Chapter 21: The Razor's Edge

[Ken]

Belarin is about to reply to Histra when the two new arrivals appear. "Let's wait a moment," he whispers to Histra. "The posturing has to run its course."

[Dave W.]

Adamant notices the discussion with the newcomers but reasons that he will be called over if more "weight" is needed. Instead he goes over the Shorak and asks what he is looking at. Adamant will also examine the ink, "So they spilled ink on this statue to appease it? We're certain it's not blood? at least that would seem like a sacrifice?"

"Shorak, your eyes are sharper than my gems, do you see anything on the others? More ink spills I guess? Or some other thing?"

Adamant leans closer to the ink spot. He slowly and gently touches it.

[Joe]

Streko turns to Adamant. "Brother, why would Dol Arrah's light shine in one direction, despite having multiple sources? Is it coincidence that the missing statue is from The Shadow's relief, and the shadows act strangely? There are two reliefs of Dol Arrah, opposite one another. One of Her sitting and another standing. There is The Lawbringer and The Shadow. How do they connect with Dol Arrah? If we can understand this set-up, we may understand the purpose of this room, aside from being a place to teleport to from below."

He moves to the relief of Dol Arrah standing. "I agree with Belarin. We need to understand not only why these reliefs are present, but what they mean, including their positioning and powers, if any. Can you assist me?"
___________________________________________________________

Did Streko's previous religion/perception/arcana checks provide any insight?

[Jeff]

The tiefling gives Adamant a nod of acknowledgement, but keeps his face neutral. He and the bugbear move cautiously further down the eastern tunnel. They carry no lights with them, both seeing as well in the dark as Melethos himself, and then they quickly vanish from sight.

Adamant touches the ink. It's fresh, but dry enough that it doesn't come off onto his metal fingers.

"This looks more like vandalism to me," Starg says behind him.

"Defacement, maybe," Sem adds. "And this is where the statue has departed."

Melethos and Thul hear a quiet, but echoed exclamation from behind them. They turn and look to the western corridor. Melethos with his superior vision can see that the tiefling and bugbear are there now, on the opposite side of the chamber. Standing in the dark but close to the western archway. They look dismayed by the sight themselves, stopped in their tracks.

"What?" Thul says to Melethos, and the tiefling understands that the human simply doesn't see them yet.

---

Joe: You only get one knowledge-type roll for these things. Streko's first Religion roll was here, and the result was here, along with Adamant's.

[Joe]

"Friends, based upon what I see, I suspect these "reliefs" are, in actuality, designs on how this room operates. See here, the sun in this one is setting and Dol Arrah sits, preparing for the next phase, Which probably moves from east to west, thus, to The Shadow, or perhaps that is the Lawbringer in his...ahem...darker aspect. Avenging wrongs, taking the law into your own hands, as it were. It is quite possible, then, that the room will eventually shift toward Dol Arrah's relief over there, standing, prepared to confront Her enemies, before returning to the Lawbringer. Obviously, the Giants portrayed these deities in their own image, as opposed to Dragons, their arch enemies.

"Adamant, I think we should find some way of honoring these Gods. It appears that if some form of defiling brought about a rapid, and deadly, response from the warrior statues. Perhaps a donation of some kind? To Dol Arrah, while the aspect still holds sway in this room?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks at the spot where the ink is, from as many angles as he can, to try to determine what is under the ink. "Someone could cast a spell to clean the ink away, yes?" Shorak asks. He looks around when Melethos starts speaking to someone that is not part or their group. He listens to the exchange, then looks back at the wall. "So, clean off the ink or not?"

[Dave W.]

Oct 16, 2021 11:40:21 GMT -4 Joe said:

"Adamant, I think we should find some way of honoring these Gods. It appears that if some form of defiling brought about a rapid, and deadly, response from the warrior statues. Perhaps a donation of some kind? To Dol Arrah, while the aspect still holds sway in this room?"

“I don’t know that a donation of wealth would be in order here… for one thing, I have been looking for a sign that a donation or sacrifice was given and so far have found none.”

“It does occur to me that a blessing might be in order. I have been weighing the idea of blessing one or all of the reliefs. I hesitate for two reasons. One, though the two Dol Arrah aspects might appreicate a blessing from me, I’m not certain it would be acceptible to the Lawgiver or the Shadow.”

“My second reason is selfish. My energy for effective prayer is very nearly spent. I could invoke a blessing that would affect all four but I would be done until I idle again.”

“I wonder if how you are faring? Could you manage it? Is it even a good idea?”

