Yellow: Your most powerful card is the "No" right? That is most useful for nullifying the biggest move your opponent makes. If I'm reading Black correctly, that will happen late in the game. I don't think you stand to lose much here.

I enjoy how each of the 'players' differs each time we see him/her and yet still adheres to a certain motif. Grand.

Anyway, my question is... Is Black betting with more than he can actually promise? I mean it's not a game just between the two of you, so would his proposed ceding of the board's center truly give you a centralized advantage, or is there even more at work? Oi, what am I doing trying to understand this game...

>>144064
(Note: Other players can hear what we say. Address your messages directly to one color to have a private chat.)

>>144065
MY QUESTIONABLE WISDOM IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.

Allotter 2010/03/09(Tue)13:32 No. 144408 ID: a56bd0
File 12681703734.jpg - (172.94KB , 800x470 , all in veiw.jpg )

Orange (aside): hmm Black ceding the center is a risky move, he can do it and take a hit. But then his tactics and skills 'are' particularly suited to deceptions hidden in plain sight... he could reasonably take it back later. However, this would give Yellow a homeground advantage as the local ruins terrain 'is' more suited to his aligned units."

Violet (to any or none): "Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer..."

Blue: "Take a chance~ roll the dice~ See what comes of our device~"

Red: "Come on Yellow, don't be a bitch. Accept the bet or let it set..."

Yellow: "Done. I accept the challenge. You lose this and a I gain the board's center, I loose an My most powerful card in locked for 19."

Way to fall to peer pressure.

Allotter 2010/03/09(Tue)15:35 No. 144460 ID: 407b5b
File 126817773668.jpg - (105.26KB , 800x470 , 1.jpg )

The light falls away from me as I delve deeper into the mine's interior. Here the warmth of the coming midday is supplanted by the cool breath of the earth's heart. I stand quite still for a moment to let the sensation wash over me.

not a cutscene Allotter 2010/03/09(Tue)18:18 No. 144532 ID: a56bd0
File 126818753998.jpg - (126.41KB , 800x470 , 2.jpg )

...But I don't have time to enjoy the natural air cooling, the considerable airflow means this is likely quite a large tunnel complex and I didn't pack a lunch thus expedience in resolving these would be a desirable, if more and more unlikely outcome.

I outline some goals for myself as I ready my flashlight.

1: Find Clara and hopefully put some sense in her.
a.find elevator?
b.maybe some lights?
2: Find Clara's brother, Sheriff Parker, and get some sense out of him.
a. repair elevator?
b.Descend into lower levels
3: Resolve the truth of my predecessor's death.
5:???
6: Prophet... wait... what?

Hm, check that bag and put on a mask.

>>144532
I spy with my little eye a satchel looking thing on the ground there. You should figure out what's in it.

That list of things to do boggles the mind

Allotter 2010/03/10(Wed)19:59 No. 145292 ID: 817cd3
File 126827997235.jpg - (91.96KB , 596x454 , 3.jpg )

The beam of my flashlight reveals a line of yellowed work-coats and the sparkling lenses and steel of mining helmets.

I open a battered looking toolbox on the ground to reveal: a withered lemon, a hipflask half-full of perhaps some kind of whiskey or rum, a molded sandwich, some spools of wire, some Diazed screw fuses, a few coins.

It might be a good idea to wear the helmet to keep things from hitting you in the head.

Allotter 2010/03/12(Fri)15:44 No. 146275 ID: 817cd3
File 126843745837.jpg - (96.49KB , 508x470 , 4.jpg )

>>145299
I put on a metal miner's helmet, it seems this model is even provided with a handy little headlamp for hands free work. It crosses my mind that either they have some very forgetful miners to leave such things at a 'closed' mine... or they were forced to leave in some haste.

>>146275
Grab the toolbox. Just leave everything in it. Any of it could theoretically be useful.

Then check further into the mines.

Keep your special light ready. Do you think it would actually be useful to defend yourself with from some kind of supernatural creature? You brought your shotgun, right?

Allotter 2010/03/14(Sun)16:52 No. 147610 ID: 817cd3
File 126861074935.jpg - (177.58KB , 800x488 , 5.jpg )

I hang up my hat in exchange for the helmet switching on it's lamp as I do so. The batteries in the torch would find better use in the Radiance Device. I suspect it may have some use against the more unusual hindrances to my goals.

I dump the contents of the toolbox (excusing the sandwich 'that' can stay!) into my toolbag. I lack a free hand to hold my shotgun as I venture deeper into the mines, but I ensure that it is clear and loaded.

Soon a series of side passages reveal themselves, lancing off into the darkness to my left.

>>147610
How is that wheelbarrow standing up like that without falling over? Shine the radiance device on it.

>>147610
Could it help to glance at that diagram looking thing over there on your left, on the off chance it's something like a map?

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)10:24 No. 147968 ID: 817cd3
File 126867386125.jpg - (79.12KB , 376x366 , 6.jpg )

>>147795
I kick aside the wheelbarrow and subject it's secrets to the beam of the Radiance Device revealing...

Two boxes of dynamite, the sparking reaction of which warms me to hastily switch off the Device. I do not think that I ever tested the Device on dynamite in particular, but that is one reaction I am not keen to explore in an enclosed space.

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)10:25 No. 147969 ID: 817cd3
File 126867394586.jpg - (65.66KB , 333x396 , 7.jpg )

>>147948
The diagram on the wall appears to be a map of the first levels of the mine.

Take the map with you. Unless there is anything particular of note on it, I guess you should explore in a straight line first without veering off. Check the map periodically so you can keep track of where you are.

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)11:46 No. 147982 ID: 817cd3
File 126867878046.jpg - (437.62KB , 927x666 , map1.jpg )

>>147977
I examine the map to get my bearings. It seems to be rather... erhm crude. Especially when compared to the rather more professional blueprints of my days at the Academy.

>>147982
Well first we need to make our way over to the elevator to see if it's been fixed yet, and try to either persuade Clara to go back home, or at least to let you help her.

If you think you got some use for the dynamite, take a stick or two.

And where are things exactly in this map; you, elevator, etc? Mind to point them out?

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)14:56 No. 148065 ID: 817cd3
File 126869019829.jpg - (453.81KB , 927x666 , map2.jpg )

>>147996
I tuck three sticks of dynamite from the box into some unused ammo loops on my bandoleer.

From what I can guess these are the likely level divisions.

While marking off the map I make my way to the elevator shaft to confront Clara. The map seems accurate to the numbering of the passages... if not to the scale it seems. I swear the distances seem rather longer than this paper would indicate.

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)15:00 No. 148066 ID: 817cd3
File 126869042570.jpg - (382.22KB , 800x800 , 8.jpg )

>>147989
I find the elevator where indicated. Clara still hasn't managed to get it working I see.

"fu.. piece of... damn..."

>>148066
"Hello there, having trouble?"

Ask what the problem seems to be and if there is any way we can be of more direct assistance.

Allotter 2010/03/16(Tue)13:10 No. 148410 ID: 817cd3
File 126877023593.jpg - (253.78KB , 800x600 , 9.jpg )

>>148074
"Problems mister?"

She nearly falls in turning to face me.

>"Hellwhose- Oh it's you again... Damn, don't sneak up on me like that, and I told you not to call me sir, don't tempt me to use this."
she says motioning with the pistol in her left hand.

"Sorry, but every time I suppose I have found the working men of this town it turns out to be you."

She waves off my idle banter.
>"I'm sorry but what are 'you' doing down here? Shouldn't you be buryen someone or preaching somethen?"

Tell her that you think there is more to the old preacher's death than it first appeared and it has something to do with this mine. You're investigating.

Allotter 2010/03/16(Tue)22:50 No. 148597 ID: 817cd3
File 126880502567.jpg - (253.20KB , 800x600 , 10.jpg )

>>148539
>>148087
"There was rather more to good old Father McKenzie's death than it first appears. Evidence points to it having something to do with this mine, and if getting to the bottom of that shaft will get me to the bottom of this mystery, I'll crank the elevator by hand if I have to. So, how may I lend a hand?"

>"If you can get the power runnen in here I think the mess I've made of these wires will run the elevator."

"M'kay... I'll get on that. Just don't... touch the wires or anything while I get it started."

>>148597
Seek out the generator room!

