Lydia says, "Right now? Relieve Dollen and get some sleep."

[oneshot] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

Kestrel says, "Well, we have the means to leave this place."

Kestrel says, "We may even have the means to go back where we came from."

Kestrel says, "Hmm."

Lydia says, "Or relieve Dollen and go home. Or at least try to."

Dana asks, "Do we want to leave without taking care of Mordigan?"

Kestrel says, "I must say, it'd be annoying if it sent everyone through back to where they came from. Means we'd lose Mordigan."

Dana makes it sound as though taking care of Mordigan involves the use of a blade.

Kestrel says (to Dana), "I thought we were taking him back to the authorities in Avalon."

Dana says, "Oh. Right.l"

Dana says, "Well, I don't think we should take him back unless we know that we won't be setting him free in the process."

Dana asks, "Anything else we should look into around here?"

Kestrel says, "There might be annexes around here we haven't found yet."

Kestrel says, "Other than that, I don't think so."

Lydia says, "If so, there's probably just more skeletons."

Banther says, "I doubt we could bring more than a few back safely at a time."

Dana asks, "Do we have a good way to communicate with people if we send some back?"

Lydia says, "In any case, we probably ought to head back to our camp."

Lydia says (to Dana), "Of course we do."

Dana asks, "So why don't we try that and see where they've ended up, and then bring over the rest?"

Lydia says, "Assuming they go back to the Explorers' building, that is."

Kestrel says (to Dana), "Only if they end up back at the explorer's."

Kestrel says, "Or, if we send the bowl through with them, they can communicate with the explorer's, but not us."

Kestrel says, "Or or, if we send John Banther through, maybe he can activate the bowl on the other side, and come back if need be."

Lydia says, "Perhaps if we can get the bowl in Avalon under control from here, they could send us the other sound bowl."

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "If we go through, we'll leave the bowl behind. I'd like to leave it in one of two places: where we found it, or with Haran."

Lydia says, "Yes."

Kestrel says, "If we leave it here, that means bringing Mordigan to it, which we could do, say, with him unconscious."

Lydia says, "Hm."

Lydia asks (of Billings), "In theory, would it be better to be able to return to this island, or to bring the crystal bowl with us?"

[oneshot] Banther asks, "You mean Banther?"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "er, right. That one."

Banther has disconnected.

Banther has connected.

Banther says (to Lydia), "It's difficult to say whether it's the bowl or this chamber which is the anchor we were drawn to."

Kestrel says, "Ah, hmm."

Lydia asks, "Hmm. If we move the bowl, could we find out?"

Banther says, "I'd like to be able to study both bowls together in Avalon, but bringing it through may prevent anyone from returning here."

Kestrel asks (of Banther), "Would the bowl perhaps work better in the chamber?"

Banther says (to Lydia), "Interesting question... I don't know."

Kestrel says, "I don't see how you could bring the bowl through."

Kestrel says, "The sphere would zap you first."

Banther says (to Kestrel), "It may. I would need to test it, to learn more."

Banther says, "However, the other bowl, the one that brought us here... it functioned, despite not being where it was discovered."

Kestrel nods.

Banther says, "I cannot say if it may have been less chaotic if used closer to its proper place, though."

Kestrel thinks back to where the bowl was discovered.

Kestrel says, "On the whole, a very different place than here."

Kestrel says, "For one thing, it was part of a complex."

Kestrel says, "Though the murals are reminiscent of each other. Mostly in style, though."

Lydia says, "If you want to try something, I can take the sound bowl and move far enough away to not be transported by accident."

Lydia says, "But don't take too long, or I'll fall asleep."

Banther asks (of Kestrel), "Were those rooms triangular as well?"

Kestrel nods.

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "I missed that this room was triangular ;-)"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "and I knew it but didn't connect it to anything."

Kestrel says, "So, yeah, there's that."

Lydia says, "I'd just as soon figure all this out in the morning."

Dana asks, "morning? hasn't it gotten light now?"

Lydia says, "It has? I must have been down here a lot longer than I thought."

Lydia says, "I hope Dollen didn't fall asleep on watch or anything."

Kestrel says, "I think I'm leaning towards leaving the bowl here."

[Crows-Nest] (from Banther) Kestrel falls across the bowl, snoring.

