The gift of ash

[Nephrite]

"Very well." Moore says. "This will be up to the two of you, then, but I'll do what I can." He adds.

[Anastasia]

At this the hound archon beckons all of you forward and - !

Init.

[Nephrite]

Everyone gets +18 to init.

[22:10] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+54 moore init
[22:10] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=14]
[22:11] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+18+18 Kaja
[22:11] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=7]

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+39 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=5]

He's not even going to bother in face of those. Init is Moore (68) > Cresiel (44) > Kaja (43) > Hound Archon (42)

Go.

[Nephrite]

Moore considers his options and decides to simply wait for right now, as his martial skill is not terribly high.

A divine blast would probably not be fair, so he's just holding.

[Anastasia]

Cresiel approaches, cautiously, but the warrior is stunningly fast. At 20ft away his hand lashes out in a chop, as if merely gesturing, but...

> roll 1d20+70
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=9]

Which, predictably, does nothing. Cresiel doesn't even slow his steady approach, until he places the tip of Frozen Oath against the archon's throat.

A long few seconds, as the two meet eye to eye.

"That's usually works," The archon admits ruefully, "But I usually don't face divinity."

Cresiel inclines his head forward. Acknowledgement. "A warrior's own confidence and ego turned against them, an assault that you counter and send them into the platinum?"

A rough, almost growl-like sound, somewhere between amusement and agreement. "And their companions have to help rescue them while they fend off my assault to send them all in. If they can't even overcome this trial, they're not ready to go further."

"Isn't the platinum lethal to many?" Kaja asks at this, as he glances over at the boiling metal, the air thick with heat.

"You've had plenty of warning. If you come this far still vulnerable to heat, or at least not protected heavily against it, then it is a pointed lesson in common sense." The hound archon admits. "Few worthy heroes can take a defeat against a mere hound archon lightly. The better to pare away unworthy pride and replace it with humble determination."

[Nephrite]

Moore lets out a bit of a chuckle. "I think I understand. This is a lesson for both sides. Do you still wish for us to continue?" He asks.

[Anastasia]

The hound archon steps aside, "I'm only the first trial," he says, "Go forward."

[Nephrite]

Moore offers a bow. "Know that should you ever desire to visit, Hope's Landing welcomes you." He says as he proceeds forward!

[Anastasia]

A bow back to you, "You honor me."

[Nephrite]

Moore just smiles as they continue on, rather curious what 'rules' each fight will have going forward. Maybe one where only magic is allowed?

[Anastasia]

You walk on a little time. As you do, you notice that just after that chamber, there's a small recess with a book there. A book that is open to a particular page.

[Nephrite]

Everything is here for a reason, so Moore goes over to look at it!

Before he touches it, once in range for Arcane Sight, he will use that to check it out, though.

Take 10 on Spellcraft for 114, K:A for 119 just in case of spoopy traps on books.

If it's safe he will read it!

[Anastasia]

The only enchantments are ones to protect the book.

The book reads as follows:

The humble man has slain his pride and walks forward, unafraid. He acts with wisdom while fools brag, for he serves others while fools only serve themselves. The path higher comes to the humble man, while the prideful find the path lower.

[Nephrite]

Does a Knowledge check of 123 on K:R tell me if this is a meaningful passage in something larger?

Moore repeats the passage for the others and will move forward - perhaps it's a hint to the next challenge in some capacity.