>>148783

This, although giving her a compliment about having a gun in these mines was a very good idea for a passing moment. "Folks with smarts aren't that common."

You should be able to follow the wires until you find the source of the problem.

Allotter 2010/03/17(Wed)21:12 No. 148994 ID: 817cd3
File 12688855767.jpg - (253.80KB , 800x600 , 11.jpg )

>>148789
I start back into the darkness, but before I do remember to note her armed status.

"You just stay safe here, and good call bringing the gun. Folks with smarts aren't that common around here it seems, and something about this place just doesn't sit right with me."

>"Yeah well, just don't go playing with any live wires with all that powder strapped to you. I don't want my brother and I to need finding anotha way out of this hole."

Animated Allotter 2010/03/17(Wed)21:18 No. 148996 ID: 817cd3
File 126888588228.gif - (4.46MB , 927x666 , map3.gif )

>>148783
>>148800
I try the map first, I suspect that lighting symbol with the letters 'Gen' to be the marking. However, I will watch for obvious breakages along the way.

Get ye forward to yon generator

Animated Allotter 2010/03/18(Thu)21:38 No. 149449 ID: 817cd3
File 126897348319.gif - (831.64KB , 900x800 , 12.gif )

>>149357
Having found 'yon generator' in a rather cramped location if I do say, I am now faced with the challenge of the getting it running. I can smell the damp in here so I had best be careful.

Light the candle, see if you can shed some light on that electrical box.

>>149449

Best be careful. Don't touch the water with your bare skin but you need to redirect the flow. It would be best if you could find a way to ensure the generator is off first before starting.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/19(Fri)18:00 No. 149721 ID: 817cd3
File 126904684191.gif - (1.06MB , 900x800 , 13.gif )

>>149456
>>149538
Remembering Clara's advice I remove my ammo bandoleer and place it well back before striking one of the matches I picked up last night in the church.

Okay, let us see what we have here... a thin sheen of water seems to be running down the wall and into a crack in the wiring pipe.

The generator is actually working fine from what I can tell. But that water pool is likely a hazard due to it's continued operation.

I would assume that this is the fuse box, my gloves would 'likely' protect me, from any current in the metal, but there is no guarantee a replacement fuse would operate for long under the strain and constant power fluctuation.

If only there was a way to redirect that water, perhaps even cutting off the generator completely while I work on it?

>>149721
You might be able to cut a channel into the wall with your icepick, so that the water flows away from the break.

>>149723
This is a great idea.

>>149723

I haven't invented anything better way to do it so let's give this a shot.

Allotter 2010/03/20(Sat)16:24 No. 150113 ID: 362f0c
File 126912748777.jpg - (297.73KB , 900x800 , 14.jpg )

>>149723
Hmm... this might work. I trade the formerly fine point on the icepick for a series of grooves in the stone wall, leading the flow away from the crack in the pipe. Didn't pull a 'A' in Elementary Hydrodynamics for nothing.

The pick's wooden handle and my gloves insulate me from the water's dangerous charge, but the pipe itself and thus the water are still slick with dangerous moisture until it dries back into to it's new path. I suppose the new water flow will be a problem for that beam much later but I don't have time to care for that.

Could you possibly get one of the mine coats to dry up some of the water?

Allotter 2010/03/20(Sat)18:36 No. 150178 ID: 362f0c
File 126913538721.jpg - (294.14KB , 900x800 , 15.jpg )

>>150133
I wipe off the pipe using one of the leather mine coats. That should stop the power fluctuations. Now I can change that fuse safely... I hope.

You might want to wait a few minutes, but yeah, go ahead and change it.

>>150178
Put your grubby hands all over that fuse box!

>>150178

Time to get the fuse changed

Animated Allotter 2010/03/21(Sun)13:25 No. 150361 ID: a56bd0
File 126920312635.gif - (2.01MB , 900x800 , 16.gif )

After waiting a few moment I pull open the fuse box and replace the burnt-out fuse.

"and... Let there be LIGHT!.. damn... oh there it goes."

I suppose the line may still have a bit of a flicker to it. But with everything else 'wrong' about this place it's probably to be expected.

>>150361
Mission complete; let's go inform the lady.

Is it possible to wedge the conduit away from the wall so it isn't getting wet at all? The last thing that needs to happen is you go down the elevator and then the power shorts again.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/22(Mon)23:15 No. 151009 ID: 362f0c
File 126932495530.gif - (1.67MB , 900x700 , 17.gif )

>>150431
I wedge some of the miner's coat between the wall and the pipe, it seems to help, somewhat.

>>150362
"Job's done..."

>"I noticed, let's go."

"I would argue for you to stay up here, but I somehow doubt you care to hear it. Besides, after hearing what happened to the deputy I wouldn't put it past you to fight for it and leave 'me' here." I say eying her gun.

>"Sounds smart."

"Guess we're both smarter than we look huh?"

The battered and rusted lift door closes with a jerky whine.

Get ready for action. There's really nothing else to do before we see what's down there.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/24(Wed)22:01 No. 151660 ID: 362f0c
File 126949327890.gif - (800.22KB , 640x1000 , 18.gif )

I try to break the awkward silence of our descent. Perhaps to distract myself from the voices of doubt and unrest I feel whispering at the fringes of my consciousness.

"I have a map... just in case."

>"That could help a bit, but I think the fella's here wern't particularly keen on taken notes. Near the end the mines were changen hands enough times that I'm not even sure who owns the land's papers anymore."

"I noticed... their cartography skills leave something to be desired. Still how far down do you think we should go, or more specifically... do we have a plan beyond searching every level?"

>"Wasn't specific, jest said.. 'they were pretty deep in the mine'."

"Yes, I was afraid of that..."

Start at the bottom and work your way up. It's the most reasonable plan. Also, try to keep track of how long your down here. The events seem only to occur at night, and being here when the sun goes down seems like a very bad idea.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/29(Mon)21:01 No. 155092 ID: 362f0c
File 126992170082.gif - (4.67MB , 927x666 , map4.gif )

>>151852
"We should start at the bottom, work our way up. He said they were fairly deep when..."

Clara says nothing and just looks away while absently rubbing her arms.

We descend.

Allotter 2010/03/29(Mon)21:12 No. 155099 ID: 362f0c
File 126992237161.jpg - (191.71KB , 900x700 , 19.jpg )

>>151852
We descend all the way until the bottom of the elevator scraps against a crude poured concrete platform, Clara pulls the handbrake before the motor starts laying down coils of cord on our roof.

Our lights reveal two paths of worn cobblestone, one cutting east and one west. Crumbled, collapsed, and embedded structures of graven stone line these gloomy pathways into darkness. I can feel a chill breeze from the west.

"This, this can't be right... we... we have to be hundreds... of feet down."

>"SAAAAAAAM!"
Clara's voice rings in my ears at these close quarters.

I can hear no reply. Should we go East, go West or split up to cover more ground?

>>155099
Examine the floor. It looks different.

>>155099

No mind splitting up Not that we are scared to split up, but because there's time for being together...

COBBLESTONE?! WHAT?! Youre a hundred feet down!
Better split up to investigate more thoroughly.

>>155099

Is that a marble pillar? Can't be. We're so deep there are no ruins this deep.

Allotter 2010/03/30(Tue)19:32 No. 155630 ID: a56bd0
File 127000274559.jpg - (290.21KB , 700x750 , 20.jpg )

"This... this isn't possible at all... even troy was only 50 meters deep. These pillars, solid marble from the looks, and covered in an unfamiliar script, they penetrate the floor and ceiling, there is no way this was hauled down here..."

>"SAAAMUEEEUL!"
Clara shouts again, the girl has a fine set of lungs I'll give her that.

"I doubt he can hear you, or perhaps he is unable to answer. Caves have a way of distorting sounds"

He voice takes on a slight edge of panic and frustration.
>"Well? Don't just sit there gawking at the rocks, we need to find my brother!?"

"This map shows a large chamber to the east, but the west is primarily uncharted... lacking a gut feeling on this I say we stay safe and check the east first."

>>155630
Go east, and stick together.

Yes, go east. Dig at something interesting if you see it though.

Allotter 2010/04/02(Fri)18:52 No. 158262 ID: 362f0c
File 127025954342.jpg - (145.48KB , 700x500 , 21.jpg )

>>155660
As we move east I consider that since arriving in this town there is hardly anything that hasn't caught my eye as 'interesting.'

