Listening and watching intently, Brebork follows Quzman, his buckler strapped to one arm and his longspear ready to reach out and defend.
As you remove the debris that forms the barricade, you feel a soft hot breeze of air greet you. As you move in, you find yourself in the NW corner of the monastery's cloister walk area, outside of an open air courtyard. Huge branches and overgrown weeds clog the courtyard area. From your position, you see carvings on the east and south walls. An abandoned and run-down version of this: Cloister
Eli puts a hand on Quzmans shoulder before the warrior can enter to far and softly says, "Be careful, that pile is probably a nest of some kind. Maybe Cayden Cailean smiles on us and we have already removed its owner, but be on the look out just the same." Eli watches the sky nervously.
Quzman nods to Eli to let him know he heard his warning, and starts to slowly scan the area for any tracks or signs of life. He will try and keep under the overhang of the walk while examining the area for clues of what might be living here.
Eli does not see anything in the sky.
You call can see the nest now and bird feathers can be see all around the overgrown courtyard. As you walk along the wall, you can see a bas-relief sculpture depicting 3 scenes: In the first, a heoric looking bearded figure takes leave of 4 similarly attired companions, who rise off into the heavens, leaving him standing vigil over the large mountain in the background; in the second, the bearded figure is in battle with a flaming half man half snake creature wielding a spear, who apparently fatally stabs the figure in the back; in the third scene, the heroic figure appears twice, once on the floor with a wound on his back and once standing over himself, looking upon it sadly.
You can tell there are bas-relief sculptures on the eastern wall as well, but you cannot see detail from here.
These are representations of Vardishal the Saint. I'm guessing they are telling the story of his rise to sainthood, but on that I am unsure.
Dumah will turn and cast detect magic on the courtyard, including the nest.
With a far-away look in his eyes, Dumah approaches the nest that we walked past just moments ago.
DM
With a far-away look in his eyes, Dumah approaches the nest that we walked past just moments ago.
DM ** spoiler omitted **
DM
Dumah leaves the cloister area and walks to the center of the courtyard. It is difficult to reach due to the weeds and grass so it takes him a few seconds (). Inside he sees....
Sorry!
Knowledge Nature:
Gentlemen! Dumah calls out. This nest holds risk and reward. Perhaps you have also deduced that this nest is that of the giant avian we encountered outside. I have found here several eggs that may prove a risk if they hatch, especially to a child or non-warrior of the caravan. Also, I have spotted some items of value. Once we have proven it safe, I dare say the nest components will also be an excellent source of fire wood for the caravan. Before I enter to retrieve the valuables, I would ask the rest of you approach in case there is danger that I have not discerned. Dumah will patiently wait at the edge of the nest.
Jarva hears Dumah's request and follows behind the mage. "You know, if we could raise the um young of the vulture, we might be able to turn them into powerful friends. Perhaps someone in the caravan might be interested in trying. We can mention it to them after we clear this place."
Quzman will enter out into the courtyard after Dumah. He looks around the area as he moves. "That might be something we could do Jarva. It would take some dedicated time, but it might be viable."
As far as Quzman can tell, there was only one set of tracks/feathers. The party feels a little breeze but also the oppressive desert heat coming in through the courtyard.
Does climbing onto the nest look hazardous? If not, now that others are present Dumah will climb toward the two items he spotted. He'll collect them, being quite careful with moving the eggs, and examine them.
Though Dumah is wary of the skeletons animating to life and grasping at him, having faced skeletal warriors only 6 days ago, he feels pretty secure these skeletons will stay dead. He walks into the nest and delicately moves the eggs.
Knowledge(Nature):
Appraise:
One at a time, Dumah will carefully pass the eggs out to Jarva.
I would estimate that the eggs will hatch in about a month. If you opt to not raise them, we could likely sell them for 50 or 60 gold in Katapesh.
He'll take the cloak and ring, and then step out away from the nest.
Once clear of the entanglement, he'll stop to concentrate on the items before him. Can he tell how they are enchanted?
Spellcraft Ring
Spellcraft Cloak
As Dumah passes the eggs to him, Jarva realizes the "eggs" are actually the size of watermelons.
"Goodness, these eggs are huge!" Jarva exclaims as he takes them in his arms. Jarva tries to remember if he had picked up any knowledge in his studies of how best to care for the eggs (what temperature they need to be kept, where would be a safe place for them for the time being, etc).
Know. Nature
Survival
In the nest were these two items, both of which carry enchantments. The cloak helps protect the wearer in many ways. The ring I am not able to discern at this time.
Jarva, you believe that actually, right where they are now would be a good spot: they have some cover from the sunlight from the twigs and branches around them, but enough heat to keep them warm. However, now that Dumah has removed the cloak they were resting on, a nice soft cloth or other suitable replacement would be a good place upon which to rest them. Also need to be careful of predators, although due to their size, they would have to be very big predators.
Jarva climbs back in the nest, taking care not to jostle the eggs too much. He removes his cloak and places the eggs carefully on them. He partially covered them to keep too much heat from them, but enough for them to stay comfortably warm. "I think we should try to keep them here for the time being, but you know at night, we have to make sure no bigger animals stumbles on them for a late snack."
While he had no qualms with dispatching their mother, he wanted the baby vultures to have a chance, whether it was with the caravan or whether they were to be sold.
"That was a pretty nasty bird we tangled with in the desert, it killed Ute in one fell swoop. Is there a market for gigantic carrion birds? I'm not sure hatching those things is a good idea, might be better if we drop them on the stone floor and be done with them. Can I see the ring Dumah?" If he has a chance to study the piece of jewelry he will try to determin if it has any unusual markings that may tell its story.
