"Hmm... I believe whatever we do after we are finished clearing the darkness from Deku tree, I should set up to at least make some sort of attempt at understanding the cube. If it does hold an otherworldly sentience that the Lord of Darkness was trying to commune with, it may be a source of more information about his agenda. I do not know how smart he is, but I expect my computational matrix should have a good shot at deciphering whatever he failed to. And if even I am not smart enough as I am now..."
Oten grows still and quiet. Deep in thought for 3.05 seconds before coming back to his train of thought. "... Well there is someone else we may be able to call upon. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First things first, we should finish up or work here."
Ro readied another retort, but stopped himself short. Arguing with Lelith was not the best use of their time, especially while in enemy territory.
The elf-dwarf took a breath and listened to Tuto's playing to recompose himself . After a moment, he turned to Greko and answered with a small smile, "I believe you're talking about doughnuts. A fine pastry they are."
He then commented on Rum's earlier statement, "That is a good observation. The Lord of Darkness is a being from this Twilight Realm, which is the same realm Ganon draws his power from. While cutting Ganon's power off at the source is an option, I feel we know too little about the Twilight Realm at present. I'd suggest we remain in this realm for now, on familiar turf where we are certain of our objectives. Oten and I will continue to look into this cube. I don't think Lord Darkness left it behind because he already got what he wanted from it. I believe he couldn't get it to work in his favor. I don't know exactly how I know this, but I feel as though the device is a door. And given ample time, I believe I can open it. It's a longshot, but perhaps we can wield its power for good."
Ro listens to any remaining thoughts from the band before he speaks to Oten, "I have two ideas I want to bounce off you. The first is in regards to the book that mind linked with me on the first/ ground floor. It has already gifted me with arcane knowledge I once thought unattainable, but I feel as though there is still more the book has to offer. I have the ability to transfer Kazek's sentience from his original spellbook to this book. Perhaps by doing so, Kazek can give us additional insights on the book's abilities. The second idea is for me to cast Identify of the cube. Though I risk linking with the cube once more, it comes with the trade off that we'll learn more of its capabilities. Of course, we could save this for another time and just rest for the moment. What say you?"
As Ro mentions that they don’t yet know enough about the Twilight Realm, Rum glances quickly at Lelith, but does not say anything.
”I will defer to the judgement of those who know more, or are smarter than I, friends Oten and Ro. I agree that if we move against this great power source, this Twilight Realm, we should be confident that we can turn it into mere embers”.
After Ro speaks to Oten, he interjects. “I do not wish to be distracted from our goal, shall we finish our task in the Deku Tree first? There may be dangers enough left without risking more”.
Lelith saw Ro about to argue further but he did not, she restrained a satisfied smile. She kept silent for a few moments as she listened to her friends discuss their following actions, however, Rumble's words drew Lelith into a contemplative memory.
"Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing /Embers of Twilight/, the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the hero." Lelith quoted from memory smoothly without a pause or a stutter. She suddenly brought forward a suggestion. "We need a name. Names have power and great significance. Our group is more than something the Child Empress gathered on a whim, our original mission had already been altered. We are our own now. In the memory of the undying hero, how does Twilight Embers sound?"
Rum looks over to Lelith as she quotes the passage, there was something serene and beautiful about it. And she was right, they needed a name, they had gone too long without an identity for their band.
"In my culture as well, names are of great significance, friend Lelith. If we are to be seen as heroes in our own right, as protectors of the lands we serve, our reputation should spread far and wide. Much farther than we can travel physically. Our name should come to the ears of those we wish to inspire and those we wish to fear us alike".
He stands up straight and tall. "I for one am willing to be an ember that lights up the dark, that ensures this twilight we find ourselves in is but a prelude to the dawn. I would be proud to be a member of the Twilight Embers!".
Oten ponders over Ro's suggestion, but then says, "I think for now Rum is right. We should finish our business with the tree, before experimenting, lest we find ourselves beset by hostile forces whilst one or more of us is occupied or worse with these unfamiliar magical forces of which we speak. But then... Yes, I think both of those are good ideas, Ro. Perhaps though, it would be safer if I identified it with your oversight. With a bit of time, I could put together an analytical protocol that should replicate the effect of your magic. And then if things go sour, you can hit my off switch."
