"Certainly. Well, let's start the tour here. This is the entryway. As you can see, one of Korada's symbols has been engraved into the floor here. It also functions as a type of clock for the residents. Each hour light comes up and fades into the ceiling. Oh look, it's actually happening now." Indeed a single mote of light comes up from the middle spiral, floating to the ceiling before dissipating.
"Let's see, where to next. How about the dining room?" She leads you to the double doors opposite the entrance and opens them to reveal a human woman setting places at what appears to be a large block of darkwood shaped like a table. A row of benches flanks each side. "This is Di Duang, preparing for our daily meal. I would like to introduce you to the archaelogist Keggincurdle and his company. They have come to explore and study at our temple."
The human woman gives a slight bow as she speaks. "Welcome to the Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment. Would you care to join us for a meal? It would be a pleasure to set out a few more places. Korada will provide."
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Vors seems keen enough to notice some things as they are escorted, though nothing unusual for he followed without anything further. He did sheathe his weapon accordingly, for appearances were everything.
Everything, indeed. They're far too friendly for 'explorers' barging into their home. That said, there might be something up, or perhaps they're just... nah. Just roll with it.
The half-elf takes a position behind a seat, leaning to the wall without any accordance for seating. Having noticed that nobody else has done so, he'd not do so until there was proof in its safety. Caution first, always.
"Thank you for the graciousness, but I think I shall wait for the food to arrive before I seat myself. Too much time sitting down in other places create a bad habit, I'm afraid. That said, I have a question for you before we move any further, if you might be kind enough to answer?"
"See, I'm taking reference notes, and I want to ensure I have the directions set in stone, so I can refer to their placement. In what direction is north from the main hall, so I might be able to accurately describe the temple?"
"I assure you it takes little time, for Korada provides for us. All it shall take is for me to summon the remaining acolytes and a feast shall be given to us."
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"How very clever," Keebler says in wonder as he watches the orb rise, "a permanent dancing lights effect to track the passage of time. It certainly fits the ambiance of the temple."
He follows their guide into the dinner hall. In an attempt to take in all there is to see, he runs a trained hand over the darkwood table, attempting to judge its approximate age, even as further introductions are being made. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he greets the second acolyte with a similarly shallow bow. "Your offer is most gracious. I can think of no better way to learn about Korada and his temple than from the very souls who watch over it; and no better time than over a freshly prepared meal."
He looks to the other Pathfinders, "We have time for such pleasantries, don't we?"
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"Pleasantries", Gristav replies to Keebler, "Ought have time made for them." He smiles simply. "But a particular metaphysical point deserves to be raised. I'm not entirely sure I'm qualified to make a determination, but if this demiplane is to any degree a fae space, those of us who plan to return from it might find cause to regret feeding from a fae larder." He shrugs in uncertainty. "Being a Gnome, might you have any insight on the topic?"
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Vors scoffs a moment. Arrogance came back easily, and he'd no longer want to be in the room, moments later. The mention of acolytes gave him an image of rituals and sacrifice, or those in robes with who-knows-what capabilities.
Better to strike first than second.
"I think I'll return in a short while. I've a need to go move about, since my blood wants to move. Anyone else for the jaunt?" he offers, walking just outside the room to the main clearing.
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perception #1
perception #2
"Um hello, I am Fendahl at your service...and my traveling companion...she is friendly, and I will keep her close to me."
"Thank you for your hospitality, but as I just had a meal before arrival, I would rather accompany my friends Filios and Gristav on their tour of the temple...if this is ok with you, of course."
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Keebler frowns as his companions excuse themselves from the potential meal. Although eager to hear what the acolytes have to say about themselves and the temple, he is not keen on being left alone with them. "On second thought, perhaps we shall take some time to wander the grounds ourselves. I am sure we will have plenty more questions for you later on that we can discuss over dinner." He graciously excuses himself and then hurries to follow the others.
"If that is your preference, we can continue the tour."
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"Right then. Let's move along while we can, I say. The sooner we know our bearings, the better we'll be. Apologies for forcing your hand, but I'd rather not eat the food of a place I've never been to. Something about poisoning the messenger..."
He shrugs, and begins to walk down the hallway towards his right, waiting at the entrance of it to ensure he isn't leaving alone.
Degwyn politely declines dinner.
"Then let us begin. First we have the room off to the right here. This is the meditation room. I'm sure Zhuang would be willing to demonstrate after the meal."
"The room to the left is our Chapel. Dakang will be performing services later if you would like to attend."
Continuing down the hallway, "Here is our library. Miriya is in charge of it and can assist you if you would like to look after the meal."
