I vote for door in the storeroom.
Satisfied they have found someone to deal with any traps or locks they may find, Zynazyr gathers his things, getting ready to go. "Alright then, lets go see what's behind that door in the storeroom."
Aye good wizard let us be on our way. Ferrous jumps to his feet. Pokes Brathas with the butt end of his axe. Now don't be shaving me head when ye shoot over it. He then laughs as he throws his now absurdly long beard over his shoulder and wraps it around his neck to fall down in the front again.
Indeed, it would be a shame to damage that regal mane. Wizard, may I ask you to hold a torch or those beetle lights so that I may have my bow ready?
Brathas will carry his bow with an arrow loosely nocked. He has his axe at his belt, his tools, torches, empty waterskins, rope, and hook in his backpack, and a dagger in a sheath strapped to his forearm.
As this is territory the party has already explored, he doesn't need to go in front, but will if asked to.
Ana gathers her belongings and follows the others, bow at the ready.
Busts out with laughter, Ferrous, I think that's the first creature you've hit since we entered the dungeon! as he heads out at the side of the dwarf, adjusting his shield.
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The party returns to the room where the oil beetles and the supplies were.
When they open the secret door to the south, they find that there is a small crate in the room that was not there last time they looked.
The party examines the crate carefully. Ana and Zynazyr both realize the crate is enchanted. Zynazyr manages to penetrate the enchantment and realizes it is an alarm spell, that will sound some kind of alarm when it is touched.
The party has already examined the door to the north. But they check it again to make sure. Nobody can detect any traps or hear any noise from the far side of the door.
Opening the door reveals a corridor heading north. The first 10 feet are narrow with a low vaulted ceiling. After that the passage widens out and goes another 20 feet before branching off in odd directions.
Ana considers the chest for a moment. "The question is, can we defeat whatever may be summoned? Certainly for the box to be so warded, it must contain something of value."
This box is new? But is has no lethal trap, merely an alarm? Perhaps somebody wants to meet us. We could conceal ourselves, then trigger the alarm from a distance.
Bah I wouldn't want to touch it with a 10' pole even. Only be bringing us trouble me thinks. The dwarf says showing an impatience with the mystery of the box. We should press forward to the North and see where these door lead. I'd rather meet the owner of this box without them thinking we be the ones who stole all the others.
Pleased that he was able to detect the "alarm" spell, he ponders what to do about the box. "If all my supplies mysteriously disappeared from my storage room, I wouldn't put more in there. I would, however, put an empty crate with an alarm spell on it in case they came back," he says pointing to the crate. "I think we are better off leaving that alone and seeing where the hallway to the north takes us. Eventually we will find those that put this here."
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The party advances up the hallway to the north.
The branch to the right is another narrow passage with a low vaulted ceiling. It ends at a door which seems to be locked. On the wall to the right of the door is an unmarked button.
The branch to the left runs for 30' and then narrows as with the other narrow hallways. The narrow passage ends at a wall. At the end of this narrow passage is a 7' high bronze statue of a winged child with a wand in one hand and coins in the other. The statue looks firmly anchored to the wall. It looks similar to the statue on top of the pyramid in the center, though obviously smaller.
The party examines these areas carefully. There does not seem to be any indication of traps or secret doors in the area to the right. Nobody can hear any sounds coming from the door.
Examination of the statue reveals that the hand with the wand has a seam around the wrist and the hand can be rotated either right or left.
Ana also notices that the statue's mouth is open and a 1/2" wide hole seems to go deep into the statue. She suspects that it might be a trap and something may come out of the hole, though it is hard to tell what.
"Gas?" Ana wonders aloud.
It is my guess that turning the wand one way sets off this trap, and turning it the other way... possibly unlocks or opens a door? If it is gas, we could try stuffing the hole with rags.
If Brathas looks very closely, can he tell (perhaps from smudging of fingerprints or flaking of the metal at the joint) which way the wand is most often turned?
