"He said something about working, but it looked like he found himself a woman. It felt kind of strange, but he went willingly." Fudrick shrugs again.
Looking around the room he tries to get a feel for what is going on.
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Fudrick frowns at Yrar, "I should have been more prepared for this moment. It seems that we grew quite close in the short time we knew each other." Gripping Yrars arm in a shake he says, "Take care my big friend. May the winds of the navigator guide your sails to paradise." As he watches Yrar take his leave he thinks about what he just said. "I am hanging around Marwan to much. His seaman's sayings are rubbing off on me." Once Yrar is gone he looks around the marketplace. Not really sure of what to expect in such a seedy looking trading port. As he looks around he asks a passing person what sort of the is in the distance.
"I have stopped at many ports with my family, but never one quite like this. My family's ship stayed clear of such seedy places." Listening to Shulim he says, "Your advise is full of wisdom. Should we split up to sell the wares?" As he watches the flying object Fazaam pointed out, " Whatever we do I would like to see this temple in the distance. Maybe they will have some information on the ..." lowering his voice to a whisper "tomb we found."
...a few measly candlesticks and silver boxes lie within... "What would cause a man to risk certain death for such trinkets? Is this town in such dire straights to cause a man to stoop to such a low thing knowing his chances of survival are so small?"
Still wiping dirt from his clothes and hair Fudrick says, "Excuse me noble warrior." He does a bow imitating the others, "But what trouble could a one handed man make to bring out such show of force? Armed guards and a genie? He must have been a powerful sorcerer to warrant your attention" A quick look in the direction of the bright light. ", but not powerful enough for one such as you."
Fudrick picks himself up and wipes dirt and leaves from his face. "Did anyone see what it was that chased that man? Even covered in filth I saw a flash of light. Do you think he will be coming for us next?"
"STOP THIEF!" He hells at the approaching man. As soon as he realizes the man has no intention of stopping he dives out of the way at the last second.
"ZimZaam makes a good point. With Yrar in the front we will be more imposing looking. Some of the more vile patrons of this city will be sure to give us a wide berth." At the sound of shouting Fudrick looks up. He quickly adds, "Use Parsa for me. It is a nickname given by my mother." "It is a difficult decision. As my father would say, "we are caught between a sandbar and a whirlpool." Either way I think our actions will lead us to conflict at a later date. Time to make a solid decision is not with us at the moment. I say we stop the man, a thief is a thief. If he is innocent then let this ports law deal with it. However I will side with the majority on this as we are in a strange place and I do not know how they handle these things."
Fudrick nods at Shulim, "Wise words. A way out once things get rough would be a good idea. I also would like to take a look at this Temple of Healing if we get the chance." He sits down on the ground and rubs the chill from his arms. "I still would like to find a place to rest for a day if we can." With a weak grin he says, "Next time Yrar you better take care of the spiders before I get the crazy idea of standing there as bait again."
Squinting against the suns reflection off the ocean he tries to make out any movement on the ship. "Marwan, does it look like it may be getting ready to sail?"
Fudrick takes the middle position again. As they move past earshot he mumbles something about slavers as he takes a quick look back at Yrar.
"Other than the fact that these are beautifully made, a little unusual in design, and they are magic, I can't really tell much. Sorry." He gives the robe one final pat. "But I would surmise that they resized themselves to you because they are keyed to your goddess. Take good care of them. They may return the favor." Fudrick nods at Fazaam, You are right Master Fazaam. I think I will keep the robes in my pack for now. Shulim, this weapon isn't something I am used to using. I would probably cut my own foot off if I tried to do anything with it. It seems to be the right size for you use. Do you want to take it?" Fudrick will hang back with the others looking as non-hostile as possible at the farm.
Fudrick looks at the garments wondering how they went from big to normal size. "Sure Fazaam. Isn't it weird that they changed size? I've never seen anything like that before." He hands them over before examining the forest around them. As he looks up at the sun he turns back to the others, "I am sorry we lost so much time in down there. We really should be going. After all this I could use a rest in a decent bed."
As he takes his first tentative step inside the chamber. The spikes retreat back into the wall. He glances back behind him at the others as another feeling comes over him. "Well it definitely seems that I overreacted now. I mean this has to be a sign that I was meant to be here. Right?" As he scoops up the items he makes another tour of the walls trying to decipher more of their meanings.
