[tab][/tab] Scylax moves the stone around inside the cavernous space, making the light play shadow figures on the walls and water. A quick scan of the limits reveal the ditch around the long curving cave wall on your right, a deep trench running around the perimeter for two to three paces depth and filled with clear water. The right side is seemingly vaster, Scylax bringing the light-stone to the edge of his control and still the light revealed no end in sight, no walls to hedge the water. Many more stalagmite formations are revealed, like skeletal azure fingers poking out of the water reservoir. Then he drops the light into the water itself, following the rapidly deepening incline itself. The water is very clear, made easier to see through with magics Arni casts. After some minutes seeking the bottomless depths, the light vanishes....
Interestingly, perhaps alarmingly, something has noticed our little fishing lure and has wrested it from my grip, or gulped it. Scylax does not seem alarmed but rather interested, he speaks in a clear, even tone. Not sure which, but this particular formula cannot sustain resistance, and so I cannot gauge the degree of alarm we should be experiencing. Might I recommend returning to shore speedily but in an orderly fashion? The shallower pool may be traversable, but if there is a threat of an... aquatic nature.. we might best be served by dealing with it on dry feet. he turns back without hurrying that much, but does tug on Arni's sleeve and gives him a meaningful look, so that the Slav magus can understand the intent if not necessarily the words. As he walks back, he says, Let's please deal with events peaceably, unless there's no other recourse. And mind the lights, we will not get far without them!
Alexios makes sure he keeps clear of the water, now that Scylax makes it sound dangerous.
Arni looks at Scylax and nods. Following after him, he quickly stoops and scoops up a handful of water from the deep lake. Once out of the lake cavern, he attempts a spont version of Image of the Beast, assuming that the water is an arcane connection to whatever dwells therein.
[Roll 9 + InAn 5 + Sta 2 + Aura 1]/2 = 8½. - level 5 is 3½ for penetration. Penetration ability is 1. Do I get x2 for the arcane connection? Well, it probably does not matter. If there is resistance, it is not going to be less than 10 anyway. Do I sense it if the spell is resisted?
[Hmmmm, I like the use of that spell, I'll allow it. Kudos!]
[tab][/tab] Arni cups the water and concentrates on what lives in there. The connection is tenuous, but since he was the creator of the light stone that was gulped, he manages to boost the magic a bit.
Arni mumbles in Slav as he is studying the water in his palm, «oh .. a giant carp,» he says, «blind it seems ... and there is shoal ...» Then he raises an eyebrow, « ... uh oh ... the little giant carp is junior of the shoal». [*]
He looks up at Scylax and stutters in Greek, «not sure ... is the fish magical or mundane? Do you sense them?»
[*] Is there in a use in magic lore, to discern a little more?
Carp? How big did you say, Arni? We should experiment again, with another lure. Since it is blind, no need to waste another light. I would need to get a good look, more than a few moments for certain, to discern whether they be mundane or not. lower voice Did your casting produce a lot of excess power, Arni? If not, this could be a sign that your junior carp is not very magical at all, if of an extra delicious size. winks Let us rest a few moments.
How many lighted stones remain? waits for answer. Here's what I propose: the fish are in the deeper waters, but the other pool is fairly shallow. Let us lure one of these, or however many come, through the open channels to the other pool. A lighted stone in the bottom, clearly illuminating for us to see, and we may learn a thing or two. We have some victuals, yes? waits for answer Please break them out, we may as well gather our strength and thoughts. Holds up whatever dried meat or bread is produced, breaks it part in many lure-sized bits. This should prove more irresistible and better for their digestion than Arni's stones! laughs. to the grogs/Companions: If this fish be so massive, we may be unable to transport it, so let's hold off on thoughts of trophies and stick to the tall tales.
He turns to Miklos:
Hmm, is carp a favored dish in these parts, Miklos, do you know? Carp eggs, maybe?
Confers in low voice with Arni: Is there any relevant lore on Magic Fishes that you might recall? (Scylax has 1 ML + 3 Int)
<OOC So the plan I propose is to rest a few minutes, then Scylax will spont a Vim Ward Against Magical creatures on himself, R:P , D:Sun, T:Ind, 3 Magnitudes to ward against Might 15, all extra power to Penetration, unless 15 achieved, after that to Duration, spont would be (ReVi 17 + 2 Sta + 1 Aura + 1 Vigorous gestures + _: 1D10 = [4] = 4 + 3 Confidence)/2 14 total, Penetration is 11, not so great, but the spell should protect Scylax from up to Might 10 fishies. Rest a few minutes , move towards the vicinity of the deeper trough between pools, if the fish is so massive it wouldn't fit through the shallower ditch. There, in the path, cast a Circle of Beast Warding ReAn 5 Mastery 1 Quick Casting/+9, see if Scylax can ward the entire party (useless against non-mundane animals). And then Cast no voice, Unseen Arm ReTe 5 Mastery 1 Quiet Casting/+9 on the bits of food, and start moving them on the surface of the deeper lake, right about where it was swallowed, moving them towards the trough, and the other pool, fishing. Will lose some on the way, sure, but should stir at least one of the fishes up. Then can examine the carp with Comprehend magic, or even spont an InVi spell. Sounds good? Suggestions? OOC>
«Junior was this big,» Arni says and stretches his arms wide to each side. «Didn't get a good view of senior ... just ... larger. It was a weak link for the spell. Maybe weak magic resistance barely overcome. Maybe just a poor arcane link. Not sure. I am sorry I don't have the arts to summon it. Let's try your idea.»
