Pizazz's Myth Drannor

Xemnez shook his head at the blatantly ignorance of his wisdom. Yet unlike most other Leonin might have in the same situation, he held his tongue and simply stood at the ready in case of some ethereal monsters yet awaiting them on the other side. To his visible relief, seeing no immediately nearly gave him cause to relax his stance. Nearly. But only when Toc's exploration yields only what was to be expected would he find cause to put away the axe.

"Hmph.. Well, at least those guardians shouldn't be able to touch us... for the moment." He comments on via the link, then regards Simmal. "I not understand the letterings on those books. But-..." He looks to the others. "-judging by some of your faces, I think none such discoveries were made. But perhaps we find the right ones in whatever tower or structure specialize in such. Either way, answer is here. I'm certain. We need only look. Start matters little, but think other towers not bad choice." He admits, before again looking to Simmal. "You ask many questions, but not simply give idea try? Why? Do you think really bad answer will trigger other defenses?"

"I second to not communicate with the frost maiden. I have questions because I cannot cast spells that will provide those answers. So I'm asking if others in the group could try. If I was smarter and studied magic I would have blasted all manner of cantrips by now. But then I've always been considered somewhat of a wild card.. There's something to be said for letting those with skill do things than let others fumble and potentially cause irreparable damage. Also I have not noticed all the books being picked by others since I was entranced by the books in my hand. I'll tell you later a story about the prince with a falcon in his hand who sought to capture two others while holding the one, but that story can wait.."  he smiles while giving a bow with a flourish.

Thyrius does not have much to share at this point, letting those with more knowledge to share, or instinct, speak first. Nonetheless, mesmerized by the etherealness he has been temporarily granted, he suggests: "This astonishing trick may not be enough to bypass the wall, but we do not have to let it go to waste. If we need to search for a key, let us take advantage of our newfound lightness and float straight to the top of some of these outer towers, or whichever other building you suggest. Let us streamline this search as much as Toc's gift permits us."

"Guess now this is the only option. If only we knew what the key is. Toc says simple cast spells on the runes do not work but what would? Is it a word? A material key? Several of them? Some particular spell or ritual? I wish we knew what we are looking for. At the moment it is a quest to "spot something strange in the most strange place imaginable." Mirica turned around choosing the direction. "Oh, well. Wish to split up to cover more ground? What about that bridge connecting the tower to city?" (Y6) "Can begin there as well". If there are no objections, she would float that direction.

(Or just looking around if we are already there in search of something particularly standing out. Perception: 27 + 1 guidance)

Having already explored this shielded gateway, both in the mundane world and in the ethereal, Mirica indicates the hulking massive building that sits between this city district and the next, only a short ways away.  "Can begin there..." she says.

Toc, "I don't think we should split up. We have 8 hours, and...finding each other with our limited view in the ethereal could be troublesome. It's easy to get disoriented here." 

The group floats towards the hulking building. This colossal building has many lofty turrets in a state of disrepair, the ground below littered with their rubble. A giant-sized door at the base of the structure stands slightly ajar. Being in ethereal form, there's no need to enter the building through the front doors, or indeed even on the ground floor. You float in through a side wall into the 2nd floor of the structure. You are greeted with the view of rows of ceiling high shelving, packed full of books. The building is sharply organized into a sections, with small side reading alcoves with desks peppered about the space, as well as large central areas full of wide tables. However the building is not completely uniform and as you do a short wander about you see that labyrinth like sections extend about the space. Though you can't tell with your current ethereal view, you know the building was at least six stories tall, not including the towers. The building is largely intact. The sections are labeled in Loross, but...unable to touch them Toc can't translate them. And of course no one can open or read any of the books while you remain in ethereal space.    

(You have not done an exhaustive search of the library, just poked about for a few minutes. It would take an hour or two to search the whole structure thoroughly, down to 30 minutes if you split up. It would take months to do an inventory of the books in the library, perhaps years.)

