Into the Ruins - Exalted 3e IC

[Sherwood]

Amara releases her grip on the saddle horn in front of her seat as she slips down the back of the giant Lunar and settles her feet on solid ground once more. Looking around, the Solar takes in a deep breath of the fresh morning air around them, then goes to the head of the Lunar and once more offers up a polite bow. "Thank you for your aid in getting us all away from the caravan and the approaching Wyld Hunt so quickly. It is greatly appreciated."

She then continues to examine the surroundings, saying, "This place feels . . . . quite old. And untouched by anyone in a very long time. If there is anyplace in Creation for us to be able to rest for a time, it might as well be here. Glade, you called for us to come here. What do you know of this place?"

 

[Chowlett]

Silent Glade took in his surroundings for a moment; the stones, the vines, the sound of the jungle animals; as the associations link up the stories in his mind, and he wove the tale of this place back from the mystic histories passed down to him. Distilling truth from metaphor and legend, he turned the facts back into everyday language.

"Legends tell of one of our kind, a Sun's child; Kirk, his name. This was his sanctum, a fount from where the mysteries of sorcery could be worked, studied, shaped. It is said that he was a scholar at heart, and did not covet the power of this earthly realm, but merely knowledge. That is why this place is so well-shrouded, for a scholar always wishes to be alone.

We should be cautious, though. Kirk did more to protect this place than simply hide it. He conjured wards and spirits, and the tales do not tell if they have passed to the present day. I am convinced the spirits will be courteous, for that is their nature; but be wary of the wards. Keep your eyes open."

Then, taking is own advice, Glade looks again at the stones of the manse, and its surroundings. His eyes turn vibrantly forest-green, and he seems to see into realms not present as well.

[Activating Spirit Detecting Glance; looking around with a particular interest in: any sign of wards, what spirits are present, whether the manse has created a hearthstone]

5 successes, assuming it's still low-light (otherwise the last die isn't there, and it's a 4)

 

[jaydude]

"That was...quite a way to travel." Grey Stone said once he had dismounted from Fat Cat's howdah, a little shaken from the pace of the journey. He still patted the Lunar's side in thanks though.

Keeping close to Silent Glade, who clearly knew this place way better than the rest of them, the Zenith joined him in looking over the manse for anything of note.

[Activating Spirit Detecting Glance for 3m Peripheral Essence. Rolling Perception + Awareness. Only 2 successes.]

Spoiler: Grey Stone Stats

Essence: 1
Personal Essence: 10/13
Peripheral Essence: 16/33
Anima: Glowing

Willpower: 6/7
Join Battle: 5
Health Levels: -0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1,-1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -3, Incapacitated
Resolve 3, Guile 1

Attacks
Faith's Pillar (10 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 19, Overwhelming 5, Bashing, Melee, Reaching, Smashing, Two-Handed)
Unarmed (13 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 15, Overwhelming 1, Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural)

Actions
Rush: 6
Disengage: 6

Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 4/0

Increasing Strength Exercise (+1 Strength)

 

[Purr]

Looking around, the Solar takes in a deep breath of the fresh morning air around them, then goes to the head of the Lunar and once more offers up a polite bow. "Thank you for your aid in getting us all away from the caravan and the approaching Wyld Hunt so quickly. It is greatly appreciated."

"B-r-r-r..." comes Fat Cat's pleased reply. He nods back from his Fat Cat form, his furry chin touching the earth near Amara's feet.

"That was...quite a way to travel." Grey Stone said once he had dismounted from Fat Cat's howdah, a little shaken from the pace of the journey. He still patted the Lunar's side in thanks though.

"B-r-r-r..."

As with Amara, O Mighty Fat Cat rumbles his happy reply to wise Grey Stone. Fat Cat sounds just like a typical housecat except his voice is unmistakably bigger and deeper. You can still hear the purring emanating from his volumnious chest and throat.

He feels simply fantastic for having completed another successful delivery!

As great as a stamina is, Da Chonk's sides gently heave from the wonderful exertions his bodies performed. He takes a few moments to rest and considers transforming back into human form to speak, but then he notices the Circle using their powers to learn more about this place. Silent Glade's answer seems to have sparked even more curiosity from the magical group.

And so, O Mighty Fat Cat decides to remain in his Fat Cat form to make best use of those senses and gifts. He compromises between resting and allowing his natural feline curiosity to get the better of him.

"Mrrr..."

Da Chonk begins sniffing around in the bushes and the statues using his huge cat nose and whiskers to tell him things that perhaps the Solars' powers might not perceive. He paws playfully at leaves and stray vines in a small attempt at cleaning up. Behind him, his furry tail swishes energetically.

He uses his Mutated Enhanced Eyesight to peer the statues. If the canopy and brush are too dark and shadow-filled, he slips into his Night Vision in an attempt to perceive more.

Da Chonk finds, at least on the surface, that he likes this place. It reminds him of home - peaceful, often serene, quiet, mysterious, and at least for the moment, safe, as long as one minded the traps and wards Silent Glade mentioned.

