Difference between revisions of "Into The Temple - Part 1"

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(Created page with "{{EventLog |gm=Whirlpool |characters=Rune, Harkashan, Eztli, Bryn, Silmeria |location=Felwood |summary=The lost temple of Eluna stands revealed, its grounds consecreated, and the the exterior secured. Now all that's left is to begin its exploration. }} Category:Logs")
 
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|summary=The lost temple of Eluna stands revealed, its grounds consecreated, and the the exterior secured. Now all that's left is to begin its exploration.
 
|summary=The lost temple of Eluna stands revealed, its grounds consecreated, and the the exterior secured. Now all that's left is to begin its exploration.
 
}}
 
}}
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It has been several weeks since the Felwood Temple of Eluna was opened. The elves and the Alexandrians have had quite a few meetings oon how best to proceed with its exploratioon, both out of an abundance of cautioon and acknowledging the culttural sensitivties of the elves. No attempt to breach it has been made... until today, that is.
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Several of Alexandria's finest warrioors, adventurers, and scholars have been called to help investigate it, as well as those it is felt tmight have the freshest eyes on it once they're inside.
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This Temple of Eluna, lost for centuries behind some kind of magical displacement effect, clearly violently returned to the world. Its silvery hued exterior walls are marked with the signs of battle. Pock marked and ancient, clearly some fierce fighting happened here, even before the fighting that was engaged in when the Mythwoood elves and Alexandrians arrived to take possession of it. A single door marked with the symbol of the moon Goddess Eluna sits half-open into its darkened interior, and it is crowned by a singular spire that faintly glows with a silvery light wreathed around it.
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Simple barriers have been erected in rings around this building as well, defensive structures to enable its protection. Large numbers of armed soldiers are here. Sufficient number, they say, to hold off the demons that have only raided them for now. Priestess Maeva, an elven woman dressed in the formal robes of her calling, greets the assembled adventurers.
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"I know some of you," she offers, a warm smile crossing my face, "but not all of you. I am Maeva and I have been assigned to see too the temple's cleansing and claiming for our people. Welcome, one and all. I will be accompanying you this evening inside. All we ask is that you be mindful and respectful of whatever is inside. We do not know what we will find, but there could be remains, demons, or anything else for that matter. We have dared not breach it until we had properly and permanently hallowed the eartt here. It is only strong enough to hold back the Felwood curse rather than defeat it but its enough that the demons have remained wary about a full attack, and that the curse should not further interfere with us once we're inside. Should any of you need anything, the quartermaster is over there." She points towards a grumpy looking, squinty eyed man with no hair.
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"He has been asked to provide and see to your requests. Beyond that, are there any questions?"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Heroes' Feast. Caster Level: 15 DC: 24
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GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Vestment. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
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GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+7: (5)+7: 12
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Not bad on the Max HP Raise."
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Are Fiends still assaulting the edges of the encampment?"
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Not just at this moment, but yes."
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Demoon raids are pretty common."
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Just deterred by the hallowing."
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Harkashan has been dutiful in ensuring people are provided with the sustenance they need in order to explore a temple with potenatial incredible dangers such as this. Snacking on a last thlaco as he patiently listens to Priestess Maeva. He turns his head towards the doors for a moment, considering them, before looking to the various warriors gathered here.
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The fiends were assaulting this positions, coming from all over the Felwoods, but right now things are a bit quiet. Which is either concerning, or simply a good opportunity.
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"No questions beyond 'how do we get in'." Harkashan answers very patiently, keeping his usual onslaught on spells on standby for the time being.
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One of Alexandria's finest, Brynhildragar is not. In fact, she's barely been Alexandria's anything for a fortnight. Those days have passed with roughtly 97 boredom, 2 entertainment, and 1 weirdness. She's hoping to shift that a little, and she's also curious. A sealed temple! Unknown contents!? Curses?!! Demons!! What's dull about any of those?
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"Ye, where's the door? Good thing ta know. Was gonna ask what's inside, but ye sorta answered that already."
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Offering a deep bow in respect to the Priestess, Silmeria returns the warm smile. Hefting the straps of her backpack, she looks beyond the Priestess, and the ringed walls, to the Temple beyond.
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"It will be an *absolute pleasure* to aid you, Priestess... Do we have anything like an idea of what we can expect -- or suspect -- to find within?"
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With that question asked, she draws her pistol, breaking it open and ensuring everything is working as well as it possibly can, before snapping it shut again. "Mori, dear? Time to go to work." The intricate tracery pulses with silvery light, and a harmonic yet atonal voice sounds from the barrel.
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<< ACKNOWLEDGED. LET THIS BE THE ENEMY'S FINAL TESTAMENT. >>
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THere are days when Memento Mori is a very, very keen pistol. This is one of them.
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It has been a long time since Rune had stepped foot in the Felwood. Though the rogue had been part of some of the early expeditions into the strange, cursed lands, and even some of the first explorations into the mysterious towers, her attention has been focused elsewhere for quite some time. Apparently, other tasks have finally resolved enough that she is back to further investigate what has been found.
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The half-sil finishes a drink from her waterskin before attaching it to sling across her back, then gives a last minute check of her gear, which mostly consists of weapons and tools of her trade. "I'm sure Blue is going to want to hear about this..." She nudges Harkashan's side as she steps up next to him.
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Then, eyes towards their guide, she nods her head, reaching a hand to touch a pendant at her throat, as if that somehow acknowledged respect to the goddess. Perhaps it does. "Rarely, anything is what it seems in the Felwood, so I'd say we should expect the unexpected. And probably mimics... I don't know what it is with these cursed lands and mimics, but it's a theme."
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Eztli was one of the adventurers who had been trying very, very hard not to burn down the felwood every time they ended up in the place. She had even done a decent job so far! The forest was mostly unburnt, for the time being.
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The small makari had one spot off in the camp, and seeing some movement, they stretch and wander over to the main gates.
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"Questions? Not much I expect to be answerable, really." Eztli shrugs. "Though, what's this about claiming for our people? I'd like some clarification on that, since you know, potential political ramifications and all that."
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Several of the guards groan at the mention of mimics.
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Seems like it has, in fact, been a theme. "And plant monsters," chimes in one of the guards.
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"At least we can set them on fire," mutters anotther.
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Maeva rubs her face for a moment in dismay at the guards chatter, which is enough to silence the grumbling.
