The monstrous statue resonates with an evil aura to Arista's sight.
Arista is shaking slightly with the amount of evil energy surrounding the statue.
"Uuhh, guys...I think I found the source of the negative energy. It's that big guy in the middle, the one with the stone in his chest. I'm pretty sure we have to destroy it."
Noting the position of the other two statues and the fact that their swords are pointed at the strange gem, Arista has an idea.
"Hey, maybe we just have to destroy the gem in it's chest? The other two statues have their swords pointed at it, so maybe it means something? Ylrhea, do you think you could use your keen senses to check for any possible traps?"
She thinks for a moment, "Well, for starters, I think we would actually have to get a little closer to it. Just a guess, but I would say hit it till it's gone?"
"I think, Captain, we should leave Arista at home next time," Ylrhea comments.
Ylrhea notices that it's not just a statue, but a gargoyle.
Arista laughs heartily at the little gnome.
"Oh Ylrhea, you're so funny. This has been so much fun, I really needed the release. Thanks for having me along."
"Well, it's alive," the gnome says. "Doesn't explain the death and decay though..."
She narrows her eyes at the aasimar. "I'm glad someone's having fun."
"Oh, but I am too, except for the feeling sick part," Sienna says. "I'm just glad to have something to do. Anyway, Captain, what do you want to do about that stony guy?"
Arista looks around, mock disbelief on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
"But what did I do?
At Ylrhea's explanation, Arista simply nods her head.
"Well, if it's alive, then it can be killed. But other than the evil coming from the statue I'm not sure what's causing the problems either."
Ylrhea rolls her eyes and, for a moment, wishes the quieter, though more disturbing, Mortimus was here.
"Why did you come to Zahvroma in the first place?" Elena asks, wiping Drago's tear away.
"I was looking for purpose and the Explorer's League seemed as good as place to start as any. Yet, I am still lost."
"Is the living statue evil? or is it just the stone?" Cyna asks
"Oh, it's the entire statue. I'm pretty sure we gotta destroy the whole thing. Decision is up to you Cyna. What do you wish us to do?"
"I'm going to talk to it if I can and see what it is first." She announces.
Cyna steps out of the hall and hails the mysterious statue.
"Um, Greetings? Gargoyle."
"Why have you come here, demon-blooded?" the gargoyle asks, its eyes suddenly glowing red and green acid dripping from its maw.
"Something has tainted the land above us, I came down here to find out what the source was. I believe it's that stone of yours." Cyna replies trying not to sound too cheeped out by a talking statue.
"No one is born knowing who they are, Drago," Elena says, standing. "Your family is here, but you have to determine your place among them. You can either dwell in the shadows like your mother and your "sister" Aliethia or you can bring light to the darkness in this land and in yourself. I can tell you what I prefer, but you have to make the choice yourself."
"That is not my doing," the stone creature replies, its eyes appraising Cyna. "Nor do I care. I am bound to guard this place, no more and no less."
Its talons carve grooves into the stone floor.
"Must get boring." Cyna replies.
"Is there a way I can stop this energy without conflicting with your orders?" she asks standing her ground.
"That involves getting past me," the gargoyle answers. "I cannot allow that."
"Well, at least, he's not attacking us straight away," Ylrhea says cheerfully.
"Small blessings," Sienna sighs.
Arista looks at Cyna with trepidation.
"I don't know boss, I guess we don't have much of a choice in the matter if we wanna fix what's wrong."
Cyna tries once again to avoid conflict with the terrifying creatue.
"You said you were bound, there must be a way to undo that?"
The corners of the gargoyle's mouth seem to turn upwards. "Same solution."
With a sigh Cyna asks. "We'll seems this is inevitable then, I don't suppose you can tell me what lies beyond you before we get started?"
Arista moves into the room to stand beside Cyna.
"Hmph, I wouldn't be a good guardian if I did," the gargolye says, flapping its wings.
Initiative:
Round 1: Ylrhea, Gargoyle, Sienna, Arista, Cyna
Ylrhea pulls her loaded crossbow and fires at the creature.
;
The gargoyle rears back and spits a line of acid at Cyna, Ylrhea and Sienna.
;
Round 1: Ylrhea, Gargoyle, Sienna, Arista, Cyna
Ylrhea ducks out of the way of the spray, still getting stung by it. "Yow!"
Barely avoiding the worst of the acid, Sienna lets off three magic missiles.
Seeing her friend severely injured, Arista looks at her. "Hit or heal? Tell me now."
Sienna's spell merely chips some of the gargoyle's stone flesh.
"What the?!" Sienna exclaims in disbelief.
"Heal Please." Cyna pleads.
Cyna quickly draws her bow and fires at the vile guard.
Arista calls out to her Goddess, "Sarenrae, heal thy devout servants!"
Ylrhea runs behind one of the statues and reloads her crossbow. "Someone's gonna have to get in that thing's face!"
"Working on it dear."