Fudrick coughs to clear his throat, "Ah, yes, well I guess it is my fault for over reacting to this whole situation. Um, I guess I could try to enter the chamber again." He looks around at the others, "Maybe tie a rope around me and have Ghari and Yrar prepare to yank me back in case of a problem?"
"It's OK Fazaam. We heard you on the way down. Sitting out there" gesturing back the way they came, "in the bright warm sun gives a gnome plenty of time to think." nodding at Shulim, "It doesn't hurt to have someone else to talk with." Grinning at Shulim he continues, "I do believe that you were a wise priest in a former life. Anyway, I have come to see everything a little clearer. Those images in there just upset me more than I thought. After thinking things through I can't help but feel that maybe we were pushed in this direction. It can't be that much of a coincidence that this chamber was built for a follower of Hettama. Let us try to get the items I so foolishly tossed back in. Then lets be done with this place."
As he listens Fudrick finds himself nodding at Shulims wisdom, "The feeling in the chamber was of joy and happiness. The disgust I felt was definitely something I was thinking. I don't have much experience with life, but things are not always as simple or black and white as we would like. Thank you for your wisdom brother. I still have much to think on, but in the mean time lets go back down and get the others."
Fudrick gets up and explains to Shulim what he has decided and why. "When I was down there looking at those etchings. I don't know it just felt wrong to be close to something that is so far from how I was taught bring Her love and joy to this world. Siting out here thinking about everything with a clear head does make it easier to understand what everyone else has been saying. I mean what are the chances that I would be here on this exact spot where a hidden chamber devoted to my own Goddess would be. This priests embrace of my religion may be different than mine but he still devoted his life to her. I just think there is more to that time period that I do not know. Maybe it was during a time when the higher powers where struggling to carve out there own place in our world." Fudrick looks down at the ground as the world weighs heavy on his shoulders. "Things are just not as simple as they were back on the ship." At the thought of his family he lifts his head up, "Do you really think we were brought here to use these items to bring back the terror from the island?"
"I know the others must think I am crazy. Maybe I am. So much has happened over the past few weeks. The pirate attack, my cousin, the witch, and now this. Maybe I am taking this priests' chamber to personal. It's just that his way of worshiping is so ... profane." He idly leans back against a tree near the entrance. "Were the others right in suggesting we take the items? They are from a fellow worshiper of Hettama so they couldn't be that bad, could they?" Fudrick closes his eyes for a second taking in the warmth of the sun as it shines down. He can even smell the ocean occasionally when the breeze blows just right. "I will go back down and tell them to take the items. Everything that has happened so far couldn't be a coincidence. As they said we must have been prodded in this direction for a reason. I will just need to figure this priests' role out at a later time." Just then he hears Shulim's voice call out from down the stairs. Not a second later the gnomes heads pops up out of the ground as he mounts the stairs. Fudrick gets up and explains to Shulim what he has decided and why.
Once outside the chamber Fudrick watches as one of the doors closes with barely a sound. He turns to look at the others before looking at the items in his hands. A look of terror creeps over him as he realizes what he is holding. He quickly tosses the items back into the room. "Shulim is right you crazy elf. You can't just go around and grab things. Especially when they are in a guarded chamber!" He turns walks down the hallway before taking the steps outside. Once outside he sits down on the ground to think about the events that have transpired.
Mr. Wolf:
Spoiler: Any chance the doors are on the verge of closing? Once Fudrick realizes he still has the items I am sure he will attempt to toss them back into the room. I just want to gauge how close it will be for Fazaam to snatch them back out just in the nick of time. Just like Indiana Jones grabbing his fedora before the stone door slams down on his arms. :)
"YOUR TRICK DIDN'T WORK ELF!" He turns to the spikes, watching them descend further out of the slots. Turning back to the door he yells to the others, "LETS GET OUT OF HERE." Fudrick starts running for the door.
Still angry at the presumptuous elf Fudrick grabs the items. "If we live through this I will kill you myself!" He says with a hint of sarcasm. Quickly he turns to check the door to see if there is still time for everyone to jump through.
Fudrick turns back to the walls to try and figure out who this priest was. As he traces the drawings and words a commotion behind him draws his attention. Before he can react Fazaam has grabbed the items. "YOU FOOL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Just as he is about to race over Fazaam turns around with a smile on his face. As the anger of the elfs transgression settles in Fudrick explodes in a verbal tirade. "You idiot! I have never met someone as brazen as you. What do you think you are doing steal...." His voice suddenly drops off as he looks up at the ceiling. He turns back to the others, "RUN, TRY AND MAKE THE DOORS BEFORE THEY CLOSE!"