(In other words, Oten could prepare "Identify" during the short rest)
"A fair judgement. Then for now we simply rest. If you would like to identify the device later, Oten, then I will assist you. I will warn you though that when the device tries to mind link with you, it targets your senses and experience. Not your intelligence," The elf-dwarf pauses a moment before giving Oten a strange look, "You have an off switch?
(The device incurs a wisdom save when it tries to mind link with you. Ro has a +4 to wis saves, but if Oten still prefers to do the identification I'm ok with that).
Once Oten and Ro's conversation concludes, Ro approves of the band's new name, "I like the sound of it. Twilight signals both the transition from night-to-day and day-to-night. As an Twilight Ember: I vow to be the light that heralds in the day; and should darkness overtake us, I shall fight until my last light fades."
During the hour of respite, Ro takes the time to change into the +1 Plate Armor and equips the Helm of Comprehending Languages.
"I think it will find my 'mind' a tough thing to crack."Oten gets up, ready to move on, but looks back to meet Ro's strange look. "Yes, I have all this armour and all these defensive mechanisms to make me an impregnable juggernaut with a vast intellect, but also have a simple kill switch for convenience."Oten is so deadpan and expressionless, it's difficult to tell if he is being sarcastic or dead serious. He holds Ro's gaze for just long enough to be uncomfortable before recognizing the uncertainty in Ro's expression. "It is a joke"
(Oten doesn't switch into the half plate yet because it takes him an hour to doff and another hour to don)
Rum stands after meditating and clearing his mind, performing some stretches to loosen his muscles again.
"Well Twilight Embers, shall we proceed?", he says and makes his way to the door and checking the coast is clear. "Looks and sounds clear", he adds slipping out and heading down towards the bottom level where they entered.
He can feel the new belt around his waist is now connected with his own Ki, suffusing him in a similar way to the old belt, but the sensation is very much heightened. This is truly a blessing from the Great Dragon and proof that we are on the right path, he thinks.
Ro follows the band downstairs to the first floor. As they descend the final steps, Ro asks, "So we've got the hole with vines and the trapdoor in the other room. Which shall we investigate first?"
Rum waits stands waiting at the top of the hole with the vines heading down. "I think that is wise, friend Oten".
"Friend Lelith, would you like to go first time? Although I am sure there isn't another foe watching for us, I would feel bad leading us into danger a second time so soon", he says with a sheepish grin.
"I will keep an eye on you and follow close behind unless you signal for me to wait".
Oten motions for everyone to wait a second. "Alternatively, based on the combat data I've compiled from our other encounters here, I find it unlikely that we will have an opportunity to utilize the element of surprise as we continue to explore the tree. Our enemies are in a familiar environment that they have prepared. And seeing how our objective is to clear the tree of hostile forces, that precludes us from trying to avoid combat altogether. Given those facts, I see little to no advantage in sending Lelith alone, but plenty of risk. In the event of an immediate ambush, I believe it is logical for me to be one of the first down, to establish a defensive position."
Greko nods in agreement with Oten. “Indeed Good Oten is correct. The element of surprise on our end is all but gone….. Proceed with caution but go together”
Rum steps away from the hole and sweeps his arm out. "Very well, you make a good case, friend Oten", he says.
As soon as Oten makes it down he drops down the hole himself, the spectral draconic wings slowing his descent so that he lands gently on the floor below.
The room they enter is dark and big. Those of the Twilight Embers with some modicum of Dark Vision can see well enough; the huge roots of the Deku Tree curl into itself in more than a few places, including in a large alcove across a shallow, burling burbling stream of thick, green water that smells. The whole damn room smells of it; putrifaction, decay, stagnation.
There are spiders here somewhere. They can hear the movement of the ugly little creatures somewhere nearby; probably down the holes in the floor that are very similar to their first encounter with the Gohma.
Sorry climbs down with Kora floating behind her.
"I don't like this." The girl says as her Fairy lands on her shoulder. "Those holes seem to go down to something."
Rum raises his nose and sniffs the air, a look of distaste coming across his face. “I do not like this either”, he says agreeing with Sorry.
He carefully moves towards what looks like a table, next to a hole covered in webs, and takes a look around that area, keeping an eye out for traps and an ear out for movement.
