Campaign1/session-9
Tyr Ektania Specularis
Session Date: January 25,2000
Assynt 22, 1022 - Continued
Having convinced the group that it is best to find refuge someplace safe, Naias and four guards escort the group through a labyrinth of underground streets. As they make their way through the underground passages, Naias explains that they are being led to place called Tyr Ektania Specularis, which can be loosely translated into "a place of reflection".
After several moments, the group reaches a branching in the main street, and follows a curved passageway to the left. Mazériyan, noticing that the outer wall of the curve features prominent ribs from floor to ceiling, falls behind the group for a moment. Naias, noticing Mazeriyan's interest in the intricate rune inscriptions of the ribs, halts the group.
"The craftsmanship is quite remarkable isn't it?" Naias joins Mazeriyan in admiring the inscription.
"What does it do?" Mazeriyan's eyes for over the inscriptions which run from floor-to-ceiling, each letter carved into stone and decorated with dark purple crystals.
"These structures, which in our language are called venylprism, make our underground city possible." Naias points to one of the runes, "I am not a geomancer, so I am not intimately familiar with their construction or function. I do know that they protect us from earth tremors, and prevent the dome above the city from collapsing. They do this by converting geomantic energy to magical energy."
Mazeriyan's eyes widen in amazement, "that would explain what I felt earlier when the building shook. Is this what also made the lights in the sky that I saw earlier?"
"Not these directly," Naias points to a nearby rune, "but a related enchantment on the dome itself."
Muttering to himself, Mazeriyan wags a finger at the rib. "This may be the piece I need to solve the puzzle..."
"As I said, I am not specialist in this field." Naias shook her head, "however, there will be someone you can talk to on the subject where we are going."
Encouraged by the prospect of meeting a geomancer, Mazeriyan re-joins the group. With Naias leading the way, the party works its way around the underground perimeter of the city, until finally they reach a sloping corridor which passes beneath the lake at the narrow end of the cavern. The corridor, much like the underground streets the group just passed, is lit by inset globes of light, providing the perpetual perception of twilight. Following Naias, the group descends for what seems like several thousand yards, until finally the passageway levels out, leading to a slightly widened area before a stout gatehouse.
Approaching a narrow slit window in the gate house, Naias motions for the rest to hang back. Naias converses in the Scaryn language with someone inside the gate house. At first conversation seems amicable, but after several short moments it is apparent the door is not going to be opened. Naias temper begins to show, and though the others could not understand her language, her tone and threatening manner spoke volumes. Still hidden in the dark recesses of the gate house, a placating voice is heard, followed by the clanking of the gate being raised.
Without elaborating on what has just transpired, Naias gestures for the others to pass through the gate house. On the other side, perhaps one hundred yards down the corridor, a 2nd gate house seemingly identical to the first stands closed. Upon reaching the next gate house, Naias again addresses someone within. This time Naias dispenses with the pleasantries, and much shorter conversation ensues, again resulting in the gate house opening.
As a group passes down corridor beyond the 2nd gate house, an alcove with a spiral stair appears along the left-hand wall. Without breaking stride, Naias begins to ascend the stairs, and as the guards watch, the rest of the party join her. After a considerable climb, the group emerges onto a rocky plateau in the center of the giant crystal filled cavern. With the exception of modest ledge, the plateau is dominated by an impressive circular temple, decorated with numerous columns and featuring a white marble tower in its center.
As the awe inspired group is led through a broad entranceway, it becomes apparent that the temple is actually two structures, with a Ring like two-story building surrounding a courtyard and gardens, which in turn encircle a four-story central building (which features and eight story tower crowned with an observation deck). The carved white marble columns and archways that decorate the temple present a striking contrast to the deep purple crystals of the cavern. It is only after the beauty of this place has sunk in that the party notices there are no distinct light sources apparent, and there are no shadows.
Naias leads the group to a 2nd floor room in the outer building, which she enters and gestures for the others to join her. "This is where you'll be staying until we can decide how to return you to Hebridonia."
"When will we be able to see the King?" Telovien asks.
"If you wait here for a moment I will make the final arrangements." As Naias passes through the outer door, she turns back to face the group, "please remain here while I am gone. Until I have spoken with Durus, high priest and administrator of this temple, it is best if you do not wonder far."
