Bydar casts, and then.. translates...
cyclopean text etched upon the door.
Inner Ring:
"Father of light, Mother of protection, seal door against Reguare."
Middle Ring:
"Tyrant Zeropes, scion of Xalekti, bearer of Ilthsgar, last of Ultharan, forbids opening door. Infidels will be deprived of wisdom.
Outer Ring:
"We hold the borders of Koloran, so we hold its might and glory. Father Sun and Mother Moon shield and guide always. They give strength of stone and sharpness of bronze. May none betray them as was done in terrible Ghol-Gan."
"Amazing.." He says, "But not very helpful on HOW the door maybe opened. Assuming, after all that, we wanted to. Deprived of Wisdom is rather ominous."
"How goes it with the scrolls?"
"These are all wonderful, but one of them," Syretia says, holding up the third scroll, "contains a spell with the power to break the curse on Nanya!" What luck!
She turns her smile on Brandt, exclaiming "I can't thank you enough for spotting these, well done!"
"We should head back and use it on Nanya now.. " He suggests.
With the scrolls secured, including the one that can save Nanya, you quickly retrace your steps back to her cell-like shrine. You find her again kneeling before her altar.
Her hands are pressed against her face. For a moment, you fear that she may have again heard the call of Prathos, demanding one of her eyes. Thankfully, when she turns to see who's entering, lowering her hands, you see that she has not hurt herself.
"Oh! Welcome back," she exclaims, a note of happy surprise detectable in her voice.
With a half start toward the cursed cleric, Brandt pulls back seeing she hasn’t harmed herself. Aye,lass. We said we’d return as soon as we could for you. Now Bydar would like to say his blessings over our friendship. Take my hands, and let us join together in unity. And Fenrir would like to welcome you as well!
Brandt kneels, taking the clerics hands into his own. While Fenrir approaches and seeing Brandt’s approval, licks her face.
Bydar nods with a smile and pulls the scroll out "It's wonderful."
And tries to read it quickly to free the woman's soul from the curse.
The prospect of not only new friends but joining them in prayer excites Nanya. She eagerly accepts the invitation. Although she strives to focus upon her quiet prayers to Prathos, her eyes stray to the scroll in Bydar's hands with wary curiosity.
Christian walks in silence as the approach the tunnel that will lead back to the fallen priestess.
I do not like it but if this does not work...we may have to subdue her. A persons faith is their own and this curse is not wanted. I will be ready to force a cure...for her own good. If the need be necessary.
Orlog stays back for now, but remain wary just in case the spell doesn't work and the woman become agressive. He will of course try to subdue the victim and not kill her.
Bydar is glad for the support and back up, and invokes a spell he has never cast before hoping both Shelyn and Arundhat will lend enough to free this poor soul before them.
Syretia looks on anxiously, unsure of whether the ancient scroll's magic will work or not.
The surge of divine energy momentarily overwhelms Nanya. She loses her balance and nearly tumbles but catches herself. She touches a hand to her brow, feeling lightheaded.
"Oh my...I...I believe I felt the power of Prathos. He must surely be pleased," she muses in a dreamlike haze.
Unfortunately, it seems Bydar was not able to overcome the curse's hold upon the priestess. She remains dedicated to the mad cyclops god. However, unbeknownst to the party, the effort has still driven a wedge between Nanya's mind and the curse, buying more time before she is lost to its hold.
Christian looks at the group as Bydar begins to cast his spell. He takes a deep breath and looks at the fallen priestess. He steps up to the side of Byday and lets gets her attention. He hopes that his words will help direct her to her center.
His voice, soft and calm as he speaks.
My lady, remember who you are and look deep inside yourself to the true you. Whomever that may be...is your choice. No one should determine what is in your heart.
***EDIT***
I was too late it seems...
Standing from where he was kneeling with the cleric, Brandt looks around the room, frustration plain upon his face. Shrugging, he sends a look of sympathy towards Bydar.
Well, let us head out and make camp then. We can spend the night and return to the fort in the morning?
Unsure of what's happening, Fenrir follows Brandt around as the Ulfen gathers his belongings and moves towards the exit where they can camp back under the stars for the night.