"Hmm... I believe whatever we do after we are finished clearing the darkness from Deku tree, I should set up to at least make some sort of attempt at understanding the cube. If it does hold an otherworldly sentience that the Lord of Darkness was trying to commune with, it may be a source of more information about his agenda. I do not know how smart he is, but I expect my computational matrix should have a good shot at deciphering whatever he failed to. And if even I am not smart enough as I am now..."
Oten grows still and quiet. Deep in thought for 3.05 seconds before coming back to his train of thought. "... Well there is someone else we may be able to call upon. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First things first, we should finish up or work here."
Ro readied another retort, but stopped himself short. Arguing with Lelith was not the best use of their time, especially while in enemy territory.
The elf-dwarf took a breath and listened to Tuto's playing to recompose himself . After a moment, he turned to Greko and answered with a small smile, "I believe you're talking about doughnuts. A fine pastry they are."
He then commented on Rum's earlier statement, "That is a good observation. The Lord of Darkness is a being from this Twilight Realm, which is the same realm Ganon draws his power from. While cutting Ganon's power off at the source is an option, I feel we know too little about the Twilight Realm at present. I'd suggest we remain in this realm for now, on familiar turf where we are certain of our objectives. Oten and I will continue to look into this cube. I don't think Lord Darkness left it behind because he already got what he wanted from it. I believe he couldn't get it to work in his favor. I don't know exactly how I know this, but I feel as though the device is a door. And given ample time, I believe I can open it. It's a longshot, but perhaps we can wield its power for good."
Ro listens to any remaining thoughts from the band before he speaks to Oten, "I have two ideas I want to bounce off you. The first is in regards to the book that mind linked with me on the first/ ground floor. It has already gifted me with arcane knowledge I once thought unattainable, but I feel as though there is still more the book has to offer. I have the ability to transfer Kazek's sentience from his original spellbook to this book. Perhaps by doing so, Kazek can give us additional insights on the book's abilities. The second idea is for me to cast Identify of the cube. Though I risk linking with the cube once more, it comes with the trade off that we'll learn more of its capabilities. Of course, we could save this for another time and just rest for the moment. What say you?"
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
As Ro mentions that they don’t yet know enough about the Twilight Realm, Rum glances quickly at Lelith, but does not say anything.
”I will defer to the judgement of those who know more, or are smarter than I, friends Oten and Ro. I agree that if we move against this great power source, this Twilight Realm, we should be confident that we can turn it into mere embers”.
After Ro speaks to Oten, he interjects. “I do not wish to be distracted from our goal, shall we finish our task in the Deku Tree first? There may be dangers enough left without risking more”.
Lelith saw Ro about to argue further but he did not, she restrained a satisfied smile. She kept silent for a few moments as she listened to her friends discuss their following actions, however, Rumble's words drew Lelith into a contemplative memory.
"Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing /Embers of Twilight/, the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the hero." Lelith quoted from memory smoothly without a pause or a stutter. She suddenly brought forward a suggestion. "We need a name. Names have power and great significance. Our group is more than something the Child Empress gathered on a whim, our original mission had already been altered. We are our own now. In the memory of the undying hero, how does Twilight Embers sound?"
Rum looks over to Lelith as she quotes the passage, there was something serene and beautiful about it. And she was right, they needed a name, they had gone too long without an identity for their band.
"In my culture as well, names are of great significance, friend Lelith. If we are to be seen as heroes in our own right, as protectors of the lands we serve, our reputation should spread far and wide. Much farther than we can travel physically. Our name should come to the ears of those we wish to inspire and those we wish to fear us alike".
He stands up straight and tall. "I for one am willing to be an ember that lights up the dark, that ensures this twilight we find ourselves in is but a prelude to the dawn. I would be proud to be a member of the Twilight Embers!".
Oten ponders over Ro's suggestion, but then says, "I think for now Rum is right. We should finish our business with the tree, before experimenting, lest we find ourselves beset by hostile forces whilst one or more of us is occupied or worse with these unfamiliar magical forces of which we speak. But then... Yes, I think both of those are good ideas, Ro. Perhaps though, it would be safer if I identified it with your oversight. With a bit of time, I could put together an analytical protocol that should replicate the effect of your magic. And then if things go sour, you can hit my off switch."
(In other words, Oten could prepare "Identify" during the short rest)
Greko listens, taking it all in, saddened that the group decided on Twilight Embers and not Greko's band of merry misfits or Greko and plane jumpers
"A fair judgement. Then for now we simply rest. If you would like to identify the device later, Oten, then I will assist you. I will warn you though that when the device tries to mind link with you, it targets your senses and experience. Not your intelligence," The elf-dwarf pauses a moment before giving Oten a strange look, "You have an off switch?
