Mai'ela walks besides Ezric with Nuama walking near her, though he takes quick trips a little further from her to sniff the area. As she walks she continuous to scan their surrounding trying to spot the watcher hidden out there.
Two-Fisted readies his Double-Axe, and walks next to Belnan to investigate the area around the campsite, towards the lake.
So, Belnan, what exactly are we lookin' for?
"Anything moving, and anything that would suggest that the lake is somehow tied to the hidden temple entrances, such as unusual currents or unexpected bubbling, are the things I am looking for." Belnan says after quickly putting his gear in order at the campsite and heading to the lake. When he gets in range, he casts detect magic.
On arriving at the purposed campsite, Ezric looks around immediate vicinity while the others are checking out the lake for any sign of creatures presence.
"Anything moving, and anything that would suggest that the lake is somehow tied to the hidden temple entrances, such as unusual currents or unexpected bubbling, are the things I am looking for." Belnan says after quickly putting his gear in order at the campsite and heading to the lake. When he gets in range, he casts detect magic.
Belnan
On arriving at the purposed campsite, Ezric looks around immediate vicinity while the others are checking out the lake for any sign of creatures presence.
Ezric
About quarter of a mile
Belnan sends Blackie out over the lake, flying at about 50-60 feet above the water, to see if he can ascertain more about the bubbling as the wizard watches for any signs of movement, crossbow loaded and ready.
Two Fisted stands beside Belnan, and as he watches the bird take flieght, he fingers his double axe.
Mai'ela places her backpack down at the camp site, before she heads off with Belnan and Ragar to the lake to investigate the unnatural state of the lake. As she approaches the lake she instruct Nuama to defend her. While standing near the edge, though close enough to cast detect poison onto a portion of water near the edge.
Mai'ela Knowledge (nature): close inspection
Mai'ela Wisdom: For identification if water portion (5' cube at 35' distance) is poisoned
Nuama Perception:
After a while she asks Belnan, "Do you have any ideas to the cause of the lake looking like this?"
"It's not inherently magical, at least on the surface, so my guess is it's bubbling up from a source deep down or somewhere inside one of the temples that has an opening to the lake bottom."
Ijen stands watch while the others discuss the lake.
Belnan sends Blackie out over the lake, flying at about 50-60 feet above the water, to see if he can ascertain more about the bubbling as the wizard watches for any signs of movement, crossbow loaded and ready.
Belnan
Mai'ela places her backpack down at the camp site, before she heads off with Belnan and Ragar to the lake to investigate the unnatural state of the lake. As she approaches the lake she instruct Nuama to defend her. While standing near the edge, though close enough to cast detect poison onto a portion of water near the edge.
** spoiler omitted **
After a while she asks Belnan, "Do you have any ideas to the cause of the lake looking like this?"
Mai'ela
Gyles looks at the disgusting water before addressing Belnan. "The water is most certainly foul but it does not appear to be evil in and of itself. Perhaps the answer we desire is within the temples, I suggest that we investigate them for impurities."
Aye, looks like a dirty old lake to me, nothing more. I agree with Gyles, let's check inside. As I said before the entrance to the catacombs lies on the other side of the lake, past the white markers, heading into the hills.
"Yes, nothing but a nice peaceful lake, and the giant frogs that are watching us from the other side of lake. At least we've ascertained that the problem is deep down, whatever it is. Now, who wants to lead the examination of the frogs?" Blackie continues to circle overhead a little above Belnan as he shares that bit of news.
Speaks up slightly exited, "At least the little lake is not poison, just seems to be dirty, which is allowing scum and mould to grow. The growth is most likely being fuelled by the rotting that is taking place in and on the edge of the lake.", while looking at the frogs or toads, "There are large frogs, and their unusual size is most likely due to the condition of the lake that causes increased growth in size."
Hearing Gyles reporting no evil in the lake or nearby, "I think the lake is of no threat to us. Though I would like to discover the source to the bad state of the lake. If source is found to be natural then there will be no need to treat the lake to restore it."
