|
On hearing Miriya return to the library, Degwyn moves back to the main area.
Miriya, thank you very much for your hospitality. You mentioned there may be a meditation service after the meal, we might be interested in watching or participating if that is possible. Degwyn looks to the others with a shrug to see if others agree.
Oh, and ... uhm... It just occurred to me; our superiors who commissioned this visit had thought this temple was no longer active. How long has this group been here? And was there ever an inactive period?
|
"Um, yes, thank you. That was most, er, considerate of you," the gnome mumbles. "Tell me, how long have these, um, these books been here? Where did they come from? I couldn't help but notice some, uh, inaccuracies amongst many of the text."
As Keebler muddles his way through his inquiries and tries to make sense of the errors in Korada's holy books, he recalls the odd mutilations to the acolytes' hands.
|
|
"Keebler, thank you for your invaluable assistance with the books. Archeologist you say? Hrrrmmm yes, very handy on such a mission. I also agree with Degwyn, if we have concluded our work here in the library, the meditation chamber would be of great interest next. Perhaps it even holds the answer to some of he riddles."
On hearing Miriya return to the library, Degwyn moves back to the main area.
Miriya, thank you very much for your hospitality. You mentioned there may be a meditation service after the meal, we might be interested in watching or participating if that is possible. Degwyn looks to the others with a shrug to see if others agree.
Oh, and ... uhm... It just occurred to me; our superiors who commissioned this visit had thought this temple was no longer active. How long has this group been here? And was there ever an inactive period?
"Of course. I am sure Zhuang would be delighted to show you our meditation techniques. He's the gentleman with hazel eyes and a swath of white in his hair."
"The temple has been active for centuries under the immortal Dakang, though as the youngest member, I would probably not be the best to ask that question. Gastidem is the only one who has been here less time than I."
Miriya, I heard speak of Lotus Blossoms as a part of a ceremonial font? Do you know anything about that, or is it simply rumor?
"Liso mentioned this I take it? Yes, on special occasions Dakang's bodyguards activate the font in the chapel. The Lotus Blossoms aren't part of the ceremony itself so much as created by it's activation. It's quite beautiful. If you stay for awhile, I believe just such an occasion is coming up next month!"
"Um, yes, thank you. That was most, er, considerate of you," the gnome mumbles. "Tell me, how long have these, um, these books been here? Where did they come from? I couldn't help but notice some, uh, inaccuracies amongst many of the text."
As Keebler muddles his way through his inquiries and tries to make sense of the errors in Korada's holy books, he recalls the odd mutilations to the acolytes' hands.
1d20 + 10
"These books have been here for as long as I, though it seems I can never quite get them orgainized. It's such a task and they do seem to get used quite often. Inaccuracies though? I'm not sure what you could mean. Do you have a source you can cite on that? I find it hard to believe, to be truthful. Such a discussion would be most enjoyable though."
"Keebler, thank you for your invaluable assistance with the books. Archeologist you say? Hrrrmmm yes, very handy on such a mission. I also agree with Degwyn, if we have concluded our work here in the library, the meditation chamber would be of great interest next. Perhaps it even holds the answer to some of he riddles."
"I would be more than happy to lead you there next."
|
|
Waiting patiently for the attention of the beleaguered Miriya, Gristav at last catches her eye. "More questions, I am afraid", he smiles. "But perhaps mine are easier to answer than the experts and the historians.", he jokes.
"You say you have not been here long. May I ask how long?"
"And how did you come here? What sort of journey was it?"
"Were you born in this world, or another?"
"Is this all largely true for the others here?"
"The food you eat, is it grown in your garden? Traded for? Do you have other commerce or contact with people outside the temple enclave?"
Waiting patiently for the attention of the beleaguered Miriya, Gristav at last catches her eye. "More questions, I am afraid", he smiles. "But perhaps mine are easier to answer than the experts and the historians.", he jokes.
"You say you have not been here long. May I ask how long?"
"And how did you come here? What sort of journey was it?"
"Were you born in this world, or another?"
"Is this all largely true for the others here?"
"The food you eat, is it grown in your garden? Traded for? Do you have other commerce or contact with people outside the temple enclave?"
"My father left me at the temple when I was a baby. So all my life. He too spent his life here, so yes I was born here as well. I'm not certain how, but I do know for generations we have been here. I believe the others have similar stories, but you would have to ask them yourselves. I know Gastidem was a pilgrim."
"The food? Korada provides for us from the refectory. Inside is a magnificent darkwood table that summons a feast once each day. Would you like to try some?"
|
|
Keebler opens his mouth to offer his own citations about the facts presented in the library's scripture, but stops himself and reconsiders his words. Finally he settles on, "Fendahl is correct. I think a study of your meditation techniques is in order."