Syretia's shoulders slump in disappointment, but she puts on a smile for Nanya before turning to leave. "We'll be back in the morning, so don't go anywhere!"
Words are magical.....though only in a metaphorical sense. Thus, although the sentiments that Christian delivers to Nanya are poignant, they lack the power to bolster Bydar's magic. Nevertheless, his diplomacy and oratory serve for two important ends. First of all, it glosses over this attempt to break the curse upon her and prevents Nanya from reacting negatively. Thus, she still sees the party as new friends, even if she fears they do not understand her faith. Secondly, the cavalier's words keep the flame in her heart and soul stoked and ensure that she will not fall completely into Prathos' clutches yet.
Nanya, still somewhat bewildered by the experience, promises to keep vigil at her shrine.
"I hope you have a good rest," she says distractedly, still rubbing her hands upon her head as though to banish the lingering dizziness.
"Until your next visit, fare thee well."
You acquit yourselves of the small shrine and return to the nearby caves that offer access to the surface. In the shelter provided, and with the comparative safety of the cleared labyrinth at your back, you make camp and prepare for the following day. Beyond the trial of saving Nanya, you have other burdens to contemplate. When next you leave these tunnels and return to the claimed fort, you will need to begin your new lives as lords in this wild country.
Christian's hopes fall as he sees the results of the spell.
We shall return soon enough...much yet to do down here.
In the morning, Syretia sets about tidying up their camping spot in preparation for their departure. "Well, I think all we have to do now is try and help Nanya again. Shall we go?"
Once they are out of earshot, Orlog looks at the rest of the group. "Well, that was disappointing. How many of those spell can you prepare Bydar?"
Christian looks on and waits for the others to prepare for the task at hand. He seems troubled that they were not able to help the women last night.
"Two," Bydar says very troubled and disappointed. "Pardon me, I had hoped it would work very much. Perhaps if I had studied the scroll more carefully, or prayed sometime before hand it might helped. Maybe."
Then he clears his throat "I can pray for it... and try twice a day."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Bydar. The scroll was very old, and made for very different people in very different circumstances. Maybe its magic was weakened by the centuries?"
Echoing what Syretia has to say, Brandt chimes in, Aye lad, we all have our strengths, and recognizing she was cursed, and talking her down and trying to heal her mind are yours. I wouldn't have known what to do in that situation without you there.
Finishing packing his gear to reenter the caverns, Brandt continues, So once Bydar has healed this woman, we're clear of these tunnels for a time right? Now we just need to figure out how to run this village and keep all these people alive. Oh the songs they will sing of us if we succeed, or if we fail. Brandt laughs at this discomforting thought before continuing, So if we have an Inn, and one house in Charis, plus a run-down fort, what do we try to build next? A tower to keep watch? Brandt asks hopefully.
"If I could use such magic I would, but I am afraid that it is currently beyond my capacity for now." Orlog tries to encourage Bydar, but he also worries that the curse might be just to strong for them.
"You're all very kind, but yes. We'll save her." Bydar ponders their comments, "Could have been weakened. Regardless, it's done now." At the talk of towers, "Well, I'm hoping for a shrine to one goodly god to at least start within the season. A shrine to Torag seems very possible if we convert the old one like we hope. And Orlog could work wonders with it I'm sure," A nod to the fellow HOly man, "The tower makes sense. I suppose. A watch ful eye on the land and so on, but with the amount of curses, illnesses, and so on we keep bumping into it seems that the divine shelters are needed to. And, of course, Syretia reading of that lore means an academy may not be as far off. "
Christian looks at the others.
We can sit down and discuss improvements after we save the fallen priestess.
I have my thoughts on the subject as well but they can wait till we finish with the pressing matters at hand.
His voice is not accusatory or degrading, he just is pointing out that there are more importation things at the moment.
"Well said, Lord D'Elagante," Syretia says seriously. "I enjoy our talks about what is to come next for our settlement, but we have more work to do. Let us be about it."
The long walk through the caves, narrow fissure, and ossuary lead you back to Nanya's shrine. You find the priestess still on her bedroll, curled up beneath her cloak and asleep. Occasional idle groans, almost akin to snoring, escape her open mouth.