She turns the corner and points to the single door. "That leads to the crypt, passing through the statuary. It's not used at this time and is prohibited access, so please stay from that area."
She then turns to the double doors. "That leads to the garden where one can perform the Kiss of Korada. Gastidem oversees it. Do you have any questions up to this point?" It's at about this time a bell rings and several people begin to head to the dining area. "Ah, food is ready to be served. If you still care to join us, you are welcome. Or you may explore the temple and I will find you afterwards."
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"Do not let us keep you from your meal", Gristav says in what he hopes is a warm tone. "We have much to discuss amongst ourselves. We had hoped only to learn what we might from an empty home. And now, to find a family there, and so welcoming..." He walks her towards her meal, lowering his voice in a conspiratorial way, "I'm sure you've put our archaeologist completely on the back foot." he smiles, and finds her eye if it's there, and adds, "There's nothing archaic about you."
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"Just one question, for clarification. Is the statuary off-limits, or just the crypt?" Keebler inquires as he jots down a few last notes. Upon receiving their guide's response he says, "Thank you. Enjoy your meal. I imagine we shouldn't be hard to find after you're done."
As the halfling disappears from sight, the gnome tucks his notes under one arm and turns to his companions, "Well, this is rather unexpected and more than a little awkward. We should probably wait to see the crypt until last. I'd hate to offend our hosts before we've collected the rest of what we were sent here for. Perhaps we can start with cataloging the library?"
"Both the Statuary and the crypt are off limits, by order of Dakang. I do apologize for this."
As she leaves, a blush comes to her cheecks from Gristav's words. "I should have you know that I am married, though I appreciate the attention."
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"Yes, continuing our tour will be fine. Will a guide accompany us? Please do not let us interrupt your meal, if you want to eat it while it is warm. Gristav and Keebler, I suggest we not get too far ahead of our companions...besides, if this room on the left is the library, there may be a book or two of interest in here."
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"Right then. Library, then garden second. The pursuit of knowledge is a worthwhile effort, and I am all for it."
He seems slightly bothered, though, as she walked away. Something off - every claim and explanation was clear, normal even, and yet, they were welcoming. Perhaps too welcoming? But for a man of his status, one should not question gifts given!
Nonetheless, he moves to wait down the hallway by the library, where Fendahl seems to have beaten him to it. Fancy that.
This spacious room is 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.
As you begin to enter, you encounter a human woman, coming to the meal. "Ah, guests. I was not aware. My name is Miriya, and I am the librarian of this Temple. If you plan to explore the library, please feel free to do. I shall return shortly after our meal."
It would take 40 hours of labor to catalogue all of the books in this library. This is divisible by the number of party members present, so about 7 hours of time spent in the library if everyone helps (meaning no one is on guard).
I also am not assuming you explore the office. If you choose to, let me know.
"There is one, but I'm not sure where it has gotten to. It may be in my office as well, if you'd like to search inside there as well."
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Keebler begins by heading into Miriya's office. "This office is only so big. That catalog has got to be around here somewhere." After a moment, he pats Filios on the back as he comes upon the catalog. "Good job. This should do a lot of the work for us." He begins riffling through the index, jotting down notations on his own paper. After a moment of work, he comments, "Odd, though, that so many of Korada's holy texts are gone. I wonder if they loaned them out to somebody. We should ask Miriya about then after she eats."
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perception:
Degwyn browses through the book titles to see if he recognizes any common threads or subject matter before realizing Keebler has found the catalog.
He concentrates on the specifics of room layout, wall hangings, ceiling architecture, etc. noting any common symbols or imagery that appears frequently.
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Degwyn also peruses the books in the office to see if there are any differences in age or subject matter compared to those in the main library room.
I'll assume an intelligence roll: (no knowledge skills or bonuses).
Keebler, Any notes about the age of the books here? What subjects do they cover... Degwyn scrunches his face, not sure how to ask his next questions. What do you think they mean the crypt isn't in use ... and surely you noticed the temple inhabitants we've met are missing finger tips? Is that a religious offering or something?
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Fendahl will also enter the library.
If Miriya is still there here he will ask .."Are there any specific ancient Korada tomes on "qlippoth of Wandering Mountain" if you are familiar with the topic...I have heard stories of this recently and wanted to increase my knowledge on the background and legends."
He will watch for any emotion on her reply
sense motive
However, If she has returned to the meal, Fendahl comments to Keebler and Degwyn "That it is indeed odd about the Missing fingers. And I am no librarian but I find it strange that she was more interested on eating than finding the catalog. Something seem off..."
He will cast detect magic and search for the specific tome himself or anything else of interest to the society or mission...
