shellphones | fourth ⚡ hidden city and golden keys

Entry tags:

fourth ⚡ hidden city and golden keys

Type: Video
Sender ID: ramuhs (Cid)
To: Public
Subject: Golden Keys and other related matters
Warnings: None

Greetings and salutations. For those who may not know me, I'm Cid and I have a bit of an inquiry and suppose "announcement" regarding some recent ventures I had with Benedikta and Shadow not too long ago.

[Both are not in the camera frame, but they are lurking in their own ways—]

First—

[He holds up one of the golden keys that have been sought after lately.]

I would like to know if anyone else has managed to acquire one of these golden keys.

The reason for it is we have found where they are to be used. Going back there is a bit... Difficult at the moment, but we know the place exists.

I won't bore everyone with the story, but we fell into a hidden city underground that was preserved in such a way that it almost felt as if it was frozen in time. This city clearly had some important and reverence for the dragon Ancient, Sarht, and it included what we believe may be a temple. There was a large stone tablet that had holes that fit these keys perfectly, and once inserted, echoes of battle cries could be heard.

We believe using all these keys will open the doors of that temple.

As for the rest of the city, the only other thing of note was there was an area that looked to be decaying in some form, perhaps from some powerful poison. We brought back a sample and will be testing it, but should we find access to this city again, best be prepared. It's proven to be quite potent, perhaps fatal with no immediate known antidote.

[Another wave of the key.]

But that's all. I'll be happy to answer any further inquiries.

[Note: Cid will be mostly replying, but Benedikta will chime in more regarding the keys and temple findings. Shadow is just lurking.]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

...We have one.

[Kaveh would really like to not talk about how they got it thank you--]

The poison...did you see anything that looked like scales in the ground?

[ she looks and sounds nervous when she responds, unsure if this is a good idea or if it will work at all. ]

So, I have a spell that used to protect against poison effects or remove them if they're present. I haven't had a reason to try it here, so I don't know if the magic of this plane will let it work as intended, but if you need a hand, maybe we could find out?

[ she doesn't mean to invalidate their antidote efforts, whatever they come up with will probably be longer-lasting over a larger sample size than her spells, but if hers works, she could be a failsafe while they work on the antidote. or in case someone tries to bypass the antidote later and needs a bailout. ]

[Sounds suspicious—]

The poison?

[That surprises him a bit and he has to think.]

Scales on the ground... The only scales we found were in these statues that came to life and attacked us, but they were more similar to the ones found before that contained visions. I take it you're referring to something different.

Do you?

[He looks at her intrigued.]

I would not oppose whatsoever, but we should probably test if it would work.

[As he is thinking of a CERTAIN HEDGEHOG....]

Surasthana Cafe

3 PM

Order 'Desert Brew'

[What.

It takes him a moment to register the message before it clicks and he makes his reply.]

Understood.

[And at the appointed time and place, Cid will make his way to the counter. Given that he's come here often enough, he's not out of place at all.]

Let's see... How I heard the Desert Brew is good, so let's give a it a try.

[Wriothesley's there working as a barista. Cid isn't his guest at first, but the moment he hears 'Desert Brew', he'll come over.]

A 'Desert Brew', huh? It's on the strong side if you're good with that.

It seems both areas visited so long ago held secrets of the Ancient, absolutely fascinating. A city lost, and found frozen in time.

[If they could get those other portals to work—]

Should you need any help testing, you likely know well enough I am just a call away. Though I'm afraid I don't have any of the keys.

Right, yeah. That's what I was thinking, too. I don't know if it'll work the same here, but it might. Maybe Greater Restoration might be a failsafe while we test? I'll need to get my hands on some crushed diamonds, it's a really expensive spell. My poison protection spell isn't perfect, there's a chance whatever this is will get through it anyway, so we definitely still need that antidote, but maybe one of them could help while you're making it.

[ just in case something goes wrong. and that way they have something to help keep the rest from getting poisoned while they work. ]

[Right where do those portals lead—]

I agree. It seems we're finally uncovering this world's past, though what it will lead to I have no idea. Bit exciting, regardless.

And I appreciate it. We may need something of a more "scientific analysis" of this poison, and you may have more of the know-how to do so that I would trust with it.

[Oh? At the familiar face there's a bit of surprise before he smiles widely.]

I never shy away from a challenge. But fancy meeting you here. Wouldn't have expected you as a barista.

[Hmm, fascinating.]

Mind telling me more how your spells work? And what all is needed for the preparations.

[So perhaps testing on Shadow directly may or may not be the best idea, but fortunately they have enough of the sample to try it on other things first if needed.]

