The Cursed Shulim Al'Bheddah's page

"Boys," Shulim says glancing at their host, "member dat our hosts can see us. Let's keep da clownin' out of the conversation til after we's done wit business.

"Ya we need a boat, when it leaves is ganna be touchy, but wit any good disappearing act it's all about timing."

Shulim glances over Marwan, "we's gonna need da whole story before we decide, but day might not give 'er if dat tink we aint gonna help dem. It ain't smart ta tell strangers yer whole story. Maybe he's worried dat we might take da money all ta ourselves . . . or more likely, 'is former friend's got a powerful friend or ally. Maybe if we tell em' we look inta it day'll tell us da rest. If day don't we have to word our promise so dat if we find out day's holding out someting on us den we're free from our obligations."

"Dis town," Shulim whispers, "is exactly da type o'town we don't wants ta get involved in. But we needs a way out. Dis guy can help us wit passage. Dat's one less ting we need ta arrange. we's gonna need information if we's gonna save da girl and we needs a way out. I know I said da last part afore but I feel it can't be stressed enough. We need a way out o'dis town. So we do dis work and we might make new enemies . . . course we blow dis guy off and we might have already made enemies.

"So, I say at da very least we look inta dis problem, I ain't sure how I feels about it yet, but dis town ain't so large and I tink der be big tings brewing 'ere. I wouldn't be surprised ta see tings somehow connected. But personally I don't want ta get drawn inta no hero stuff, just want ta save da girl and get out ta town . . . hopefully wit some scratch."

Sulivar answers from inside his hands, "Since his return a month or less ago, we would normally have shared a drink or chat about the world."

The eyes come forward into view. "You know something of this?"

"It's possible," Shulim say with a nervous shrug, "there are currently many things at play, and possibly many more to which I've not been made aware of. Two things which you may need to know is that powerful magic has come to the city for . . ." Shulim acts as if he were going to say something but catches himself, "for reasons that we ordinary folk are better off not knowing, and the second is that the city of Musushlat is far older then most people realize. Outside the city in the jungles lie the bones of ancient civilizations.

"I will be honest Sulivar, I don't know if my business and this business with your friend is related, but I must talk to my companions before I can agree to look into it for you. It is possible that your friend is bewitched or . . . or worse, but it's also likely that he's just greedy and a poor friend. I can't say which is worse . . . spells can be reversed I guess, but the caster would need to be dealt with to truly guarantee his safety . . .

"There are no easy answers I guess, unless you believe in blind providence, that everything is related and the invisible hand of god has steered us toward your tent. You're friends change, was it sudden or gradual? You say he was in the jungles? Who was with him? Is there anyone we could question? The real question is not something that I'll be able to give right here and now."

Shulim looks at Fazaam and then he closes his eyes and tents his fingers as if deep in thought.

"These two things may not be directly related," Shulim eventually says, "I think the dates are wrong. Sulivar, when did you note this change in your one time friend?"

Marwan perks up when he hears gems mentioned.

"Master Milush, although I still think that we are being unfairly flayed of our profit, perhaps since the noble Sulivar is more familiar with the going prices in the port we should gracefully acceed."

Marwan looks over at the merchant.

"Perhaps you could elucidate what exactly would be entailed in retreiving these gems, noble host? As the Book of the Navigator says, 'Foolish is he that sails with half a map.'"

"Yes," Shulim says, pretending to look annoyed at his 'assistant', "Nabil is correct, tell us as much as you can Mulivar, first about this ship you can arrange passage on, and then as much as you can share about this other business. Naturally this side investment involves a good share of risk otherwise you'd collect the gems yourself, but how much danger, and will we be making any enemies while in town? I have other business here and I'd rather not complicate things by making powerful enemies . . . also I may need to confer with my men, they've been charged with assisting and protecting me, but they may not like me taking on any unnecessary risk.

I can speak on the matter of the sale of the silks but not with total certainty on this other venture as it likely involves risking my men's lives."

