2020-08-05: For the Sake of Tea

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  • Log: For the Sake of Tea
  • Cast: Dean Stark, Kaguya, Ambrosius, Rebecca Streisand, Avril Vent Fleur
  • Where: Capel Coffa
  • Date: August 05, 2020
  • Summary: Dean and his friends team up with Kaguya and Ambrosius. Their aim? To help Dean find some tea leaves in Capel Coffa to gift to Volsung, in the hopes of breaking through to the Veruni leader. But that doesn't mean that certain tensions don't arise...

DG: A party led by Dean Stark is now entering Capel Coffa.
DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Into The Depths *>========================
|Type: Entry       |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 2          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 A few things can be gleaned about Capel Coffa from the outset: first of all,
 it's clearly an Elw ruin to judge by the flowing nearly-organic architecture
 visible from the outside, deep within the crevice in which it has been
 enclosed.

 The second thing that can be safely assumed is that this place was made to
 be protected from the outside world.

 For what reason is not immediately clear: if it was to protect the
 inhabitants, then the question arises of how they would ever leave the place
 easily on a regular basis.

 ...Because to get into the Elw ruin you first need to negotiate the drop
 down to the white-doored entranceway in the stone, far below. The tight
 walls of the rocky crevice make most forms of flight tricky business. This
 will be tiring -- and potentially painful if one slips -- going.

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIgWiOju3P4
=Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Injure=============================================
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Recently, Dean had taken Kaguya shopping with him to figure out a nice present for his new pal, Volsung. Ambrosius joined in on it, and both of them agreed to help Dean out, because apparently they love a train wreck in motion. Dean figured that a nice rare tea might be great, and Kaguya suggested they explore the Elw ruins, Capel Coffa, to find some. They all agreed! Fast forward to today, after Dean has talked to Avril and Rebecca...
    
    THEN:
    "So I know you guys won't agree and I won't try to force you to," Dean says, "but I think, if Volsung's got a connection to a Clysmian, or any kind of hate-fueled superpowers, then maybe we can get him to calm down by getting him a friend. Which I'm going to do!" He nods firmly. His real reasoning is not this cool-headed or rational, but it's the kind of reasoning that he thinks will speak most to Avril and Rebecca. Especially since-- "Don't worry--either way, I won't let him get anywhere near you, Avril," he adds to her in particular. "But anyway, right now, I'm figuring I ought to send him a present! I've already figured out *how*, I'm just working on *what*. And Kaguya said she'd help with that! We're gonna go to these Elw ruins, you see..."
    Dean gives the above recap.
    "...and that's it!" he says brightly. "So, d'you guys want to come along, or would you rather not? I understand if you don't, I just thought I ought to let you guys know now that I've made up my mind to do this."
    
    NOW:
    However that conversation ended up, Dean is here now in front of a steep drop down to a white-doored entryway to the organic-looking ruins with Kaguya, Ambrosius, and indeed, Avril and Rebecca. He peers down the rocky crevice and its tight walls. It'd be possible to just climb down, but... "Rebecca, you wanna use your portals, or Avril, should we go with, uh--" He pauses, then glances at Kaguya and Ambrosius. "Actually, let's just go with the portals!" Firm nod.

DG: Dean Stark has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Into The Depths.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Kaguya does love a train wreck in motion. Metaphorically speaking. She's never actually witnessed a real train wreck, just train travel and train robberies. But she does stand by the idea about this.

Here, and now:

Kaguya considers the way down, considers the others. "I mean, portals are cool and all," Kaguya says, "But I'm not too worried about a drop like this." Pause. "But that might be easier. I'm OK with it. I'll give that a try before I jump down."

Kaguya is in normal enough clothes today, and has been... Well. Pleasant isn't the right word. Kaguya doesn't really do 'pleasant.'

But she's in a pretty good mood, anyway.

<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

Ambrosius is... not entirely sure why he agreed to this. 'Overpowering curiosity' is definitely one of the factors, but it felt like he ended up being swept up into things. Still, he gave his word, and he's not the sort to back out of that lightly.

And so, that brings us here to today, where Ambrosius finds himself standing at the mouth of the crevice, staring down to where the strangely organic ruin juts out. He supposes that's another thing he was curious about. This did make a good opportunity to investigate an Elw ruin. He found their technology quite curious, and their structures even moreso.

He looks toward Dean as he suggests Rebecca use some portals.

"...I shall join you all shortly." He decides, and starts making his way down. He's not known for his agility. He'll probably be the last one down, but he has an ulterior motive, anyway - he draws a metallic device out from within his poncho, passing a light over the stone as he descends. He nods to himself, apparently pleased with the results.

...He's definitely going to be the last one down at this rate.

DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Into The Depths.
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


THEN:

Rebecca looks like she's about to launch into a lecture, until she finally comprehends every single word that Dean has strung together. Two fingers of a gloved hand touch her forehead, as she lets out the longest sigh, and gives Avril a sidelong look.

"Didn't you already offer him a friend? Or am I misunderstanding something? A present isn't about to bridge the gap from him trying to murder you to... taking that hand you offered."

Still, she doesn't sound overly irritated, since Dean already guessed correctly that they won't agree.

"This is so like you." She says, even as her eyes say to Avril the same thing, just slightly altered, 'This is so like him.'

"And there's no changing your mind either when you're like this. So... why not? Might as well go along and make sure you don't get into too much trouble."

NOW:

"There's a range on them so I can't get them all the way down." Rebecca notes, "Buttttt..."

Rebecca fires off a portal at the cliffside. Then one right beside them. And simply threads a a rope through it so that the rope drops down close to the white platform. "... portals certainly make traditional methods pretty easy."

Before she lofts an eyebrow at Kaguya, "Well if the mighty Kaguya isn't worried - nothing says you have to use it." Rebecca salutes with a grin, as she ties it off... then grabs the rope and slides on through.

DG: Rebecca Streisand has used her Tool Portal Guns toward her party's challenge, Into The Depths.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    It was the sort of argument that...

    It is entirely possible that at that time, Avril and Rebecca had shared a meaningful Look.

    "If that is your intent, Dean... then perhaps he may be able sense it through the medium of your gift," she had said to him, and then immediately followed it with, "but, I am uncertain whether he will be open to truly accepting it."

    But, ultimately--

    It isn't the sort of overture that will put Dean in (too much more) danger (considering the people involved), and it isn't the sort of overture that is terribly difficult to pursue.

    Even considering that the place from where Dean wants to collect the tea leaves is the active ruin of Capel Coffa.

    'This is so like him', indeed.

    She'd given Rebecca an only slightly-weary helpless smile.

    "Indeed... I would be happy to come along with you."

    Even if that decision point had not been reached without some small amount of trepidation.

    Now, as she regards the gap below, she cannot help but stop to again similarly regard Ambrosius.

    Kaguya's intentions on the matter, she believes she knows as well as she is able. But Ambrosius is another matter.

    "Ambrosius," she says, turning from the gap as the others consider the way below.

    "What is your intention with me?"

    She is painfully, painfully blunt, at times.
    Well, most of the time, really.

    "I will tell you my own intent. I will not return to my people. Not yet. I will neither permit myself to be taken."

    In her hands rests the Sea Medium. She gazes at Ambrosius for a long moment as if she were somehow attempting to read his heart.

    And then she just turns and steps over the edge, trusting in Lucadia's power to see her down.

DG: Avril Vent Fleur has used her Tool Sea Medium toward her party's challenge, Into The Depths.
DG: Kaguya has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Into The Depths.
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Into The Depths *>========================
|Type: Entry       |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 2          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 A few things can be gleaned about Capel Coffa from the outset: first of all,
 it's clearly an Elw ruin to judge by the flowing nearly-organic architecture
 visible from the outside, deep within the crevice in which it has been
 enclosed.

 The second thing that can be safely assumed is that this place was made to
 be protected from the outside world.

