the subtle shadows

You may go no further beyond, this place is forbidden Taking on a dm adjacent role for asked expedition

[dmed-expedition]

Pinned Post - Under Construction

I am going to be running a few different things, namely some combats and interactions with the setting and the enviroment. Taking on a role only vaguely like a dungeon master. Most of the plot will be made by the others as they go, my goal is to fill in the gaps, take on the needed npcs and allow for some battles that aren't 'player run' if you will.

setting scenes - posts that are prompts for enviroments and or potential journeys, etc

npc responses - when asks are sent to npcs, or when npcs come into play

ooc posts - out of character posts, when I'm replying to stuff rather than narrating or playing an npc

expedition exposition - the tag for when I've explained something to a player, usually something only one or two player characters are being told

expedition's end - end of thread tag

asks answered - ask tag

[yet to be chosen] - combat tag

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*It doesn’t take more than a thought. He reaches in.*

[dmed-expedition]

It is searingly hot, agonisingly painful, hotter than anything he's felt before.

[5d8 fire damage]

He can feel something in his hand.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

[20 damage]

*He grits his teeth, a quiet yell forcing itself out of his throat as he disjointedly closes his fingers around it. He pulls it out.*

[dmed-expedition]

The weight of it in his hand isn't much, but it feels soothing against his painful skin. A vivid blue flame sits within the burnt and blistered palm. The flame itself doesn't burn, and he can almost feel the thrum of energy from it. It feels powerful, full of potential. Just a slight nudge would be enough. The feeling of it reminds him of his own magic, especially how it feels when he heals people.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He looks at it in wonder, understanding what it is fully.*

"...Garyx, I thank you for this gift. I will wield it well and true. I would like to ask another question, if I am so bold...”

*He bows so low his snout hits the ground.*

“Is there any way to leave Beyond?"

[dmed-expedition]

A moment passes, weal and woe.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He pauses, tearful eyes studying the ground as he thinks.*

“…Is it known by its residents?”

[dmed-expedition]

Nothing.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

…

“Will we return home?”

[dmed-expedition]

Weal and woe.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“……Thank you for speaking with me. That will be all.”

*He sits up, left arm screaming in pain.*

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*It doesn’t take more than a thought. He reaches in.*

[dmed-expedition]

It is searingly hot, agonisingly painful, hotter than anything he's felt before.

[5d8 fire damage]

He can feel something in his hand.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

[20 damage]

*He grits his teeth, a quiet yell forcing itself out of his throat as he disjointedly closes his fingers around it. He pulls it out.*

[dmed-expedition]

The weight of it in his hand isn't much, but it feels soothing against his painful skin. A vivid blue flame sits within the burnt and blistered palm. The flame itself doesn't burn, and he can almost feel the thrum of energy from it. It feels powerful, full of potential. Just a slight nudge would be enough. The feeling of it reminds him of his own magic, especially how it feels when he heals people.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He looks at it in wonder, understanding what it is fully.*

"...Garyx, I thank you for this gift. I will wield it well and true. I would like to ask another question, if I am so bold...”

*He bows so low his snout hits the ground.*

“Is there any way to leave Beyond?"

[dmed-expedition]

A moment passes, weal and woe.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He pauses, tearful eyes studying the ground as he thinks.*

“…Is it known by its residents?”

[dmed-expedition]

Nothing.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

…

“Will we return home?”

[dmed-expedition]

Weal and woe.

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*It doesn’t take more than a thought. He reaches in.*

[dmed-expedition]

It is searingly hot, agonisingly painful, hotter than anything he's felt before.

[5d8 fire damage]

He can feel something in his hand.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

[20 damage]

*He grits his teeth, a quiet yell forcing itself out of his throat as he disjointedly closes his fingers around it. He pulls it out.*

[dmed-expedition]

The weight of it in his hand isn't much, but it feels soothing against his painful skin. A vivid blue flame sits within the burnt and blistered palm. The flame itself doesn't burn, and he can almost feel the thrum of energy from it. It feels powerful, full of potential. Just a slight nudge would be enough. The feeling of it reminds him of his own magic, especially how it feels when he heals people.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He looks at it in wonder, understanding what it is fully.*

"...Garyx, I thank you for this gift. I will wield it well and true. I would like to ask another question, if I am so bold...”