 

[Psychie]

Both Silent Glade and Grey Stone can see with their Spirit Detecting Glance that there are several small wood-sprites flitting about the party, keeping a safe distance but all the while chattering amongst themselves about the strangers that have suddenly appeared in their forest. They don't appear to be any danger to you, at least, not at the moment, but they are very curious as to who you are.

The whole area is filled with Essence, both from the power of the manse and from ancient spells that have been laid out over the place. Some of the wards seem benign, perhaps a simple alarm to warn of intruders, while others look to have some serious teeth to them if they are triggered. Obviously, the Solar that lived here valued his privacy and was also quite skilled in sorcery to lay down wards that are still active after all these years.

Fat Cat's nose and ears can hear the sounds of the forest and vines being alive with small creatures that naturally live in the area. It is a reassuring thing, knowing that nature is sending you signs of normal life in this glen. Turning your attention to the nearest of the moss-covered statues, it is hard to get any details without clearing off the overgrowth, but what you can see is the faint gleam of golden metal, either brass or perhaps even orichalcum. Your big paws are not the ideal tool to clean off the plant growth without the possibility of damaging the underlying work of art, so in order to get a better examination of the statue, you'll need to shift forms.

By now, the sun has come up enough to shine its light into the glen, offering you a better look around. As Glade continues to look about, he can see that the pedestal in the center of the three towers does seem to have a hearthstone formed on it, a faintly glowing orb about the size of a chicken egg.

All of you can now see that the two towers that are still standing are covered in elaborate runes that are carved into the stone. Clearly this Dunbar Kirk had spent a long time working on it. Who knows to what end that the ancient sorcerer went to such great lengths?

What do you guys do now? If you wish to do so, now could be a good time to examine the various artifacts to see what you have recovered from Kerwin.

 

[Sherwood]

Amara looks around at the two towers that are still standing and muses out loud, "Whatever this Kirk fellow was doing here, he certainly went through a lot of effort in making those runes on the walls. I wonder what's inside them? Assuming that there is still something of interest to look at in there." She then turns to talk to Mercy and asks, "And speaking of interesting things, you are probably the best qualified out of all of us to be able to tell us what we were able to find in the caravan. What do you think we have here?"

 

[Purr]

Fat Cat's nose and ears can hear the sounds of the forest and vines being alive with small creatures that naturally live in the area. It is a reassuring thing, knowing that nature is sending you signs of normal life in this glen. Turning your attention to the nearest of the moss-covered statues, it is hard to get any details without clearing off the overgrowth, but what you can see is the faint gleam of golden metal, either brass or perhaps even orichalcum. Your big paws are not the ideal tool to clean off the plant growth without the possibility of damaging the underlying work of art, so in order to get a better examination of the statue, you'll need to shift forms.

That the small creatures - the prey animals - are not quiet is very telling to O Mighty Fat Cat. This means they do not feel threatened. Else they would be quiet. This reassures the deliverer. What animals know to trust, people often overlook.

* * *​

She then turns to talk to Mercy and asks, "And speaking of interesting things, you are probably the best qualified out of all of us to be able to tell us what we were able to find in the caravan. What do you think we have here?"

Spoiler: Music.

"Deep Forest - Full Album - 1992 - The First Album"

"Whateva we have won, Amara, it will take Merciful Fire of Emancipation time... time to solve de mysteries."

The deep masculine voice with the heavy accent comes from the trees where the giant housecat disappeared. Emerging from the trees with sunlight dancing upon his skin is the tall owner of that voice whom you heard twice during your journey here.

O Mighty Fat Cat is dressed in an immaculate pitch black reinforced buff jacket coupled with a matching daiklave sheathe on his right hip. He pairs this with a silken waistcloth displaying the serene colors of a moonlit rainbow at night. Golden beads drape evenly about his neck and two gold loops shine from his ears. High hard hiking boots rise to his thick calves. All in all, he is a pleasant-looking powerful figure to behold with the quiet charm and presence befitting a young Lunar in his every motion.

Spoiler: O Mighty Fat Cat

This, but put on about a good 50 pounds of pot belly fat/muscle on him making him look a little like a statue of a happy laughing Buddha.

(Image: AfricanActionHeroes.com - unable to find Artist name. If found, please notify me!)

And when he smiles, he looks like this:

(Image credit: Dee Jay Soundcloud)

O Mighty Fat Cat trods toward the Circle without hurry and without worry. He seems at peace here in the ancient grounds of the manse. His voice has a musical quality to it. Whenever he speaks, the notes of his vocalizations rise and fall. Despite his accent, he articulates with great clarity.

"I could not reply before. I... am O Mighty Fat Cat." He closes his eyes briefly and bows to all. "Dose that call upon my skills as a deliverer call me... Da Chonk. I answer to either, especially to friends of Aredin and Grey Stone." He indicates the two Solars with a toothy smile just like that of the Fat Cat you have recently traveled upon.

He nods in the direction whence he came. "While we rest, perhaps some of you would like to help me discova de riddles that are dese mossy statues? Wedder dey are made from brass or orichalcum, I have not yet come to know."

Whatever the reply, O Mighty Fat Cat smiles warmly at the Circle. For these are friends and with them, Luna willing, soon-to-be-friends.