 For what reason is not immediately clear: if it was to protect the
 inhabitants, then the question arises of how they would ever leave the place
 easily on a regular basis.

 ...Because to get into the Elw ruin you first need to negotiate the drop
 down to the white-doored entranceway in the stone, far below. The tight
 walls of the rocky crevice make most forms of flight tricky business. This
 will be tiring -- and potentially painful if one slips -- going.

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIgWiOju3P4
=Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Injure=============================================
==========================<* Capel Coffa - Round 1 *>===========================
=========================< Results - Into The Depths >==========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Stark                          0 --(8)--> 8                   Pass
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambrosius                           0 --(8)--> 8                   Fail
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              0 --(8)--> 8                   Fail
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avril Vent Fleur                    0 --(8)--> 8                   Pass
Sea Medium                          2   Agility Effects: Quicken
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Streisand                   0 --(8)--> 8                   Pass
Portal Guns                         2   Agility Effects: Stalwart
-----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------
Leader: Dean Stark                  0 --(20)--> 20                 Pass
Conditions: Injure(2)|Tire(2)
Effects: Quicken(1)
===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Dean Stark has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party
management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    "Well, I did, that's why I wasn't sure if I should keep trying! But then I asked Id--" WHAT "--for advice, and he said that someone like Volsung might *never* take that hand because he's used to people not really meaning it, so all I can do is keep trying until he realizes I'm for real," Past Dean explains. He nods to Past Avril in agreement; what she points out is on the nose, and something he completely understands. Thus: "And that's why the present! It's not like I can just walk up to him and say, 'Hi, wanna hang out?', you know?"
    So when Past Rebecca concedes on the grounds that she's not going to change his mind anyway, he grins and gives Rebecca a big, completely platonic best-friends hug. "Thanks, Rebecca!! You're the best!"
    
    Present Dean, meanwhile, enthuses to Kaguya, "Oh, the portals are really cool! It's such a weird feeling to go through one and suddenly you're over somewhere else! It kinda messes with your head a bit! 'Til you get used to it, anyway. Rebecca got used to it really fast, that's why she's so good at using 'em!"
    
    Avril's pointed questions to Ambrosius get no comment from Dean--but that doesn't mean he didn't notice or doesn't care. He simply gives them both a long look, listening to how that conversation goes while also trusting Avril to handle sticking up for herself--though he'll step in for a second if need be. He doesn't think he'll have to, though.
    
    For the time being, he nods to Ambrosius, who apparently wants to check the place out first a little, then takes Rebecca's rope and starts working through the portals, following after Rebecca herself. "OK, let's take this one at a time 'til we're all down!" he declares. "Watch your step, guys!"
    
    They all watch Avril's step as she steps right off the cliff. Dean... also trusts Lucadia to stick up for Avril. The Ocean Guardian has always had a fondness for her and, at some times it seems, only her, after all.

DG: Rebecca Streisand has drawn a new Challenge.
==============================<* Capel Coffa *>===============================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Verdant Recursion *>======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits      |Challenge Rating: 4          |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 This room seems unusually small when you enter. It showcases an Elw garden
 in miniature: the plants resting in pots, a small bubbling spring, the mossy
 stone paths.

 And somewhat atypically, a choice of two glowing tiles set side by side in
 the middle of the mini garden.

 When one of the tiles is stepped on, you are taken to a room that seems
 unusually small when you enter. It showcases an Elw garden in miniature: the
 plants resting in pots, a small bubbling spring, the mossy stone paths.

 And somewhat atypically, a choice of two glowing tiles set side by side in
 the middle of the mini garden.

 ...It's a teleporter maze, and a fiendish one at that, with each room
 appearing just like the last. Is this what the Elw considered
 recreational...? But perhaps there is no way forward but through.
=Dungeon Conditions: Reckless, Stupify========================================
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


Past Rebecca. "Id!? ID!? Why would you..."

Rebecca stops herself, before she would have gone off on him and then sighs again.

"Because you're you. That's why."

The entirely big platonic best friends hug, has Rebecca sigh then just - hug him back. Even patting him on the back twice.

"Yeah..." Rebecca allows herself a small smile that gives the impression of 'what am I going to do with you?' before saying, "I know I am."

Present Rebecca grips the rope suddenly. Then sticks her head back through the portal. And slowly climbs back up. Back down through the portal, her hand hovers over her ARM.

Rebecca laughs nervously, "That's a real good question that... I bet he'd be happy to field once we're on solid ground again. And..."

Avril steps over the edge.

"Oh. She jumped."

That doesn't surprise Rebecca at all, or even worry her. Avril does this kind of thing all the time - and her medium allows her to do it safely.

Taking her hand off her ARM, she suddenly looks at Ambrosius. Makes eye contact. There's a sense that she's saying 'I'm watching you.' with the intensity of her look - because if Avril is confronting him like that.

And then she just slides down silently to tap down onto the platform. Assuming no immediate confrontation when they touch down, they enter.

The moment they enter the ruins - they might all notice that suddenly there's no exit. There was no visual tell as to what happened, and why they're there. Just one moment they were walking through the white stone archway, and the next. Small garden. Plants in pots, a small bubbling spring. Mossy stone paths.

"Dean. Did you make a wish for your friendship tea when we entered? As I think it came right to us." Rebecca says with a light tease, trying to show good humor despite the unusual situation, "Well, anyhow. Looks like we're not lacking for options." Rebecca says wryly, as she gestures to the two tiles. And after they pick one...

They enter an identical garden! "Did we just...?" Rebecca looks around herself, "Are we back where we started? The Elw can be real frustrating sometimes..."

As they navigate the maze, Rebecca tries to jot down in a kind of shorthand differences between one room and the next. Hoping to find a pattern. Eventually suggesting that they pull some leaves off plants and leave their own mark on each room to more accurately field the path through the labyrinth.

"Maybe just take a whole lot of different leaves with you Dean. We've got no idea what the Veruni Overlord will like after all." No Rebecca isn't suddenly into this, she's totally being a bit sarcastic.

DG: Rebecca Streisand has used her Tool Rebecca's Travel Diary toward her party's challenge, Verdant Recursion.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Readings! Surely there are all sorts of interesting readings to gather up here. Kaguya doesn't at the moment, though. Instead she rolls her eyes at Rebecca, apparently amused. "Yeah, yeah," she continues, hopping through the portal and making her way down. ...the ground kind of cracks under her feet, and the impact is a little flatter than it should've been. Ow!

But suddenly.... Well, extra-suddenly. "Ha," Kaguya says. "It's this place!" A beat, "I bet the Elw liked to annoy people. Like, they'd claim this was some meditative thing about peace and living beauty but it's really just designed to hold their stuff and bother people. That's what I think."

Kaguya pulls a small green case from her things and then a tablet from that, attaching a couple of other components to the device in short order. "I whipped this up expcting to come; I can get a quick reading on the properties of each plant and see what's safe to try eating, and then we can pick the one that tastes the best in tea."

Kaguya is not that worried about the labyrinth itself. She's busy studying plants! Using her degrees!!

"I can probably cultivate some of these too, oh--that one'd be cool to take..."

DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Mad Science Case toward her party's challenge, Verdant Recursion.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

In a way, he appreciates the bluntness. Ambrosius is a fairly straightforward person, himself. Rebecca staring him down... he appreciates that less, but he can understand her caution.

Avril asks Ambrosius a pointed question. That may certainly contribute to his slowness, as he quietly contemplates his answer.

...What is his intention with her?

"...I have outstanding orders to retrieve Avril Vent Fleur." Ambrosius replies after a time, his tone quiet. ...That's what he says, but his tone is hesitant. It's more like he's repeating something. He's quiet for a moment longer, before...

"...I am... uncertain." He admits, then hesitates a moment longer. "...I apologise. I realise that is... not a satisfactory answer."

His mission felt more like obligation, at times. Did he truly believe bringing her in to be best for his people? Or was it simply following an order? ...He's more quiet than usual, after that.

