Miya out of sight changes back to human form. And rejoins the others she as the words are translated.
"I have some skills that could help."
"This task would not take long at all. I have rebuilt the altar and the accompanying shrines, but I cannot restore their connection between the worlds of the mortal and the divine. That can only be accomplished by prayers offered up by mortal souls.
"Obviously, it would be ideal for those prayers to come from Torag's Children, but it could be centuries before any of my mortal kin visit these halls again. Until the prayers are made and the shrines are thus fulfilled, I cannot count my mission as fulfilled, and I cannot leave."
Thus, the Chalkost asks each of you to select one of the shrines or the central altar and offer a prayer to reignite its connection to the realm of the dwarven pantheon. The divine servitor promises that as long as you are not worshipers of a wicked power, this will not cause any conflict between you and your personal deities. He also stresses that this is not a conversion, and that you only need to offer a short, sincere prayer to complete the restoration.
The Chalkost also briefly describes the patron deity of each shrine, so you can pick one that more closely aligns with your own beliefs and pursuits - thus strengthening the resonance of your prayer.
Miya walks and stands looking at them all, at the last one, the Cave mouth-shaped entrance. Without a word, she kneels before the Shrine to Magrim.
Pulls a dagger and cuts the palm of her hand. Griping the cut as it bleeds, and places the bloody dagger at the entrance within the later.
Then say says.
"At the end of all songs,
A single note,
call forth the new."
and from somewhere she has a small bell, It rings once and is muffled, stopped. In a flash, the blade and bell are gone into her Monk Robes.
Randu takes his time, listening with each and seeing where the others go. "Lot to respect here all around." he admits "Layla, which one suits you best you think?"
Given Torag's focus on protection and strategy, and the commonality between studying the arts of the forge and gunsmithing, Layla reckoned she felt the most in common with following Torag, despite the rigid nature of the Dwarven Allfather's faith.
"In all honesty, I'd say Torag."
Taking a moment to frame her thoughts, the gunmage strides over to the main altar, going down to one knee, and drawing her gun to place it down before her, a presentation of something she'd forged herself, removing her hat before bowing her head. "Noble Torag, guide my hands in their creation, and in the pursuit of justice, and protection of the people I'm sword to defend." she says solemnly.
After a long pause she rises, retrieving her weapon and stepping back from the altar wit respect.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Randu nods, not too surprised but not wanting to presume for Layla as he didn't know her that way.
Rrruh and he go further back and he mutters low "Given your hopes for romance, might I suggest to you asking Bolka for a bit of aid can't hurt?"
As for himself. He has to think it over of the remainders. Frankly, he was not always a law abiding fellow. Too often in Falcon's Hollow he'd seen the laws work for those in power and only harm those without it. Still, dwarven society, not that he knew it well, was more just in delivery. He pondered then not just their aligned views on ethics, but the morality of it. What did he have in common or to ask of which god, and what was praise worthy?
Folgrit had an odd appeal. He had no children, nor was like to at this rate. He had no Hearth nor home. Yet had he not provided for the hard working men on the yard to get the best meals he could provide? And if he was not den mother to this odd group of patriots trying to keep democracy burning, he was at least the god uncle they sometimes relied on.
Kols he could respect. But Duty and Honor was often misused around the Hollow to yoke and bind without fair compensation. 'Take pride in your work' the bosses would say, while pocketing the increased profits for themselves rather than sharing among those who did so. Kols seemed an honorable fellow, but his teachings did not click for the halfling. Meaning no disrespect to you. Humans are like that. Some halflings too I'm sad to say.
Trudd seemed a likable sort. Strength and bravery? Well, depends on what you consider strength. A bit more laid back than some of his family. The sort of fellow one could have a pint with. Still, Randu never thought of himself as brave. Too ired to fold over with a touch of benevolent spite perhaps. Very tempting though.
Then there was Angradd. Who looked to be a go getter who didn't just sit around. There were bad people and they needed whomped, NOW. Randu thought the god seemed right angry. Naturally, he could relate. He would cheer such a god on. In fact, he feared the god a bit. To always be on the march, to forever hunt evil down wherever it was sounded noble, but it also sounded...exhausting. Like you gave up all you wanted for a grand crusade. I fear I am a bit too selfish for you; for I might take up that attitude and never ever know rest.
A chuckle as he realizes he's thought more about dwarven gods in the last five minutes than he has about gods period in the last five days. What is best for the Hollow AND might include his own hopes?
