[PbP Gameday IV] Doyle's CORE 3-21 The Temple of Empyeral Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Slothsy

So, what's the decision? On to the chapel? Continuing to read books? Something else?

Spencer walks out into the hall to not bother the woman in the library any longer and sees that the man for the mediation chamber is there. "Hi again Zhuang, do you mind showing us where the temple is? Thank you."

Spencer will follow the man to the temple. After Zhang has left he kneels down and whispers to Bear. [smaller]"Do you smell anything weird in this place Bear. What about the man Zhang did you like him?"

Cleric Domain (Animal) - Speak with Animals: You can speak with animals, as per the spell, for a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + your cleric level. I will use 3 rounds to talk with Bear my Guard Dog.

"I don't like this either, but we have a job to do. Faeria, did you happen to find the chapel while wandering about?"

"To who?"

Zhuang smiles and leads you to the temple, sayings, "Services are about to start. The chapel will be free once we are done there."

"No! I won't go back."

"May we watch the services?" Spencer ask the man.

Merisiel glances at Faeria with a bemused expression.

"What do you mean by that...?"

"Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone? It is you! Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone, quick. We must flee. These fools wish to go to the black mass of Sifkesh the demon lord of heresy and suicide whose symbol is in all these books. I don't want to go back I like it here with you, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone!"

Merisiel gives Faeria a confused look.

"Oookaaayy..."

She then shrugs.

"Still, if these books are corrupted with the teachings of a demon lord, that is troubling..."

Merisiel turns to the others.

"Shall we move on to the next area we need to catalogue?"

Into the Chapel - plus note that this was incorrectly identified as the meditation room earlier

Tall windows look out into the riotous overgrowth of the garden. Several evenly spaced prayer mats cover the floor here. An elaborate stone font stands at one end of the chapel, although the font is empty. Gathered on the prayer rugs are the inhabitants of the temple, and Zhuang waves and points at an available prayer rug.

Will hung back int he doorway of the chapel, not willing to enter during prayer time. It wasn't as if he was respectful, more like he didn't want anything to do with these people or their religion. After all, it was the priests in his village who had allowed him to be hung.

Faeria hangs back with Willful and chats him up to calm her nerves.

Idle small talk with Faeria.

"Did you do that?" She asks pointing to his neck.

I did this. She show you her wrists.

"Did you know your name is an adjective?"

"Sifkesh seeks not only the destruction of the body, but the very spirit. She leads her flock astray and then when they see how far they've fallen she tempts them to end it all."

"Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone is so brave."

"I like bugs."

Spencer will stand in the back with he dog next to him. ... let's see what this temple is really about ....

Willful Murder was discomfited by the strange woman, and irked that she was co shatty. In his rough voice, he said, "The necklace came with the forehead tattoo. Are you always so chatty?" He nervously gazed about, wondering if there was someone else to foist this crazy woman off on.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

A woman who had not been present at the earlier meal glares at those speaking as a corpulent man strides into the room and up the podium. He jingles as he walks, the sound coming from hundreds of tiny bells sewn on to his layered white clothes. The lower half of his face is obscured by a white silk scarf stitched over with a strange double arrow motif.

"Welcome," the man says in a booming voice, "to the embrace of our community, new comers. It is good that you have come here to Korada's embrace. May you find yourself enlightened by the words you hear today. I am Dakang, head priest of this temple."

"And welcome again, those who have been with us a long time. Please take up the staff and spheres so we may pray for Korada to join us in our hearts and minds. Guests, you are welcome to join us. One of ours will assist if need be."

With a shuffle, the worshipers gather their staffs and proceed to go through the meditative poses, engaging in a number of stretches and chanting the mantra,

"Light combined,
My peace find;
Calm my soul,
To control;
Woes I sift,
Catching gifts"

as they go through the poses as one.

The man places his staff down and gazes peacefully over the gathering for a moment, before starting to preach, ”Today, we gather to contemplate the holy city of Korada, which we seek to be in our every day. In Vantian, the City of Open Windows, the sacred residents pray eternally. They have no need for food or water, as Korada sustains them. When their solitary prayers are interrupted, it is only to maintain the city in its beauty for our lord. Even these moments are done in deep contemplation and prayer. As you go about your business for the day, think to yourself; is it not good that we should spend any small action as though we were from Vantian ourselves? Should not our most mundane task be done in praise and preparation?

”For those of you who have tasted Korada’s sting,”” he says with a glance over the worshipers, who gaze down at their hands, ”Know that he has marked you as imperfect, and remember this in your daily works. As you struggle, know that it is only because that struggle will lead you to greater self-perfection. He has granted you a gift, and that gift is a reminder of your imperfections.””