Before he knows it, they're in the ruins proper, and they find themselves in, apparently a recursive maze. Ambrosius 'hm's quietly. He looks toward Kaguya briefly, managing to crack small smirk at her comment about the Elw.

But, while Kaguya is managing the plants, Ambrosius elects to help find a way through. He brings out a device of his own which, after some adjustments, brings out what appears to be a map of some kind.

"...Provided the teleportation interference does not exceed maximum limits, I should be able to plot a course through this labyrinth." He explains.

DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Advanced Multi-Tool toward his party's challenge, Verdant Recursion.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    THEN

    At that admission, Avril had stared at Dean, then slowly tilted her head slightly to the right.

    Her and Rebecca may have exchanged another look.

    MOMENTS AGO, AT THE CLIFF'S EDGE

    "...I see," Avril says, for the moment more statue than woman in her countenance.

    "It is not," she tells him, not unkindly. "Nevertheless, I do understand why you are unable to decide. There will, however, become a time when you must choose," she says to Ambrosius.

    "Regardless, I have made my own decision. I will not travel with you to the Locus Solus this day."

    And then she had stepped over the edge, entrusting herself to Lucadia's power.

    NOW, WITHIN THE COMPLEX OF CAPEL COFFA

    "Oh--"

    Perhaps it might be difficult to reconcile the Ice Queen of moments ago with the woman who kneels on the pathway to gently reach for a flower. "I wonder however these are cared for. I suppose the ruin must see to them?" she asks, glancing back over her shoulder at her friends. "But, it does not seem that there is a doorway." She gets to her feet and inspects the panels on the altar. "Rather, there are these tiles--"

    She steps on one, soon followed by the others.

    "...Do you suppose this may be where we had been before?" she asks. It will take some trial and error to determine that this is not the case, but after a few more iterations, thus--

    "Hmm... they truly are all the same," the ancient queen remarks, resting a hand to her chin. "I wonder if..."

    Retrieving the mirror, she gazes into its depths, as if seeking some answer there. Perhaps the Ley may flow differently in here -- is the mirror not attuned to the Ley?

    (In truth, it isn't really... but permitting herself some safe access to some of her dormant power amounts to the same time in practice.)

DG: Avril Vent Fleur has used her Tool Mirror of De Soto toward her party's challenge, Verdant Recursion.
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Really it's because Dean considers Id, as well as Fei, a friend, and why wouldn't he since they're the same person? Dean does not explain this because he's pretty sure Rebecca and Avril already know. He might be wrong about this.
    
    Regardless, everyone makes it safely to the ground, more or less. Dean glances over his shoulder at Avril and Ambrosius, noting the latter's hesitance about his orders as regarding the former, and smiling a little as Avril puts her foot down, as expected. They pass through the white archway, and there, literally as soon as they enter, is a great garden of Elw plant-y delights.
    
    Dean lights up. "Wow! I sure didn't! That makes it even more amazing!" he enthuses. He runs forward towards the nearest plants--and then, because the Elw have/had a twisted sense of humor, he gets teleported to the other side of the room. He blinks rapidly, looking around; then: "Heyyy, what gives??" Avril wonders if they've been here before. "I don't... *think* so? Uh, but this place already has me confused. Whatever, we're here for the tea anyway! And it's right here!"
    
    Ambrosius says he'll plot a course through the labyrinth. "Thanks, I think we're gonna need that," he tells him. Kaguya, naturally, gets right on those plants. Naturally, given that this is why she's here. "Oh! I'll help you with that!" Dean calls to her. "Uhhh, as soon as I get over to you! In the meantime--here, this oughtta help with finding the right kinds of plants!"
    
    Rebecca suggests, sarcastically, that he just grab some of everything since he doesn't know Volsung's tastes. "Oh! Good idea, Rebecca!" he says, completely missing the sarcasm. "But some of this might be toxic to Veruni, so we'd better be careful anyway!" He looks back at Kaguya as he summons Twin Fenrir in hand and adjusts the cartridges. "You think so?" he asks of her opinion of the Elw. "But this was a city for the Elw, right? They'd just be annoying themselves, then. Maybe they thought it was funny?"
    
    Either way, he fires the Detector bullet, which brings up a green analysis screen, then zeroes in on the plants that are most valuable and therefore best for making into tea. Then he'll feed that information to Kaguya. Hopefully they can actually *reach* those plants as they make their way through the labyrinth.

DG: Dean Stark has used his Tool Detector toward his party's challenge, Verdant Recursion.
==============================<* Capel Coffa *>===============================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Verdant Recursion *>======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits      |Challenge Rating: 4          |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 This room seems unusually small when you enter. It showcases an Elw garden
 in miniature: the plants resting in pots, a small bubbling spring, the mossy
 stone paths.

 And somewhat atypically, a choice of two glowing tiles set side by side in
 the middle of the mini garden.

 When one of the tiles is stepped on, you are taken to a room that seems
 unusually small when you enter. It showcases an Elw garden in miniature: the
 plants resting in pots, a small bubbling spring, the mossy stone paths.

 And somewhat atypically, a choice of two glowing tiles set side by side in
 the middle of the mini garden.

 ...It's a teleporter maze, and a fiendish one at that, with each room
 appearing just like the last. Is this what the Elw considered
 recreational...? But perhaps there is no way forward but through.
=Dungeon Conditions: Reckless, Stupify========================================
=========================<* Capel Coffa - Round 2 *>==========================
=======================< Results - Verdant Recursion >========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Stark                          8 --(16)--> 24                 Fail
Detector                            2   Wits    Effects: Stalwart
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambrosius                           8 --(16)--> 24                 Fail
Advanced Multi-Tool                 2   Wits    Effects: Enlighten
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              8 --(16)--> 24                 Pass
Mad Science Case                    2   Wits    Effects: Enlighten
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avril Vent Fleur                    8 --(16)--> 24                 Fail
Mirror of De Soto                   1   Wits    Effects: Cleanse
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Streisand                   8 --(16)--> 24                 Pass
Rebecca's Travel Diary              2   Wits    Effects: Enlighten
----------------------------------< Party >-----------------------------------
Leader: Dean Stark                  20 --(20)--> 40                Pass
Conditions: Injure(1)|Reckless(2)|Stupify(2)|Tire(1)
Effects: Cleanse|Enlighten(1)
==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Dean Stark has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party
management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has drawn a new Challenge.
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Fire Ceremony *>=========================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits      |Challenge Rating: 2          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 In this room, there is no plant life, only a central platform where remains
 all the traces of a fire (ash, char, scorch marks) without the presence of
 the actual flame. It's said that some cultures used fire ceremonies to honor
 the memory of fallen -- perhaps the same was true of the Elw?

 Whatever the purpose of the room, the far door remains closed.

 An inspection of the platform leads one to suspect that once, there were
 torches or similar available to help start the fire, but none are left now.
 Somehow or another, you need to kindle this flame.
=Dungeon Conditions: Reckless=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


Avril and Rebecca indeed share that look in the past.

In the present though, Rebecca finds herself watching Ambrosius carefully, and seems not to find his answer adequate at all. She's not outright hostile though, just wary. "Must be." She says to Avril as she tears herself away, seeming a bit endeared to Kaguya's enthusiasm over this place. "Even if I'm not a fan of their ruins, gotta admit. The fact that they devoted so many resources towards gardens like this is pretty inspiring."

Ambrosius' device does indeed bring up a map. The map displays infinite iterations of connected same size chambers. While it might show what path to go, there's no actual indication of where the entrance and exit are... at least for now...

Avril's access to the ley, using the mirror as a medium towards safe access of her dormant powers grants wisps of hints, but eventually the ingenuity of the Elw make it so that the ley feels all tangled up in knots by this conjunction of teleporters. Apparently they anticipated someone trying to find a solution through this path, and Avril quickly finds herself trying to sense her way through another spiritual maze.