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Sadly there is no way to tell which way the hand is normally turned. The patterns of wear could be caused by it moving either way. Likewise, though the wand could be turned with a stick or solid object of some kind, there's no way a rope could be attached to pull it from further away.
Rags could indeed be stuffed into the hole, though there is a chance that they would not be in tight enough to prevent a gas from escaping .
One more long shot... How does the alignment of the statue's wand compare to that of the statue on top of the pyramid? If it is further clockwise, then turning it counter-clockwise to match the big statue is likely the right answer.
Wet rags might be more effective. Do we have some salty or otherwise unusable water?
Bah Brathas I can give ye some used water. The dwarf provides with a raucous laugh. But I don't think ye want me pissing on yer rags.
The dwarf steps back away from the statue and waits for the others to decided how to handle the hole thing.
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One more long shot... How does the alignment of the statue's wand compare to that of the statue on top of the pyramid? If it is further clockwise, then turning it counter-clockwise to match the big statue is likely the right answer.
The wand on this statue is vertical. The wand of the statue on the roof was angled slightly away from the body of the statue. The wand is in the right hand, so that would be to the statue's right or your left. You are not sure if that is relevant or not.
Wet rags might be more effective. Do we have some salty or otherwise unusable water?
Talikshim produces his waterskin and offers it to Brathas.
"This is full of salt water. Some forest spirits thought that would be a good joke."
Thank you, shaman. This should help the rags block any gas vents more effectively. I think I should try disabling the trap with wet rags, then turning the wand to my left with all of you out of the room. I'll tie this rope to my leg and give you the end, so if I collapse you can drag me out without risking the gas yourselves. Any objections?
None here brave Brathas. I will hold the other end of the rope and pull mightily if anything goes wrong.
The dwarf looked at the new thief solemnly.
I'm pretty sure I have done it. Still, you may want to move to the next room while I turn the wand.
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I'm pretty sure I have done it. Still, you may want to move to the next room while I turn the wand.
The party files back into the storeroom to wait, tying Brathas' leg to a rope and ready to pull on it if something bad happens.
Brathas turns the wand to the left.
There is a click.
Then Brathas can hear a mechanical sound, like water is running through pipes buried deep within the structure around him.
The there is a crack! and the statue begins to recede from him. The whole wall at the end of the alcove begins to pull back. It reveals a 10' wide corridor walled with rough stone (most of the walls you have seen are plastered). Metal tracks are clearly visible in the floor on either side of the corridor and in the walls above Brathas' head. The receding wall stops after 20 feet. In a recess in the north wall is a stout wooden door.
The party reconvenes in the newly discovered hallway. Ana and Ferrous can both hear some kind of chanting coming from beyond the door. The voices sound like human males but beyond that you cannot make out what they are saying. The party examines the door and the hallway but finds no evidence of secret doors or traps.
Blinks in surprise, well done young man, well done! He slaps the man on the back.
We need to follow that water! he exclaims them pauses, Well it could be bad water too, but still... maybe boiling it like my mother used might make it palatable?!
Should we try to introduce ourselves to the gentlemen behind this door? It would be good to find some allies in this place. They may know where a reliable source of water is.
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We need to follow that water!
Everyone aside from Fistep (and Brathas, who wasn't there) recalls that you have heard that sound a couple days before.
Bah Fistep to follow the water ye be hearing ye need to be able to tunnel through this stone walls. A dwarven miner could grow a beard before getting there without the proper tools.
Ferrous said with a grimace.
Yes, yes... but if there is water moving, it might be stored somewhere?! He turns to the wizards, I know not your full capabilities, but can you discern or detect water? he questions with a smile Back home it was told wizards can do many wonderful things!
Wizards yes and so with water as well. The dwarf said with reverence in his voice. Whoever built this place was a master of hydraulics. Hard to appreciate that with a parched throat though.
Moves up to the door, Shall we talk to these chanting? he says while still adjusting his shield to the ready.
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Before he leaves, Talikshim lays hands on Ferrous.