[tab][/tab] The magi do preparations wanting to 'study' whatever is inside the deep pool. Both Arni and Scylax seem to busy themselves with doing arcane stuff, while the three mundanes watch them or explore the cave a bit, outside the watery depths.
[tab][/tab] When ready Scylax tests his theory with floating tasty morsels of food on the surface of the placid lake. Fifteen minutes later, it is apparent that something is wrong. No fishes bite. In fact, you can see no movement in the lake and no ripples apart from those created by the moving lures and the falling droplets. No carp appear or follow the lures to the other side....
I knew that fishing required patience, but I am beginning to think I have no talent for this! I assure you all I grew up in a port town and absorbed as much about fishing as anyone could ...without becoming an actual fisherman! Scylax is apologetic Why do they not bite! He moves near the edge of the strait, with one of the lighted stones. Is there movement in the water nearby? How deep does it look at this crossing? He is thinking furiously. To Arni: My speculations have led nowhere, but I will keep on making them, bear with me! Pause. You are sure they are blind? Hmmm. Pause. That would suggest other senses enhanced, but they do not bite. Pause. So maybe I am luring them with the wrong bait? Pause. Was it because the stone swallowed was ensorcelled? Can they detect the flow of magic? Hmmm. Longer pause.
<OOC Scylax will spont a Creo Vim spell on a stone, tainting it with Magic: CrVi 10 Base 3 + 1 Touch + 2 Sun Duration, extras in roll go to Duration: (CrVi 14 + 2 Sta + 1 Aura + 1 Vigorous gestures + _: 1D10 = [8] = 8 )/2 = 13, just enough. Rest a bit, then use it as a lure with Unseen Arm ReTe 5 Mastery 1 Quiet Casting/+9 again, no voice: +_: 1D10 = [6] = 6 + 1 Aura - 5 Quiet = 11, success OOC>
Scylax begins trawling the deeper waters more carefully with lure v.2.
[tab][/tab] With a plop, lure no 2 disappears. Despite your focus on it, you saw nothing approaching it, nor what took it. The only ripples on the pool were from the movement of the lure itself, up until it went away, then calm. Even Scylax seems not to be able to detect anything...
Again! But more fascinated than frustrated. Lost it. But to what? To the others Did any of you see anything? Perhaps we need an actual fishing rod...of extra heft.
To Arni, conversing in a low voice (perhaps won't be understood, but well...)
But Arni, I think it took the lure! It senses the flow! It may see it as food! Your magic carp may feed on magic, ergo, vis! So perhaps somewhere in the vicinity, at some point in time there may be a harvest, perhaps regularly, so that these magic eaters may thrive! Pause. For all we know they may be sleeping like bears,most of the time. Pause. more uncertain What do you think, Arni? This may be a momentous discovery, but I am afraid my skills are not up to the task.
Later.
We could cross over, follow the path, you and I, through our talents. Should we chance it? The others could follow wading the other pool, but this place now hides a mystery and I would not have them risk their well-being on a whim. Ahh, Hades, I must sound like such an old maid. Concerned over carps, they'll snicker back at Meru Mudi
«Eat magic, you say?» Arni asks with hesitation, «Creo Vim, then? Maybe.»
He picks up one of small pieces of meat, stares at it, and gives to Scylax.
«Try this then.»
He uses touch range and conc duration. Leaving most of the work to Scylax, I suppose I can maintain concentration.
Casting roll: CrVi 12 + Sta 2 + Aura 1: 15 + 1D10 = 15+[4] = 19
So the spell level should 9½ (spont, exerting). I.e. the level the In spell needs to beat is 2x (resp. ½x) 4½. Not great.
[tab][/tab] Lure no 3 is devoured too, with no sign or sight of any fishes.
"excuse me, my esteemed employer" says Alexios, "but is the fish you're investigating big enough to eat a man? If we suspect not, one of us could swim across.If it is... maybe if we traverse the most shallow pool, it may be too shallow for such a big fish?"
«I am not sure, Alexio» Arni replies, «no good view of the larger one»
When Arni has recovered his wits (read fatigue) from the previous spell, he tries a different approach. He moves just far enough along the path to give room for the rest of the party inside him. The he starts waving frantically without uttering a word. He looks quite silly with the exaggerated gestures, but in a few seconds he conjures up a lightbeam emitting from his hand.