"Let me see, Master Milush, it is obvious to me too that you have not been here before. The price I offered is a fair one. The offer of information is a fair one. I would like these silks but my purse cannot go beyond 400 gold which is fairer than I would normally offer a newcomer, but I sense we may be doing business again. So 400 plus some useful information to you."

"I was twenty at the time," Shulim sighs, "That would be ten or twelve by human years I think, and I didn't stay long, three days to be exact. I tried explaining this to my master, but he, who can remember every day and hour of his lengthy life, said that 'experience is experience' and sent me on my way.

"I am pleased with your offer. It is a move in the right direction. But that, if I'm not mistaken, would be most of the gold out of your till. My esteemed host Sulivar, I would not wish to deprive you of all your float money, but I do need coin to book passage on a ship out of here, and my assistants and I will require equipment and supplies. If this were the great market of Markesh I'd ask for a letter of credit, or if we were in the great vaulted bazaar in Yaarth I could simply buy what I wanted from the other merchants confident that the silk dealer their could cover my costs, it's too bad that such an arrangement can't be reached here."

Although his last statement was not a question Shulim voice does ascent upwards slightly as if it were.

Sulivar begins to chortle and laugh.

"So what can I tell you that is worth twice these silks? My time is precious - speak."

Bluff, diplomacy, sense motive, and gather information (if it's relevant) (1d20 7=20, 1d20 2=7, 1d20=18, 1d20 5=15)

Shulim raises an eyebrow.

"Now I am getting confused . . ." He says scratching his head, "I thought you had information for me, but I guess not. I apologize, it has been a while sense I was on this side of Qtar, and I fear I'm getting my signals mixed up. Eight hundred and eighty is far more reasonable I think."

Parawings are indeed brightly coloured and given to either song or speech. I love it when players start writing ideas for the DM, keep it up lads.

"Master Milush, the port of Musushlat has two currencies, one is this (he fingers the silk) and the other is information. Both cost. What is it I can tell you.......for free?"

"I've been told that of Musushlat," Shulim says, "but seeing as your offer is only a third of the value I figured that you must have something else of interest to trade, and so I was merely offering you a proper segue into what I assumed would be the reasonable compensation."

"Three times! Go and try. You have no business for me. You are robbers and thieves looking to put me and my family on the streets where you belong."

His eyes twinkle and gleam as he warms to the theme.

"Now Master Milush give me your best offer and I shall answer questions as well as I can." The beard twitches as his grin widens.

"Or go and consider the drinks a gift for your friend's foolish entertainment. You could try the silk merchant at the other side of the Bazaar - Pershone. I would be hapy if you stole from him."

"My mentor and master always did tell me never take the first offer," Shulim says as he crosses his legs, "but before I counter I must know more about the city. I would like to hear your opinions because, except for your claim that 300 was the best you could do, I believe that you have been honest with me. Tell me of the dangers and wonders of your city, and who, besides yourself, should we meet while we're here?"

I have a feeling that Yrar find his new mistress particularly Charming. I just hope the woman in the sedan chair isn't the witch you guys are so worried about

After Marwan is finished "portend" protesting, Shulim glances over at the silk merchant,

"You must forgive my friend here, he is receiving a commission on this sale, but I do wonder if he is right. The price you give me, hmmm, how shall I say this? It was surprising, especially after you welcomed us into the shade of your tent and offered us refreshments. I do understand that a man needs to make a profit. The silk market is a very tough market, and I understand from some traveling reports, that this city is an especially tough market. Many more added expenses I imagine.

"Hmmm, may we talk about the city and the market? I've only been here once before as a boy traveling the world, and then only a couple of nights, but it did leave an impression even back then. This is the type of city where the strong rule and the weak tremble and pray not to get caught underfoot. My master has always said this is a city of destiny and so he always tries to have at least one of his agents or students check the place out every decade or so."

"These are very valuable. I think they are from one of the major silk ports to the south, perhaps even the slopes of Maijoon. Well then I am a wealthy man and am possibly the only man who could buy these for a sensible price. The other traders will tear you to pieces for them."

"My offer then is 100 gold for each crate."

The younger merchant nods and smiles in agreement.

Utak/Yrar has contacted me tonight and officially dropped out the game.