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"The Mythwood elves, of course," she sayus to Eztli. "This was built by our people centuries ago." She ttucks her hair behind her ear, "In the wake ofo the Sundering, magic fled the land and was all but lost for a ttime. The Sea of Mana returned only in trickles and ambient moonlight." She holds her hand up towards the rising moon above. "The Spires were, by the records and stories we have, our first succesful effort to reharness magic. In those days, even a small amount of ambient power could turn the tide, turn a deadly winter into a more manageable situation. Long have the Mythwood elves relied on our ways, our gods, and might of the Sea of Mana. Each spire," she adds, "harnesses the light of the moon and through some esoteric means, and some magicite apparently, feeds that power into the central spire here, which can then be harnesses throough some means we simply do not know. Please let me know when you are ready."
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"...No," Silmeria says, throwing an amused glance at the guards. "I would say that about covers it. Let us be about it, then, and hope our work is swift and simple."
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<< TO CLEANSE THESE HALLOWED HALLS SHALL BE OUR HONOR, >> the gun rejoins.
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"...He's excited,", Silmeria whispers to her companions, nodding as if imparting a deep secret.
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Bryn's eye blinks and then widens at the story about the temple. "Wow. That's... 'mazin!" Her eye then swivels over to peek at the talking gun. That's, well, pretty damned 'mazin, too. It's not the only one excited, neither. "Ye, le's go. I'm ready!"
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For whatever they're going to possibly maybe potentially see.
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "By all means, Hark."
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GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Death Ward: Bryn, Silmeria, Eztli, Rune"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
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GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
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GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
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GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Magic Circle Against Evil: Rune & Bryn"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
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GAME: Harkashan casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Protection From Evil: Eztli & Silmeria"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
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GAME: Harkashan casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Shield of Faith (AC does not stack with the above, but is +4 Deflection): Bryn & Harkashan"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
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GAME: Harkashan casts Bear's Endurance. Caster Level: 15 DC: 20
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Bear's Endurance: Bryn"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Archon's Aura. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Self:"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Greater Angelic Aspect. Caster Level: 15 DC: 26
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "Everyone (Including Maeve if she accepts):"
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GAME: Harkashan casts Telepathic Bond. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23
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The prospect of setting fire to things in the Felwood is a familiar notion, and one that quirks a corner of the half-sil's lips as she shakes her head in amusement. Her ear twitches in the direction of the vocalizing weapon, always having a curiousity for such things. "Your companion, there, reminds me a bit of another I know. It's always interesting to see that sort of magic."
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Rune also offers a nod of acknowledgement to Bryn, with the oruch and the human being the two present she's less familiar with. "I'm called Rune." She offers in introduction, "Not related to the magical place."
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That said, she shifts her tools towards the front of her belt, and then draws one of her blades, "I'm ready whenever the rest are. Don't exactly have much to 'prep'."
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"...No more mimics, please. Or giant plant monsters. In fact, no more of, pretty damn much everything in this until recently godforsaken place." Eztli grumbles loudly. "Right, this belongs to the mythwood, got it. Well, if you're willing to actually fix this place since Alexandria has done a bang up job of it, be my guest, least it's safer."
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"Was someone talking? I think someone was talking." Eztli wonders out loud. "Oh, that was a gun? Well, can't be weirder than malefic. If your gun bites me I will be disappointed, however, and confused." The makari shrugs again. "Well, we ready to go, then?"
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GAME: Eztli casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 12 DC: 17
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"I'm ready." Harkashan simply remarks, "But I will be casting some spells on our allies here today, so that we can have a more fortuitous battle." As he kneels down and touches the hallowed ground. From there, a sudden burst of pale white light. Sigils glowing upon the ground as he summons the power of the Deathsinging Dragon upon this domain.
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Light lances out from where his hand touches, as spell after spell is cast in rapid succession. Each pulse sending a pale grey light out that circuits out towards the allies set to explore this place, and flows through their body. Creating ashen-silver shields around their bodies and surrounding them. Protecting them from what truly ails this place: Evil!
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In the midst of that casting, one can see his teeth start to grow. His horns growing dramatic and large. A series of half-angelic, half-draconic wings bursting from his back. His tail growing longer, lashing out violently. As an almost draconic-like aspect furthers across his body, making him look more like an upright dragon than a Sith-makar in that moment, while the spell remains active.
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Once he's done, he straightens up again and rumbles; "Remain near me." As strange ember-like ash falls from the air around him, creating a large protective aura around him as well. "And I will ensure Evil will not harm you." Before turning and moving upon the door - with purpose.
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<OOC> Silmeria woot, Death scours this temple clean of evil!
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Bryn knows a little magic, has seen a bit more. That... was NOT a bit of magic, and definitely not little. She's left blinking again, but also energized. And it's not the magic that has her bouncing on the balls of her feet. Probably.
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"Ey! Le's go!" She has no problems staying close to the angelo-draconic ash-slinging lasher, especially as he's headed on with a purpose.
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Maeva smiles and then steps out of the way. "Here goes nothing," she murmurs, woorking in her own magics to better protect herself. She leaves the rest of the group to Harkashan's capable hands. "No bells today," she adds, removing anklet bracelets adorned with silver and gold bells. There's really no need to announce her coming to everyone present.
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And then you pass through the doors into the temple.
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With the dim light of your illumination, you can see it extend into a great entry hall. Along the silver walls, there are stone sculptures engraved into the walls, telling soome kind of story starting on your right and clearly going up and further.
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Further in, a large, marble statue of a woman in robes, holding a staff over her head in a kneeling position of supplication, is the most predominant piece of architecture here. The ceiling is high enough that the light of your ttorches doesn't reach it.
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Two doors sit on either side of the statue, with a third and fourth door are also visible sitting diagoonally across froom each other, with one close by on your right, and another towards the other side of the room on the left.
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The floor is stone and it's hard to be quiet going forward. The sound of yoour movement seems to echo all too loudly here.
