---
title: 00012
created: Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:44:58 -0600
updated: Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:44:58 -0600
public: yes
syndicated: yes
---
### 00012

> Harrumph I say as I billow out my mustache. I know exactly what this is, I've seen these silly terminals at the wizarding academy. Fascinating little babbles really, not that easy to use, and I find they're easier to melt with a well placed fireball or two, but I think I can get us past without that. Now I might need someone to cover for me if that Kobit catches onto what I'm doing, and I'll say the weird sword is starting to creep me out a bit.
> 
> Corraidhin approaches the terminal, cracks his knuckles, and enters:
> 1,$p 

The printer spits out a piece of paper:

    The door is Locked

> Corraidhin stares at the paper. Well, that's not right, the door's only partially closed. Preposterious thing.
> 
> That's okay, I know how to fix this.
> 
> 19
> c
> there is no door, there never was, and never will be. Also the Kobit guard forgot to tie his shoes.
> .
> w
> 1,$p 

The printer spits out a slip of paper.

    there is no door, there never was, and never will be. Also the Kobit guard forgot to tie his shoes.

With a soft pop, the thick stone door vanishes.

The sword at the bottom of the pool widens its eye in surprise.

Nothing remains between you and the interior of the vault.

Some light from the hall spills in and glints off what appears to be a mound of gold, gems, and crystals. The rest of its contents are hidden from view unless you venture inside.

You can still hear the guard kobit in the passage, now whistling a warbling, lamentful tune. It sounds dangerously close. Best get a move on if you want to avoid a confrontation.

WHAT DO YOU DO

> While the wisened scholar inspects the vault door, Inky walks a few steps from the antechamber to meet the Kobit guard, pressure gauge and tiny notebook in hand. Inky proceeds to ask them about water flow sounds in the surrounding area, water stains, signs of potential pests that could damage the pipes, and other rather boring elements pertaining to modern Basmentia burrow plumbing.
> 
> After a while, seeing as they have been conversing for some time, Inky pulls out two small bottles of chilled arrowroot beer from a waist pouch and offers one to the Kobit guard.

The big guard kobit's eyes start to glass over as Inky goes on about water pressure and structural integrity.

But it does graciously accept a bottle arrowroot beer.

"Well, golly, don't mind if I do!" It cracks the lid off, toasts to your health and takes a long swig.

"Aaaaaaaah! That hits the spot!"

> Corraidhin absentmindedly inspects the terminal and door while Inky converses with the guard. He's utterly distracted and talking to himself.
> 
> By the gods, it's gone. Just like that! I thought it'd fizzle or something, but it's gone! I wonder what else I can do with this thing. 
> 
> Corraidhin wanders back to the terminal and enters another command.
> 
> 19
> c
> The wise and elderly Corraidhin is now a young and dashing rogue, with a very nice hat. 
> .

The printer spits out a slip of paper:

    ?

Maybe the ed terminal only has jurisdiction over the door to the vault.

Or maybe the machine, the universe, or whatever, is telling you not to push your luck.

By now the big guard kobit, lulled by Inky's questions and finally sedated by the alcohol, is slumped and snoring softly in the mouth of one of the twisty little passages.

You stand before the open vault under the ever watchful gaze of the sword at the bottom of the pool of water in the center of the room.

WHAT DO
