore smiles slightly as Luca goes by. "Well, it appears my
abilities aren't entirely unique. So Mister Maimun, what is the plan?"

* Maimun blinks. "... As stunning as that is, that makes it even easier."
He looks at Theodore. "Do you think us two together could carry everyone?
That would be easiest."

<Todd> [ He's moving at a fast clip for someone walking on knives, haha.
]

<Theodore> If we combined our strength? I'd think so.

* Mark watchs the wall walker.

<Theodore> Assuming you have a means of going down yourself.  Alternately
I could work with Luca and perhaps set up a harness to carry people
between us.

* Maimun nods slightly, then turns to Khyra. "I can get there. I was not
called the Wind Dancer for a truly random reason. Let us start with
Khyra. Khyra, if you please? We can hold you at the shoulders."

<Theodore> Oh? And to avoid any confusion, I can get moving.  But first,
no one is going to try to stupidly jump after me if I take a step down
after them, right? ::Theo's got a bit of a grin::

* Khyra steps forward. "All right."

<Mark> Right.

<Magellan> Daft. Ye all be daft.

* Maimun grabs onto Khyra's shoulder! What's Theo doing?

* Theodore takes a first step, putting a foot over the edge and vertical
against the cliff face. He then glances back to make sure no one is going
to try to follow him to their death and puts his other foot over, and
stands perpendicular to the face before turning around and leaning
forward. "This will work with your wind dancing, yes?"

* Maimun looks over. "That will be too slow. We will all just have to
fly."

<Todd> (Hallelujah.)

<Todd> (Er, I mean, yes.)

<Theodore> Alright.  I'll meet up with Mister Luca and inform him of the
plan.  Meet you at the base?

* Maimun nods slightly, then takes a deep breath. "Yes."

* Theodore nods and sets off walking down the cliff, like it's something
he's fairly used to but still enjoys, he tries to catch up with Luca, but
not to startle him at all.

<Todd> [ Luca is already at the bottom and unhooking himself. Phillip is
leaning against a tree, still out cold. ]

* Maimun lets go of Khyra's shoulder and sighs. "Khyra. Turn towards me
and be calm for a second." He smiles at her. "You are going to fly."

* Khyra looks remarkably calm. "I've always wanted to." She smiles.

* Mark watches Maimun and tries to figure out how to make a human fly.

* Theodore reaches the bottom rather quickly. "The rest of the group will
apparently be flying down, courtesy Mr. Maimun."

<Todd> [ Luca nods. Back to impossibly quiet. Phillip starts to sit and
puts a hand to his head. ]

* Maimun smiles back at her, plases both his hands on her shoulders, and
closes his eyes, saying softly. "Once I am done, all you must do is think
yoursrelf up, as it were. It is difficult to explain, but you have a
short time to figure it out and then... well, you can fly to the bottom."

<Mark> ...Up....Up.

* Theodore watches Maimun from the base, this should be interesting.

* Maimun 's body glows for the _slightest_ second, then the glow diffuses
through his hands into Khyra, who he immediately lets go.

<Maimun> Go, please. As quickly as you can.

* Khyra walks to the edge of the doorway, spreads her arms, and takes a
step off. She does not plummet to her doom! (We think.) Instead she
glides gracefully towards the bottom, then lands and waves back up to
Maimun. She seems absolutely delighted.

<Todd> [ This is indeed how it transpires. It doesn't take more than a
minute or so for Khyra to hit the ground, since she's basically in
controlled freefall. ]

* Maimun waves at Khyra weakly, then turns back to the others. For some
reason, he looks a little tired. "In a few minutes... you will both
follow her."

* Mark nods, "Just gotta think up thoughts, rights?"

<Todd> (Dear god yes. We need to get a move on. ^_^)

* Theodore smiles. "Well done for the first time Miss Westwind. I take it
you rather enjoyed the experience?"

* Maimun nods slightly and smiles. "Just don't think too 'up', or you may
end up finding yourself dangerously high." Some minutes transpire, and
then he does the same thing to Mark!

* Khyra smiles brilliantly. "It was wonderful. I wish it could have
lasted longer."

<Khyra> (AFK for just a sec.)

<Magellan> (Can we blipvert past the falling parts?)

* Mark thinks about the sky, it's way up there and it's where he should
be, this is a flight spell after all.