 

[jaydude]

Grey Stone gave a little smile back. He'd seen Fat Cat in both of his forms, so seeing him as a human didn't surprise him.

He looked at both the Lunar and the statue. "If that is orichalcum, it's a marvel it's been left alone for so long." he said, thinking of how the Wyld Hunt would surely want to confiscate it to keep 'anathema' from making use of it.

"I can help you clear away the overgrowth." he offered, his wonder and curiosity winning out. After several decades on Creation, the itch he got from seeing something new was increasingly rare and cherished.

Spoiler: Grey Stone Stats

Essence: 1
Personal Essence: 10/13
Peripheral Essence: 16/33
Anima: Glowing

Willpower: 6/7
Join Battle: 5
Health Levels: -0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1,-1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -3, Incapacitated
Resolve 3, Guile 1

Attacks
Faith's Pillar (10 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 19, Overwhelming 5, Bashing, Melee, Reaching, Smashing, Two-Handed)
Unarmed (13 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 15, Overwhelming 1, Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural)

Actions
Rush: 6
Disengage: 6

Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 4/0

Increasing Strength Exercise (+1 Strength)

 

[Eonivar]

During the journey upon the giant Lunar's back, Mercy would look out in wonder, watching the world go by so quickly, noting the changes in form as they crossed different terrain, Mercy actually smiled and when they took to the sky Mercy laughed in joy and excitement, a sound none of her circle had actually heard before. It was a warm, filling laugh. Mercy loved to fly, and she loved the exilleration and the speed. Part of her wished she could have been a Lunar to experience such things.

Upon arriving at the mance, Mercy took a few minutes to collect herself in the howdah as the others went out to investigate. She then stepped delicately out of the howdah, and down to the ground and then leaned over to Fat Cat's massive feline face and hugged it, giving it a delicate kiss on the cheek, whispering "Thank you dear Lunar friend, that trip was wounderous."

She then turned to look upon the manse with the rest of her circle, back to the normal Mercy. (she also activated Spirit Detecting Glance here) Closing her eyes and taking it in, feeling the pure essence of the area, she grins in the peace of it all. She then looks about also noticing the wood sprites and the wild life.

Upon hearing Silent Glade's discription of the manse's history and owner. She enables her caste mark to glow to hopefully show the wood spirtes that they were familiar and meant no harm. The setting sun symbol glowed in gold on her brow as she looked about, the light seemed to reflect and shine with the sun in the sky, and cast shades of the dusk...oranges, violets, pinks, and blues even in the daylight. She let it fade after a time.

She moved about listening to the circle, turning upon the O Mighty Fat Cat's transformation and introduction, grinning in response and bowing her head in respect to him. "It is very nice to be of your acquaintence O Mighty Fat Cat."

She looked back at Amara and the others who have experessed interest in their acquired items. "So anxious to find out what we have...and yet there is this wonderous place we are in and mysteries to seek out? We also should set up camp and consider the basics? Food? Water? A place to sleep? No? I am desperate for a cup of tea...then I will set to inspecting the items we have retrieved."

If everything seemed safe at the moment, Mercy will go about setting up a camp, starting a small fire (can use Burning Name to start the fire) to begin to make some tea and cook some food , and also to find a place to sit and look at the items they received.

 

[Chowlett]

Silent Glade paced the manse, pointing out wards were he saw them, but otherwise as enthralled in the quiet majesty of this ancient relic of a place as the rest of his circle. While Grey Stone and his Lunar friend went to clear some of the statuary, Glade made his way to the heathstone pedestal. After studying it in place for a few moments, he gently reached out and took it from its resting place, feeling its weight in his right hand, while his left instinctively touched the Monkey Stone socketed in his daiklave Branch he drew back, leaving the stone untouched. "Strong wards around this hearthstone," he said to no-one in particular. Then, thoughtfulness written on his brow, he walked over to Mercy and joined her at her fire.

Hearing Amara speak of the investigating the towers, Glade called over - "An excellent thought, but be cautious in all places here". Then, to Mercy - "Tea sounds excellent. Come, let us drink and see what we can learn of these objects that have fallen into our possession. Maybe my tales will recall such as they are, maybe your keen eyes will see what mysteries they hide.

"And perhaps, afterward, maybe I will read the tea-leaves for any who would care to see a glimpse of their destiny.

"I would also be grateful of your help reaching the manse's hearthstone. Its wards are still present."

[Glade wishes to identify first the manse's hearthstone; and then to assist Mercy in identifying the objects by recalling stories that may exist about them. I imagine you'll be wanting another Lore roll, but let me know this time in case you want Mercy to solo this.]

 

[Eonivar]

After camp is settled, a small cooking fire is started, the beginning of a meal started (maybe a request to hunt some game and fetch some edible plants for dinner), water for in a small kettle hung over the fire.