---

Adamant has one spell slot left. It’s second level so he could cast Bless and cover 4 “people”, I was thinking all four reliefs? But if he does that he’s done until we long rest.
thoughts?

[Brian]

Oct 16, 2021 10:49:00 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The tiefling gives Adamant a nod of acknowledgement, but keeps his face neutral. He and the bugbear move cautiously further down the eastern tunnel. They carry no lights with them, both seeing as well in the dark as Melethos himself, and then they quickly vanish from sight.

Adamant touches the ink. It's fresh, but dry enough that it doesn't come off onto his metal fingers.

"This looks more like vandalism to me," Starg says behind him.

"Defacement, maybe," Sem adds. "And this is where the statue has departed."

Melethos and Thul hear a quiet, but echoed exclamation from behind them. They turn and look to the western corridor. Melethos with his superior vision can see that the tiefling and bugbear are there now, on the opposite side of the chamber. Standing in the dark but close to the western archway. They look dismayed by the sight themselves, stopped in their tracks.

"What?" Thul says to Melethos, and the tiefling understands that the human simply doesn't see them yet.

Melethos's eyes widen in surprise when the other tiefling and the bugbear appear in the western corridor.

"I guess we learned something new," he says to Thul. "Our new friends teleported from the eastern corridor to the western."

Melethos turns to face his kinsman and the bugbear. "You might as well join us. Looks like you're not going anywhere soon."

[Ken]

"That likely applies to US, too," says Belarin. "We may be trapped here until we make the proper tributes."

He says to Histra, "Send the skeleton down one of the other passages, please - let's see if it reappears."

[Dave B.]

"Okay, it seems everyone is making suggestions, but we're not really accomplishing anything." He turns to look at everyone. "Either we try one of these suggestions or we keep throwing them out to the room without acting on them." Shorak says. "Belarin's idea to send the new...guardian down a passage to see what happens is the most valid. I propose the north passage as that is the only passage that hasn't seen one of us," Shorak sweeps his arm to include the bugbear and the tiefling, "enter or come from." He points to the passage opposite the one they entered from.

[Jeff]

Assuming he's referring to the zombie, Histra gives him a nod and the dead Riedran shuffles on. She moves toward the middle of the chamber herself, following it part of the way as the zombie moves out beneath the northern archway. She keeps the wraith near the pillar.

Meanwhile, the tiefling and bugbear do enter the chamber at Melethos's bidding. They come in far enough to be able to look around inside. The bugbear seems most concerned by the dark passages leading in, while the tiefling is most captivated by the statue pillars.

The zombie disappears into the darkness to the north.

Oct 17, 2021 10:40:03 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

“It does occur to me that a blessing might be in order. I have been weighing the idea of blessing one or all of the reliefs. I hesitate for two reasons. One, though the two Dol Arrah aspects might appreicate a blessing from me, I’m not certain it would be acceptible to the Lawgiver or the Shadow.”

“My second reason is selfish. My energy for effective prayer is very nearly spent. I could invoke a blessing that would affect all four but I would be done until I idle again.”

“I wonder if how you are faring? Could you manage it? Is it even a good idea?”

"This is a puzzle," Sem says. "But it cannot be so complex a puzzle. There are no traces of treasures left behind by anyone. No bloody sacrifices. Nothing. Unless they all vanish, but that seems unlikely. That's not how it is with the gods. In Sharn I've seen street shrines to Arawaii, littered with vegetables rotting, which drew in the rats. And even coins left for the gods are plucked away again by the needy. Nothing stays as it was left. It's something else, something simpler. I just can't imagine all the members of the Twelve having done anything like that, nor the Riedrans."

The gnome points to Shorak, "It might be worth trying to clean that off, but did those before us do anything like that?" He shakes his head.

Less than a minute later, the zombie appears at the mouth of the chamber to the south.

Sem lets out a sigh. "Whatever we need to do, it has to be something we can each do. Save your spells, Adamant."

[Ken]

"Agreed," says Belarin. "The Riedrans don't strike me as having clerics of the Sovereign Host with membership tattoos. It needs to be something that's ... mundane, for lack of a better word."

[Dave W.]

"I don't see why the Twelve couldn't have the some priest with them... both the Host and one of the Dark Six are represented. But, fine, I may have let the religious imagery and my own world view lead me in a narrow direction. So, let us try something mundane then."

Adamant takes Sem's suggestion and starts using his metal finger to scrape at the ink(?) spot on the Shadow relief.