(The device incurs a wisdom save when it tries to mind link with you. Ro has a +4 to wis saves, but if Oten still prefers to do the identification I'm ok with that).
Once Oten and Ro's conversation concludes, Ro approves of the band's new name, "I like the sound of it. Twilight signals both the transition from night-to-day and day-to-night. As an Twilight Ember: I vow to be the light that heralds in the day; and should darkness overtake us, I shall fight until my last light fades."
During the hour of respite, Ro takes the time to change into the +1 Plate Armor and equips the Helm of Comprehending Languages.
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"I think it will find my 'mind' a tough thing to crack." Oten gets up, ready to move on, but looks back to meet Ro's strange look. "Yes, I have all this armour and all these defensive mechanisms to make me an impregnable juggernaut with a vast intellect, but also have a simple kill switch for convenience." Oten is so deadpan and expressionless, it's difficult to tell if he is being sarcastic or dead serious. He holds Ro's gaze for just long enough to be uncomfortable before recognizing the uncertainty in Ro's expression. "It is a joke"
(Oten doesn't switch into the half plate yet because it takes him an hour to doff and another hour to don)
Rum stands after meditating and clearing his mind, performing some stretches to loosen his muscles again.
"Well Twilight Embers, shall we proceed?", he says and makes his way to the door and checking the coast is clear. "Looks and sounds clear", he adds slipping out and heading down towards the bottom level where they entered.
He can feel the new belt around his waist is now connected with his own Ki, suffusing him in a similar way to the old belt, but the sensation is very much heightened. This is truly a blessing from the Great Dragon and proof that we are on the right path, he thinks.
Greko stands and follows the group back down to floor 1
Ro follows the band downstairs to the first floor. As they descend the final steps, Ro asks, "So we've got the hole with vines and the trapdoor in the other room. Which shall we investigate first?"
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Well I say we take the path that is unsecured first. Less likely to have threats coming up behind us from the trapdoor than through an open hole."
Greko nods in agreement
Rum waits stands waiting at the top of the hole with the vines heading down. "I think that is wise, friend Oten".
"Friend Lelith, would you like to go first time? Although I am sure there isn't another foe watching for us, I would feel bad leading us into danger a second time so soon", he says with a sheepish grin.
"I will keep an eye on you and follow close behind unless you signal for me to wait".
Oten motions for everyone to wait a second. "Alternatively, based on the combat data I've compiled from our other encounters here, I find it unlikely that we will have an opportunity to utilize the element of surprise as we continue to explore the tree. Our enemies are in a familiar environment that they have prepared. And seeing how our objective is to clear the tree of hostile forces, that precludes us from trying to avoid combat altogether. Given those facts, I see little to no advantage in sending Lelith alone, but plenty of risk. In the event of an immediate ambush, I believe it is logical for me to be one of the first down, to establish a defensive position."
Greko nods in agreement with Oten. “Indeed Good Oten is correct. The element of surprise on our end is all but gone….. Proceed with caution but go together”
Rum steps away from the hole and sweeps his arm out. "Very well, you make a good case, friend Oten", he says.
As soon as Oten makes it down he drops down the hole himself, the spectral draconic wings slowing his descent so that he lands gently on the floor below.
The room they enter is dark and big. Those of the Twilight Embers with some modicum of Dark Vision can see well enough; the huge roots of the Deku Tree curl into itself in more than a few places, including in a large alcove across a shallow, burling burbling stream of thick, green water that smells. The whole damn room smells of it; putrifaction, decay, stagnation.
There are spiders here somewhere. They can hear the movement of the ugly little creatures somewhere nearby; probably down the holes in the floor that are very similar to their first encounter with the Gohma.
Sorry climbs down with Kora floating behind her.
"I don't like this." The girl says as her Fairy lands on her shoulder. "Those holes seem to go down to something."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Rum raises his nose and sniffs the air, a look of distaste coming across his face. “I do not like this either”, he says agreeing with Sorry.
He carefully moves towards what looks like a table, next to a hole covered in webs, and takes a look around that area, keeping an eye out for traps and an ear out for movement.
Perception: 1+7=8 (Passive: 17)