All of 'this' for instance... it looks as though the pillared walk somehow leads into an ancient pagan temple complex. Tiny marble statuettes of gods, strangers even to my studies, line the walls in nooks.

Even Clara is takes a moment from her single minded pursuit to gave around her for a moment.
>"What are all of these... did the miners? Why didn't they tell anyone?"

>>158262
Greed, probably. Look at those gems in the pillars. There were probably more gems before. Do not touch them though, and tell Clara not to as well.

>>158262
OHHH fuck what is that in the tunnel to Clara's left? Warn her not to step over the pillar before finding out what that is.

Check the tunnel to Clara's right.

Err, I meant Left. Left. There's a sparky thing.

Allotter 2010/04/03(Sat)13:20 No. 158976 ID: 362f0c
File 127032601646.jpg - (96.53KB , 497x355 , 22.jpg )

"Greed I'll imagine... it..."
A queer, almost premonitory, chill runs up my neck and I pull back Clara while sliding myself over the fallen pillar instead.

>"What erh yo-!"
"Shush."

I lower my voice.
"Something feels wrong, let me check this a moment."

>>158976

Make sure not to step into a trap

Use the Radiant Device.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/04(Sun)17:08 No. 159661 ID: a56bd0
File 12704260803.gif - (730.58KB , 442x639 , 23.gif )

I slip the Radiance Device from my coat pocket muttering a silent prayer that my feeling is merely that, and that if it isn't the Device is the proper response.

>onetwothre- wait? How many fingers does your hand ha-?"

"hush I said."
I grip her shoulder a little tighter before pushing off and spinning to face around the corner.

"Ahah! erhm..."

>>159661
It's a weird statue. May as well have a closer look.

Does the statue you passed up on the way mean anything to you? Also, what is it? A spikey pyramid... it looks bad. Maybe you should inspect it with a regular light first if the Device could do something bad.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/06(Tue)19:21 No. 160598 ID: a56bd0
File 127060690610.gif - (679.61KB , 700x600 , 24.gif )

I step closer to investigate and see if I recognize the form from any of my cursory religious studies. However, like the rest of the symbols and statues here, it's exact identity is inscrutable to my trivial knowledge.

>"Uhg.. what is it?"

"I imagine it to be, like the rest of these scattered statures,some kind of primordial heathen idol. Likely depicting some kind of volcano deity if I had to guess by it's shape... and these piles of ashes."

>"It has such ah stupid looken face, but those stains..."

"Yes, we should try to find your brother soon."

>>160598
Dammit. Behind you! It's Radiant Device time.

>>160598

Oh shit! Shit! Behind you! Quickly, use the radiant device, if it helps. That things looks like it hasn't seen light in a century.

Shooting it with a regular gun would probably be more effective, but it doesn't look like we have time to draw a weapon.

Allotter 2010/04/07(Wed)21:09 No. 161102 ID: 362f0c
File 12706997738.jpg - (230.50KB , 700x600 , 25.jpg )

>>160835
"Ehh?"

>"Hey what's wro-"

shoot it in the face.

Allotter 2010/04/07(Wed)21:12 No. 161105 ID: 362f0c
File 127069996235.jpg - (163.10KB , 600x600 , 26.jpg )

"OOOOHUUHHHAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeee!"

The 'thing' behind lets out a wild howl degrading into a kind of shriek upon noticing our discovery of it's presence.

from the fact it is holding a pick, i think it's a miner who has gone insane...

>>161105

Maybe it's trying to give a warning. Or maybe it is a walking warn sign.

Pull out your shotgun and tell it to stay back! If it doesn't then shoot it!

Don't even warn it. Just shoot.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/09(Fri)22:38 No. 162108 ID: 362f0c
File 127087788078.gif - (0.99MB , 700x800 , 27.gif )

The next few moment seem to happen in a blur to me. The degenerate manbeast hefts its' pick and charges, howling as it comes.

I turn the device on it and for a moment a sickening pop and hiss of flesh is heard as it drops the tool.

"Shoot it! SHOOT IT NOW!"

>"I-I-I..."

Clara seems to have frozen in place, fumbling with both the lantern and the gun on her toolbelt.

>>162108
Kick it in the head.

Allotter 2010/04/09(Fri)22:40 No. 162111 ID: 362f0c
File 127087802781.jpg - (292.70KB , 1000x600 , 28.jpg )

Still the thing charges, buckled over in pain it stumbles for a moment and picks up more speed as I brace myself for the impact.

it looks like some kind of control thing turned on when you used the device.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE!!

Allotter 2010/04/09(Fri)22:46 No. 162114 ID: 362f0c
File 127087837394.jpg - (321.08KB , 1000x600 , 29.jpg )

Clara lets out something between a scream and a roar as she swings... the lantern shattering into a thousand peircing fragments in its' face.

Flaming oil runs over the unfortunate abomination in a dazzling pyrotechnic display as it is hurled back by the force of the blow.

>>162114
Grab her gun and shoot it yourself. Or use the shotgun if you think turning off the Device is a good idea.

Allotter 2010/04/10(Sat)17:45 No. 162384 ID: 362f0c
File 12709467429.jpg - (371.53KB , 800x700 , 30.jpg )

>>162118
I doubt the Device is contributing anything significant at this point. I switch it off to conserve power and draw my shotgun as I approach the feebly struggling wreck.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/10(Sat)17:46 No. 162385 ID: 362f0c
File 127094679164.gif - (139.94KB , 400x600 , 31.gif )

"Siloe in Pacis"

>>162385
Welp. Help Clara recover from the shock, then... I guess we investigate further.

Allotter 2010/04/12(Mon)22:55 No. 163606 ID: 362f0c
File 127113813891.jpg - (299.54KB , 800x700 , 32.jpg )

>>162399
"You going to be okay?"

>"I-I didn't mean to burn him..."

>>163606

Ask if she needs to go back or if she can continue exploring the ruins. Also talk about with her if it's a good idea. She might have some considerable insight into it.

>>163606
"That wasn't a person."

Allotter 2010/04/13(Tue)22:19 No. 163973 ID: 362f0c
File 127122236380.jpg - (182.78KB , 700x600 , 33.jpg )

>>163622
I am myself unsure as to who or perhaps even what exactly that was.. some kind of hideously diseased pygmy or hairless ape maddened from isolation? Some kind of deamon even? Nevertheless, it 'would' be gentler on if Clara did not have the bear the thought right now of having beaten and burned a person to death.

"Clara, I don't know 'what' that was, but I do not think it was a person."

>"Then wha-

"Do you think you can stand? I would like to keep moving as that was rather noisy and... the stench."

>"Yes... yes I think so."

>>163973
Let's get going then. Hm, perhaps one of you could take the pickaxe. I say you should go back to the elevator and up a level, as if her brother was down here, he's surely dead.

Allotter 2010/04/15(Thu)19:21 No. 164911 ID: 362f0c
File 127138448988.jpg - (217.17KB , 900x700 , 34.jpg )

>>164298
I instruct Clara to take the pickaxe, just in case she actually seems to prefer bashing things rather that shooting them, and I lead us back to the elevator shaft.

As the elevator comes into view Clara suddenly stops.
>"Wait... we arn't going back up now are we?"

>>164911
"Would you rather go back and face more... things like that, hoping your brother is hiding deeper in? There's a much better chance of him being found alive if he's on a different floor."

Allotter 2010/04/15(Thu)21:22 No. 164996 ID: 362f0c
File 127139176361.jpg - (213.45KB , 900x700 , 35.jpg )

>>164917
"Would you rather go back and face more... things like that, hoping your brother is hiding deeper in? There's a much better chance of him being found alive if he's on a different floor."

>"So you're saying he's probably dead arn't you?"

>>164996
"If he was this far down... Do you want to keep going on this level? It's really up to you, I guess. We haven't found any signs of his passage yet. No bullet casings, no blood."

>>164996

What if it gets worse deeper? It's worth the try anyways.

Allotter 2010/04/16(Fri)22:22 No. 165517 ID: 362f0c
File 127148174066.jpg - (204.11KB , 900x700 , 36.jpg )

>>165063
I personally fear there 'may' be some gradation in the depth of these horrors.