"I'm afraid you may have to explain something to me Noble Fudrick" He says at length. "Even before we opened the doors, you said that you felt the touch of your goddess. And now that they are opened, I presume that feeling has not left. It is as though you are being called here." "Oh I did feel a presence I assumed was from Her. It may have been there is no denying that, but there is also something else I can't put my finger on. Once the door opened for me the feeling turned more towards satisfaction and welcoming. I can't help but feel that it is all wrong though. If you look at these symbols do you not see how the elf appears to be such a heroic leader? How the blade can be inserted to take out a beating heart? These rituals where used to create great magical spells based on fire. I will give that Hettama goddess of the sun has a basis in fire, but I can't believe that it would be used in this way. This goes against all modern teaching of our fate." He turns to the robe and dagger, "I wish I could discern good from evil. I have heard of others doing that. One of my many uncles who decided to leave home to attend a temple was able to. At least that is what I heard in whisperings at home. Either way I wouldn't touch those items with a 10' pole. I suggest you don't either. Maybe you didn't feel it, but this place is charmed to force someone to put that robe on. I may still be young compared to some of you, but that just seems... wrong."
The others don't understand. She is like a mother to me. Why didn't she show me what has been done? Why wouldn't she want me to know? Am I not one of your chosen ones? ... Is it not also possible that the worshippers were more bloodthirsty back then? Hettama may not have changed much in a mere thousand years or so, but certainly those that worship her have grown more, civilized. That theory goes with certain,... stories I seem to remember." Yes! Yes, that has to be it. Hettama would never allow her servants to kill in her name. With hands running through his hair, eyes shut tight, and an unintelligle mumble coming from his lips the others can tell he must be in a terrible mental struggle over his fate. I don't know. None of this is making sense. There has to be more to this than these profane symbols from the past. After a few more moments he stands up. Still weak from the poisoned bite he uses the wall as a brace. "I, I am sorry for the way I have acted. But this." He makes a sweeping gesture of the room with his free hand, "This is unbearable act. Times must have been much different then. I still can not fathom why Hettama would allow sacrifices, but it could be as you said that her sons and daughters where more bloodthirsty. That could also explain why she was thrown from power so violently. There is a lot of soul searching I need to do, but for me to go down that path I will need to find out more about these past times. It has become apparent that modern day worshiping is not the same as it once was. As I was grew older on our family ship everyone was taught the benevolence of our patron deity. Everything was always about cheerful and peaceful teachings." He takes a minute to catch his breath and to survey the room. "Let us leave these things to rot. Anything that compels you to want to use it must not be good for you."
Recoiling in disgust Fudrick on the verge of yelling says, "No, NO this can't be. The Hettama I know would never approve of sacrificial offerings." As he finishes he slumps to the ground with his back to the wall.
Mr. Wolf:
Spoiler: Will save (1d20 3=16) Will Fudrick realize that the images/words on the wall are a form of compulsion? If he doesn't realize it then I don't see a reason why he wouldn't point it out.
As soon as he finishes his prayer the whooshing and crackling sound of the fire disappears. Quickly he gets up and looks in the room, then at the others as they stand with their mouths agape. With a shy grin he says, "Well I guess that would be a sign it was OK to go in, right?" With that he takes a step in before the others can act. He slowly makes his way around the walls looking at the different glyphs and writings as he tries to understand who this hero of his goddess was. As he does so he can't help but think this person must have been a magnificent warrior. "Oh how I long to be one like this priest. Serving our Mother with such fervor. If I could find a way to bring her guiding light back into our world as it must have blazed back then.
After the others finish talking Fudrick sits down against the wall. "What am I to do? This doesn't feel right to me and the others think it should be OK because we just stumbled upon it." Looking at the others out of the corner of his eyes. He watches them as they look into the chamber with barely concealed excitement. He closes his eyes, tries to find that calm center inside of him that his mother told him to look for. As the sound of the others starts to fade away Fudrick realizes the soothing music is even louder with the door open. No longer can the others be heard, only his awareness floating in inky darkness and the soothing music from the chamber beyond. When he feels that he is ready he silently starts a prayer to Hettama: Spoiler:
We thank you our heavenly Mother for bringing us to the start of this new day. It’s a day you have provided and one in which we can afresh experience your love in each small thing we do today. Help us to remember that you are there, always wanting to reach out to us with your loving arms. For any difficult things we need to do today, or this week, we remember the words "I can do all things through our Mother who strengthens me." We need that strength from you, – our Goddess, our rock and our redeemer. Thank you that you do give us the strength and the guidance to live through the hard things, and to make decisions that are not easy. For those among us who have to make decisions about the directions in our lives, we ask that you would strengthen us. We ask what your will is for these times we find ourselves in. Please heavenly Mother guide us in making the right decisions.