Shulim motions for Marwan to lean in for a conference.

"Just give me a moment with my assistant please," Shulim says to Sulivar, "ZimZaam, Aliph, perhsps you could ask our esteemed host where we might stay while in town, what we should see while we're here, and ask about the boats in the harbor."

Shulim leans over to Marwan, whispering in his ear, and covering his mouth so no one can read his lips.

"Noting special bud," Shulim whispers when the others strike up a conversation, "we know da silks is worth 300 per crate, and we know dat settling fer less din half o' dat is robbery in da worst way. So now is da time fer showmanship. You act like da advisor and act angry or insulted . . . and I, of course, bein da worldly gnomish merchant dat I am, will remain neutral. If you gots any thespian skills nows da time ta show yer chops."

It's my understanding that silks are trade goods and so are practically the same as coin. Silks worth 300 sell for 300. Normally everything sells for half . . . trade goods are the exception.

Also, too bad about Utak/Yrar. Should we recruit someone new or keep the same numbers?

"More silks," Shulim says waving his hand for Ghari to open another crate, "please Master Milush look over everything, I don't believe in buying anything sight unseen, and I could hardly respect or feel safe dealing with a merchant that doesn't do the same."

"But of course," Shulim says waving to Ghari, "Aliph please show our esteemed host the contents of the first crate."

"Nabil, ZimZaam, and Aliph assist me please, Parsa please come and bring Sulivar's gift of hospitality to Ammar. Ammar, if you would, please assist Sulivar's guards in watching the front of his store while we are busy in the back."

Shulim wants any of the former crew of the Sea Harem off the streets just in case.

"Also my friends, remember the instructions and warnings I gave you before we boarded our last ship," Shulim says as he turns back to Sulivar with an apologetic smile, "you must excuse them, they are strong and resourceful, but until recently not always fit for civilized society."

The divan is like a rectangular box with fine silk veils all around. It is larger enough for a man to lie outstretched on.

Sulivar nods and takes his cue from the gnome opens a curtain to the room behind the stall. "Perhaps you would wish for a little tea while we view your silks?. I have a rare Shelos that may suit your taste."

He waves away the guards impatiently with a hand behind the back of Shulim.

"I would gladly accept some cold water if you have some, for me and my assistants, for we made the mistake of coming into town overland. The haunted jungles are truly worth their name. Still we managed to pull through relatively unscathed, save for a spider, bigger then a mule, biting and nearly killing my gnomish assistant there, we managed to pull through those horrid woods unscathed. It is truly a blessing to have good help. Now I have three crates I would like you too look through, and I'd prefer to sell all three here in Musushlat, as the last ship we sail on tried to charge us extra for transporting the silks. No better then a pirate that one, he was one of the reasons we walked into town . . .

"Forgive me, I do go on, better to talk silks. Have a look and tell me what you think. I'm eager to know how keen my assistant Nabil's eyes truly are. He valued the silks when we first acquired them and I want to know how close he was to an expert's opinion."

spot (1d20=9)

"Wonderful," Shulim says rubbing his hands together, "my name is Milush, world traveler and sometimes adventurer. These are my companions," Shulim says with a wave of his hand, "and to get to the heart of the matter I have some product that I'd wish your experienced and crafty eyes to look over. Silks which I'd like to sell. This is your area of expertise, it would be rude not to come to you first, and, if you'd like, you may also make the first bid."

Shulim approaches the silk merchant.

"Pardon me," Shulim says, slipping into the strange accent, "but are you the owner and proprietor of this fine shop?"

"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."

"Dat's gonna be a touchy subject," Shulim says leaning in, "it's yer business, but I'd highly recommend approaching it wit extreme caution. As ta da silks, no we approach as a group, people don't like not knowing who day dealing wit. Whoever does da talking had best appear capable of making da deal wit out the needing approval by da group."

"And the gnomish explorer is "a friend of Shulim"?"

Shulim shrugs

"Why not? Just don't get yer names confused," he says.