She smiles broadly, "Before we settle down for the night and have our meal, I would like to search for fresh food."
"How about frog legs. I bet one of them would feed all of us for a couple days."
Ijen laughs at her own joke as she goes about setting up camp.
Ijen, I like yer thinking. Everyone else seems way too worried about a dirty lake and some big froggies...ha, ha, ha. We really should be concentrating on why we were sent here...the catacombs, no?
"Ragar, I know that those of your lineage are not known for their abundance of patience but I believe some must be taken at this point. The catacombs have been there for many years and will continue to be there for many more. A cursory investigation of the temples should come first to make sure that nothing with evil intent resides there. Making sure that when come back to camp that we are the only ones that have been there is fairly important. We should however get at the temples sooner rather than later, so we can build our camp in peace and be assured that the night passes smoothly."
Gyles gathers the necessary gear for the temple investigation and starts making his way towards to temple of Muir, not even looking back in the assumption that the others will simply fall into line behind him.
Aye, Gyles...fair enough.
Two-Fisted falls into step behind Gyles, back to the campsite.
Belnan just sighs as Gyles walks toward the temple. Not entirely thrilled with the idea of going in without confirming the status of the lake and getting some rest, he just shakes his head, and follows behind, muttering something about stubborn mules.
Speaks up slightly exited, "At least the little lake is not poison, just seems to be dirty, which is allowing scum and mould to grow. The growth is most likely being fuelled by the rotting that is taking place in and on the edge of the lake.", while looking at the frogs or toads, "There are large frogs, and their unusual size is most likely due to the condition of the lake that causes increased growth in size."
Hearing Gyles reporting no evil in the lake or nearby, "I think the lake is of no threat to us. Though I would like to discover the source to the bad state of the lake. If source is found to be natural then there will be no need to treat the lake to restore it."
She smiles broadly, "Before we settle down for the night and have our meal, I would like to search for fresh food."
** spoiler omitted **
Mai'ela
You head toward the right hand temple. The shrine consists of a large stone foundation and mighty stone pillars ringing a central room.The pillars support and inverted 'V' shaped roof. Bass relief carvings once adorned the pillars but have long since crumbled with age and neglect. The once white pillars are now blackened by fire as are the walls of the room within. Blood and faeces smear the pillars and interior walls. From outside you can make out a large statue and alter within the temple.
On the way back to the temple, Mai'ela and Nuama, break off briefly from the group to nearby some bushes to collect nuts and fruits. Sometimes running off further to chase some rabbits and hares, with Nuama doing most of the catching. She returns to the camp site by the temple when she has enough to feed everyone including Nuama and Blackie, and proclaims out loudly showing off the food, "Here is your dinner for tonight."
She walks to a nearby tree to tie the rabbits out of reach of other creatures. She picks up her backpack in preparation to enter the temple along side Belnan.
Before he left the campsite, Belnan casts an alarm spell set to give him a mental warning. As he approaches the temple, he examines the damage, trying to determine the source and extent of the damage, and when he gets in range also casts detect magic. Blackie stays close, resting on the elf's shoulder, eyes open for trouble.
Nuama is instructed to defend Mai'ela and stay nearby her.
Nuama Perception: for possible foes on the ground by sight, hearing or smell
After checking out the campsite Ezric realizes the others had continued on towards the lake. Hurrying that way he gets the in time join them marching off towards the temple.
As the temple come into view, Ezric lets out a whistle, "Impressive, I think, at least they used to be. Boss, I think your people are gonna have their work cut out for 'em gettin' these buildins back together."
As they get closer, Ezric moves ahead and looks for any tracks leading to and from the temple, or anything of note.
"Typical, impulsive..."
Ijen follows the others to the temple, "don't know what you would do without me."
Ijen casts detect magic as she approaches the temple. She will keep this up for the duration.
"This place will be restored and the defilers will be removed."