Laughing as they proceed into the darkness, Aye Christian, you are right. We're a goodly ways off being able to work on anything else. Mayhap we'll be able to generate some extra coin and that can hasten the building? Brandt asks no one in particular.
When they reach the preistess' room he breathes deeply again, face becoming serious, before resuming a smiling attitude. While he checks his weapon locations he does not string his mighty bow or enter the chamber with weapons drawn.
Fenrir follows suit, looking after his companion with a mildly confused look, but not straying from his side.
Orlog stay by the door as to not make noise and wake up the priestess. He looks at Bydar giving him a thumb up and a smile as to encourage the young human.
He moves quietly though not with deception and kneels next to the sleeping woman. If she sleeps, perhaps the better.
Syretia watches on with bated breath, crossed fingers, and a prayer on her mind.
As they come to the entrance to the makes shift temple. Christian pauses and looks to the others.
I have faith in you Bydar...we should not tarry as I am not sure how much longer this women will hold out.
He lowers his head as his voice becomes quiet and soft.
As the first rays of the morning light touch these lands, we gather here with expectation of bringing a lost priestess back into the light. We hope that our words and prayers will aid her in her journey of redemption into the folds of her faith. I beg a boon of you Dawnflower...Cast your light in to the darkest of places...ignite your flame as a beacon for this wayward sheep so that she me rejoin the flock and be welcomed into the arms of her shepherd.
Bydar nods approvingly, yes, any prayer for this woman's freedom is good.
And he prays, and intones, "The Lie around the soul is a cage, the cage threatens to crush the soul. I plant the seed into the barbed bar, the Seed blooms, it does not cut the soul but it breaks the cage, the soul is freed, the soul returns to who it loves as before. One cannot cage love..."
Closing his eyes and bowing his head as Christian and Bydar utter their prayers, Brandt breathes deeply; hoping desperately that the young woman will be freed of her spiritual shackles.
Come on Bydar, you can do this. Hey Old Deadeye, do what you can for this one, it isn't her time. And this isn't her way either. You and I both know that.
Raising his head, he watches as Bydar prays over the young woman, hoping to see better results, resting his hand on his warhammer, hoping to crush the cursed holy symbol.
As Bydar speaks his pronouncement, thin colorful wisps flow from his arms and holy symbol to swaddle the sleeping Nanya like a rainbow veil. The Vudrani priestess' sleep vocalizations grow more insistent, evolving into fitful moans. At last, the prayer and the spell draws to a close.
"The Sacred Perfume!" Nanya exclaims, suddenly turning over and jolting awake. She does not bolt upright, but rather she reflexively curls upon herself and protectively draws her cloak blanket close. Her eyes dart wildly across the room and your faces, and her mind struggles to catch up.
There is a new brightness in her brown eyes. It soon becomes clear that Bydar's divine magic, perhaps enhanced by a purer connection with the Eternal Rose, has succeeded this time and broken the curse's hold upon Nanya.
"Oh thank the gods of good," Bydar says, "Nanya, don't touch that idol again. It is cursed. As you are now realizing I'm sure. I'm going to try to remove the curse from it directly. But first.. well, let me say it's good to meet the free you, servant of Arundhat." He inclines his head.
Syretia claps her hands in sheer joy once it's apparent that the spell has finally worked, and she rushes forward to embrace first Nanya, and then Bydar, before collecting herself and stepping back with an embarrassed look.
Christian looks down at the woman as she beams with delight. He extends his hand to aid her in getting to her feet.
Welcome back to your true path my lady. When you are ready we will escort you out of this place. I do not know about you but I could use some fresh air right about now.
Bydar's words flow around Nanya like the wind. She does not fully digest them, and her face registers the daze of one who has just awakened from a terribly realistic dream. Syretia's embrace pulls her back and anchors the priestess. She shudders at the contact, and Syretia can feel trembling coursing through Nanya' limbs like aftershocks lingering after an earthquake.