Green triangles spin through the air as Dean shoots the detector bullet from the overlay on reality. It zooms in on multiple plants and is highly useful in finding tea for Kaguya to pick through! However, it doesn't do much to get them through the infinite teleportation labyrinth. Rebecca at least says to him, "Eh. I'm sure Kaguya will vet it first for us."

Kaguya, having a doctorate in Xenobotany over time manages to catch some inconsistencies in each room. The trick is that many plants look the same, but aren't actually the same. And each iteration brings about new insight about the correct path to go.

Eventually though between Kaguya's hints and Rebecca recording inconsistencies, they make it through far enough that Ambrosius' device is able to see the end, and Avril is able to feel out the way and confirm it for them.

Also. They have harvested plenty of good leaves from an ancient Elw garden to make Dean's Volsung friendship tea! Success!

"And we're out! Mission complete."

Rebecca surveys the room they're in, "Though looks like we'll have to keep going forward to go back..."

<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    At first it seems to be going smoothly:

    "The one on the left."

    Perhaps it should have been expected -- in a room like this (in a series of rooms like this), in a facility like this, built by the Elw no less -- Avril's ability to untangle where they are and where they might want to go becomes a little more difficult.

    Then a lot difficult.

    Then a Gordian knot of complexity, and unlike that fabled tangle, she doesn't have the option of cutting through it. Ultimately Avril has to sit down on the dais for a moment or two and just put the mirror away while she rubs at her temples.

    Fortunately there are more immediate signs, ones that the Elw, with their connection to nature, would have been quicker to pick up on.
    Ones that the botanist in the room certainly picks up on.

    Eventually they're led to a room with an identical-looking garden... that includes a door.

    The chamber beyond it is bare, stark stone but for the platform in the middle of it.

    There are still ashes here, so many years later.

    Elw glyphs mark the stone platform, but unless one of the people in here knows how to read the language, perhaps the message will remain illegible.

    "It seems that something was burnt here," Avril observes, regarding the platform.

    "Perhaps, as an offering? Or...?"

    She glances over at the door, still closed.

    "I wonder... if we had something that we could burn... would that door open?"

    She pulls out after a moment's thought the mirror. "If we had some fuel and a source of light, then I am certain I could cause it to ignite with this," she suggests, holding the sacred Veruni relic before her as she considers using it to start a fire.

DG: Avril Vent Fleur has used her Tool Mirror of De Soto toward her party's challenge, Fire Ceremony.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Dean points out that this was a city for the Elw, and Kaguya replies, "Probably they thought it was hilarious. Note to self, when I get back to my castle I totally need to commission a hedge maze. That'd be awesome."

Now, Kaguya didn't reply about Ambrosius's orders or about Avril's intent, but now, when that conversation is finished, she looks back to Ambrosius and nods. She gets it, at least--or that's what her expression suggests.

But she likes Dean's assistance--it makes things rather faster than individually scanning each plant in the first place. She totally tag teams with Rebecca though. Forward, though...

"Eh, it's fine," Kaguya says. "There's some valuable stuff in here anyway. And with all of us here we'll probably be fine."

But in this room--bare, strk... and Kaguya does not know how to read that language. "Hmmm, an ofering..." Pause.

"Avril. Do you really think I go anywhere without something that can burn? C'mon. Just a sec."

Kaguya reaches into her green case and pulls out some strange gray fibers in a little bunch, held together with a small tie. She grabs one out. "This'll burn for about a minute tops, which should be more than long enough. So if we've got light..."

DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Mad Science Case toward her party's challenge, Fire Ceremony.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

There will come a time when he must choose. Ambrosius considers that for a moment, but when Avril restates her insistence that she will not travel with him to Locus Solus this day, he nods.

"...Very well." He replies. "For the time being, you will have my cooperation."

The labyrinth, as it happens, is much more difficult to traverse than he expected - and as Rebecca points out, actually getting back out is going to mean going forward first.

Along the way, though, he glances toward Kaguya when she looks at him and nods. He doesn't respond.

...In fact, he doesn't say anything until they find themselves at the ceremonial pyre. Once again, he brings out the device from before.

"...Producing light is an easy matter." He says. He brings out the device from before again and, with yet more adjusting, this time it emits a bright ray of light which should hopefully be able to reflect off the mirror and produce flame.

...Technically, it could probably also act as a lighter in and of itself, but that wouldn't be very good teamwork. It's the principle of the thing - and in a place like this, that may make a tangible difference in their chance of success.

DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Advanced Multi-Tool toward his party's challenge, Fire Ceremony.
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    "Yeah, true," Dean says to Rebecca. Kaguya *is* the one picking out the tea leaves, so of course she'd know what's good and not good for someone of her own race. And they get plenty o' leaves too! Super success! Dean catches Kaguya's eye and gives her a great big grin and thumbs up once they're all out of that labyrinth. "I knew I could count on you!"
    
    But now they're in a new room. A *fiery* room. Well, it's a bare and kind of burnt room, but it's clear that fires are meant to be set here. But how, and what? Dean squats to squint at the Elw glyphs. However, he sure as heck can't read them, so he just stands right back up.
    
    "I've got fire if anybody else's got fuel," he says to Avril, adjusting the cartridge for Twin Fenrir. Now, technically, Fire Bullet is usually for blowing stuff up to get it out of the way, not solving puzzles--that's Detector's job--but let's just pretend. Since Kaguya has provided something that can burn, if Ambrosius' light and Avril's mirror don't work, then hopefully (goodness gracious) great balls of fire will do.

DG: Dean Stark has used his Tool Detector toward his party's challenge, Fire Ceremony.
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


Rebecca certainly trusts Avril's instincts, though when she hesitates, then puts the mirror away and rubs her temples, she asks, "No good?" Then with a faint smile, she quietly notes, "Appreciate you trying so hard there."

Though when finally get out and to the next room, Avril notes that it looks like something was burnt here as an offering, "Well, hm."

Rebecca turns to the back of her poetry journal and looks straight at an early page. Her face turning faintly red. And then there's a ripping noise. Immediately after she starts tearing that page into strips. Before thrusting the pile of paper strips over to Kaguya, "Take some extra kindling."

How bad was the poem on that page? Well...

... now you'll never know.

"Light it up Dean." Rebecca commands, "You may want to charge that bullet up extra. The hotter it's burning the more likely the offering will be accepted!"

Wow that poem must be really bad.

DG: Rebecca Streisand has used her Tool Rebecca's Travel Diary toward her party's challenge, Fire Ceremony.
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Fire Ceremony *>=========================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits      |Challenge Rating: 2          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 In this room, there is no plant life, only a central platform where remains
 all the traces of a fire (ash, char, scorch marks) without the presence of
 the actual flame. It's said that some cultures used fire ceremonies to honor
 the memory of fallen -- perhaps the same was true of the Elw?

 Whatever the purpose of the room, the far door remains closed.

 An inspection of the platform leads one to suspect that once, there were
 torches or similar available to help start the fire, but none are left now.
 Somehow or another, you need to kindle this flame.
=Dungeon Conditions: Reckless=================================================
==========================<* Capel Coffa - Round 3 *>===========================
==========================< Results - Fire Ceremony >===========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Stark                          24 --(8)--> 32                 Fail
Detector                            2   Wits    Effects: Stalwart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambrosius                           24 --(8)--> 32                 Pass
Advanced Multi-Tool                 2   Wits    Effects: Enlighten
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              24 --(8)--> 32                 Pass
Mad Science Case                    2   Wits    Effects: Enlighten
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avril Vent Fleur                    24 --(8)--> 32                 Pass
Mirror of De Soto                   1   Wits    Effects: Cleanse
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Streisand                   24 --(8)--> 32                 Pass
Rebecca's Travel Diary              2   Wits    Effects: Enlighten
-----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------
Leader: Dean Stark                  40 --(20)--> 60                Pass
Conditions: Reckless(2)
Effects: Cleanse|Enlighten(1)
===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Dean Stark has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party
management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    The best that she may be able to establish -- for now -- with Ambrosius is a sort of truce. Not today. Perhaps someday. Perhaps even by her own will.

