The man nods, but his sly grin makes you a bit uneasy as you leave him behind and advance to the pyramid.
The entrance has a triangular shape and to both sides men in golden platemails in Osirion fashion stand guard. They just stare in the distance, but you still feel watched...as you come closer to the portal, one of them bellows
Welcome to the most holy sanctuary of the Child Goddess unworthy but pious pilgrims!
Tal'Zeneb bites his lip to prevent himself from responding with a suitably biting response. He keeps his face impassive as they pass the imposing guards.
"Thank you for the kind welcome!" Kyren replies to the guard as he approaches. "I am glad that my pious reputation precedes me, but what is it that we need to do to show you that we are worthy?"
Alchy and Blaze follow Kyren in an orderly fashion, occasionally stopping to appear really friendly.
The guard does not look at you when he replies
If you enter and lack the piousness expected from a follower of the Child Goddess, the divine lightning of purification will hit you.
he says...and now that you know that, the sooty spots on the floor make some sense...
Berry piously and most faithfully checks the door for traps after taking a drink of holy vision elixir and sacred alchemical allocation.
Faithful perception roll for traps
"If you enter and lack the piousness expected from a follower of the Child Goddess, the divine lightning of purification will hit you."
"Well, we should have nothing to worry about then! I bid you farewell and may the presence of the Child Godess always be with you!"
Kyren leads the others onward as he looks around for any sign of lightning from above. Once clearly out of earshot, Kyren whispers to the others.
Ok folks, let's be sure to look really faithful. We don't want any lightning purification to come and zap us!
Kenta smiles as the guard questions Buta, before following the others into the midst of danger while hanging back with the other animal performers. Clearly he had decided that if talking failed, he wished to be near to Alcheringa... and the ability to deliver his own physical riposte.
Your heart beats a bit faster as you step into the pyramid...no zap...phew...The inside of the pyramid consists of several levels connected by broad yellow marble stairs.
The air inside the temple is fresh and cool, small fountains rest in every corner of the ground level which is inhabited by about two dozen priests, guards and followers.
There are reading areas, lounge areas and a small chapel with a central altar on which a silver pyramid rests. While you still look around and try to sort all the impressions, one of the priests approaches you
Welcome followers of the graceful Child Goddess, how can I help you? then he looks at your animal companions and smiles Sacrificial animals, I guess?
"Welcome followers of the graceful Child Goddess, how can I help you? . . . Sacrificial animals, I guess?"
"No, no, these animals are highly intelligent and come to give the Child Goddess their respects. They are most valued companions to me and they help me center my attention on our great lady. Hey, did I tell you how much I adore this great temple? The architecture is absolutely amazing! This was certainly worth the trip here! Hey, I wonder, could you kindly direct us to a small chapel here in the temple where we can quietly give praise to the Child Goddess?"
"But you're welcome to try and sacrifice them if you like!"{/b] Berry chimes in twinkling with amusement. [b]"They haven't eaten in ages!"
The priest nearly pats Al on the head, but then he decides to let it be
Yeah, heh...nice pets you have, a chapel? Right over there. You see the altar with the pyramid on it? That is one of our pilgrim shrines. And yes, the architecture IS amazing. The pyramid was built according to the plans of our great mother.
Kyren leads the others into the chapel, closes the door behind them and says, "Phew! We made it this far. Now what do we do next? How are we going to find Bobo in this vast temple? I can try and use my words, but I am not sure how to exactly ask where they keep the prisoners without arousing suspicion. I mean I presume Bobo is a prisoner. He may be crazy, but he certainly wouldn't volunteer to join this cult!"
Alcheringa keeps playing nicely... delighted that its so far so good.
Looking about the impressive temple, Tal'Zeneb attempts to identify any idols or marking that may prod his memory for details of this cult
Knowledge Religion
Shaking his head, he mutters to himself on his failure to assist his new friends; in this his lone area of expertise.
Wow, Tal's really not very lucky when it comes to this cult...
After you have stayed inside the chaple for some moments, suddenly the silver pyramid on the altar opens and a blonde girl of about twelve years climbs out of it.
Once she is outside she stretches and says
So, from what you said I take you are not members of this cult?
"Oh, umm, hello, my dear. Who are you and where did you come from?"
The girl looks back at the pyramid, then at you and shakes her head
Are you thick? I'm a child goddess!
Nervously she scratches her right forearm and shrugs But well, my divinity is not connected to any powers...sadly not.
"Are you thick? I'm a child goddess!"
"Well, I beg your pardon, Miss." Kyren replies with utmost sincerity. With a respectful bow, the Tosscobble continues, "I am Kyren Tosscobble at your service and it is a pleasure to meet you. I did not realize that you were here. I am delighted to meet a child godess! I hope you do not mind me asking, but do you have many followers here in thie temple?"
@ Vaughn: I intended the odd sound :)
The girl grimaces and rubs the back of her neck
Er, yeah, I guess so...but...well, I think I have to explain you the whole thing:
In each and every pyramid these freaks carry around, sits a girl like me. We were all bought or stolen when we still were babies. They "raise" us in these pyramids, can you imagine that? I mean, not really raise, but we have to sit in these things several hours each day. But we have no powers, we can't even use magic or something like that, this whole cult is just a hoax if you ask me...at least partly.
