Getting the band together

[Anastasia]

'Hold,' Lagann sends back, 'Are they anticipating a defensive stand here?'

[Corwin]

So it seems, although we haven't mapped the mine yet. Perhaps they are wary of slave revolts. Why shouldn't we immediately strike?

[Anastasia]

'No reason, unless you want a plan beyond striking head on. Do you think your invisibility can hold? If not, I can have a distraction ready.'

[Corwin]

Striking as fast as we can is the best plan, because it allows them the least amount of time to protect themselves and because we're just that strong. And knowing I am here is not the same as seeing where exactly I am. Since I've struck at the enemies thus far, the two of you hitting these defenders will get them to think I'm here. Perhaps even long enough for me to clear out the commander inside. Still, if you have a distraction, be my guest.

As Seira waits for Lagann to respond or use his distraction, she dismisses her zone of silence and recasts a much weaker one that would only extend for five feet from her.

[Anastasia]

Done.

Lagann kneels and places a hand on the ground. In moments, great metal monoliths erupt from the ground, all about the chamber. They are a dozen feet tall and in the shape of a pentagon, pointed tips straight at the ceiling. Lightning begins coiling and flowing between them all as amid dozens of cries of shock and alarm...

Go, there's your distraction.

[Corwin]

Wishing Oraga to have a nice challenge with the creepy mummy efreet, Seira begins her dash! Unlike the nigh-instanteneous travel within a spark of fire, the world merely slows down to a crawl as she darts from cover to cover, making use of shadows both natural and those formed by the monoliths, dancing in the haze until even those who might see past her invisibility and perceive her location somehow would only spot a mirage!

And aiming to go inside, yes. Invisible and silent, naturally. I'll also be flying at a very low altitude so I don't set off some ground-based traps.

[Anastasia]

Cool. I'm going to rule this an active Stealth attempt, I think I'd like to see a roll here after thinking about it. Also, do you have the darkstalker feat?

[Corwin]

I don't have Darkstalker. Try to spot me!

11:44 <CC> roll 1d20+96
11:44 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=9]

I do have mind bland+nondetection, pass without trace, invisibility and silence on me, and freedom of movement in case of difficult terrain. My speed is 260ft (with haste). I'm flying (low to the ground) to avoid tremorsense and traps.

[Anastasia]

Seira is a blur, speeding around and over barriers, barely felt as the faintest breeze amid the chaos. Amid cries of alarm and the burning rustle of fire elementals, Seira reaches the building and...

Go ahead, nothing's intercepting you yet with that distraction and your stealth.

[Corwin]

Seira heads inside, aiming for the origin of the dimensional block magic!

If the entrance has a closed door, I'll use ranged legedermain to unlock/open it as I approach to avoid stopping in one place.

[Anastasia]

It's easy enough, slipping in smoothly. Within is a wide hall, pipes lining the walls. Pipes of what look to be a glossy peach colored ceramic or the like, glowing with heat. The head is thick and heavy, the passage continuing to another door, this one powerful and heavy, also glowing with heat.

[Corwin]

Seira feels just at home with heat, and after a brief glance with greater arcane sight and her various senses including true seeing to ensure no traps, she shifts past the door!

Perception 10 for 102, K:A 10 for 102, Spellcraft 10 for 87.

Using Shadow Form to phase through the door (and recasting it afterwards unless I end up in combat).

[Anastasia]

You can tell the pipes are enchanted not to overheat or spill what is within them.

Past the door is a vast room, full of great metal pots, vast as barn and taller, each with pipes connecting to them. Here boiling adamantine can be seen, each one with dozens and dozens of nude creatures and similar creatures here. Each has a black brand on their forehead, of a stylized rune that you recognize as one tied to efreet rituals of protection. They move great metal poles that keep the boiling adamantine stirring, working without pause as efreet watch over them. Currently many of them are looking about in alarm, the beginning sounds of battle heard from the way you came - cries and crashes, metal and earth collapsing, that manner of thing.

[Corwin]

Are they branded as slaves, or are they simply minions branded against heat? Are the efreet watching over them with whips, etc? Does the brand have aspects of control, too, or just protection?

How many efreet are there?

Are there any other exits out of this vast room? My sight extends up to 2 miles.

[Anastasia]

It's a brand to ward against heat. No control or anything, just heat.

The efreet don't have visible weapons drawn, though many have scimitars or whips at the ready.

Yes, there's several doors tucked away to the sides and ahead - some are open on the sides and show what looks to be narrow passages mostly for piping.