[OutPost II] GM Blazej: The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Zynete

Kembe: Closer to battle wounds, the damage dealt to these was treated, but there do not appear to be any clear cuts.

Duang and Xifen both grow flush and make a minor effort to cover their hands.

"No, no it isn't like that," pipes up Xifen as he tries to explain in a single breath. "Korada doesn't demand we hurt ourselves. I took a test of faith to Korada, but I honestly wasn't ready."

Duang raises a hand as she slows the halfling and she answers, "Within the garden a holy pilgrim offers a rite sacred to Korada. To the pure of mind it offers inspired visions, but if one attempts while still being unpure of heart and mind, then one of our fingers is painlessly removed. A penalty for seeking enlightenment while still unclean." She runs her hands together as she adds, "I admit I felt quite confident of myself when I first attempted it. I'm thankful though since it gave me an important lesson about my own hubris. I don't wish to hold back anyone's meal as I discuss my own failings, I'll be happy to speak with you later after I set up the meal while Xifen shows you around."

Unless there is any objection she heads into the door opposite the entrance. Inside that room is a long banquet table as the dominant piece within the room.

Kembe nods in response to the explanation "A learning experience, albeit expensive. Let us take that tour if you wouldn't mind." He bows respectfully and waits.

Well, they do seem to be honest, although I've not heard of that custom, maybe it is a more obscure one.

"Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your guide."

The halfling barely restrains his enthusism as he begins guiding you around his home.

"Di Duang just entered the dining room where we have our meals together. We will come back to that in a bit as she is done setting up. Near it is the kitchen and pantry, but we since Korada provides all we need we haven't needed to use it since I have been here."

"Down this hallway on the right is Dakang's chambers as well as those who dedicated their lives to him. While he might appear to be a human, his faith in Korada has blessed him with eternal life as he has lead our faith for generations. Far longer than my family has been here. He spends most of his time in meditation though and asks no one disturb him. If you do wish to meet him I recommend you come to one of his services, he hosts several each day in the chapel right over here."

He bounds a bit down the hallway before reigning in his step to point out one of the exterior rooms. "This is the meditation chamber. Many of us spend much of our time there in prayer as we commune with Korada through prayer, stretches, and focusing our mind. Zhuang would be happy to demonstrate and teach it to you."

Moving father down the hallway past another room he points out a pair of doors. First directing toward the left, "Those lead into the garden. A bit wild but really beautiful to pass through. Gastidem is usually there watching over the ritual and tending to the garden where he is able." Turning his finger to the right he describes, "That leads into the statuary hallway that leads into the crypt. We haven't needed them and we have let them be over the years to let those who were laid there have their rest."

"Is there any other questions you have or anywhere else you wish me to lead you?"

The map has been updated.

Mera leans in close to Arin, "We merely exchanged pleasantries. Nothing of import."

Mera nods agreeably as she's being led about the temple.
"Is there anyplace else that's forbidden in the temple, beyond Dakang's quarters? We wouldn't want to unknowingly trespass where we're not welcome. Also, is there a library here in the temple? We would love to see that. And, well, as seekers of knowledge we Pathfinders like to explore and record our findings. Would find you find it objectionable if we take notes, make sketches and rubbings, that kind of thing?"

Feelo looks uneasy at the explanation of the missing fingers, but holds his thoughts for now, quickly putting a friendly face back on. That doesn't really sound like it lines up with what we know of Korada, but maybe the worship got... distorted... here in the Tapestry. I'll have to keep paying attention.

Pai's attention remained snagged on one of the first things Xifen said. "What do you mean, you haven't needed to use the kitchen? Does food magically appear for you or something? That would be sooo cool! And, yeah, as an artist I'd love to draw pictures of what I see if that's okay with you."

Sense Motive (when discussing the missing fingers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"The ritual?" Jahz says as Xifen mentions the garden. "The same one where you lost your finger? If you don't mind me asking, what happens to all the, uh, removed digits?"

"Is there anyplace else that's forbidden in the temple, beyond Dakang's quarters? We wouldn't want to unknowingly trespass where we're not welcome. Also, is there a library here in the temple? We would love to see that. And, well, as seekers of knowledge we Pathfinders like to explore and record our findings. Would find you find it objectionable if we take notes, make sketches and rubbings, that kind of thing?"

