You rest for the day at the entrance of the tomb and recover your spells. Nothing attacks you during the night, though you are unnerved by unnatural screams and sounds and you feel like you are being watched. In the morning, Kakra and Jalal identify the heiroglyphs around the star-shaped fountain in the middle of the Hall to read "Pool of Protection." The water looks cool and unnaturally clean.
There are exits from the Grand Hall to the East and West and exits from the skeletal Jackals room also to the East and West, which you have not explored.
Which way?
Having fully recovered from the previous day and not having much disturb him while sleeping or on watch at night Gorguk is ready to continue on. All things considering we have fared well here. No signs of the Sisters yet and we have cleared 2 rooms of this place. Alzaar I will like usual follow your lead as we continue to investigate and explore this ancient temple.
Jalal stretches as he buckles on his armor. He draws his sword, and points to the east. "I say we head this direction." He look to the others for agreement, not bothering to give any reason for his decision.
"Pool of Protection, you say? Hold on just a second.". Rhade moves up to the pool and takes a sip of the water, wondering if it might do something positive to start off his day.
"Rhade, wai-" The elf is too late as the gnome scoops up some water and drinks from it. Jalal watches Rhade for any ill effects and when the gnome explains the water's power, he looks at him skeptically. "Are you sure?" He casts a detection spell on the pool.
The pool detects as magical even after Rhade drinks it, so you assume so.
Jalal examines the magical properties of the pool to try and figure them out. If he believes it is harmless, he tentatively takes a sip of the water.
Same effects described to Rhade; last for 24 hours you surmise.
Assuming they tell him of this Gorguk surmises aloud. Interesting. I wonder how long the pool lasts for and if there is any benefit for those not so magically inclined? Should I partake as well? I would not want the magic to disappear by my use with no benefit.
"I don't know, Gorguk. The pool made me feel like it could improve my spells. But that was the only effect I could figure out. I do wonder, if this is indeed aHouse of Nethys, that somewhere deeper in this place, you might not be allowed entry without having drank from this fountain. Kind of a key, maybe. Pure speculation on my part, but it doesn't seem harmful at the least. "
Perhaps I take a sample with me then and keep it just in case. That way it is available but not consumed?
Jalal nods. "That could be prudent, though we don't know if it will keep it's magic when taken out of the pool. Go ahead and try and Ican see if it stays magical."
It still radiates magic while in the vial.
great, now shall we continue on if everyone takes a sample with them?
If so Gorguk lets Alzhaar lead as normal and follows after exploring as we go.
Alzaar drinks from the pool, just because the others did, and then starts leading the group in the direction Jalal pointed out.
Well, that way seems as good as any, I guess. Let's go.
Rhade falls in line behind the others, hoping there no more demons to be faced in this place.
Jalal nods and draws his sword before following Alzaar into the next room.
The southern area of the this large space contain a long stone table, two benches, and two wooden hutches. Just visible behind a partition wall to the north is a kitchen with tables, cabinets, and a stove in the corner. Around the corner to the south stands a stone enclosure with a rounded top and hatch set in the front.
The party investigates and quickly realizes this was the kitchen and dining hall where the temple's priests and acolytes prepared and shared their meals. The hutches contain plates and other tableware. You bravely open the stone enclosure in the corner but you just find dust. Perhaps it was a granary at one time, but its contents dissolved long ago.
You move north and to the east, you see a small shrine occupies a raised dais in the north of this room. The altar looks desecrated. Two-waist high fonts stand on either side of the altar, and a small wooden cabinet is bolted against the eastern wall. Two rows of stone benches stand to the south of the dais. A fetid odor permeates the room.
You see two human priests sitting on the farther east bench nearest the wall and they turn their heads toward you and speak, but only Jalal and Kakra understand their Ancient Osiriani language. They say, "Look what has happened here! Help us!"
To the north, an immense tiled pool, empty and no more than 2 feet deep, lies beneath a vaulted ceiling covered with images of celestial beings.
Not to be caught unawares again Gorguk casts a quick detect evil on the priests and the surroundings before stepping up into the room. Intent on any threats first, Gorguk then waits to see if any of the others can understand the language the priests spoke before venturing further.
Gorguk holds up a fist to stop the others from getting any closer. Halt friends. These 2 are not what they seem. Sarenrae has blessed me with seeing their blacks hearts.
Keeping his scimitar out he points at the priests. Who are you truly and why are you here?
"Damn spawn of Sarenrae. We are the cursed of Nethys and we come to destroy your pious souls!" The illusion of the "human priests" falls away and you see their true undead form: Rotting vestments hang across the withered flesh of this walking corpse, and its mouth hangs open in a silent scream.
The two undead clerics stand and get within melee range of the paladin, ready to strike at him with their grimy claws, attracted by their urge to stamp out his holiness.
Jalal hisses at the sight of the undead again. He calls on the powers of the Boneyard to grant the party a boon.
With the blessing from Jalal bolstering him Gorguk grips his sword tightly. Foul abominations I shall send you to your eternal rest. You shall plague this temple no more.
Power attack for
Cleave attack for
Gorguk's scimitar cuts one undead and then the other, leaving open wounds, that almost fully close on the first cleric, and partially close on the second. "We are not that easy to dispatch, foul Sarenrae lapdog!"
know religion to know what is needed to injure them fully?
That doesn't matter as eventually you will be defeateda nd crushed beneath our heels.
Rhade shoots two magic missiles at the most injured of the two.
Damage
Rhade's energy missiles strike the most injured undead and the red light goes out in its eyes as it crumbles to the floor, destroyed!
Jalal waits until Alzaar lashes out with his whip and then he steps up in front of the man and slashes at the undead with his sword. "Return to rest, spirit!"
Alzaar indeed lashes out, attempt it to trip the undead creature.
Down it goes! The undead tries to stand up, provoking an AoO from Gorguk at +4.
for
The creature stands, taking a powerful blow, but half the damage heals, and swipes at Gorguk with one of its claws, but it scratches harmlessly off his armor!
Rhade hates to waste his precious magic, but this undead looks gnarly. Magic Missiles seem to have an effect, so he tries again.
Damage, if spell cast
Alzaar just trips the thing again, chuckling quietly.
It's kind of like a game, isn't it Gorguk? I knock it down, you hack it to pieces?
When his whip misses, he grins sheepishly.
Well, I try to knock it down, and you hack it to pieces?
Jalal already missed this round, so waiting for Gorguk and Kakra.
Gorguk continues his attacks on the undead hoping that he can bring it down quickly and ends this before it has a chance to do any harm to the group.
power attack for
]Works for me Alzaar, I just hope to do better than last time. Gorguk add thinking of the previous day with the strange creature that kept him held for most the infuriating ordeal.
Gorguk's blow ends the cursed cleric's undead existence and it collapses in a pile of bones.
Well, that went much better than last time. Well done everyone. Perhaps we are past the worst of this place. Gorguk then gives a prayer to Sarenrae thanking her for safety and strength in the battle. He then steps aside to let the others search the place and find out what they can while he keeps guard.