HP 20/20 | AC 17, FF 17, T 9 | Fort +5, Ref -1, Will +7 | CMD 12, FFCMD 12 | Initiative -1 | Perception +4
"Maybe it's magic? There might be like, symbolic power in a solid figure to cast magic wards on, maybe." She smiles at Ptolem. The way he questions everything is interesting.
Alianne feels a sudden desire to cast detect magic on the gates. Alas, it is not among this day's blessings.
When they return, perhaps. Right now there's a couple pillars to be looked at. She lengthens her stride.
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
Nil gives a simple nod and relays the information.
" A marker of sorts, it indicates the beginning of our path, to the Twin temples of Aroden. Perhaps so that one does not get lost or confused about one's destination. "
AC 11/t11/ff10; hp 16/16; saves: F 1 R 3 W 5; bab 0, melee 1, ranged 1; CMB 1, CMD 13; speed 30; init +1 half-elf investigator/1 wizard 1
skills:
Acro 2, appraise 4, bluff 8, craft alchemy 13, diplomacy 8, disable 5 k arc 10, k nature 8, k local 8, k hist 9, k plns 9, k relgn 8, k dung 8, k engrg 8, perc 7, spellcraft 9, stealth 1
"Let's hope the path isn't overgrown like the rest of the area."
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
" Ah, I was not fully aware of such. A good omen that we have found this path haphazardly. Otherwise there could be unknown dangers that need be tread. Not that the path my prove any less dangerous. As to findings, I am currently inspecting a compartment here, Sister Alianne. "
AC 11/t11/ff10; hp 16/16; saves: F 1 R 3 W 5; bab 0, melee 1, ranged 1; CMB 1, CMD 13; speed 30; init +1 half-elf investigator/1 wizard 1
skills:
Acro 2, appraise 4, bluff 8, craft alchemy 13, diplomacy 8, disable 5 k arc 10, k nature 8, k local 8, k hist 9, k plns 9, k relgn 8, k dung 8, k engrg 8, perc 7, spellcraft 9, stealth 1
"A compartment? in a pillar? that seems odd... anything in it?" Varian asks, mildly interested, though his gaze lies up the road, looking ahead to where they must go next.
HP 20/20 | AC 17, FF 17, T 9 | Fort +5, Ref -1, Will +7 | CMD 12, FFCMD 12 | Initiative -1 | Perception +4
"Maybe we're being favored. The gods work in mysterious ways, after all." She pauses, weighing if she's gpong to comment and how to respond to the 'sister' epithet. "I'm not really a priestess. I helped the priest back at my village a bit with things, might have taken over for farther Gilmon in a few years."
"I just want to help people," she finishes, a little lamely.
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
Nil inspects the items but eventually passes them off to the magically inclined.
" They read in a language I do not understand. "
Turning to Alianne, " As for the title I have always put forth the option of changing my speech to fit yours. However, you no doubt have magical influence, Sister does not seem untrue. "
Somonti takes the ornate scroll cases in pale hands
"This is the language of Angels. This is 'in honor' and this 'for virtue' It is a beautiful script and a pleasure to read but, alas, the meaning behind the words escapes me."
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
" That was most helpful Lady Somonti. We now know that which we previously had not. Perhaps the script is magical in nature? Regardless I suppose there would be no problem moving down this path. "
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
" Very well Alianne, I shall bend to your request. I doubly appreciate the future effort towards discovering the safe method of determining magical aura. "
Bil stands from his crouching position and gives Somonti a bow, " There need not be given a title for myself. Much like Ptolem, I deserve none as of yet. Though your form is most apt. "
His weapon readied once more, arrow laxed against the string. His face serene and unassuming in response to Somonti's smile.
The trip up the path to the two temples takes little under an hour.
You arrive at the south end of the Crystal Lake, though the name is hardly fitting any longer. Across the fouled lake you can see the twinned temples of Aroden, clearly defaced even from this distance.
The lake itself is a murky green and the banks have been overgrown with reeds. The slimy and bubbly muck that discolors the lake clumps along the shores in thick bands.
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
Nil looks over the lake, scanning the area for any signs of movement or habitation as they arrive on the scene. It would be untrue if he had expected danger over the trek but seeing as the group found the path it was less so.
Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
" I believe at this point we should go around. Unless there be a path through the Crystal Lake. "
HP 20/20 | AC 17, FF 17, T 9 | Fort +5, Ref -1, Will +7 | CMD 12, FFCMD 12 | Initiative -1 | Perception +4
"Oh you're right Somonti, it's so mucky! I thought they were supposed to be crystal clear. Something is just not right here."
She ruminates a little.
"I want to go take a look at the temples. And let's see if we can't keep some distance from the water when we go around - there's no reason to get grabbed by anything."