Merciful Fire of Emancipation sits down next to the fire under the noon sun, she proceeds to set out and look at each of their aquired items. She collects some rocks from the area and places them in a circle in a space next to where she was sitting, then the circle she draws some runes and sigils and burns some incense and a parchment of some thoughts of hers written in the ancient tongue of the spirits, offering them up to her friend, the bound Ifirit Lord Rhys-Ifran to assist her in identifying the collected items. The camp fire seemed to respond to her offering with a brief woosh as the sparks flew up into the sky and seem to float around her and her little circle. Mercy grins at the familar touch and voice of the Ifirit Lord in her mind. Her caste symbol once again glows with power, the sun beams from the noon time sun shining down on her, reflecting the violets, oranges and blues that came from her caste mark as she places the first item, the lute, in her little circle and closes her eyes in concentration.

She reaches down and touches the instrument and lifts it up. "I hear beautiful music and impressive skill resonating with this fine instrument, many fine musicians have used this and their skill has passed into it, whomever uses it will find their own skill in performing with it increased."

She opens her eyes and makes a note on a parchment she had set aside to document her work before lifting the lute out, setting it aside, and placing the inkpen in the circle, and refocusing the smoke from the incense seems to mix with that of the cooking fire, and make a small circle above her divining circle, if one looked carefully one could almost see smoke take the form of writing in old realm.
"This pen was used for the writing of diplomatic missives in many languages going back to the Second Age."

She sets the pen aside, makes a note of it, and places the boots in the circle. The smoke swirling around the small circle seems to fade in and out. Mercy with her eyes closed scrunches her nose in confusion. "Time walks with these boots...differently...I see many long journies walked in these boots without wearying, also enabling one to go faster if need be, and...oddly heal from a self in the future...very strange boots."

She then removes the boots and places the bracers after making a note. The camp fire flares some and one almost could hear music and feel the desire to dance.

"There is an intense passion about these items and a desire to dance, my friend, the Ifrit Lord Rhys-Ifran knows of these items, they are called 'Fire Dancer', they were forged by a Sideral Exalted named Josse Martinus. They definitely help one dance but also, if bound with a passion of one's own, increases your ferocity in combat that is related to that passion."

After she sets the bracers aside, makes a note, and she then looks at one of the hearthstones.

"I have seen these before, my mistress' father had one of these, but not one so powerful, this is a a Jewel of Hero's Panoply, except its a Solar jewel, I have seen the Terrestrial jewels, it reduces attunement time of an artifact if placed."

She looks at the other Hearthstone. Once again the camp fire seems to glow brighter for a moment, Mercy opens her eyes and picks the jewel up out of the circle, she clearly was interested in this particular hearthstone with the fire in her green eyes beholding it.

"Oooh this one is a focus for Sorcery, a Key of Mastery. A potent one. I would like this if no one minds."

She sets it aside and makes another note.

She takes the devil caster and sets it in the circle.

"A Devil Caster..a beautiful blue one...a weapon of fire, this one..is familiar...I feel as if one of my ancient selves knew the owner of this one...the weapon is named Sirrush...it had a twin named Anshurr...but Anshurr was long lost after its owner Rylo..."

Mercy, her eyes, shut as her hands passed over the weapon, smiles sadly and sweetly at a memory of one of her past lives...one could almost see in her face the reflection of another person, a masculine face also with green eyes, but a longer more angular face...before it faded back to Mercy's face...

"Beautiful, reckless, and so sweet Rylo...who leapt from high above into the sea, fighting off the demons who surrounded her with this very weapon, never to emerge again..." Her eyes opened as she lifted up the azure weapon and held it up with both hands "It is a powerful arfifact, with abilities to be discovered with it, anyone skilled as an archer can attune and use it. It would break my heart to use it since I or well the me of the First Age saw and loved the owner when the owner passed from this world, but I think one of you would be able to use it with honor."

She tenderly set the weapon aside and made a note before going to the amulet.

"I have seen these before, usually made of one of the dragonblooded materials, if one wears this circlet and has armor with the same material, one can use the power of the hearthstone in it."

She then looks at the stone, touching it a moment. "This Hearthstone summons fountains of water."

Mercy sets the amulet aside, makes her final note setting the paper aside, and places her hands together and gives a gentle half bow while sitting in thanks to her sorcerous patron, the Ifirit Lord. She then extinguishes the incense and stamps out the written sigils and runs in the circle, and spread the stones back out again. She then takes a satisfied deep breath and reaches eagerly for her mug and metal ball of prepared tea, pouring water from the steaming kettle over the fire and mixing her tea together in a very way that almost seemed like a ritual for Mercy. She then took the cup breathing in the dark strong black tea from the Riverlands that she loves and took a tentaive sip with a happy grin of the enjoyment of the very bitter flavor.

Tea was important to Mercy and the best way to interact with her usually. One of her prized possesisions was a tea set, a small modest kettle, and a fold up stand so it could be set in a camp fire. It was not a particularly fancy tea set, it was one that could very easily be acquired at many markets throughout the realm, but it was one of the first things she bought for herself when she was free. It was durable and could withstand rough use.

She had set out a cup for Silent Glade with his request with a mix of his own liking as most found her tea way too strong or bitter to drink. She also had other blends and cups available if anyone else wanted to partake. She loved company to drink tea with.

Mercy always got excited for Silent Glades readings, she found the process of divination interesting.