Gyles draws his blade as he enters the temple, looking around for any signs of danger.
Two-Fisted spins his Double-Axe and follows Gyles forward.
I am with you Gyles!
Perception:
Mai'ela shrugs her shoulder, "I guess we have no choice, the muscles are flexing their weapons."
She moves beside Belnan and behind Gyles, Ragar and Ijen that is forming a protective wall for the rest of the group. She checks her weapons, and spell component pouch are well positions. Checking that Nuama is beside her in defending mode.
If needed she will cast light onto her ring, to act as a light source.
"Indeed, oh well, probably better to let them get it out there system before we try to sleep." Belnan just shakes his head, biting his tongue to keep from saying more as he fall into position, having already said his fill plenty during the last adventure, and not seeing any reason to keep saying it when they obviously aren't learning.
Looking at the desecration of the temple, you can all determine that it is not of recent origin. Those detecting magic can detect a faint aura hangong over the structure, but it is weak and difficult to judge.
Approaching the temple, it seems that there are signs of activity with scuffed tracks but these are old, at least a week it seems, and nearly washed away.
Looking inside the structure, you can make out several water fonts, that seem chipped and cracked. Some are full of filth - another sign of the desecration.
A large statue of Muir, the Lady of Paladins stands prominantly in the centre of the temple, although this to has been defaced. It's head now lies next to the base of the statue and its upraised sword has been broken off at the hilt. The statues shield, representing the 'shield of faith' has been defaced with a symbol, drawn in blood, of a two horned goat.
Strange words are etched on the base of the statue, that read "Varesh, Uklathra, ashkavnik yin fensk, ash ytrin od viskras Muir".
Ijen
"Interesting. It took some work to cause this level of desecration, and yet the inscription on the statue was left untouched." Ijen steps to the base of the statue and gently runs her hands over the benediction, softly reciting it in common.
She stands and brushes the dust from her gloves, "Gyles, we are here on your quest, perhaps an invocation before we begin is in order."
Ijen nods her head respectfully and backs up several steps to give him room.
Letting out a whistle at the severity of the damage to the statue, Ezric's eyes settle on the shield. "Two-Fisted, your from around these parts, ain't ya? You seen that goat head before? I don't think that's any gang sign I have seen before."
"Impressive work; someone has a grudge and way too much time on their hands." Belnan just shakes his head at the damage.
Letting out a whistle at the severity of the damage to the statue, Ezric's eyes settle on the shield. "Two-Fisted, your from around these parts, ain't ya? You seen that goat head before? I don't think that's any gang sign I have seen before."
Ezric
Not being a follower of any deity, and believes the temples are built by the deities followers only to glorify themselves, she stands outside and looks into the temple at the filthy mess and damage, she speaks softly, "What a mess! This is going to take some effort to clean this up. Guess the other temple also looks like this mess."
"Gyles, what are you plans for this temple? How would you like us to help you?"
Gyles speaks seeming to talk to no-one here. "M'lady, it pains me to see you in such a state, know that restoring your home to it's rightful glory is a task I will not fail in... but there are more important goals right this instant, I will return for you."
Turning to the others: "As much as I would love to take the time to clean this holy place up and restore it to it's former glory that is not our assigned task. Let us do a quick inspection of the temples to make sure they are not being inhabited by corruption and then we must proceed on to the catacombs. If there is evil here it will be below as evil prefers the cool and dark of the underground, away from the shining light of goodness."
Aye, Gyles, me and my Axe are with you!
"Huh, now that I think about, I think I have seen that sign before. Ain't that the sign of Orcus? Now that'll give ya some shivers." Suiting action to wards, he gives a slight shiver. "Just what we need to deal with, demon worshipers. Blegh!"
Taking another glance around the area, Ezric then turns to Gyles"Should I take point, Boss?"
"Orcus, that's bad news. We'd best be 'bout it."
"Are there any other rooms in this temple we need to check before we move on?"