Xifen takes a moment to think before answering, "No, you are welcome to explore anywhere you wish. I apologize if anywhere is a bit musty though as you pass though. Since no one goes into some of the areas, we maintain them as well as elsewhere."

He admonishes himself as you ask about the library. "Oh right, you were interested in knowledge, I didn't even think about that. There library is right behind you. While the texts offer guidance, I admit I don't have as much interest in study." He gives a sheepish grin as he gives this admission. "You make do anything you wish to record what you find, I can't see any reason anyone would disallow any of that."

Pai's attention remained snagged on one of the first things Xifen said. "What do you mean, you haven't needed to use the kitchen? Does food magically appear for you or something? That would be sooo cool! And, yeah, as an artist I'd love to draw pictures of what I see if that's okay with you."

"Yes it does. Korada provides all we need. And I would love to see the pictures you have drawn and I'm sure my brother Tamtei would love to see it as well. He loves creating drawing and painting."

"The ritual?" Jahz says as Xifen mentions the garden. "The same one where you lost your finger? If you don't mind me asking, what happens to all the, uh, removed digits?"

He becomes bashful again as he comes up but quickly answers, "Yes, that is exactly it." On the second point he needs a moment to think before he answers, "I'm honestly not sure. I've always thought that one of Korada's divine servant took them away so that me way rejoin them in the after."

"Does Zhuang teach on a schedule? I would love to learn what he has to offer. The more ways to clear ones mind the better." Kembe smiles, looking into each room if it is within sight as he walks along.

"I was also going to ask about your pantry. That's strange, there must be some powerful magic here to provide so much food." He assumes.

If we are planning on checking rooms out now, I would say maybe start with the library or garden?

"Yes it does. Korada provides all we need. And I would love to see the pictures you have drawn and I'm sure my brother Tamtei would love to see it as well. He loves creating drawing and painting."

Pai brightens at Xifen's response. "Ooh, yes! I'd be happy to show you guys. Maybe we can share techniques! I always enjoy comparing notes with other artists. Speaking of notes, guys," she switches gears as she turns to her comrades. "I think we should start in the library. That sounds like a good task to get done first." 'Cause it'll be boooorrrrinnnnggg, and if we leave it to the end I won't have anything fun to look forward to.

Earlier, before Di Duang departs...

I don't entirely understand. How is the finger removed, much less painlessly? Is it a divine act, or are you... assisted by another individual and perhaps some numbing agents?

If there is any touchiness to the subject, the little gnome is unaware of it as he seeks to satisfy his curiosities.

Arin nods and agrees with Pai.

Yes, I think the library would be important to survey early. Since we are to provide a comprehensive catalog, it would be good to find out sooner how much there is to process in there.

He gets a sudden, slightly worried look (if you blinked, you would have missed it).

How much paper did we bring with us?

"Does Zhuang teach on a schedule? I would love to learn what he has to offer. The more ways to clear ones mind the better." Kembe smiles, looking into each room if it is within sight as he walks along.

"I was also going to ask about your pantry. That's strange, there must be some powerful magic here to provide so much food." He assumes.

"Oh yes." The halfling clearly delighted to have interest. "We will convene the entire temple when it is time. You are more than welcome to watch or join."

"While I would love to help you, I still have my meditations to go through. A bell will ring when the meal is ready. I'll be in the meditation room if you have any questions, but to be honest anyone will be willing to guide you. I'll let everyone else know to expect you though."

Which leaves the party to explore to the library...

*Past*

I don't entirely understand. How is the finger removed, much less painlessly? Is it a divine act, or are you... assisted by another individual and perhaps some numbing agents?

If there is any touchiness to the subject, the little gnome is unaware of it as he seeks to satisfy his curiosities.

"I think Gastidem would be better suited to that question, but we take nothing beforehand. We place our hand within a statue blessed by Korada and I believe she eases our pain."

Unless there are objections...

May I borrow some of that paper and ink?