With Naias gone, and the guards dismissed, the remaining group examines their surroundings and discusses their current predicament. The room is simply furnished, with beds of stuffed straw mattresses. Sitric, still wounded from the earlier fight, lays down on one of the beds, his already fair complexion quite pale and his bandage soaked with blood. Concerned over Sitric's condition, and unable to convince him to accept healing from the Scaryn, Telovien and Rheanon consider Caela (the King's consort) to be their best hope for healing Sitric. "If Caela is a healer, then surely Sitric will accept healing from one his own." Rheanon's face takes on a devious appearance, "If she is not, perhaps we can use her in some subterfuge to make him accept Scaryn healing magic." Telovien nods in silent agreement.
Naias raps on the door, then enters the room without waiting for acknowledgement. "I can take you to meet with Regent and Caela now." Naias gestures for the others to follow her. "Your King is still unconscious, so you'll be unable to speak with him unless he awakens."
"I will remain behind with Sitric," Melosia rests the elf's head in her lap as she gently removes the blood soaked bandages from his neck. "His bandages need to be changed or the wound will turn sour."
Watching Melosia removed the bandage, and seeing that the wound is worse, Selmoc looks at the others, "I will stay with Sitric as well, and do what I can for him."
Naias leads Telovien, Max, Mazeriyan, Rheanon and Charlis down the stairs which lead to the inner courtyard, and walking on a crushed gravel pathway, they pass beneath an impressive marble arch and enter into the inner building. A 20 ft. corridor leads the group to a central atrium whose walls curve upward into the shape of a dome three-stories tall. The interior wall the dome features landings on the 2nd and 3rd floors, connected by two gently sloping spiral stairs which wind from the ground floor up to the pinnacle of the dome. The dome itself is perforated by a shaft of air which extends the length of the tower, and appears to be obstructed at the top by a metal framework holding a large crystal. The floor of the central chamber is intricately detailed fashioned from different kinds of marble, laid in a pattern of 12 fold symmetry.
After pausing for a moment to allow her guests enjoy the beauty of the inner chamber, Naias crosses the floor to a staircase on the opposite wall, and together the group climbs to the 2nd floor. Naias pauses before a door, knocks, and upon invitation from within, opens the door and gestures for the party to enter.
Inside a modestly appointed room, the party finds the Regent, Caela, and their unconscious King. A quick look around the room indicates that many of its original contents have been removed, the dust imprints of books once upon shelves mark the place of countless tomes. A small desk, single bed, and two cots complete the rooms allocation of furniture.
Naias excuses herself, after Charlis requests some privacy.
"I believe it is safe to speak here." The Regent looks visibly relieved to see other humans. "I have found no indication that they are interested in listening to our private conversations."
The group exchanges information regarding the events of the past few days, and discusses their options of returning to Hebridonia. The Regent indicates that some sort of hearing will be held to determine the facts regarding their arrival in the Ring of Fire, after which they may be allowed to return to Hebridonia but with some sort of magical enchantment prevent them from disclosing the Scaryn or their cities.
The discussion turns towards the health of the King, and his continued unconsciousness. "I'm very concerned for his well-being." Caela gently brushes her hand across the King's cheek. "It is clear that they can do nothing for him here, and unless he is able to eat, he will starve in this condition. Therefore it becomes our primary concern to return the King to Hebridonia as quickly as possible."
Everyone nods in agreement, and while the talk of escape is briefly entertained, the group settles on seeing how the Scaryn wish to return to them Hebridonia. As the group turns to leave, Telovien remembers Sitric's condition. "Please forgive me for asking, but I was wondering if Caela had any healing ability. Melosia's assistant Sitric was wounded during an altercation in the Scaryn city. He has refused any medical assistance from the Scaryn."
"I would not except the assistance of the savages either." Caela spat. "If they are truly Scaryn, they are not be trusted. To owe ones life to a Scaryn would be a burden that any elf would be loathe to shoulder." Before the conversation could digress into another discussion of the elves hatred of the Scaryn, Caela continued. "I do have the gift of healing, and I'm willing to accompany you to see him, as long as one of you agrees to escort me back here when I'm finished."
Telovien volunteers to return Caela when she is finished healing Sitric, and the group exits to find Naias leaning against a nearby column. "All finished?" Naias eyebrows raise slightly in astonishment when she spots Caela joining the group. "I can show you back to your room now."
As the group follows Naias back to their room, Naias shares what she has learned while the group had their audience with the Regent. "Tomorrow there will be a board of inquiry which will ask you questions regarding your presence in the Ring of Fire, and how you came to be with us at Ais Tyris." Directing her eyes at Charlis, "I suggest that you are open and honest about your answers. A truthsayer will be present."
