"If we keep our masks on, your ploy may work," Rythan agreed with Grum. "If we need a better plan than 'disguise ourselves or fight our way out,' we may be sunk anyway."
"There is a limit for the advanced planning we may come up with" - Heledar pipes in - "I would rather we managed a distraction that would not involve any of us, to make sure we can stay together as we try to sneak into the High Priest's chambers" - he adds.
"The disguise seemed to work very well the first time around, and if we try to access his private quarters, we will need to find out about his comings and goings, to act when he is not present. Or at least, that would be desirable"
Rain nods at Heledar's suggestion, "You know, Heledar's right. If something goes sideways, it'd be better for us to all be together. Maybe we just stay on our toes over the next couple of days and jump at the first chance that presents itself. If, after a few days, we haven't had any opportunities to slip upstairs, then we can manufacture one."
"I think I agree with Rain - we stay sharp and attentive, and try not to snap on one of these fanatics" - he shakes his head - "I was wondering if the scribing time wouldn't be a good opportunity to slip off - after all, many of them will probably be asleep?"
Pondering for a few moments, he adds - "I just wanted to avoid us getting separated, without knowing if we will manage to rejoin later on, and under what conditions - as Rain said, if no opportunity presents itself, then we go about creating one"
"Sounds like a plan. Good thing those robes are roomy, we can hide all our things in them. But whatever we do, we should keep the masks on. It will aid us in causing confusion, should it come to that. Rain, maybe you should learn the names of the upper priests, the better to claim to be one of them if the need arises."
Grum gets an idea but seems uncertain about bringing it up, finally he blurts it out just to see what the others think. "What about a fire in the building somewhere? It's sure to draw a lot of attention and we can all sneak up under the pretense of rescuing people or documents or something. Of course we'd like to avoid burning the place down but... what do you think?"
Rain chuckles as Grum suggests arson and quips "Avoid burning it down? Heh. That's the last thing I'd want to do. If we need to create a distraction, it's worth considering."
"Huh.. normally I'm against Arson, but for this place..." Grob considers it.
"So long as we don't get roasted alive by accident, I'm in."
Grum lets his enthusiasm for the idea come out full bore with a large orcish smile, "I know it's a stupid idea. But I think it'll give a distraction, and maybe we'll all escape with our lives and burn the place down!" He looks at each of you, "I think the sneakiest of us should find a secluded room or corner, start the fire, and get back to the rest of us. We'll be loitering near the stairs to head to the upper floor and when whoever it is gets back and the sound of panic sets in, we'll move out. Sound good? Any volunteers? I'll do it if none are better suited."
Rain laughs at Grum's enthusiasm, "Whoa, whoa. Slow down there Smiley. If we need a distraction we'll consider it, but even if we do start a fire, we want to make sure it doesn't threaten any other buildings nearby. Let's keep our eyes and ears peeled for a few days and if we don't get the opening we need, then we'll see about making one, you pyromaniac." Her last word is accompanied by a playful elbow jabbed into the half orc's side and another chuckle.
Grum has the decency to look sheepish, but agrees readily enough. "Fine by me. But I am eager to be rid of this place, just so we are clear."
"I know how you feel, Grum," He looks at Rain and smiles, "We'll do our best."
"If there's nothing else then, let's head back." If everyone's ready to return, Rain will surruptiously don her robes again before leading the group back through the gate and into the Razmiran compound.
After a few increasingly resetless days back in the Razmiran compound, Rain gathers with the others briefly one evening after their meal. "Well, I'm tired of waiting and watching." She turns to Grob and begins to speak before she realizes her mistake. With a rueful shake of her head, she turns to other masked, burly half-orc in the group, "You ready to turn up the heat?"
"Remember, I'm the pretty one." Grob jests lightly at her mistake.
Grum doesn't need much encouragement, hopping up when Talarin speaks and heading to the fire side of the compound. Before he leaves he asks everyone to wait by the stairs, and they'll start up as soon as he gets back. With luck they'll get in with all the confusion... and not burn to death on the way out. "If I'm not back in fives minutes, head up without me. I'll catch up."
Grum moves off in towards the farther corner he can find, and get to without drawing undo attention. He waits for an idea situation, a lantern or torch, a flammable room, and shadows to hide in when no ones looking.
Feeling better than he had in what seemed a long time with all his gear on under his robes (and his spellbook safely tucked away), Rythan tried to stay out of sight as he kept an eye out for priests heading past or up the stairs they meant to go up - just in case. He kept an eye out for Grum too, ready to signal the others.
"Before we proceed friends, I will offer you my protection" - Heledar moves forward.
Gathering his companions, there is a pungent wave of energy that permeates Grobradon and his brother Grumadon, Rythanus and Rumha. Heledar nods - "United we shall stand"
Turning to Talarin, he adds with a smile - "For you, something special - make sure to stay out of harms way" - closing his eyes momentarily, and again evoking holy power, he wards his companion, creating a mystic connection between both of them.
Duration 1 hour/level (D)
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
DESCRIPTION
This spell wards the subject and creates a mystic connection between you and the subject so that some of its wounds are transferred to you. The subject gains a +1 deflection bonus to AC and a +1 resistance bonus on saves. Additionally, the subject takes only half damage from all wounds and attacks (including those dealt by special abilities) that deal hit point damage. The amount of damage not taken by the warded creature is taken by you. Forms of harm that do not involve hit points, such as charm effects, temporary ability damage, level draining, and death effects, are not affected. If the subject suffers a reduction of hit points from a lowered Constitution score, the reduction is not split with you because it is not hit point damage. When the spell ends, subsequent damage is no longer divided between the subject and you, but damage already split is not reassigned to the subject.