*He bows so low his snout hits the ground.*

“Is there any way to leave Beyond?"

[dmed-expedition]

A moment passes, weal and woe.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He pauses, tearful eyes studying the ground as he thinks.*

“…Is it known by its residents?”

[dmed-expedition]

Nothing.

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*It doesn’t take more than a thought. He reaches in.*

[dmed-expedition]

It is searingly hot, agonisingly painful, hotter than anything he's felt before.

[5d8 fire damage]

He can feel something in his hand.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

[20 damage]

*He grits his teeth, a quiet yell forcing itself out of his throat as he disjointedly closes his fingers around it. He pulls it out.*

[dmed-expedition]

The weight of it in his hand isn't much, but it feels soothing against his painful skin. A vivid blue flame sits within the burnt and blistered palm. The flame itself doesn't burn, and he can almost feel the thrum of energy from it. It feels powerful, full of potential. Just a slight nudge would be enough. The feeling of it reminds him of his own magic, especially how it feels when he heals people.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He looks at it in wonder, understanding what it is fully.*

"...Garyx, I thank you for this gift. I will wield it well and true. I would like to ask another question, if I am so bold...”

*He bows so low his snout hits the ground.*

“Is there any way to leave Beyond?"

[dmed-expedition]

A moment passes, weal and woe.

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*It doesn’t take more than a thought. He reaches in.*

[dmed-expedition]

It is searingly hot, agonisingly painful, hotter than anything he's felt before.

[5d8 fire damage]

He can feel something in his hand.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

[20 damage]

*He grits his teeth, a quiet yell forcing itself out of his throat as he disjointedly closes his fingers around it. He pulls it out.*

[dmed-expedition]

The weight of it in his hand isn't much, but it feels soothing against his painful skin. A vivid blue flame sits within the burnt and blistered palm. The flame itself doesn't burn, and he can almost feel the thrum of energy from it. It feels powerful, full of potential. Just a slight nudge would be enough. The feeling of it reminds him of his own magic, especially how it feels when he heals people.

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*It doesn’t take more than a thought. He reaches in.*

[dmed-expedition]

It is searingly hot, agonisingly painful, hotter than anything he's felt before.

[5d8 fire damage]

He can feel something in his hand.

[dmed-expedition]

*A lone lizard approaches the edge, blinded, working with his other senses alone.*

“Garyx, The Fire Lord, heed my call.”

*He takes a knee, producing a small edelwood twig and feeding his lantern. He opens his eyes fully, looking into the bullseyed flame, and then the behemoth in front of him. Tears fall, but he does not falter.*

“I would like to ask a question… if you would care to answer, are we headed in the right direction to return to Avantris?”

[🔥 Augury 🔥]

@bathe-in-dragons-light

The edelwood catches in the lantern, a thin wisp of smoke rising off of it. The bright heat radiating from the fire realm is almost overbearing, each breath in feels like it dries out his mouth and throat. He can taste the heat of it.

Fwoosh! Burning brighter the flames grant him his answer. Weal.

He feels like barely a moment has passed, but his knees ache from staying still too long, and his skin closest to the opening feels almost painfully hot. He's struck with a strange urge, to reach into the flames before him. He knows it will burn, will hurt. However he also knows he will gain something in return.

[dmed-expedition]

*They reach the peak.*

@bathe-in-dragons-light @professor-azran @the-moist-samurai @shepherd-to-the-flock @splintered-faith

The heat is thick in the air, almost visible. The view would be gorgeous if they could see it, but the light from the tear in the sky is so bright raising their gaze from the ground feels like pins in their eyes and leaves them blinking away spots with tears that dry in seconds.

As the path ends and opens onto flat ground and the light and heat radiates from before them rather than above them for the first time along this journey, they realise they have arrived at their goal.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*Sarnax’s knees are about to give out, yet he persists, walking ever closer. His eyes are slitted and squinted to the point he cannot see.*

[professor-azran]

*The Professor follows, doubled over in exhaustion with his hands on his knees.*

“Oh thank fuck, we’ve made it.”

[dmed-expedition]

A hand with pale flames flickering around it comes into his view, offering him a water skin. It seems they've caught up with some familiar faces.

