Sapphire:Sessions:20170128

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Branamin begins investigating the places from which the rats emerged.

Chalker, Ahn-Lee, and Shawna explore the mine tunnels. Occasionally on the walls they find numbers and letters, reminiscent of grid coordinates, marked in Venettian. They have descended several hundred feet when they find a 2' steel post. Something that had been atop the post had exploded, blackening the post and walls.

They come upon larger cavern, the most striking feature of which is a lectern about 5' tall. On each side of the entrance to this cavern is a steel post topped by a walnut-sized chunk of dark mithril. One post is marked Filtration Stake 1 and the other Filtration Stake 2. Chalker tests his TK on the left walnut; it doesn't feel as slippery as other dark mithril he's sampled, but he senses something moving up the TK connection into his mind and quickly releases the walnut.

Shawna points out the beginning point of the mithril vein, which is marked by another steel post topped with a fist-sized dark mithril "brain." The brain is not alive, but there are electrical impulses going through it. On the post are the words Converter 1. Also in the cavern are a Converter 2 and Converter 3.

Ahn-Lee examines the lectern. It seems to be made of steel. The top surface has various slots in it. Chalker takes a look and finds a handprint scanner plate, some raised buttons, a series of circles, and several words in an unknown language with Venettian roots. Some of the words are Link, Display, and Command.

Chalker places his hand on the scanner and a voice inside his head (and also heard by Ahn-Lee and Shawna) says Welcome. Continue access protocol. The scanner plate contours to his hand, and a gold-colored light appears on the bottom left. Everyone feels a sudden head-to-toe shiver.

Chalker: "Nearest portal." Not currently authorized. "Level of authorization needed?" Status update briefing required. A couple of other buttons light up: Link 1 - Information Access and Link 3 - Command Access. "Date and time of last update." 1343 in the Year of the Land. Shawna explains that this was a calendar system used in the so-called Golden Age; the first Year of the Land was about 500 years before the Dark Age.

Chalker peers inside the lectern. There is a paper-thin sheet of dark mithril atop an array of crystals. Chalker: "Name of the last person with Link 1 or 3." Alexander. "Alexander Jackson?" No. "Does Belandrie have Access Link 1 or 3?" Apparently directed to Shawna, in formal, archaic Elven: Elf-friend, to whom are you aligned? Venettia or Xanthypia? Shawna: "The war ended thousands of generations ago." This island must be prepared for when the correct person presents the proper links.

Ahn-Lee: "What do the links look like?" Rings, or small coins. I have said enough, Taker of Lives. "You don't have to flatter me." The voice refers to Chalker as Group Talker.

Chalker determines that this is an auxiliary site for mining functions; the main site is in a more protected part of the island. Snakes can be heard slithering in the tunnels. Shawna: "Call off the defense systems. We are leaving in peace."

Branamin writes in his journey book: No new rats will appear. Heading back to ship.