If no one objects, she starts the trek, leading them at least 10 feet of distance from the shore wherever possible.
AC 11/t11/ff10; hp 16/16; saves: F 1 R 3 W 5; bab 0, melee 1, ranged 1; CMB 1, CMD 13; speed 30; init +1 half-elf investigator/1 wizard 1
skills:
Acro 2, appraise 4, bluff 8, craft alchemy 13, diplomacy 8, disable 5 k arc 10, k nature 8, k local 8, k hist 9, k plns 9, k relgn 8, k dung 8, k engrg 8, perc 7, spellcraft 9, stealth 1
Agreed, going around seems best... the lake looks foul... and foul waters often hide foul beasts."
Drawing close to the two Shrines you can see the extent of the defilement the two structures have undergone.
Many columns that make up the entrance for both structures have been knocked over, those few that remain standing are blackened as if scorched by fire.
The exterior walls of the buildings are covered in strange and demonic symbols etched in either blood or what looks to be feces.
Male NG Human Soulknife (Gifted Blade) 2/Aegis 1//Stalker (Brutal Slayer) 3 | HP: 47/47 | AC: 17 (12 Tch, 15 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 17 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +8 | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Power Points: 9/9, Ki Pool: 3/3, Active conditions: Astral Skin, Elemental Nimbus.
"The corruption of this valley is so expansive. Even the waters have turned foul. Hopefully Somonti is right. If we can strike at the heart then perhaps it will be reversed."
Male NG Human Soulknife (Gifted Blade) 2/Aegis 1//Stalker (Brutal Slayer) 3 | HP: 47/47 | AC: 17 (12 Tch, 15 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 17 | F: +5, R: +8, W: +8 | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Power Points: 9/9, Ki Pool: 3/3, Active conditions: Astral Skin, Elemental Nimbus.
"There's always the role of the tragic hero to consider. The one who fights against all odds and obstacles in an effort to see their actions vindicated."
HP 20/20 | AC 17, FF 17, T 9 | Fort +5, Ref -1, Will +7 | CMD 12, FFCMD 12 | Initiative -1 | Perception +4
Reflex:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Alianne howls with pain as she catches a faceful of fire, dropping and rolling on the ground to make the flames go out.
The damage is mostly superficial, but there'll be facial scarring if she doesn't heal it magically before then. The right side of her hair is singed as well, and the collar of her blue robes has been badly charred.
Male Half Elf Aegis 2 | HP 18/18| AC 19 T 15 FF 14| DR 2/- |Fort +4 Ref +5 Will +3 | CMD 19 | Init +5 | Perception +10
" Perhaps you should not be the one venturing forth when there are unknown dangers... Alianne. I know personally I have no capability to heal and your evasive skills are lacking. Next time it may very well be your death. "
HP 20/20 | AC 17, FF 17, T 9 | Fort +5, Ref -1, Will +7 | CMD 12, FFCMD 12 | Initiative -1 | Perception +4
Alianne isn't really in a state to respond to the well-meant words, but frantically sets about digging a small, plain iron rod out of her belt. She draws it gently across her injuries, gasping the nonsense command phrase.
Around this time Somonti notices a large congregation of abnormally sized toads each the size of a large dog, have come together on the shores of the lake and are apparently observing the party.
HP: 23/23| AC: 19 FF: 18 Touch: 11 CMD: 17| Init: +1|Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +5| Perception +6; Aura, 10 ft.: +1 AC and Will (Morale)
"Unless any of you are able to consecrate a temple, there's no reason for us to fool with this place. Even if it did give us quite the warm welcome." Ptolem says and looks pointedly at Alianne's face.
Somonti rushes forward to check Alianne as the rune energy surges out, she scowls up at the defiled walls. Then, as she turns to chastise the others for their lack of concern, she starts
"We have company friends, some of those 'foul beasts' if I'm not mistaken..."
She addresses the toads
"Are you the sort of toads that talk and grant wishes, or the sort that are going to try and eat us?"
AC 11/t11/ff10; hp 16/16; saves: F 1 R 3 W 5; bab 0, melee 1, ranged 1; CMB 1, CMD 13; speed 30; init +1 half-elf investigator/1 wizard 1
skills:
Acro 2, appraise 4, bluff 8, craft alchemy 13, diplomacy 8, disable 5 k arc 10, k nature 8, k local 8, k hist 9, k plns 9, k relgn 8, k dung 8, k engrg 8, perc 7, spellcraft 9, stealth 1
"Not lack of concern, dear Somonti, just lack of ability to do anything useful to help, but it seems Alianne had the right tool at hand, so I"m glad she is alright."
He holds his bow, with an arrow nocked, at his side so as not to appear threatening, in case the toads are not aggressive... Perhaps they are merely curious...