Sword Quest XI - A Z-Machine Adventure

[Hello Purvis]

> We did it without even thinking that much about it earlier!
> "That is possible, but...I think I would actually rather do as little harm to the bush as possible, as I imagine the goddess from earlier today would frown upon doing so."

>"Which?" says Seiga. "I don't think anyone but the most local of kami would care. And why let something so petty stand in our way?"

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> If it isn't already assumed, keep brushing while speaking.
> "The one that was painting the leaves on this very mountain autumnal colors. Shizuha, her name was, yes. And we can remove a few branches if need be, but I would like to explore other, less damaging options first."

[Hello Purvis]

> If it isn't already assumed, keep brushing while speaking.
> "The one that was painting the leaves on this very mountain autumnal colors. Shizuha, her name was, yes. And we can remove a few branches if need be, but I would like to explore other, less damaging options first."

>You have cleaned off all that you can reach.
>"Oh, she doesn't care about this forest, I can assure you," says Seiga. "She cares about her forest."
>"Have you felt any hinges or a latch, Crown Prince?" says Futo.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Have we?
> In the space where 'at least one more' person could join us, would that person be able to reach anything more?
> Do the lines in the metal look like anything significant yet?
> Does anyone present have a longer reach than us?
> How much lower can we go before the vegetation causes us active discomfort, or we end up kneeling or sitting on the ground?

[Hello Purvis]

> Have we?
> In the space where 'at least one more' person could join us, would that person be able to reach anything more?
> Do the lines in the metal look like anything significant yet?
> Does anyone present have a longer reach than us?
> How much lower can we go before the vegetation causes us active discomfort, or we end up kneeling or sitting on the ground?

>Not that you have recognized.
>You think so.
>You haven't really examined the lines. It's dark out and particularly dark under the bush, and you haven't looked closely. Rather you have felt them.
>Seiga does for certain.
>You are practically kneeling as it is.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Can we summon light without also summoning fire and risking burning the greenery?
> If we cannot, can anyone else present (with lightning a consideration in Tojiko's case)?

[Hello Purvis]

> Can we summon light without also summoning fire and risking burning the greenery?
> If we cannot, can anyone else present (with lightning a consideration in Tojiko's case)?

>Yes you can.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "It will be reasonably considered, then. And not yet. I am going to call forth some light to be able to see this metal better, so prepare your eyes accordingly."
> Summon a bit of light near the metal sheet, enought o illuminate it properly, and have a better look at it.

[Hello Purvis]

> "It will be reasonably considered, then. And not yet. I am going to call forth some light to be able to see this metal better, so prepare your eyes accordingly."
> Summon a bit of light near the metal sheet, enought o illuminate it properly, and have a better look at it.

>You conjure a little light. Under the bush, you can see an old steel plate set into the ground, half-uncovered and etched with lines forming intricate and obviously mystical patterns.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Presumably, we cannot tell what the patterns mean?
> Is there a keyhole anywhere on the plate?

[Hello Purvis]

> Presumably, we cannot tell what the patterns mean?
> Is there a keyhole anywhere on the plate?

>No.
>Not that you can see.
>Seiga kneels down beside you to have a look. "Oh, isn't that fancy?" she says.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Indeed. Can you tell what they mean?"

[Hello Purvis]

> "Indeed. Can you tell what they mean?"

>"Well, they certainly aren't from the mainland," she says. "Well. Not the civilized parts of it, anyways." She winks, then adds, "I've never seen anything like it."

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Fascinating. I wonder how it came to this place? I still see no keyhole, however."
> Gesture toward parts of the metal still covered by dirt that we could reach if we moved around.
> "Perhaps we should clear off more of this plate."

[Hello Purvis]

> "Fascinating. I wonder how it came to this place? I still see no keyhole, however."
> Gesture toward parts of the metal still covered by dirt that we could reach if we moved around.
> "Perhaps we should clear off more of this plate."

>"Good idea," says Seiga, as she reaches down to do so. She brushes away more dirt, and soon reveals an indentation shaped like the Iron Key. Rather than a proper keyhole, it seems to be a place where you set the key in on its side.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Aha."
> Pull out the key.

[Hello Purvis]

> "Aha."
> Pull out the key.

>You produce the key.
>"Did you find something, Crown Prince?" says Futo.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Yes. The dirt Seiga removed revealed an indentation shaped exactly like this key."
> Look back at the others.
> "I have no idea what will happen when I place this key in the indentation, so for safety's sake, I would prefer you all prepare yourselves, and perhaps take a step back."

[Hello Purvis]

> "Yes. The dirt Seiga removed revealed an indentation shaped exactly like this key."
> Look back at the others.
> "I have no idea what will happen when I place this key in the indentation, so for safety's sake, I would prefer you all prepare yourselves, and perhaps take a step back."

>Tojiko nods and steps back.
>"As you wish, Crown Prince," says Futo as she steps back with Tojiko.
>It takes Seiga a moment to get back to her feet, and she takes several steps, and hides behind a tree, peering around it.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Mentally roll our eyes at Seiga, then return our attention to the plate.
> Place the Iron Key in the indentation.

[Hello Purvis]

> Mentally roll our eyes at Seiga, then return our attention to the plate.
> Place the Iron Key in the indentation.

>You do so. Suddenly the plate flares with a purple light and a roar, as a wave of invisible force slams against you, nearly causing you to stumble! The animals and insects in the area start to panic loudly. Wind continues to blow against you.
>"Crown Prince!" Tojiko calls, shouting over the roaring gale.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Shield ourselves with our arms!

[Hello Purvis]

> Shield ourselves with our arms!

>You through your arms up in front of you. The glow is getting brighter.
>"You must draw back!" Futo shouts.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Could we stand up without falling over from the force of the wind?

[Hello Purvis]

> Could we stand up without falling over from the force of the wind?

>You aren't sure, but you think so.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Stand up. If we succeed at standing up without falling over, take a couple of steps back.

[Hello Purvis]

> Stand up. If we succeed at standing up without falling over, take a couple of steps back.

>You stand, and take a couple steps back, then are forced back a couple more before you can steady yourself. Your companions have already retreated back as well.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Take a peek through our arms at the plate.

[Hello Purvis]

> Take a peek through our arms at the plate.

>You look at the plate, and the glow is becoming brighter and brighter! Suddenly the roar of wind gives way to an explosion, and every goes purple-tinged white! In the abscene of noise is a deafening roar and the sound of beating wings; the wind changes for a moment, then fades. Your eyes are recovering.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Groan a bit and rub our eyes to help the process along.
> "Is everyone well?"