Fondo waves away the chatter and makes for the altar. "I shall enter as Laori suggests. Serethiel's in there, and there too lie our fates."
So it seems like everyone is going to undergo the ritual again to bypass the Forbiddance effect (at least).
Laori enters through the double doors below and takes damage from the ritual (you do not need to take actual damage here - it's just a little blood letting, but Laori really gets into it).
You're now in the entry hall of the Donjon. From here, you can search the interior further, or go back outside (taking damage Will DC 24 for half) and mess about with the roof.
As for actions there have been calls to Fondo to test his boots, and calls to Barael to try and pass through the Star Tower wall again with his incorporeal skills now that he's past the Forbiddance.
Fondo does indeed test his boots as he moves from within the unsanctified space of the temple back out into the courtyard. "Brov, better I think to test your dance up top, as we prepare to pass through."
Fondo's boots fail.
To confirm, you are popping from within the Donjon to the outside?
"What are you doing 10 times?"
"10 times, Halfblood. That's how often I think I can open the way inside. That's 5 in and 5 out, I think."
Will Save
Wand CMW (10/30)
Wand CMW (9/30)
Wand CMW (8/30)
"Brother Rose, could it not be that, as an enchantment anchored to this place, the portal bears more permanent magics? For instance, you used a particular prayer to enchant this fine belt."
Barael takes another shot at passing into the Star Tower, still in the confines of the church, albeit more methodically.
If he manages to pass through, he takes in all he can see, but returns just short of his full movement, to avoid being alone within the Tower.
"Briar, if Laori can escort us in up there, like she did down here, then we won't have need of all of your 10 times. Possibly 6 out, if she can't bring us across." Barael frowns a little, not liking his passage being dependent on the Zon worshipper.
If all action subsequent to the little tests lead back outside, and likely upwards...
Barael looks to Briar to make his final determinations about his 10 times, and whether action takes place at the base or the top of the Tower.
"Hold up, Rat," Briar says before the Rat re-bloodied his nose to the amusement of all. "Here, take this in case it does work."
"Can you hear me, Rat?"
Briar gets into a good spot to watch Barael do this thing.
From the church (lower church I assume - the main church and in from the side avoiding the altar out of respect for Laori) Barael disappears into the wall but sees only wall. He travels some 30’ in as straight a line as he can manage in the dark stone before he begins to panic and fears being lost in the structure with no way out. So he retreats mostly the way he came and ends up back in front of the party, unsettled but whole.
For reference, the entire tower appears to be only about 40’-50’ across.
"Does anyone know what 'stitches in the world' might mean? It popped in my head when trying to crack this puzzle."
"Stitches? Nope. I have nothing rattling 'round my head regarding stitches." Barael regains himself a little with the healing.
Barael looks expectantly at the others, eyes weaving towards the top of the tower again. "Let's get up there, and through, before our taint wears off."
Laori passes through the curtain and takes damage which she heals with her own curing wand. She'll then help carry folks up to the top as needed.
The party is at the top of the Star Tower looking at the face of Zon Kuthon in the marble of the little pill box formation at the top of the large structure.
"Let's join our hands and walk as one unto
this rock that holds our aim: Serethiel."
Fondo holds out his hand to Barael and Dandi, and follows as Laori directs.
Barael takes Fondo's hand firmly in his grasp, and holds his other hand out to Charlie, but not before motioning to the old man to put away the bottle, thus freeing his hand to join with another's.
Nikolay smiles at Barael and grabs a hand.
"Who will wield Serethiel? I'm afraid I've already committed myself to another."
Barael smiles back. Grabbing hilts like he does, the man's got one strong grip, he does.
"Well, won't it choose its wielder? Kinda like how you and Shadow's Death came to partner up? The sword assented to your partnership, if I remember correctly." Barael grins broadly.
--"I chose him. Why does no one get this?"
Nikolay's eyes drift down to "his" sword.