Sometimes the priests say they are waiting for "the real one" whoever that is. Well, when we grow too big for the pyramid, which mostly happens when the girls become eleven or twelve, we just disappear...don't ask me what happens, none of us knows. And...yeah, tomorrow's my twelfth birthday and my arms and knees are already bruised from sitting in that thing...so, if you are not followers of the Child Goddess, why are you here and could you help me escape?
"Kazam! Kazam, you bet we can! We are the Wee Bluets, and we are actually here to try and rescue my cousin from a similar fate. I doubt they thought he was a little girl, but he is a halfling, and maybe they are not very bright. Can you tell me what they would want with a young male halfling? They wouldn't dress him up as a girl would they? Well, we have come in in disguise as performing pilgrims, I am sure we could try and sneak you out in some way."
That's it. These clowns have crossed the line. I'm not interested in talking anymore. They steal *children?!?!* NO F*#*)%*%ING WAY. Just, no. It was personal when they stole Bobo, and now it's just . . .
Vaughn takes a deep breath to calm himself. He then looks at the girl. Listen, sweetie. We'll get you out of here. You stay by me. If any of these freaks tries to put a hand on you again, I'll make sure they pull back a stump! And if anything . . . violent happens, stay by Kyren here, he'll keep you safe.
.
Now, we're looking for someone, a halfling--looks a little like Kyren--that these freakoids took at least a day ago. You haven't seen him, have you? Or know where they might have taken him?
As soon as you mention a halfling, the girl raises her hand
I've seen him, his name is...yeah Bobo, like you said. He was shouting and kicking when they brought him here, but they didn't dare to touch him. He must be of great importance to them because normally they aren't very friendly with prisoners and captives. He surely is down in the dungeons...I've never been there myself, but sometimes the guards speak about that place.
Then she looks at Vaughn again and grins
[b]You're cool, I like you![/b
Vaughn gives her a grin and a wink. you're smart!
OK, sounds like the dungeons it is. Shall we?
The girl smiles back, but then she furrows her brows
But the entrance to the dungeon is right in the centre of the pyramid and guarded by two sentinels and an Ardoc iron golem. You look like the real deal, but can you fight such opponents?
@ Vaughn: I intended the odd sound :)
The girl grimaces and rubs the back of her neck
Er, yeah, I guess so...but...well, I think I have to explain you the whole thing:
In each and every pyramid these freaks carry around, sits a girl like me. We were all bought or stolen when we still were babies. They "raise" us in these pyramids, can you imagine that? I mean, not really raise, but we have to sit in these things several hours each day. But we have no powers, we can't even use magic or something like that, this whole cult is just a hoax if you ask me...at least partly.
Sometimes the priests say they are waiting for "the real one" whoever that is. Well, when we grow too big for the pyramid, which mostly happens when the girls become eleven or twelve, we just disappear...don't ask me what happens, none of us knows. And...yeah, tomorrow's my twelfth birthday and my arms and knees are already bruised from sitting in that thing...so, if you are not followers of the Child Goddess, why are you here and could you help me escape?
Tal'Zeneb seems genuinely shaken by the girl's words
"Such deceit is intolerable. That people have been persuaded to put their faith toward such is an affront to my mistress, tomorrow's dreams are shattered by faith that is used so! "
The girl smiles back, but then she furrows her brows
But the entrance to the dungeon is right in the centre of the pyramid and guarded by two sentinels and an Ardoc iron golem. You look like the real deal, but can you fight such opponents?
Hmm, iron golem, eh? I've heard of them. Hard to injure them, almost immune to magic. Alright, boys and girls, how do we deal with this?
"But the entrance to the dungeon is right in the centre of the pyramid and guarded by two sentinels and an Ardoc iron golem. You look like the real deal, but can you fight such opponents?"
Kyren replies, but is still talking to the others as he mutters out loud.
"Crazzleboks, that sounds rather difficult! We have dealt with some pretty tough fiends, but I don't recall ever facing an iron golem. If we are not careful, that could be the end of us all! I wonder if it is possible to first get this lovely lady safely out of the temple and then another attempt to try and sneak in past the golem and down into the dungeon? Bobo is not going to like being cooped up in a dungeon."
Turning back to the young lass, Kyren asks, "Do you know of any different routes that can get us down into that dungeon without having to fight a big battle with the golem?"
Alcheringa gives a very knowing cough, as though he has a very cunning plan.
TL;DR - Alchy is friends with Ardocs
The girl shakes her head
No, I don't know of any other route...mhm...getting me out of here won't be easy either...they won't just let me go, you know?. We need a plan, a good trick maybe...mhm...
"Yet once again, we seem to run into the situation where invisibility is needed to be able to accomplish our task! As the sorcerer of this group, I promise to learn it as soon as I am able. In the meantime, do any of you possess any potions of invisibility?" As Kyren asks the questions and waits for an answer, he suddenly remembers, "Kazam, Kazam! How could I possibly forget, especially at the price I paid?! When I acquired the potion of invisibility down in the bazaar, I actually bought two. If I am not mistaken, we have only used one! This could certainly help the young lady escape, but we still have to consider our needs for freeing cousin Bobo."