 

[Sherwood]

Amara listens with interest to the descriptions of the various items as told by Mercy. Again, the formidable Dawn caste is feeling a bit humbled by just how very smart that the other woman is. Sometimes she feels like her head is packed with wool compared to Mercy. We each have our own strengths, and I am glad beyond measure to have a friend in her, and I hope she feels the same about me.

Speaking up, she says, "I have no interest in the lute, after all, such a prized instrument would need two hands to play properly, and our dear Aredin has already expressed his desire to possess it. The same goes for the Key of Mastery. In my mind, it is best that it goes to one that knows the ways of sorcery." She looks to Mercy with a smile, knowing that her sister wants the stone for herself.

"The boots and the Solar hearthstone are items that I would like, but I would be willing to pass on the hearthstone to let someone else have the benefit of it." Amara looks hopefully to the others, wishing for the boots to be hers.

While she waits, she lowers herself down to sit next to the fire, letting the heat take out the chill from the morning air and warm her up a bit. With her legs crossed in front of her, she politely asks, "Is there enough tea for me to enjoy a cup?"

 

[Eonivar]

When Silent Glade had mentioned the runes and the manse's hearthstone, Mercy was intrigued. So many mysteries this place had, she really wanted to explore and see it all but she organized her thoughts and tasks in her head. She had told him that she wanted to set up camp, start tea, identify the items, drink the tea, take a breath, have Silent Glade read their tea, see about cooking a meal for the group, and then she would look at the hearthstone. All in that order. She knew if she got wrapped up looking at the manse, dinner would not be made. She also mentioned that she may have to sleep somewhere in there if any of the tasks take too long. She had then wrote down all the tasks at the moment on her list. Mercy had a tendency to write down lots of lists. She got a lot of satisfaction crossing things off her list.

Now that the items had been identified and the water was ready, she had begun preparing tea.

Mercy nods at Amara's request for tea, "Of course Amara, I would be happy to pour you a cup. I have several varieties..." Mercy proceeds to show and describe in detail the many different varieties of tea that she has either acquired or blended herself, and once Amara chose their tea, Mercy happily prepared it, a little nervous to impress the warrior, Amara saw that Mercy's hands shook some upon serving.

It was comforting to Mercy that Amara wanted to share tea and other moments with her. Mercy had never trusted any warrior other than until recently those in her circle. She had always been treated very poorly as a slave by dynast warriors associated with her former owner and owner's family. Amara had initially intimidated her when they met just by being what she was but with Mercy's strong connection to her past lives and knowledge that Amara and the rest of her circle had a bond that transcended lives, plus Amara's respectful approach to Mercy has gradually strengthened their bond. Mercy was beginning to wonder if Amara was a big sister that she never had before and needed, and was slowly beginning to build that trust.

Mercy even had started thinking about perhaps researching a way she could build a new arm for the Dawn Caste, remembering a passage from a First Age book regarding a Solar that had lost an arm and built a artifact arm to replace it, but the book was back in the Blessed Isle in the Heptagram which there was no way in retrieving but that did not mean there were other libraries or even her own know-how to perhaps make one for her new big sister. Mercy had not brought it up yet though with Amara wondering if the missing arm perhaps was a sensitive subject.

She then poured Silent Glade a cup. She was still getting to know the mysterious and quiet shaman. He came from a very different world than she did. She recognized him as a fellow scholar, and she liked that she could learn lots of new things from him. She was trained in Thaumturgy herself as part of her Sorcerous training, but she never really focused on the small arts, so watching him perform such things interested her in addition to his other impressive skills.

"Here you go Silent Glade, this is the blend you liked before when we had tea together last, athough I did add a little bit of dried apple to it per your request." She looked up at everyone else around the camp.

"Does anyone else want tea? Also if you want something other than what I happened to grab from the caravan camp for food we will need to hunt and gather something for me to cook, that way it will not be poisened this time, unless I decide to poison you.."

Her tone was funny, she was trying to be funny but Mercy was not sure if it came across that way. She looked over at O Mighty Fat Cat with a pert grin.

"And we will need bigger quantities as I think our new friend will need a lot of food, we may need to invest in a bigger pot or skewer and a way to carry them. And after that...I will look at the hearthstone."

She then reached down and crossed off 'COMMUNICATE TO CIRCLE AND FAT CAT, PLANS FOR THIS EVENING' on her list with a satisfying slash of her pen.

 

[Psychie]

Those with a dot in Survival will be able to recognize the signs that there is natural wildlife here, so hunting shouldn't be an issue for your Circle. It might take a little bit of time, but there is food to be had here, and your needs of water are well taken care of from the hearthstone you so recently acquired from Kerwin. Make sure you send him a thank-you note when you see him again.

Under Mercy's keen eye and her Sorcerer's Sight Charm running, she is able to spot that the hearthstone on the pedestal does indeed have a warding connected to it that will trigger something. Further careful examination reveals that there are lines of power connecting the stone to the twelve statues that are circling it. They are clearly linked by the wards somehow.

Directing your examination to one of the moss and vine covered figures reveals that the statues are all made from brass, and appear to be able to move. Perhaps they are some kind of automation that has been tasked with the duty of protecting the stone, and if you remove it from the pedestal without using whatever safe way there is to do so, they will activate.