>>165006
"If he was this far down, I fear that may be the case. We haven't seen any signs of his passage so far down here, but if you want to keep looking"

>"Aron said they were jumped by something in the deep parts of the mines before they got split up, I'm-I'm afraid to find the answer I'm looken for... Sam's my only family here, and my only close family left."

>>165517
Ahh. Let's go back then. The monsters may have spread out in search of getaways. That one we ran into may very well have been quite a ways off from where the trouble happened.

Allotter 2010/04/17(Sat)19:18 No. 165846 ID: 362f0c
File 127155710042.jpg - (215.75KB , 900x700 , 37.jpg )

>>165523
"We can keep searching down here if that is what you would prefer? All I want to do is keep as many people safe as possible and find out what is going on here."

>"Thankyou... but we haven't seen any signs of-

Allotter 2010/04/17(Sat)19:19 No. 165847 ID: 362f0c
File 127155718699.jpg - (201.62KB , 900x700 , 38.jpg )

The sounds of faint and repeated gunfire echo from the west...

>"That could be him!"

"Perhaps.. but?"

the thing didn't look anywhere near smart enough to use a gun. even if it's not him it has to be human.

Allotter 2010/04/17(Sat)19:30 No. 165856 ID: 362f0c
File 127155785850.jpg - (204.95KB , 900x700 , 39.jpg )

>"We've got to help him... come on."
Clara tugs me by the hand and starts running to the west... into the unmapped maze of corridors and passages.

As always in times of danger I sink back into myself, into that walking dreamstate of questions without any answers, where fear cannot find me.

Why is there a city under the stone?

What was that abomination and why did it react to my invention?...

Why didn't I turn back when I saw the lights?

Why am I even trying to help her, he's almost certainly dead? Why do I care?..

>>165849 Who said that?...

Allotter 2010/04/17(Sat)19:32 No. 165858 ID: 362f0c
File 127155792181.jpg - (222.55KB , 900x700 , 40.jpg )

..And why do I feel like I'm forgetting something?

oh? you can hear us now? interesting. before we must have been whispers in your subconscious. anyway, the pale things found the elevator and are stealing it.

>>165863

And there is nothing we can do about it because they are so many.

of course, we can hope they try the dumbass way and climb the rope not jack the elevator.

Allotter 2010/04/19(Mon)14:34 No. 166972 ID: 362f0c
File 127171288688.jpg - (79.77KB , 350x650 , 41.jpg )

The roof continues to grow lower until I am almost sure we will be forced to crawl.

Yet without warning the ceiling opens up and we find ourselves in a series of crooked staircases, a twisty maze of passages all alike, yet no two the same.

The wind makes low moaning noise reverberating here and the staccato of gunshots echoing from a distance mingles with strange whispers.

Allotter 2010/04/19(Mon)14:38 No. 166976 ID: 362f0c
File 127171310823.jpg - (93.30KB , 350x650 , 42.jpg )

>>166017
>>166015
>>165863
"wait... what? behind us? the pale?..."

>Come on help me listen, I can't tell which way the sounds are coming from... SAMUEL WE"RE COMING!"

Clara continues to pull insistently on my hand as we descend...

>>166976
Start marking the walls so you know how to get back.

Allotter 2010/04/20(Tue)16:21 No. 167456 ID: a56bd0
File 127180570457.jpg - (73.90KB , 350x650 , 43.jpg )

>>167421
"Did you say? Uhm yes.. I should mark the walls... shouldn't I?"

>What? Come on, we need to hurry he's in trouble."

"We will need to find our way back..."

I didn't bring any chalk, and I doubt my pencil marks would show up well on these walls, thus I begin dropping loose change at intervals.

I hope there are no birds for these breadcrumbs...

>>167456
The pickaxe can mark the walls, right?

Animated Allotter 2010/04/21(Wed)16:13 No. 168087 ID: a56bd0
File 127189160713.gif - (522.19KB , 850x650 , 45.gif )

"I supose it would but she's holding it and we-"

>"Who are you talken to-"

We are stunned into silence by the sight greeting us as we suddenly reach the edge of inconveniently vast, cylindrical chamber taken up primarily with a nigh equally inconveniently large pit descending into the earth.

There seems to be a kind of smooth path in the sides spiraling its way upward and downward. Many strange doorways open onto this path.

Roughly across and a little ways down the chasm from us stands the source of the gunfire... That is not Clara's brother...

>>168087
Assist them anyway!

Allotter 2010/04/22(Thu)10:23 No. 168499 ID: a949d1
File 127195699235.jpg - (176.61KB , 500x675 , 46.jpg )

>>168089
We move up to assist his defense. Upon approaching it seems he entertaining himself with every curse I have passing familiarity with... and a few I don't think I've heard before.

Damn, Fick dich! Hosenscheisser... ordure vas pisser dans les fleurs va chier fils de pute die inna fire en allez a enfer va a enfer Godverdomme Ik laat een scheet in jouw richting
you Ebn el Metanaka gamo to mouni pou se petage just drop an die fucker! As to thialo Fucking shield, will you? gellbourria salak!

>"Who the hell are you?"
Clara shouts as we make out way past the corpses to his stand.

He turns with a grin on his face, I think it's Mr. Fields.
Ahahah mes amis we meet again, a little help here Padre? My round is almost finished, his defense is holding strong, an oh here comes another bastard!

>>168499

Get to the act of saving post haste.

>>168499
Shoot the one behind him.

Note: You don't need to speak aloud to talk to us. We can hear your surface thoughts.

Allotter 2010/04/23(Fri)16:27 No. 169040 ID: a56bd0
File 127206527590.jpg - (183.31KB , 500x675 , 47.jpg )

>>168504
No, I was considering just leaving him to be mangled by abominations. Yes, of course I'm going to help him.

Clara springs into action, running forward and low along the edge of the walkway to reinforce Feild's position while I dispatch the sword carrying 'thing' behind him.

>>168557
Lovely... so you 'are' in my head? I was hoping it was just the wind. I don't suppose you would mind telling me who you are? No? Let me guess, it's finally happening, that old occultist's magic is finally taking my mind as well as my form? Or maybe I just cracked under the pressure of work? Perhaps I'm sitting in an asylum somewhere?

>>169040
No. We are merely part of the greater goings on in the world. We shall assist you for a time, then move on. Try shining the Radiant Device on that shield. It looks unnatural, maybe you'll manage to disrupt it.

indeed, we have used many names, and we are not born of your mind. we are a traveler, and our most common destinations are people who can change the world.

Allotter 2010/04/27(Tue)18:47 No. 171205 ID: a56bd0
File 127241923727.jpg - (180.12KB , 500x675 , 48.jpg )

>"If you were planned on hitten anythen yah got ta AIM!"

Clara lays down covering fire as Feilds slides one one of the many box cartridges from his equipment belts into the machine gun.

>"See t'ain't so hard jest shoot out their shins"

[b] "Haha your fraulein has fire in her hands! I should have been knowing others would be after the treasure!"[b/]

>>169131
Hmmmm my very own guardian angels? 'change the world?" I should be so unlucky... I shall remember to watch my ego.

>>169043
I'll get on the Device as it's quicker than reloading, not to mention that weapon looks eletri-... my God! I'm still wearing dynamite!

>>171205
Oh yeah, the dynamite. Give it an underhand toss at the fucker behind the shield. Shooting the thing ought to set it off since it's covered in nitro.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/27(Tue)21:19 No. 171330 ID: 9cf63d
File 12724283478.gif - (783.80KB , 500x675 , 49.gif )

>>171206
Only a madman would use explosives in such an enclosed and precarious position. It could collapse the walkway! The Device should be much safer here.

Besides, it isn't 'sweating' (I would have been blown to shreds already if it was.) I just need to keep him pinned and avoid his weapon.

Damn! More behind! Ehe! te faire voir chez lez Grecs! AHAHAH!

"I think we have this one!"

>"He's slippen! What is that thing?"

>>171330

Examine the most improbable thing that seems to radiate cyan light...

Animated Alotter 2010/04/28(Wed)23:07 No. 171673 ID: 9cf63d
File 127252122660.gif - (614.84KB , 450x650 , 50.gif )

>>171509
By that I presume you mean his shield? Yes I did plan to check that after he-HOLY CHRIST!

>"Look out he's"

>>171673
Duck!

>>171673

Damn, did he getcha?

