This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
CON SAVE: 22
Graxx hands the ring over to Obsben.
"What do you make of this? It looks like something special." Graxx says inquisitively.
Graxx eats one of his rations(deducted) and cleans off his Vicious Pike before stowing it and once more having his mighty axe at this side.
"Sorry you couldn't fight in the last one my friend." Graxx says to his axe.
Graxx runs his hand along his chest.
"You didn't miss much..." Graxx says once more to his axe.
Graxx thinks on the last battle as his eyes start to grow heavy. When he takes his(Third) watch he will keep an eye on the remaining door specifically.
The group agrees to settle in for the night right outside the still locked, red door. The cleaner space should be more welcoming now that it doesn't stink of death, and any body fluids are magically whisked away. Choosing not to start a fire lest the smoke suffocate them inside, the party calls it a day except for their respective watches. Spernik falls asleep for the entire time, unless someone chooses to un-gag him and engage in conversation.
@Utar: Apart from the sleepy noises made by the party, this entire underground temple is eerily silent. So much so that even the smallest of sonorous disturbances would be noticed. Every now and then, you pick up on some noise coming from outside: rustling leaves, chilly winds, animals howling. The one noise that catches your attention above all else is the scratching sound coming from the other side of the red doors. It happens only once, and it is brief, but you pick up on it. Despite that sign, there is no indication that the door is being manipulated from the other side.
@Neya: The party's Tormite calls you for your watch. Nothing seems to happen during it until you notice that Spernik is having a nightmare. He is mostly grunting when he vocalizes any portion of his dream but, in the rare occasions he mumbles something audible, he seems to be saying a name: "Scorlworyx".
@Graxx: After diving into that pool, you verily stink! That said, whatever disease might inhabit those waters was not able to best your immune system. After you are cleaned up by your new halfling friend, you fall asleep and is eventually called for your watch. You spend some quality time with your weapons and can't resist visiting the sleeping mounts outside for just a moment. All seems well, including with the red door when you go back down.
@Obsben: You had asked the party's Tempuran to wake you up some 15 minutes before your watch so you could ritually cast you identifying spell on the ring he collected from the pool of water while he still kept watch. You have performed this ritual dozens of times and this is just another one. You soon find out that this ring was designed to protect you from cold. You then spend most of your actual watch reading Spernik's journal instead of paying active attention to your surroundings, trusting SB to yell if something deserves such a reaction. Here's a summary of what you learn (we can assume you share this info with the party once they wake up.)
On the Circle of the Scale: The Circle of the Scale was a sect of druidic dragon worshipers who resided in the foothills of the Dragonspine Mountains. The Circle was led by Skovac, a self-titled Scalebinder, who claimed that he could subvert the will of dragons with nothing but his voice. Instead, he would accomplish such a feat using a powerful relic, which legend held to be a scale from Tiamat herself. Using magic and the labors of sympathizing kobolds from the local area, they excavated a vast subterranean complex deep within the mountains in a plot to a lure a dragon within and enslave it. The dragons of the region, however, would not be so easily subjugated. Using a large host of orcs and kobolds, a red dragon called Scorlworyx, The Scorching Wind, attacked the Temple of the Scale and destroyed the sect within. Skovac is said to have somehow survived and sealed himself within along with the relic, both of which are believed to have remained within the ruins to this day.
On the Cult of the Dragon: Recently, the Cult of the Dragon has learned about the fate of both the Circle of the Scale and the relic, but was unable to find the location of the ruins themselves. To learn more, they dispatched Tibeem and Spernik to Mantor’s Library in Phlan. In the months following, the two cultists would eventually discover the site of the ruins located in the mountain foothills to the west. With the relic in their possession, the cultists hope to deliver it to the red dragon, Scorlworyx, and gain her support.
