The light of the courtyard seems to be holding back the surrounding forrest.
"Aak, we from under the dome do not react to light and dark as our forefathers from the surface. In order to protect us from the darkness above, we all now react more positively to the dark energies, at the expense of reacting negatively to the light."
Anything the sand does to us is... unclean. It disturbs me to see what it has managed to do to us... I think the dwarves are not affected.
Rheynold... do you have some means of healing us sand corrupted beings? If so heal yourself if you can. We should investigate that strange building. Maybe find out what this threat is that has united the dome and the elementals in common purpose.
Though there seems to be signs of creatures lurking in the forest beyond, the clearing remains undisturbed as everyone rests within.
"Aak, I suggest you stand back for this."
Once Aak is clear of the blast radius, Iron Sprocket holds his crystal in his hand and 2 waves of energy pulse out from him. The wave feels incredibly pleasurable to both Tamayra and Jenya.
Afterwards, Iron sprocket places a hand on his chest and his memory crystal glows again.
Still a little apprehensive that the party may know more about him than they're letting on, Iron Sprocket continues.
"Well, now that we're all feeling a little better, I agree we should attempt to figure out where we are and what controls it."
Jenya nods and will move towards the structure when everybody else does scanning for any other threats or traps and trying to see what that shadow in the window is.
There seems to be little activity caused by the groups movement.
Tamayra's breathing comes easier as the healing washes over her while she sleeps.
Jenya returns and waits for Tamayra to wake from her rest. When everyone is ready she will say There's a fire of some sort inside. It would be surprising if whatever is in there does not know about us and it has not attacked. Perhaps it is not hostile. Let us go in with caution.
"It can't hurt to scout the area first."
Jenya nods. How does this thing work? Let us send it in then
The small metallic creation snaps to life, its wings unfurling and clumsily propelling it into the air. A slight buzzing noise is heard which seem out of place in the constant twilight of this strange place. It hovers, awaiting further instructions.
"Aak, I believe the elemental mentioned it would await your instruction. Maybe have it buzz around the house?"
The clockwork spy hums into motion, clumsily flying toward the structure. It lands carefully outside a window, then climbs quietly onto the window sill. After carefully moving into the room it vanishes from sight, emerging a minute later. It lands near Aak, patiently awaiting the command to play its recording.
It seems we may have a friend in this place. We should go in, but cautiously.
Iron Sprocket attempts to determine if the voice from inside is lying.
It seems sincere.
"If you insist. Maybe they can tell us where we are."
"Okay."
Jenya, keeping her pistol holstered for now, moves to the door carefully keeping her eye out for traps and pushes it in cautiously.
Beyond sliding, double‐doors, the ground floor of the shrine greets visitors with a spacious foyer lit by stone braziers burning with continual flame. On the western wall is a wide mural depicting a lone mountain silhouetted by an enormous full moon. A pair of statues flank the mural, one depicting a robed woman with her hands outstretched above, the other a similarly dressed woman gracefully standing on one foot, reaching down towards the ground. A low, wooden table surrounded by squat stools rests opposite the statues at the eastern side of the shrine, adorned with a decorative tea set and floral arrangements of dusk blossoms. A spiral staircase ascends the northern side of the shrine to the second floor. Descending the stairway is an ivory skinned woman. Her long hair, as black as night, flecked with stardust and white eyes that shed moonlight is complemented by the immaculate robe of black and white silks, which she wears. She slows as she notices the group, careful not to approach further or otherwise give any sign of aggression.
"Welcome travelers."
Greetings and thank you for your kind welcome. I am Jenya Poole of House Desoto of the Obsidian Dome
Tamayra's eyes widen at the unearthly beauty of the woman descending the stairs. She notes the woman's approach we;coming but non-threatening. "Thank you for your hospitality, I am Tamayra Barrow of House Draven. It is an honor my Lady."
She bows slightly.
"Of such places I have not heard, but clearly you bring with you practices of honor and respect. It is then as I had hoped that you seek safety in this place, not further destruction like those who have come. Gesturing toward the fire. Now if you will join me for a moment around the fire. I would very much like to hear what has brought you here. Know how it is you have braved the twilight forest, and how I might help you in your journey on from this place." She sits near the fire, on the finely polished wood floor, with her legs crossed.
Let us trade stories. Jenya says seating herself near the strange woman in a similar fashion. We are not of this place but a.. portal of some sort... opened between our home and here and it threatens us. You said that you were bound to this place in some fashion and that others have come seeking destruction?
Nodding.
"A fine idea. The portals have always been and will always be. It seems as of late some outside force is influencing the planes, that spaces of our existence. The place I once called home, your home, this place, and the shadowy beyond - all are being pushed closer together. Though I can only guess at the reason, I do not think the intention is good. She pauses, carefully considering her next words. I came here much like you, as an explorer. I am bound by honor and danger. Honor to guard this place. Danger for those who wish to harm me and desecrate this place."
What is this place? Why is it so important?
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Aak, sits...well tries to but his armor prevents such fine movements of his joints. He instead will pull up a chair if available and trade stories.
Thank you for having us. When you mention "this place", are you referring to this house of yours or the "place" we are in as in the land overall?, he looks to her for any clues of deception or undertones.
Gesturing at the surroundings.
"This building, its surrounding, all of it was created. Not by me mind you, but by someone or something much more powerful. It is a place between places. An overlapping space between spaces. Not a plane in its own right, but a space between and among planes - your world, my world, and the shadowy beyond. Long ago I sought shelter her. Then there were few dangers beyond the other lost creatures that have found their way here. But in the recent past, mere years here, though much longer on my world or your world, something changed. There have been more travelers - many of them are not lost, but seem to move with a destructive purpose. Some even have the power to bring fire into the twilight. When I first found this place I could come and go as I wished, though even then I could get lost in the shifting twilight forest. As the new comers arrived the other powers that have been here a long time, as I have, became emboldened. Now it is not safe for me or for this place that I leave."
Tamayra sits back, listening, seemingly more at ease as the woman speaks.
Do you know the source of these.. hostile travelers.. or their motivations? Jenya asks.
Considering her words carefully.
"I believe they have some association with the shadowy beyond. How or why they would carry shadow and fire I cannot say. Smiling, as if to push away the thoughts of such evil. Now tell me. What brings you all here? And where even did you make the acquaintance of such a small creature? She gestures toward Aak, where the clockwork spy is perched upon his shoulder.
Looking thoughtfully off into the distance, though it is clear her eyes are not focused on anything.
"It seems to me that whatever the conflict is this place has become a means of transport. Perhaps you might be able to follow the other travelers to wherever it is they are going?"
A look of surprise crosses her face, as if Aak's question has suddenly reminded her of something important that she'd neglected to mention.
"They are like you. While, and I mean no offense, but they are like them. She motions specifically toward Jenya and Tamayra. Any like you that have been with them seem to be prisoners."
They are not like us, they are not of the dome Jenya insists and then thoughtfully. Would you have any of the insights into the troubles that have been plaguing our land before this portal business even started? The dome is besieged by evil sands and Aak's homelands are beset by evil cults I think. Could all of that be connected to these hostile travelers?