Brathas raps loudly on the door. Beyond, the sound of chanting stops.
A moment later, the door swings open.
Beyond is a space 30' wide and 10' deep. 10' north is a curtain which is slightly open in the middle of the space, and you can see a much larger room beyond, though it is hard to tell how large from here. The area beyond the curtains is lit with candlelight.
Four men, including the one who opened the door, stand to either side of the door. They have white skin and hair and wear silver masks that portray a cherub-like face (not unlike the face of the statue you just passed). They wear robes with vertical stripes in all colors of the rainbow, and have daggers at their belts. One of the four has a silver crown on his head.
Between them and facing the door are three men dressed in antique-looking plate mail. They are armed with polearms which are leveled and pointing at the door.
"Goblins!" shouts one of the men in robes.
"No, I don't think so," says the one with the crown. "They may not look like humans," he continues, "but I've certainly never seen goblins that looked quite like this. Besides... when would goblins ever knock?"
The one with the crown straightens up, and addresses the party.
"We are the Magi of Usamigaras. Who might you be, and what are you doing here?"
Striped robes? Could these be the figures I saw in my dream?
There is no opportunity to discuss this observation with the others, so Brathas begins talking. As the topic is omens and portents, he tries to infuse his speech with a bit of dramatic flair.
We were with a caravan, and were separated from our group by a sandstorm. Lost in the desert! No food, no water. And...a vision came to me. Figures in striped robes, like yourselves. They spoke to me, telling me 'The movements of the stars reveal secrets even the Immortals do not know'. I think that was it. Are these the words of Usamigaras? So, I watched the stars in my dream. And behold! A shooting star led me to this place. Why the Lord of the Magi should choose me for this vision, I do not know. I have no magical talent myself, being a mere scout. But I tell you, that was my dream.
We have been here a few days. My comrades can tell you more.
The masked figure with the crown pauses for a moment, clearly taken aback.
After a moment, he speaks again.
"Yes... indeed. We Magi do watch the stars for signs and portents, and record what we see. This is my trade, you could say."
The masked man shakes his head, as if trying to decide if you are real.
"Let me explain. I am called Auriga Sirkinos. I am the Master Auspex of our order, which means I must observe the skies and interpret the portents we see. I wasn't expecting you though. Heh heh."
He waves at the three guards in armor, and they lift their polearms and hold them upright with the butts on the ground, no longer pointing them at the party.
"You may come in, if you swear to keep peace here. I see you are armed; we have no need of sword-waving lunatics around here. There are too many of those around as it is." Auriga chuckles.
He draws back the curtain. Beyond you can see the room stretches another 40 feet to the north wall. There is a statue and an altar shaped like a star; the gap in the curtains is just behind the statue. In the other room are nine more men in rainbow robes and masks. They watch you expectantly.
"Usamigaras is indeed our lord. But he is an immortal not only concerned with magic. He is also an embodiment of medicine and commerce, and the patron of messengers. If you were indeed 'chosen' by him, it could be that you are associated with any of those things."
"You say you were led here by a shooting star? That is a powerful portent indeed. Strange... but I'm not sure I understand. What exactly do you mean by 'You were with a Caravan?' Where do you come from? And what manner of creatures are you? I assume I am correct in my initial guess that you are not goblins."
Ferrous steps forward to greet Auriga.
Noble Auriga we are not foul goblins and we mean you no harm. A caravan is great train of commerce travelling a far distance to bring items of worth to a new home. We all served as guardians of this commerce train. Protecting it from any who would steal the goods such as the goblins you mention. We have been without water for many days now. Do you know where there is a source of water? We have goods to trade or perhaps there is a service you need done?
Noble Auriga we are not foul goblins...
"Indeed, I had already come to that conclusion. But what are you?"
A caravan is...
"I know what the word caravan means, little one. But there haven't been any caravans for centuries."
Do you know where there is a source of water? We have goods to trade or perhaps there is a service you need done?