If he didn't pop that dude in the mouth with a bullet

Allotter 2010/04/29(Thu)20:02 No. 171977 ID: 9cf63d
File 127259654877.jpg - (163.76KB , 640x450 , 51.jpg )

>>171783
NOTYETOHGODHEISFASTHELPMYGUNISSTILLUNLOADEDAND-
>>171676
DUCKINGNOWWHAT?!

>>171977
Grab the sword and STAB!

Allotter 2010/04/30(Fri)21:47 No. 172376 ID: 9cf63d
File 127268925258.jpg - (166.81KB , 640x450 , 52.jpg )

GRABBING

Allotter 2010/04/30(Fri)21:47 No. 172377 ID: 9cf63d
File 127268927531.jpg - (166.95KB , 640x450 , 53.jpg )

STABBING

Allotter 2010/04/30(Fri)21:48 No. 172378 ID: 9cf63d
File 127268930784.jpg - (168.72KB , 640x450 , 55.jpg )

...

>>172378
Looks like it's dead now. Look around to check for more of them. Although from her behavior I'd guess that's the last one.

Take a breather.

Allotter 2010/05/02(Sun)12:14 No. 172911 ID: 407b5b
File 127282769744.jpg - (160.51KB , 640x450 , 56.jpg )

I release the sword and take a moment to breath busying my fumbling hands with reloading to distract myself. I have 16 shells remaining.

>Are you okay?"

"Uhm.. yes... yes I'm okay, Bruised my shins a little but I'm fine. He didn't even scratch me."

>"I thought shooting it in the hea-"

"I'm fine. It's okay, you should probably reload as well."

>>172380
I don't see any more from this direction, but Fields is still shooting intermittently. I would imagine they are reluctant to charge into his machine-gun fire.

Allotter 2010/05/02(Sun)18:06 No. 172987 ID: 407b5b
File 127284881314.jpg - (148.79KB , 640x550 , 57.jpg )

"Hey padre! I don't like this, they aren't advancing! I'm telling you now, something's up!"

>>172987
Why are we still here? Grab that blue shield and let's backtrack through the tunnels.

Allotter 2010/05/02(Sun)18:55 No. 172997 ID: 407b5b
File 127285172245.jpg - (151.67KB , 640x550 , 59.jpg )

"I am ready."

"I dunno Padre, It feels a bit too exposed if you know what I mean?"

>>172997
I see a red flash in the darkness of one of those side tunnels...

HIT THE DECK!! one has a sniper rifle!

Allotter 2010/05/04(Tue)15:29 No. 173464 ID: a56bd0
File 127301219219.jpg - (166.82KB , 640x550 , 60.jpg )

>>173003
>>173004
"Sniper! Behind and above, take cover! Now! Clara, the shield!"

Gottverdammt!

Allotter 2010/05/06(Thu)14:40 No. 174176 ID: 407b5b
File 127318201170.jpg - (178.51KB , 700x500 , 61.jpg )

There is a sound between a whine and a thunderclap as a lance of fire strikes the stone walkway directly behind the scrambling Mr. Feilds.

My eyes can hardly adjust to the sudden and intense brightness after the hours in the cavern. I hear the weapon's shriek joined by the pained and enraged voices of even more abominations echoing throughout the cavern.

shit, PLASMA cannon. that is so much worse.

Allotter 2010/05/06(Thu)19:43 No. 174303 ID: 9cf63d
File 127320023361.jpg - (168.74KB , 600x500 , 62.jpg )

>>174181
Plasma... as generated in a cathode ray tube? It makes a fearsome weapon it seems.

Even from where I stand I can feel the hot wind, as if someone had suddenly grown frustrated with the omnipresent cold wind in these tunnels and opened up a coal boiler.

I am surprised Elias Fields is standing, or rather, staggering towards us shouting something I can't here, or perhaps just shouting. I can hear Clara next to me shooting into the darkness above, no questions, just shooting.

>>174303
Get into one of the tunnels for cover!

Allotter 2010/05/09(Sun)16:01 No. 175624 ID: 407b5b
File 127344606361.jpg - (204.12KB , 638x497 , 63.jpg )

>>174361
I can smell the powder, blood, and a sweet smell not unlike roasting pork. I can feel the heat and recoil as deliver another round. I can feel words unbidden rise to my lips. I can hear the pain groans and frantic rustle of pages behind me. I can hear the bestial shrieks and gibbering of the abominations as they begin to crowd the entrance. I can the whispers crowding in again. I can hear...

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day"

>"I'm out!"

"Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

"Dammit please be the right page, I don't want to... I won't die! I refuse I-I need... more power I don't.. dammit! I need to clear them! Give me your dynamite!

"Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked..."

while it's not the best option, it's your only one, give him the sticks.

Give him... one stick of dynamite for starters.

Give him a stick of butter.

Allotter 2010/05/11(Tue)20:06 No. 176353 ID: d5c481
File 127363358968.jpg - (129.42KB , 550x400 , 64.jpg )

>>175626
I don't like it but-
>>175846
okay, that sounds a little better-
>>175972
wait, what...but I don't even? Why do I feel like I should say something about someone's face? Nevermind.

I give him one stick.

"Now don't blow us all to hell."

"Don't worry about it Padre, we're already there."

Allotter 2010/05/11(Tue)20:09 No. 176355 ID: d5c481
File 127363378279.jpg - (212.25KB , 550x500 , 65.jpg )

>>176353
He faces the door, turns his head back and grins.

"Also... this is the part where you and your fraulien should be starting the running yes?"

if a guy with dynamite says run, you run. GO GO GO!

Allotter 2010/05/14(Fri)16:51 No. 177474 ID: 49b821
File 127388109297.jpg - (165.06KB , 700x497 , 66.jpg )

>>176356
No need to tell us twice. Fields fortunately stays behind raving like a lunatic or perhaps some kind of hero? Regardless, I think Clara managed to pick up his gun.

"Ahaha Ich werde nicht besiegt wurmer! Siehe die kraft des Feurfeld familie!"

Animated Allotter 2010/05/14(Fri)21:32 No. 177624 ID: 49b821
File 127389793782.gif - (816.91KB , 500x500 , 67.gif )

>>177474
Suddenly his voice takes on a vastly different tone, I can hear snatches of something chanted.

" -orbok...-gormor -arg-... -argon... Chattuhgh!

Looking back over my shoulder as we flee down the corridor I see... well I'm not really sure what I see. Somehow of it reminds me of, something, something I can't quite grasp yet-I-

OH FUCK!! he just cast a spell on it, it's not just regular dynamite anymore, it's MAGIC dynamite!RUN FASTER!!

Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)11:10 No. 177803 ID: 49b821
File 127394702784.jpg - (5.90KB , 500x400 , 68.jpg )

>>177627
I'll try but I-I-I don't think I can hear anything... I can't even hear my own breathing. I can feel, I can feel cold smooth stone dust and fabric, I feel very tired. I can taste blood.

I think I might be laying down, I'm not really sure. Can you hear me? Are the voices still there?

>>177803
We're still here. Try to move around. Can you try to get your headlamp working again?

If not you may have to use the Radiant Device for a light source. Or did we have matches?

Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)11:21 No. 177809 ID: 49b821
File 127394768932.jpg - (5.79KB , 500x400 , 69.jpg )

>>177804
My muscles feel like pudding, and I think that blood is a nosebleed. I must have been slammed against the ground when the explo- wait shouldn't my helmet have done something about that?

Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)11:21 No. 177810 ID: 49b821
File 127394771966.jpg - (5.85KB , 500x400 , 70.jpg )

Oh damn! was I even wearing the helmet? I... I can't remember, and where's the Device?

>>177810
What are those lights anyway?

Just try to rest a little, get your bearings, adjust your eyes to the lack of light, and figure out what you've still got on your possession.

Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)12:34 No. 177831 ID: 49b821
File 127395208396.jpg - (3.29KB , 500x400 , 71.jpg )

>>177811
Yeah, I, I think I may actually still have that box of matches in my pocket. Wait, what lights I don't see any-?

Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)12:37 No. 177832 ID: 49b821
File 12739522306.jpg - (5.58KB , 500x400 , 72.jpg )

Wait you wouldn't mean my eyes would you? Yeah they do that now, well ever since that incident with the former owner of this body.