    She makes no similar requests of Kaguya, though. Is this a reflection of some other conversation, or does she think Kaguya would have reason not to take her, or...?

    "It seems not," Avril replies, back within the confines of the recursive garden, smilingly slight in spite of her headache. "It would seem that this place is rather more complicated than I thought," says the woman, of a room that looks identical to the last five and then some rooms they'd just been in.

    Once they move beyond, however...

    Technically speaking, they would only need to provide and have someone else provide the ignition. But perhaps it's not that simple. Perhaps the ritual is as important as the result.

    "To be quite honest, I had not considered that, Kaguya. I shall endeavor to remember that in the future," she says, smiling as Kaguya brings a few stranger things out of her pack and puts them in place, adjoining some paper from Rebecca's--

    "Are you certain?" she does ask Rebecca, but it's certain without something else to burn the fire would die quickly. But for the flame, first they need light.

    "Thank you, Ambrosius. Please direct it at the mirror..."

    It takes a little doing to get the light to shine directly on the fibers, after being focused by the mirror. But when they do, they do burn.

    "Thank you, Dean. If I had not been able to light it by this method..."

    Well, even if they didn't need it in the end, he would have been their only hope for starting a fire.
    Well, unless someone here has a lighter (Ambrosius's multi-tool's flexible functions aside), that is.

DG: Ambrosius has drawn a new Challenge.
==============================<* Capel Coffa *>===============================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Sealed Memories *>=======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute     |Challenge Rating: 2          |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 This small chamber, putting you in mind of a cozy hollow in a dark forest,
 has no entrances or exits -- indeed it seems to exist wholy for the sake of
 the objects within it.

 The best analogy might be a sort of 'cabinet', if it were made of a
 porcelain-like substance and rather than doors, it had a wall of shimmering
 translucent blue light holding the small stone carvings (animals, long-eared
 people, more esoteric forms) within. The light does not move when touched,
 proving as solid and as cool to the touch as glass. There are no obvious
 locks or means to open the cabinet.

 Which means that if you want to retrieve the objects -- and whatever clues
 they may give you about this place -- you will need to figure out some means
 of forcing the case.
=Dungeon Conditions: Treasure, Exhaust========================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

Ambrosius does not dwell on that - that Avril asked no such question of Kaguya. Whatever agreement Avril and Kaguya have is between them - he has no intentions of intruding on their business.

Working together, they manage to light the flame, and the far door opens for them. Ambrosius passes through the door, and once everyone has done the same... the door behind them shuts, and they find themselves in a small chamber, like a cozy hollow in a dark forest.

More important, there's no apparent entrances or exits. The only thing present besides themselves is a strange 'cabinet' of sorts, holding a series of small carvings.

A frown crosses Ambrosius's face.

"...I would assume that these are our only hint as to how to escape this place." He comments. "...It is very fascinating, truly. But at that same time... quite vexing."

With that, he draws out a device. It's different than the multi-tool he's been using. No, this one looks like part of a weapon... and that may be the case, in fact, as when he focuses his power, water coalesces into a whirling blade. He moves to try and slice cleanly through the 'cabinet' while trying to avoid harming the carvings within.

DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Aqua Cutter toward his party's challenge, Sealed Memories.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

There's something to be said for choices.

Kaguya beams back to Dean when he grins at her, naturally. "Right? There was never any doubt," she answers, pleased. She still has to sort through the leaves in question and they'll have to experiment to find the best, but...

Experiments are part of the fun!

Kaguya watches Rebecca's blush and the ripping noise with a lift of her eyebrow, but actually doesn't call her out on it. Maybe she's being good. Maybe she's just observing instead.

But she quirks an amused look when Avril smiles at her. "Guess not, huh? Well, now you know."

Does Kaguya know her well enough to say something is 'like her', now? It's a strange thought on its own.

As Ambrosius finds the cabinet, though, Kaguya considers it for a few moments. "This thing..." She looks over Ambrosius's tool thoughtfully, and then pulls something from her bag--which turns out to be a specialized syringe. "Ugh," she says. "Give me a sec." She applies the medicine(?) at her leg, and then breathes more sharply. Only then does she step forward. "Okay, if you work on that side, then on this side..."

Kaguya is going to try to pull it straight off.

DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Formula XKV-27 toward her party's challenge, Sealed Memories.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    Avril briefly scrunches up her brow when Kaguya looks at her like that, like there was some undercurrent there that she had essentially missed and only now was aware of its passage, if not its shape or indeed, its contents.

    But the flame lights and the door opens, revealing a chamber beyond it.

    Within, there is a simple conundrum placed before them: a cabinet with no apparent way to open it easily, and the objects within it.

    "We must be careful," she says, approaching the cabinet to rest a single finger against the door. Frost curls along the length of the door as she gazes at it, intent, in deep contemplation of it and its structure.

    If she can find a crack, she will work ice into it. And then, from there...

DG: Avril Vent Fleur has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Sealed Memories.
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Dean blinks in surprise when Rebecca rips out pages of her diary for the pyre. "Are you sure? I mean... that's your..." He trails off, uncertain; still, when she insists, he reluctantly preps Twin Fenrir to fire.
    
    In the end, he doesn't have to, but it still makes him feel weird to see parts of the diary that Rebecca's so fiercely protective and defensive of go up in flames of her own will. Maybe they were blank pages...?
    
    Still, when Avril thanks him so sincerely, he can't help but smile. "No problem! We're all here to help each other out," he tells her. At Kaguya's answer, he laughs, glad that she's pleased with herself. "Now we just gotta make the tea!" he declares. He'll realize later that that's much easier said than done.
    
    The team finds a cabinet. It's... a cabinet! There might be cool stuff inside. Dean leans over to look at it as Ambrosius and Kaguya work on trying to take it apart. Avril suggests that they be careful and starts working her ice in. "Hmm... If there's any parts that need burning off, I can help with that," Dean suggests.
    
    Other than that, though, he lets the others work on it. It's not often that Dean comes across a thing that needs to be brute-forced open *delicately*. He's not quite sure what to make of it.

DG: Dean Stark has used his Tool Fire Bullet toward his party's challenge, Sealed Memories.
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


"I'm sure." Rebecca says with an awkward smile towards Avril and Dean, before rubbing the back of her head with a hand and mumbling...

"Don't know what I was thinking with that one."

As far as she's concerned, even nostalgia wouldn't save what she'd just burned.

As for the cabinet, Rebecca looks at how well it's sealed. Watches Ambrosius try to cut it with a stream of water - watches Kaguya pull out a syringe and...

"Yeah I think I'm just going to duck out of this one. You've all got this."

While Rebecca can do precision with her ARM, there's not any place she sees that she can shoot this that'll make it easier. She supposes she could bang her ARM against it like a bludgeon but that seems like a rather pathetic effort compared to the rest of them. And trying to blast it with elemental ley energy seems like to make things worse.

When Avril throws in her own magic, Rebecca compliments her efforts, "You're getting really good at that Avril."

And when Dean asks if there's any parts they need burning off, an idea occurs to her, "Say - Maybe heating it up after cooling it down enough might help crack it open?"

DG: Rebecca Streisand has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Sealed Memories.
==============================<* Capel Coffa *>===============================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Sealed Memories *>=======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute     |Challenge Rating: 2          |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 This small chamber, putting you in mind of a cozy hollow in a dark forest,
 has no entrances or exits -- indeed it seems to exist wholy for the sake of
 the objects within it.

 The best analogy might be a sort of 'cabinet', if it were made of a
 porcelain-like substance and rather than doors, it had a wall of shimmering
 translucent blue light holding the small stone carvings (animals, long-eared
 people, more esoteric forms) within. The light does not move when touched,
 proving as solid and as cool to the touch as glass. There are no obvious
 locks or means to open the cabinet.