Briar realizes that he clearly doesn't understand whatever plan the Varisian has. He tries to get additional information before acting.
"Sward, before you go into the tower that might, in fact, be a prison, would you mind completely and fully reading the magics on the door there? It would be beneficial to me as we decide what to do next," Briar asks Nikolay before turning to Dandi.
"If you're of the mind as well, Waif?" Briar asks, nodding to the door and the phase door effect.
Detect magic.
Spellcraft
Arcana
Nikolay looks briefly and then pulls out his flask to contemplate the magics for a couple minutes.
"Methinks we three shall wield three legendary swords. Black Tooth, Shadow's Death, and Serethiel. Worry not, I'll not deprive you of justice upon our viper queen." Fondo's eyes glint as he waits for the scholars to complete their study.
Charlie takes a pull before stowing his holy symbol and grabbing on.
Nikolay, and Dandilion (presuming she also takes 20) learn nothing new. Upon the face there is a Phase Door spell with unknown uses left and no permanency.
The stonework is ancient and seemingly all of a single piece of marble. The only 'feature' on the entire Tower is this pillbox shaped formation with the face of Zon Kuthon on the west wall.
The scene, as I understand it, is a party holding hands all trying to go in at the same time more or less with the exception of Briar and Laori who are to remain behind.
To save a little time, the party moves to the mouth and attempts to activate the Phase Door, but it fails to function. The best the bright minds can come up with is that the Phase Door is set to some triggering condition that has not been met.
Looking again in confusion, Briar idly wonders if the Forbiddance effect is blocking the phasing power of the spell. Checking again for auras he sees notes that, as per my descriptions (or rather lack thereof), the pill box has no Forbiddance. It apparently stops with the main thrust of the tower and does not include this little box at the top... so it's not that (though it's the same stone so SR on any spells cast upon it please).
"Sister Bramble, please lead the way. It seemed to work in the temple below."
Know (Religion) - "Stitches of the World"?
Briar sits back on his ledge/perch, looking out again over the majesty of Scarwall, thinking after the recent findings of Dandi and Nikolay.
"I don't think we should all go in. There is no guarantee we can all get out...and unless a few of you are willing to stay behind should the door not open. Both Laori and I were happy to remain outside, protecting your egress, but it appears our mighty elven traits are necessary for this task," Briar muses.
"Of course, this is nothing new. Without my magics and the blessings of Nethys, you would have failed long ago. I think that either Laori or Briar or both of us needs to be the ones to enter as the door is activated. That said, we'll need two people remain outside," Briar intones honestly.
"If you wish, Laori might be convinced to stay...or she might be willing to wait here while we invade the holy sanctum of her god*. I would happily remain here, as I would never consent to staying inside should not all of us be able to leave. What do you all think?"
"Methinks we three shall wield three legendary swords. Black Tooth, Shadow's Death, and Serethiel. Worry not, I'll not deprive you of justice upon our viper queen."
"Eh, I don't think Black Tooth is all that legendary, but thanks all the same. Shady over there talks with its own voice, and it's likely Serra will too."
"...it appears our mighty elven traits are necessary..."
"Briar, you couldn'ta entered the church below without Laori's permissions, so I don't think you're gonna find it too different here, staring into the face of her god's chain-filled eyes. It's Laori's worship, not her race, that's gonna help us here." Barael turns to Dandi.
"Briar thinks that two must remain out here. Would you be willing to keep him company, if the rest of us enter? We're still connected through the telepathy, so we can try and stay in touch while investigating."
"Brother Rose, again: what makes you think that ten is surer than two or twenty? There is strength in numbers, and I'd ask your full confidence before we leave jel'enedra or you behind."
"What part of '10' confuses you, Varisian? If you wish to risk more and if you volunteer to stay behind should it not open for more, we can certainly send more. But even then, you'll need a second volunteer who would want to stay in there, possibly forever."
