Grimm resumes his place behind the rogue, walking again softly within the stealthier ones footsteps, the disagreement already gone from his mind.
Cold air and stale dust fills this short corridor, cobwebs hang from the
ceiling. To the east, an old wooden carving of a hooded priest, mostly worm-eaten, stares at visitors.
Desmond's curiosity is peaked, and he checks out the wooden carving, exploring the area further.
+2 vs traps
No traps.
Anyone with knowledge religion can make a check.
know: religion
Refraining from further comment in the discussion of the man's eexecution, Karnog wonders if he should have wielded the blade himself.
Karnog, and to a lesser degree Grimm, understand the hallway is an cleansing antechamber. A stark uncomfortable room, where visitors stay presumably praying for long periods of time before gaining an audience with the temples leaders.
I remember rooms like these from the temples of Torag. They make ye Wait till they darn ready ta see ya
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Ahhhh, yes, that would be your interpretation, Grimm. Believe it, or not, they are made for meditation and preparation to see one's betters in the faith.
"And who told you that? Your so-called betters. Who, I am certain, have no vested interest in such policies."
I do not recall asking for an opinion from one who has no convictions, Kalim. I was simply informing Grimm of the true purpose of the chamber for these evil denizens. If you care to live in ignorance, or argue every piece of religious knowledge conveyed, then do it with someone who has more patience for you ignorance.
"Ladies you're both pretty. We can argue about spirits and such when we get out of here alive."
Now, arguing about Spirits is a mighty fine topic. Though Dwarven spirits always knock ye on yer head fastern any drink.
The group steps out into a large relatively maintained courtyard. It's peaceful. There is pond in the southeast corner, and few ancient trees line the courtyard.
This seems a bit off for these cultists. Serenity and peaceful courtyards hardly seem in character for frog-demon worshiping maniacs."
Desmond gives the area one quick scan before going over each area a little slower. "Well they can't live every moment of their lives like that." Desmond indicates to fan out and check the courtyard, he heads to check out the pond himself.
+2 vs traps
The group fans out as instructed by Des revealing the courtyard in more detail.
Water lilies float on the calm surface of this clear little pond in the shade of ancient trees; occasionally, concentric ripples break the surface as small frogs jump out to hunt their insect prey. Mossy stepping stones lead to a doorway, and a stone bench in the shade offers a place to daydream and meditate. A lifelike, moss-covered statuette of a frog, sitting on a large boulder, feeds the pond with a steady stream of water. Its eyes are large gemstones of moss agate, fancy and valuable. (The circled star AA/Z 30).
Desmond leans in to see if the gems can be removed.
+2 vs traps
Desmond narrows his eyes, bringing his hand back. "Can somebody a little more magic inclined check this out first?"
Malcolm opens the far east door on the courtyard wall. He sees the grounds where the group battled the assassin vines. There are ruins on the terrain and farther away stands the inner cloister. He shuts, relocks and turns back away from that exist.
Grimm casts DETECT MAGIC and focuses on the area.
The gem eyes have moderate transformation spell, the more you study it you realize it's some sort of polymorph.
"An obviously valuable and fancy gem setting in this place, in such a statue? I would leave it alone, if I were you."
They got transformation magic on Em.
Desmond re-actively withdraws his hand, breathing a shallow sigh.
Here is an updated map.
There is finely crafted wooden door that is obviously locked. (AA,19)
Desmond begins fiddling with the lock.
Desmond's fiddling pays off and the lock tumbles into place. He motions for the group to ready themselves as I pushes the door open.
You see rich carpets cover the floor and precious tapestries hang on the walls. To the south, by the sole window, is a small reading stand. There is a suit of dinged platemail armor with a greatsword against the northern wall. A brazier filled with hot coals stands by the north wall, next to two bookshelves full of folios, codices and scroll cases. A lantern with colorful glass panes sheds a soft light on the scene in the evening. The bookshelves hold an assortment of books.
Desmond remains where he is, giving the spellcasters a chance to give the room a once-over while he examines it manually.
+2 vs traps
Vatilda mutters a few words. Her pupils disappear.. replaced by a dim glow. She scans the area.
Grimm follows along behind Desmond, providing back up.....The He... sees the great sword and looks pleasingly at the group.
He casts DETECT MAGIC and provided SOMEBODY says he can, will examine it.
There are a three scrolls faintly glowing on southern bookshelf and one a 8 faintly glowing vials on the northern bookshelf.
Desmond your eyes catch a small ornately carved redwood chest within the room tucked in the far corner.
Grimm the armor and the greatsword do not glow magical but they do look of high quality.
Well, should we be joining you inside?
Desmond's eyes remain fixed on the northern wall. "Yeah...yeah I think it's safe to walk in." Desmond steps in, going strait for the bookshelf. He begins tracing a groove in the ground.
Desmond enters room, Grimm and Malcolm closely follow.
As Desmond looks down at the he catches a slight movement with the armor.
RA:
Initiative:
Desmond
Vatilda
Grimm
Soul Knight
Karnog
Malcolm
Kalim