Haha, it's not an occupation I'm normally in, but it works for me. Drinks can tell you a lot about a person and not just by flavor.

[Turning to an infuser, he'll take out a small satchel and get this cup going.]

Got this one while we were at the resort. Might be hard getting more, but keeping it on the menu depends on how it's received anyway.

[These recent findings certainly had theories spinning, what else could be discovered upon getting them to work—]

Mysterious abound, questions answered leading to more and more questions—possible dangers, of course. We may be waking who knows what else up, and it could be debated if that were good or bad. Shifts can be needed, despite that.

Mm, and I have been working with various poisons and venoms recently to make antidotes-slash-antivenoms with how much exploring is being done. [He thought it could be helpful to... have something ahead of time.] I am able to analyze it, all the same.

[In a very odd way, but still.]

If it leads us to the Ancients, then it may be inevitable. Especially so if they play in some role to our little "Rift" problem.

[He still recalls the words Norhpip spoke of for what feels like long ago.]

But I will take you up on that offer if you don't mind. The Conservatory?

[Cid crosses his arms over the counter as he leans forward a bit to watch.]

What exactly is in it?

This one goes a blend of herbs and flowers far from here. Got it from a curious merchant if you want a look before I pour the water...

[He'll bring the cup over and set it before Cid so he can inspect.]

Might've fought him in the desert.

[He will indeed take a curious look at the contents before he glances up.]

Curious merchant, eh? I didn't see him myself, but I did hear some rumors.

[Wriothesley begins slowly pouring the boiling water in so the blend can begin to brew.]

He said some interesting things too; well, if you want to hear what he told me.

I would be a willing listener if you'd like to share.

[As the aromatic scent starts to grow, Wriothesley is giving it another minute.]

"As you travel through this land, remember this. This land is drenched with the blood of the fallen. Once, it was the way of things, to claim land to survive. Once, the wars, though brutal, still held honor. But then because of greed the way was lost and innocents were slain in bloodlust.

"Is this land really worth saving? Was all that glory and honor worth it when it filled heads with egos instead?"

[Removing the infuser from the cup, he pushes it to Cid.]

Enjoy.

Mm, and I cannot shake this feeling they are behind the flooding of this world. What "Mother" was able to do alone...

[The moving waters, and all of those whales and dolphins ripping into those that hadn't been arrested and on boats when it all came crashing down.

There was no questioning the amount of power the Ancients held.]

The Conservatory, and I don't mind at all.

Protection from poison doesn't really need anything. I just have to be able to touch whoever I'm using it on. Greater Restoration I also have to touch whoever it is, but the spell also needs 100 gold worth of diamond dust and I don't have that on hand. But if I can find a diamond producer here, or a mine or something, that's all I need for that one. Just... 100 gp diamond dust per casting. They're both instantaneous and the poison spell lasts for an hour.

[ the how does it work question has her a little baffled. where is allura when she needs someone smart?! ]

[That is.

...Okay he sort of understands it. Diamond as a kind of catalyst... Hm.]

The diamond dust will be much more difficult to obtain, but I can see if I can't pull a few strings.

[Which can make MANY THINGS FROM A CORSAIR—]

Would using plants as a target for the poison testing be enough?

[As Cid listens, his brows furrow yet he does not appear surprised by what he hears. If anything he just looks more contemplative before he takes the cup, staring at it for a moment.]

This merchant, what did he look like?

Agreed. From what has been uncovered about them so far, they do seem to hold immense power compared to the other leviathans we know today. And if the stories of the old world once being filled with corruption and blood... Perhaps not unjustly so.

But I'll meet you there soon.

Couldn't tell you really. They did what most mysterious folks do and covered themselves up, but he did call himself Adinvels. Sound familiar at all?

Indeed. Even in my world there are such stories attributed to pokémon with power far grander than those we know today, and even some are still able to conjure up disastrous storms simply from the power of their anger.

... I cannot help but feel the evidence of war in Nilatast is only the tip of the iceberg of that blood and corruption as well.

[So much was falling into place, and yet also causing more questions he wasn't sure the answers to would be welcome.]

I shall be easy to find, you know where the medical building is.

[A low hum as he finally takes that sip and gives a different hum of appreciation.]

Only from what I've heard from the rumors and others that happened to encounter him.

What kind of impression did he give you?

Aye. Which would also be an unfortunate tale common to many worlds it would seem. A tale that we would be wise to at least learn of it we want to come to any understanding of these Ancients and not approach them out of ignorance.

[A small sigh.]

But I'll be around shortly.

I agree, as we saw what it was that pulled 'Mother' from the depths and unleashing that anger upon those literally dancing upon the desecrated bodies of... well, her children as see appears to see it. [With her age it didn't matter it it was literal or not.] We are best to approach with... well, respect and knowing a great anger and sorrow is still holding.