As the party is led to the meditation center, he will also inquire about Dakang's bodyguards. "What sort of bodyguards does Dakang require? Are there often physical threats to a temple as remote as this?"
|
|
Gristav's eyes widen at the news of the table. "May yet, I may yet.", he says to Miriya. "Please, do not mistake my caution for distrust, nor disdain. I've traveled far, and learned firsthand. A local hill, unseen to natives, can rob the wind of a stranger. And the callouses on my feet, do not protect my stomach. I'm sure you'll believe me, when I say, I do welcome the possibility of sitting across a table from you." He smiles, and adds, clearly an afterthought, "From you all."
Later, when Keebler asks her if there are often physical threats, Gristav bravados with Vors in a stage whisper, "Not while we're here, eh?"
When the gnome might be had for a discrete word, Gristav says to him, "Her tale could fit a changeling. Which of course proves nothing. I need time to shape my senses for magic; I might know more, on the morrow."
|
Vors seems very, very silent now. It's as if he is waiting for someone to ask the wrong question, or for someone to ask the right one to receive an answer that might hold some meaning.
Having been listening in now, he yawns and continues to lean against the wall, cleaning up his sketch for accuracy. He even adds a small compass so he can remember which direction 'north' is. Important.
Korada provides. This sounds more and more like a fanatic, unless that's a god's saying. Then maybe it's more or less zealotry. I suppose we're fortunate we haven't been 'provided' for them, yet.
"Before I came here three beautiful Aasimar warriors came to this temple. Dakang met with them and enlisted them into his service. Occasionally creatures do attempt to invade the temple, but these bodyguards manage to repel the threats."
Miriya leads you to the meditation room, where a man with hazel eyes and a streak of white in his hairs sits upon a mat, twirling six glass spheres, 3 in each hand, reciting a mantra. As you enter he pauses the mantra and opens his eyes, though he continues spinning. He stands while doing so and greets you, "My name is Zhuang. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintence. So you wish to learn meditation techniques?" Miriya takes her leave and returns to the library.
The meditation room is a lofty, open space. The stone walls are carved with several figures in various meditative poses. A few large mats cover the stone floor. The only other furnishing is a rack containing a few wooden staves and several stacked glass spheres, each no bigger than a plum.
"If you look, the walls show the specifics of the meditation techniques. I'll guide you in performing the tasks. There's two parts to it, the other a mantra to Korada. We'll start with a few warm-ups, then move on to the actual technique, which involves spinning three spheres in one hand like so." As you watch, Zhuang takes up six of the spheres and spins three in each hand flawlessly. "It's harder than it looks, but when you succeed, you will receive Korada's blessing."
Light combined,
My peace find;
Calm my soul,
To control;
Woes I sift,
Catching gifts
|
|
Degwyn shrugs, sets his glaive against the wall and takes a seat on a mat and lets out a deep breath.
Well... try not to laugh too hard, ok? he recites the mantra and attempts to spin the glass spheres.
Dexterity check:
Light combined,
My peace find;
Calm my... The spheres slip from both hands before making a full rotation and Degwyn's face reddens a bit.
Wow, this really is hard!
|
|
Vors tilts his head after following the rest of them accordingly into the meditation chamber. He listens intently, and he smirks at the gnome, nudging him gently before he makes his attempt.
"Truer words haven't been said yet."
As he watches, he begins to think about joining in - unity and all those good things. He manages to pick up a few of the spheres, the according amount, and begins to attempt.
|
|
Gristav watches the spheres spin obediently in the sensei's hand, again lamenting his own failure to prepare to sense magic. He smiles biterly a moment later, as it occurs to him the natives might get so very good at this exercise that they feel the need to, er, handicap.
"Honored Sensei, what is the purpose of the staves?", he asks Zhang in a Taldorean-accented Tien.
"Well, lad, there are other forms of meditation, some of those with a martial inclination. While my skills are doubtful of your calibur, that doesn't mean I don't hone them once in a while as well."
You all attempt the spinning of the spheres, but to no avail to master them in the same degree as Zhuang.
|
|
"Well, lad, there are other forms of meditation, some of those with a martial inclination. While my skills are doubtful of your calibur, that doesn't mean I don't hone them once in a while as well."
"Yes, I had heard something about bodyguards? Is the area hazardous? It's practically a cliche' for some of us; new town, new tavern, new boojum in the woods..." Gristav folds up his smile and puts it away to add, "If you've got a problem, I expect we might solve it."
Zhuang lets out a laugh. "While I appreciate the concern, at the present there are no threats against the temple. And what kind of hosts would we be if we relied upon our guests to defend us? Though if a threat should present itself strong enough, we shall be grateful for your offer."
|
|
Fendahl will make notes on the meditation techniques described, including the use of the glass spheres and writes down the incantation.
