"I don't recognize anything from these tapestries, except that they're definitely no mountain range that I'm familiar with. Perhaps these mountains that we're in? I can't say, brother."
"What say you, Lord Aeldris? You seem well traveled. Or perhaps our musical friend? Are these scenes familiar?"
At Avala's question Crystal stops moving through the room and skips over to inspect the image.
"Well, it depicts the mountain." She says quietly, then peers closer " I wonder if the maker hid anything within the weave..." She whispers.
Crystal notices nothing hidden within the design though she does not the skilled craftsmanship needed in creating something of such a grand scale. Also she notices that despite the lack of care and age of the tapestry it is in fairly good condition.
Nothing much but you feel it safe to assume the images depict looking at the range from outside of it in their relative perspectives. For example the southern side of the room would depict as if looking at the range from the south of the pennisula and so on.
There are no structures on/in the mountain in the artwork.
Avala investigates the closest portion of wall and column for anything interesting.
"Well, if this tapestry isn't going to reveal any secrets, maybe we should keep going."
Moving up to the closest column Avala notices writings on it though she can't place the language or recognize it. The writing seems to cover the entirity of the column and moving over to an adjacent one she finds the same markings.
Bronn cast Comprehend Languages, so that he can read the pillars. He will translate what is said to the party, be careful not to activate anything magical that maybe hidden in the words or on the pillars.
Since the tapestries seem to represent the outside of the mountain, Crystal moves about the extremities of the room checking for other details of the other depictions on the other walls.
Bronn works his magic and reads aloud what the spell translates to him. The story written seems to be telling of a two peoples joining here in this hall under harmony. In between the lines there is writings warning off evil and foul creatures saying these halls are not for those of tainted souls. There is nothing really specific or names mentioned on them at all, in fact some of the symbols or ‘writing’ is pictures and not words.
Crystal not caring for the story to be heard; moves about the chamber checking its perimeter. She moves to the east wall first and moves north hoping to mark out the size of the large chamber. The curtain seems to continue along the wall and as she moves up (north) just thirty more feet she notices a faint red glow at the far end of the chamber. The glow seems to be going from the floor to the ceiling…
Listening with half an ear to Bronn, Crystal walks slowly towards the 'glow'
"Um...can any one else see this?" She asks slightly distractedly.
Ardil listens briefly to Bronn's story but wanders off when it seems like it's not relevant to the situation. Drawn by Crystal's question, he makes his way to the other end of the room and peers towards the source of the red light.
Ardil and Crystal venture forth further into the chamber to investigate the strange red glow. Crystal continuing along the side is able to mark out the size of the room, the tapestry covering all of the walls…and perhaps more.
The Main Chamber
At the far end three pillars stand out from the others, they seem to be illuminating a small five foot area around them. The stone itself is red and even from a distance the markings on them are visible…
Crystal peers at the illuminated pillars and tries to discern what is written there.
The closest non-glowing pillar/column would put you twenty feet away. From that distance Crystal has a hard time making out anything in particular, she does recognize the fact that there are markings/writings on the pillars, but of what and what language she can't tell.
She does however notice that the color almost seems to pulse...a strange pulse...
Avala listens to Bronn's explanation of the writing on the pillars.
"Interesting. I wonder what two peoples were joined here, and what manner of foul creature they spoke of. Definitely something to remember as we move forward. Let's find the rest of the party and see if they've learned anything else of interest about those glowing pillars."
Avala walks down to join Ardil and Crystal.
Aeldris listens to Bronn's translation briefly but becomes concerned as Crystal wanders away and follows her towards the other end of the chamber.
Nothing really stands out to Crystal about the pillars/columns but again she is making this view from a twenty foot distance.
Aeldris stands next to Crystal as well as Ardil and shortly the trio is joined by thier other companions; Bronn and Avala. As the party all stand looking at the odd red glowing columns and the hard to see writing on them...
Ardil ends up next to Crystal at the last pillars before the glowing ones.
"Bronn, could you take a look at these? They have more writing of some sort, and I bet it's distinct from the last ones!"
Actions everyone? What are you all doing? Right now you are all just standing next to Crystal looking at the pillars strange glow from a twenty foot distance.
"There is something strange about these pillars...don't watch them too closely lest they affect you."
Crystal continues to stare at the softly glowing pillars...
Bronn looks up from the pillar he is studing, "Sorry did you say something?" He walks over to the glowing pillar and looks at it carefull not to activate anything as this one is glowing.
Again Bronn notices what Aeldris pointed out...it seems the glow actually 'pulses' and as you watch it seems to 'pulse' with your own heartbeat.
"These pillars are quite fascinating, but perhaps we should be focusing on the orcs who are probably realizing we're here as we speak? Those pillars aren't going anywhere."
That said, Aeldris heads to the middle of the chamber and keeps a watch on the entryway.
Bronn will search around the room thinking there must be something else here.
Avala shifts nervously, uncomfortable with being stationary with known enemies nearby.
"I agree with Aeldris. Time to move on. At the very least, we'll need to get closer to those pillars to learn anything more anyway. Might as well head up and see what happens. The alternative is to turn back and go through one of the doors we left closed as we made our way here."
Crystal continues to watch, seeming fascinated by the rhythmic pulsing of the glowing stones.
"Let's move, shall we? I'm anxious standing around. If we mean to move forward, I think we should skirt these strange pillars as best we can."
She tugs Crystal's arm to bring her out of her trance.
"They seem to have some kind of power over some of us. I'll lead until the group exits this chamber."
Avala moves to the edge of the room and stealths toward the door opposite their entrance, hugging the wall.
Crystal nods at Avala's tug upon her sleeve and follows her companions further into the complex.
"Where is the door out?" She whispers.
Aeldris takes up the rearguard as the group exits, keeping an eye out for anything approaching from behind. He sheathes his scimitar and instead carries a javelin at the ready.
Once Avala reaches the main hallway, she breathes an audible sigh of relief. That room had been both stifling and creepy, and she's glad to have it behind her.
"Let's continue the way we were first headed" she says, taking a few steps down the hall.
Shaking off the last of her fugue, Crystal walks after the rest of the group. Her rapier out and held lightly.
You all make your way down to the "L" intersection all the doors still closed; save the one you just passed. (the room you all already cleared)
Avala steps quietly up the the door at the end of the main hallway and listens.
Avala moves up to door and places her ear against it...
Bronn follows the party. He waits to hear what is behind the door and if he hands the keys to UU as she would more than likely use them.
Avala waits for the rest of group to catch up and then whispers:
"Definitely some action behind this door. Voices - can't tell what language, but my guess would be orc based on what we've encountered thus far. Probably 8 or so."
"Shall we go through? If we intend to attack them we should move immediately so we don't lose the element of surprise".
"Eight you say? That's quite a group...we would be wise to flank enemies in order to take them down quickly. I will open the door." Aeldris stows his javelin and retrieves his scimitar, then attempts to open the door. If it is locked, he tries the keys, doing his best not to make his attempts too obvious to anyone on the other side of the door.
Sure thing...
Aeldris moves to the door to test the lock, to which it is locked, then pulls the keys from his pouch...