[Game Thread] The Ruins

[RonarsCorruption]

OOC No problem.

Obiri spent a moment on his knees in the hot sand, allowing the dizziness to pass. The vision was intense, and not at all what he was expecting. He grabbed Garril's proffered hand and pulled himself up, nodding in thanks.

"Right, forgot about the cataclysm thing." He commented to himself. After a moment's pause with the others looking at him quizzically, he added, "Oh, the empathy thing. And very much likely the magic holding this place together is bound to the horrors of the fallen civilization. Not something important, really." He took a deep breath. "But not something I want to repeat. Find anything?"

[Preacher]

Revolo turned on the spot as he heard Erenthos speaking a long greeting to someone. He peered at him through squinted eyes, approaching where he and Rager stood and inspected the statues. He obviously believed those statues to be alive. Revolo suspected him to have gained a certain paranoia of magical wards and things-that-come-alive from their past delvings. They had indeed seen many things that would make most men jittery about anything unnatural, but Erenthos was perhaps a bit overly wary about such things, suspecting every entrance to be a trap. And now he was talking to those statues as if they were live beings. "I suspect the sun has left him a tad woozy..." He murmured to Rager.

[FoggyKnight]

Ragar twitched slightly as Erenthos drew upon his god's name in an attempt to bluff the Gatekeepers into opening the temple for him, but said nothing, willing to wait and see if the god of Luck and Trickery would smile upon the effort. He frowned slightly at the slaver, holding a finger to his lips. "There is a method to his madness." He whispers back.

After all, it was his idea, and Erenthos was only following it. He had forgotten the man's tendency towards acting however, and he refiles the information back into his head where it had fallen out. He also watched the would-be priest with some misgivings however. For one, a cleric of Olidamarra would never wear the heavy armor, shield and sword that Erenthos wore; it was too heavy and too conspicious both in looks and stealth. However, he supposed that a lie within a lie might be alright, a cleric pretending to be a cleric on another religion, but that just made his head hurt. Give him heights to waltz and a safe to crack any day.

How did the other teams get in, I wonder? He looked towards Zipher, noticing the desert dweller's slightly distant expression. Probably happier than a pig in mud to get back into this heat and sand sort of thing. I wonder what he's thinking. Ambling back over, he ask, "how are you doing back here?"

[dirkoth]

The party makes their way up the stone steps, seemingly oblivious to the potential for traps to have been laid there for the unwary. Luckily, there were none, or time and sand had erased their ability to work properly. Either way, the group arrives at the broad expanse of flat rock, just before the tall, one story building that seemed to make up the monument's entrance portal.

To the right and left, two slightly taller edifices sit, each a slight recess into the block of stone before them. In each recess stood a tall stone statue, mute and silent. Despite being exposed to the environment, the statues looked remarkably clean and unweathered, as if something had protected them from the blowing sand, even that of centuries ago.

Erenthos moves before the leftmost alcove, and begins speaking to the statue there. Nothing happens. The orator continues, but still, nothing happens, except the wind continues to blow a hot, dry breeze across the ruins.

Leiter stoops to examine the stone, running hands along it here and there, touching, pressing, searching for something. A clue, no doubt, which is not found. The construction of the monument is superb, and obviously, used magic.

As the party gathers, and listens to Erenthos speak to the statue, they are not still. Moving about the platform, they check here and there, poking and prodding. Finally, when Erenthos is done with his speech, he waits. And waits. And waits. Seeing no results, he begins to move away, when suddenly, in the center of the area, just at the head of the steps, a shimmering, ghostly figure slowly forms.

The form is that of a man, dressed in white robes. White symbols are threaded into the hems of the robes, but the effect is translucent... the figure is hard to see. It does, however, obviously float a few inches off the stones. Each person in the group can see the figure, and see through the figure too, as it is a hazy vision of a man, not a fully formed person.

Why have you come here, the figure says softly. It is facing the stairs, and seems to not realize that the party is generally to the side, or behind it. The voice was barely audible, and the next time it speaks, it does so with a bit more sound. What do you seek at Tu'ath-anuma', where only death resides? It turns in a full circle now, slowly, but holds its spot a the head of the stairs.

dm note: ziggy and wolf, can you see your special text? want to make sure it works.

[Wolfhound]

Admiring the work of stone, Isolette ran a bare finger along it's curious design, finding knowledge but gratifyingly not the cut of danger. A gust of wind trailed over the shadow's length of a tall pillar, coaxing at her loosest garment as she finally wandered in step with Zipher's own. "Syridian design. A thousand 'old or more. Can you make the symbols? That one there I've only seen twice before. Elemental. Something about wind. Hot wind. Perhaps Ragar can translate it."
She winked quietly to the knight ahead of them, catching Garril's eye when suddenly the apparition shimmered into the skies over them all. Keeping the dagger in her mouth sheathed, the young woman watched it's luminescent glow, intrigued that the figure "spoke" common; indicating hand tailored magic or a previous engagement with the modern dialect. Leiter whispered to the back of Erenthos's ear. "What does the mighty Farril, priest of Olidamarra have to say now?" He was a sly tongue, but Zither's depth of knowledge might yet save them all a line of bull excretion or what's worse a damning riddle.