[Darren]

"I've got it, Adamant," Kal says, waving his hand in front of the ink spot and removing it magically from the wall.

_____________
Kal will use Prestidigitation to remove the ink spot.

[Jeff]

The ink doesn't come off the stone by Adamant's attempt, but Kal's spell does clear away traces of it. It takes half a minute to get it all.

But nothing happens other than the stain is gone.

"My theory," Sem offers, "is that the stain had something to do with getting Miss Golem to leave her spot." He looks around. "So best not to do anything that could be interpreted as defacing to any of the other reliefs."

[Darren]

"These shadows...I still don't understand how this is possible." Kal walks behind the statue nearest him, raising his staff high and letting the light burn at the end of it, seeing if it casts a shadow.

[Jeff]

The light from Kal's staff creates shadows as normal. There are even shadows cast by the statues to a lesser degree, made by the various torches and green-lit scepters. It's not as though they only have the one shadow each. However, it is simply that the darker shadow is cast in a southeast direction.

The tiefling and bugbear remain wary, weapons still in hand. But they venture a few more paces in, and the tiefling is paying more attention to your conversation and the features of the room. After a few minutes, the tiefling clears his throat. "We were asked to examine closely the wall that portrayed . . . well, this chamber, as it turns out. Orvak guessed that the carvings were doorways of some kind. We volunteered. When we passed through . . . we were there." He indicates the corridor to the east. "I don't suppose we can simply go back now and report. Tell me: did we approach from the west? How are we oriented here?"

"Toc," the bugbear suddenly says in a deep, throaty voice, the first words spoken.

The tiefling looks at him questiongly and replies in the Goblin tongue. The bugbear answers in Goblin, saying more this time. The tiefling turns back, then gestures to them both. "This is Mulkav. I am Caros." He then points to the northwest corner. "Mulkav says that represents the sun. And there also." He points to the opposite corner, then looks up, as if staring through the stone ceiling. "In a few more hours, the sun will set. He thinks this room is like a clock. A sundial, showing where the sun is . . . within the rock. By morning, it may be these shadows have reversed."

[Darren]

"Interesting," Kal says. "Histra, send your servant through the west portal. Let's see if that is...significant." He says nothing about Huru's message in front of the new tiefling. "Is there any way to turn the statues? Check the bases." Kal checks the one that he is standing near.

[Dave B.]

Shorak nods at Kal and heads towards the base of the southeast pillar. "I will look at this one. We may want to examine the reliefs even more closely, if we don't find anything worthwhile with statues." He syas and then he examines the pillar as well as the base, looking to see if there are any switches or gaps or depressions that might show evidence of being able to move or spin the base. He doesn't rule out some kind of secret mechanism to also cause something to happen.

Perception check: 1d20+5=11; Changed to 15 due to Reliable Talen. Just in case.

[Dave W.]

“pleased to meet you, Mulkav and Caros. I am Adamant.”

“That is an excellent insight.. It’s a sundial.” He looks to Kal, “But that does imply that we won’t be able to move the shadow, it would move on it’s own time. Well, if there is a secret switch or compartment, Shorak will find it.”

[Jeff]

Shorak studies the base of the southeast plinth and statue; Kal studies the northwest. Neither find any sign that it can move, nor any button or lever or depression plate.

Sem has Starg help him, and he climbs up onto the empty plinth where the missing statue might have once been. He crouches, studying the top of it at his feet.

At Kal's request, Histra sends the zombie off to the west. Caros and Mulkav move aside, clearly unsettled by the recently animated dead. When it disappears into the tunnel, Caros says, "Was that . . . thing here in this chamber?"

Mulkav points to the big stain of blood on the floor and says something in Goblin. Sounds like a question. Instead of translating, Caros looks questioningly toward Melethos and Thul, who stand nearest him. "Do you know what happened here before you? Of who came through?"

The zombie emerges from the darkness in the eastern corridor.

---

Shorak's Perception: 15
Kal's Perception: 13

[Brian]

Oct 19, 2021 7:15:37 GMT -4 Jeff said:

At Kal's request, Histra sends the zombie off to the west. Caros and Mulkav move aside, clearly unsettled by the recently animated dead. When it disappears into the tunnel, Caros says, "Was that . . . thing here in this chamber?"

Mulkav points to the big stain of blood on the floor and says something in Goblin. Sounds like a question. Instead of translating, Caros looks questioningly toward Melethos and Thul, who stand nearest him. "Do you know what happened here before you? Of who came through?"