[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "heh"

[Crows-Nest] Banther says, "Oh, wait, *leaving*."

Dana says, "I wouldn't want Mordigan getting it"

Kestrel says, "Knock Mordigan out, bring him here, activate the bowl, everyone go through together."

Kestrel says, "Right."

Lydia says, "Probably better to do some experimenting first."

Kestrel says, "Well, not like we have much choice, but sure."

Dana says, "well, in any case, let's go"

Kestrel asks, "Anyone object to camping here, whilst we experiment?"

Lydia says, "Right."

Dana asks, "don't we need to go get Dollen and Mordigan?"

Lydia says, "I don't want to leave Dollen alone with Mordigan for too long, or sleep with skeletons all around."

Kestrel says, "We could trade shifts with Dollen. Maybe Erich would go."

[oneshot] Dana says, "heehee"

Dana says, "yes, Erich. Excellent choice."

Lydia says, "Seems simpler just to go back."

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "But we're leaving from here."

Kestrel says, "At least, that's what I'm leaning towards."

Dana says, "ok, let's send Erich to collect Dollen and Mordigan"

Kestrel says, "Sure."

GM says, "Erich appears amenable to the idea."

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Heh."

ErichJr asks, "Anything I should keep in mind before I go?"

Kestrel says (to Erich), "Make sure he's unconscious for the trip."

Kestrel says, "Or at least blindfolded."

ErichJr says (to Kestrel), "Gladly."

ErichJr exits.

Kestrel says, "OK, so."

Kestrel explains to Banther how the sounding bowls work.

Kestrel asks (of Banther), "So, do you think that you could stabilize the sphere at home playing through the bowls?"

Banther says (to Kestrel), "How strange. I... could try it, at least."

Kestrel says, "Well, let's see if Billings is awake."

Kestrel says (to others), "Unless you want to try something else first."

Lydia says, "That sounds reasonable."

Dana says, "No, this is fine"

Kestrel plucks the five notes.

Lydia asks, "But how are you going to keep this bowl right here from responding to what he plays?"

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "Good point. Let's go upstairs."

Kestrel listens at the bowl first.

GM says (to Kestrel), "After a few moments, you hear a response."

Voice asks, "Mphellch -- er, <gulp> -- Hello?"

Kestrel asks, "Hello, Billings?"

Billings says, "Ah, ... er... Kestrel, right? Yes, good morning."

Kestrel says, "Good morning to you, too."

Lydia says, "Hello Mr. Billings."

Billings asks, "Care to join me for, er, a spot of breakfast?"

Kestrel says, "Breakfast already? Wow, we've been up all night."

Billings says, "Mmm. Well. Yes, a bit early, I guess, but sometimes I like to se the first, that is, the sunrise. Should be any time now, I say."

Kestrel says (to Billings), "Good news--we found a crystal bowl in a Syrneth ruin."

Kestrel says (to Billings), "And we found a known villian and have subdued him--a Mordigan.."

Billings asks, "Oh? Excellent, that's wonderful. I think we have something like that here somewhere, don't we?"

Kestrel asks (of others), "Uh, does he have a real last name?"

Kestrel says (to Billings), "Yes you do."

Banther says (to Billings), "Devon, it's good to year your voice again."

Lydia says (to Kestrel), "Mordigan is his last name."

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "Oh, huh."

Lydia says, "Bruce, I think."

Billings asks (of Banther), "John! So you're well, are you? How is that holiday -- er, trip -- er. Well. How are things there?"

Kestrel grins.

Lydia mumbles, "or was it Bryce..."

Banther asks (of Billings), "We think we may be able to return soon. How is the bowl in my lab? The one with theflying orb, remember?"

Billings says, "Oh, still flying. Haven't dared send anyone else in after it. Not sure what to do about it, we may just have to do what we did with the, er, well... the Michaelson case. Mmm."

Banther exclaims, "No, no, don't do that quite yet -- we might need that to return!"

Kestrel raises an eyebrow.

Billing says, "Oh. Well. Probably for the best. We can't afford to lose a whole hall of labs just for one experiment awry. Well, hope things work out over there, John. Keep in touch."

Kestrel asks (of Billings), "Can you take the bowl you're carrying now down to the lab?"

Billings asks, "What's that? Is this Kestrel, again?"

Kestrel says (to Billings), "Yes, that's me."