Nanya's words come stammered, as she remains quite overcome by the experience. There is visible relief in her eyes now that she is rescued, but it remains overshadowed by the haunted aspect upon her brow and cheeks. The idol's curse claimed her for a week at most, yet such an experience is not easily put behind her.
When she rediscovers her voice, Nanya firmly asks to leave this place.
At Nanya's request, Syreita simply says "Gladly." On the way back to the surface, she sticks close to Nanya, ready to lend a steadying hand or a listening ear to the woman.
Bydar smiles at the hug, and the kindness shown by his compatriots. They are, one and all, good folk.
Orlog walks up to Bydar and slap the human on the back. "Well done my friend, well done!" He then looks around to see if he can find the idol without touching anything. He also study the room, wondering if just collapsing this place could be the best way of getting rid of the thing.
Finding the idol is hardly a challenging puzzle.
The abhorrent gold statuette sits atop the boxy altar at the center of the room. Despite its lifelessness, the idol's single ruby eye leers ominously.
This room's small size proves to be its unexpected strength. The walls do not bear an unstable amount of weight, and attempting to collapse the place could prove very dangerous. Bricking up the entrance or filling it with rubble would be a safer alternative.
Bydar casts protection from Evil upon himself, "Oh Shield me, Shelyn in thy grace."
Then he holds his hand over the idol, "You who are an abomination to true faith. You who are a travesty the spirit! I call on Shelyn, who I serve with willing joy. I ask the Sacred Perfume whose priestess you wronged! I ask the gods of light ... to caste you out, Curse. I cast you out, Curse."
In the moment when he makes contact with the idol - a moment that seems much longer in Bydar's mind - a revelation is visited upon him. The graceful power of Shelyn had been restrained during his previous prayers, lest too much divine force damage Nanya's mind rather than rescue it. Now that the Eternal Rose's aegis is turned upon an inanimate object of evil, there is no such restraint.
Cracks, glowing with red light, appear on the golden statuette's surface. The idol splinters apart, the golden shards toppling along the cloth-covered altar and tumbling to the ground where they lose their luster, turning into lead. All that remains is the ruby eye, about the diameter of a gold coin and finished with a very simple cut. Acting with caution, a quick examination with Detect Magic reveals that whatever cursed enchantment haunted the idol as a whole has not carried over to the ruby eye, which now sits inert.
Watching Bydar channel the raw power of the Eternal Rose into the inimical idol, Brandt emits a low whistle, Bydar, this again, is why your songs will be sung far and wide. Shelyn's Speaker in the River Kingdoms. Let us not hope that this Prathos comes looking for you, ere you may made an enemy there. But I wouldn't be afraid, no cyclopean cleric will get past us anytime soon. I assume we are done here then?
Looking upon the shattered idol's remaining ruby, Well, if it is no longer cursed, there is no reason not to bring this back to the fort, it looks valuable. With that Brandt scoops up the ruby and begins to make his way back to the surface, with Mr. Pink leading the way.
A huge grin breaks over Bydar's features as the idol shatters and breaks "Love Conquers All."
Watching Bydar channel the raw power of the Eternal Rose into the inimical idol, Brandt emits a low whistle, Bydar, this again, is why your songs will be sung far and wide. Shelyn's Speaker in the River Kingdoms. Let us not hope that this Prathos comes looking for you, ere you may made an enemy there. But I wouldn't be afraid, no cyclopean cleric will get past us anytime soon. I assume we are done here then?
"Aye, and thank you for waiting with me. We best catch up with the others. Brandt, I am flattered by your praise but again, this was Shelyn's work, though I suspect other goodly gods gave their blessing. I was not blind to how more than one of you prayed for Nanya's rescue. Good folk all of you."
Looking upon the shattered idol's remaining ruby, Well, if it is no longer cursed, there is no reason not to bring this back to the fort, it looks valuable. With that Brandt scoops up the ruby and begins to make his way back to the surface, with Mr. Pink leading the way.
"A fair point. Add it to the treasury, maybe it'll help pay for a building..." And the Cleric of Shelyn picks up his pace to catch up with the others.
"Incredible..." is all Syretia can manage in response to the awesome display of divine power. She comes to her senses after a few seconds and hurries to join the rest of the party as they make their exit.