"If you pass out, carrying you down will be very inconvenient," Andese sounds amused. The gensai seems to be affected by the heat as well, a visible flush on their face.

Sarnax finds himself able to make out, through hazy eyes, the edge of the peak, which drops off to a harsh slope. Its hard to know for sure but it seems like the rip to the flame plane is within arms reach of someone standing at the edge.

In fact, there is someone at the edge, ahead of him. Phlox it seems, from the flames that curl around their form, in the light from the fire realm its hard to tell where Phlox begins and ends.

[professor-azran]

*He takes the water offered, drinking one big gulp.*

“Thank you… I appreciate it. And you are?”

[dmed-expedition]

"I'm Andese, I met your friends earlier," they gesture to where Sarnax is, "there is a bench just over the other side of the clearing, should be a little bit cooler there."

They point to where the ground dips away across the clearing, the opposite side of the dimensional rip. It's oddly shadowed in a way that seems to ignore how light would usually be cast.

[professor-azran]

“That would be perfect. Thank you, Andese.”

*He gestures to the rest of the group, pointing to where they had.*

“This way, let’s all seat ourselves and have a well-deserved break.”

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*Sarnax is in tunnel vision mode right now, walking right to the eye of the storm.*

[professor-azran]

*He puts a hand out in front of the lizard man.*

“Sarnax. With us first, please.”

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He stops, huffing out a pant.*

“……As you wish.”

[professor-azran]

*He nods once, and then directs the group to the little rest area.*

“It’s better to get our bearings first. Like they said, to pass out would be an inconvenience in the loosest definition.”

[dmed-expedition]

The shadows feel cool momentarily as they step into the rest area. After a second or so, it's clear that its still hot here, but much cooler. Like being under a tree during a hot summer day. There is a simple low stone bench and to the side a water pump for refilling containers.

[dmed-expedition]

*They reach the peak.*

@bathe-in-dragons-light @professor-azran @the-moist-samurai @shepherd-to-the-flock @splintered-faith

The heat is thick in the air, almost visible. The view would be gorgeous if they could see it, but the light from the tear in the sky is so bright raising their gaze from the ground feels like pins in their eyes and leaves them blinking away spots with tears that dry in seconds.

As the path ends and opens onto flat ground and the light and heat radiates from before them rather than above them for the first time along this journey, they realise they have arrived at their goal.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*Sarnax’s knees are about to give out, yet he persists, walking ever closer. His eyes are slitted and squinted to the point he cannot see.*

[professor-azran]

*The Professor follows, doubled over in exhaustion with his hands on his knees.*

“Oh thank fuck, we’ve made it.”

[dmed-expedition]

A hand with pale flames flickering around it comes into his view, offering him a water skin. It seems they've caught up with some familiar faces.

"If you pass out, carrying you down will be very inconvenient," Andese sounds amused. The gensai seems to be affected by the heat as well, a visible flush on their face.

Sarnax finds himself able to make out, through hazy eyes, the edge of the peak, which drops off to a harsh slope. Its hard to know for sure but it seems like the rip to the flame plane is within arms reach of someone standing at the edge.

In fact, there is someone at the edge, ahead of him. Phlox it seems, from the flames that curl around their form, in the light from the fire realm its hard to tell where Phlox begins and ends.

[professor-azran]

*He takes the water offered, drinking one big gulp.*

“Thank you… I appreciate it. And you are?”

[dmed-expedition]

"I'm Andese, I met your friends earlier," they gesture to where Sarnax is, "there is a bench just over the other side of the clearing, should be a little bit cooler there."

They point to where the ground dips away across the clearing, the opposite side of the dimensional rip. It's oddly shadowed in a way that seems to ignore how light would usually be cast.

[dmed-expedition]

*They reach the peak.*

@bathe-in-dragons-light @professor-azran @the-moist-samurai @shepherd-to-the-flock @splintered-faith

The heat is thick in the air, almost visible. The view would be gorgeous if they could see it, but the light from the tear in the sky is so bright raising their gaze from the ground feels like pins in their eyes and leaves them blinking away spots with tears that dry in seconds.

As the path ends and opens onto flat ground and the light and heat radiates from before them rather than above them for the first time along this journey, they realise they have arrived at their goal.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*Sarnax’s knees are about to give out, yet he persists, walking ever closer. His eyes are slitted and squinted to the point he cannot see.*

[professor-azran]

*The Professor follows, doubled over in exhaustion with his hands on his knees.*

“Oh thank fuck, we’ve made it.”