Kestrel says, "We're going to see if we can fix the sphere from here."

Kestrel says, "John thinks he knows how."

Billings asks, "Ah. Do you think it's safe?"

Kestrel looks at Banther.

Banther asks (of Kestrel), "He has a point. What if it brings him to the island, too?"

Banther says, "He could land in the middle of those vile garrs."

Kestrel says, "True."

Lydia says, "Well, Mr. Billings, you could put the bowl on the ground, open the door, and back away."

Billings says, "Well. Alright..."

GM says, "You hear sounds of chewing."

Lydia climbs the ladder.

Billings says (faintly), "Just a bit more, thank you."

GM says, "You also hear sounds of flatware and plates."

Kestrel also ascends.

Dana follows

Billings says (faintly), "Here you are -- three, four... the eggs were excellent. Toast was a bit overdone, though."

GM says, "You hear faint footsteps (through the bowl)."

Kestrel enters one of the upstairs rooms and closes the door behind us, so the sound won't travel very far.

Billings says, "Sir! Here!" A clip-clop sound fades in, and stops. "To the Explorer's Society, please." The clip-clop starts up again, and continues.

[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "this is like a radio show"

josh_g arrives, looking for booty.

[Crows-Nest] josh_g asks, "ok if I watch?"

Banther stays below for the moment, examining the markings on the new bowl.

[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "(more like listen)"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sure."

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "nothing much to see--timing"

[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "yeah yeah"

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "you just missed the clip-clop horse sound effects."

GM says, "The clip-clop noises continue."

Banther says, "Does anyone have a pen and paper I could borrow? I'd like to make some notes about these..."

Kestrel says, "Sure."

Kestrel hands down some paper.

Banther says, "Thank you."

Banther takes notes.

GM says, "The clip-clopping stops, and you hear Billings mutter something unclear."

Lydia makes sure Banther has all the notes that came with the desk, too.

Banther says (to Lydia), "Ah, thank you greatly."

GM says, "More footsteps."

Billings says, "Bother... how did Kestrel say... plucking strings... but which..."

Kestrel says (to Billings), "It's still on, you don't need to worry."

Billings exclaims, "Maybe if I just talk, loudly enough... figure it o-- oh!"

Billings says, "Hallo, Kestrel! It's me, er, Devon Billings. Again."

Kestrel says, "Hello there."

Billings asks, "Anything new where you are?"

Kestrel says, "I think we're about ready."

Kestrel asks (of Banther), "Are you ready?"

Banther says, "Mmm? Oh, yes."

Banther climbs up after the others.

Banther says, "Hmm. We should go out into the corridor, so we can close the door behind us."

Kestrel nods.

Lydia goes into the corridor.

Billings asks, "So, er... I just set the bowl down in front of the door?"

Kestrel says, "Someone should stay here to keep an eye on this bowl, too, just in case."

Banther goes with Lydia.

Kestrel says (to Billings), "Right."

Kestrel says (to Billings), "But stay within shouting distance so you can tell us if something goes wrong."

Billings says (faintly), "Then I open the door, and, er, run -- yes?"

Kestrel says (to Billings), "Just go down the hall a bit."

Lydia says, "No need to run, really."

Billings says, "Ah. Right. Of course."

Kestrel exclaims (at Billings), "You need to tell us if it works!"

Banther asks (of Kestrel), "Do you want to bring the speaking bowl out here, so we can try it?"

Banther says, "Or you could hand it to me, if you want to watch from below."

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "is Dana asleep?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "no"

Kestrel gives the bowl to Banther, stays behind to watch the second bowl.

[oneshot] Dana says, "but I have a headache and I'm tracking poorly"

[oneshot] Dana says, "doing my best"

Billings says (faintly), "The door's open... that thing's still there. Ready, er, when you are..."

Banther closes the door.

Kestrel sits down in the upper room where he can still see the bowl below.

Banther takes out his pipes, and begins playing.

GM says, "Banther works his way into the melody gradually, following a complex but highly rhythmic tempo."

Kestrel watches.

[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "this seems like the climax of something really unusual"

[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "which I totally don't understand, but it's fun to watch anyway"

[Crows-Nest] Kestrel says, "Heh."

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "it is in fact not the climax."

