Act 2, Scene 2: "To Crush the Wetrocks" (Main Game Thread)

[Styrius]

(OOC: Tristan, whatever image you posted is unviewable by my computer or phone.) FIndalsip begins to carefully look all around for any drawers, cabinets, etc... that might contain hints or clues as to the combination for the levers and buttons. Drunk dwarves can't always be relied on to remember codes and such magical things. If they left in a hurry, the 'cheat sheet' might still be around.

[TristenC]

[It was just a link to the symbol of Dumathoin, a gem wtith 6 outer facets and one wider central face beneath a mountain. Linar has indicated the carving on the panel is like a series of buttons. Basically it is a 6-piece keypad and 3 levers]

[Styrius]

"Has anyone been in here or found anything before?" Findalsip continues to look around in hopes of finding clues not wanting to get shutdown like has happened before with the Drow.

[Jenara]

Katten was out of her Depth, she didn't like this being underground, her soul felt disconnected, like she was a tarp fluttering in the wind. If anyone checks she moves nervously, her confidence gone as she follows behind, holding Dran close.

[Nocturno]

If he notices Katten's unconfortable-ness
"I do not like this either. Too far from the cover of leaves, and open sky."

He then heads over to the Gnome.
"Anything I can do to lend a hand to speed this up?"

[TristenC]

Dran seems to be picking up on his mother's nervousness and sticks close to the ranger.

Fin searches the desk area and finds some pages with an official seal marking and letterhead. The writing is all in Dwarven however. Linar nods, Yes this passage leads to a desk area. I found a few things there last time, including the other panel. Unfortunately without the code, we will likely be locked out again... I did find this one scrap of paper with a short series of runes on it. He says, producing the scrap. I don't suppose anyone reads Dwarven... he prompts.

The slip of paper with two lines of text hand-written on them. Each line contains 6 runes

[Styrius]

Findalsip remarks, "I don't read Dwarven. I really should learn someday."

[TristenC]

Bullock, previously engrossed in flipping through the documents, turns to examine the scrap of paper. Hmm... it's two sequences of numbers. The first is 4-1-3-2-5-6, and the second is 3-6-2-5-4-1.

Aha! The first was the old code that woeked on the panel here but it changed somehow to 5-3-2-6-1-4! I hope the second code is the Master code. He grins.

Bullock nods, Perhaps. There may be many functions to this panel. I don't see any useful documents here, these all seem like pericodic reports from other areas of the city. He points to wording above another doorway. That says 'Records'. I need to spend some time in there searching for this. He says, producing the scrap of plaid he has been carrying for months. But we can search the secret office and try this new code out first. he adds.

What does everyone think? Linar asks

[Nocturno]

Half listening, while looking about, windows doors, etcetera "Yes, you should try."

[Jenara]

"This is words of Short ones?" She asks trying to look interested. "Goblin cave small, they dig close to ground, the world seep through and while it weak. It is there. This.." she spreads her hands. "This long way, world above far away. I not like it this far away from sun."

[TristenC]

Jordek moves beside Katten, fumbling a little. I know what you mean. We Forest Gnomes spend most of our lives above ground... at least you are able to see down here.. I'm going on 'blind faith'. he says, in a nervous attempt at comfort.

Linar leads on to the secret door which gives way to a narrow stairwell winding upwards; ultimately terminating at what appears to be an office. There are neat shelves built into the stone wall of fine wood carving and a large desk of granite that seems to have been crafted from the living rock. The task of hauling the monumental object through the narrow door seems impossible at first, until he considers that the room itself may have been built around the elaborate feature.

Some papers and dusty leather folders sit atop it, and various nick-nacks of possibly sentimental but little monetary value remain. The chair beyond is a comfortable looking over-stuffed leather chair that matches another pair of seats in the corners of the room. One small wooden chair sits before the desk, quite plain and perhaps the uncomfortable seat of supplicants or miscreants.

I found that scrap with the code in a locked drawer in the desk, aaaand... He walks over to one of the empty shelves and tilts it back. A segment of the shelving recedes farther in to the wall before lowering below foot-level to reveal a 4 ft wide, 6 ft high spiral stairway leading downward.

[Styrius]

“This place seems to be full of surprises.” He makes notes in his journal about the scrap of paper and the other symbols and secret doors. “I presume there is more to be found down those stairs. I get how our companions feel about being here. I must say I don’t understand though how you deal without solid rock over your head. The Bones of the World are safe and securing.”

[Jenara]

"Blind Faith? Dran is doing the same. He trusts his Mother." She answers, "Bones of World, or Tomb?" She asks with a raised eyebrow, "This was room to watch bad people.." She suggests, her face falling as a staircase going deeper was revealed.

[Nocturno]

Nocturno takes in what the others are saying. Clearly uneasy himself, watching doors and windows for movement, or sounds not made by the group.

[TristenC]

“This place seems to be full of surprises.” He makes notes in his journal about the scrap of paper and the other symbols and secret doors. “I presume there is more to be found down those stairs. I get how our companions feel about being here. I must say I don’t understand though how you deal without solid rock over your head. The Bones of the World are safe and securing.”

Sadly, those of us born of 'darkness' struggle in our own ways above the earth. But perhaps we can each guide the others when outside of our comfort zones. But to your question, Findalsip, Yes. But I only found another dead-end and a similar panel to the one downstairs. I will show you... the Drow descends, allowing any interested to follow him. Some 30 feet down the spiral staircase a panel of buttons in the shape of a 7-faceted gemstone becomes visible, but without levers as the one in the lobby is. The previous attempt left these buttons glowing red, but the tint seems to have faded now. Perhaps that means another attempt will be possible... Our minotaur friend said the second listed code on the scrap of paper was 3-6-2-5-4-1... Shall we try it?

Dran whimpers faintly and shoulders against Katten's leg. Jordek scritches and pats the wild woodland canine's shoulder in a comforting gesture he silently wished he felt himself. Dran shoves his head under the Forest Gnome's chin and nuzzels the fellow blind denizen of the woodlands.