Charlis feigns hurt and insult at Naias' remarks. Despite his protests, Naias is firm. "I understand the unusual situation that you're in, and why in fear for your safety, you may choose to...." Naias pauses for a moment to consider her words carefully, "manufacture an account of recent history. However, tomorrow the truth will be known, and it is best if it comes from you."
Upon reaching Sitric, Caela begins attending his wound. Naias indicates that they are free to roam about the complex, but to respect closed doors. With that final warning, Naias offers parting words, "the next meal is in roughly eight hours, I suggest you get some rest."
Caela is able to make considerable progress in healing Sitric's wounds. A fresh bandage is placed over the remaining damage, and Sitric falls into an easy sleep. "I may be able to do more for him tomorrow, but that is all that I can do for now."
With the exception of Telovien, who escorts Caela back to her quarters, and Mazeriyan, who decides to explore the complex, the remainder of the group decides to get some rest. Telovien returns after a few moments, his passage both to and from the King's room unmolested.
Mazeriyan decides it is best to examine the cavern itself, using a magical incantation to provide him with the power of flight. A close inspection of the cavern walls reveals that the dark purple crystals come in a variety of sizes, from gigantic shafts that measure several meters, down to formations the size of a pebble. Aside from the mound upon which the building rests, Mazeriyan finds but one other hole in the continuous covering of crystals. Though it is difficult to tell, Mazeriyan guesses that a larger passageway rests behind the hole, perhaps a mine shaft that was part of the original discovery of the cavern.
After satisfying his curiosity around the perimeter of the cavern, Mazeriyan flies to the pinnacle of the tower, and settles on a small landing where two Scaryn guards keep watch. For a time, Mazeriyan is left to examine the crystal and metal lattice work of the tower's crown, with the two guards keeping a careful watch on his movements. As Mazeriyan hovers close to the crystal, its many irregular facets glistening, an elderly Scaryn in great purple robes shuffles slowly up the spiral stairs and emerges on the landing.
With a heavy accent, the elderly Scaryn addresses Mazeriyan. "It is quite fascinating, isn't it?"
Mazeriyan lands beside the elderly Scaryn, and with face filled with curiosity and wonder, asks: "Yes it is! What does it do?"
Extending a withered hand as an offer of salutation, the elder mage smiled. "My name is Durus. I am the senior geomancer here at Tyr Ektania Specularis." With a hint of shrewdness, "you must be one of the visitors from above."
"Yes. My name is Mazeriyan."
"I'm pleased to meet you. I have never met a goblin before, though I have heard stories of your race." Durus casts his eyes over Mazeriyan, eagerly examining him perhaps a bit more than would be considered polite in other company. Finally, his attention seemed to wander back to the original question. "The crystal you were admiring is a means of distributing magical energy. It is inconvenient, and perhaps a bit dangerous to bring mages to this landing for spell casting." Extending a withered finger towards the crystal, then seemingly drawing an imaginary line to the distant floor below, "the crystal is a means for channeling the magical energy generated by the cavern during a tremor to the chamber below."
"I see... so this cavern is similar to the vast chamber that surrounds Ais Tyris."
"Indeed, this cavern was the inspiration for the magical enchantment used to protect all of our cities." Durus was pleased to find his companion endowed with such an intuitive grasp of magic. "Some of the smaller crystals from this cavern are used in such enchantments."
The conversation continued for quite some time, delving into various aspects of geomancy. Slowly the conversation turned toward the age and construction of the Scaryn underground dwellings. "In the interests of our safety, I cannot go into detail regarding the number or history of the Scaryn Citadels. What I can tell you is that our cities have changed and evolved as we have mastered the art of living underground."
Durus eased himself onto a bench at the edge of landing. "Just after the war, when we realized that dwelling on the surface would not be an option, we took refuge in natural caves." A look of great sadness passed over Durus. "We assumed the caves would be safe, since they had already withstood the geological activity of the area. We were wrong."
"One of the caves collapsed?"
"Yes. And it was not the last. For us it was simply another hardship to be endured, nothing compared to the great war itself."
"I have been quite curious about the Scaryn war, and how it started." Mazeriyan looked intently at Durus. "How did the Scaryn and the elves become such bitter enemies?"
"How does anything like that start?" Durus drew a deep breath. "Fear. Jealousy. Misunderstanding. Perpetuated by those who would seek to profit by it. As with all things, it started small. Once, the Scaryn and Kyelsoran lived peacefully together. The Eloshai feared that the magical training and prowess of the Scaryn would soon exceed their own skills, despite our exclusion from the area your people call the Magelands. So the Eloshai sent assassins to kill several of our most prominent mages, and thus maintained the balance of magical power."