"Ten does not confuse me. How you arrived at this magic number does. Why not seven? Why not three? Explain, please, for us ignorant mortals." Fondo gives a mirthful grin and waits for the elf to speak sensibly.
"That's what I think, Varisian. I cannot explain all the magics involved to you...we do not have that much time. It would be quicker to explain...ah, nevermind, Varisian. Come sit here at the top of the world and admire this view."
Fondo rolls his eyes. "For those who share Briar's worry, I respect your choice. For others: let us enter. Sister?" He lets go Barael and Dandi's hands and offers one to Laori.
Briar is unaware of any particular meaning of the sword in elvish or any other tongue.
Laori, given the circumstances, agrees easily enough to the most sensible plan. She whispers to Briar before she leaves,
Laori hugs Briar warmly and gives him a kiss - planted roughly on a raw patch of skin.
Laori again leads, as before, and attempts to open the phase door. She immediately disappears inside and the way seems open for all!
...but
Unfortunately the next person or persons in the queue approach the evil grin of Zon Kuthon and stop dead in their tracks, pressed up against the cool marble despite the warm sun on their backs.
Eventually (I presume) everyone tries to step through the phase door. No one is successful. Laori is alone inside with the prize.
Briar smile and is happy to give Laori the beads...
"I would give them to you, but you'll have to see Halfblood about them," Briar smiles helpfully.
"Ahhh." says Laori.
She turns to Charlie, "Charlie, Briar gave you some prayer beads to hold. I was wondering if I might have them. Ideally as my share, but if that's too complex a topic for now, allow me to carry them. I may need their power inside as I am low on spells."
Barael sneers a little, as he watches Laori make her rounds.
When she passes through alone, Barael's eyes narrow. No regard for anyone else, so she feigned fear earlier, if she's content to enter alone. There's nothing here that required us to let our blood in the church, so she subjected us to the ritual all for nothing. She knew all along she was going in alone...
"She's dead. Next time I see her, she's dead."
Edit:
If there's a cooperative effort to hold hands, and it fails, Barael will simply be confused, unsure as to how to proceed.
"Laori, I know that our perspectives are opposed, but you are my friend. I hope that you might share a short prayer with me before you take the beads and depart."
Charlie hands her the bottle of the good stuff before offering up his own liver in prayer as he hands her the beads.
Laori takes a deep swallow of the holy liquor, and manages not to cough at its sharp aftertaste.
She smiles at Charlie as she takes the beads. She says a little prayer over them and tucks them away as she prepares to step through the wall.
"so that's it? She just goes in and *poof*?!? Briar, fix it. " Dandi paces the area, unsettled at this turn of events.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Fondo approaches the mouth and stares it down. He says a few broken bits of Thassilonian passed unrecognizably into Varisian, and whacks himself on the forehead.
[dice=Use Magic Device]d20 + 9 + 2=19
He continues spouting various combinations of gibberish.
[dice=Use Magic Device]d20 + 9 + 2=25
[dice=Use Magic Device]d20 + 9 + 2=29
[dice=Use Magic Device]d20 + 9 + 2=30
Fondo does his mighty best to get the Phase Door to open for him, but alas it does not.
Barael watches Fondo in his mounting agitation. "Hold up, Brov. If the blood letting was any help, then I won't get bounced right now, right? Let's see if it's nothing but stone up here..."
Barael paces back and forth for a small moment, then walks directly at the stone skull face.
Briar watches Laori and group walk away, his face flashing puzzlement as they fail to enter.
"What just happened? Why didn't that work?" Briar asks, jumping to his feet. "That should have worked...in theory."
Briar will cast Detect Magic again, and again read the auras on the door, the phase door, and whatever else might be there. He wants to figure out why it didn't allow everyone to accompany Laori inside (as silly as that might have been) *and* if there is a noticeable decreasing in the number of times the phase door effect might work.
