GMTrex |
Droghedor notes a strange lack of dust in the room, and very little odor, indicating that perhaps this room has been used recently -- if not by heavy traffic.
Kayanor |
1. find out how they meditate.
2. Try how they meditate.
3. Record observations.
4. Catalog the library.
5. Sketch the gardens
6. Take rubbings of all the sarcophagus.
Kayanor takes a minute or two to put down his bow, take out the supplies, and draws a sketch of the area, nothing the contents, lack of dust, and notation of traffic.
If we're good with the closet looking room on the left, the the half=elf nods at the door in the NW. Once ready he grabs his bown and prepares to cover whoever goes through.
GMTrex |
With the door well covered, another member of the party gives it a push. Beyond is a large dining room with a huge oak table with 24 places, currently being attended by a rather startled woman in a long white robe. "Oh! Um, hello. Would you mind pointing that somewhere else?" she points at Kayanor's bow. "Are... are you here to worship? We're about to eat."
Garrick Beregost |
! Sorry for startling you, dear lady. We weren't sure what reception we were going to receive. Garrick gestures to Kayanor to lower his weapon. We are here you learn your ways of meditation and learn from this temple.
Werner Albern |
"I understood that this place vas abandoned," Werner whispers. "There are people here.
The Caydenite moves towards the open door, standing behind Garrick. To the woman he says, more loudly, "Ve are Pathfinders. This is Garrick and Dulcinea. Behind me are Keyawnah, Droghedor, Kayanor. And I am Verner. Vat is your name?"
Droghedor Coram |
No doubt going to kill us all. We're doomed, Droghedor says quietly to Werner.
To the woman in the white robe, he nods as he lowers his dwarven waraxe.
Kayanor |
"Greetings! As mentioned, we weren't expecting anyone. I'm glad we met you though. We have many questions. But first I apologize, I cut you off before you could tell us your name."
GMTrex |
"Oh! My name is Di. We don't really get visitors, and I know everyone here... what are Pathfinders?" she asks, with a look of genuine curiosity. "We really are about to eat -- please take a seat, there's plenty of room!" She picks up a hand bell that's lying nearby and gives three hearty (and nearly deafening) rings.
Dulcinea de la Mancha |
Dulcinea smiles at the question.
"We are explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers."
She follows Di to the table and waits for an indication of where she should sit.
"I'm more of the latter. You may call me Dulcinea."
GMTrex |
"Ah! Korada is our master, and learn from him. And Dakang, of course," Di returns cheerfully, adjust a couple of plates as footsteps can be heard outside. He face turns to confusion. "Where are you from?"
A reply to her question has to wait, however, as nearly a dozen other folk dressed in similar, plain white robes--all human or halfling except for a gnome--file into the dining room in two and threes. All are likewise startled and excited by the idea of visitors, and Di makes some awkward introductions between the two groups. A halfling family includes Wei and Liso, and their three sons Pulao, Xifen, and Tamtei; their human counterparts include Zhuang the elderly monk, a bookish young woman named Miriya, and the couple Hamada and Ziya. The gnome is introduced as Gastidem. "Then there's Dakang, of course, and his three heavenly disciples. We'll bring them food in a moment." The table is currently devoid of food and no smells of cooking fill the air, but everyone excitedly takes a seat at the table and invites the Pathfinders to do the same.
Zhuang says a few sudden words that are difficult to hear. Suddenly the plates and platters all around the table are filled with all manner of fruits, grains, nuts, and juices, which the residents (especially the halflings) dive into with relish. Tamtei piles three plates with food and leaves, returning a minute latter to pile a fourth for himself. "Please, eat!" Di manages, between two mouthfuls of rich bread.
Werner Albern |
Werner takes a seat, and is surprised when food magically appears. "Vat is this? Magical food? Very interesting."
He'll take a second to study the food, while also trying to know what magic Di used.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Keyawnah |
Keyawnah takes a seat, not particularly hungry, but very curious about the magical food. Echoing Kayanor, she speaks up.
"Yes, when can we meet Dakang and the heavenly disciples?"
She proceeds to crumble a piece of bread a bit nervously, awaiting a response about the missing guests.
GMTrex |
"Of course, of course you should meet Dakang!" Di cries. "He is a wonderful teacher, and very wise in Korada's ways. He will be leading a service soon in the chapel -- you should join us!"
Werner is unable to discern the type of magic, but he does notice that it's the table itself that's magical.