"It was just trying to get some dinner, Eli, I don't think it was anything personal. We were in the wrong place at the wrong time," Jarva attempts to explain to Eli, while still standing in the nest, fiddling with the eggs.
"You make my point Jarva, that bird was looking for some food and attacked a full grown man. Those eggs are going to hatch and were going to have several dog sized hungry vultures with out a mother to care for them. Who are they going to eat?"
If he has a chance to study the piece of jewelry he will try to determine if it has any unusual markings that may tell its story. 1d20+6
There are 3 eggs.
"Dumah what do you make of this? The ring is inscribed here in elven, a single word that translates into feather. Odd, the ring seems unusually light for its type of metal." Eli thinks about the magical nature of the ring and these new facts.
"We've got a month to figure out what we can feed them. Might find a good source of grub before then," he tells Eli as he climbs out of the nest.
Quzman chuckles at Jarva, "True, so true Sand Whisperer. Nature has its own way of fending for itself, no matter how cruel we may think it is."
While everyone is checking out the nest, Quzman will starting checking out the northern side of the courtyard taking his time to try and make sure he doesn't miss anything.
"Well said Quzman, and how would you feel if one of those things ended up eating little April to fend for itself? We need to think about the safety of the entire camp, not just the value they can fetch in Katapesh."
"Don't get me wrong good Eli. I do not feel that certain parts of nature should be 'civilized' or sold. There maybe a market for many beasts, but some sales go against what I, personally, would care to see. I would rather see a predator dead at my feet than Alice in danger again."
Pointing at Quzman, Jarva explains to Eli, "Don't worry, Eli. He and I will make sure the animals do not bother anyone in the camp. We might even have a chance to get to a city before they hatch, and we can get rid of them, if that is everyone's wish."
Eli thinks about the magical nature of the ring and these new facts.
While everyone is checking out the nest, Quzman will starting checking out the northern side of the courtyard taking his time to try and make sure he doesn't miss anything.
Against the north wall, Quzman notices a massive carving of a heroic man with a pointed beard (previously identified as Vardishal by Dumah) preaching to a variety of human clerics throughout the history of the monastery. In the first scene, he's preaching to some pilgrims of Sarenrae, in the second to a man in religious garb, while the monastery is being constructed in the background, and in the next scenes, he's in a similar pose, speaking with the leader of each era of the temple. The scenes are dated every 30-40 years covering a period of over 200 years, but Vardishal remains present in each scene. The most recent carving is from 30 years ago and you can tell there was ample room along the wall for additional carvings after that, but they remain blank.
Eli glares at Jarva for a moment and says, "It will be on your head if anyone is harmed by these beasts." He wonders back over to Dumah with the ring, "I seem to recall an ancient tale about an elven hero, Alyeiari. It is said that he and his brigade of Griffon Riders wore rings that would catch them in the air lest they get knocked from their saddles. These rings are rumored to be 'light as a feather' to make the wearer the same when falling from great heights. Many of the riders were slain in a battle with a horde of dragons led by the evil red drake Palhazkatael and their bodies were never found. I wonder if this could be one of those very rings."
Brebork looks a the eggs with astonishment.
Well once we clear out this place we can have a feast of thanksgiving with our friends outside. I suggest we make a mighty omelette with these.
Brebork is particularly interested in the story of Vardishal and he spends time carefully examining the reliefs...contemplating the meanings to be read in the tale...seeking revelation perhaps
Are the skeletons in the nest human skeletons? Do the remains in the nest reveal anything about their death?
It looks like Vardishal appeared to the pilgrims and worshippers of this place for many years after his death...and then something happened as we see no more depictions on the walls. Perhaps the next scene is for us to play. What of the monster that slays Vardishal in this earlier scene? What sort of abberration is that?
Are the skeletons in the nest human skeletons? Do the remains in the nest reveal anything about their death?
The skeletons are human and their injuries seems to suggest one single large puncture wound to the torso and death from blood loss.
As for the creature in the scene, you can tell that it is not a creature of religious myth, as it does not appear native to our plane.
Since Brebork is so interested in the reliefs, he notices another one on the east wall. This one depicts five bearded tall muscular humans riding the wind with triumph carved upon their faces. One of the five warriors holds a large axe, while another holds the fragment of what was once a regal staff. In the distance, an ominous mountain looms over the quintet.
Brebork's Knowledge of religion and scripture identifies the five figures as legendary genies known as the Templars of the Five Winds. Under the sculpture are listed the names of the genies, from left to right: Kardswann (he wields large rune-covered axe), Pazhvann, Vardishal, Zayfid, and Davashuum (he wields Staff). No other weapons can be seen on any of the other statues.
Finally, the south wall has a bas-relief that depicts the 5 genies in battle against numerous evil creatures. Several of the creatures are partially made of fire, while the others' origins are harder to identify, since some of them are unusual warriors with weapons bonded into their flesh like organic tools. In the background, Pale Mountain looms large and over it, in the sky battle two titanic figures, grappling each other. One is a male with the demonic visage of a muscular giant with horns and garbed in noble regalia, while the other is gorgeous woman whose torso appears to be composed of mist.
Eli, I believe you are correct about the nature of the ring's enchantment. I have a spell myself that has that particular effect, and I understand that it is not unheard of for that ability to be captured in a ring.
Shall we continue with our exploration? As far as I know, we still have a space to the southeast of us, the door with mold showing, and the statue that moves. Where to next?
Jarva asks Dumah, if he may take a look at the ring. After studying and concentrating on it for a minute, he says, "Yes, it definitely is a ring that imitates that spell on a permanent basis, handy thing to have."
Spellcraft:
Knowledge (Planes):
KnKnowledge (History):