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "knowledge/history!"
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GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/History+2: (9)+10+2: 21
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GAME: Bryn rolls knowledge/history: (8)+7: 15
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Entering the majestic great halls of this temple dedicated to Eluna, Harkashan is hardly surprised by the many silvren walls and the various stonesculptures. The Mythwood elves have done a wonderful deed here indeed, creating something such as this. Of course, there have to be multiple doors. Such is to be expected.
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"Let's stick together." As if anyone needs to tell Adventurers not to split up these days. Yet still, Harkashan finds purpose in stating this. A reminder for safety. He then turns to Maeva for a moment, and nods. "I am uncertain the bells will make the difference here." Before tapping his rather heavy looking armor.
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Harkashan raises his hand and notes; "I believe that would be the coming of the Elves." Stepping towards Bryn as he speaks these words. "And here the founding of Mythwood, its trees coming to sprout."
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Statues and doors and carvings, oh my! It's the last that first catches Bryn's eye, and she starts perusing it. The poor lightning isn't really a hindrance to her for that, either, since they are carved rather than painted. "Ye..." She agrees with Harkashan without turning her eye to him. "Healin. Growin. Big wall o' tales..." She skims more before peering, then blinking. "... that get kinda hard ta follow after a bit..."
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Another blink and she pulls her gaze away to the rest of the room. "Guessin there'll be time ta look't that more later, too. Where we headin?"
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Upon entering the great Temple, a reverent sigh escapes Silmeria's lips. As one who involves herself much with the stories of the recently dead, such ancient, hallowed halls are a thing of wonder. Structures built to last through the ages, permanency itself made an object of worship. *Fascinating.*
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"Agreed," she says to her fellow Vardaman, though for herself she keeps to the edge of the cluster -- specifically, keeping Bryn between herself and Harkashan -- eyes alert for danger.
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One never knows, after all, from which direction danger may come, and a Gentleman Adventurer never allows a fellow to come to grief.
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The large, echoing nature of the hall isn't the first thing that catches Rune's attention. Instead, it is the sculptures along the walls. Old tales have always been a point of interest for this daughter of a storyteller. She's not quite able to resist the urge to run her fingers along one of the stone scenes, but glances over her shoulder as Harkashan puts the pieces together.
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"Makes me wish I had a lick of artistic talent. Sketches of these would probably be fantastic to add to a history of the area, or even a collection of stories." That said, Rune tries to commit what she can to memory for the time being, stepping back to get a view of the bigger picture as she turns to take it all in. Despite her movement, the rogue is remarkably quiet, even in the vast space.
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"Oh come on now Hark, you're going to outdo me. Though I suppose I have the benefit of mine being all natural." Eztli huffs loudly, flapping her wings a few times for good measure. While the room was quite grand, the history of the place was mostly lost on her. "Well, that's a big statue, and a lot of doors. I'd suggest someone, probably Rune is invisible, but, I think we're best suited to sticking together in case something goes wrong. Could always teach you how to dance though, I like to think that's artistic, right?"
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Behind you, Maeva walks in. She stares at the statue and lets out a reverent sigh herself, kneeling to the ground in supplication to her Goddess. Silent prayer from her.
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Afterwards, she starts studying the carvings.
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"...I don't understand some of these," she agrees, "but otherwise you're on the money. This must be from a previous artistic aesthetic that was popular in the day." She lays her hand on the image of the tree and its glowing roots. She looks on down the wall, curiously.
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GAME: Rune rolls perception: (2)+34: 36
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<OOC> Rune says, "+7 if there's traps, but probably unlikely."
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Rune's been paged. Where you guys goo next is up to you!"
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It's the priestess's attention to the statue that draws Rune's eyes that direction, forcing them away from the story written on the walls. However, her eyes squint slightly as she steps forward, passing near Maeva and then beyond. There is a certain level of respect one should have for such a sculpture, so Rune is careful as she steps closer, pulling her goggles down to get a better look.
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"Hey..." The rogue seems to try to call attention, though not to any one person in particular. "There's some kind of black dust here on the statue." The rogue takes a moment to point it out before her eyes, slightly exaggerated by the lenses of her goggles, flick to the floor.
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Crouching, she seems to take a long moment, considering before rising and taking a few more steps then crouching again. "There's some smudges, old ones, like there was some kind of fight. Heading towards that door." She raises a hand towards the door that is across and to the left.
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"sounds like that's where we start then." Harkashan was about to move to one of the other doors in an attempt to keep moving, when Rune points out a different one. He turns on a dime and is quick to lead that way and puts his clawed hands to the door and tries to push it open. "What's behind... door number three?"
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Bryn eyes the statue, Rune, the floor, then the door, in quick succession. "What kinda fight?" It's a somewhat rhetorical question, maybe. Because she adds as she follows Rune and Harkashan to the door. "Guessin we'll find out, eh?"
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<OOC> Eztli says, "can I investigate the dust before we go? Is it magical by chance?"
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"Likely we shall," Silmeria says to Bryn, thumbing the hammer back on her gun. "Be careful though... Old fights -- especially in places like this -- don't always mean *finished* fights."
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As Harkashan tries to open the door, Silmeria moves in beside him, putting her back to the open door and readying herself to clear the room beyond.
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By eye or by bullet, whichever is most needful.
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GAME: Eztli rolls knowledge/arcana: (15)+9: 24
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At Rune's words, Maeva hesitates. "That's not surprising. The temple was sealed away in the final days of the demon wars -- but if the building was breached, why is it so clean?"
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A look of worry creases her fine, elven features.
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"Well, we know _something_ went on here that caused it to vanish in the first place. Think it's related? There's a good chance of it, at the very least."
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The small makari stops to peer at the dust, resisting an urge to sneeze, before she follows quickly after the others. "Dunno what that dust is, though."
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"Wish I knew." Rune looks over to Bryn, giving a small shake of her head. In the end, it's Eztli that she bobs her head in agreement with. "Yeah. That's kind of the problem, right? It's a big mystery how all of this ended up the way it is, but the Priestess is right, too. This temple is... remarkably clean for a place that hasn't been touched in this long of a time, but the only way to know, is to go find out."
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You move towards the left most door on the other side of the room. As you reach it, you notice that it's directly, diagonally across from the other door on the right wall. Opening it reveals it is lined with alcoves, in which sit smaller statues than the one outside, but of various elven figures. In the center of the chamber there is a recess in it in which sits a large, silver orb. It flickers with light from time to time, sparking.