"Right, we look fer two buyers, and we get two quotes. We sell ta the best price obviously, but lets not appear too anxious ta sell, and let's not get our stories wrong. Nothing gets buyers nervous faster den tinking dat days dealing wit stolen goods. If anyone asks we got dem just outside of Musaal as payment fer helping out a gnome explorer find someting, and none of us should say wat dat was."

Shulim looks to his companions.

"Any questions?"

"We stick wit whatever is on dis side o' da harbor, we ain't got no coin ta pay da fairy man and walking around would mean traveling through the entire city. We's trying ta keep a low profile here. Da less exposure da better."

"We need money boys," Shulim says, "we ain't gonna live off da kindness of strangers in a berg like dis. Lets find a market and sell does silks."

"I shall mention you to my master, Milush and now begone that I may clean my blade of the pig's gore."

He waits for you all. The guards start to make ready to head back into the stockade, relaxed and at ease.

The atmosphere is gone.

Shulim had already started walking when the genie's words catch him. Shulim turns again and offers another half bow.

"But of course, we need to find food and shelter, and then, I suspect, there may be work to do. Good day to you, and blessing to your master."

Shulim waits till they're long out of ear shot before turning to talk to his friends. His words slide back into Shulim's mysterious dialect.

"Right dat's why I said let's not do anyting, always a problem wit dis sort o'town: getting involved. Now it's possible dat our flying friend will tell 'is master about me, and it's possible dat someone might approach you guys askin' about me. Da story is simple: I'm lookin' fer someone. I haven't told ya more din dat.

"We gots ta be careful, appear moderately dangerous, and potentially useful. Dat's our best hope ta stay alive in dis pit, maybe we can fool em' long enough ta get what we need, and din we can escape dis accursed town."

A little of the bluster goes out of the arrogant genie. His eyes narrow on the gnome.

"Milush? Sabaar? Surely you jest?"

He scans the group to see if he recognises anyone. "What business does my master want you for?"

bluff (1d20 7=19)

A smile crosses Shulim's face and he rubs his chin.

"Interesting," he says, as if the jannti's lack of knowledge is somehow significant, Shulim quickly scans the harbor again, and he allows his eyes to visibly linger on the Sea Harem, "I am likely mistaken then, please think no more about it, I wouldn't wish to disturb your master with such doom and gloom . . . the stars weren't right anyways . . ."

Shulim looks to the ramshackle buildings.

"Gnomes and toads you say?" he says with another half bow, "thank you for sparing the time to offer directions noble Firuluz, Jannti warrior of the winds, decedent of the true line of genies."

Bluff: 1d20 7=17

"Perhaps your master is the one we seek then," Shulim says with a half bow, "I suppose the name Milush Sabbaar means nothing to you or your master?"

The tall figure in pantaloons and a large black cape comes back over the hill towards the party.

His bloody giant scimitar is being cleaned on a rag. A dirty rag mouch like the rogue's shirt once was. Attached to his belt swings the sack.

Even at a distance of twenty foot he shouts, "You, who are you fleas on this dog of a dirt track that could not catch a one armed thief."

Everyone can now see several other men, armed with scimitars and small shields come running up from the stockade. They are about thirty feet away and coming fast, if a little breathless.

"By the seven winds of fate I hate such mortal stupidity!" His brilliant white teeth shine in his black face.

"We are travels," Shulim says, his strange accent suddenly shifting, "road weary, and looking for food and rest. Although it wasn't our affair, and although our bodies were tired and our bellies near empty, we tried to help you. I suppose we are weak, thank you for your astuteness, but this is how we are addressed for attempting to help then perhaps you are telling us that this is a town where we are better off not aiding the authorities? Now, if you are finished humiliating us, we would like to go about our business."

spot (1d20+5=16) Ghari spins toward the man bursting from the bushes, but some movement by the stockade catches his eye. "An efreet pursues him! Whose favor to seek now, Shulim? " Ghari draws on the approaching theif, but waits for his companions' word.

Just a poor simple boy, fed fabulous stories in his youth. Ready action fo release the arrow.

ha ha: spot (1d20=1)

Shulim can't see what Ghari sees but his response is the same: "if ya want ta do someting din make a grab fer the boy but do yer best ta miss, the authorities tink yer trying ta help, and we can argue later dat you missed on purpose if we need help from da thieves."