Durus folded his hands in his lap, using his fingers to pull the flesh tight, briefly restoring the semblance of youth to his aged backhand. "The assassination was only partially successful, and the villains were caught and interrogated. Our retribution was swift. And so it went, back and forth, each side escalating until there was a full-scale war."
"But surely there must have been an attempt to halt the madness. Surely level heads could have prevailed...." Mazeriyan's brow furrowed, knowing that such efforts must have failed in order for history to unfold as it has.
"Many attempts. Some brokered by the Kyelsoran, whose friendships spanned both sides. But those who had a vested interest in maintaining the war managed to maneuver both sides such that peace was always beyond grasp. When the Kyelsoran were forced to side with the Eloshai, our best seers foretold the ultimate defeat of our military forces, and the following genocidal campaign against our people." For a moment, Durus appeared lost in thought.
Mazeriyan broke the silence, "I understand that the Scaryn race live a long time, perhaps comparable to the elves. Do you remember these events, or are they simply part of a history you have learned?"
"My father fought in the war, and my mother sought refuge in the Ring of Fire along with many others when word of the prophecy spread. She was already pregnant when the final offensive began." Durus turned to face Mazeriyan, and through his wrinkled visage, the sharp intelligence in his eyes met Mazeriyan's questioning gaze. "I've often considered that piece of divination to be somewhat suspect, and perhaps self fulfilling. Sometimes we place too much credence in the visions of our seers. Our final offensive, which created the Ruadh Mâceria, may have produced the Eloshai's genocidal rage which we so greatly feared."
Mazeriyan nodded in quiet agreement.
The Durus slowly rose to his feet. "I am tired... it is time for me to rest." Durus smiled. "I'm glad we had this opportunity to speak. Best of luck on your journies." With that, Durus made his slow descent along the spiral stair lining the interior of the tower.
Mazeriyan lingered for a few moments, looking out over the cavern, and then spoke again the incantation that gave him flight, and returned to the room where his companions slept. Finding an empty cot, he joined the others in restful slumber.
Assynt 23, 1022
When underground, a sense of day and night is one of the first perceptions to fail. The group was roused by a rapping at the door, followed by the sound of Naias' voice. "A waking meal is ready for you in the dining hall. I can take you there when you are ready." Though their bodies argued for further rest after the past few days ordeal, the group managed to wake and gather together to join Naias a few moments later.
Naias led the group into the central building, to a room on the ground floor where several other Scaryn, dressed in plain grey and brown frocks, were already seated and eating. At one end of the hall, a portly man stood guard over several simmering pots with a large ladle, and eyed the newcomers with interest.
Once the group seated themselves at an empty table with bowls of hot oatmeal with a molasses-honey mixture, and some salty dried meat vaguely resembling small narrow fish, Naias informed them that their hearing would be after their meal. The hearing would be conducted with Naias as their representative and council, and another Scaryn as inquisitor. The proceedings would be judged by a panel of 5 Scaryn drawn from the ranks of the local government.
As Naias completed her instructions on the hearing, Durus entered the room, and joined the group after spotting Mazeriyan.
He re-assures the group that they have nothing to fear from the hearing, since it is merely to clarify the circumstances around their visit to Ais Tyris. "As long as you mean no harm to the Scaryn, we mean no harm to you."
At the conclusion of the meal, the group is led to the hearing room, which appears to be a small meeting hall with a large table at one end, and two smaller tables facing each other in the middle of the room. Behind each of the smaller tables are several simple wooden chairs, and Naias leads the group to one set of chairs where the Regent and Caela are already waiting. The Regent indicates that the King has been left in his room, under Scaryn protection. "After all, if they wished to do something to the King, our presence would be no obstacle to their objective."
While the group is settling into their chairs, a tall Scaryn (over 6') with close cropped black hair wearing black robes with a white sash and stole takes up position of the Inquisitor behind the opposite table, organizing several pieces of parchment of various sizes before him. Four Scaryn and one Dargai (including Durus and Valesco) file in from a side door and take their seats behind the large table. The Dargai, who introduces himself as Sinopa, begins the proceedings by re-iterating the instructions that Naias provided to the group, and indicates that the inquisitor, who is introduced as Belamur'ss, may begin his questioning.