Arin begins to casually do a lap of the library, simply attempting to observe any high-level layout to the various type of knowledge contained within. After that, he begins a slower, second round, recording explicit categories.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Entering the library you find the spacious room is crammed with narrow bookshelves and large tables. Many shelves are empty and the remaining
scrolls and tomes seem tattered and sagging. A small open door looks into a tidy office. The room is clean and bright despite a general atmosphere of abandonment. Several windows look into a garden to the west.

A woman sits at one of the tables and drives her head deeps into the tome, going over every word with such a deep interest that she doesn't even take stock of your entry.

A brief estimate puts the number of documents in the room in the thousands.

How would you like to approach this library and office?

He gets a sudden, slightly worried look (if you blinked, you would have missed it).

How much paper did we bring with us?

I'm not clear if this helps alleviate or intensify the worry, but Aram Zey provided enough materials (parchment, paper, ink and charcoal) that a Pathfinder could spend days to fill them with meaningful content.

Edit: As a note, as Arin begins his first pass he can start to get a rough estimate of a cataloging of this effort to take somewhere around a couple dozen hours for one person.

Couple dozen... either two very long days or three reasonable days for one person

Arin, noticing the individual buried in a tome, considerately retreats to the doorway to report his initial estimate to the group.

I think it will take three days for one person, perhaps in two if they forego much free time. I suggest we do a similar survey of the other areas before we decide how to divide and conquer the whole assignment.

Minor realization. I didn't meant to say couple as it will likely, at least take another twelve on top of that. This likely does matter much in the grand scheme given your numbers are still a reasonable early estimate.

”That sounds like a plan,” Jahz agrees easily. ”Perhaps the garden next?”

Kembe waves as their tour guide leaves them to the library "I'll have a look at some of the tomes to get an idea of what we're looking at. Hopefully most of these works are in the common tongue."

He browses the books while Arin does a more systematic approach.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Garden works for me.

"Whoooooo..." Breath escapes Feelo as he realizes the scope of work that remains to be done. Happy to put this task to the side for now, he agrees. "Yes, let's see what the garden looks like. We only needed to sketch the layout there; that doesn't seem too hard!"

Desna wants me to travel, and bring her luck to unlucky places. Working in musty libraries was never the plan!

As Pai pops her head into the library, her eyes go wide and her expression falls. Oooh nooo. This'll take aaagesss!

As soon as Arin returns with his suggestion, she jumps on it with enthusiasm. Her words come out in a rush, like a creek tumbling over a small waterfall. "Yes! Let's take a look at the garden! And hey, maybe after we take a big picture assessment of all the stuff we have to to, we can split up into different groups to tackle a bunch of things at the same time. And then whoever finishes early can help those who're still working. Maybe. I don't know. What do you think?" And maybe if we do that, I won't have to spend so long in that boring old library!

"Might I observe your meditations and take notes?" Mera asks, pulling out her journal books.

If she's allowed to watch the meditations:
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Hearing Mera's request Xifen seems more than delighted once more, "Of course you may! It would again be my honor to show you."

Since meditations are happening in a separate room, it would be a matter of splitting the part while the library is investigated. Let me know if you want to do that.

While searching through the library, Kembe does discover an old catalog in the library office. This would dramatically cut down the time required to log the contents of the contents of the room to less than ten hours.

The youthful woman takes notice as some raise their voices, she halts herself before saying anything and instead drives herself deeper into the tranquility of her book.

=

The party moves into the temple garden to find it badly overgrown with tangled vegetation. Vines and briars climb the temple walls on three sides, surrounding the large windows into the chapel and the smaller windows into the library. The garden itself is a profusion of flowering bushes and weeds. Except for a clear space in the center of the garden, the dense weeds grow taller than an adult human. At the center of the garden sits a crumbling fountain, long dry, with a statue of a noble turtle in the center. Heaps of foliage choke two similar fountains, each with a large stone orb resting in the fountain's center.

There is a red haired gnome man happily humming as he works the gardens, digging through the plant-like when you enter. He halts his work to greet you. He wears a green tunic with similar design to the others. "Welcome travelers. I am Gastidem and welcome to the gardens. I tend to this place as well as the holy rites within."

Arin immediately approaches the fellow gnome, accepting his greeting as best he can in his stilted way.