Hell if I know why, doesn't seem to do anything. Why do you think I have the frames on these things so damn thick?

>>177832
Perhaps you should remove your glasses then. Your eyes themselves can light up the darkness.

Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)16:03 No. 177909 ID: 49b821
File 127396460793.jpg - (14.04KB , 500x400 , 73.jpg )

>>177835
You think so? They arn't much brighter than embers I imagine. You see I prefer not letting people know about my... peculiarities, they've had me run out of town before.

Regardless I think I have some matches in my pocket or something.

Wait, you didn't even know about my eyes what kind of watchful spirits are you? How long have you even been watching me? I mean do you gentlemen, or whatever you prefer to be called, have any clue as to what all of... all of this mess I've gotten myself in is?

we arrived when the car dropped you off. anything you have not actively thought about or said we don't know about you.

>>177909
Oh, alright then. May as well leave the glasses on.

Have you ever heard of the King in Yellow?

>>177915
na, leave them off. being able to see SOMETHING is better then nothing.

Animated Allotter 2010/05/15(Sat)17:54 No. 177984 ID: 49b821
File 127397124381.gif - (23.32KB , 500x400 , 74.gif )

>>177910
Ah I see. So you don't have any particular insight here I don't?
>>177915
Wasn't that some French play the Pope had banned and destroyed or something? I think I heard it mentioned in a 'heresies and cults' seminar. Why do you-?

Dammit what now?
...
Okaaay I'm getting my gun.

Allotter 2010/05/16(Sun)15:01 No. 178393 ID: 49b821
File 127404726769.jpg - (3.87KB , 500x400 , 75.jpg )

M'kay lets feel around here and...
I think that's that pickaxe... a
nd that's... a crowbar...
and that's... uhm... 'THAT' is not my gun.

then what is it? we really need some light.

Allotter 2010/05/16(Sun)15:04 No. 178398 ID: 49b821
File 127404746262.jpg - (5.26KB , 500x400 , 76.jpg )

>"Mrverhuh?"

"Oh uhm... that's you!"

>"Hey!"

>>178398
Ask if she's alright. Ignore any questions about your eyes.

let me guess, you accidentally squished her boobs? anyway ask if she has any lights.

Allotter 2010/05/16(Sun)17:27 No. 178487 ID: 49b821
File 127405602494.jpg - (5.87KB , 500x400 , 77.jpg )

>>178400
It's dark I don't know.. maybe... probably.

>>178399
"Ah good you're alright I was looking for my gun, I saw some lights and-"

>"Well those are 'not' your shotgun, aren't you priests supposed teh be celibrate 'r somethen?"

"Celibate... That's Catholics my dear, technically we- I mean us Anglicans can marry."

>"Ahh well, 'm probably laying on't, least Ah think somethen's is diggen into my side."

"Oh uhm let's see here and uh."

>"Erh, nah I think it's whats-his-face's fancy bullethose. Suppose I get to keep it now't he's mine-salsa?"

>>178487
I guess. Fumble around more and see if you can find that shotgun. Get a match lit, perhaps.

>>178487
Why not try going through your pockets? I think you said you had some matches in them, and there might be something else useful.

Animated Allotter 2010/05/17(Mon)22:32 No. 179076 ID: 49b821
File 127416074813.gif - (183.96KB , 500x400 , 78.gif )

We fumble a little more in the darkness as I try and work the buttons on my cassock to reach the interior pockets.

"Yes I suppose you can keep his gun now, I suspect he is dead now and... what is a 'salsa'?"

>"It's a kind of thick sauce made from tomatoes n' peppers. Hold on there, I ken get up now if'n you'd"

"Careful with that knee I Ksshff!"

>"Sorry 'bout that."

>>178557
"Okay I have some matches here lets see if we can untangle all of this in some light."
...
>"erhm"
...

>>179076
He's NOT DEAD.

How did he manage that?

>>179076
Behind you, mate.

Animated Allotter 2010/05/18(Tue)13:34 No. 179291 ID: 70b00c
File 127421484132.gif - (264.59KB , 640x500 , 79.gif )

>>179080
>>179079
"Ehh?"

"Me, Die?
...
Fick Nein!

ask him what spell he cast on the dynamite, if he plays dumb tell him you saw the lines of power.

It was 'enchant weapon'.

A better question would be asking how he managed to survive the explosion.

Allotter 2010/05/19(Wed)20:24 No. 179949 ID: 70b00c
File 127432586850.jpg - (62.76KB , 640x400 , 80.jpg )

>>179313
>>179323
I'm not sure how confrontational you want me to get despite him being 'disarmed" given that he has already demonstrated dangerous powers. However I do wish to confront him on the matter. I shall attempt to do so tactfully.

"How did you manage to survive the blast?"

"I threw the dynamite and turned to run when the fuse was short. Surely you did not think I was to hold it ehh?"

>"Just who the hell are you and what are you doing here?"

"Above ground I but an amateur archeologist, considered a mere minor with pretensions as to the glory of my family. Here, I am a hero in the style of the old tales. Where things still lurk in the dark corners of the Earth there lies power and glory to be found for those with the will to take it!"

"May I guess that the nature of such power would allow a single stick of dynamite to bring down a cavern... without drilling? Or perhaps to survive said collapse with little more than a nosebleed when we were knocked down though having some distance on you?"

"Erm... just who are you again? I'm perhaps thinking that we may need a second round of introductions. No?"

Allotter 2010/05/20(Thu)22:34 No. 180573 ID: 70b00c
File 127442009587.jpg - (63.64KB , 640x400 , 81.jpg )

"-becasue I don't believe the lady and I have been itro-"

"Don't change the subject I saw the lines of power, you are dealing in powers man was not to."

"Not even a thanks for saving our lives? I might have considered running faster than you if I expected the Spanish Inquistion?"

"I have little patience for those who meddle in such unnatural forces... they've caused me more grief than-"

>"You two gonna to kill each other soon or are we gonna to figure out long we have to eat and drink... or sooner when the matches run out?"

"Ehaheh erm, I think that miss... uh?"

>"Clara, Clara Parker."

"Ahh yes I believe Miss Parker here has a point, and my gun if you don't mind giv-"

>"Think I'll be hangen onto it fer now, I've no more reason to trust you than him. Nearly got me blown away and now I'm separated from my brother 'and' trapped under miles of stone from the nearest kitchen."

She has a good point. You need to work together and figure out how to get out of here. Check the perimeter first, feeling the walls might help.

Mneme!CRITTerXzI 2010/05/21(Fri)00:15 No. 180647 ID: a85626
File 127442612335.jpg - (24.40KB , 315x237 , spanish_inquisition.jpg )

>>180573

NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION

Animated Allotter 2010/05/22(Sat)19:14 No. 181500 ID: 70b00c
File 12745808485.gif - (195.28KB , 500x500 , 82.gif )

>>180629
Fine, I don't like it, the guttering match cuts short my questioning in any case. I don't trust the oily bastard, but he may prove useful in that his smoking sheds some meager light.

I also note he came prepared for a fight perhaps he has some other, less dangerous knowledge, he may be willing to share about these caverns?

Allotter 2010/05/22(Sat)19:23 No. 181508 ID: 70b00c
File 127458138356.jpg - (68.94KB , 675x400 , 83.jpg )

>>181500
I tell Clara to hold for a moment while I search the collapsed section (I suspect she is trying to get a hold that curiously resilient shield and the miner's pick anyhow.)

The collapse seems to have been quite complete, I doubt we could shift by hand it with only a single pick between the 3 of us, not before we collapsed of exhaustion anyhow. Besides, with little light and a lack of proper supports it would be quite prone to further collapse.

I suppose we could try to use my remaining 2 sticks of dynamite? Or would you suggest preserving it and trying the unknown depths of this passage for an alternative manner of egress?

>>181508

What, you mean like, go the other way?

Yeah, do that.

>>181508
Dynamite would probably collapse it even more. Just go the other way. Don't leave any of your stuff lying around this time, alright?

Ask him if he knows anything about the place. If he doesn't want to answer, remind him that you all need to work together.

Allotter 2010/05/25(Tue)11:55 No. 182859 ID: 70b00c
File 127481372049.jpg - (42.48KB , 640x400 , 84.jpg )

>>181569
>>181532
Hmyes, I must agree abstaining from the dynamite would probably be in our best interest for now. Besides, one must consider that even if the blast managed to clear this exit, any surviving 'things' on the other side will likely be none too happy to greet us.

