Phoenix

[Anastasia]

One elf has dark red hair and just throws his hands up in surrender, "Somewhere deep in," he answers, no resistance, eyes wide with fear.

"That's S-Seira Aryn," the other gulps, "And K-...K...she was on the Aurora," he wails.

"That's right," Kascha says, "So tell us, or else....please." She appends at the end. "I really do want to know more."

[Corwin]

Lead the way. We'll pass the time by having you tell us who sent you here.

[Anastasia]

"We...nothing outside of this room is safe!" The second one manages.

"It is now," Kascha says, with unreasoning finality. She points and the two spring up, rushing ahead to lead the way.

[Corwin]

Start talking. Who made that room spacially stable? Who is behind this scheme?

[Anastasia]

"W-we did. When we gave Bwimb the..." The first pauses and gulps deeply. "The trapped item. She was so happy to get a g-gift."

Kascha's face hardens, "Who. Is. Behind. This?" she asks with quiet intensity.

"Y-you have to protect us," The second says, "If it's found out..."

"You have it." Kascha says without hesitation, voice brimming with quiet anger, tight. "Now who was behind this?"

"Ogremoch," Is the answer, "Through a servant who gave us the item."

"Wonderful," Kascha says, "What was the item?"

"A puzzle box," The second answers quickly, "Trapped with magic I know not."

Not Ogremoch's style. He's a brute, not a trickster. He beats you overt he head more than he gives you a poisoned apple.

The same thought crossed my mind. Are you thinking a misdirection?

That's one possibility. The other is that Ogremoch works with another who is behind this part of the plan.

[Corwin]

My bet is on the Crimson Firebrand working through Ogremoch. He was sniffing around him according to Kossuth, wasn't he?

[Anastasia]

It could be. We'll have to investigate after we secure Bwimb.

"Then we'll fix it when we find her," Kascha seconds, striding on.

As long as we don't jump to any foolish conclusions we'll be alright. It may well be the Firebrand, but there's more evil out there than just him.

[Corwin]

Seira gives a mental shrug. The timing really favors this theory, and since he seems to be our enemy no matter what it's not like he can be even more of an enemy if we were to accuse him of it? We can at least defer judgement until we see it for ourselves.

[Anastasia]

A quiet agreement from Sanzha as you go on, as...

Concentration check real quick.

[Corwin]

21:04 <Corwin> roll 1d20+70
21:04 <Kobot> Corwin rolled 1d20+70 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{73}

[Anastasia]

A ripple goes through the space as you go ahead. Nothing you can't handle, nor Sanzha can't, but it makes you need to focus on your work all the more.

"Faster," Kascha urges them on as you head onward, up another set of stairs, "Is that supposed to happen?"

"Don't know," The first says, "I'm no archmage."

[Corwin]

Seira focuses on her task even more, declining to comment. There is little to do until they reach Bwimb's prison or an enemy, after all.

[Anastasia]

Onward and upward.  Kascha leads the way up the stairs, which widen until, "Get back," Kascha calls, the two doing just that. Coming from above are several distorted shapes, things twisted betwen ooze, metal, stone and filth. They're approaching the edge of the bubble again, coming onwards.

[Corwin]

As before, I shall be your support, Seira tells Kascha, although this time she projects her fearsome aura!

Will DC 31, Fright. I'm sure they'll save or be immune, but on the off chance it works they'll flee.

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+23
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+23 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{32}

The creatures are not frightened. However, they stop and do not advance. Kascha calls to them, in their minds:

Flee while you have a chance.

The shapes turn and run, no words but merely escaping Seira's presence.