"Definitely not split, we have liches, avatars, constructs, maybe shadovar, and who knows what other tentacled or non-tentacled creatures running around. While I can read the language, there are simply too many books, so unless we find some kind of index like place I don't think we'll get very far very soon. I mean this is a magical place so you'd think there would be a magical librarian around probably downstairs at the front. Maybe magical enough to see in etheral as well, not like that's going to help us read the book mind you." Simaal somehow manages to look both comfortable and uncomfortable in ethereal. One thing's for sure, he's staying way closer to the group as opposed to the occasional wandering off he tends to do otherwise.

After sharing his idea of making good use of their etherealness, Thyrius finds himself once again in the position of a mostly silent follower. The group is looking for something they seem to know little about, but Toc and Mirica are clearly a lot better informed about this dark stone disk city than either Leonin. Even Simaal, with his ability to read the strange language, is at an advantage relative to the brothers despite being a somewhat recent addition to the group as well, if Thyrius heard it right.

At a minimum, Thyrius tries to shake some knowledge out of their new companions: "Toc, did that lock look like anything you have seen before, perhaps near another Mythallar? My brother and Simaal had several good suggestions on how to open it but Mirica is right: we don't even know what we are looking for or where to go looking for it. The key could just as easily be in a different plane as it could be under our snouts. Perhaps the automaton is the key? Or the amulet you carry which seems connect to this place, somehow?"

Xemnez raised a brow and seemed a touch surprised at Simmal's admission. Though at the offer at the end, he'd smirk and say, "Indeed it can. But, I look forward to hearing it, and... other stories you may have regarding this world." With that as much said and some course officially chosen, the Leonin eagerly floated along with the rest.

"Mn.. This is... would say unbelievable, but would be lie. To search would indeed take forever and a day." He admits grimly. "But... we must do what we must... Alternatively to my brothers suggestion, I believe we can bare to split up,  so long as we remain to the confines of this building. But rather we do or not, lets see what's on the other level. Could be through arrangements -- wreck though they may be by the cities fall -- we might be able to find clues on what we seek, and narrow down our search." If at most are in agreement, he either way volunteers to ascend with whoever else might to at least look at the upper layers. 

Years. Definitely years. Any scholar worth his salt could right theses upon theses about each and every item (building, material and what's not) they saw around. To Mirica's sharp senses everything here was disturbingly exotic, nothing more, and most importantly equally alien. How one is supposed to navigate this place?

"Toc, do you think you can order your guardian to bring us to the key? Who knows, netheresians could add this function to their guardians for the forgetful wizards. Or maybe the guardian itself is capable of opening the gates? Or knows a backdoor?"

Toc looked to Thyrius, "The lock does not look like anything I've seen. I did try a few things, anything I could think of. I used all of my cantrips on it. It clearly has a code or pattern. Let us search the city a bit. If we find no clues, keys, or ideas, then we will spend a significant amount of time experimenting. I think looking around a bit has a slightly higher chance of getting us a clue than straight experimenting, but if not, we can fall back to trial and error. As for the amulet, it is tuned to...this specific thing, the protector and I believe has no other real connection to this city. As for the automaton, I'm afraid it does not really have much of a mind of it's own. It can not speak, does not really think. It is single minded in that it follows the amulet wearers orders and protects them. It doesn't really 'know' anything. But, we can add that to the list of experiments we try later. Perhaps after we're done poking around a bit, a few of us will read books here while others experiment."  He looks specifically at Nuzej.

Following Simaal's suggestion the group slips forward towards the center of the building. There you find a foyer that seems open to all of the interior floors, with stairways leading between all of them. You can't see all the way up due to the limited view here in the ethereal, but you can see the lower floor full of tables and more stacks. But before you can float down a level to the entrance you all spot a creature....or...two to be precise. Sitting at one of the tables is a fox like man with a long snout and two tall ears. He is wearing robes and glasses and is seated at one of the reading tables.....reading.  Beside him is a small book cart stacked with books. Beside that, stands a penguin. The penguin is about 3 feet tall and is wearing a collar and leash. The fox creature is about to flip a page when instead he puts the book down and glances up.  His eyes scan the group, even though you're all in ethereal space. His lips move but you can't hear what he's saying.  He continues to watch you as you stand there.