[dmed-expedition]

A hand with pale flames flickering around it comes into his view, offering him a water skin. It seems they've caught up with some familiar faces.

"If you pass out, carrying you down will be very inconvenient," Andese sounds amused. The gensai seems to be affected by the heat as well, a visible flush on their face.

Sarnax finds himself able to make out, through hazy eyes, the edge of the peak, which drops off to a harsh slope. Its hard to know for sure but it seems like the rip to the flame plane is within arms reach of someone standing at the edge.

In fact, there is someone at the edge, ahead of him. Phlox it seems, from the flames that curl around their form, in the light from the fire realm its hard to tell where Phlox begins and ends.

[dmed-expedition]

*They reach the peak.*

@bathe-in-dragons-light @professor-azran @the-moist-samurai @shepherd-to-the-flock @splintered-faith

The heat is thick in the air, almost visible. The view would be gorgeous if they could see it, but the light from the tear in the sky is so bright raising their gaze from the ground feels like pins in their eyes and leaves them blinking away spots with tears that dry in seconds.

As the path ends and opens onto flat ground and the light and heat radiates from before them rather than above them for the first time along this journey, they realise they have arrived at their goal.

[dmed-expedition]

Can we pretty please get to the peak on Gourdy’s birthday 🥺

I'll do my best :P Annoyingly enough I have several ideas and inspiration for fun puzzles and threats, but not much for the summit. Still got plans and notes, but stuck on it a little rip. However! For Orby...

[dmed-expedition]

Sarnax is going through heat soon

:flushed:

[dmed-expedition]

// hi howdy the gang is now on the move again so if you wanna make a post sometime 👀 jsyk

Ty for letting me know! I will maybe make a post? but also maybe not... I'm visiting family tomorrow all weekend so like-- either gonna be bored af and write stuff for this or be busy af and do nothing :P

[dmed-expedition]

A panting lizardfolk cultist and chill tiefling approach a table of fire genasi.

@bathe-in-dragons-light @shepherd-to-the-flock

There one of them leans forward, almost standing up out of their chair, to reach across the table and ineffectly smack at another hands.

"You absolute--" in a quieted screech, "I hate you so much!!"

"Its not my fault you forgot," is the smug response with restrained laughter, "so if you want to borrow my spare lantern, then you owe me. Its that or you could always buy one~"

"UGH! But they're SO EXPENSIVE!"

The third gensai at the table who was watching with amusement until now, speaks, "yeah, because people like you forget them. How the hell did you even forget? You need the damn thing for this! Its the entire reason we are here!"

"You guys are so mean to me," flopping back down with a huff, the flames that spiral across the surface of their face dim for a moment, showing a brief glimpse of the pout on their face.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*Ice gets dropped into his hood, letting him speak without fainting. He looks between them all patiently until he finds an opportunity.*

“Hello. My name is Sarnax of The Edelwood. I am traveling here with a group of five…Do you happen to know any information about The Summit?”

[dmed-expedition]

The second gensai, the one who the first was complaining to, looks up and turns in their seat to better face Sarnax.

"Andese, third generation from the Summit," they bow their head, voice with heavy formality, as they lift their head up, a smile can be seen and their voice eases off to a more light tone, "I'm not an expert, but I'm far from unfamiliar with it. Pleasure to meet you Sarnax of the Edelwood, welcome to the base of Sun's Summit!"

They are clearly a fire gensai, with pale flames writhing around their humanoid form, a reddish thick bloom of fire from their scalp where another may have hair. The clothes the group wear are simple, loose flowing fabric, draped more than worn like a shirt may be.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”

*He mirrors the bow.*

“We were curious…about what The Summit is. I was told it was a window to the Fire Realm. Is this true?”

*He says ‘fire realm’ with a hefty ounce of pride, as is his right.*

[dmed-expedition]

Andese grins and leans forwards with an almost conspiratorial grin, like they are sharing a great secret, "more of a door than a window. Its an entrance to the elemental plane of fire. So yeah, very true," they lean back again, smiling wider, "we are travelling up there at nightfall, its a tiny bit cooler without the sun adding more heat, but its still dangerously hot. There is a base camp with ice magic set to cool it down about half way, its a pretty tough journey for those who aren't built for it."