I also note that Field's back no longer shows burns on his flesh, despite the ruin to his jacket.

>>181579
"So tell me, what 'do' you know of this place?"

"I know this was in certain texts called "The City of the Golden Stair' an ancient civilization the power of which was destroyed by a earth-shattering battle which covered the land. that pit we saw back there was likely the fabled 'Eye to Eternity', said to have been the origin of the ruler's power, and the cause of such destruction, for from it they could call up limitless armies and treasures."

>"So you're thinken there may still be treasures left here?"

Allotter 2010/05/25(Tue)12:16 No. 182874 ID: 70b00c
File 127481499336.jpg - (77.95KB , 640x400 , 85.jpg )

"Yes, yes fraulein I do believe so, such treasures are not limited to mere gold and jewels either.

"And those 'things' back there? Perhaps some remnant of those armies the texts spoke of? Although I am surprised that they are still given the obvious age of this place, and more importantly that they haven't seen fit to rampage across the countryside?"

"As good an explanation as any, Padre."

At which Mr Fields gives a careless shrug and grin.

"I consider myself fortunate perhaps to find you, my man did not desire any part in crawling through caves. I cannot expect to carry all of this treasure back myself, ja? Do not worry, I may let you keep some for your own if it pleases you."

>>182874
Mention the fact that he seems to heal rather fast. Ease up on the hostile overtones though. Make it more of a curious inquiry.

Note that you didn't see anyone else while entering the place. Is there another entrance besides the mines?

Allotter 2010/05/26(Wed)09:58 No. 183407 ID: 70b00c
File 127489311674.jpg - (73.10KB , 640x400 , 86.jpg )

>>182966
"You aren't in any pain from the blasts are you?"

"It burned, but I am well now."

"Don't want to talk about it?"

"Perhaps later Padre."

"It seems a handy trick, perhaps it will continue to be useful down here?"

To which he merely grunts in response. I change the subject.

"I don't suppose you possess the map to another entrance or something would you? I know you must have come down another way becasue I saw you leaving the mine entrance when I was waling up the hill."

>"Probably came in through the Ghostrock."

"Eh?"
"Huh?"

>"The butte on the way into town. It's where the ghostfire rises up on moonless nights. Old folks say the injun ruins there'r haunted. Them caves come down here down don't they?"

"Yes, yes they do..." Mr. Fields says quietly.

Allotter 2010/05/26(Wed)22:37 No. 183810 ID: 70b00c
File 127493863246.jpg - (93.40KB , 650x500 , 87.jpg )

We continue walking down the tunnel as Clara continues.

>"Mines started going strange 'bout 5 years ago. But they only let off the last workers a month or so ago. Do you think they knew? That they always knew what t'was they were diggin after? Keep the secret and keep the treasure? Do you think that-"

>>183810
I SEE TEETH!

full stop, pull her back if you have to.

Allotter 2010/05/27(Thu)19:36 No. 184212 ID: 70b00c
File 127501420697.jpg - (79.56KB , 640x400 , 88.jpg )

>>183815
>>183821
"Teeth?.. TEETH!"

Allotter 2010/05/27(Thu)19:40 No. 184217 ID: 70b00c
File 127501440992.jpg - (53.29KB , 563x377 , 89.jpg )

I pull Clara back from the lurking incisors of unusual size.

>"Hey what's the-"

Allotter 2010/05/27(Thu)19:43 No. 184220 ID: 70b00c
File 127501461881.jpg - (57.97KB , 563x377 , 90.jpg )

"There!"

I gesture towards the gaping jawbone of grand proportions.

>"Oh wow... that's uhm... that's... Well you don't see that everyday."

get some light closer and see what's with them, if they are teeth but hooked to something dead then we will be fine.

Allotter 2010/05/28(Fri)20:20 No. 184663 ID: 70b00c
File 127510325818.jpg - (177.97KB , 700x500 , 91.jpg )

>>184223
I strike a match and bright light instantly glares off of white polished marble.

Oh yes, I would say these are certainly attached to something. We stand in awe for a moment as the flickering flame glistens off marble and what I suspect to be lazurite before Mr. Fields interjects with a clap of his hands.

"Mon Dieu! Ah, my apologies Padre I just do so love it when ruin builders have some style. None of this mudbrick and terra cotta nonsense this here is the real shit!"

"It is certainly has a homey air to it doesn't it?"

>"Who- who builds this kinda shit?"

awesome dudes, well since this is a skull i think it safe to go through it. maybe stick the shield through first just in case.

>>184663
It looks like there is a bit of a drop. Watch your step.

Allotter 2010/05/29(Sat)10:57 No. 184876 ID: 407b5b
File 127515582050.jpg - (153.44KB , 650x650 , 92.jpg )

>>184678
Testing the gap doesn't seem to prompt any reaction, although I probably could guess this after Fields blithely steps on through, his whistling echoing in the cavernous ceiling. I am beginning to doubt his claim to having experience in these matters.

>>184679
Actually there are steps... It looks as though the room's lowest level is filled with sarcophagi of the same white marble as the floor and skulls. The walls and vaulted ceiling are a dark blueish stone covered in engravings.

There also appears to be a central plinth and statue with arm and staff outstretched towards us.

statue is a disguised lever, rotate it to point at a different skull and it will open up. maybe you will get lucky and they have been entombed with a favorite weapon or some-such.

Allotter 2010/05/29(Sat)18:49 No. 185039 ID: 70b00c
File 127518414546.jpg - (94.30KB , 800x650 , 93.jpg )

>>184878
Seems reasonable enough, and then my match goes out.. again. This is certainly troublesome.

"Hey Fields can you stop desecrating the dead long enough for us to try figuring out these doors? You are the one with the light."

"Ehh Padre this is not desecration.. this is-"

He pops the cork out of a glass bottle pulled from the sarcophagus, taking a whiff before a gulp.

"Ermuhmm this here is a science it is... archaeology. Why look at that I just learned something... these people here had some good taste!"

>"If your wanten to do more'n flail around next time we meet those 'things' you'd best get that light over here pronto."

"Bueno, Bueno, Senorita un momento por favor ehh? ...non mi rompere i coglioni donnaccia..."

>>185039
That's not a nice thing to say. We can translate most languages, by the way.

We really need to find some way to make a torch or something...

Are those figures on top of the Sarcophagi holding stuff we can use? The one next to the statue has something interesting.

Allotter 2010/06/01(Tue)15:50 No. 186608 ID: 407b5b
File 12754326421.jpg - (93.62KB , 800x650 , 94.jpg )

>>185043
That must be handy. All I know is Greek, Latin, and maybe a little Hebrew. I didn't really suspect him of being very complementary, but then it probably wouldn't be useful to call him out on it. Better he think me incapable of translation hmm?

>>185044
I'll lower myself to their level to get a better look.

Allotter 2010/06/01(Tue)16:03 No. 186613 ID: 407b5b
File 127543338710.jpg - (80.11KB , 640x400 , 95.jpg )

>>185044
No, no I'm afraid not. While the figure depicts a young maiden holding some kind of lyre I don't believe it to be anything more than a stone carving.

She must have died quite young, her face is serene in death and seems quite realistically graven in a classical style. The shadows that flicker with every breath Fields takes almost make it seem as though she is faintly smiling... Like a child playing at death and suppressing a grin.

Fields continues his looting, pulling out bottle after dusty glass bottle. He stops for a moment and turns to me.

"Hey eh toss me a match will yah Padre? I want to try out a little illumination trick my father told me about."

Allotter 2010/06/02(Wed)14:22 No. 186914 ID: 407b5b
File 127551372760.jpg - (80.99KB , 640x400 , 96.jpg )

"Fine, catch. Just don't blow us all to Kingdom Come with your little trick, becasue if I ha-

Allotter 2010/06/02(Wed)14:23 No. 186915 ID: 407b5b
File 12755137806.jpg - (54.17KB , 500x500 , 97.jpg )

*click*

Allotter 2010/06/02(Wed)14:24 No. 186916 ID: 407b5b
File 127551387341.jpg - (59.02KB , 500x500 , 98.jpg )

>>186915
>"Oh hey... that's new."

suggest maybe looking in the box. perhaps it has a adamantine crossbow.