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Between the alcoves are more elaborate engravings, telling the story of each statue, no doubt. Elven heroes, perhaps, or other notable figures. Above you, the ceiling is decorated with yet more art, the image of a tree spreading its branches out in all directions, as if it was encompassing and sheltering all.
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GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/religion: (6)+13: 19
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GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/arcana: (3)+10: 13
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<OOC> Harkashan says, "I'll also do a Knowledge/Religion on the Orb. I wish to Ponder It."
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GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Religion+2: (20)+17+2: 39
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Everyone but Hark and Sil"
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Roll perception."
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GAME: Bryn rolls perception: (3)+7: 10
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GAME: Rune rolls perception: (12)+34: 46
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GAME: Eztli rolls perception: (16)+5: 21
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Okay! Rune, Hark, and Sil get to act in the surprise round. ;D"
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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Whirlpool has dropped a TIMESTOP!
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Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Whirlpool to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
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For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
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As the orb is pondered and its functionm discern, it flares up one more time. A lightning-like strike scorches up to the tree image above you. It's roots and branches begin to glow with magical energy. Your gaze follows it as it reaches the alcoves...
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...and then the statues wake, stepping out of their acloves. That's a lot of them.
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The dust of ages falls away from them as they draw their elven blades that look all too real.
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<OOC> Rune will use her surprise round to cast Shield from her wand on herself and talk.
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GAME: Rune used a Wand of Shield.
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GAME: Rune rolls use magic device: (5)+23: 28
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Like before, the sight of the room and it's strange statues has Rune transfixed for a moment as she looks at what must be heroes of Elven origins. Despite the fact that she takes far more after her human mother, there is a certain amount of respect for those who came before her and what honors they may have earned in their life. The orb, however, immediately has her suspecting magic involvement. "I don't like that... I don't like that at all."
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With a wand in her off-hand, Rune twirls it in her fingers and casts a spell at herself, while keeping her other hand defensive with one of her blades. Instead, she slips into the Sildanyari tongue, "We don't mean harm to this place. We just want to know what happened here and understand this place." <Sildanyari>.
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "The moving columns are varying distances, between 15 and 20 feet away along the walls, presuming you were mostly gathered closer to the orb to inspecting it one side."
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GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
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Round One - Init 20.
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It is now Rune's turn! ColumnA is next!
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GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
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Round One - Init 18.
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It is now ColumnA's turn! Silmeria is next!
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Drawn by the magic, one of the columns rushes at Rune."
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "It sweeps at her with a black-bladed scythe."
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GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+20: (1)+20: 21 (EPIC FAIL)
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "...I see I am off to a good start."
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "A miss!"
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GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
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Round One - Init 17.
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It is now Silmeria's turn! Bryn is next!
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<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Silm!"
  +
  +
<OOC> Silmeria says, "Swift action: Share Judgment -- Smiting. Both Bryn and I treat our weapons as Magic, Good, and Adamantine. Move Action: K/Arcana to discern the nature of these constructs, assuming they're golems and not some manner of divine guardian. /Religion, otherwise. XD"
  +
  +
GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/arcana: (13)+10: 23
  +
  +
Initially, the room seemed clear... If housing magical relics of unknown provenance and purpose.
  +
  +
Adjusting her spectacles, Silmeria stepped cautiously into the great room, eyes turns up at the glimmering orb. "...I don't like it either," she murmurs, brow furrowing...
  +
  +
For a moment, the glimmer took on new intensity, and Silmeria's eyes widened. "It's activating!"
  +
  +
The statues begin to move, and Silmeria fixes her eyes on the nearest one, whispering a hurried prayer to the Grey Lady. In response, both her gun and Bryn's blade gleam, taking on the dull cast of adamantine, limned with holy power.
  +
  +
"Caryatid Columns," she breathes. "It'll shatter your weapons, and most magic is useless! We need to find out how to shut them down, perhaps the orb is the key!"
  +
  +
Bryn is ready for anything, and by 'ready for' it is more 'expecting,' really. It takes a heartbeat before she realizes the statues are statues. Then she exhales a "Huh. Not what I figured we'd find in here..." But it's still really interesting. The lack of figures trying to kill them means she can take a moment to look over the craftsmanship, maybe some of the engraved stories (at least what she can make out) and-"Ooh, shiny!" She notices the orb -after- it flashes extra shiny and then is further distracted when Silmeria makes her falchion shiny, too. "Whoa!"
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 16.
  +
  +
It is now Bryn's turn! Column 5 is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 14.
  +
  +
It is now Column 5's turn! ColumnbB is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (7)+8: 15
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (2)+8: 10
  +
  +
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Two of them miss Silmeria and Bryn respectively."
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 13.
  +
  +
It is now ColumnbB's turn! Eztli is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 9.
  +
  +
It is now Eztli's turn! Column 3 is next!
  +
  +
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Eztli"
  +
  +
<OOC> Eztli poses!
  +
  +
<OOC> Eztli says, "since I don't think I can do anything"
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 9.
  +
  +
It is now Column 3's turn! Column 4 is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 7.
  +
  +
It is now Column 4's turn! Column 6 is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 6.
  +
  +
It is now Column 6's turn! Maeva is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
  +
  +
Round One - Init 5.
  +
  +
It is now Maeva's turn! Harkashan is next!
  +
  +
GAME: Harkashan rolls WisHit+1: aliased to bab+wisdom+1: (5)+11+8+1: 25
  +
  +
GAME: Harkashan rolls damage31-5: aliased to 2d6+7-5: (11)+7+-5: 13
  +
  +
"Some sort of room for looking at pretty elf artwork? I get it if that's the case, but I don't think that's the correct assumption to make." Eztli offers unhelpfully, taking a look at some of them. "See anything more Rune? Because this looks concerningly normal just like the last one to me."
  +
  +
And suddenly said statues were moving. "Ah, crap. Going to have to see if that orb does something, then!" She shouts over to the others.
  +
  +
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 5d6: (22): 22
  +
  +
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "You hit it, and your weapon doesn't look happy. Lots of sparks but its magic enough to endure the columns magic."
   