<Todd> (Unless you or Mark object, I'm fine with das blipvert.)

<Theodore> Perhaps that shall be a perk of traveling more with Mr.
Maimun.

<Maimun> (Saves me saying, "Blah blah tired, blah blah glowy, blah blah
fly now.")

<Mark> (off we go then!)

<Maimun> (I want to see Mags try to fly, and sink like a stone. Hee hee.)

<Maimun> (Ahem.)

<Khyra> (Back.)

<Todd> [ In short order Mark and Mags, with some amount of difficulty but
reasonable success, also float down. Maimun follows soon after and boy,
is he tired. The cobblestone road into the city stretches before you. A
bridge over the ring lake is very very close. ]

* Maimun does indeed look tired as he lands, saying nervously, "I am glad
that went so well. I have never tried that with so many people..."

* Khyra offers him her canteen. "A drink, perhaps, might refresh you?"

<Theodore> Well done, I've seen such a thing before, but not by magic. 
Quite impressive.

<Mark> I'd offer you a ride, but we left it behind.

* Magellan looks around. His feathers have certainly been ruffled by the
flying.

<Khyra> And thank you.  That was truly wonderful.

* Maimun smiles at Khyra a little and takes a small drink. "Thank you,
and you are welcome." He hands her the canteen back. "And I do not think
it is magic. Perhaps it is, but I have never been too concerned about
such things."

<Todd> [ Phillip is standing up, now, though still a little supported by
Luca. However, he does a most curious thing: instead of greeting the lot
of you, he makes for the bridge, pushing Luca away. ]

* Khyra puts the canteen away, then blinks. "We should follow him."

* Theodore looks quite surprised and runs after Phillip.

<Mark> ...You're probibly right.

<Todd> [ Luca also runs after Phillip, though he seems a little sluggish;
maybe from carrying Phil down the mountain. ]

* Magellan trots after!

* Maimun sighs slightly, then says, "If I did not owe him for getting us
in here, I would be much less inclined." He starts following.

* Khyra starts heading after them.

<Todd> (Everyone who's doing more than a half-hearted attempt to catch,
body check.)

* Theodore calls out, trying not to be too loud. "Phillip! Please stop.
This might be dangerous." He glances back at Luca and looks a tad worried
as he keeps running forward.

<Theodore> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 8.

<Theodore> (Nope)

* Mark runs after him, there are probibly humorus clanking noises as the
engeeners run.

<Theodore> (Miss by 3)

<Mark> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6) and gets 11.

<Mark> (hell no)

<Maimun> (I'm definitely in the half-hearted sense of pursuing.)

<Khyra> (Not trying to catch, just following.)

<Todd> (Okay. Give me a sec to map this out.)

<Todd> [ Theo seems to be making progress, but he's walked a long way
today and is tired; Luca soon passes him with a look of panic. "Phillip,
don't! You don't know what might ha--" ]

<Todd> [ He doesn't have time to finish the thought. Phillip hits the
bridge, and the world... 'warps'. Nothing is as it seems. You see
flickers of things, like shadows gone in the blink of an eye, that
completely defy description. Buildings of steel so tall they touch the
sky. Carriages like Mark's truck, but smaller, faster, and so many. A
tall tower in the city is suddenly a giant Gothic cathedral. ]

<Todd> ( Soul check, everyone. )

<Todd> ( Except Mark. )

<Khyra> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6) and gets 9.

<Magellan> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6) and gets 5.

<Theodore> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 2, a CRITICAL
SUCCESS!!! "I'm a child of extremes. Have a crit, and a nice day to go
with it."

<Khyra> (I feel the hate.)

<Maimun> 2d6

* Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6) and gets 8.

<Magellan> (Made.)

<Maimun> (Not for me!)

<Todd> [ This continues in a dizzying, insane display until Luca reaches
Phillip, who is standing on the bridge in a daze. The man in black
reaches out to touch him, and in a flash of blue both men disappear. The
mental strain is too much on Khyra and Maimun; they crumple to the ground
unconscious. Mark goes intensely wide-eyed for a moment, and then also
collapses. Magellan and Theo manage to stay upright... ]

<Todd> [ But what will they do, alone in this alien city buried in the
mountains? I guess we find out next time! ]

<Todd> [ Game: end! ]