 

[jaydude]

Grey Stone would back away a little once enough of the plant life had been removed for him to recognize the design.

"I'd be quite careful around these, if I were you." he said to Fat Cat, gently placing a hand upon the Lunar's shoulder as if to stop him from removing more of the growth. "I've seen their like before; if disturbed, they could come to life and attack us. No doubt another feature of this manse's defensive precautions."

Spoiler: Grey Stone Stats

Essence: 1
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 28/33
Anima: Glowing

Willpower: 6/7
Join Battle: 5
Health Levels: -0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1,-1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -3, Incapacitated
Resolve 3, Guile 1

Attacks
Faith's Pillar (10 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 18, Overwhelming 5, Bashing, Melee, Reaching, Smashing, Two-Handed)
Unarmed (13 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 15, Overwhelming 1, Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural)

Actions
Rush: 6
Disengage: 6

Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 4/0

 

[Sherwood]

Amara leaves the investigation of the manse and its wonders to those better suited to understand them. At this moment, she is quite content to sip at her tea and sit by the fire, enjoying the peace and quiet of the place. When Grey Stone mentions that the statues might actually be some kind of magical thing to protect the place, that makes the Dawn caste perk up a bit, making her sit up straighter and take better notice of them.

She says, "Well, I lack the eyesight to be able to spot the triggers to these things, so I am going to keep myself from wandering about until I hear that it is safe to do so. I'd hate to set off some trap in my ignorance." After all, the old Solars were truly wizards when it came to making things, and if these statues are really automations, it could be a nasty fight, even for us.

 

[Purr]

Earlier...

During the journey upon the giant Lunar's back, Mercy would look out in wonder, watching the world go by so quickly, noting the changes in form as they crossed different terrain, Mercy actually smiled and when they took to the sky Mercy laughed in joy and excitement, a sound none of her circle had actually heard before. It was a warm, filling laugh. Mercy loved to fly, and she loved the exilleration and the speed. Part of her wished she could have been a Lunar to experience such things.

She then stepped delicately out of the howdah, and down to the ground and then leaned over to Fat Cat's massive feline face and hugged it, giving it a delicate kiss on the cheek, whispering "Thank you dear Lunar friend, that trip was wounderous."

"RRRRrrrr..." purrs Da Chonk with a gleaming smile.

Fat Cat is extremely pleased at this. If there is one thing he loves as much as delivering, it is when his passengers enjoy the ride clearly as much as he does!

Plus, he has always enjoyed making new friends!

* * *​

Presently...

"Does anyone else want tea? Also if you want something other than what I happened to grab from the caravan camp for food we will need to hunt and gather something for me to cook, that way it will not be poisened this time, unless I decide to poison you.."

"I'd be quite careful around these, if I were you." he said to Fat Cat, gently placing a hand upon the Lunar's shoulder as if to stop him from removing more of the growth. "I've seen their like before; if disturbed, they could come to life and attack us. No doubt another feature of this manse's defensive precautions."

I'd hate to set off some trap in my ignorance."

After hearing all this, O Mighty Fat Cat eyes the statues with a new and wary look as he stops interacting with them. Taking a step back, he bows to the statues out of respect. "Forgive me, gentle spirits, if I have intruded upon you."

Fat Cat grins with gratitude and relief to Grey Stone and his wisdom. Setting off ancient wards of some great Solar is the last thing he wanted to do. He chuckles making his belly jiggle. "Perhaps now is a good time for some tea, yes?"

Fat Cat strolls over to Mercy. There, he sits and rests comfortably in the hospitality of the manse and the Circle. "Yes, please. I am happy to take you up on your offer. A good rest is just what is require after a fine delivery like dat one."

He looks to the greenery and offers. "I can hunt if anyone has de tummy rumbles?" He grins and pats his own belly which is still doing just fine after the meal he had before.

 

[jaydude]

After hearing all this, O Mighty Fat Cat eyes the statues with a new and wary look as he stops interacting with them. Taking a step back, he bows to the statues out of respect. "Forgive me, gentle spirits, if I have intruded upon you."

Fat Cat grins with gratitude and relief to Grey Stone and his wisdom. Setting off ancient wards of some great Solar is the last thing he wanted to do. He chuckles making his belly jiggle. "Perhaps now is a good time for some tea, yes?"

Grey Stone smiled back. "We may as well. We're not going to make much progress uncovering this place's mysteries by ourselves."

Fat Cat strolls over to Mercy. There, he sits and rests comfortably in the hospitality of the manse and the Circle. "Yes, please. I am happy to take you up on your offer. A good rest is just what is require after a fine delivery like dat one."

The Zenith took a seat on the floor next to Fat Cat. "I wouldn't mind some tea myself." he said to Mercy.

He looks to the greenery and offers. "I can hunt if anyone has de tummy rumbles?" He grins and pats his own belly which is still doing just fine after the meal he had before.

"I'm fine, thank you. Truth be told, I'm used to foraging for myself." Grey Stone said to Fat Cat.