Mr. Wolf
Spoiler: Unless you decide to let Fudrick know it is NOT ok to go into the room. Once his prayer is finished he will get up and confidently stroll into the chamber. I think the sound of the music and the soothing feeling, etc is a good sign that he can walk in. If nothing else it will make for an interesting encounter. :)
"Um, guys I am not so sure I feel good about all of this. This has a feel of graverobbing to it that I don't quite feel comfortable with. Maybe if there was some kind of sign that Hettama or whatever this persons name was approved of us using it then I would feel different." Fudrick looks around at the others. "Do you really think it was some kind of divine destiny that drove us here?"
...The column of fire ends at the ceiling...
...From the entrance the floor must curve down about ten foot to the base of the column...
As soon as Fudrick hears Shulims cry of success he lets his shoulders drop as he relaxes. He rubs his shoulder as he realizes how much tension he was under as the two worked to disarm the trap before it reset. Yrar runs up and pulls and pushes on the door yelling at it. Right after a mighty shove Fudrick walks up and touches the chain and then the door to see what they feel like. He also tries to see if he can see anything through any cracks from it slightly opening.
With a look of concern on his face Fudrick takes a few steps back to be out of the line of fire. He waits to see what the two lockpickers do before acting further.
After checking over Fazaam's wounds. Fudrick, still reeling with the tremendous power of love, closes his while saying a silent prayer to Hettama. As he finishes the now familiar golden twinkles of light swirl around Fazaam's shoulder. As they do so the wound slowly heals completely. Gently helping the Elf up Fudrick says, "I know you are anxious to get to your girlfriend, but I don't think she would be expecting you as a ghost. Next time let the monkey touch the trap first." He finishes with a grin.
Still lost in thought on the meaning of the words he barely registers what Fazaam and Yrar are talking about. A split second before Fazaam grabs the chain he tries to grab his hand. "DON'T! As the word leaves his lips the searing bolt of light rips into Fazaam. Fudrick quickly helps the others lower Fazaam to the ground before checking on him. With a worried look on his face he says, "Impetuous Elf. Now look at what you have done!"
Fudrick turns back to the writing to try and make sense of it. I just don't get it. What does .... Before he can finish the thought the words seem to fade away. As they do, a tremendous feeling of love seems to be entering his body. He closes his as and as he does a strange melody lightly fills the air as a ghostly visage of an angel appears to be kissing his forehead. Surprised he quickly opens his eyes. The only thing he sees is his friends the and the door. The words have almost completely faded, but the feeling inside of his still builds to a crescendo. He turns to the others, "Did you see or hear anything?" The others frown and shake their heads, "If I wasn't a man of faith I would think I was going crazy. I get this overwhelming feeling of love standing here. As if my goddess Hettama was on the other side of the door."
Mr. Wolf: Spoiler: Using Cha gives me enough to take a peak. Ok, my real life ability scores are on the low side. Is Fudrick feeling real good about himself and life in general because of what is happening? Is there something hidden there that I should be able to easily grasp? I am sitting here scratching my head. I could just wing it and run with the info you have given me. It might confuse the party some more though. :)
Spoiler: Being a favored soul, which doesn't rely on Wis to much, would you want me to substitute Cha instead of Wis?
Surprised as Yrar comes bounding down the steps like a madman, "What are you talking about? We are just trying to figure out what this phrase means." Thinking back to Zartari, "He would know what to do here. Maybe even have a book or two with information on its meaning." "You wouldn't know what it means would... you ....?" As the last word comes out he gives each a quick look. "What are you all staring at?"