Billings says (faintly), "Something is happening, I think. It's like a, what is it... on a piano... upside down grandfather clock, thing..."

Kestrel would say 'metronome', but he's a) in the other room, and b) probably doesn't know what one is.

Lydia asks, "a, uh, metronome'?"

[Crows-Nest] josh_g asks, "is Billings an NPC?"

[Crows-Nest] Kestrel says, "Yes."

Lydia says, "(accented and as though trying to think of a good Avalon word)"

GM says, "Banther enters into a slower part of the tune, wich seems to be vaguely repetitive in theme."

[Crows-Nest] Kestrel says, "Billings is back at the explorer's society, who sent us out. We're communicating with artifacts from the last adventure--telephone bowls."

Billings says (to Lydia), "yes, that's it, a metronome. And it's slowing down now. It's... it's moving toward the door..."

Banther pauses for breath.

Banther builds to a rising pitch, toward a climax of the music.

Billings exclaims, "It's growing... it's... eep!"

Kestrel . o O ( It's gonna eat the bowl. )

GM says (to Lydia), "You hear footsteps faintly running away."

[Crows-Nest] Lydia exclaims, "Run, Billings, run!"

Banther plays a short, quick riff -- over, again, again, twelve times in total. Then, a note held for a few seconds, and stops.

Kestrel exclaims, "Woah!"

Kestrel knocks on the door.

Lydia looks to see of Banther is entirely finished.

Lydia [if]

Banther takes a few breaths, and nods to Lydia.

Lydia turns the handle to open the door again.

Kestrel exclaims, "A sphere appeared here!"

Lydia asks, "A sphere?"

Lydia asks, "The flying kind, or something else?"

Kestrel says, "A black sphere appeared, grew larger, hovered for a bit, then collapsed. Just as you were finishing."

Kestrel says, "Just over there, off from the pedestal."

Kestrel says, "Uh, assuming you just finished."

Lydia picks up the sound bowl and shouts into it, "Hello?!"

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "It was the flying kind, but seemed pretty steady."

GM says, "You hear someone shouting from down the corridor."

GM says, "It sounds like Erich, and he's running this way, yelling at the top of his lungs. 'They're gone!' Also, some things that sound like Eisen curses."

Dana swears pungently

Dana says, "I KNEW we should have killed Mordigan while we had the chance"

Dana gets out her knife

[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "yay knife fight"

GM says, "As Erich catches up to you, and catches his breath, he explains that when he got there both Dollens and Mordigan were nowhere to be seen."

Dana says, "Great."

Dana asks, "Did you look around for trail signs?"

GM says, "He also apologises for taking so long, but he had tried to be stealthy on the way there, as it's broad daylight out."

Lydia says, "Well. I assume we'll find them in the village."

Kestrel says, "Now we have to find Dollen *again*."

GM says, "He tells Dana that he doesn't really know much about spotting trail signs."

Lydia says, "Unless Mordigan wants to hide from us."

Dana says (to Lydia), "more likely he is getting the villagers to hunt us down"

Kestrel says, "He has the whole village at his disposal. He can do what he likes."

Kestrel says, "At least we still have the chimur."

Dana says, "Mordigan was quite securely tied up and not in good shape"

Dana says, "so I'm half inclined to suspect Dollen let him out through sheer idiocy"

Dana says, "in which case, they deserve each other"

Lydia says, "That wouldn't stop him if Dollen fell asleep."

Kestrel says, "Maybe the villagers found them."

GM has disconnected.

GM has connected.

Dana says, "well"

Lydia says, "So maybe we should turn on the traps and camp here."

Dana says, "so we can either go looking for them and fall into the clutches of mordigan, or--"

Kestrel says, "Eh, sigh. OK, so we need to get Dollen. Do we need anything from the Explorer's Guild? It looks like we can go back and forth at will now."

Dana asks (of Kestrel), "Other than extra torture implements?"

Dana says, "not that I can think of."

Kestrel asks (of bowl), "Billings? You there?"

josh_g has what doctors call a short attention sp-- ooh, something shiny!

GM says (to Kestrel), "No response."

Kestrel looks in the room to see if he can see the bowl.

Lydia says, "I hope Dollen doesn't tell Mordigan about this place."

GM says (to Kestrel), "The crystal bowl? It's still on its pedestal, down below."

Kestrel says (to GM), "No, a new one."