"This is all very interesting. Thank you for sharing. Hrmmm yes, I suspect these techniques help your acolytes and priests gain greater focus with their prayers. Do any of your group practice healing arts?"
"Of magic auras, I detected none, other than from ourselves in this room at least."
|
|
After his initial attempt, Filios has no desire to perfect the art of the meditation. He politely hands the spheres back to Zhuang.
Thank you for the experience, but like my friend Gristav, I am more interested in these bodyguards. You say that they are Aasimars? Where we come from, bodyguards are only used if danger lurkes.
|
|
After failing to manipulate the orbs to the degree required by the meditation, Keebler will return them to their place and make several notes about his attempts. In addition, he pens the mantra Zhuang is reciting. As he finishes the last line, he asks, "Could you explain the mantra to us? Perhaps its my limited knowledge of Korada, but it seems to make little sense. Where did it come originate from?"
After his initial attempt, Filios has no desire to perfect the art of the meditation. He politely hands the spheres back to Zhuang.
Thank you for the experience, but like my friend Gristav, I am more interested in these bodyguards. You say that they are Aasimars? Where we come from, bodyguards are only used if danger lurkes.
"Well yes, as I did say there is always the possibility of danger. You yourselves could have proven the less savory sort. Why, just last year there was a minor threat, a few goblins that managed to find their way here. They were dealt with quickly, but these things do happen."
After failing to manipulate the orbs to the degree required by the meditation, Keebler will return them to their place and make several notes about his attempts. In addition, he pens the mantra Zhuang is reciting. As he finishes the last line, he asks, "Could you explain the mantra to us? Perhaps its my limited knowledge of Korada, but it seems to make little sense. Where did it come originate from?"
"I'm not quite certain on it's history. It's a merely a meditative mantra to focus on while spinning. I haven't questioned it before, but I don't believe I do know what it's meaning is."
|
|
"I didn't want to be indelicate", Gristav begins clearly, "Certainly not with either of the ladies. But we're fairly to the point it would seem rude of me not to notice. And having noticed, not to ask." He hesitates, even so, but then asks, "Why is everyone...", he pauses, searching for the right word, then holds his hands up, intact fingers spread, and ends the question, "... altered?"
It takes Zhuang a moment to understand the reference, "Ah, you mean the missing fingers. That would be the Kiss of Korada. It's a test for the faithful, located in the garden. You receive a vision granted by Korada, but if you have thoughts impure, well they come with a risk."
|
|
Given his first very failed attempt, Degwyn decides the juggling trick is one best suited for later. Perhaps after learning more about the temple and their ways he'll have a chance to return to it.
Whew, glad he found the words to ask that question, I wasn't sure how to bring it up.
Wow. Korada seems to have some difficult tests. I mean, spinning the balls was pretty rough and you were doing it with ease. Judging by the hands of those we've met, pure thinking is a much higher level skill. How long did it take to master? Is this how you train for it? He says holding up the glass spheres. Eyes on Zhuang, he sets the balls down and subconsciously picks at the finger nail of his left ring finger.
Zhuang leads you to the temple gardens. The temple garden is badly overgrown with tangled vegetation. Vines and briars climb the temple walls on three sides, surrounding the large windows into the chapel and the smaller windows into the library. The garden itself is a profusion of flowering bushes and weeds. Except for a clear space in the center of the garden, the dense weeds grow taller than an adult human. At the center of the garden sits a crumbling fountain, long dry, with a statue of a noble turtle in the center. Heaps of foliage choke two similar fountains, each with a large stone orb resting in the fountain’s center.
A gnome with a green tunic sits near the fountain. "Ah, visitors! Welcome, my name is Gastidem. Have you come to attempt the Kiss of Korada?"
- Complete Report on Temple
- Locate the temple’s meditation room, find evidence of any meditative techniques described there, and record any effects of performing those techniques (COMPLETED)
- Prepare a comprehensive catalog of all works in the temple library (COMPLETED)
- Find the temple gardens and draft a detailed plan of the garden’s layout
- Enter the temple’s crypt and take rubbings of the carvings on each sarcophagus
|
|
"A pleasure to meet you, Gastidem. My name is Fendahl. My companions and I are continuing our tour of this temple. Which brings us to your garden. "
Looking at the garden and seeing if anything unusual can be seen about the flora or fauna (not trying to clear anything...since this is a desire state of a garden to a druid.
Kn:Nature
"Hrrmm, yes, it appears the the age-old struggle of gardner vs nature, and as usual, nature is winning. How long has it been in this condition?"