Droghedor Coram |
Droghedor quickly puts down the fruit and discreetly pulls out his flask to wash down the awful flavor. Somehow it figures if that's to be our last meal, he mutters morosely.
Garrick Beregost |
Garrick takes his seat and tries to be a good guest. He takes some food but can't hide a slight gag after his first taste.
Ugh, we appreciate your hospitality. How did you all come to study at this temple?
Werner Albern |
Werner sees the reaction as well from his companions. "Let me say a quick prayer to Cayden Cailean."
He then casts Purify Food and Drink on the food in front of him.
GMTrex |
The residents seem a little uncomfortable at Werner's request, but soon after eagerly return to answering Garrick's question. The halfling patriarch, Wei, speaks up between mouthfuls of prunes. "We've been here as long as we can remember -- each of us born here under Dakang's inspiring leadership. Well, except Gastidem, of course," he chuckles in the direction of the gnome, "who came to us long ago. We lead simple lives: meditation, learning of Korada's ways, becoming enlightened under the tutelage of the Empyreal Lord's immortal servant, Dakang. He has much to teach you, as he has done for us!"
Werner thinks the food tastes all right. Kayanor's suspicious eye notes something odd: most of the worshipers are missing a finger or two, or in some cases parts of a finger.
Dulcinea de la Mancha |
Dulcinea spies her compatriots' reactions to the food. She leans towards Werner, placing a hand on his arm. She calmly smiles, fluttering her eyelashes at him.
"Werner, dear, would you perhaps be a sweetheart and say one of those prayers for me?" She winks at him.
Turning her attentions back to the hosts, she leans in over her food.
"'Immortal,' you say? What manner of creature is this Dakang?"
Werner Albern |
Werner is happy to say a prayer over the food on any of his allies, and does so for Dulcinea (casting Purify Food and Drink for her). Once the prayer complete, he returns to listening to the questions his allies have asked.
GMTrex |
Wei's old eyes brighten at Dulcinea's questions, and the halfling smiles cheerfully. "Oh, Dakang is a normal sort of fellow -- a man, that is -- except very wise in Korada's teachings. He doesn't eat with us, but even still he's a little on the heavy side. Sustained by Korada's will alone! And for generations, at that!" He pops another prune is his mouth.
Kayanor's question causes a flicker of frustration and shame to ripple across the faces of his hosts, though the gnome, Gastidem, smirks instead. Di speaks up hesitantly. "Gastidem has shown us a rite sacred to Korada in the garden... the Kiss of Korada, a test of purity. Those who are pure come away with incredible visions. For those who seek enlightenment before they are pure," she clenches her fist, hiding a missing finger, "Korada exacts a price for doing so while unclean."
Dulcinea de la Mancha |
Dulcinea leans over her food, her elbow on the table and her head in her palm. She takes the occasional piece of food and slips it in her mouth.
"It seems rather strange that a god of peace and forgiveness such as Korada would inflict such punishments upon his followers."
GMTrex |
Gastidem smirks and speaks in a high, nasal voice. "Korada does not like to be corrupted by the unclean. There must be a price to entering his realm unasked, no?"
An awkward moment of silence hangs on the table for a moment before Zhuang breaks it with a compelling offer. "I know! Have you finished eating? How about a tour?" He gets up from the table and pulls three glass spheres, about the size of plums, from a pocket of his tunic and casually begins spinning them in his hand. He points at the curtains across the room. "Through there is a kitchen, though we have no need to use it. Next, the chapel!" As he leads the way, some join for the tour while others stay behind to stack additional plates of food (mostly the halflings).
"Through here is the chapel! Magnificent, isn't it? We'll be having worship service in a little bit."
"And here is the meditation room. I spend most of my time here, contemplating heavenly Korada."
"This is the library... Miriya's always right at home here, aren't you Miriya?" The young woman scowls and sits down at a table with a book, not looking up.
"Down that way is the crypt... and over here is the garden!" The gnome, Gastidem, steps through the doors to inspect some of the dense foliage by the central fountain.
"And let's see... back down the hall..." The tour passes by three armed Tien women with golden hair and shining blue eyes, who look curiously at the newcomers, but do not move from their post in front of a door. Zhuang explains a moment later, "They are Dakang's personal guards. They have their own area, and Dakang's beyond. We're not allowed in there and neither are you." He rounds a corner and announces, "And here are our rooms! I think we can all pile in with the halflings, so you can have the human sized rooms for your stay. It'll be tight and cozy." He smiles broadly and shows a set of three small rooms with paper walls, a cot or two, and a wash bin.