Kestrel says (to gm), "Like, if the sounding bowl got sent through."

[oneshot] GM says, "You're confusing me, now."

GM says, "Ah. No."

Kestrel says, "Good."

Billings says (faintly), "Hello?"

Lydia asks (of Erich), "Is the fire trap on or off?"

Kestrel exclaims (at bowl), "Hello!"

ErichJr says (to Lydia), "I turned it off. I've had enough firewalking for one day."

Billings says (to Kestrel), "It... I think it might be gone..."

Lydia says, "I'll go turn it on, so we can sleep safely."

Kestrel exclaims (at Billings), "Yay!"

Billings exclaims (at Kestrel), "Yes, it's... it worked!"

Lydia says, "If no one objects."

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "Good idea."

Lydia goes off to do so.

Kestrel asks, "So, sleep today, try to rescue Dollen tonight?"

Billings says, "How did you do it? It was growing, and coming through the door, and I r--, er, retrated... and now it's gone."

Banther says (to Billings), "I'll explain it all later, when we're back safely. I just hope that we can make the portal come back, when we need it to."

Billings asks, "Come *back*? Are you certain that's wise?"

Banther says, "Dear Devon, it may be the only way for us to return. And I'm certain you'll want to see these bones we've found..."

GM says, "You think you hear a sigh from the other side of the bowl, but nothing else."

Billings asks, "What should I do in the meantime?"

Kestrel says, "Well, we could see if it'll work from this side."

Lydia returns from the corridor.

Banther says (to Kestrel), "Using the one on the pedestal? I'm willing to try."

Kestrel says, "Right."

Kestrel says, "Unless we want to try to get Dollen right away."

[oneshot] GM says, "I should let you know, that it won't be too much longer before I start asking for resolve chekcs, for sleepiness."

Kestrel yawns.

Kestrel says, "But I think being rested and having the cover of darkness will work in our favor."

Kestrel says, "Not that they won't be expecting that."

Dana says, "true."

Lydia says, "unless you're going to do more experiments, I'll head to the old ruin."

Kestrel says, "Let's try one more experiment."

Dana says, "well, I'm going to kill Mordigan. The rest of you can do what you want."

Lydia says, "Seems the most pleasant place here to spend the night -- I mean morning."

Kestrel asks (of Dana), "Now?"

Dana says (to Kestrel), "when I've slept."

Kestrel says, "Gotcha."

Kestrel says, "Let's try one more experiment first, then sleep."

Kestrel asks (of Banther), "You ready?"

Banther says, "I think so."

Kestrel says (to Billings), "OK, we'll need you for one more thing. Just wach the bowl for a while."

Billings says, "Right."

Kestrel says (to Billings), "And tell me if you see anything."

Billings asks, "Aside from the bowl, you mean?"

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "When the tune gets near the end, toss, uh, this rock through."

Kestrel ties a string to the rock.

Kestrel says (to Billings), "Exactly."

Lydia says, "Hm, okay."

Banther asks (of Kestrel), "You are proposing that I play for the bowl below, I presume. Which music do you suggest using?"

Kestrel thinks.

Kestrel asks, "Well, you played the music on the bowl itself last time, right?"

Banther says, "The music from the original bowl, yes."

Kestrel says, "And we know Mordigan also came here."

Kestrel says, "And we can guess that the music played in that case was also from the bowl he was trying to steal."

Kestrel says, "So, this place might be a 'default' location."

Kestrel shrugs.

Kestrel says, "Try the tune from the bowl at the Explorer's Guild, first."

Banther nods.

Banther enters the side room and descends.

Kestrel exclaims (at Banther), "Don't get too close!"

Banther asks (of Others), "Is anyone else coming?"

Kestrel takes the sounding bowl and goes out in the corridor; closes the door.

Lydia asks, "Wait. What's this string supposed to do?"

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "Just identify the rock."

Kestrel says, "If it makes it through."

Lydia says, "Oh, I see."

Dana lies down in the corridor and goes to sleep

[oneshot] Banther asks, "Lydia is with Banther and the black bowl; Kestrel, Dana, and Erich are in the corridor with the white one, yes?"

[interludes] Banther has added Lydia to the channel.

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "Oh, it's white?"

[oneshot] Banther says, "Um. Sure."

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Heh."