For 10 - 15 rather tense minutes, Belamur'ss worked to pry nuggets of information from the group, with little success. Finally, in his frustration, Belamur'ss turns to the council, "I request permission to change my approach in this inquiry. I wish to have one of the court mages present a visual record of what we know through first hand observation and secondary sources. The witnesses may then dispute those accounts that do not match their recollection."
Using magic, a court mage produces an illusion which resembles scenes from the groups journeys in the Ring of Fire. The earliest records show the arrival in the temple, witnessed by a caretaker who took refuge in the shadows. The inquisitor explains that much of the groups stay at the temple is unknown due to the difficulty in watching them while in the warming room.
"Let the record show that aside from the damage of their arrival, which we can agree may have been beyond their control, the group did not harm or desecrate the temple in any way, going so far as to remove the dead from the sanctuary." Naias interjected before Belamur'ss could continue.
"So noted." Sinopa nodded, indicating that the inquisitor should proceed.
The journey once they left the temple was reproduced in segments of varying lengths, the quality of the reproduction varying, probably to match the level of detail reported by various eye-witnesses. As the scene concluded with the group's capture and entry into Ais Tyris, the inquisitor turned to face the group, focusing on Charlis, who seemed to be the most vocal of the lot.
"Do you have any corrections or additions you would like to make?"
Charlis shook his head, his lips held fast.
"Then we would like to know how you came to be at the Fanum (temple), and the circumstances around your arrival." Belamur'ss brow furrowed, leveling his gaze at Charlis.
Sensing Charlis' reluctance to answer, Naias turned to face the council. "I think we have fairly established that the arrival of the two separate groups, based on their deportment at time of arrival and lack of preparation for the new environment, must have been accidental in nature." Naias could feel the inquisitor's gaze bearing down on her. "I believe that we have also shown that each group's discovery of the Scaryn people was also unintentional and not pre-meditated."
Belamur'ss attempted to interrupt, but Naias continued undaunted, "Therefore, the motivation for this inquiry is satisfied. As per your prior ruling, if the group submits to the Geas to prevent disclosure of the Scaryn or events within the Ring of Fire, they should be allowed to return to Hebridonia unmolested."
Before Belamur'ss could object, Sinopa held up a hand signalling for the inquisitor to remain silent. A short conversation amongst members of the panel followed, and finally Sinopa turned to face Naias and the party members. "We are satisfied with the facts presented. Following the application of the Geas, the outsiders will be returned to Hebridonia unharmed.
As Naias escorted them to a room where the Geas would be applied, she explained that to facilitate their return to Hebridonia, they must be sleeping during the application of the spell and their transport back through a gate to Hebridonia.
"Why is this necessary?" Max's voice cut with skepticism and suspicion.
"If you are asleep when you are transported back to Hebridonia, then it will make it more difficult for you to find the Hebridonian side of the gate after you have arrived. One of our... " Naias paused to think of the proper word, "operatives will take you by cart back to Kalen from the gate." "How can you open a single gate that goes all the way to Hebridonia! The energy cost must be enormous!" Mazeriyan realized the answer as the words left his mouth. "The Cave! Durus knows when the next tremor is!".
Naias nodded. "It is soon, so we don't have much time. Please lie down on the folded blankets on the floor." As she spoke, 10 - 12 Scaryn dressed in tan robes began to file into the room, taking their places beside each outsider.
Selmoc bit his lip. "I'm not going to be able to do this."
Naias crossed over to him carrying several swaths of fabric, and spoke to him in hushed tones. "You don't have anything to fear, Nilhen. Your secret is safe with me." Naias handed him the fabric, which he began wrapping the exposed portions of his skin with. Several of the Scaryn mages looked at each other, clearly puzzled.
"How long have you known?" Selmoc asked.
"Since just after the trip to the Labrum." Naias smiled, "The witness at the Fanum mentioned someone with a mottled appearance on their skin, but he was too far away to see it was writing. I didn't figure it out until you refrained from bathing, using that excuse that your friend concocted."
Naias helped Selmoc place the last of the strips of fabric over his head, leaving only a narrow window for his eyes. She gestured for Selmoc to lie on the nearest blanket. Addressing the nearest mage, "He has a skin condition which makes him extremely sensitive to the cold. If he is not conscious, he cannot maintain his magical protection, so the extra fabric is necessary." The mage looked dubious, but accepted the explanation.
"Thank you." Selmoc's muffled voice came through the fabric. Naias simply nodded.
"Farewell, strangers." Soon, the outlanders were fast asleep, dreaming of places far away.
Previously: Hospitality
Followed by: Drip, Drip, Drip
Campaign 1 Index