Zhuang takes a small box and begins handing out vials, one to each person. They offer them to those sitting on the prayer mats and standing by the walls, smiling silently. The aasimars near the front, each dressed in white with a gold breastplate, sit in silence and do not accept a vial.

Dakang booms out in the silence ”It is now time for us to assume the symbols of celestial silence and contemplation. Contemplate the words Korada has handed you today.”

The worshipers turn to each other and draw on their neighbors the double arrow symbol over both eyes and mouth. Zhuang gestures, offering to draw the marks for those around.

He bows his head for a moment in silence, a silence unbroken by the others. After a long moment, he lifts his head again and says, ”Wash the symbols from your face and enjoy the beautiful day that Korada has provided.”

He turns to take his leave as small bowls of water and towels are passed around.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Tomren takes the group aside after the sermon. "Something is indeed rotten in this temple. Their worship has been perverted so that now they, possibly unknowingly, worship the demon lord Sifkesh. The question remains: do we want to do anything about it?"

"Wait, what? We came to explore an abondoned temple. Instead we find a temple that's filled with people who happily chop off their own fingers in worship to a demon lord? I say we find the crypts, do what we need to do, and get out of here. Let the VC take care of the rest of it, if she wants to."

Merisiel wrinkles her nose in distaste at Tomren's revelations.

"How charming; so there really is foulness hidden in 'paradise'. I say we get what we came here for, and then decide what to do about this (if anything). Come on - let's find those crypts."

Spencer stands silently while listening to the sermon of Dakang.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

... well it looks and sounds like a normal religious service ...

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Then Tomren pulls the group aside and explains what he found in the library and how it relates to the sermon.

Whispering to the group."Well that explains the trap in the garden and the crazy ranting of Faeria. I did not see or hear anything wrong with any of it but if you think it may be tainted then I'll take your word for it." Shaking his head. ”I do not like leaving these people here if they are unknowingly worshiping a demon. They are in danger and do not even know it.”

Does anyone want to do anything to talk to anyone before trying to find the crypts? You haven't seen the aasimars before, and at least one of the halflings looks upset by the service.

Then Tomren pulls the group aside and explains what he found in the library and how it relates to the sermon.

Whispering to the group."Well that explains the trap in the garden and the crazy ranting of Faeria. I did not see or hear anything wrong with any of it but if you think it may be tainted then I'll take your word for it." Shaking his head. ”I do not like leaving these people here if they are unknowingly worshiping a demon. They are in danger and do not even know it.”

"No. It's not crazy. I know this demon goddess. Yes, yes. I do...." She says looking at the scars on her wrists. "But now I follow a new goddess, Sivanah the Seventh Veil, a goddess who gives me my choice of truths. So what if they can't see your truth. It's more merciful that they don't know how horrible their little woven world is and just live in their own dreams. Like ants they can go about their business living their lives never knowing that death is just one boot away. Just so long as it makes them happy...."

Faeria trails off. Her expression becomes melancholy.

"I'm so sorry." She says to no one in particular while regarding a small glass sphere she has in hand.

Hearing Faeria's recount, Tomren wonders what horrors the woman has seen.

"Let's start out by focusing on the job at hand. The crypt shouldn't be hard to find. I say we search the north-western corner of the temple first."

Spencer moves to talk to the upset Halfling after the service. "Come over here." He moves him away from everyone else that lives in the temple. "Are you alright? Do You need help?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The woman sniffs and wipes her eyes, mumbling, "No, no, it's fine. Dakang is very wise, and he is right. Korada knows my imperfections."

Her hands are rather mauled, with her left hand only having one finger remaining.

Will couldn't contain himself any longer. "Korada's got nothing to do with it. You have fallen prey to that damn gnome and his sadistic tricks. There's a foot plate near that damn statue that disables the trap. Anyone can keep their fingers if they know where to step. This is ridiculous. What kind of sadistic demon gods have taken over this place, if this is how they worship?"

"I can not stan.... Just then Willful goes on a tirade and Spencer's jaw clenches. ... Just what I wanted to say ... but I am not sure these people are ready to hear it ... Spencer's hand move slowly to his dagger at his belt anticipating the back lash that is sure to come from the duped and willing followers of this corrupted religion.

The woman lets out a soft sob and wipes the tears from her eyes, "You mean that this is all for nothing? I'll never be worthy of true enlightenment?"

"Look, I'm no cleric or priest, but I'd say your dedication has already shown you to be more than worthy. And certainly more worthy than this lot deserves."

"This lot? she says as she dries her tears. "I don't know what you mean. Zhuang has been here since I was a child; he helped care for me. I would've sworn he'd be purified by now, but even he has more to do in order to grow."

Do you want to keep talking to her, try to find Dakang (the high priest) or try to find the chapel?

I don't want to monopolize the posts, but this has Will's blood boiling.