"You know what they say about first impressions.. They're not important."

ooc: Nice post Dirkoth, intriguing.

[Donutboy]

Erenthos is scared by the appearance of the man, but does not show it. Instead, he looks merely startled.
"Be quiet, Isolette." he whispers, his mind racing. 'I've already commited to this character now. There's no way I can change it. I have to stick with what I said. Maybe I can change it slightly without screwing up.'
He takes a breath, then speaks. "Me and my group have been sent by the church of Olidamarra to free this place from its curse. Our last scouting party informed us of a possible way to end it. We have been sent to do just this. Surely, you will let us enter your Temple for these purposes?"

 

Same action as before, a Bluff check with a bonus of my Factotum level. My roll resides here.

[dirkoth]

The apparition turns towards the 'cleric', but disconcertingly, seems to overshoot slightly, the transparent gaze of the creature's eyes seeming to look just past the man, slightly to his left. Erenthos suppresses the desire to look slightly over his own shoulder, where the ghost seems to be focused. I do not prohibit entries into the temple, merely assure that the proper formalities are met.

A spectral gesture of the flowing robes, hand moving in a sweeping gesture, ending in a pose where the creature has half spun again, and is pointing to the ground with a wispy finger at the top of the stairs. For instance, the propriety of penitence shows ones' desires to enter for enlightenment, and not enrichment.

The figure floats there in the air, hovering with a slight bobbing motion in the hot, arid breeze, even though the creature's robes are not seemingly affected by the wind.

[ArcaneJazz]

Same old rash bunch of humans as always, Anglyn thought to himself. I could've helped look for other mundane traps... Seeing the rest of them proceed unharmed, he would head up the rear. When he caught up to the rest, he watched amused as the so-called cleric tried talking to the statues. "Does that ever really work? I would think a switch or some other--" But before he could finish, the ghostly figure would appear, demanding to know why the group would tread where only death resides?

The elf steps forward, with his beautifully crafted dwarven greatsword drawn, nearly as long as he was tall. He was under the impression that a liar would be detected by an arcane effect such as this sentinel, but Ang was here for genuine reasons. However, the figure would tell them he would not prohibit entry, and floats above them, out of the way.

"So... does that mean we can enter? I could definitely go for some entering." Ang decides to check ahead for traps.

Dice Roll:

d20+16

(3)+16

Total = 19

Trapfinding

[FoggyKnight]

Originally Posted by dirkoth

A spectral gesture of the flowing robes, hand moving in a sweeping gesture, ending in a pose where the creature has half spun again, and is pointing to the ground with a wispy finger at the top of the stairs. For instance, the propriety of penitence shows ones' desires to enter for enlightenment, and not enrichment.

Ragar frowns slightly in thought. The word penitence reflected a regret for a sin or wrongdoing. Which made sense, given that this was a temple to gods. Temple goers in ancient times must have been seeking forgiveness for wrongs done. Which was to be expected, even centuries later. It seemed that the first test of the temple was less of a trap and more of a riddle. However, if it was a show of penitence that was required, it would be up to him or the psion in the group to open the gate, for as far as he was aware, the others did not have great regrets yet, or if they did, they hid them well.

Stepping forward, Ragar takes his turn to guess. Bowing slightly to the spiritual seeming creature, he speaks carefully and plainly. Now was not the time for trickery, if his guess was correct. "Spirit, I come to Tu-ath-ah-numa' not for myself, but for my wife's sake. My wife is ill, stricken with a curse that is slowly turning her to stone. I seek a cure for my wife's illness. She was stricken by a curse and has slowly been turning into stone. It is my hope that while death lies here, there lies also knowledge to save her life."

[Ziggy the Blue]

(Secret text worked fine.)

Zipher turned his head toward Ragar and nodded toward his comrade. "Well my freind, I am doing very well. Though we should refrain from scrying in this place, no good will come of it. We will need to rely on our bare eyes and ears from this point on."

Dice Roll:

1d20+11

(1)+11

Total = 12

Hearing Isolette's words, Zipher moves to examine the symbols. "Hot Wind"...Could it be a reference to "Desert Wind"? Perhaps... Before Zipher could further think through a connection between his chosen discipline and its connection to this place, he felt a change in the air and turned in time to see the ghostly entity appear.