Greetings Gastidem. We are here at the temple to learn. Would you mind answering a question or two? Firstly, is there a written inventory of the plants present in this garden that you manage? If not, we can browse, and perhaps ask you what the unfamiliar things are along the way. Secondly, out of curiosity, who is the noble turtle represented by the statue in the fountain? He points at the dry fountain.

Mera writes down descriptions of the tehcniques, and makes a point to carefully write down the mantra word-for-word. Once she rejoins the party, she'll share what she observed and read it to the more brainy types.

Gastidem blanches at the sight of Arin, but tries to shrug it off as he answers with a forced smile and laughs. "Well I am more than happy to help you with that. I do admit that I do not keep an inventory of the plants here. The vast majority are overgrown from over the years and I have no proper accounting of it myself. I only tend to the fountain at the heart of the Kiss of Korada," he gestures toward the statue of the turtle as he offers for you to approach as he leads the way. "This was a celestial servant of Korada's that came to the temple near the formation. At the time one of the priests was starting down the path of impurity. They had taken a bribe in the form of a gilded ring that the lusted for. The servant took the ring, finger with it, to teach the priest a lesson and drive them from the path of greed."

He stands before the statue as he takes a poised demeaner as he inspects the fountain for any signs of unmanaged plant growth as he states, "Now it serves here and I have served to maintain this ritual since I arrived. The statue now is part of a offers visions to the truly faithful. If you wish, you can take it as well. You just need to place your hand deep into the mouth of the statue."

The meditation room is a lofty, open space. The stone walls are carved with several figures in various meditative poses. A few large mats cover the stone floor. The only other furnishing is a rack containing a few wooden staves and several stacked glass spheres, each no bigger than a plum.

There is another person within the room, an elderly Tian human man with hazel eyes and a streak of white in his hair. He acknowledges Xifen and looks with deep interest at you. "They are travelers interested in our temple," Xifen explains. "She said she would like to watch me meditate."

The mad nods with a smile answering, "Certainly, I would be happy for you to join us. I am Zhuang and lived at this temple my entire life. I am well versed in the techniques and training over the years. If you wish I could instruct you as well on the meditations."

Xifin proceeds with them himself as he starting with stretches and eventually moving onto the process of taking three glass balls (sized smaller for the halfling hands) followed my him spinning them on the palm of one of his hands. While the balls spin around his palm with a practiced technique he recites a mantra with guidance from Zhuang.

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

Xifen finishes, still a bit flush with pride that he got to show off his own ability, and thanks Zhuang for his time and assistance.

Mera was able to identify the mechanical portions of the technique. Without performing the ritual herself there are no descriptions of the effects of the meditations.[/QUOTE}

Kembe looks around the garden and is a bit.. taken aback "Why do you let the garden become so overgrown? The fountain run dry? This garden does not inspire peace and tranquility, but instead chaos within one's soul."

Kembe looks around to see if anything is hidden amongst the brambles and detritus.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Again, Pai's attention is snagged by something said at the beginning of a longer discussion. She begins sketching the turtle fountain with a profusion of tangled vegetation behind it as she waits for a chance to get a word in edgewise, but so focused on her drawing that she keeps missing the natural pauses in the conversation. Her drawing is impressively accurate; she clearly has spent many hours practicing and training in the arts. Finally wresting her full attention back to Gastidem, she pipes up: "Korada's Kiss? What's that? Is that the name of this garden? Or the turtle?"

Perception on the Turtle fountain as she draws it in exquisite detail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

He balks a bit on Kembe's reprimand as he retakes a calm schooling voice as to instruct him. "The current state is through my meditations. Kondra wants us to focus on our contemplation and not the admiration of this material world, so I have allowed nature to grow and thrive to only be limited by Kondra's guidance. The running fountains are a luxury the enlightened do not need. Not when time is better spent by the devote in meditation."

He seems riled by Kembe as he continues to be distracted by the monk as he looks for the monks retort as he examines the flora that he only takes a passing notice of Pai. He glances between her and Kembe and answers "Well Korada's Kiss, the Kiss of Korada, is the name of the ritual itself. The garden is the only one we know, there are not many temples within reach of ours so it is just the garden. Same for the turtle, despite the creation of the statue it felt it would be hubris to put its name above all other of Konada's servants so did not share upon the visit."