 
[[Category:Logs]]
 
[[Category:Logs]]

Latest revision as of 05:18, 24 August 2024

Log Info

  • Title: Into The Temple - Part 1
  • GM: Whirlpool
  • Characters: Rune, Harkashan, Eztli, Bryn, Silmeria
  • Location: Felwood
  • Summary: The lost temple of Eluna stands revealed, its grounds consecreated, and the the exterior secured. Now all that's left is to begin its exploration.


It has been several weeks since the Felwood Temple of Eluna was opened. The elves and the Alexandrians have had quite a few meetings oon how best to proceed with its exploratioon, both out of an abundance of cautioon and acknowledging the culttural sensitivties of the elves. No attempt to breach it has been made... until today, that is.

Several of Alexandria's finest warrioors, adventurers, and scholars have been called to help investigate it, as well as those it is felt tmight have the freshest eyes on it once they're inside.

This Temple of Eluna, lost for centuries behind some kind of magical displacement effect, clearly violently returned to the world. Its silvery hued exterior walls are marked with the signs of battle. Pock marked and ancient, clearly some fierce fighting happened here, even before the fighting that was engaged in when the Mythwoood elves and Alexandrians arrived to take possession of it. A single door marked with the symbol of the moon Goddess Eluna sits half-open into its darkened interior, and it is crowned by a singular spire that faintly glows with a silvery light wreathed around it.

Simple barriers have been erected in rings around this building as well, defensive structures to enable its protection. Large numbers of armed soldiers are here. Sufficient number, they say, to hold off the demons that have only raided them for now. Priestess Maeva, an elven woman dressed in the formal robes of her calling, greets the assembled adventurers.

"I know some of you," she offers, a warm smile crossing my face, "but not all of you. I am Maeva and I have been assigned to see too the temple's cleansing and claiming for our people. Welcome, one and all. I will be accompanying you this evening inside. All we ask is that you be mindful and respectful of whatever is inside. We do not know what we will find, but there could be remains, demons, or anything else for that matter. We have dared not breach it until we had properly and permanently hallowed the eartt here. It is only strong enough to hold back the Felwood curse rather than defeat it but its enough that the demons have remained wary about a full attack, and that the curse should not further interfere with us once we're inside. Should any of you need anything, the quartermaster is over there." She points towards a grumpy looking, squinty eyed man with no hair.

"He has been asked to provide and see to your requests. Beyond that, are there any questions?"

GAME: Harkashan casts Heroes' Feast. Caster Level: 15 DC: 24
GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Vestment. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+7: (5)+7: 12
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Not bad on the Max HP Raise."
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Are Fiends still assaulting the edges of the encampment?"
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Not just at this moment, but yes."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Demoon raids are pretty common."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Just deterred by the hallowing."

Harkashan has been dutiful in ensuring people are provided with the sustenance they need in order to explore a temple with potenatial incredible dangers such as this. Snacking on a last thlaco as he patiently listens to Priestess Maeva. He turns his head towards the doors for a moment, considering them, before looking to the various warriors gathered here.

The fiends were assaulting this positions, coming from all over the Felwoods, but right now things are a bit quiet. Which is either concerning, or simply a good opportunity.

"No questions beyond 'how do we get in'." Harkashan answers very patiently, keeping his usual onslaught on spells on standby for the time being.

One of Alexandria's finest, Brynhildragar is not. In fact, she's barely been Alexandria's anything for a fortnight. Those days have passed with roughtly 97 boredom, 2 entertainment, and 1 weirdness. She's hoping to shift that a little, and she's also curious. A sealed temple! Unknown contents!? Curses?!! Demons!! What's dull about any of those?

"Ye, where's the door? Good thing ta know. Was gonna ask what's inside, but ye sorta answered that already."

Offering a deep bow in respect to the Priestess, Silmeria returns the warm smile. Hefting the straps of her backpack, she looks beyond the Priestess, and the ringed walls, to the Temple beyond.

"It will be an *absolute pleasure* to aid you, Priestess... Do we have anything like an idea of what we can expect -- or suspect -- to find within?"

With that question asked, she draws her pistol, breaking it open and ensuring everything is working as well as it possibly can, before snapping it shut again. "Mori, dear? Time to go to work." The intricate tracery pulses with silvery light, and a harmonic yet atonal voice sounds from the barrel.

<< ACKNOWLEDGED. LET THIS BE THE ENEMY'S FINAL TESTAMENT. >>

THere are days when Memento Mori is a very, very keen pistol. This is one of them.

It has been a long time since Rune had stepped foot in the Felwood. Though the rogue had been part of some of the early expeditions into the strange, cursed lands, and even some of the first explorations into the mysterious towers, her attention has been focused elsewhere for quite some time. Apparently, other tasks have finally resolved enough that she is back to further investigate what has been found.

The half-sil finishes a drink from her waterskin before attaching it to sling across her back, then gives a last minute check of her gear, which mostly consists of weapons and tools of her trade. "I'm sure Blue is going to want to hear about this..." She nudges Harkashan's side as she steps up next to him.

Then, eyes towards their guide, she nods her head, reaching a hand to touch a pendant at her throat, as if that somehow acknowledged respect to the goddess. Perhaps it does. "Rarely, anything is what it seems in the Felwood, so I'd say we should expect the unexpected. And probably mimics... I don't know what it is with these cursed lands and mimics, but it's a theme."

Eztli was one of the adventurers who had been trying very, very hard not to burn down the felwood every time they ended up in the place. She had even done a decent job so far! The forest was mostly unburnt, for the time being.

The small makari had one spot off in the camp, and seeing some movement, they stretch and wander over to the main gates.

"Questions? Not much I expect to be answerable, really." Eztli shrugs. "Though, what's this about claiming for our people? I'd like some clarification on that, since you know, potential political ramifications and all that."