"We found a dead Reidran in the chamber," Melethos tells Caros. "We have skills where we can make use of the dead. Helps keep us alive." He gestures around the chamber with an open hand. "As to what happened here before we arrived, we have no idea...yet. We do know a party of the Twelve came through. They supposedly made it through. We hope to do the same."

After Caros talks about a sundial, Melethos frowns. "Could it be we can only pass through a corridor in which the shadow is pointing? Could the sun play a role into which corridor we can pass? As to a tribute, maybe a simple bow or genuflection will work?"

[Dave W.]

"I would be happy to ask Dol Arrah to aid us in leaving. Which direction would you want to request She open?"

[Darren]

"Well, we've tried every direction, so simply walking through a corridor isn't the answer. If this is a sundial, maybe it only works at certain times of day. But that doesn't seem like a very smart way to build a room, and I can't imagine the giants doing it. This room is clearly linked to the one below," Kal gestures to the tiefling and bugbear, "as evidenced by our new friends here. The fact that we managed to walk through that room without ending up here probably has more to do with the fact that we left those reliefs alone. So in here, maybe we don't have a choice." Kal points to the relief where the ink spot had been. "Belarin, come examine this with your enchanted sight. And then the other reliefs."

[Ken]

Belarin nods and walks over. "All right, and yes, I think the sun and shadows play a role here. Maybe I did trigger something by walking through a shadow when we first arrived." He shrugs. "In any event, it's done. Now to find a way out." He gets down on one knee, whispers a phrase, and examines the spot where the blot had been and then the relief itself.

______________________

Eldritch Sight time. If he sees any auras, he'll use Intelligence (Arcana) to help determine the nature. Belarin: D20 + 10#Arcana check → 29(19 + 10)

[Jeff]

There is still that ambient magical energy which pervades the room and walls, but Belarin sees nothing particular stand out from the relief itself. Nor the spot where the ink had been. The pillars exhibit greater emanations, however (even with the one closest to him now with its statue missing).

Thul clears his throat. "Shall we try something, or just keep talking before the rest of the redmen show up and we discuss with them all? We can surely do whatever everyone else did and move on." He gestures toward one of the corridors, indicating, maybe, those who came to this chamber before you. "They didn't all perform rituals or picnic here." 

Sem says, "Or they were all disintegrated right in this very room," gives a nervous chuckle, and then goes on. "But I choose to believe our dear friend Huru is alive and well and out of this place, many hours ago. The Riedrans too, no doubt."

Starg approaches Melethos. "You suggested kneeling." He turns and looks toward Shorak. "You did, too. So perhaps it is something simple like that?"

[Brian]

"Let's find out," Melethos says to Starg. He moves to the southeast corner and stops before the relief of the woman with the sword and shield. With a shrug to the minotaur, he takes a knee and bows his head to the woman depicted in the relief.

[Dave W.]

"I will join you." Adamant kneels before next to Melethos. He speaks with a rhythm, nearly a chant.

"My Lady, Dol Arrah, who is the Life-giving Sun,
Who asks of Her Servants not only Justice but also Compassion be done,
Who prizes not only Strength in battle but also Wisdom,
Who's Light is not only for Civilized places but also to expose the Dark ones,
Who is not only the Sun but also the Wisdom of Exploration,
We ask for Your Grace."

"I am Your Servant, always. With Humility, I ask for Your Shining Light to Open the way that we might leave this chamber and continue the Quest we are sworn to."

"We kneel in the Light of Your Justice and Wisdom."

[Jeff]

Starg joins Melethos and Adamant. He stands behind them at first. Then drops to one knee behind them, bowing his horned head only briefly before standing. The tiefling and bugbear newcomers approach the dais and just watch with obvious curiosity.

There is no sign of any kind of change.

Starg rises and then walks over to the next one. "It may be prudent to do this at each one, before attempting to exit," he says. "If you wish, I will go first."

[Brian]

Oct 19, 2021 17:24:37 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Starg joins Melethos and Adamant. He stands behind them at first. Then drops to one knee behind them, bowing his horned head only briefly before standing. The tiefling and bugbear newcomers approach the dais and just watch with obvious curiosity.

There is no sign of any kind of change.

Starg rises and then walks over to the next one. "It may be prudent to do this at each one, before attempting to exit," he says. "If you wish, I will go first."

"Of course," Melethos says. "Go first. Adamant and I will join you."

If Starg kneels, Melethos will gesture to his warforged friend to join him and the minotaur in the genuflection. Then Melethos will bend a knee.