This effect is very different from the pebbles he used before. They illuminate a sphere, with no apparent source. This time he aims for a focused beam, which he uses to scan the cavern, hoping to see the far end walls and the ceiling.
Base 4 (short of sunlight which could damage eyes), conc. +1, touch +1, for level 10. If he does not make level 10, he drops base for weaker light.
CrIg 10 + Sta 2 + Aura 1 + Gestures 1 = 14: 14 + 1D10 = 14+[10] = 24
Oops. Stress die? two botch dice: 1D10 = [8] = 8; 1D10 = [2] = 2
OK. Level 7 is still light comparable to torch light. Arni tries to scan the cavern, patiently for minutes ... after four minutes he sighs, «nah, this is no good». Then he tries again. Same roll. CrIg spell: 14 + 1D10 = 14+[4] = 18
He sighs. «Sorry, this is not good enough»
Do we learn anything new at all?
[Restating to avoid any confusion]
[tab][/tab] The path in front of you follows the cavern towards the west, in a curvaceous way. To the right is the shallow pool, to the left (inwards) the seemingly bottomless one where the alleged fish are. Periodically shallow canals and byways cross the path and connect the pools, with the largest (and deepest) one bisecting the cave. A simple jump can get you across. All the fish lures were consumed in the deep end of the left pool.
Thanks for the reminder. The question about how much we can see in the lightbeam across the deep end still stands.
After the second attempt with the lightbeam, Arni gives up: «Sorry, this is no good, maybe we should rather continue along the path?»
<Scylax's Eyes of the Cat should allow him to see well the rest of the cave, what does he spy?)>
What do you mean, sodales, that was excellent!
Alexios, your bravery, or impatience, Scylax smiles does you credit. It is our intention to not risk your health needlessly! These fish are a ...professional challenge, you might say. These surprises are gratifying, and we wish to take their measure accurately. Perhaps I am being a fuddy-duddy, that is your thought? Well, no matter. turns to Arni.
My speculation is just that, unproven, I realize this. And there's something strange besides this magic sense I suggest they may have. I could not see when they took the bait, did any of you? So they have an unearthly speed, or they have astonishing concealment, near invisibility. There's nary a ripple in the water. Perhaps the water itself has an unsuspected quality.
So, perhaps they do need to be fished the old-fashioned way, ehh? We have rope, yes! Here's what I propose: the burly men here will tie a small rock to a rope..we have nothing that will serve as a hook, I'd imagine? . I will again taint it with magic, rest, and ward the stone against animalia. And I would hope you Arni, can make the stone glow powerfully. Alexis and Miklos should then trawl the waters where the shoal resides. We will then see if there's a commotion! To the grogs/Companions Because of the ward, perhaps they will not be able to bite, except for a larger one, so I'd recommend securing yourselves!
<OOC if plan is accepted, CrVi 10 Base 3 + 1 Touch + 2 Sun Duration, extras in roll go to Duration: (CrVi 14 + 2 Sta + 1 Aura + 1 Vigorous gestures + _: 1D10 = [4] = 4)/2 = 11, just enough. Rest, Ward the object against Magic Animals. ReVi 5 Vim Ward Against Magical creatures, R:T , D:Sun, T:Ind, 2 Magnitudes to ward against Might 10, all extra power to Penetration, unless 10 achieved, after that to Duration, spont would be ReVi 17 + 2 Sta + 1 Aura + 1 Vigorous gestures + _: 1D10 = [5] = 5 )/2 = 13, that's 10 Penetration (Scylax has Pen 1(Vim)). After that, hope Arni lights up the stone, they rest to recover Fatigue, and then go stir up the lake. OOC>
Arni listens to Scylax' idea; he does not look convinced. «Yes yes, he says. It is worth a try.» Then he hesitates, maybe a little absent-minded. «Afterwards ... I made a mistake ... need to try again.»
He moves away a few paces, and startes waving frantically and ridiculously once more. This time he aims for an open-ended effect, as bright a lightbeam he can muster eminating from his hand, touch range and conc duration: CrIg 10 + Sta 2 + Aura 1 + Gestures 1 = 14: 14 + 1D10 = 14+[4] = 18 Level 9, is base 3, which is torchlight. He uses it for four minutes trying to scan the big cavern. He grunts with dissatisfaction, and makes a second attempt: CrIg 10 + Sta 2 + Aura 1 + Gestures 1 = 14: 14 + 1D10 = 14+[1] = 15 Hey, reroll: Reroll after 1: 1D10 = [10] = 10 OK. Thats a total of 14 + 2x10 = 34 or Level 17. This is base 5 and sunlight.
Arni looks pleased with himself, and starts scanning the cave again. He is very careful to avoid pointing the lightbeam at anybody.