Ghari is annoyed because the conversation makes proper listening difficult, but can't help arguing, "But capturing a thief may win us favor with the local headman."

"Ya but we may need da thieves to sneak us in or out o' someplace sticky," Shulim quickly adds, "in a place like dis da law ain't da only law."

"Best not get involved," Shulim hisses, "we don't know who's toes we might be stepin' on!"

"Wise as ever, Marwan. Shulim or Fudrick should lead I think. Yrar is too intimidating."

"Wonderful, I tink I'll adopt da role of advisor, Fudrick, bud, I give you da lead. First bit of advise, no real names, we come up wit aliases, Nabil al-Kerah 'n Milush is fine fer Marwan n' me but da rest o' ya might want ta tink up someting.

"Second bit o' advice, we stay in groups, dat means no less din two, and someone better always keep watch. Same as on Morah's boat, only I'd say we's far more likely ta run inta problems here.

"and me last bit o' advice, let's plan our escape route before we make a move fer da girl. No sense reaching out fer her if we don't have a way out. Let's tink wit our heads gentlemen."

spot: 1d20=13

Shulim catches sight of the ship, although not as fast as Marwan, but Shulim looks past their target and examines the harbor. If they were going to be successful they'd need an escape route. Shulim needed to see if there were ships in the Harbor that they might by passage on.

"A captain got hung with his men, ten of 'em. Dey not get way wiv stealing from Temple for Healing. One was dancin' fer an hour they say."

"You want food an' drink then I got none. My land an' I work free. No slave." He makes a cutting gesture with his hand. "Vorond's place dis."

"No worries, we's just passing through, but we thought we aught ta stop by instead o' skirting yer field just in case ya thought we was up ta someting dishonest. While we here doh, mayhaps you could tell us wat's happened in da city, who's running tings now, and which merchants are safe. Also if ya know about any ships in da harbor it'd be a plus. Seems like we'll need ta hire a ship ta get ta da next port."

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.

this conversation happens before we met with farmer obviously

"Nabil and Milush."

The farmer chews over those names. "Where fer you go to Musushlat? You loss yer ship afta a storm or what?"

"A disagreement wit da captin o' da ship we hired, we tought we paid enough ta get us right inta da harbor, and he disagreed. Mayhaps he was right. Wat sort O' trouble is brewing in Musushlat dez days? And don't say da same old ting cuz nothings ever da same in Musushlat."

Shulim rushes to catch up.

'wat sort o'tings we gonna tell him?' Shulim wonders to himself, 'if he asks our names do we give 'em? How much should we ask? Do we tell 'em about our friends? All dez tings and more aught ta be answered before we go talking wit strangers in a dangerious neck o' da world. I only hope dat when we get to the city we's a bit more cautious!'

Although his thoughts swirl Shulim's face remains neutral as he jogs next to Marwan.

I thought that was the case :P That was just a bit of good matured ribbing on Shulim's part BTW

Shulim glances over at the farmer and the hut.

"What ya tink we can find out?" Shulim asks, "Gossip er someting?"

"Geez Marwan, mate, we've been off Morah's boat fer what? A few hours? You gots ta start passing yer self and learning ta live wit out da silk under yer feat and someone pealing da grapes fer ya."

"Well down a knife," Shulim says once they've returned to the surface, "but maybe we're up some relics, lets not wave does tings around the streets o' Musushlat. Der's a chance dat someone is lookin fer dem."

"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?"

"Well I ain't da one ta be asking about dat," Shulim says holding up his hands, "what I tink is only a guess, and not an educated one at dat. All I know is you felt someting in here," Shulim says pointing to his heart, "and din later you felt disgust, but I'm tinking dat it was up here," Shulim says pointing to his brain, "and I tink, when it comes ta matters o' faith, maybe you should trust yer heart.

"As ta da rest," Shulim says looking around at the unlikely site for a temple, "well da gods work in mysterious ways. Could be one ting, din again could be anoder."