He thinks for another moment before focusing his mind to call the answer to hand, "I believe the name was noted as the teacher in Tien." He repeats "The Teacher" in Tien to clarify. "What about you, my kin, would you be interested in seeing the visions Korada offers?"

Kembe's shoulders slump when he sees how much work needs to be done here. He turns back to the gardener and glances to see if he too is missing any fingers.

"My apologies. Not everyone follows the same path in their teachings. I hope your path continues to the destination you desire most." He bows and gets ready to head to another room to look around.

Diplomacy to cool him down: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Gastidem seems more than pleased with Kembe's response as he gives a bow. "No apologies necessary my friend. It is as you say. I hope to share some of my blessings with you."

The gnome has no injuries on his fingers.

After the exchange concludes, Arin is left with unanswered questions about the contents of the garden.

So what do you think, Kembe? Will this take as long as the library?

"Six hours maybe of work for someone that knows plants better than I. Twice that if not." He laments, ready to head to the next area.

"Should we go check out the crypt since we're here? Our guide said it hasn't been used in a long while. Where do you bury your dead Gastidem?

"Bury the dead?" Gastidem gives a sharp chuckle at the thought. "It is made even more clear how our path is set apart from yours. Those crypts are a relic of a bygone era. Those who die here are given to Dakang and he give them a lovely ritual where they are celestial transcended." He raises his hands to the sky to emphasize the direction before returning them low again. "Our path is well set and all here strive forward for nothing less than utter purity of heart. I suppose the idea is fair, few have such a powerful servant of the gods as we do."

"That sounds lovely Gastidem. I can think of no better end of days than rising to the sky to be with the Gods." He takes a look around the outside of the crypt before they head in to check it out. Sense Motive: Is this guy blowing smoke?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Now I am VERY suspicious of this place.

1d20 ⇒ 20

"Indeed, I will look forward to you hearing Dakang speak later today if you are interested. If you are interested, following I could walk you through the ritual of the Kiss of Konada."

Checking the door to the crypt Kembe finds the door appears to safe, but it is secured from the other side with either a crossbar or some other way of heavily securing it from the other side. It would require some force to get this door open.

And the same will apply from the doorway from the garden into the adjacent hallway. It is blocked from the other side as well.

Squinting to get a better look at the inside of the turtle's mouth, Pai spots a pressure plate. In the margin of her parchment, she draws an enlarged sketch to accurately show this detail.

Overhearing the rest of the conversation, Pai is hard pressed to keep the incredulity off her face. So they just float up into the sky when they die? So, what, the sky here is full of floating corpses? Psh! What comes up must come down. I wonder if that dude just magically lifts them onto the roof or something. This place is just so plain weird. I wonder if he's full of it.

Sense Motive (Is Gastidem being fully truthful?): 1d20 ⇒ 14

Finishing her sketches of the turtle fountain, she bows respectfully to Gastidem. "Thank you for your time and all the great explanations. We'll be back later to catalog these plants in more detail. 'Bye!" She then scurries off after Kembe, trying her best to keep an expression of professionalism on her face, just in case anyone's watching.

"Maybe we can help Duang-sama with preparing the food," Jahz suggests to Feelo at the sight of the overgrown garden. "I might not be much of a cook, but I can at least carry things without tripping. Well, usually." He grins. "Or did you want to look at something else?"

"I do look forward to hearing Dakang speak later. He? Sounds like he takes care of you all very well."

Once he realizes the crypt door is barred he asks about any other entrances "The Statuary Hallway.. mind if we have a look there before the meal?" Kembe heads in that direction, waving the others along.

"Thank you for your hospitality Gastidem. I will think about your offer and get back to you later."

Once everyone is outside of the garden and alone he'll fill them in on what he thinks of Gastidem. Read my SM spoiler

"Let's check on this hallway and the other crypt door, then maybe head to check on the kitchen? This place gives me chills for some reason. Be wary."

Before they leave, Feelo slips one small question in. "Gastidem, I notice you seem to have all of your fingers. Has the turtle never found you to be wanting, then, in all the times you've performed this ritual?"