As they say built for it they gesture to the table, and glances to Shepherd.

The first gensai speaks up, "going up is a annual journey for a lot of us. Most of the fire gensai in Beyond are from Sun's Summit, at least their parents were. Its almost like, seeing home."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He nods.*

“Interesting. We will perhaps see you there, then. We are leaving shortly to continue up, I believe.”

*He runs a thumb up the side of his lantern, like he’s unable to contain his excitement despite the fact he is constantly deadpan.*

[dmed-expedition]

"Be safe," the first gensai replies.

"Mhm, take the journey slow, make sure to drink plenty, and be prepared with things to cool down. Follow the trail, it leads to the rest stop I mentioned," Andese continues, "there is a place at the top of the mountain where you can reach into the fires of the plane. It will burn anyone not immune to fire, including us, be careful. Its where we light our lanterns, one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. You'll be glad you went."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*His eyes blow into saucers.*

“What do you mean by lighting the lanterns?”

*His tail starts wagging slightly.*

[dmed-expedition]

"Oh, its pretty much as the name suggests," Andese explains, "we each have lanterns-"

"Except Phlox forgot his," the third interupts.

"Unless you are Loxie yeah," Andese acknowledges, Phlox grumbles and sticks out his tongue. Andese ignores him, continuing "We bring them in order to take back some of the elemental flames. For some its almost ritualistic. Part of an almost religious belief, but for others, like myself, its more to have a piece of where we came from. I use mine to light the hearth at home, a piece of my origins at the centre of my home. Its-" they pause, thinking, "hard to describe what I mean, but its important to me. Its what my family has always done. I renew it yearly when I visit the Sun's Summit."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“I see.”

*He nods, and presents his own Dragonbone lantern.*

“I am a follower of Garyx, The Fire Lord. You can see why I am so excited to visit here.”

*He almost smiles. It’s fucking weird.*

[dmed-expedition]

Phlox tilts to the side, around the third gensai to see better, making a coo of admiration.

"Oh wow that's so nice," Phlox offers.

"Mhm," the third gensai hums looking at the lantern, "yes I can see how you'd be very interested in this. Correct me if I'm wrong, but your god doesn't grant you any resistance or immunity to fire does he? Because if you plan to reach into the elemental plane, your tiefling friend should be the one to do so, or at least be ready to pull you back, I cannot overstate how its dangerously hot near the tear."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“He does not, and my tiefling Partner does not…enjoy being near fire.”

*He shifts uncomfortably.*

“But I am no stranger to the heat of a burn. I have been nearly immolated many times.”

[dmed-expedition]

The gensai nods, looking curious but realising its likely a sensitive subject, "as long as you are aware, and ideally somewhat cautious."

Andese lets them trail off, and then speaks, "either way, the Summit is beautiful. Hope you have a safe trip up it, and don't get into any trouble if you can avoid it."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“Though we are constantly bombarded by spirits, we will try. Thank you.”

[dmed-expedition]

Phlox makes a low hiss, and winces.

"Yeah, I do not envy that particular struggle," Andese agrees, "good luck with them."

[dmed-expedition]

A panting lizardfolk cultist and chill tiefling approach a table of fire genasi.

@bathe-in-dragons-light @shepherd-to-the-flock

There one of them leans forward, almost standing up out of their chair, to reach across the table and ineffectly smack at another hands.

"You absolute--" in a quieted screech, "I hate you so much!!"

"Its not my fault you forgot," is the smug response with restrained laughter, "so if you want to borrow my spare lantern, then you owe me. Its that or you could always buy one~"

"UGH! But they're SO EXPENSIVE!"

The third gensai at the table who was watching with amusement until now, speaks, "yeah, because people like you forget them. How the hell did you even forget? You need the damn thing for this! Its the entire reason we are here!"

"You guys are so mean to me," flopping back down with a huff, the flames that spiral across the surface of their face dim for a moment, showing a brief glimpse of the pout on their face.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*Ice gets dropped into his hood, letting him speak without fainting. He looks between them all patiently until he finds an opportunity.*

“Hello. My name is Sarnax of The Edelwood. I am traveling here with a group of five…Do you happen to know any information about The Summit?”