If you and the subject of the spell move out of range of each other, the spell ends.
"Now we are ready to go" - the man looks at his companions with a satisfied look.
"Thank you, Heledar," Grobradon smiles. "Not sure I've said that to you, to all of you, enough. For me and my brother, this is looking out for our home. And while you each have your own reasons, I appreciate the help from folks who used to be strangers and are now... well, friends." He blushes a bit.
Rain lifts her mask and offers Heladar a quick wink before dropping it back down over her face, "Thanks! I'll do my best but..." she ends with a playful shrug. "We're about to commit arson and who knows how many other crimes, Grob. Now isn't the time to get sentimental you big softie!" She punctuates "softie" with an accompanying light and teasing jab of her elbow into the larger man's side.
Grob gives a now familar 'heh' of a chuckle at the gesture.
As luck would have it, your plan comes together at the same time that a new group of initiates are being introduced in the ceremony when they'll receive their masks. This means that most, if not all, of the followers are in one place.
Your knowledge of the second floor is limited to the following:
1. It is used exclusively by the senior members of the cult and most likely contains their private quarters
2. Priests forbid the acolytes access to the floor, and any found lurking about here are swiftly and strictly punished.
3. Like the first floor, the walls of the second floor are of stone construction, with ceilings roughly 15 feet high.
4. Everburning torches, concealed behind sconces fashioned into the shape of the symbol of Razmir, light most of this floor.
5. You can see from the foot of the stairs a large golden mask resting upon a marble pedestal. A stained glass window in the wall behind the pedestal depicts a similar mask.
I've uploaded the map of the second floor of the temple here.
"Ok, it is time we set into motion friends - lets go" - Heledar urges his companions.
Grum gets back to the group and gives them a wide smile and a nod, and heads upwards in a brisk walk. As they get to the top of the stares his gaze lingers on the mask, "Wouldn't mind that as a souvenier!" he jests, then turns to look around for the next place to go or things of interest.
If the coast seems clear he heads northward and then west to get to the doors west of the stairs. He listens at the door for any sounds, his bow at the ready.
Rain rubs her hands together and gives Rythanus an excited nudge as Grum returns to the group after setting their distraction in motion. As they come upon the door up on the second floor, she kneels down beside him as he presses an ear to the portal. If he indicates the coast is clear but the door proves to be locked, she quickly sets to unlocking it.
[dice=Perception]1d20+9
A large golden mask rests upon a marble pedestal at the top of the stairs, with a green gemstone set into the mask’s forehead, and smaller gems set around it. You can tell the large gemstone set into the mask’s forehead is very valuable and the mask is not gold but painted to look like gold.
In the corner of your eye, you see enough movement to suggest there are a couple of guards at the top of the stairs, hiding in the shadows .
Rain rubs her hands together and gives Rythanus an excited nudge as Grum returns to the group after setting their distraction in motion. As they come upon the door up on the second floor, she kneels down beside him as he presses an ear to the portal. If he indicates the coast is clear but the door proves to be locked, she quickly sets to unlocking it.
[dice=disable device]1d20+12
Heledar stands on edge, as his more martially inclined companions go about checking the premises.
Hearing Grum's whispered warning of guards, Rain quickly shifts the colors of her robes to that of a senior Razmiran. She whispers to the others, "Slip back down the stairs. When these two leave, come back up. Quickly!" Presuming the others follow her lead, she dashes up the stairs and toward the doors at the far end, radiating an air of deliberate purpose. She stops short as the guards come into view, turning to each one individually and leveling a slow gaze.
"What are you still doing here?! A fire burns in the temple! Hurry down there and lend your aid. NOW!"
Even without knowing fully well what is going on, Heledar follows Rain's directives, but not without a warning first - "Do not take any unnecessary risks" - he whispers, while moving downstairs again.
Even just listening to Rain from hiding, Rythan was impressed. Her tone nearly made him want to charge off to put out the fire!
From around the corner downstairs, he waited with the others for the guards to take the bait, or not.
The guards clearly take the bait - and rush down the stairs. The fact that there is now the faint sound of a real fire only adds to the realism. And soon there are shouts to deal with said fire.
Talarin quickly moves to a pair of tall double doors opposite the grand mask . They are made from shining silver. Carved into their surface is the symbol of Razmir, beneath which dozens of supplicants are portrayed holding up piles of coins, jewels, and other wealth to the icon of the Living God.
The door is indeed locked but Talarin quickly unlocks it.
Grobradon feels very much in over his head. But he follows Talarin's plan as best he can. Moving on up once the guards go on down
As the guards pass by them, Heledar returns upstairs, to join up with Rain. Noticing the door, he motions her to wait, and with a few, quick gestures, conjures a simple spell.
Rythan kept watch for more priests as Rain opened the door.
Rain lifts her mask and offers a playful wink to the group as they slip back up the stairs, though it's easy to note her gaze bounces over to the jeweled mask at the head of the stairs several times as the group moves around to the doors.
The door is not trapped in any way that you can tell.
As the latch gives way with a satisfying click, Rain grins from behind her mask. She stands up and opens the doors like a butler, gesturing for the others to move through with a twirl of her wrist and shallow bow of her head.