It certainly sounded as if Ainomiad is still mourning as well.

[Would the others be? Doubtless, but perhaps they had other ways of it.]

I'll make sure I remain here.

[Crossing his arms, he thinks.]

Well, besides the whole air he wanted going on... not bad. We had a round and he's a pretty good opponent one-on-one; seemed to enjoy an 'honorable' fight. Anyway, he gave me something you're looking for along with those words.

And what will you do once you open the doors of the temple?

[ He sounds... a little exasperated. Maybe don't go around opening doors to mysterious hidden frozen in time temples! Maybe they're locked and hidden and frozen in time for a REASON! ]

Excellent question. However, we think it may also be some kind of government building, so if we could learn more of the people who used to live there, we could learn more about what caused the world to fall at that time.

[NOPE TIME TO EXPLORE AND HAVE ADVENTURES THE PAST IS MEANT TO BE CRACKED OPEN!! But he can hear that exasperation and it's not that unfounded.]

Of course, there could be risks, but the dragons also seem to have an interest in this, and if it also brings us close to Sarht then all the more worthwhile.

Edited 2026-03-12 17:29 (UTC)

If all of their people were slaughtered by whatever enemy they had, I can't really blame them. Which... Upon saying it, does seem a bit suspect, doesn't it?

We saw Nilatast, which has ties to an Ancient. Then the one you visited and then the one I saw. I don't know the significance of these cities if they were the capitals or just a place of prominence... But it does make me wonder if the attacks were connected, either by a common enemy or cause against the Ancients.

[Hmmm.]

An "honorable" fight, eh?

[He muses, already having a few thoughts, but his attention will return to Wriothesley at that.]

He gave you a key? Really?

Hey I didn't mind keeping it to fists.

[Then again, it didn't feel like a gauntlet situation.]

He did... and I bought the tea so he really was a merchant, haha.

I see. He didn't tell you how he came about the key, did he?

I wonder if there was some divide that happened, a splitting of various beliefs that... some might use as a reason for violence such as this. It tends to be the case, from various things I've read and even heard. But yes, it does seem suspect.

If they were the same, and word holds true, that Nilatast was Mother's City, perhaps they were almost like capitals in that the Ancients laid claim to them as their own 'home' of sorts; one they could be found at the most. Though you bringing it up, a part of me has wondered if it was against the Ancients.

[An odd feeling that grew more so at the destruction of the music boxes, the attempt on the bell tower. Who knew what the state of the other bell towers even were yet, that guards gave up their lives to protect the one he had found.]

[ spell components are weird!! it's the way her life goes, though... ]

I'm happy to pay for it. Having a stash of diamond dust can't hurt.

[ she never needs to know if he'll be doing questionable things to get it... ]

Um... [ that gives her pause as she considers. ] I don't know... I've never tried to heal poison from a plant before. When I healed the Sun Tree from whatever necrotic energy the Briarwoods did to it, I just spent a lot of time meditating to encourage its growth. So... maybe? But there's a chance it won't work, too. Which, I guess, is the same as a person. So, uh, worth a try?

No. Far as I know, could be a fake, but you can tell, yeah?

[And don't ask how, but Wriothesley will pull the key out of his rolled up sleeve.]

[ Look buddy his people also went to explore and have adventures and crack open the past (to learn what caused the previous civilization to fall) and because of that Ulpianus never got to write his thesis paper. That and also thousands of people died and there is a Spanish inquisition happening. Is that what you want, Cid? The Spanish inquisition? ]

How worthwhile will it be when it wipes out your little band of adventurers?

[Naaah it won't be questionabbbllleeeee...]

Suppose if in your case that would be true. I'll keep that in mind.

[Probably.]

I mostly make the suggestion as it would be better to test both spells on something with a bit less at stake.

[Not that a plant's life isn't important but well. He's still keeping Shadow in mind, but he doesn't want to use him as an experiment, either, unless they have a better idea of what's going on, along with any additional antidotes that could be made in that time.]

Hmmm, let's take a look.

[He's seen things pulled out in many strange places, a sleeve is actually at least somewhat reasonable. But he'll take it and hold it close to examine it, brushing his fingertips over the inscriptions.]

Can't say I'm an expert, however this looks very similar to the ones we have.

It wouldn't be so surprising. People going against "gods" or higher beings is a common tale after all. But we have little information as to how the Ancients or any other leviathans of the past interacted with the people back then. I assumed similar to how they are now, but... There could always be differences.

[Hmmmm, there is certainly some hostility here. Rather than trying to convince him—]

I take it you've had such an experience.

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