Perception
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Gristav provides sincere and servicable, though uninspired and not terribly perceptive, assistance as he can.
"It may be only that they have a very usual method of dealing with each other, and that it's very unusual to us. But I agree, more seems wrong than right about this place. Let's be about our tasks, I hear that wine calling. How can I assist any of you? I can read Tien, might that help in the search for the Wandering Mountain texts? I also have Elven, Sylvan, Osiriani, Varisian, a little Chelax..."
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"Thank you Gristav. Part of our mission was to create a detailed catalog of the contents of this library, so hopefully we can create that with what Filios and Keebler found. I had almost forgotten about looking for specific meditation techniques, so there may be notes here if you see any, as well as the meditation room, which we will still want to visit."
Fendahl will continue to search for any books on meditation or Wandering Mountain texts of Korada.
I forgot to mention the lion is just inside the library door and told to "stay" until further notice.
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Since our mission briefing said this temple was uninhabited, but we have found it otherwise, Fendahl will be sure to ask the librarian (or any of the hosts he sees next) "This is a wonderful temple with a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. How long has your group maintained this temple?"
Again looking for any hint of a ulterior response
Sense motive
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Vors seems to be on guard at best. There's not much more, since he has most of his work done - but during a few times while doing so, he manages to make rough sketches of the dimensions around him.
He seems to take note of directions, and the way things are positioned, doing what he can under the time alloted.
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Vors seems to be on guard at best. There's not much more, since he has most of his work done - but during a few times while doing so, he manages to make rough sketches of the dimensions around him.
He seems to take note of directions, and the way things are positioned, doing what he can under the time alloted.
"I suppose I'll keep Vors company.", Gristav muses aloud after completing any translations asked of him. "Give a shout if you've any further need of me?", he directs gently. "With any luck, we'll be home by dawn. Is there a dawn, here? Ah well, 'Korada will provide', I suppose you can count on that. Only not, you know, to ten."
While browsing through the books and cataloging, a few things stand out. The books here refer to 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. The books also describe the double-arrow symbol of “celestial silence and contemplation” to be drawn over the mouth and eyes of adherents of Korada.
Ishiar is a great ocean in the Abyss. It is the realm of the demon lord Dagon and connects to several other Abyssal regions.
When Fendahl asks Miriya before leaving, "I'm afraid I'm not certain. I'm probably the youngest member of the Temple and have only begun to go through these tomes. You're welcome to peruse such a book if you find it, though it sounds like a rather strange topic for research.
"While I haven't been here too long, the temple itself has been under Dakang for centuries."
You get no sense that Miriya is lying when asking about the book.
You get no sense that Miriya is lying when asking about the occupants.
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Fendahl will take the book he found and transcribe into notes as best he can.
If all of the key parts regarding the Wandering Mountain are in another language, he will seek out the aid of Keebler and Gristav. "I found one book of interest, to me at least, are either of you willing and able to translate this? I would like to add to my notes. The librarian Miriya seems nice enough. Still something seems odd here. I expected more curiousity from her in this topic than she expressed. Maybe she is just new at the job."
"Once we have the cataloging done, I suggest a stroll back to the meditation hall."
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A concerned expression materializes on Keebler's face as he catalogs the books. "I think your fears may be somewhat more substantiated. It's well known that Korada resides in Nirvana, but the places these books keep referring to, Vantian and Ishiar, aren't in Nirvana at all. In fact, Ishiar is part of Dagon's realm in the Abyss."
He shakes his head as Fendahl approaches with another book. "What's that? Oh, a translation? Yes, yes, let me see. I'm versed in nearly a dozen languages. It shouldn't be too hard to read."
With Keebler's help, the book is successfully transcribed. Having finished cataloging the library, Miriya returns to the library, a small plate of vegetables in hand. "We have set aside seven plates for you in the Refectory for you all. I wasn't certain if your, um, pet would enjoy them as well, but one is for him as well. And I must say, you have this place in spectacular order. Excellent job. Truly Korada has provided by sending you our way. Is there any way I can be of help to you all?"
- Complete Report on Temple
- Locate the temple’s meditation room, find evidence of any meditative techniques described there, and record any effects of performing those techniques
- Prepare a comprehensive catalog of all works in the temple library (COMPLETED)
- Find the temple gardens and draft a detailed plan of the garden’s layout
- Enter the temple’s crypt and take rubbings of the carvings on each sarcophagus
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"Miriya, your consideration honors us, and your community.", Gristav says smiling. "So many of our questions were made for what we thought was the past, of a place that had, itself, passed. Of course it hasn't, that's plain. So please forgive if what we asks seems made up on the spot; it likely is."