Dice Roll:

1d20+3

(2)+3

Total = 5

Examining the being closely while heeding it's ever word, Zipher stepped forward to give his response after Ragar was finished with his own. "I come to give aid to these who need it for the sake of others, but also to better myself. Riches mean little to one who walks the Sublime Way, but knowledge can change ones entier perspective. If...if their is anyway I can help bring peace to the sins and pain left here, then I shall." Zipher followed the spectre, hopeing his words would give it some peace if it needed any at all.

(First check is a history check, Second is a sense motive)

[dirkoth]

The pale, see-through figure turns as each of the party speaks, causing the figure to slowly spin in a circle at the temple steps.
of course, you may enter, the figure says slowly to the elf. But a penitent person gains more favor with the gods. It points again to the stone beneath itself.

Yes, knowledge also lies inside, as well as death, the ghostly creature says to Ragar, slowly turning towards him. A wise person would seek favor with the gods. It points again. Perhaps by entreating them for favor.

The formless face turns towards Zipher, and almost seems to brighten, become more solid. It is a wise man who divests himself of worldly goods, before entering the temple, for worldly goods will do you no good inside. Another pointing gesture accompanies this cryptic, or perhaps less than cryptic phrasing. The apparition's head almost seems to nod, or bob, as it speaks now, and the words come a bit faster. An offering, perhaps, to the gods would bring peace, and lessen their pain.

dm answers Foggy, yes you may. Zipher recalls nothing special about the history of the sea of dust that references hot wind, but it does make sense, as much as anything Isolette says does. Zipher's sense motive is inconclusive. the apparition wants something, but he has no real idea why. Ang searches the small area around his feet, and finds nothing, except small signs that many other feet, some armored, obviously, have tred here in the past. Small scraps in the stone indicate hob nailed boots, armored feet, etc.. )AJ If you wish to check somewhere specific for traps, you will need to let me know more about where. technically, a search check is of a 5' by 5' area, so mention where you are looking to start.)

[Ziggy the Blue]

Zipher ponders the spirits words closely, while looking toward the stone beneath the spectre. Divest, offering, and penient. Let us hope I do not come off as the fool. Zipher walks forward, removes his items and lays them before the spectre, and then kneels down on the stone square as if praying, hopeing to trigger some effect. Zipher believed in a greater power, though he gave it no name, but was not sure if faith was needed to open the way. Even if it was he did have faith in many things, but worldy items were not one of them. No, items could only go so far. Ones true metal was tested when he goes forth into the flames with nothing but the skin of his back, and the skills he has mastered.

[Preacher]

An offering? Revolo stroke his chin in thought. The spirit seemed to want something of material value, but what? Did it want a sacrifice, a splattered goat perhaps? Maybe even a human...? The idea graced his mind briefly, but he dismissed it. No, it would likely want something magical. Gold coins were probably useless, as they likely used other coin in the ages past. He gained an idea.

Reaching into his pockets, he produced a little and sparkling sapphire gem. Then he bent down and placed the gem on the stone before the spirit ever so gingerly.

"I, Revolo Ma'furen, son of Barroka, give you this bright stone of magical property. It has protected its humble wearer against wind and weather for long - I offer it now to protect this sacred temple, instead," he said with

Dice Roll:

1d20+5

(2)+5

Total = 7

Charisma rollpatos, rising to his height again as he faced the guardian spirit. The stone was not of much value to himself, really, but perhaps it would have some sentimental value to the temple.

[OOC]Given unslotted Gem of Endure Elements[/OOC]

[RonarsCorruption]

Spirits of the dead, spirits of the living, spirits thinking they are alive. I hope there are not so many ghosts inside the temple as outside. Oh, who am I kidding, he called this the place of death.

Obiri shivered in the summer heat, but he guessed what the spirit wanted, "Our tribute and humble beginnings show we are not here to steal from the gods, but to ask for their enlightenment. We are not temple-raiders, merely pilgrims."

Obiri paused, to Show correct reverence "Please, spirit guardian, show us the way to the gods so that we may pay our proper tribute to them."

[dirkoth]

When the gem was placed on the stone, it replied Yes, yes, that will work, but knowledge often requires sacrifice...

When Zipher divests himself of his items, the ghostly creature seems to rise an inch higher, and brighten the light reflected off of itself, somehow. It was still possible to see through the wispy robes, but somehow, it seemed more solid as it floated there over the steps.

Hmmm, the spirit says, rather off-handedly, now THAT is a proper tribute. It rose another inch, then turned to Obiri, who had discovered that this particular spirit was no different than any other creature in the material world, and craved material things. Yes, that is a penitent person. Willing to sacrifice much for knowledge. The entrance to the temple is behind the statue in the alcove to the right. Look for a loose stone, waist high, on the right wall as you enter. Press it in, halfway, and then look for the stonework in the back of the alcove to move slightly.

The ghost hovered over the pile of material items. Of course, if you seek more knowledge, it says with a hand pointing to the pile of material, feel free to be humble like this man.