* The gray-robed figures continue to enter and leave the room on their own errands, with the exception of the one who has been speaking to you, standing a little off to the side, presumably waiting for the civilians to be led here. <Fordran> "Why were Erias and Foster specifically targetted?" <Erias> "I'm tired of keeping this secret anyway. Foster, would you like to explain? I would guess you know more than I do about us anyway." * Foster sighs. <Foster> "I knew we'd come to that messy topic eventually. I guess the best place to start would be with swearing you all to silence on what I'm about to tell you. That done, I would assume that Gray kidnapped us because we're, hm... I suppose 'more than human' would be the most accurate description, in spite of the unfortunate condescension associated with the phrase. The technical name for our people is 'Elan', which may sound familiar. In short, we're humans who've remade ourselves by sheer force of will. What this boils down to is a theoretically infinite lifespan, assuming no violence, disease or other unfortunate interference, a removal of the need to eat, drink, or sleep, though honestly, all three are rather pleasant." <Foster> "Whatever Gray was doing with those machines was effectively siphoning off the improvements that we've made to ourselves - one of his previous victims, also an Elan, was entirely stripped of his gifts. Last I knew, he had been confirmed as being human. One of my goals here is finding out what was done with the energy he siphoned from our people, and the full extent of the kidnappings, of all sorts." <Foster> "I'm not sure what Erias has to say on this matter. Dianarra seemed to bear him a rather specific grudge, so perhaps he will explain his side of things." <Erias> "It's hard to say what the details of her situation are. I need to talk to her further as soon as I have a chance. Her claim may be valid, and I don't know how I'm going to handle that." <Erias> "I still eat and drink, by the way. I can go without indefinitely, but it takes effort I'd rather not waste. But it'll be nice not to have to pretend to sleep." * The civilians enter the room, being led by one of the gray-robed figures. <Apol> "Where are we? How do we get out of here? How do we get back here? Where is Bonecrusher?" <A Gray> *pauses until the barrage of questions abates* "We are in the central control chamber of... our... sanctum. The sanctum is located a little off the coast of Threecrown, beneath the water. For security and secrecy, all access in and out is by teleportation only." <A Gray> "I do not know where the ogre is at this moment, but he will be tracked down by Ralef and Zevuril briefly." <A Different Gray> "Mistress Dianarra has been safely secured in a holding area, as instructed. We have arranged individual rest areas if you require them." * The party makes general protests about being separated. <That Last Gray> *pauses a moment* "Your rooms have been merged into a communal area. Please, follow me." <Party> "..." He leads you out of one of the square doorways into an ubiquitous shimmering white hallway. <Fordran> (following) "What is going on here?" <A Gray> "Yes... he means in the general sense, yes." *nod* (over his shoulder, to Fordran) "You ask us a complex question, Fordran, but I will answer to the best of our knowledge. Gray has been aware for some time of the events that will lead up to the rise of a new god, a powerful and - by any mortal understanding - terrible god. To prepare for this danger, this conflux of expanding probability and possibility that others call 'prophecy,' Gray has been searching, culling, testing, creating... here we are." He has led you to the end of the corridor, a doorway opening into a dimly-lit square room with a dozen simple gray mattresses spaced evenly around the room. There is no breeze here, and the air is devoid of the sensation of warmth or cold. <Foster> "So, what was the purpose of all the inane tests to which we were put?" <Erias> (walking, voice strained/frustrated) "Why did you kidnap people and steal the strength of their minds? Why did you kill them and dump their bodies for the Church to find?" <A Gray> (to Foster) "We can answer your question, Foster, but you are spent, and to show you would sate your curiosity more completely than a simple explanation. But I will also give you a simple explanation because you desire it, and it will partly answer Erias' question." <A Gray> (to Erias) "Gray sought specimens of power, ability, and exceptional will from which to cultivate, improve, and create the weapons for the war to come. As for what we took from you, as you may have guessed, we are psionic, Erias, as you are. You provided valuable data, and perhaps more importantly, power... But we did not kill those people." <A Gray> "We will answer your questions in full after you have rested. I sense that, if I continue any further, answers will lead to more and yet more questions until exhaustion takes you." * Gray bows slightly. <A Gray> "This corridor will remain connected to the central control chamber until requested. Should you need anything, ask any of us." With that, he departs. <Erias> (to his departing form) "What *are* you?" <A Gray> "Potential." (still without turning, from further down the corridor) "Later... when you have rested." * The civilians look emotionally exhausted, fatigue overcoming wariness. They cluster together at the cots furthest from doorway, and are soon unconscious. * Erias sets his pack down on a mattress and, somewhat confident that the civilians are okay, takes his leave to wander off on his own, check on Yawin and bring him to us if necessary, etc. * Grith follows Erias out after a little while. * Foster pulls a mattress to a corner, sits against the wall, and spends a few hours meditating over some objects pulled from his haversack. * Fordran suggests that they set up watch rotation... just in case. --- Saved for after resting: - Deeper explanations of what was briefly touched upon. <Foster> Also, what's this about a false god? What sort of extraordinary resources do you intend to use to enable us to combat any sort of divine power?" <coin-work> "We assume that when you talk about this false god, you mean the Church of the mrrfle mrrfle (ooc: can't remember name, don't want to scan logs, please substitute here.) Is that correct? What can you tell us about the Church?" <Fordran> "What IS that glowing liquid in those vials?" <Ian> Foster is going to A) get a full tour of the facility, B) Go through with Apol, pilfering everything magical, C) ID all of that, D) total the assorted nonmagical assets, and E) determine the location of the Facility, as well as the modes of transportation availible to us. Among other things. <Ian> Getting a definite list of all living beings currently being held by Gray would be nice, too. <Ian> Possibly separated by sentience. <Ian> Hm. I think it's questions re: what's going on here, then E), then sleep, then A, then B, then C and D in tandem. <Grith> "What the hell is up with the statue?" <Grith> Can I get my memory back?