"Well..." Auriga smiles. "Trade, eh? Now you are talking my language! We have a bit of water here right now. Periodically we have to send some of our people lower down to refill our casks. What sort of 'goods' do you have for trade?"
Makes a visible gesture to show that his sword is sheathed, then steps forward after Ferrous into the room. He first points at Ferrous Our friend here with the well endowed beard is a dwarf going by the name of Ferrous.. if you could not tell, he is not found of goblins!. He smiles and gestures at the Ana, This is Anastoria who is an elf. And gesturing to each in turn Brathas, myself and Zynazyr our wizards are humans - although there are more of us that came on the caravan. He pauses, We do not just ask for water for ourselves, but also our companions... for their needs are dire
Brathas also steps into the room. He lays down his axe, bow, and the dagger up his sleeve.
You may know that the land outside this structure is a vast desert. But there are inhabited lands beyond. We come from such lands, and were crossing this desert with our caravan en route to the Golden City far to the west. The reason no caravans come to this placee, I think, is that none know this city exists, just as you do not know of our lands.
However, now that we know each other, we can make sure that caravans come here in the future. I myself work for a merchant house in a land known as Darokin. I would be pleased to establish trade in any variety of goods that you might wish in the future.
I can teach you our system of writing, if you like. There is pride in Brathas's voice as he says this.
As to what goods we have to trade right here and now, I believe my companions have recovered numerous items from goblins and other dangerous vermin. And, they have developed a most exquisite recipe for roasted scorpion.
Auriga looks at Fistep, then at Ana and Ferrous. He looks back at Fistep.
"Dwarves and Elves? Many would have thought that a fairy tale, but I know that once long ago such people lived here in the city, though never in great numbers. I did not know if your peoples still survived."
He turns back to Ferrous and Ana, and gives a short bow.
"I am happy to welcome the Dwarves and Elves to Cynidicea once again."
He looks again at Fistep, Brathas, and Zynazyr.
"But you say you are human? I'm not sure I believe you. You don't look much like humans to me. How did your skin and hair get so dark? Were you burnt by the sun outside?"
He turns back to Fistep. "As for water, like I said before we have some fresh water on hand, and are able to get more. I would be happy to offer it in trade."
Auriga looks at Brathas.
You may know that the land outside this structure is a vast desert. But there are inhabited lands beyond....
Auriga rubs his chin in thought. "So not all the world was destroyed in the great cataclysm, eh? Hmmm... I wonder. It is hard to believe, but then, here you are."
Auriga motions for the rest of the party to enter.
"We have always been told that nothing remained of the surface world. Missions that were sent out in the past reported only endless desert. Many explorers never returned. So what you say is hard to accept."
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At the discussion of the outside world, one of the other magi speaks up.
"What is just as likely is that these people are simply mad. They think there is a world out in the desert, but their wits have been addled from being in the sun. Not that it would take much for most people. That would explain their darkened coloring."
Auriga shakes his head.
"I could be wrong, but I don't sense any madness in these people. Time will tell."
Auriga pauses, a thought suddenly striking him.
"Time... hmmm."
"Doesn't it strike you as strange?" Auriga asks the young magi.
"These people appear out of nowhere, and among them are members of races thought long lost to time. Their clothing and gear is strange, and they walk about with shamelessly uncovered faces."
"No offense," he says to Fistep.
He turns back to the magi. "In the hall of kings the statues of the older kings have uncovered faces, though the latter ones wear masks as we do. On top of that, they clearly believe the world to be whole, and not destroyed as we are taught."
The acolyte shrugs, not understanding what Auriga is getting at.
"Perhaps these people come from a time before the great cataclysm. They would then know nothing of it, and their customs would be like those of old. So our ways would seem as strange to them as theirs do to us."
"How they would travel forward in time I do not know, but it fits the facts. Perhaps Usamigaras sent them to aid us."
He shrugs and looks at the party. "I don't know how to test this theory, of course. But it would explain things."