[dmed-expedition]

The second gensai, the one who the first was complaining to, looks up and turns in their seat to better face Sarnax.

"Andese, third generation from the Summit," they bow their head, voice with heavy formality, as they lift their head up, a smile can be seen and their voice eases off to a more light tone, "I'm not an expert, but I'm far from unfamiliar with it. Pleasure to meet you Sarnax of the Edelwood, welcome to the base of Sun's Summit!"

They are clearly a fire gensai, with pale flames writhing around their humanoid form, a reddish thick bloom of fire from their scalp where another may have hair. The clothes the group wear are simple, loose flowing fabric, draped more than worn like a shirt may be.

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”

*He mirrors the bow.*

“We were curious…about what The Summit is. I was told it was a window to the Fire Realm. Is this true?”

*He says ‘fire realm’ with a hefty ounce of pride, as is his right.*

[dmed-expedition]

Andese grins and leans forwards with an almost conspiratorial grin, like they are sharing a great secret, "more of a door than a window. Its an entrance to the elemental plane of fire. So yeah, very true," they lean back again, smiling wider, "we are travelling up there at nightfall, its a tiny bit cooler without the sun adding more heat, but its still dangerously hot. There is a base camp with ice magic set to cool it down about half way, its a pretty tough journey for those who aren't built for it."

As they say built for it they gesture to the table, and glances to Shepherd.

The first gensai speaks up, "going up is a annual journey for a lot of us. Most of the fire gensai in Beyond are from Sun's Summit, at least their parents were. Its almost like, seeing home."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*He nods.*

“Interesting. We will perhaps see you there, then. We are leaving shortly to continue up, I believe.”

*He runs a thumb up the side of his lantern, like he’s unable to contain his excitement despite the fact he is constantly deadpan.*

[dmed-expedition]

"Be safe," the first gensai replies.

"Mhm, take the journey slow, make sure to drink plenty, and be prepared with things to cool down. Follow the trail, it leads to the rest stop I mentioned," Andese continues, "there is a place at the top of the mountain where you can reach into the fires of the plane. It will burn anyone not immune to fire, including us, be careful. Its where we light our lanterns, one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. You'll be glad you went."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

*His eyes blow into saucers.*

“What do you mean by lighting the lanterns?”

*His tail starts wagging slightly.*

[dmed-expedition]

"Oh, its pretty much as the name suggests," Andese explains, "we each have lanterns-"

"Except Phlox forgot his," the third interupts.

"Unless you are Loxie yeah," Andese acknowledges, Phlox grumbles and sticks out his tongue. Andese ignores him, continuing "We bring them in order to take back some of the elemental flames. For some its almost ritualistic. Part of an almost religious belief, but for others, like myself, its more to have a piece of where we came from. I use mine to light the hearth at home, a piece of my origins at the centre of my home. Its-" they pause, thinking, "hard to describe what I mean, but its important to me. Its what my family has always done. I renew it yearly when I visit the Sun's Summit."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“I see.”

*He nods, and presents his own Dragonbone lantern.*

“I am a follower of Garyx, The Fire Lord. You can see why I am so excited to visit here.”

*He almost smiles. It’s fucking weird.*

[dmed-expedition]

Phlox tilts to the side, around the third gensai to see better, making a coo of admiration.

"Oh wow that's so nice," Phlox offers.

"Mhm," the third gensai hums looking at the lantern, "yes I can see how you'd be very interested in this. Correct me if I'm wrong, but your god doesn't grant you any resistance or immunity to fire does he? Because if you plan to reach into the elemental plane, your tiefling friend should be the one to do so, or at least be ready to pull you back, I cannot overstate how its dangerously hot near the tear."

[bathe-in-dragons-light]

“He does not, and my tiefling Partner does not…enjoy being near fire.”

*He shifts uncomfortably.*

“But I am no stranger to the heat of a burn. I have been nearly immolated many times.”

[dmed-expedition]

The gensai nods, looking curious but realising its likely a sensitive subject, "as long as you are aware, and ideally somewhat cautious."

Andese lets them trail off, and then speaks, "either way, the Summit is beautiful. Hope you have a safe trip up it, and don't get into any trouble if you can avoid it."