Spoiler: Grey Stone Stats

Essence: 1
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 28/33
Anima: Glowing

Willpower: 6/7
Join Battle: 5
Health Levels: -0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1,-1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -3, Incapacitated
Resolve 3, Guile 1

Attacks
Faith's Pillar (10 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 18, Overwhelming 5, Bashing, Melee, Reaching, Smashing, Two-Handed)
Unarmed (13 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 15, Overwhelming 1, Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural)

Actions
Rush: 6
Disengage: 6

Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 4/0

 

[Chowlett]

She then poured Silent Glade a cup. She was still getting to know the mysterious and quiet shaman. He came from a very different world than she did. She recognized him as a fellow scholar, and she liked that she could learn lots of new things from him. She was trained in Thaumturgy herself as part of her Sorcerous training, but she never really focused on the small arts, so watching him perform such things interested her in addition to his other impressive skills.

"Here you go Silent Glade, this is the blend you liked before when we had tea together last, athough I did add a little bit of dried apple to it per your request." She looked up at everyone else around the camp.

While Mercy brewed the tea, Silent Glade continued to survey the manse and its environs. Nature plainly held sway here, even mingled amongst the still-potent magics of the manse. It was comforting to hear the sounds of the forest. Almost without thinking, the shaman closed his eyes and focused on the chatter of the birds (as per Flight of Separation as control spell). Of course - it was largely about the strange newcomers to this place. He let the feel of the forest flow through him, and responded to the birds in like kind:

"We are friends. No-one will hurt you, you have my word. We may be here a while, and we may need to hunt; but I will tell the others only to hunt that which crawls and runs, not that which flies. You need not fear us, even the one who goes about as a cat.

If I may ask a favour - evil men pursue us. We believe ourselves hidden, but if you hear rumour of men - many men, armed - nearby; please, find me and tell me. In return, I shall share my berries with you, when we gather."

With the tea brewed, Silent Glade gently folded himself cross-legged next to Mercy and accepted the cup with a slight nod. He took a sip. "Your tea is, as ever, excellent" he offered, before lapsing back into silence. As the others finished their tea, he collected the cups in front of him before, in turn, swirling the last drops of liquid to agitate the leaves before carefully draining it and studying the patterns left with eyes turned solid leafy green. As he turned each cup meditatively, he remained largely silent, save for the occasional "Mm" as long experience provided glimpses of what was to come.

Finally, he set all the cups back down and raised his head to the circle. "All the cups say the same. Our destiny is clear, and intertwined; although we may not like it. The Wyld Hunt pursues us, and if they find us now we will surely fall. The tea says we shall travel - I would assume this is to seek further refuge, or perhaps aid, but I cannot say for sure."

[Rolling for tea, to see if I do any better than that - 6 successes]

 

[Psychie]

As everyone is pondering the import of Silent Glade's words and what they might mean for you, from behind one of the nearby trees comes a slim green-skinned and haired woman that seems to be dressed in living plants with blooming flowers on them. She has a wooden staff in her hand that has vines growing out of it, with a glowing stone set in the tip of the staff. Both Mercy and Glade recognize that this is most likely one of the forest spirits of this place.

With a slow pace, she approaches the campfire that Mercy has been using to brew your tea, stopping short by a few paces before actually coming into the midst of the Circle. With a soft voice that sounds like the wind through the trees, she says, "I have not had visitors in this glen for many years, ever since our friend Dunbar passed away. I am Antonia, and I would ask, who are you, and what brings you to this part of Creation? What do you seek here?"

She seems respectful, but there is strength to her that you can all sense.

 

[Rykon]

Aredin had given Adorei a few swings in a warm-up kata as Silent Glade worked his ritual. He glanced to Mercy, anticipating sunken spirits. Aredin merely held onto a smile. He stepped over to the collection of artifacts under appraisal and reclaimed the Lute he voiced reserving before their departure. He gave the oddly familiar instrument a testing strum to gauge its tune by his own ears and gave a nod of satisfaction as it was. 'To be expected of a mystical item.' He assured himself. Starting with but a few humming notes, he stepped into song with a short verse for the soul and for prayer.

***

Why do you crumble? Why do you fear?
Can you not see how the dawn draws near.

Remember who you are and whose light you bear,
who gave you breath, and reigns above air.

Though destiny's stars plot and scheme on high,
Remember how they hide when my time is nigh.

Valor, my children, for the heavens answer to one.
The star that shines brightest. Over darkness, we have won.

***

Aredin ended his song as Antonia approached, nodding a greeting to her without discarding his contented smile. "Salutations Antonia. I am Aredin. We are passing through seeking a safe place for a moment's rest. Apologies that we'd not the time nor knowledge to pay proper respects to our host before we'd entered. I'd ask of you and Dunbar's stories, alas I'm obliged by protocols first. What favor would you ask to settle accounts for this trespass?"

[Mechanically I'd like to make an instill action on the spirit to get her to like him and the circle at large while maintaining our diplomatic immunity through the Eclipse caste protections. Full presence excellency (5m) and assuming resolve of 2 for 3 Appearance dice. Please subtract as necessary. 7 successes regardless of the Appearance bonus. 8 if the full 3 dice stick.]

