The Crystal Sslugs of the Test

[Steepest Durin]

I bring all I's tools ta bear on th' slimy things. I've set up a resonating field projector ta reflect back th' data encoded in th' structure of th' slugs. I hook up th' projector to th' fungi Yerkan discovered via a series of linkup node hyperwire circuits an' point it at Amatin.

If this works, I'll read th' coding, create a copy for I's records, and recode it ta dig us an underground palace in a small corner of th' Frozen Ocean and then self-destruct on another Sslug after 2 days of work.

If it fails I'd like ta know if an artifact version would work.

[Steepest Durin]

What citadel do ya mean, Yerkan?

An' I think anyone of us could outpace a slug, even these stumpy lug legs.

[Yerkan of Elish]

The flying citadel that appeared in the sky the morning that the sslugs first appeared. It seems to have dropped them off.

[Steepest Durin]

Ah. Unfortunately none of us are flight specialists. But get I there and I promise ta take 'er apart!

[Great Thrash]

One moment.

I phase through the ground, a clay arrow driving a secant through the earth toward where the citadel faded below the horizon. I pop my head out and look around.

[Diamond Master]

trail4.jpg

There is no sign of the flying citadel.

[Yerkan of Elish]

Some kind of strange abjad? Why do I not recognize this writing system!

I will search around in the trenches for any clues. I will pore through my books and any ancient texts I can find for hints of this. I will focus on languages whose cultures may have shared the architecture of the citadel.

[Diamond Master]

It is carved rather crudely in Sslugtrail. A god is usually able to read any unencrypted language's alphabet.

[Grey Aides]

Perhaps...Thrash may be right and the Sslugs just poor writers.

It is merely one...correct? One Sslug that does all the writing. Two others with...unknown goals.

[Yerkan of Elish]

Yes. I agree with you. Just a little more data, and I think I can get this...