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Sounds good to me."

Banther has disconnected.

Banther has connected.

[interludes] Banther steps back toward the wall. "Are you ready, my dear?"

(From Dana) zzzzzz

[interludes] Banther begins to play the same melody as he was playing before.

[interludes] GM says, "As he does, you see the black crystal in the bowl begin to glow, and then to pulse along with the music."

[interludes] GM says, "The pulsing begins darker, and the dark glow lifts from the crystal to float above the bowl, a small black sphere."

[interludes] GM says, "The pulsing turns to swaying, as the sphere moves with the rhythm of the music. It slows, and steadies."

[interludes] GM says, "It begins to move toward Banther. He backs up a pace, but it stops halfway between him and the bowl."

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "Do we need to do anything else?"

Billings says, "There, something's there... ack."

[oneshot] GM says, "(On #interlude with Lydia)"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "(oh, gotcha)"

Kestrel asks (of Billings), "What?"

Billings says, "It just appeared, it was little, but now it's getting, er, it's grown."

[interludes] Banther enters the part of the meoldy where it repeats, and the sphere blossoms. It's six feet across, and holding steady in front of you. He repeats the pattern, holding, over and over...

Kestrel asks (of Billings), "How big is it?"

[interludes] Lydia asks, "would this be the part where I'm supposed to toss the rock?"

Billings says, "It's as tall as I am... it's not moving."

[interludes] GM says, "Yes, I think so."

[interludes] Lydia tosses it towards the center of the sphere.

[interludes] GM keeps repeating -- more times than he did before. Concentrating, to maintain the riff constantly.

Billings exclaims, "It's throwing rocks at me!"

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "hee hee"

Kestrel asks (of Billings), "Does it have a string on it?"

[interludes] Banther finally relaxes, and finishes the last tone. The sphere collapses, and is gone.

Billing asks, "And the sphere is gone... let me see... Yes, there's a bit of string on it. Is it yours?"

Kestrel exclaims, "Yes! It works! Yay!"

[oneshot] Dana sleeps on, dreaming of slitting Mordigan's nasty traitor throat

Banther says, "Well. That was certainly something."

Kestrel opens the door again.

Banther looks around on the ground. "The rock you threw -- it's gone, I think."

Kestrel says (to Banther), "It's at the explorer's society."

Lydia says, "Did it -- ah, good."

Kestrel exclaims, "It worked! We can go back!"

[interludes] Banther has removed Lydia from the channel.

Banther says, "Wonderful."

Lydia says, "That's nice."

Lydia says, "But that's enough of those bowls for right now."

Lydia sets up to get some sleep.

Banther yawns. "Good night, then."

Kestrel takes first watch, this side of the fire trap.

Banther finds a convenient corner to rest in.

GM says, "Time passes..."

Lydia is asleep rather soon, considering how little she's had lately.

GM says (to Kestrel), "A couple hours go by, without incident."

GM says (to Kestrel), "Do you wish to continue waiting? (Y/N)"

Kestrel idly dials up a few of the unknown bowls to see if he can hear anything yet.

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "eavesdropper."

GM says (to Kestrel), "You get hungry."

Kestrel waits about another hour, eats something, then trades out with Lydia.

Lydia says, "whuh? uh, you've been watching? but there's the fire..."

Kestrel says (to Lydia), "I don't trust Mordigan further than I can safely light him on fire myself."

Lydia rolls over, declining to actually get up.

Kestrel says, "Eh, go ahead and sleep."

Kestrel wakes Erich instead.

GM has disconnected.

GM has connected.

[oneshot] Dana says, "amazing how much Erich is getting to do in this game"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Heh."

Kestrel sleeps soundly.

[oneshot] GM says, "Must go AFK a moment."

[oneshot] Miseri unidles.

Dana sits bolt upright and looks around

Dana says (to Others), "(low) hsst"

Kestrel wakes groggily.

[oneshot] Kestrel asks (of GM), "Er, you got that I woke Erich, right?"

[oneshot] GM says, "Yes."

Kestrel looks around for Erich.

Kestrel enters the corridor, quietly.

GM says, "Erich climbs down the ladder, and goes to each of you, waking you up and explaining (quietly) that there's something or someone around."

Dana sees Kestrel, gestures towards the end of the corridor to indicate that someone seems to be approaching

Lydia stretches and gets up.

