The gift of ash

[Anastasia]

"It's worked before. Trust it," Cresiel concurs, tapping the front of it.

[Nephrite]

Moore waves for Cresiel to go ahead with it. "I'll be right behind you." He says.

[Anastasia]

Cresiel takes the shield and advances. From above a great flow of molten platinum comes forth, boiling hot.

Cresiel stands there, shield up as they meet. He is able to stop it, but seems unable to progress. He grunts lowly, "It's...a very strong current of it," he manages.

[Nephrite]

"I wonder if this is meant of a test of endurance or faith, or if it's like the last one where you're supposed to find an alternative way around the problem." Moore says as he watches.

He taps his finger as he thinks about any relevant passages in Celestian faith that may have something to do with this.

Take 10 on K:R for 122. He's basically trying to think of 'what will the book probably say about it after this is over,' so he's thinking about passages related to either standing tall against all odds or finding a way around an impossible situation.

I am basically activating Hint Mode.

[Anastasia]

Give me a Wisdom check as well.

[Nephrite]

It's always wisdom with you!!!

[12:13] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7+15 Wis
[12:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=3]

[Anastasia]

You remember one snippet that seems relevant - a painted image, of a traveler pressing along, as unseen angels support his back and push him forward in times of adversity.

[Nephrite]

"Ah." Moore says with a snap of his fingers. "I think you were thinking of this passage earlier, Cresiel. Kaja, could you help?" He asks as he flies up to put his hands on Cresiel's back and start pushing him - or trying to push him - forward.

"I wonder what you're expected to do if you're alone, though... probably come back with friends." He says with a small chuckle afterwards.

[Anastasia]

Like this it's easy. A few pushes and he's able to move forward, stream pushed back and ultimately stopped. It's gone now as you stand at the top, a stairway going higher here.

[Nephrite]

"I admit a great curiosity as to the mechanics of this place behind the scenes. I suppose just put the shield down and it will likely return to where it needs to." Moore says as they proceed onward!

[Anastasia]

You proceed up the stairs. Past all of this is a larger cavern, and on each side is a little waterfall of molten platinum that forms an overflow. It slowly begins to fill the room, picking up speed as you see ahead.

A warrior stands here, in full, mountainous armor of pure metal, with a tower shield and a broadsword readied. Behind him is a shut door. As molten platinum floods in, "You wish to go higher?" he asks, a man's gruff voice.

[Nephrite]

"That is correct." Moore says, simply.

[Anastasia]

As platinum pours in, "Then you have to defeat me," he declares. "Can you?"

[Nephrite]

"There is not a doubt in my mind." Moore says simply, again.

[Anastasia]

In that case the choice is simple: Init.