Several of the guards groan at the mention of mimics.

Seems like it has, in fact, been a theme. "And plant monsters," chimes in one of the guards.

"At least we can set them on fire," mutters anotther.

Maeva rubs her face for a moment in dismay at the guards chatter, which is enough to silence the grumbling.

"The Mythwood elves, of course," she sayus to Eztli. "This was built by our people centuries ago." She ttucks her hair behind her ear, "In the wake ofo the Sundering, magic fled the land and was all but lost for a ttime. The Sea of Mana returned only in trickles and ambient moonlight." She holds her hand up towards the rising moon above. "The Spires were, by the records and stories we have, our first succesful effort to reharness magic. In those days, even a small amount of ambient power could turn the tide, turn a deadly winter into a more manageable situation. Long have the Mythwood elves relied on our ways, our gods, and might of the Sea of Mana. Each spire," she adds, "harnesses the light of the moon and through some esoteric means, and some magicite apparently, feeds that power into the central spire here, which can then be harnesses throough some means we simply do not know. Please let me know when you are ready."

"...No," Silmeria says, throwing an amused glance at the guards. "I would say that about covers it. Let us be about it, then, and hope our work is swift and simple."

<< TO CLEANSE THESE HALLOWED HALLS SHALL BE OUR HONOR, >> the gun rejoins.

"...He's excited,", Silmeria whispers to her companions, nodding as if imparting a deep secret.

Bryn's eye blinks and then widens at the story about the temple. "Wow. That's... 'mazin!" Her eye then swivels over to peek at the talking gun. That's, well, pretty damned 'mazin, too. It's not the only one excited, neither. "Ye, le's go. I'm ready!"

For whatever they're going to possibly maybe potentially see.

<OOC> Whirlpool says, "By all means, Hark."
GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Death Ward: Bryn, Silmeria, Eztli, Rune"
GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
GAME: Harkashan casts Death Ward. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22
GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Magic Circle Against Evil: Rune & Bryn"
GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
GAME: Harkashan casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Protection From Evil: Eztli & Silmeria"
GAME: Harkashan casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
GAME: Harkashan casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Shield of Faith (AC does not stack with the above, but is +4 Deflection): Bryn & Harkashan"
GAME: Harkashan casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19
GAME: Harkashan casts Bear's Endurance. Caster Level: 15 DC: 20
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Bear's Endurance: Bryn"
GAME: Harkashan casts Archon's Aura. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Self:"
GAME: Harkashan casts Greater Angelic Aspect. Caster Level: 15 DC: 26
<OOC> Harkashan says, "Everyone (Including Maeve if she accepts):"
GAME: Harkashan casts Telepathic Bond. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23


The prospect of setting fire to things in the Felwood is a familiar notion, and one that quirks a corner of the half-sil's lips as she shakes her head in amusement. Her ear twitches in the direction of the vocalizing weapon, always having a curiousity for such things. "Your companion, there, reminds me a bit of another I know. It's always interesting to see that sort of magic."

Rune also offers a nod of acknowledgement to Bryn, with the oruch and the human being the two present she's less familiar with. "I'm called Rune." She offers in introduction, "Not related to the magical place."

That said, she shifts her tools towards the front of her belt, and then draws one of her blades, "I'm ready whenever the rest are. Don't exactly have much to 'prep'."

"...No more mimics, please. Or giant plant monsters. In fact, no more of, pretty damn much everything in this until recently godforsaken place." Eztli grumbles loudly. "Right, this belongs to the mythwood, got it. Well, if you're willing to actually fix this place since Alexandria has done a bang up job of it, be my guest, least it's safer."

"Was someone talking? I think someone was talking." Eztli wonders out loud. "Oh, that was a gun? Well, can't be weirder than malefic. If your gun bites me I will be disappointed, however, and confused." The makari shrugs again. "Well, we ready to go, then?"

GAME: Eztli casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 12 DC: 17

"I'm ready." Harkashan simply remarks, "But I will be casting some spells on our allies here today, so that we can have a more fortuitous battle." As he kneels down and touches the hallowed ground. From there, a sudden burst of pale white light. Sigils glowing upon the ground as he summons the power of the Deathsinging Dragon upon this domain.

Light lances out from where his hand touches, as spell after spell is cast in rapid succession. Each pulse sending a pale grey light out that circuits out towards the allies set to explore this place, and flows through their body. Creating ashen-silver shields around their bodies and surrounding them. Protecting them from what truly ails this place: Evil!

In the midst of that casting, one can see his teeth start to grow. His horns growing dramatic and large. A series of half-angelic, half-draconic wings bursting from his back. His tail growing longer, lashing out violently. As an almost draconic-like aspect furthers across his body, making him look more like an upright dragon than a Sith-makar in that moment, while the spell remains active.

Once he's done, he straightens up again and rumbles; "Remain near me." As strange ember-like ash falls from the air around him, creating a large protective aura around him as well. "And I will ensure Evil will not harm you." Before turning and moving upon the door - with purpose.

<OOC> Silmeria woot, Death scours this temple clean of evil!

Bryn knows a little magic, has seen a bit more. That... was NOT a bit of magic, and definitely not little. She's left blinking again, but also energized. And it's not the magic that has her bouncing on the balls of her feet. Probably.

"Ey! Le's go!" She has no problems staying close to the angelo-draconic ash-slinging lasher, especially as he's headed on with a purpose.

Maeva smiles and then steps out of the way. "Here goes nothing," she murmurs, woorking in her own magics to better protect herself. She leaves the rest of the group to Harkashan's capable hands. "No bells today," she adds, removing anklet bracelets adorned with silver and gold bells. There's really no need to announce her coming to everyone present.

And then you pass through the doors into the temple.

With the dim light of your illumination, you can see it extend into a great entry hall. Along the silver walls, there are stone sculptures engraved into the walls, telling soome kind of story starting on your right and clearly going up and further.

Further in, a large, marble statue of a woman in robes, holding a staff over her head in a kneeling position of supplication, is the most predominant piece of architecture here. The ceiling is high enough that the light of your ttorches doesn't reach it.