"Well! I think that's about it. You're welcome to go wherever you wish, except, uh, the forbidden areas. I'll be returning to my meditation if you need me."
Kayanor |
Kayanor eyes the meditation balls, "May I try that?"
Either after given permission or denial, Kayanor then asks earnestly, "Where I come from, entrance to almost anything begins with knowledge. Are their texts a person interested in Korada can read? I had that thought when you brought us there and introduced us to Miriya."
Werner Albern |
Werner nods along to what Kayanor says, "Yes, I too am very curious about Korada's teachings. I was raised on the vords of the Lucky Drunk, but must admit I know little of the Empyreal Lords. If I can have time to study in the library, that vould be appreciated."
Droghedor Coram |
Droghedor grouses to himself as the tour goes on, but nods at Kayanor's suggestion. Learning is best done with books, he chimes in. Beats talking to people, anyway.
GMTrex |
"Of course! The library would be a good place to find a book, yes. I don't spend much time there myself, though. If you'd like to join me later in the meditation room I have a few extra sets," he adds, hefting the three glass balls in Kayanor's direction.
The library is a spacious room crammed with narrow bookshelves and large tables. Many shelves are empty and the remaining scrolls and tomes seem tattered and sagging. A small open door looks into a tidy office. The room is clean and bright despite a general atmosphere of abandonment. Several windows look into a garden to the west and Miriya sits at one of the tables, nose buried in the book where you last left her. She scarcely glances up.
GMTrex |
This would be a good time to point out the link to the mission briefing at the top of the page.
Dulcinea de la Mancha |
Dulcinea sighs at the room of books, knowing that she would have to help undertake the tedious task of cataloguing them.
"Ah, books. Ihope there will be something intriguing here to make the effort worthwhile."
Dulcinea goes over to the young young. The Taldan woman leans on the table, throwing a casual smirk towards the quiet reader.
"Excuse me, my name is Dulcinea. You appear to be a well-read young woman. Would you perhaps have any recommendations on texts to read?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Droghedor Coram |
Sorry, GMTrex, missed your update a couple of days ago.
Droghedor doesn't acknowledge the woman, which probably makes both of them much happier. He moves about the library, cataloging the titles he sees in a sizable tome.
GMTrex |
Miriya's face reddens when she realizes Dulcinea is talking to her. "Uh, thanks. Um, you can have this one when I'm done... the last one I read is over there. Peace and Wellness I think it was called."
There are thousands of books, scrolls, and other items among the library's many shelves. Even limiting oneself to only the arbitrarily large ones will take a while.
How would you like to proceed? There's also plenty to read, if that's your wish.
GMTrex |
In the absence of an existing catalog to reference, Kayanor estimates it will take about a day's work for the team to catalog every item on the shelves.
No specific mechanic but I'll take Perception checks.
GMTrex |
The group spends hours cataloging books meticulously, one-by-one. By the time they're done, stomachs are rumbling and Miriya has almost finished her book despite leaving for worship service twice. Among the many, many books and scrolls, the team discovers two that detect as magical.
I'll take Spellcraft checks. You've put together a catalog of the books on the shelves of the library proper; the office contains only a desk which you have not searched. You can also pick up a book to read, or elect to move on to another task.
GMTrex |
Droghedor is able to identify a manual of calm reflection among the shelves; the party also seizes on a scroll of some nature but is unable to identify it.
Although everyone feels the strain of hours of cataloging countless tomes, Keyawnah and Droghedor in particular are having difficulty focusing.
Wisdom Damage (Keyawnah): 1d3 ⇒ 2
Wisdom Damage (Droghedor): 1d3 ⇒ 2
A perusal of the books tries tired eyes. Most books here begin with references to and descriptions of Korada's holy city of Vantian the Unshuttered, which continually crumbles into the sea of Ishiar while residents continually rebuild on the far side of the city. Other books describe the double-arrow symbol of "celestial silence and contemplation" to be drawn over the mouth and eyes of adherents of Korada.
I'll take Knowledge (Planes) and Knowledge (Religion) checks from those trained.
Droghedor Coram |
Droghedor uses read magic on the scroll, then delivers it to Werner amid numerous predictions of sorrow and loss.
Kn (planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13