 Which means that if you want to retrieve the objects -- and whatever clues
 they may give you about this place -- you will need to figure out some means
 of forcing the case.
=Dungeon Conditions: Treasure, Exhaust========================================
=========================<* Capel Coffa - Round 4 *>==========================
========================< Results - Sealed Memories >=========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Stark                          32 --(8)--> 40                 Pass
Fire Bullet                         2   Brute   Effects: Strengthen
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambrosius                           32 --(8)--> 40                 Pass
Aqua Cutter                         3   Brute   Effects: Fanfare
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              32 --(8)--> 40                 Pass
Formula XKV-27                      1   Brute   Effects: Cleanse
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avril Vent Fleur                    32 --(8)--> 40                 Pass
Force                               0   Brute   Effects: BASIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Streisand                   32 --(8)--> 40                 Pass
Force                               0   Brute   Effects: BASIC
----------------------------------< Party >-----------------------------------
Leader: Dean Stark                  60 --(25)--> 85                Pass
Conditions: Exhaust(1)|Reckless(1)|Treasure(1)
Effects: Cleanse|Strengthen(1)
==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Dean Stark has passed this challenge! The party gained 25 exploration! If anyone needs to use party
management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

They all get to work. It isn't the easiest thing - the cabinet seems quite durable. The wall of light holding everything in doesn't seem to want to give. But, then Rebecca offers an idea - what if they cooled it down and then heated it up repeatedly first?

Ambrosius glances in her direction, and then steps aside to let Avril and Dean do their thing.

Once they've finished, he and Kaguya can get to work - Ambrosius slicing at one end, and Kaguya just pulling away the other with raw strength.

This seems to do the trick. The wall of light falls away. The stone carvings shift slightly, but otherwise seem unharmed.

"...I believe they may need to be all placed together." Ambrosius considers. He rearranges the carvings and, with that done, the path ahead opens for them.

"...How curious." He notes, looking upon them again.

DG: Ambrosius has drawn a new Challenge.
==============================<* Capel Coffa *>===============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Access Denied *>========================
|Type: Climax      |Dungeon Ability: Combat    |Challenge Rating: 3          |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 Ahead of you is a delicately-spun bridge, seated across a span; water
 improbably flows in the depths of the complex below. Across the bridge
 stands a single white door, giving the (likely incorrect) impression that it
 is made of porcelain. Tall in comparison to the rest of the doors in the
 complex, it is a certain thing that whatever is most important to the Elw
 lies beyond.

 The moment you step onto the bridge a blue light washes over you.

 That's when the alarm starts. When the door to the back shimmers over with a
 pearly-blue light.

 [NON-ELW ENTITIES DETECTED. INITIATE DEFENSE PROTOCOL.]

 The sentinel automaton that descends from the compartment on the ceiling
 above you manages to be both incredibly hostile and vaguely insectoid in its
 appearance and form. Great translucent wings spread from its back as it
 takes you in its sights and engages.

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1usoOVrybQ
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Weaken=============================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

The stone carvings are rearranged, and the path ahead slowly opens. Ambrosius takes point, leading the way forward. It is, thankfully, a surprisingly clear path for a good distance.

Eventually, they emerge from a corridor to find a chamber, split in two by river somehow, miraculously, flowing even in the depths of this ruin.

Stretching across the river is a delicately-spun bridge, and across that is a single white door.

"...That may be the only way out from here." Ambrosius considers. "...Be on your guard. I do not like this situation."

His instincts are proven right when, as soon as they step into the bridge, a blue light washes over them. An alarm blares in response, and the door is covered in a pearly-blue light.

NON-ELW ENTITIES DETECTED. INITIATE DEFENSE PROTOCOL.

At these words, a sentinel automaton emerges from a compartment in the ceiling, insectoid in appearance and bearing great, translucent wings...not to mention an aggressive attitude.

"So, this is the form an Elw guard machine takes... I would very much like to study it." Ambrosius considers. It sets its eyes on him first and foremost and fires off a volley of energy projectiles, but before they can reach him, something else - or rather, someone - drops from the ceiling.

It's Minerva, the mechanical Scutum soldier currently acting as Ambrosius's assistant. She interposes herself between Ambrosius and the machine, a shield of blue crystal forming on her arm. On contact, the energy projectiles deflect off harmlessly.

"...No further hostiles detected. One enemy-" Minerva starts... but then, she catches sight of Avril. Her body freezes up, and then end of her sentence hangs briefly. Is her former programming taking hold...? But, no, she turns her attention back to the Elw sentinel, which is ready to charge at them.

"...One enemy remaining." She finishes, as if nothing was wrong.

And then, the sentinel automation charges!

DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Minerva toward his party's challenge, Access Denied.
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Dean and his friends successfully disassemble the cabinet and unlock its deep, dark secrets! The secrets are totally rad and definitely not completely impenetrable to Dean's Golem-riddled brain. Regardless, it's time to move on, and move on they shall, past a bridge and through a door and hey what's with all these blue lights?
    
    "Looks like we stumbled in someplace we weren't supposed to go," Dean observes when the defense protocol gets announced. Ambrosius sure was on the money when he warned everyone to be cautious Twin Fenrir flash into his hands; the hilt of Ace of Spades juts out from under his coat. "We can study it after we beat it!" he tells Ambrosius. He throws Minerva, when she drops down to defend Ambrosius, a quick, interested look; when he realizes she's not a Golem or an enemy, that interest dims but doesn't fade completely. "For now, let's beat it up!"
    
    Speaking of 'it,' it's a great big bug. An ANGRY bug, with wings! Good thing Dean has guns. He's going to forego them to hurl that Devil Arm up into one of the automaton's segmented eyes.
    
    Look, if Dean fought in ways that make sense just because that's what the sensible thing to do would be, Twin Fenrir wouldn't have combat rods built into the handles of his guns!!

DG: Dean Stark has used his Tool Ace of Spades toward his party's challenge, Access Denied.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

They are very curious things. Kaguya takes some images and readings while she's at it before they move on. ...And the tea will be fine!!!

Probably.

But the clear path works well for Kaguya, until there's... a river. And a nice bridge. "Hmmm, there's probably..."

"Ah, there we go," Kaguya says, looking up and around. "Yeah yeah non-Elw. Not very nice of you, you know." A beat, "It would be cool to study, wouldn't it?"

...Minerva's little moment of pause draws Kaguya's attention. But she has to focus in short order on the automaton, and that she will. She considers it for a moment.

"Now, this'd be where it'd be super cool if I could use some of these plants to bring this thing down," Kaguya says, "Like this one. This one's got the most fascinating structure. But no. It's a big robot bug."

"But this one'll make the shots smell nice at least." Pulling her ARM, Kaguya wraps a leaf around the barrel such that it smokes for an instant once she starts firing shots.

It does in fact smell pretty nice.

DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Loot Abuse toward her party's challenge, Access Denied.
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


"There's a lot of things I don't like about this situation." Rebecca says, guardedly to Ambrosius, as they move on her. Her hand near her ARM.

And then an alarm goes off. "What was your first clue Dean!?"

Upon the descent of the sentinel, Rebecca starts before she spins up her ARM in her hand, firing off several shots at its wings on it's descent. Eventually though, she runs to a certain point on the bridge and invokes her medium. Ley energy rises up around her and in the next moment...

A sphere of roiling winds forms over the Elw construct, and descends. It's movement into it's space intending to shred it apart by fast moving currents as sharp as blades.

"It may even be sturdy enough that the two of you get the opportunity."

Though frankly... she hopes not.

DG: Rebecca Streisand has used her Tool Sky Medium toward her party's challenge, Access Denied.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    Ambrosius is not the only one with a sense of foreboding. Indeed:

    "Be careful. Something is coming," Avril says, already drawing forth Absolute Zero.