"Look, lady...uh, small lady, like I said, I'm no priest, but it seems that the folks here aren't teaching or preaching about Korada. They're using your naive beliefs to spread practices of a demon lord. At least, if I've pieced together what I've heard right. It's a sham. They may have done some good things, but some pretty heinous ones as well. If I were you, I'd get gone. Long gone."

I thought we were in the chapel? I would prefer to finish our task (i.e. document the crypt) before we confront Dakang, just in case we need to beat a hasty exit after we 'chat' with him.

You are right; I meant the crypts.

The woman stops crying, her eyes widen and pauses for a moment. "Demon worship? I... I don't understand. How could that be?"

Seeing the hesitation on everyone but Willful's face, Spencer does not press the issue. Turning to the halfling woman. "Can you show us to the crypt we would like to pay our respect to the dead."

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 17

The woman stops crying, her eyes widen and pauses for a moment. "Demon worship? I... I don't understand. How could that be?"

"Well you see...." Faeria goes on to explain the whole sorted mess as she sees it (sadistic stone terrapin traps, Sifkesh, heresy, imaginary panda's and all) and finishes with: "I'm so sorry, but you should have seen this coming. That is what Korada does, doesn't he? Sees the future, and apologizes.... Oh! Maybe he just forgives you for being so stupid and doing the thing that he plainly saw coming. The Empyreal of Facepalms? No. That sort of dogma makes him more the Empyreal of That-guy-who-watches-you-absently-step-on-a-rake. But why would you follow him then? Hmm? Well, whatever.... Show us to the crypts because Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone and I can't escape here until after we look at them. I think. Regardless we'll let you get back to palming Korada's fragile little glass balls--or facepalming. Was it facepalming? .... Did Willful tell you I liked bugs? Actually that was a lie to unnerve him."

The halfling woman pauses for a moment in stunned silence as Faeria explains an ever-growing list of ridiculous claims. Pandas? Stone statues?

"Dakang has told us not to visit the crypts. After all, the dead are best left for peaceful rest and meditation. Our visits would only upset them," the woman says.

She pauses for a moment, looking over Faeria and Willful Murder, before sighing, "The entrance to the crypts is through the garden. The door is boarded up, though. I won't accompany you in, but I won't alert the guards either. I have much to think about with what you're claiming."

In the Garden

The beautifully restored garden sits peaceful and serene. Three doors stands shut; one to the north, east and west. The door to the east opens into a hallway just north of the library, while the doors to the north and west are stuck shut and will require a Strength check to open.

Spencer tries the left northern door but he can't make it budge. "Hey Willful can you give me hand with this?"

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Shrugging, Willful Murder shouldered his bow and lent his strength to Spencer. With a grunt, he strained his muscles to their utmost.

str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

And how!

"This place looks the same as the last time I imagined it...."

The door bursts under Willful's shoulder with the creaking snap of boards.

Most of the everburning lanterns hanging in this hall are dark, but the dimness does not diminish the grandeur of this corridor. Along the north wall stand several statues, each depicting an angel or other good outsider. Some are depicted in dramatic poses befitting a holy warrior. Others have heads bowed in eternal contemplation and hands cupping glass spheres. The southern wall bears a large set of double doors, but these doors are boarded up. Smaller doors stand at opposite ends of the hall. A few bits of stone and other debris litter the floor and a musty odor hangs in the air.

"Thanks." Spencer says as he nods at Willful. Peering into the hall he stands in awe of the statues. "Wow!! I have never seen such craftsmanship."

He slowly moves into the hallway. Inspecting the area for recent traffic.

Survial to Track: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Merisiel cautiously glances around.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20.

"Ooo, spooky."

"Guys, it looks like there *is* a trap in here - that last statue seems rigged to fall on anyone that goes near the door."

Is it possible to walk around it, now we know it is there, or do we need to disable it?

You will have to disable it, as it's poised to fall as you open the door - unless you opt not to open the door. Of course, creative thinking applies.

Well, we could always just go through the other door ;-) If that doesn't prove feasible, *then* I will take a crack at the trap :-)

"Guys? Let's try the other door, first."

Merisiel then heads back out into the garden, and waits patiently for someone to open the door.

"Good idea Merisiel. Lets try the other door." Spencer moves out into the garden and tries to open the other door.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Spencer sets his legs in a wide stance then puts his shoulder into the door but it doesn't budge. Wincing a little he says. "I think the doors are winning the battle against me today. Can I get some help?" Eyeing the stout dwarven warrior next to him.

When the dwarf does not even turn his head Spencer just gives a big sigh. "I have not heard a word from you since we got in here. I think Faeria is playing a trick on us and has conjured this image of a dwarf."

Merisiel raises an eyebrow at Spencer's impressive display.

"Perhaps someone else should try...?"