Reaching into his supplies, he pulled out a fruitcake. It was, he thought, a damned fine fruitcake, he had prepared it himself and he was still a good cook. It had small nuts and raisins within it and a couple of spices to add proper pop and warmth. Taking this offering he went over to the Hearth shaped Shrine.
Laying the fruitcake down upon the altar, he kneeled, and spoke in Dwarvish
Miya stands, and nows three times, praying.
Her logic was simple, she was a fox-kin a hunter, Life and death were a cycle. There was not a neutral hunter as such in the pantheon, but their death god would more than likely fall into the roll.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rrruh sits down and folds his legs before the shrine shaped like a rune-locked book. He offers something between a prayer and meditation to Kols, reflecting upon the philosophical nature of duty and honor.
Once you all have completed your observances, a low rumble reverberates through the stonework of the chapel. In the floor behind the altar to Torag and the walls behind the shrines, panels disguised as solid stone groan aside. Inside these niches you find treasures left behind by the dwarves of centuries past.
Layla finds that the altar niche contains a long wooden case. Sitting on top of the case is a thick belt bolted with gold plates stamped with lines woven into geometric shapes. Inside of the case you find a lovingly rolled-up tapestry.
Miya finds a set of bracers made from the gray hide of some strange beast, sitting on top of a silver-backed hand mirror set with a large zircon.
Randu reaches through the hearth shrine and finds two pieces of jewelry: one is a plain, beaten platinum diadem set with a large oval-shaped lapis lazuli; the other is a bracelet of seven linked gold medallions, each etched with the symbol of one of Folgrit's deific kin and set with one of seven different stones.
Rrruh discovers a carefully folded cloak made from a bear belt, atop which sits a ceremonial silver helmet, similar to the Chalkost's, and set with pieces of amber.
Miya lifts out the objects, and looks at them, trying to work out what they are.
Once you all have completed your observances, a low rumble reverberates through the stonework of the chapel. In the floor behind the altar to Torag and the walls behind the shrines, panels disguised as solid stone groan aside. Inside these niches you find treasures left behind by the dwarves of centuries past.
Randu reaches through the hearth shrine and finds two pieces of jewelry: one is a plain, beaten platinum diadem set with a large oval-shaped lapis lazuli; the other is a bracelet of seven linked gold medallions, each etched with the symbol of one of Folgrit's deific kin and set with one of seven different stones.
"Oh my." Randu had heard the offer of treasure but this feels more than a bit humbling "Suddenly my fruitcake feels rather underwhelming." a bob of his head "Thank you, Hearth Mother."
Now to put these to proper use to help the Hollow or at least stimie the bastards hoping to keep the poor in poverty
He casts detect magic and looks them over as he takes them reverently.
Bracers of Armor +2
Circlet of Persuasion
Belt of Giant Strength +2
Cloak of Resistance +2
Tapestry depicting scenes from the Quest for Sky (1200gp)
Silver-backed hand mirror set with a large zircon (345gp)
A bracelet of seven gold medallions (900gp)
Silver ceremonial helmet with ambers (400gp)
"You may accept these as gifts on behalf of both my mortal kin and my divine lords," the Chalkost announces. "It does no one any good leaving these treasures to collect dust for centuries more, so insisting that they remain here would make me as wicked as the dragon that squats in our old halls and hoards our most precious relics.
"You may not be dwarves, but you say you are trying to rescue a town from the same villain that vandalized this holy hall. Thus, I hope that these will aid your mission, as you have aided mine."
"We thank you," Layla replies with a small bow. "We're happy to be able to help you restore the divine connection here, and greatly appreciate these gifts that will help greatly in protecting those in our charge."
Miya stripped off the armor she had found and packed it away in her magic back pack, offering to do the same for the others. Once done then put's on the braces.
"Much better and I agree with Layla."
Randu looks to Chalkost , "I know just enough of planar things to know that asking an outsider's name can be taken wrong, but if there's anything you prefer to be called, let us know and we'll be mannerly. Seems a bit rude calling you Chalkost if you've a preference. You're a good fellow. As Layla says, Many thanks to you and those you serve. We will put these to good use to help those oft left behind. Who knows, Folgrit may end up on my 'say a prayer to now and then' list. Not that I do so often but would do me no harm."
"You may call me Ulfgar. And at the risk of demanding too much, if the town you protect has any good-hearted dwarven residents, use some of this wealth to help them and their neighbors. Also encourage them to visit these halls of their ancestors, if only once."
Before you depart, Ulfgar also warns you about the furnace chamber down the hall. The shafts that tap into geothermal vents deeper in the rock have apparently become home to some manner of mischievous imp or elemental. Ulfgar keeps a distance from them to avoid antagonizing them into acts of vandalism that would undo his restorations.