Two doors sit on either side of the statue, with a third and fourth door are also visible sitting diagoonally across froom each other, with one close by on your right, and another towards the other side of the room on the left.

The floor is stone and it's hard to be quiet going forward. The sound of yoour movement seems to echo all too loudly here.

<OOC> Whirlpool says, "knowledge/history!"
GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/History+2: (9)+10+2: 21
GAME: Bryn rolls knowledge/history: (8)+7: 15

Entering the majestic great halls of this temple dedicated to Eluna, Harkashan is hardly surprised by the many silvren walls and the various stonesculptures. The Mythwood elves have done a wonderful deed here indeed, creating something such as this. Of course, there have to be multiple doors. Such is to be expected.

"Let's stick together." As if anyone needs to tell Adventurers not to split up these days. Yet still, Harkashan finds purpose in stating this. A reminder for safety. He then turns to Maeva for a moment, and nods. "I am uncertain the bells will make the difference here." Before tapping his rather heavy looking armor.

Harkashan raises his hand and notes; "I believe that would be the coming of the Elves." Stepping towards Bryn as he speaks these words. "And here the founding of Mythwood, its trees coming to sprout."

Statues and doors and carvings, oh my! It's the last that first catches Bryn's eye, and she starts perusing it. The poor lightning isn't really a hindrance to her for that, either, since they are carved rather than painted. "Ye..." She agrees with Harkashan without turning her eye to him. "Healin. Growin. Big wall o' tales..." She skims more before peering, then blinking. "... that get kinda hard ta follow after a bit..."

Another blink and she pulls her gaze away to the rest of the room. "Guessin there'll be time ta look't that more later, too. Where we headin?"

Upon entering the great Temple, a reverent sigh escapes Silmeria's lips. As one who involves herself much with the stories of the recently dead, such ancient, hallowed halls are a thing of wonder. Structures built to last through the ages, permanency itself made an object of worship. *Fascinating.*

"Agreed," she says to her fellow Vardaman, though for herself she keeps to the edge of the cluster -- specifically, keeping Bryn between herself and Harkashan -- eyes alert for danger.

One never knows, after all, from which direction danger may come, and a Gentleman Adventurer never allows a fellow to come to grief.

The large, echoing nature of the hall isn't the first thing that catches Rune's attention. Instead, it is the sculptures along the walls. Old tales have always been a point of interest for this daughter of a storyteller. She's not quite able to resist the urge to run her fingers along one of the stone scenes, but glances over her shoulder as Harkashan puts the pieces together.

"Makes me wish I had a lick of artistic talent. Sketches of these would probably be fantastic to add to a history of the area, or even a collection of stories." That said, Rune tries to commit what she can to memory for the time being, stepping back to get a view of the bigger picture as she turns to take it all in. Despite her movement, the rogue is remarkably quiet, even in the vast space.

"Oh come on now Hark, you're going to outdo me. Though I suppose I have the benefit of mine being all natural." Eztli huffs loudly, flapping her wings a few times for good measure. While the room was quite grand, the history of the place was mostly lost on her. "Well, that's a big statue, and a lot of doors. I'd suggest someone, probably Rune is invisible, but, I think we're best suited to sticking together in case something goes wrong. Could always teach you how to dance though, I like to think that's artistic, right?"

Behind you, Maeva walks in. She stares at the statue and lets out a reverent sigh herself, kneeling to the ground in supplication to her Goddess. Silent prayer from her.

Afterwards, she starts studying the carvings.

"...I don't understand some of these," she agrees, "but otherwise you're on the money. This must be from a previous artistic aesthetic that was popular in the day." She lays her hand on the image of the tree and its glowing roots. She looks on down the wall, curiously.

GAME: Rune rolls perception: (2)+34: 36
<OOC> Rune says, "+7 if there's traps, but probably unlikely."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Rune's been paged. Where you guys goo next is up to you!"

It's the priestess's attention to the statue that draws Rune's eyes that direction, forcing them away from the story written on the walls. However, her eyes squint slightly as she steps forward, passing near Maeva and then beyond. There is a certain level of respect one should have for such a sculpture, so Rune is careful as she steps closer, pulling her goggles down to get a better look.

"Hey..." The rogue seems to try to call attention, though not to any one person in particular. "There's some kind of black dust here on the statue." The rogue takes a moment to point it out before her eyes, slightly exaggerated by the lenses of her goggles, flick to the floor.

Crouching, she seems to take a long moment, considering before rising and taking a few more steps then crouching again. "There's some smudges, old ones, like there was some kind of fight. Heading towards that door." She raises a hand towards the door that is across and to the left.

"sounds like that's where we start then." Harkashan was about to move to one of the other doors in an attempt to keep moving, when Rune points out a different one. He turns on a dime and is quick to lead that way and puts his clawed hands to the door and tries to push it open. "What's behind... door number three?"

Bryn eyes the statue, Rune, the floor, then the door, in quick succession. "What kinda fight?" It's a somewhat rhetorical question, maybe. Because she adds as she follows Rune and Harkashan to the door. "Guessin we'll find out, eh?"

<OOC> Eztli says, "can I investigate the dust before we go? Is it magical by chance?"

"Likely we shall," Silmeria says to Bryn, thumbing the hammer back on her gun. "Be careful though... Old fights -- especially in places like this -- don't always mean *finished* fights."

As Harkashan tries to open the door, Silmeria moves in beside him, putting her back to the open door and readying herself to clear the room beyond.

By eye or by bullet, whichever is most needful.

GAME: Eztli rolls knowledge/arcana: (15)+9: 24

At Rune's words, Maeva hesitates. "That's not surprising. The temple was sealed away in the final days of the demon wars -- but if the building was breached, why is it so clean?"

A look of worry creases her fine, elven features.

"Well, we know _something_ went on here that caused it to vanish in the first place. Think it's related? There's a good chance of it, at the very least."

The small makari stops to peer at the dust, resisting an urge to sneeze, before she follows quickly after the others. "Dunno what that dust is, though."

"Wish I knew." Rune looks over to Bryn, giving a small shake of her head. In the end, it's Eztli that she bobs her head in agreement with. "Yeah. That's kind of the problem, right? It's a big mystery how all of this ended up the way it is, but the Priestess is right, too. This temple is... remarkably clean for a place that hasn't been touched in this long of a time, but the only way to know, is to go find out."