 

[Purr]

With a soft voice that sounds like the wind through the trees, she says, "I have not had visitors in this glen for many years, ever since our friend Dunbar passed away. I am Antonia, and I would ask, who are you, and what brings you to this part of Creation? What do you seek here?"

After enjoying Aredin's tune, O Mighty Fat Cat is perfectly content letting the bard begin the conversation with a spirit the Lunar knows little about. If there is one thing Fat Cat knows, is that he does not know a great deal about Creation so he is perfectly happy letting someone who has traveled more lead the way.

In answer to Antonia's questions, Fat Cat replies courteously. "Pleased to meet you, Antonia. I am O Mighty Fat Cat, a child of Luna and deliverer by trade. De Circle before you are Solars. We are on de run from de Wyld Hunt." Fat Cat feels it is only right to warn her for if the Wyld Hunt came here, the Circle could flee, but where is a forest spirit like Antonia to go?

With empty open hands, Da Chonk nods in agreement to Aredin's offer. "Dis land you protect, Antonia. De Solar, Kirk. He must have made a strong impression on you for you to rememba him for so long."

 

[Sherwood]

Amara stays seated, knowing that if they can avoid a pitched battle here with this spirit, that would be far and away the best outcome of all, and if she rises, that might antagonize the wood-spirit and put her on edge. But that doesn't mean that the Dawn caste is at ease. She is wired, ready to burst to her feet with Destiny in hand if things do go badly.

She looks over at Antonia, and says, "I am Amara Kaji, Chosen of the Unconquered Sun, and I greet you. It was never our intention to intrude upon your domain, and we would not defile this place with violence if it can be avoided. How can we assure you that we mean no harm to you or yours?"

 

[Psychie]

Aredin ended his song as Antonia approached, nodding a greeting to her without discarding his contented smile. "Salutations Antonia. I am Aredin. We are passing through seeking a safe place for a moment's rest. Apologies that we'd not the time nor knowledge to pay proper respects to our host before we'd entered. I'd ask of you and Dunbar's stories, alas I'm obliged by protocols first. What favor would you ask to settle accounts for this trespass?"

After enjoying Aredin's tune, O Mighty Fat Cat is perfectly content letting the bard begin the conversation with a spirit the Lunar knows little about. If there is one thing Fat Cat knows, is that he does not know a great deal about Creation so he is perfectly happy letting someone who has traveled more lead the way.

In answer to Antonia's questions, Fat Cat replies courteously. "Pleased to meet you, Antonia. I am O Mighty Fat Cat, a child of Luna and deliverer by trade. De Circle before you are Solars. We are on de run from de Wyld Hunt." Fat Cat feels it is only right to warn her for if the Wyld Hunt came here, the Circle could flee, but where is a forest spirit like Antonia to go?

With empty open hands, Da Chonk nods in agreement to Aredin's offer. "Dis land you protect, Antonia. De Solar, Kirk. He must have made a strong impression on you for you to rememba him for so long."

Amara stays seated, knowing that if they can avoid a pitched battle here with this spirit, that would be far and away the best outcome of all, and if she rises, that might antagonize the wood-spirit and put her on edge. But that doesn't mean that the Dawn caste is at ease. She is wired, ready to burst to her feet with Destiny in hand if things do go badly.

She looks over at Antonia, and says, "I am Amara Kaji, Chosen of the Unconquered Sun, and I greet you. It was never our intention to intrude upon your domain, and we would not defile this place with violence if it can be avoided. How can we assure you that we mean no harm to you or yours?"

As the three Exalts address the wood spirit, she slowly looks you over, most likely using her own spirit powers to delve deeper into your appearance and Essence levels. She turns to look at Aredin first, and gives him a slight nod, acknowledging his comment. She then looks over at Fat Cat, raising an eyebrow. Finally, Antonia looks at Amara, and she says, "Your actions do not seem to match your words. You say you wish to avoid violence here, but you freely admit that the Wyld Hunt is on your heels, and it is certain that if they catch you here, there will be violence. Dunbar and I were dear friends, and it is only because he spoke highly of his fellow Exalted that I have not acted against you for intruding on this sacred place."

She walks over towards the pedestal with the supposed hearthstone still sitting on it, passing through the wardings as if they were not there, and she places her hand on the weathered stone top, her mind drifting back across the years to when her friend was still alive. "I have seen all of you eyeing the hearthstone here, and I know you would take it if you could. What should I do with you?" She taps her finger against the side of her cheek, thinking.

Antonia finally turns to look at the group, and as she picks up the hearthstone, she says, "I propose to you a game. I will hide the hearthstone inside one of the two towers. If you can find the stone and return it to this pedestal within ten minutes, I will tell you what you need to do in order to be able to claim the stone for yourselves, and you will have this glen as a safe place to return to. But if you fail, I will trigger the wards to activate and you will have to fight your way out of here, and you will not be welcome again."

She tosses the stone in her hand as she stands there, saying, "What do you think? Are you up to my challenge? Or do you suggest something else?"

 

[Sherwood]

Amara is somewhat surprised at the suggestion of the game of hide and seek, but in a moment, she is already thinking of the possibilities that their Exalted nature will bring to this. "Um, noble spirit, may we take a moment to discuss this amongst ourselves before we give you our decision?"