Fendahl starts looking at the patterns and prepares to start sketching the layout once everyone else has arrived.
"Ah yes, the garden. It's been this way since I came here. Terrible terrible treatment, yes it is. Absolutelty terrible."
|
|
Keebler frowns as he realizes that the neglect and overgrowth is going to impede his efforts at creating accurate notations about this garden. Starting with the three fountains, he begins to pull at the weeds and vines that are choking out the intended beauty of this area.
"The state of these gardens is quite surprising," he remarks as he works, "I don't mean to offend, but I would have suspected a much more meticulous upkeep. How is it that no one has taken the time to properly care for these gardens? Especially when they seem so central to the ceremony you refer to as the Kiss of Korada?"
|
|
"Keebler, you certainly seem to know a bit about gardens, let me give you a hand..." Fendahl will assist Keebler with clearing the garden so proper sketches can be made. He will also check for signs of other creatures living in or recently visiting the gardens.
Survival
Perception (low-light) Lowlight
To the lion, "Kirra, stay close and do not eat anything or anyone."
Handle Animal
|
|
The gnome grins at Fendahl. "Not so much," he admits, "but that's not to say that my studies of the natural world don't lend themselves to less academic tasks." He continues to root out the invasive and unwanted flora, pausing only occasionally to make a few notes about his findings. As he works around the fountains, he will take careful effort to examine them further.
After a while long, another thought occurs to him. He steps back from work, poses his hands and utters, "Tecdet Giacm." He once again makes a careful observation of the gardens, this time looking for signs of magical auras that would escape him normally.
|
|
No thanks, Gastidem, I can't claim to have pure thoughts ... and ... well, I understand there is a price for failing the test. Degwyn says wiggling his fingers.
How long have you been at the temple and how did you come to be here? Do you care to tell us your story?
Checking his fingers for missing parts as he speaks. perception:
Seems we'll need to clean up this garden but I'm not sure I know the difference between what's wanted and not. Degwyn looks around. I guess I could start with the obvious stuff growing up the walls. Should it be uprooted or just trimmed back?
|
|
No thanks, Gastidem, I can't claim to have pure thoughts ... and ... well, I understand there is a price for failing the test. Degwyn says wiggling his fingers.
Across the garden, Gristav chuckles. "Oh, I'm sorry. No offense intended. Memetic juxtaposition and sympathetic discordance." Gris chuckles again.
Seems we'll need to clean up this garden but I'm not sure I know the difference between what's wanted and not. Degwyn looks around. I guess I could start with the obvious stuff growing up the walls. Should it be uprooted or just trimmed back?
"I would start by clearing the path.", Gristav suggests. "I will start, or rather, join you, shortly. But these stones and tortoi have waited a long time to tell their story. I don't want to make them wait any longer."
"...anagrammatical tradition.", Gristav mutters half under his breath. He watches Keebler with ill-concealed but only half-felt envy. "Never a troll when you're ready for one, no...", he mutters.
"Not quite sure how the garden's become this bad. Just don't seem to have the time to end it. I mean, some of these weeds are taller than me!"
As you all work to clear out the garden, Gastidem himself watches you out of the way, neither assisting nor hindering your actions. After about an hour of work, you manage to clear enough of the garden to complete your required task of diagraming it out. You do notice one odd plant in the garden, a wiry shrub with red-brown leaves.
The turtle radiates no magic. Searching it reveals nothing of importance.
|
|
"It might not be nearly as bad if he bothered to put any effort into,"" Keebler mumbles to Gristav. More clearly, he address Gastidem, "What other activities keep you and the acolytes from keeping the temple in better condition?"
Upon noticing the curious plant, the gnome returns to his ink and paper to add it's description to the inventory of noteworthy plant-life growing in the garden.
"It seems to me," he continues, "that you have enough time give your attention to these plants." He holds out a handful of the leaves.
"What, those weeds? Don't even know what you're talking about. And please don't pull the leaves off them." It seems Gastidem has taken an interest as you begin to examine the strange plant.
|
|
"Not quite sure how the garden's become this bad. Just don't seem to have the time to end it. I mean, some of these weeds are taller than me!"
As you all work to clear out the garden, Gastidem himself watches you out of the way, neither assisting nor hindering your actions. After about an hour of work, you manage to clear enough of the garden to complete your required task of diagraming it out. You do notice one odd plant in the garden, a wiry shrub with red-brown leaves.
The turtle radiates no magic. Searching it reveals nothing of importance.
"All of these weeds are taller than you.", Gristav replies to the gnome, Gastidem, agreeing with his excuses. "I would also guess whatever tools were once used, are not sized for you." As though suddenly inspired, Gristav continues, "But they might serve us well...?", he asks not-too-pointedly.