The gift of ash

[Nephrite]

"The design of the one in charge here, I wonder?" Moore asks aloud, not expecting much of an answer. Regardless, he soldiers on and forward - albeit slower since he has to walk now!

[Anastasia]

The path winds around and into a cavern. A radiant white-gray light comes from within, the path itself a stairway that rises upwards and out of immediate sight. It's also much warmer here, heat radiating outward.

[Nephrite]

"I wonder how long it's been since anyone came through here." He wonders aloud as he follows the path. "Huh, they like it warmer than the bottom of the Mountain."

[Anastasia]

Kaja sniffs once, twice, thrice.

"Platinum," he says slowly. "So much platinum!"

[Nephrite]

"Huh." Moore says as he proceeds along. "I wonder how it connects with this place."

[Anastasia]

"It's said that veins of molten platinum flow through these mountains," Cresiel says, "But you've had your own adventures in Celestia's caverns before."

[Nephrite]

"I've had quite a few adventures inside." Moore says agreeably. "I think I remember seeing what you're talking about too some time ago." He says as they continue along. "Well, no... I think that was gold, now that I think about it, but what Moradin's folks do here is always impressive. Hm, I wonder if that means He's the one who..." He trails off, deciding to find out for himself once they get there.

[Anastasia]

"A dragon's dream, but any dragon who makes it here should be beyond that," Kaja observes thoughtfully. "To possess, one must not desire."

"Desire by itself is not wrong. Desire for gold to save an orphanage is no sin," Cresiel reflects, "Motive and the strengths and weaknesses of the heart are vital."

[Nephrite]

"It's all about perspective." Moore says with a nod. "Dragons themselves can be seen in many lights, but I think a lot of people see them as greedy for their hoards in general."

[Anastasia]

"Greed, hungry, lustful," Kaja admits, "For all their chase of perfection, many dragons embody sins, not virtues."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "I wonder if that was Io's wish that they overcome those sins and make them into virtues." He says as they go along.

[Anastasia]

You walk up the stairs. The light from above grows brighter, as does the heat, as...

Do all of you have resistance/immunity to fire?

[Nephrite]

Moore and Kaja are, I'm not sure on Cresiel. I think he was immune to acid and cold from being a Solar, but I don't see any added divine immunity to elements for him. If he's not then he has resist fire 20.

[Anastasia]

The heat is intense but bearable. You go up into a larger passage, and rivers of molten platinum run alongside the walls. They shed everything in a bright light as you see the passage ahead comes to a stone altar.

[Nephrite]

Moore takes a look around as he approaches the altar. He assumes he won't see anything magically, but will take a look anyway!

Spellcraft of 114, K:A of 119, Arcane Sight for the altar.