What Mera Saw in the Meditation Room wrote:

The meditation room is a lofty, open space. The stone walls are carved with several figures in various meditative poses. A few large mats cover the stone floor. The only other furnishing is a rack containing a few wooden staves and several stacked glass spheres, each no bigger than a plum.

There is another person within the room, an elderly Tian human man with hazel eyes and a streak of white in his hair. He acknowledges Xifen and looks with deep interest at you. "They are travelers interested in our temple," Xifen explains. "She said she would like to watch me meditate."

The mad nods with a smile answering, "Certainly, I would be happy for you to join us. I am Zhuang and lived at this temple my entire life. I am well versed in the techniques and training over the years. If you wish I could instruct you as well on the meditations."

Xifin proceeds with them himself as he starting with stretches and eventually moving onto the process of taking three glass balls (sized smaller for the halfling hands) followed my him spinning them on the palm of one of his hands. While the balls spin around his palm with a practiced technique he recites a mantra with guidance from Zhuang.

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

Xifen finishes, still a bit flush with pride that he got to show off his own ability, and thanks Zhuang for his time and assistance.

Mera was able to identify the mechanical portions of the technique. Without performing the ritual herself there are no descriptions of the effects of the meditations.[/QUOTE}

Mera will attempt the techniques herself, asking for guidance if she gets anything wrong. She'll begin with the stretches, then find appropriate sized glass balls, then try to spin them and recite the mantra.

Pai Shecks: Your read on Gastidem is less on point but you can tell he doesn't truly believe what he is saying.

In answer to Feelo, Gastidem does seem quite proud of himself as he does admit, "No, while it carries some risk for the spiritually impure, that has never been something I have suffered from."

Kembe finds the interior door to the hallway unbarricaded.

=

Zhuang is pleased to see Mera attempt the meditation. "I'm always pleased to find another who may find comfort in our teachings." He sees you begin the process and is more than willing to advice, but seeing the determination he holds his tongue as he merely inspects your technique.

Mera is able to complete the stretches with ease, but the spinning of the glass spheres is a difficult challenge of agility without significant practice. It will require a Sleight of Hand or Dexterity check to attempt.

Dex check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
On the one hand, metagaming, it's really stupid to waste the re-roll here. On the other hand, Mera would really want to get this right. Sooo...2-star gm re-roll it is.
Dex check: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 = 21

Pai reaches for the handle of the door to the hallway at the same time as Kembe. After brief exchange of "After you." "No, I insist." the door is opened and Pai peeks down the hallway.

"Ooooh!" She reverently steps down the hall, stopping before each statue to roughly sketch its likeness as best she can in the dim light. "When we come back I'll light a sunrod so I can do these justice, but this'll do for now." She mentions to no one in particular.

Feel free to open the spoiler for the hallway in our GM's last post.

Once completed the meditation proves to be mildly relaxing. Zhuang applauds Mera's very quick demonstration of the meditative technique. "Quite excellent. Most take hours to first complete the exercise. Yet you have completed it on your first attempt. I certainly can see room for improvement but I believe you have an wonderful start if you wish to continue."

Pai finds the statues covered in a thin layer of dust and seemingly years of being left alone in this space. Of special note though is the final statue at the end of the hallway. It is not very stable and it would likely collapse if anyone stood in front of the double doors to the crypt.

Kembe nods and heads in head of Pai. Seeing the lack of light he'll retrieve his flint and steel and light up a torch for a closer inspection. "No one certainly has been in here lately." He takes the opportunity to check this with the dust on the floor, looking for any signs of passage ahead of them.

Take 10 survival and perception for tracks or other such things: 18 each.

"I hope Mera is ok. I was hoping to see that ritual as well, but maybe later."

Perception/Self Awareness: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
So, does Mera notice any/feel any different after completing the ritual? Mostly relieved but a bit disappointed there was no Will save or become thrall of the cult...

Upon completing the ritual, Mera will seek to rejoin her fellow pathfinders and inform them of her findings.

Is it time for us to start a betting pool on who dies first?
Step one: locate old temple occupied by creepy self-mutilating cult.
Step two: everyone head off in separate directions.
step three: let the killing spree begin.
Welcome to The Korada Chainsaw Massacre...