    Cue the arrival of the Elw machine, descending the moment after they step onto the bridge and trigger some mechanism. Born before her, the blade appears atop the hilt with a flash.

    As Minerva herself descends.

    Something catches in Avril's throat for a moment. She stares in silence at the automaton, her posture for the instant uncertain, wary. Prepared.

    But Minerva has business only with the Elw machine -- the other Elw machine, engaging them all now.

    It's charging. She stands before it as if it were a raging bull and she...

    ...the matador.

    She steps sidelong as it closes, flicking out her blade as it to thereby catch it.

DG: Avril Vent Fleur has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Access Denied.
==============================<* Capel Coffa *>===============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Access Denied *>========================
|Type: Climax      |Dungeon Ability: Combat    |Challenge Rating: 3          |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 Ahead of you is a delicately-spun bridge, seated across a span; water
 improbably flows in the depths of the complex below. Across the bridge
 stands a single white door, giving the (likely incorrect) impression that it
 is made of porcelain. Tall in comparison to the rest of the doors in the
 complex, it is a certain thing that whatever is most important to the Elw
 lies beyond.

 The moment you step onto the bridge a blue light washes over you.

 That's when the alarm starts. When the door to the back shimmers over with a
 pearly-blue light.

 [NON-ELW ENTITIES DETECTED. INITIATE DEFENSE PROTOCOL.]

 The sentinel automaton that descends from the compartment on the ceiling
 above you manages to be both incredibly hostile and vaguely insectoid in its
 appearance and form. Great translucent wings spread from its back as it
 takes you in its sights and engages.

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1usoOVrybQ
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Weaken=============================================
=========================<* Capel Coffa - Round 5 *>==========================
=========================< Results - Access Denied >==========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Stark                          40 --(12)--> 52                Pass
Ace of Spades                       3   Combat  Effects: Rally
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambrosius                           40 --(12)--> 52                Pass
Minerva                             3   Combat  Effects: Fanfare
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              40 --(12)--> 52                Pass
Loot Abuse                          2   Combat  Effects: Stalwart
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avril Vent Fleur                    40 --(12)--> 52                Pass
Fight                               0   Combat  Effects: BASIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Streisand                   40 --(12)--> 52                Pass
Sky Medium                          2   Combat  Effects: Embolden
----------------------------------< Party >-----------------------------------
Leader: Dean Stark                  85 --(0)--> 85                 Pass
Conditions: Slow(2)|Weaken(2)
Effects: Embolden(1)
==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Dean Stark has passed this challenge! The party gained 0 exploration! If anyone needs to use party
management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

The Elw defense automaton is a formidable opponent, indeed. For the average adventuring party, it would be a terrifying enemy that might very well get the best of them.

They are not the average adventuring party.

The automaton fixates on Avril first as if sensing a great threat from her, intent on charging her down. She steps to the side out of the way skillfully, scoring its side with a flick of her blade.

The automaton changes tactics, then, opening fire on the party with its energy weaponry. But Minerva is there to intercept once more, blocking the majority shots and allowing the others to focus on attacks.

Rebecca clips its wings with precise ARMfire before assailing it with a sphere of slicing winds, while Kaguya peppers it with shots that smell quite delightful.

This does actually seem to have an affect on the automaton - utilizing the Elw-grown leaves seems to have momentarily confused its systems, allowing Dean to close in and slam the Ace of Spades right into its face. The machine recoils back... and then, collapses, finally overwhelmed.

Ambrosius does not relax just yet, however. And as for Minerva... she does not relax just yet, either, but for different reasons.

There's no longer a distraction. She seems, momentarily, conflicted.

"...Initiating retreat protocols." She says after a time, leaping away back to wherever she fell from.

...It's probably for the best.

DG: Kaguya has drawn a new Challenge.
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Break Through *>=========================
|Type: Final       |Dungeon Ability: Brute     |Challenge Rating: 3          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 However you dealt with the sentinel automaton (or didn't), a more pressing
 matter presents itself when it comes to piercing the heart of the ruins of
 Capel Coffa to begin with:

 The pearly-blue light still cloaks the far door. Whatever security alert was
 triggered, it's still in effect and preventing you passage beyond its doors.

 You'll have to work out some way of breaking through if you want to get any
 further (and not to mention, potentially escape the sentinel if it's still
 about). But how do you break through a barrier of light itself?

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGHKV12USHo
=Dungeon Conditions: Collapse, Exhaust========================================
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

There are many things not to like, in fact. Like a robot. But as Minerva engages her retreat, Kaguya watches thoughtfully--and then steps forward. "Hmmm," she says. "We could stick around and examine it some more," she says, "But I have a feeling another will show up if we take too long. I'm gonna start working on the barrier here."

The blue barrier at the far door, pearly and beautiful and... rather like the one they dealt with before, in fact. But bigger, and without such fragile things behind it. Kaguya eyes it, poks it with a finger, and then pulls out another dose of the Formula she used before. "...Ugh," she complains. "I think all this fresh air is getting to me. Hold on."

She takes it, and then pulls out a small device, starting to take readings. "If I can figure out the harmonics here..."

She might be able to help. Or at least help point to where they should focus. Bt how will they break through?

DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Formula XKV-27 toward her party's challenge, Break Through.
<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    "H-hey, you don't have to be mean about it!" Dean protests at Rebecca's sarcasm. Still, the five of them together manage to take out the insect automaton with relative ease. From there, they just have to walk through a door!
    
    Door... A Drifter's greatest enemy.
    
    "Bye, friend!" Dean calls to Minerva, waving as she ninjas out. He looks over at Ambrosius with curiosity now that they've got some breathing room. "Who *was* that? She wasn't a Golem, I could tell, but..."
    
    Kaguya complains about all this *fresh air*, ugh, how disgusting. Dean manages to hold back a laugh, but just barely. It shouldn't be funny, but somehow is. "Once you figure out its weak spot, we'll just have to smash through all at once!" he declares, holding up Twin Fenrir.
    
    His Fire Bullet will help with that; it can, after all, release a literally unlimited number of fireballs for as long as he holds down the trigger. So, technically, it's limited to however long Dean can hold down the trigger. Shut up!!
    
    Even more exciting though, is what Avril might do. She only brings the Golem Button out for special occasions... will this one be special enough for it?!

DG: Dean Stark has used his Tool Fire Bullet toward his party's challenge, Break Through.
<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


Rebecca just thrusts an arm out at the flashing lights and blaring alarm as Dean accuses her of being mean about it. She was indeed being mean, but Rebecca considers that Dean was being MORE himself than usual. "Gee I wonder why I was!"

Rebecca eyes Minerva as she leaves, then looks back at Ambrosius, as if gauging his answer. Though she doesn't laugh to Kaguya complaining about the fresh air. Instead she gives her an almost worried look?

The blue barrier appears though, and Rebecca dashes it with a blast of pressurized water from her Medium to try to slice through it.

Then...

She sees Dean's enthusiasm, and seems to implicitly understand where his anticipation is coming from. With a hurriedly glance to Avril, she asks...

"Uh seeing that we're in Elw ruins... what are the chances of your button summoning more than one?"

Rebecca wonders aloud, somewhat nervously.

DG: Rebecca Streisand has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Break Through.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.

    Once the Elw security automaton is felled, that leaves her and Minerva with enough space and opportunity again to regard one another. The fingers of Avril's left hand curl inwards, as if something had passed between them in silence.

    Lately, things are--
    They are--

    --not so bad but--

    It is a fortunate thing that Minerva departs. Avril's shoulders fall and rise, the only outward sign of the quiet sigh she releases.

    Then into this, Dean speaks.

    "That was..."

    Avril hesitates, for a good long moment. "That was... one of the machines from within the Temple of Rejection, Dean," she murmurs to him, her voice pitched low, though perhaps not inaudible.

    Before them stands a barrier of light blocking that door, apparently triggered at some point during the fight. "I... see," murmurs Avril, before she brings out
    THE BUTTON.