As Simaal sees the creatures lips move he reads the subtle motions of lips, tongue and throat. He's pretty sure the fox man said, "Well, what does Kingsport and Scrivenscry see here? It would appear ethereal visitors have come. Scrivenscry wonders if they are passing through or will stay for a time."

Simaal replies back outloud in Etheral ensuring his face is visible. "Greetings Kingsport and Scrivenscry, my name is Simaal, if you can understand me please raise your left paw or hand to see if we can communicate. Also I apologize, rather embarrassingly I totally never thought what fox or leonine folks call their various appendages, no disrespect meant. So I will greet you with my own pathetic appendage very shortly. We're thinking of staying for a bit at least." Simaal raises his appendage in greeting as well but only after and if the fox replies verbally or physically to my statement.

To the group he mentally let's them know what the fox said and asks "How much are you willing to share with strangers, should we say that we're seeking entrance into center shielded area? I believe the fox is more of a traveler rather than the construct I was expecting. Additionally this may be a point where it may make sense to split up a bit. Most of us go non-etheral, and a couple keep exploring ethereally for a bit, but we'll re-unite before mind talking expires. Perhaps Toc and Nuzej can scout a bit, I'm thinking you two are most likely to be able to escape situations if they arise."

The fox man gives a bit of a eye-rolling "what does he think he's doing" sort of motion and turns to his penguin.  He says, "Scrivenscry thinks they are trying to communicate across boundaries. Perhaps if Scrivenscry knew sign language. Oh well, a shame, wouldn't you say Kingsport?"  The penguin opens it's beak and clacks back at the fox man, but .... does not have sufficient lips for Simaal to make out if it's just making random noises or actually talking back. 

"Normally I would not trust a creature like this without any means to check it out. But that pair is so bizarre... And already knows we are here anyway. But if we are about to separate and waste Etherial walk, maybe it would make sense to do one by one. Say, you, Simaal, go and talk to the fox as one who can get at least something out of living beings' thoughts. We will be here waiting. Yes, admit we are trying to get inside the central building and once learn something - let us know."

Toc's positivity in the lack of clarity helps keep Thyrius hopeful. Xemnez's support has a similar effect on the black cat.

Seeing a vulpine humanoid raises the fur on Thyrius' back. There is something about a canine creature that bothers Thyrius to no end. He instinctively distrusts the creature and looks at his brother to gauge his reaction. Simaal's fumbled greeting does little to convince Thyrius that the sly fox has their best interest in mind.

As Mirica suggests a next step, Thyrius prepares for the worst outcome and floats to a position immediately behind his brother, as per their usual combat formation.

Simaal thinks back on how he broke the etheral spell before ensuring he's not too high, but nor too low, a half a foot drop is fine. His shield is on his back and so is the javelin, his backpack obviously full of random survival gear, though somewhat hidden behind the thick winter suit. "Greetings again" says Simaal giving a slight bow but not enough to lose sight of the killer penguin which reminds him so much of a tale of killer innocuous animals like let's say a rabbit. Not that the fox was not known for its sly nature, at least the four legged kind, though one has to wonder how far the apple falls from the tree. He'll stay some 10 feet away so as to not appear threatening. He also observes as he speaks for equipment as well trying to get a gauge of the fox. Are there winter clothes, is the fox breath similar to us/leonine's? Is there a giant backpack or the like?

"You have quite the pile of books already, it looks like you've been here for a bit. Are you searching for something, perhaps we've run across it already and can provide some additional information. I find your companion rather fascinating, I don't think I've seen anything alike before." Simaal speaks with a pleasant and honest smile. He rather finds these folk rather fascinating, but then he remembers the whole charm thing, so he will try to pay attention to any tall tale signs of anything untoward since obviously he's studied fox people and penguins for most of his life, so it should be super easy (sarcasm). He will also scan the titles of the books quickly to figure out what the fox appears to be studying. Coincidentally would it be the type of books that Simaal was planning on investigating around giant shield barriers with specific keys to bypass?

Assuming relatively friendly he will also mention when asked "Well primarily explorers at this time, with a hope of finding more things of interest. That said considering there's a giant shield blocking the way to the center, one can only surmise there are many things of interest in there. Not that we've managed to figure out a way to get in."