Lydia asks, "around where?"

ErichJr says (to Lydia), "The end of the hall. I don't know what it is, yet."

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "Past the fire trap?"

Lydia climbs the ladder to go see.

ErichJr climbs back up the ladder, giving the faintly glowing rod to Dana.

Lydia says, "Maybe it's Sam. Somehow."

Dana says, "Maybe Mordigan forced Sam to reveal where we are"

[oneshot] ErichJr says, "Yes. In the sense of, on the far side of it. By some distance."

Dana keeps her voice down as she says this.

[oneshot] Dana asks, "Erich still has the fire ring, right?"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "'All your worst nightmares are about to come twoooooo!'"

Banther says, "Should we quell the lamp? If he sees it, they'll know we're here. But if they see it, so will they."

[oneshot] GM says, "Yes."

Lydia says (to Dana), "If so, he just saved us the trouble of finding him."

Dana turns down the rod

Lydia gets the chimur.

GM says, "The noise gets closer. You hear voices with it, and see a light at the far end of the corridor."

Dana says (to Lydia), "If so, it's his last mistake in this life."

Lydia looks irritated, but says nothing at the moment.

Dana waits, perfectly still.

GM says, "The light is bobbing, as though being carried, and is moving toward you."

Lydia listens to the voices.

Dana waits for the toasting, and the screams.

GM says, "There are two of them... they might be arguing."

GM says, "Some faint stomping, and sounds of walking. They're coming closer."

Kestrel . o O ( Just two? Whew. )

Lydia tries to discern the language.

GM says, "One voice is arguing, or at least annoyed. The other sounds frightened.. it sounds like Avalon."

GM says, "In fact, it sounds like Mordigan and Dollens."

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Dollens? I thought it was just Dollen."

Dana draws back against the wall.

[oneshot] Dana says, "he has a split personality"

[oneshot] GM says, "Er, sorry. yes."

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "Dollen hasn't seen the fire trap, right?"

Dana says, "(quietly) they have others with them"

Lydia holds up three fingers. Then four, five. She looks confused.

GM says, "The darkness is pierced by a hedge of flame, downth e corridor."

Kestrel nods.

GM says, "Mordigan's voice is clearer now; it's cursing."

Mordigan says, "...here before... ...past it... ...send you..."

Dollen says, "...don't know... ... this far..."

Kestrel grins evilly.

Lydia points to the chimur, then the fire ring, then down the corridor towards the fire ring, with a questioning look.

Kestrel shakes his head.

Dana says, "(quietly) this'll kill Dollen"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "moves to the on/off switch."

Kestrel moves to the on/off switch.

Kestrel turns it off.

Lydia grins at Kestrel (who probably can't see her)

GM says, "The fire falls away."

Kestrel watches.

Kestrel turns the flame on again.

Mordigan says, "...that?... ...no matter..."

GM says, "You hear shouts, and feet running back."

GM says, "Some of the shouting sounds like native voices; some might be Dollen."

GM says, "And much if it is swearing, in Mordigan's voice."

Dana says, "I have a thought. One of us could attack Mordigan directly, with the fire ring"

Lydia shakes her head.

Kestrel turns off the fire.

Mordigan exclaims, "...across there... ... how far... ...Go!"

Dana looks irritable

Lydia says (to Dana), "(quietly) we'd be overpowered, and he would have the fire ring."

Kestrel turns on the fire again.

GM says, "A man runs up toward you, stopping a ways from your position, then turns back."

Dana says (to Lydia), "(quietly) he wouldn't be able to follow; as soon as he tried, he'd be toast"

GM says, "He doesn't appear to see you."

[oneshot] Dana asks (of GM), "one of the natives?"

Lydia looks confused.

[oneshot] GM says, "Yes, it looks that way."

Man says, "Pa uga, Ganrex! Padana."

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Oh, drat, now I have to look up that language again ;-)"

[oneshot] GM . o O ( Is there an echo in my brain? ;) )

Kestrel turns off the fire again.

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Heh."

Dana looks around for something to hit Man over the head with to knock him out

GM says, "...with him... ... ...cross one..."

GM says, "Another man runs through, to join the first."

Dana mutters to Lydia, "are we just going to let them keep crossing like this? we'll be outnumbered if we don't disable them."

