The second seal (Moore)

[Nephrite]

We had the end of one of our campaign functions today, so I haven't actually been at work most of the day!

"Ah... no, not really." Moore shakes his head. "Brown beard, short hair, trimmed, a little grey. Probably doesn't describe anyone in particular."

[Anastasia]

"It might fit," Ule says after a moment's consideration.

"So you fucking know who it is. Good, get on with instead of dancing around it like a virgin in front of her first cock." Dana gives him a level glare, "Fuck, you're acting like you're going to pop your storytelling cherry with this."

Ule's expression darkens and he says in a quiet voice, "One does not talk to a member of the Eighth Circle like that!"

"Stop it, both of you." Balyss interjects, "As Balyss of the TENTH Circle," she gives Ule an unimpressed look, "Swallow your pride and get on with it."

"The Buried Prince is a nom de guerre for a powerful wizard who lived about a long time ago," Ule says, "His name's lost, perhaps hidden by powerful magic or simply lost to the passing of the years. All that's known is that he shed his mortality for undeath and sequestered himself away deep underground." A pause for a deep breath, "We know where he is, but we do not choose to disturb him. A wizard of his age is within his rights to conduct his research as he sees fit."

[Nephrite]

"Ah, so then it sounds like The Buried Prince probably knows who it is we seek." Moore says, choosing to simply ignore the argument for the time being. "Would you please tell us where we can find him? I don't think he'd mind seeing guests like us."

[Anastasia]

"It may be so," Ule agrees, "My apologies for the offense, Lady Balyss of the Tenth Circle."

"It's forgiven," Balyss says, "Selune forgives our trespasses, so long as we ask with an open and regretful heart. The least I can do is do the same for others."

"Then I apologize again, for my next news is graver." Ule says, "We are aware of his outer defenses, as is only prudent. Only royalty can lower the fields of force around the path to his lair."

Dana just smirks, "Well shit, looks like your magic voice friend knew what was what after all."

[Nephrite]

Moore grins at Dana and nods. "We happen to have someone of royal blood with us. Is there any kind of action that needs to be performed to lower the fields?"

[Anastasia]

"Her presence should be enough. From there you are on your own, as we know nothing of what lies beyond," Ule says, "We are willing to transport you there when you desire."

[Nephrite]

"We will go now, then, Sir Ule. Please contact me when your Circle has made a decision." Moore bows and smiles. "Thank you for hosting us on such short notice. Even if you all ultimately decide not to pursue an alliance with us, I would love to return to learn more of your Empire."

[Anastasia]

"Then take my hands," Ule stands, offering them out.

Last chance if you want to do anything before going over.

[Nephrite]

Take 10 for 47 on Spellcraft just in case there's a new magic at work or somethin'.

Moore takes Ule's hands as instructed.

[Anastasia]

Looks like a bog standard greater teleport. Woosh!

You're in a rather sparse forest. It's clammy and chilly here, a thin fog drifting about in places. Very little sun gets in despite the non-existent canopy. "These are the Chilled Woods. The locals believe them to be cursed with undead and stay away, though that's the talk of non-wizards." He gestures ahead, "Ahead teleportation magic is barred. Travel that way, to the north, for about ten minutes. You'll find a little cleft in the earth. It's easy to miss, we've put a blue marker stone. It'll stand out, check around it and you'll find it."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods again. "Thank you again, and my apologies for any trouble we've caused you. Even if, ultimately, you decide to not ally with us, any of your people would always be welcome in Aurora."

[Anastasia]

"Good fortune. The Weave protect you," Then Ule casts and is gone, leaving the three of you alone.

[Nephrite]

"Well, if it turns out this Buried Prince is a lich who's evil, we're definitely killing it, just so we're completely clear on that..." Moore says as he starts to fly, keeping an eye out for anything odd on their way.

[Anastasia]

"See lich, burn lich in Selune's name. I learned that back in my acolyte days," Balyss cracks a lopsided smile, "But do exercise caution. Liches don't become liches lightly and are powerful, old and prepared."

"Whatever," Dana shrugs as she walks, "Can't be as bad as that other asshole Afina and I were going after. Would kick off apocalypse levels of badness if anyone serious threatened him. What a self absorbed motherfucking cunt. What sort of immature asshole does that? Oh no, I'm going to protect myself by threatening others instead of sacking up and acting like a man. Bull fucking shit! Turning into a lich was no fucking problem for him, since he didn't have any balls to rot off in the first place."

[Nephrite]

"Sounds like that whole wizard thing where they want dozens of contingency plans for everything." Moore says as he goes along. "You think it was just a bluff?"