After the meeting with the god of mad goats and cold receptions, Xemnez was no more eager than the rest to entreat with some foxy creature and their... pet birdling? Having never seen a penguin before, he couldn't help cant his head at the sight before side-eying at the others with a raised brow. Yet expecting no real answers without clarity on his part, and seeing Simmal shift back into the prime material at that, Xemnez promptly abandoned sating curiosity in favor of floating a few steps behind Simmal; his axe in hand as usual, but lowered, seeing as it would do him little good on separate planes. 

Yet if there's even a little of genuine hostility shown by either of the strange pair, he was ready to try and force his way back into reality in defense of his new ally. All with the trust that his brother would be much ready to do the same in his own way without saying a word to his elder half. 

The fox man watches Simaal as he approaches and steps across the Ethereal boundary into reality. Color returns to the world for the traveler.  Simaal sees that the fox thing is wearing a robe, slippers, and glasses, but is certainly not dressed for the weather. It doesn't seem to bother the creature one bit. His breath does come out as a small puff however, so he doesn't come off as undead or anything. As for gear, he has only a small bag on him. You see no weapons. The penguin looks much as any other penguin that Simaal has seen. Which is to say, it is one of the most alien and strange looking animal he's ever seen. It looks like it must shuffle to and fro..almost as if it was born without legs. Its' body and neck appears to be a single body mass. Also, the creature seems to be blind, as it glances back and forth at the sudden sound of Simaal's voice, but it's pasty white eyes fail to lock on him. 

The book cart appears to be full of books that seem related to the Outer Planes. Not one appears to be about giant shield barriers or keys.

"Nice to meet you and your friends over there. You must be the brave one, sent forward to test my meddle perhaps? I hope not, I'd prefer to read. As for that central tower, I can't imaginen it's as interesting as this library. I'm afraid I've not done much exploring of this ruined city. Once I found this library...I settled right in. Um, I can tell you....while first glancing about, I did take note that there seems to be an eight step process to ...prove your worth perhaps....to clear that gateway. I surmise it's eight step anyway, since there are eight runes at the gateway, and I found step 6 written amongst one of the towers out there. I believe it said...'Sixth, hide thyself behind a mask'. But, as I said, once I found this library, I just stayed here." 

"Nice to meet you and your friends over there. You must be the brave one, sent forward to test my meddle perhaps?"
Simaal "Nice to meet you as well. Not at all, simply the most expendable and least likely to be missed." Simaal laughs a bit. "Meddle, not at all, simply trying to learn of this place as well, seems rather fascinating."
.......'Sixth, hide thyself behind a mask'.
"Fascinating, thank you for that, I assume on a wall or such relatively visible item as opposed to a book such as many here. Certainly if you let me know if you're looking for something in particular and should we come across it, I'll be happy to let you know. Oh before I go, is there any kind of indexing system or the like in here that you've discovered? Should we do any reading we'll ensure to set up far enough away to hear as blab as we oooh and ahhh over the oddities."
"Thank you for your time, and good luck on your journey." Simaal does another little bow and turns to leave multiple tables over far enough to not disturb.

Then draws some diagrams on some parchment he has so the group can guess what it means. He laughs to himself as he pulls the parchment and instead decides to write. "Towers may contain key, even written on walls. May need 8 steps, one is "Sixth, hide thyself behind a mask"ish. Follow me in Etheral." Simaal looks out the door, and leaves, taking the sneakiest route to the nearest tower. While not to the degree of sneakiness of others, he seems to do ok.

Mirica snorted at Simaal's sudden display of self-pity. "Should you be expendable, not needed or whatever you are imagining, you would be left in the grove as dryad's toy. But as the only one able to read minds and sometimes even widout dismembering people in the process, you were obviously the only one capable to get something out of this fox. And you did. Thank you." Mirica was as direct as always and did not like misunderstandings. She nodded fox too, acknowledging his help and thanking for that, and then followed Simaal to look at the mene, mene, tekel, parsin wall inscription. At least now they will know what are they looking for. Provided, it was what they were looking for.