    But Rebecca does make a very, very good point.

    "I... do not know," Avril can only say, as she presses it nonetheless.

    There is a rumbling from...

    ...well. it feels like everywhere.

    Avril takes a step backwards. ...More than a few steps backwards.

DG: Avril Vent Fleur has used her Tool Remote Golem Override toward her party's challenge, Break Through.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

"...That is true." Ambrosius admits, in regards to another showing up if they take too long. ...He sounds almost reluctant about that. He does, however, look toward Dean when he asks his question.

But it isn't Ambrosius who answers the question first - it's Avril, as quiet as her answer is. Ambrosius nods in acknowledgement.

"...Indeed. Her name is Minerva - she is currently acting as my assistant." He explains.

But then, there's the matter of the door. Ambrosius, too, looks toward Kaguya with a hint of concern as she complains about the fresh air. But, right now, they have to worry about the door.

"...Allow me to assist." Ambrosius says, drawing out his Aqua Cutter once more. But when Avril presses his button...

...Ambrosius steps back, deciding that he can probably do it after whatever answers Avril's call does what it needs to do. That might be the smartest approach.

DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Aqua Cutter toward his party's challenge, Break Through.
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Break Through *>=========================
|Type: Final       |Dungeon Ability: Brute     |Challenge Rating: 3          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 However you dealt with the sentinel automaton (or didn't), a more pressing
 matter presents itself when it comes to piercing the heart of the ruins of
 Capel Coffa to begin with:

 The pearly-blue light still cloaks the far door. Whatever security alert was
 triggered, it's still in effect and preventing you passage beyond its doors.

 You'll have to work out some way of breaking through if you want to get any
 further (and not to mention, potentially escape the sentinel if it's still
 about). But how do you break through a barrier of light itself?

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGHKV12USHo
=Dungeon Conditions: Collapse, Exhaust========================================
==========================<* Capel Coffa - Round 6 *>===========================
==========================< Results - Break Through >===========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean Stark                          52 --(12)--> 64                Pass
Fire Bullet                         2   Brute   Effects: Strengthen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambrosius                           52 --(12)--> 64                Pass
Aqua Cutter                         3   Brute   Effects: Fanfare
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              52 --(12)--> 64                Pass
Formula XKV-27                      1   Brute   Effects: Cleanse
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avril Vent Fleur                    52 --(12)--> 64                Pass
Remote Golem Override               4   Brute   Effects: None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Streisand                   52 --(12)--> 64                Pass
Force                               0   Brute   Effects: BASIC
-----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------
Leader: Dean Stark                  85 --(35)--> 120               Pass
Conditions: Collapse|Exhaust(1)|Slow(1)|Weaken(1)
Effects: Cleanse|Strengthen(1)
===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success!
DG: The party led by Dean Stark has successfully explored Capel Coffa!
===============================<* Capel Coffa *>================================
==========================<* CHALLENGE - Lost Magic *>==========================
|Type: Discovery   |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1          |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 Disabling the light shielding and passing through the barrier, you find
 yourselves amidst a small chamber that might remind one of a cave, if
 carefully and artfully crafted. Set on the stone walls are the symbols of
 Muse, Wing, Fray and Geo, along with the trace remnants of where candles may
 have once rested.

 And in the center of the room, a single pedestal, upon which rests a single
 Crest Graph. The Crests have already been set.

 This... this is a spell that may be beyond even the higher levels of Crest
 Sorcery now taught. Even looking at it gives one a headache.

 To properly make use of this spell will take study, ideally with a master of
 the craft. But with time, perhaps...

 (OOC: This Graph contains a single powerful spell (of the Crest Sorcery
 school), of your choosing for effects (refer to the newsfile on Crest
 Magic). This could represent a powerful tool or a Signature attack. +request
 staff with any questions.)

 BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a20QgQMUg_E
=Dungeon Conditions: Vault====================================================
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

When Rebecca looks at Kaguya, and Kaguya doesn't realize Rebecca is looking, the smaller Veruni looks pretty tired. It goes away as soon as she notices attention, though. Ambrosius likely sees it, too, but she shakes her head a little at his as if to say 'I'm fine, I'm fine'.

Elemental energy assaults the barrier; a water cutter makes a hole. Persistent fire is very helpful. But really, some here are waiting for a particular performance, an answer to the distant rumbling, and when the rumbling reaches a fever pitch--

There's a golem hand. ....And anothr golem hand. And in fact about three of them (plus one golden foot) from different angles all crashing into the barrier at the same time, gigantic and powerful, and the thing totally just shatters outright. It is almost excessive the degree to which the barrier ceases to exist, except if one considers all the groups thus far that have failed to make it through. Then it's just right.

...Regardless, the smoking emanating from each of the arms both suggests they aren't usable anymore and prompts the group to move onward. It'll probably stop. Eventually.

Past the barrier is the exit, and before the exit a room inscribed with the four Elements of Crest Sorcery; in it there is a Crest. It is a Crest so shiny and complex that even Kaguya looks at it a minute. ....The group also has plenty of plants from which to select the appropriate tea for a certain present.

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    "What?! Really??" Dean utters at Avril, blue eyes widening. He does at least keep his volume low to match hers, even if his surprise is on plain sight who happens to glance over at the two. He hadn't thought of the Temple of Rejection in ages--but... "Now that you mention it, she *did* look like one of those machines... I never thought I'd see one of them here! But wait." He furrows his eyebrows at Ambrosius. "If that's true, why's she protecting a Veruni? Maybe it's just a coincidence...?"
    
    Except no, apparently; Ambrosius himself confirms that's where he got the automaton defense robot. Whose name is Minerva! And is his assistant?? "Wow! How'd you get her to not attack you?" Dean wonders, now that apparently they don't need to keep their voices down.
    
    Dean pays attention to the answer for approximately two seconds before Avril presses The Button. Then Dean has his fists balled under his chin as his eyes sparkle and the room shakes more and more violently. "Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy--!! YEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
    
    He fanboys like this for a while, even after the Golem hands (and one foot) gone. EVENTUALLY he'll take a look at that Crest Graph, but it's not like he uses them for anything. Besides, he came here for the leaves, and that's what they got!
    
    "So how d'you turn leaves into tea, anyway?" he asks Kaguya once everyone's on their way out.
    
    ...This quest might still take a while.

<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.

"Machines are a specialty of mine." Ambrosius replies. "She was deactivated when I found her, and her programming damaged, but I was able to restore her to full functionality."

He frowns. The question is... why did she act in the way she did...? Was it prolonged exposure to Avril...?

...He doesn't answer that conclusively one way or another.

But, eventually thanks to the arrival of quite a large number of golem limbs, they manage to make their way through into a rather curious chamber. It's interesting... but, as one who doesn't possess the power of Crest Sorcery, the find doesn't hold his attention for long. Instead, he looks toward Dean as he asks that fateful question.

Ambrosius stares. He could respond to that in so many ways, but... ultimately, he decides it's best to say nothing. The silence is palpable.

<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.


Rebecca tries to catch wind of what Avril said to Dean, but she can only vaguely make it out. Her expression growing worried as if she'd just heard Avril say yet another place is rejecting her.

Rebecca certainly backs off when Kaguya indicates she's fine.

Rebecca in fact actually takes a few steps forward just in case she has to yank Avril backwards even further. Even as a trio of golem hands and a single foot crash into the barrier. Even as the dust settles, Rebecca is still gawking over the growing crescendo of Dean's enthusiasm.

"So lesson learned. We need to be real careful when using those things in a..." Rebecca puts two fingers to her brow, "... I don't know, high golem density zone? ... I legitimately never thought I'd have to say something like that."

Rebecca's eyes keep continually looking over at Ambrosius, as if perhaps trying to catch wind of whether he's... made up his mind or not.

"Well. Let's just hope Lord Volsung has a palate for ancient Elw tea..."

Another thing, she never thought she'd say, ever. The girl sighs heavily just after.