Allotter 2010/06/03(Thu)19:43 No. 187399 ID: 2a421d
File 127561938025.jpg - (57.80KB , 600x600 , 99.jpg )

>>187045
Adamantine? Wasn't that what Virgil said the gates of Tarterus were made of? Oh and I think John Milton said something about it used as the bonds of Satan...

Anyhow, I don't think something 'diamond-like' would make a good crossbow, no flex you see? The fracture and sheer stresses actually make diamond fairly brittle to impacts and such despite being the strongest material. Well that and the draw would be ridiculous.

Well I suppose you could abuse-a-hexagramic-arrangement-of-carbon-atoms-to-construct-materials-of-unparalleled-flexibility-and-tensile-stre... oh-and-a-gear-arrangement-for... but how the hell would that even, I don't?

adamantine is weird like that. it is hard as diamond but it is a metal so it actually does have flex. it can be bent but the moment tension is released it springs back.

Allotter 2010/06/04(Fri)12:19 No. 187771 ID: 2a421d
File 127567919719.jpg - (138.35KB , 650x450 , 100.jpg )

>>187401
Regardless, This is certainly not a crossbow.

"How did you did you, did you touch anything?"

>"Well no, not really I dunno it just kinda, opened up when I tapped on it."

try that raised button on the lower right. then try that raised arrow on the left. next try the circles with lines in them.

Allotter 2010/06/05(Sat)10:19 No. 188203 ID: 407b5b
File 127575835121.jpg - (137.69KB , 650x450 , 101.jpg )

>>187772
When I press down the raised arrow button the adjacent 'circle with squiggle' pops up.

However, I notice no obvious response... hmm perhaps the unit lacks power? Who knows how long it's been down here?

try the other similar panels around the statue. maybe one has the powercore?

Allotter 2010/06/05(Sat)10:22 No. 188206 ID: 407b5b
File 12757585286.jpg - (110.39KB , 640x400 , 102.jpg )

>"It didn't do anythen, are you smiling, here?"

"I can smile when I want too. Besides, I like puzzles... always have. Regardless I think tha-"

Allotter 2010/06/05(Sat)10:24 No. 188207 ID: 407b5b
File 127575869738.jpg - (133.50KB , 640x400 , 103.jpg )

"Need a hand?"

>"Oh wow."

"Is that... why?"

"What?...Mummies burn well... It's all the oils they used."

as long as it doesn't result in curses then fine. let's check out the other things nearby that look like this box, saw four spread around the stature, one may have a power core or something in it.

wait, try putting some fire on that red gem, i mean directly have it touch the flames.

Allotter 2010/06/06(Sun)14:45 No. 189185 ID: 2a421d
File 12758607325.jpg - (182.45KB , 650x450 , 104.jpg )

>>188213

I do not think it did anything but scorch the surface. Want me to try the blue gem on the other side or shall I press another button?

"So... a thankyou is no?.. Bahh keep it. I shall be going check the other coffinz."

>"Imma go check out that statue, I'm thinken I might have an idea how this all works... feel free to come help when your done playing with the magic metal machine."

>>189185
try flaming the blue gem then try pushing all four raised buttons at the same time!

Should the mummy hand have six fingers? Is that important?

>>189188
I count 5. It's a left hand.

>>189185
I see...

The circles with squiggles correspond to the skulls; when the arrow is raised then the skull is open. Try pushing down the southern circle with squiggle.

I wonder what that other raised button in the lower right is for? Don't push it.

Allotter 2010/06/06(Sun)22:06 No. 189517 ID: 2a421d
File 127588721856.jpg - (125.01KB , 650x450 , 105.jpg )

>>189444
Oh a new voice. yes we'd ascertained that already. But the unit does not seem to be functioning, lacks power I suspect...

>>189187
Hmmn, no repose the buttons move as expected but the skulls remain unmoving, I somehow get the feeling we may be going about this all wrong.

Allotter 2010/06/06(Sun)22:08 No. 189520 ID: 2a421d
File 127588731573.jpg - (127.47KB , 650x450 , 106.jpg )

>>189188
>>Oh and even more voices... you do just seem to drift in and out don't you?

wait... what? 1-2-3-4-

Allotter 2010/06/06(Sun)22:13 No. 189527 ID: 2a421d
File 127588759099.jpg - (127.01KB , 650x450 , 107.jpg )

-5-6-...

Wait let me recount that. 1-2-3-4-5-6...

"Oh God Dammit!"

>"Coulda told you the thing wasn't going to work... it's peic'a junk fer how old it's gotta be."

"You would be quite surprised madam. My father excavated many such ruins in his glorious career with fully operational traps as well as other such archaic systems of havoc and making merry."

huh, so you have bonus fingers. oh well. try the other boxes around the statue.

oh wait, try touching both gems at the same time.

DO THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT

Allotter 2010/06/08(Tue)12:15 No. 190508 ID: 2a421d
File 127602455264.jpg - (99.04KB , 650x450 , 108.jpg )

>>189813
Yes, it's yet another of the 'features' of the body that wizard trapped me in, or rather of his body I suppose, but it's mine now regardless so...

>>189817
Okay, yeah don't think that's doing anything. This feels very silly.

>>189818
I AM TRYING!

Allotter 2010/06/08(Tue)12:18 No. 190509 ID: 2a421d
File 127602468577.jpg - (102.89KB , 640x400 , 109.jpg )

Okay, I'm just going to let that thing sit for a while. Maybe inspect those other boxes, maybe this hand was just a fluke. Coincidences happen you know.

get magic man to touch them both and put magic in them.

Allotter 2010/06/08(Tue)12:19 No. 190512 ID: 2a421d
File 127602476743.jpg - (101.60KB , 640x400 , 110.jpg )

"Yeah... Coincidences... fucking statue... fucking... fuck..."

maybe all the great ones who are in here are six fingered? perhaps it is a sign.

>>190512
Mess with the statue yourself. Put your six-fingered hand on it.

Allotter 2010/06/08(Tue)20:54 No. 190736 ID: 2a421d
File 127605566026.jpg - (113.01KB , 440x550 , 111.jpg )

Clara gasps as she pulls on the statue's staff.
>"Yer... telling me... damn thing moves but... there's no.... hold on..."

>>190515
As I place my hand on the graven white marble I can feel a faint trembling rotation as Clara heaves against the weight. The head of the statue was completely obliterated at some point. I would guess a heavy blow wi-

Allotter 2010/06/08(Tue)20:55 No. 190737 ID: 2a421d
File 127605573011.jpg - (13.61KB , 400x400 , snap.jpg )

SNAP!

Allotter 2010/06/08(Tue)20:57 No. 190739 ID: 2a421d
File 127605584180.jpg - (97.97KB , 640x400 , 112.jpg )

Clara looks in puzzlement at the broken piece of stone in her hands.
>"... Ow... Oh, now what?"

hmmm, seems to be a little hole on the left near the base of the statue. if that yields nothing then tap the other four panel looking things open.

Allotter 2010/06/10(Thu)22:08 No. 191739 ID: 2a421d
File 12762329273.jpg - (124.42KB , 640x400 , 113.jpg )

I reach down to pull Clara up while commenting.

"I somehow doubt it was intended to be moved quite like that. But we t- I mean, I think I saw a hole in the statue's base so perhaps there should be some kind of handle lying about?"

Clara tosses aside the broken marble staff like so much tinderwood and looks up.

>"Erh thanks , didn't think it would jest snap like that, guess they don't make things like they used ta huh?"

"Hey lady why don't you come over here and open these crypts instead of ripping the statuary to bits ehh? They put some how you say, waxes or something to seal it up tight."

>"Are you dense or som'at? All the gold in thah world isn't going to make us anymore than the heaviest deaduns in here."

Allotter 2010/06/10(Thu)22:15 No. 191744 ID: 2a421d
File 127623331343.jpg - (121.35KB , 640x400 , 114.jpg )

>>190740
I check the base of the statue and find there are indeed two hexagonal holes on opposing sides of the statue.

>>191739
"You know lady... we 'can' just climb through the eyeholes? We are hardly trapped, In fact I think I just found some food. Anyone want some very old honey and perhaps a little 'Antico vino' to wash it down?"

>"Liquor n' honey jest makes yah drier idiot!"

.... look up?