"Noted, Ulfgar. Thank you kindly again." Even as he thinks of the dwarves in the area he could tell about this place and maybe help out
Myia slips back on the studded armor, and her intelligent fox tattoo begins to change its color with prestidigitation so that it matches her monk robs. The she slips the magic luck in into a tattoo of a pouch on her arm. Which moves back down to her hip.
Myia's moving tattoos are a thing to be seen.
Layla smiles as she watches Miya's tattoos work their magic. "Now it looks even better on you." she says with a grin. "Are we ready to move on?"
"I believe so" Randu nods
"you bet"
Picking up her Backpack.
Returning back to the hallway, you pause a moment to finish investigating the last of the four dormitories that you did not get to before encountering Ulfgar the Chalkost.
This one appears to have belonged to a scribe, but almost the entirety of what was once stored on shelves and the work desk have succumbed to age and the elements, perhaps being finished off by Bloodeye when he ransacked this wing of the hold.
However, there is one tall cabinet that remains entirely untouched. Indeed, this piece of furniture looks like it could have been crafted only a couple years ago, rather than centuries ago. This suggests that it has been enchanted, to preserve both the cabinet itself and its contents. Unfortunately, the doors are sealed by a small brass lock.
...
Down the winding hallway, the doorway to the furnace room sits open. Further down, an intact set of heavy stone doors await
"The cabinet looks like it might be magic based on how well it's holding up. Anyone able to confirm it?" Layla asks.
Miya made a hand motion at the desk.
Miya easily confirms that the cabinet is enchanted with transmutation magic, meant to preserve both the cabinet and it contents.
While Miya examines the cabinet, Layla finds a tiny, bent brass key among the clutter of detritus on the desk. It looks perfectly sized for the cabinet's lock, but the damage inflicted upon the key means it no longer fits perfectly in the lock.
Miya cast Conjurers Toolbelt and sets to work on the key
Then Canny Effort
It takes her some time but just manages with add of a little magic to get the lock undon.
When Miya throws open the doors of the enchanted cabinet, she finds that its shelves are entirely dominated by books. She cannot decipher the titles, written in Dwarven runes debossed upon the covers, but Randu and Layla are able to read them. This turns out to be a complete set of all 16 volumes of "Metalworking for Warfare" by Hollyhall of Maheto. Rrruh, with his literary knowledge, knows that a complete set of this series is exceedingly rare, and to the right buyer it could be worth at least 2000gp.
The top shelf of the cabinet also hosts a set of ink vials and quills, while upon one of the lower shelves you find a wand - which Miya's eyes deduce to be magical - made from lengths of thick brass wire woven together. Thankfully, the scribe who kept these items seemed to have been very meticulous about record keeping, and a small slate stone near the wand includes both a description and a tally of how many uses the wand still carries.
"mmm nice find." Randu reads the books telling others who don't read dwarvish what it entails
Miya starts packing the books into her magic back pack.
"Who needs a wand, and ink."
She says handing them out.
The chapel and dormitories have been thoroughly investigated. Thanks to Ulfgar the Chalkost, you know that Bloodeye's cache is stored away in the kitchen and pantry on the opposite side of this hold.
As you walk down the hallway and pass the intense field of heat emanating from the furnace room, you can hear a pair of high-pitched but muffled voices skittering out from the vents inside. Their language is utterly alien to any of you, but they seem to be having a giggling conversation.
Crossing the twisting hallway leading away from the chapel, you find that the double stone doors at the end open upon a fortified guard post. This could be likened to a gatehouse, albeit lacking a sizeable gate or portcullis. Instead, it guards a singular exit which, based upon its location and facing, you suspect connects to the concealed door you detected at the foot of the waterfall outside.
If no one else can use the wand, Randu takes it.
A twist of his head at the giggling conversation, he looks to the others but sees none of them recognize it either, and he shrugs and keeps moving quietly.
a whisper "That wasn't ominous at all. When we get to the kitchen, remember the door is trapped
You slip past the guard post at the entrance of the hold and pass through the stone doors, long since broken down, leading into the second half of the complex. Immediately, the hallway splits in two: one hall leads straight ahead eastward before dead ending at a set of double doors; the other hall leads northward to the left, passing a single door before hooking around towards the east.
"Let's try the door on the left. Should I use this wand to open it for us?"
"Probably not a bad idea in case of a trap." Layla replies.
A nod and whisper, "Well then, let's try that. Everyone back up at least fifteen feet eh? If the door is locked I don't think it can help but it still might trigger the trap where we don't." Once they're all safely back a a bit, he uses his arcane knowledge to draw forth the mindless invisible force using the ancient command word "Ojeeves."