Fudrick gets up and explains to Shulim what he has decided and why.

Just to be sure, Fudrick has changed his mind about the objects and now wants to take them?

"Look mate," Shulim says, "you've been through a lot, got a lot on your mind, but tell me what your instincts say. When we was outside da door you felt pretty good about the whole ting, but when we got inside someting changed. Was it yer brains er your guts what shifted?"

Shulim also wants to take the objects, something sealed off like that must be valuable, and not just monetarily. It seems too much of a coincidence that they should stumble across these objects. It can't just be simple providence, more likely a powerful force is at work here, and Shulim doesn't want to disregard Furick's initial feelings. His half century has taught him that things change or aren't aways as they seem.

"I'll go after him," Shulim says looking to the others, "I ain't sure what does tings are to em, but he clearly don't want ta touch dem or see em. So . . . unless he changes 'is mind, which don't seem so likely, he best not see 'em again . . . day is clearly upsetting, fer some reason. Kay? You blokes understand me? Let's not let Fudrick see dem. I don't tink he'll be coming back down, and he don't tink dat anyone would be crazy enough to fetch does tings, and so, when you boys be done exploring, we'll likely be leaving and never coming back. Best see whatever ya want ta see and grab whatever yous going to grab . . ."

Shulim runs up the stairs after Fudrick.

"Oi, Fudrick," he shouts, "wait up! I wants ta talk wit you!"

Shulim scratches his head but says nothing for the time being.

"Thank,... You,... Master,... Shulim,..."

Fazaam pants breathlessly once they have all reached the safety of the corridor.

"THAT was quick thinking, good job!"

"Ya," Shulim says looking back into the room, "but mate, yous is far too graby fer yer own health! Dis exploring and researching is dangerous stuff, and not someting dat I'd recommend fer the innately er pathologically curious. Grabbin tings is dangerous. especially in a place like dis. We don't even know if des tings is safe ta handle yet . . . day might be cursed. What do you tink der Fudrick? You was saying someting about dem not being strange er someting."

"I tink it's time fer us to leave dis place Marwan me pal," Shulim says as he watches things unfold, but when he turns to see the doors shutting under their own power, Shulim practically screams in alarm: "Da doors are shutting! Wedge someting under dem!"

Shulim pulls out one of his throwing daggers and tries to turn it into a make shift door jam.

Shulim watches Fazaam carefully . . . but says nothing. Quite frankly he's waiting for the other shoe to drop.

If Shulim lives to next level he's taking ranks in sense motive

"What's going on der Fudrick?" Shulim asks, "we can't see inside your brain."

Shulim contemplates pointing out that it was Fudrick's own cousin was excavating a dwarven tomb that may well have started this mess, but he wisely thinks against it. Fudrick's reasons for traveling to that accursed island were never revealed to him and even if he was careful with his words, talking about Fudrick's recently deceased cousin might seem like an attack on his poor deceased cousin. There was no reason to risk bring blood into such a minor squabble.

"Fudrick," Shulim says, "dis is your god idn't it, you said you felt your god's love on da uder side o' dis door? Now dat we got it open you's saying that you feel like taken your got's gifts is like robin' er somting? Close your eyes mate and tell us what you think your god is telling us. Din let's do what needs ta be done."

"Oh I hate getting involved wit da affairs of gods," Shulim mutters, "it's like ants getting involved in da affairs of elephants. Far too easy fer someone ta get smooshed."

"Boys," Shulim says, nervously scanning the exits, "you don't tink dat it was a coincidence dat the witch, wit her new friend, came ta dis island first do ya? I mean dat is one heck of a coincidence. Let's take care of our bisniss fast and make some distance, dis place might be a place o' interest to some and I don't want ta face does evil tings cornered in dis place."

"I tink der might be anoder trap in der," Shulim says glancing at the magical pillar and then up at the spikes in the ceilling, "dis don't look safe."

Can Shulim take 20 here?

His eyes scan the floor for any discoloration or unevenness, sure signs of pressure plates. He kneels at the mouth of the doorway and scans the floor for triggers, wires, or glyphs.