You move towards the left most door on the other side of the room. As you reach it, you notice that it's directly, diagonally across from the other door on the right wall. Opening it reveals it is lined with alcoves, in which sit smaller statues than the one outside, but of various elven figures. In the center of the chamber there is a recess in it in which sits a large, silver orb. It flickers with light from time to time, sparking.

Between the alcoves are more elaborate engravings, telling the story of each statue, no doubt. Elven heroes, perhaps, or other notable figures. Above you, the ceiling is decorated with yet more art, the image of a tree spreading its branches out in all directions, as if it was encompassing and sheltering all.

GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/religion: (6)+13: 19
GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/arcana: (3)+10: 13
<OOC> Harkashan says, "I'll also do a Knowledge/Religion on the Orb. I wish to Ponder It."
GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Religion+2: (20)+17+2: 39
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Everyone but Hark and Sil"
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Roll perception."
GAME: Bryn rolls perception: (3)+7: 10
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (12)+34: 46
GAME: Eztli rolls perception: (16)+5: 21
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Okay! Rune, Hark, and Sil get to act in the surprise round. ;D"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Whirlpool has dropped a TIMESTOP!

Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Whirlpool to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.

For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

As the orb is pondered and its functionm discern, it flares up one more time. A lightning-like strike scorches up to the tree image above you. It's roots and branches begin to glow with magical energy. Your gaze follows it as it reaches the alcoves...

...and then the statues wake, stepping out of their acloves. That's a lot of them.

The dust of ages falls away from them as they draw their elven blades that look all too real.

<OOC> Rune will use her surprise round to cast Shield from her wand on herself and talk.
GAME: Rune used a Wand of Shield.
GAME: Rune rolls use magic device: (5)+23: 28

Like before, the sight of the room and it's strange statues has Rune transfixed for a moment as she looks at what must be heroes of Elven origins. Despite the fact that she takes far more after her human mother, there is a certain amount of respect for those who came before her and what honors they may have earned in their life. The orb, however, immediately has her suspecting magic involvement. "I don't like that... I don't like that at all."

With a wand in her off-hand, Rune twirls it in her fingers and casts a spell at herself, while keeping her other hand defensive with one of her blades. Instead, she slips into the Sildanyari tongue, "We don't mean harm to this place. We just want to know what happened here and understand this place." <Sildanyari>.

<OOC> Whirlpool says, "The moving columns are varying distances, between 15 and 20 feet away along the walls, presuming you were mostly gathered closer to the orb to inspecting it one side."
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 20.
It is now Rune's turn! ColumnA is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 18.
It is now ColumnA's turn! Silmeria is next!
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Drawn by the magic, one of the columns rushes at Rune."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "It sweeps at her with a black-bladed scythe."
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+20: (1)+20: 21 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "...I see I am off to a good start."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "A miss!"
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Silmeria's turn! Bryn is next!
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Silm!"
<OOC> Silmeria says, "Swift action: Share Judgment -- Smiting. Both Bryn and I treat our weapons as Magic, Good, and Adamantine. Move Action: K/Arcana to discern the nature of these constructs, assuming they're golems and not some manner of divine guardian. /Religion, otherwise. XD"
GAME: Silmeria rolls knowledge/arcana: (13)+10: 23

Initially, the room seemed clear... If housing magical relics of unknown provenance and purpose.

Adjusting her spectacles, Silmeria stepped cautiously into the great room, eyes turns up at the glimmering orb. "...I don't like it either," she murmurs, brow furrowing...

For a moment, the glimmer took on new intensity, and Silmeria's eyes widened. "It's activating!"

The statues begin to move, and Silmeria fixes her eyes on the nearest one, whispering a hurried prayer to the Grey Lady. In response, both her gun and Bryn's blade gleam, taking on the dull cast of adamantine, limned with holy power.

"Caryatid Columns," she breathes. "It'll shatter your weapons, and most magic is useless! We need to find out how to shut them down, perhaps the orb is the key!"

Bryn is ready for anything, and by 'ready for' it is more 'expecting,' really. It takes a heartbeat before she realizes the statues are statues. Then she exhales a "Huh. Not what I figured we'd find in here..." But it's still really interesting. The lack of figures trying to kill them means she can take a moment to look over the craftsmanship, maybe some of the engraved stories (at least what she can make out) and-"Ooh, shiny!" She notices the orb -after- it flashes extra shiny and then is further distracted when Silmeria makes her falchion shiny, too. "Whoa!"

GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Bryn's turn! Column 5 is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 14.
It is now Column 5's turn! ColumnbB is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (7)+8: 15
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (2)+8: 10
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Two of them miss Silmeria and Bryn respectively."
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now ColumnbB's turn! Eztli is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now Eztli's turn! Column 3 is next!
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Eztli"
<OOC> Eztli poses!
<OOC> Eztli says, "since I don't think I can do anything"
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
     
     Round One - Init 9.
     
     It is now Column 3's turn! Column 4 is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
     
     Round One - Init 7.
     
     It is now Column 4's turn! Column 6 is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
     
     Round One - Init 6.
     
     It is now Column 6's turn! Maeva is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
     
     Round One - Init 5.
     
     It is now Maeva's turn! Harkashan is next!
GAME: Harkashan rolls WisHit+1: aliased to bab+wisdom+1: (5)+11+8+1: 25
GAME: Harkashan rolls damage31-5: aliased to 2d6+7-5: (11)+7+-5: 13

"Some sort of room for looking at pretty elf artwork? I get it if that's the case, but I don't think that's the correct assumption to make." Eztli offers unhelpfully, taking a look at some of them. "See anything more Rune? Because this looks concerningly normal just like the last one to me."

And suddenly said statues were moving. "Ah, crap. Going to have to see if that orb does something, then!" She shouts over to the others.

GAME: Whirlpool rolls 5d6: (22): 22

<OOC> Whirlpool says, "You hit it, and your weapon doesn't look happy. Lots of sparks but its magic enough to endure the columns magic."