Who are these "Ardocs" that Al is friends with? How can we leverage that to neutralize the golem and get into the dungeons?
Kenta stops absentmindedly picking at his ear with a long nail to query "Eh... give Kenta good night sleep and maybe sneak past golem and get in... but no way back out then. How does friends with Ardocs help?"
The Ardocs? the girl looks a bit skeptical It's true, they know everything about golems, every child knows that...but they don't like to share their secrets...
A potion of invisibility you say? That sounds great! But uh...I can't pay for such a costly artifact.
A potion of invisibility you say? That sounds great! But uh...I can't pay for such a costly artifact.
"Yes, I had a feeling that they would not pay you very well. These cults are very stingy with their purse strings, especially when child labor is involved. But don't worry dear. We will find a way to get you out, one way or another. However, first we still need to come up with a plan. I am open to all of your suggestions, Wee Bluets!"
Kyren looks to his companions, hoping that the others may offer some worthwhile suggestion.
Scratching his head Kenta speaks "Ok, lets see if Kenta has it. Problem Ichi - little kid need rescue. Problem Ni - big iron man. Problem San - Bobo behind iron man, but not know where. Kenta right?" looking for some affirmation.
that sounds about right. But I'm not sure why you think the problem is itchy . . . *shrug*
Brow furrowing for a second at Vaughn's words Kenta continues "Rescue girl easy... strap to Buta. Kenta sure that Buta outrun ones outside. Problem solved."
"Metal man more trouble, Kenta think could lead away for little while... but much danger."
"I for one would be loathe to confront an iron golem...formidable adversary...one that may be beyond our capabilities....if a true iron golem they be... does anyone have the expertise to determine such a thing?"
Al knows his stuff around golems. But I'm guessing he'll at least need to see it.
The girl gives Buta a questioning look, then she looks at Kenta
Your Buta looks strong, but eh...are you sure it won't it me?
I can show you the way to the golem, but I'm not allowed to move around freely inside the temple, you have to carry me over in my pyramid.
"Tell me, are any of the Ardocs who built this golem here in the temple? If Alchy has a history with them, he may be able to talk with them and work out an arrangement with them. I also wonder if he can do anything to disassemble the construct."
The girl thinks for a moment then she nods and shakes her head more or less simultaneously
Yes and no, none of them is here at the temple, but once per day, one of their guild members comes here and checks the golems...golems because the iron one is only the biggest. During the last years more and more human guards have been replaced by golems.
"That's a mixed response. But tell me, . . . uhm. . . I'm sorry, my dear. I do not not even know your name. Please forgive my rudeness. I am Kyren Tosscobble at your service, and these here are the Wee Bluets. Tell me, dear, do you know when this Ardoc guild member comes to the temple? I mean is there a particular time that we can predict his arrival?"
"You seen anyone from here making golem do much? Kenta think maybe we find someone tell golem what to do... and convince him do what we want?"
The girls seems embarassed and blushes a bit
I...I don't have a name...the priests only refer to me as Incarnation, but that's how they address all of the girls they steal...and yeah...I was taken from my family when I was still very young and I don't know if they had chosen a name for me.
The Ardoc guild member usually arrives in the late afternoon...he should be here pretty soon. then she turns to Kenta and is about to answer his question, as suddenly Wait, someone is coming! They must not see us together, quick - look pious, I'll climb back into the pyramid.
I...I don't have a name...the priests only refer to me as Incarnation, but that's how they address all of the girls they steal...and yeah...I was taken from my family when I was still very young and I don't know if they had chosen a name for me.
"Well, my dear, don't worry if you weren't given a name, that's not a problem. In fact, we'll given you one now. If you don't like it, we can always change it later, but from now on you shall be known as Albright. It is a pleasure to meet you, Albright of the temple! The one who brightens our day!"
"The Ardoc guild member usually arrives in the late afternoon...he should be here pretty soon."
"Well, this sounds very helpful. Let's get Alchy to go and have a few words with him and see if he can persuade the Ardoc to turn off the golem for a little while."
"Wait, someone is coming! They must not see us together, quick - look pious, I'll climb back into the pyramid."
"You all heard the girl, quick, look busy, someone is coming!"
Kyren immediately gets down on his knees, puts his hands together and tries to look like he is praying to the pyramid. He then begins speaking out loud in a sincere voice, "Dearest Child Goddess, how great are thy works in this world. Open my mind that I may see you more clearly and that I may walk with you more straightly. Let me be more at one-ly with you in all that I see and do. I thank you for the stars and the sky and for good food and I thank you for the blessing that you bestow upon all of us, your humble most faithful followers. May I see life through the eyes of a child as I come to know you better! . . . "
As Kyren begins praying aloud, he listens to hear how many are entering the chamber.
Tal'zeneb has followed the conversation between Kyren and the girl with fascination but fairly bristled when she suggested that they look pious...why he always looked pious!!
Kneeling, he silently prayed to Pharasma for guidance on how do deal with this unseemly situation.