* * *
"She's dead. Next time I see her, she's dead."
"That is a strange thing to say, Rat. Why would you assume treachery when there are many other possible explanations AND given the fact that she has risked her life for us many times?" Briar seems unconcerned with the thought of Laori dying...more concerned for the logic for it happening.
"If you think about it more, Rat, there is little to worry about. Laori, not being completely stupid, probably knows that we're still out here...and, I don't know if you've noticed, this place is pretty tight. It's going to be difficult for her to escape with the sword...even if that was her goal. Her goal is the crown, like us. And we are still her best avenue towards that, I think. Thirdly, she has yet to lie or deceive us yet. Why would she start now?"
Barael disappears and reappears a few seconds later.
This time was different however. He felt himself go through the stone, maybe into some sort of interior chamber, but it was completely dark, even his darkvision was no avail, and he returns as before - like a yo-yo.
Barael stands before you blinking in the bright sun, safe and sound.
Briar can not determine any change in the magics. No way of knowing how many charges remain.
"Can't you make it go away, Briar?" Dandi waves her hands at the wall, as if shooing hungry children from the kitchen before dinner time.
"The best liars do so only when the moment's right. But Brother Rose's point is keener than his ken of phase doors. She's likely as confused as we are."
Fondo scratches his head. "Mayhap it's as simple as a hidden door. The stone is odd. Mayhap it hides an equally odd seam somewheres. We've not checked with great care."
"That is a strange thing to say, Rat. Why would you assume treachery when there are many other possible explanations AND given the fact that she has risked her life for us many times?" Briar seems unconcerned with the thought of Laori dying...more concerned for the logic for it happening.
"If you think about it more, Rat, there is little to worry about. Laori, not being completely stupid, probably knows that we're still out here...and, I don't know if you've noticed, this place is pretty tight. It's going to be difficult for her to escape with the sword...even if that was her goal. Her goal is the crown, like us. And we are still her best avenue towards that, I think. Thirdly, she has yet to lie or deceive us yet. Why would she start now?"
Barael looks at Briar, and shakes his head. "She is a worshipper of Zon Kuthon, Master Torturer, Chains a Plenty, Evil Incarnate. She risks her life for him, not us, Briar. Get that through your head right now, and we won't argue it when she tries to interfere with whatever we're doing against Ileosa. Ask yourself, 'when is she fixing to start?', if you want to pose questions, because that's the only one that matters. If you think she hasn't lied or deceived us yet, you're a greater fool for her love than I thought."
Barael stands ready for anything to return through the skull.
Fondo pokes Barael as he stands watching. "Brov, your eyes are keen and nose is... Well, bewhiskered, but sharp as well. Shall we search the tower's exterior proper?" Not being particularly observant, Fondo happily hovers over the Rat should he search.
"If you think she hasn't lied or deceived us yet, you're a greater fool for her love than I thought."
Briar rolls his eyes at the Rat.
He is as illogical as the Varisian.
"I think you still miss the point, Rat. I think she still needs us. I could be wrong, but we shall see. I'm not saying that she isn't in the process of betraying us, only that now is a foolish time to do so."
Briar gets up off his ledge and approaches the door again, turning to face the party.
"So once again, we are were I said we were. I *think* I can open this door for a few passes. If so, we'll need to limit the number who go through. I suggest myself, so I can retrieve the blade, and 3 others. Two will have to wait here. Who volunteers to go in, and who volunteers to wait?"
"Well, if you think it'll work..." Barael raises a single tuft of eyebrow hair at the elf. "I'll wait outside. I've no energy for grand feats at present. And this seems to be the only way in and out of this Tower."
Barael looks over the exterior of the pillbox and anything else about the roof, and preoccupies himself by investigating what he can.
Fondo smirks and steps forward to join the elf. "Let's see you work your miracles, Brother Rose."
"Just let me know where you want me, Briar. I can join you or stand guard out here. Just don't be too long."