Then he sends the unseen servant to open the smaller door or at least try.
Smile and follows the others once again in human form.
The door swings open at the behest of an invisible hand. No gouts of flame or hails of arrows come issuing forth. In fact, the gentle influence of the unseen servant doesn't even rile up a plume of dust.
Peering inside the opened door, you find that it looks to be the former office for a guard captain or ranking officer. The southern wall (on your right, when standing in the doorway) is occupied by the iron bars of a jail cell door. Not even bones occupy the cell, but there is a large mat of woven river reeds spread out upon the stone floor.
A large, taxidermied moose's head is mounted upon the wall above the officer's stone desk.
A handful of pewter miniature soldiers has been scattered haphazardly across the desktop.
...
(+2 extra for Owl)
Sage peers from near Randu.
And Randu nods "I See I see... yes. There's something under the reed mat in the cell. Sage was kind enough to point out that one of the minature soldiers has gotten it's tip wedged in a nearly invisible groove on top of the desk... could be a panel or something? And then there's the moosehead, it's been moved a lot... and a compartment IN the head. See the eyes?"
"Wow, sharp eyes!" Layla says, impressed. "Lets see if there's anything obvious to worry about."
The magus utters an arcane phrase, passing a hand in front of her green eyes, as they begin to glow blue, peering into the arcane spectrum.
Nothing in the office shines to Layla's magically attuned eyes. However, she notices that the woven mat in the jail cell possesses a magical aura.
The cell door is locked, though, so hopefully the key is tucked away nearby.
"Sage deserves the credit more than I..." Randu mmphs
He wills the unseen servant still in action to fiddle with the moosehead as he himself probably can't reach it
Flipping open the compartment in the desktop, Miya finds a key that looks like it could fit the lock in the cell door.
Meanwhile, the unseen servant drags down the moose head for Randu to examine. A small, recessed hatch is found where it was mounted against the wall. Opening it reveals the suspected cavity within the head, inside of which Randu finds a folded over oilskin bag.
Tucked inside the bag is a smattering of old dwarven coins and a thick gold ring set with a ruby.
"I really ought to visit the five king mountains and find out who these dwarves are. Interesting culture they've got I'm learning." He observes the faces on some of the coins. He almost casts detect magic on the ring but Layla would have noticed so .. oh he does anyway. Double checking won't hurt.
"Definitely! As such an old culture steeped in tradition, their magic alone is fascinating." Layla replies
"See, I never thought of dwarves as that magical, which was foolish of me as the more I learn the more I realize half the magic weapons out there seem to have a dwarven maker mark." The Witch cheated to get his magic, some would say, but he respects the work involved for any who have to grasp it.
The ring does not shine when you turn magically attuned eyes upon it. Despite its fine dwarven craftsmanship and art deco design, it does not bear an enchantment.
Opening the cell and retrieving the reed mad, you find that an amulet of small, colorful stone beads sits beneath - and that both of them carry enchantments. Examining them more closely, you suspect that a prisoner kept here long ago must have specialized in unarmed fighting and was hurried away without being allowed to collect their simple but powerful possessions.
Miya lights up when she sees the mat,
"Wow a Ki Mat, A monk must have lived here, this is their mat and Amulet. Both are perfect for me. Does anyone mind if I take them? They are very useful. But I don't want to seem greedy you would have to agree, I would pay you back the costs."
She says eyes shinning.
"They definitely seem like something you'd be able to use far better than I would, and anything that makes any of us better really helps us all doesn't it?" Layla replies. "I'm fine with it."
"I'd suggest you and Rrruh share the Ki Mat, both of you follow similar roads I believe."
He notices the long silence, "But it was just a suggestion." He holds up a hand palm forward "Don't mean to stop your joy at such a find."
Once the treasures of the captain's office and jail are secured, you return to the hallway and investigate the double doors down the dead-end hallway.
Randu summons the unseen servant to again open the doors, and this proves to be a fortuitous strategy. A moment after the doors yawn open, Rrruh's nose detects a foul, dangerous smell upon the air.
Earlier, you passed a furnace room where thermal vents in the stone were harnessed as a source of heat for the old stronghold. One of the pipes running from the furnace to this area has corroded and filled the room, apparently a barracks, with toxic air over the years. Had you stood before the doors and opened them yourselves, you might have been overcome by the wave of bad air washing over you.
As the air disperses throughout the hallway, you do feel a bit lightheaded, but the effect is not dangerous - although it would be wise not to tarry here overlong.