As Fudrick stares intently at the door the strange writing suddenly starts swirling around forming strange shapes before coming apart and swirling together again. Transfixed by this display the actions and words of the others fade out. The room becomes deathly quite. Seat starts beading on his forehead as the temperature starts to rise. After what seems like an hour he is fully perspiring. His breath coming in silent parched rasps. The swirling patterns in front of him seem to beckon to him. Almost as if they are calling his name. He tries to squint and make some sense of the patterns. Slowly they start coalescing into words he can understand. As each word is formed there is small flash and a loud boom as if a cannon was being shot mere inches away. Still entranced, unable to react to the noise, the letters continue to form. He feels a scream welling up from deep inside his small body. As the last word is finished he throws his head back and screams. "SUNKISSED AND WARM LOVER, THE JOYOUS POWER OF FAITH UNITES!" The noise of the chamber comes crashing back into him with the ferociousness of a tsunami. The others turn, looking at Fudrick. One of them says, "Did you say something?" Fudrick, completely unaware of what has transpired to him says, "I said the words formed into some writing and asked if anyone had noticed it?"When he realizes no one else can see the words that have formed, he wrinkles an eyebrow wondering at what is just going on. Finally he says, "It says, 'Sunkissed and warm lover, the Joyous Power of Faith Unites'. I am not sure what that means, but these representations might have something to do with the Goddess Hettama. I was taught at a early age to be pious to Hettama whom our family worshipped. But strange riddles were never part of what I was taught. Do any of you know what it could mean?"
Grinning weakly at Shulim, he says, "That would be a good thing to. After dealing with that pit trap on the beach I wouldn't want to be the first down any strange entrance." Fudrick starts down the stairs to see what he can help with. Sidestepping the spoiled remains he heads down until he reaches Fazaam and Ghari. "I am not sure what help I can offer. Growing up on a ship protected by our family doesn't give us much exposure to these type of things, but I will do what I can." He checks the different runes carved into the wall for anything that may seem familiar. If nothing looks familiar he will head to the door next to inspect the chain. While checking it out he will grab it to give it a weak shake.
Fudrick's eyes glisten slightly as he is overcome with the concern of his compatriots. He quickly turns his head and with their help makes it to his feet. "Thank you. I think I can manage now. Poisons aren't my specialty, but I think this may pass in a few days time. If one of you could carry my small pack for a bit I would be grateful." Mr Wolf:
Spoiler:
Something else I didn't think about until now; would I be able to use my alchemy skill to try and figure out what the two potions are? 1x Sealed glass pot (with a stylised B for Badasah) Red
"Not long ago I would have thought only family would care so much for someone else. Here in this jungle surrounded by the gods only know what, we strangers are becoming something of a family. Such different people, cultures, and ideals brought together." He absently smiles at the thought of that, "When we rescue Temusa will others think us a strange bunch as we celebrate?" With a slightly pained smile he says, "Well if you want to know what's down there we better get to checking it out. Maybe it will lead us directly to Temusa with no need to fight anyone." As his pack is lifted and he steadies himself he raises his right hand, closes his eyes, and brings forth three glowing orbs of light. As quickly as they appeared they move into the hidden passage.
Mr. Wolf:
Spoiler:
Rel check: religion (1d20 1=11) What affect other than str damage does the poison do? Is it temporary or will I need to see a healer to cleanse Fudrick of it? I hate to overdo the poisoned act if he is actually better once I did the CLW. As the others check out the area hidden by the trap door, Fudrick falls to his knees. He is sweating profusely, his tanned complexion has paled considerably, and he looks visibly weakened. "Friends. I do not think I have the strength left to carry my own belongings. I think a little rest will do me wonders right now."
As Yrar continues to smash the spider into the ground, Fudrick, drops to his knees. Fudirck's skin is flushed, breathing has become shallow and ragged, and his strength has fled him. He looks around but everything is blurry. Putting his hands flat on the ground to steady himself he days a silent prayer to Hettama for her strength and healing. As the spell finishes, the soft glow and fine golden sparkles stop swirling around and seem to settle inside of him. As the magical power fades away the others can see the wound hasn't healed all the way. The fang wounds still trickle small amounts of poison intermixed with blood. After a few seconds the others gently pull his pack off and help him to his feet.
"AAAARRGGGHHH" Screams Fudrick as the fangs rip into him. Immediately he feels his shoulder go numb as the poison interacts with his blood. He tries to counter the spiders attack but finds his arm isn't moving like it should. Dark red blood swirled with black and yellow venom gushes out. He looks away from the wound as color drains from his face.
As the spider launches itself at the group Fudrick takes a step back. "By the grace of Hettama. I have never seen anything so disgusting in my life." As the group prepares combat Fudrick starts an incantation. Closing his eyes he focuses on Yrar. Channeling a small portion of his magic at him Yrar briefly shimmers with magical energy. "Yrar, bash this thing into the ground!" He then moves up beside Yrar with shield and rapier ready.
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