Mordigan says, "...take Dollen... ...go, together..."

Lydia mumbles, "Here's Sam... next Mordigan?"

Mordigan says, "Another man comes across, shoving Sam ahead of him -- not as quickly as the first two, since Dollen seems to be having trouble walking."

Kestrel walks the plank to adventure. Arr!

Kestrel arrives, looking for booty.

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Oops."

Lydia says, "(quietly) or we could take the chimur and confuse the Landaka now that he has no hostage."

Dana nods

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "How many across?"

Dana asks, "(quietly) do you have it?"

Mordigan says, "...going across... ...with me... ...Right. Grana... ...we make it..."

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "Wait, how many are on our side? Did we knock 'em out?"

Lydia says, "nods, but waits on hearing Mordigan."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "three Landaka so far, I think. We can take 'em."

[oneshot] Dana says, "I count three, and not knocked out, but we were going to show 'em we have the chimur"

Mordigan starts running across the fire, one of his gaurds at his side. The flames lick up around him! The guard runs back, but Mordigan runs across to where Dollen and the others were waiting.

Dana says (to Lydia), "Now's the time, if ever"

Dana says, "or not."

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "Dollen was on our side?"

Dana moves, back against the wall, to the side closest where Mordigan will be walking

[oneshot] Dana says, "yes"

[oneshot] GM says, "'Another man comes across, shoving Sam ahead of him'"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "I got disconnected, sorry."

[oneshot] Dana says, "(presumably during Kestrel's disconnect)"

[oneshot] Dana says, "tmg"

Mordigan says, "Accursed ancients, and their accursed traps, and their accursed scholars, and their accursed friends..."

Dana waits.

[oneshot] GM says, "(Except he doesn't actually use the word 'accursed', of course)"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Heh."

Mordigan says, "Raken, Grana, get over here! If I can handle it, surely they can..."

Lydia says (to Dana), "light."

Dana hands the light to Lydia

Lydia advances and declares, "Ganrex pa tele."

Lydia turns on the light.

Lydia holds up the chimur.

Dana, for her part, stays back, out of sight

GM says, "The other two guards run across the grating, falmes licking at their legs. One falls, into the fire near the end; the other makes it across with only superficial burns."

Lydia makes sure the Landaka can see the symbol part.

Kestrel turns off the fire.

GM says, "And then, everything stops for a moment, as all eyes fall on Lydia."

Mordigan exclaims, "It's them! They have stolen the chimur -- attack them!"

Kestrel . o O ( Go Lydia... )

GM says, "I'm going to call for Initiative right now. But, if you want, you can wait for Erich."

[oneshot] Dana asks, "well?"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "yeah, good stopping point"

[oneshot] Kestrel asks, "Can Lydia try to sway them, still?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "I'm for blood"

[oneshot] GM says (to Kestrel), "I'm not saying what happens next :)"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Yeah, but not from the natives ;-)"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Sure, let's wait for Erich."

[oneshot] (from GM) Dana says, "I mean from Sam! Letting him get away like that..."

[oneshot] Kestrel laughs.

[oneshot] Dana says, "arrrrr"

[oneshot] GM says, "OK. So, two XP for everyone present."

[oneshot] Kestrel exclaims, "Yay!"

[oneshot] Dana grumbles, didn't get to kill Mordigan yet

[oneshot] GM asks, "Should we slate the next game forSaturday, or do we want to talk Sarge into a sooner night?"

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "like what?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "I'm semi-flexible but do have school every weekday morning"

[oneshot] Dana says, "and must therefore be awake enough to teach"

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "One presumes the next session won't be that long."

[oneshot] Dana . o O ( I put a spike through Mordigan's heart and cut off his head, and we're all set. )

[oneshot] Kestrel says, "Ow ;-)"

[oneshot] Emily says, "I confess I'm a little disturbed at how, er, unforgiving Dana has become"

[oneshot] Emily says, "but it seems to be her style."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "you think you're disturbed?? Lydia seems to be attracted to Sam. I don't want to think about that one."

[oneshot] GM says, "OK, since we don't have a solid idea, I'll just call it Saturday."

[oneshot] GM says, "Unless everyone agrees on something else before then."

[oneshot] Dana says (to Lydia), "HA"

[oneshot] Kestrel exclaims, "Hee!"