On Tibeem and Spernik's mission: Mantor’s Library is a busy place and there is always work to be done. To that end, it is known to traveling scribes that the library is an easy place to earn a few coins. The Lord Sage frequently hires such scribes to perform more menial (but ever increasing) tasks such as transcription. In exchange, the library provides room, board and a small stipend. And so it was nothing out of the ordinary when two scribes named Tibeem and Spernik showed up looking for work. They were given a room to share and nothing more was thought about it. Unbeknownst to the Lord Sage, Tibeem and Spernik were agents of the Cult of the Dragon—sent to Phlan to claim the relic and deliver it to Scorlworyx. For nearly four months, the scribes secretly scoured the library for information regarding the Circle. It wasn't until they stole into the Lord Sage's personal library that they found what they were looking for; the location of the Temple of the Scale. To prevent others from discovering their plans, they created and planted forgeries of the tomes. Unfortunately, however, they were caught sneaking out of the Lord Sage's office and fled the library in a panic, but not before the Black Fist was alerted. Spernik was able to escape Phlan, but Tibeem was not so lucky. Based on his journal entries, Spernik did not know what exactly happened to Tibeem, but you do and have partially filled Spernik in. Tibeem was captured by the Black Fist after killing a guard in his attempts to escape. It wasn't until later, when the Lord Sage investigated Spernik and Tibeem's room, that the stolen books--and their clever forgeries--were discovered. Tibeem now swings from Stojanow.
Meaning to raise the issue of something being trapped behind the doors in the next room, Utar settles down into his bedding after waking Neya.
Expecting his dreams to be dominated by dragons given their surroundings, he's surprised that they are focused on the trials he's overcome. His past. His meeting with Aleyd, Moneus, Litta and then other Tormites. His entrance into the priesthood. Previous postings. Phlan. Then his thoughts drift to the trials to come. Knowing the road he's been on, he feels oddly light about where it likely leads. Old orcs and half-orcs aren't a normal sight, even less an old adventurer. Still, looking back he can't help but marvel at the intricate nature of his journey so far. A day later, a moment's hesitation, turning left instead of right, he feels Torm's hand guiding him, even when he didn't know it.
Somehow, whatever comes on the road ahead, Utar is buoyed knowing that he isn't going to face it alone.
Sleep was slow to come as she started to feel a strange energy suffuse through her. It wasn't the steady, permeating flow of ki that she was used to. Rather it was something more malleable, more chaotic. She was becoming more aware of the Weave, itself. Oddly, the two weren't clashing, but beginning to harmonize. Perhaps her training had some concepts similar to magical disciplines?
Perhaps when she has time, she may inquire with others of the Silent Wood if any others had a similar experience.
Obsben could be said to be a vivid dreamer if ever asked on the topic. For her dreams were much the same as they've been for a long, long time at this point. The council of "Obby" needed to meet and renew their union least Obsben fell prey again to the whims of a certain goddess! Yet as was more rarer the case, one Obby 'felt' or perhaps heard a tune, and couldn't help but share it with the others, lulling them into such an inspiring melody that, by the time Obsben was awoken for her watch, she yet still hummed the melody as she studied Spernik's books; her soul and mind now far more in tune to the hidden strands and melody that reverberated throughout the weave...
Obby's Tune, for those curious:
Of course as split as her focus had been, she is sure to not to forget other nightly duties as well... Nothing the party had to worry about of course. Rather, if nothing should happen during her watch, the party is treated to the sight of the strange halfling dancing alongside Salty Bottom and singing the song until the growl of her stomach reminds her of breakfast. "Ah~ Everyone sleep well I hope. 'cause we have big, big, big day ahead of us."
Meanwhile...
In some distant forest far to the south, another halfling is covered in scratches and bruises in the wee hours of the morning. Yet despite the heavy bags under his eyes, he determined continues the climb to the top, desperate to get the head of a goat out of a tree. A plaintive whine from a fey touched mastiff gives him pause long enough to look at a trio down below. The eldest of which, an elven woman, smiles devilishly up at him as the mastiff tries his best to hold back a young girl with thorny vines covering her arm from trying to climb up after the halfling. One of three gets a glare, before then with a heavy sigh, the halfling continues the long climb up, hoping and praying his party has had an easier go at things at least...
(OOC: Nice interpretations of all the power-ups, everyone. @Ori: Nice touch with the cut to Doozey!)
Dreams had, powers gained, journal read, and tiredness gone, CRAP wakes and comes together for breakfast in the rotunda. Spernik has to be fed and allowed to relieve himself again. If given a chance, the captive complains again and again that the Cult of the Dragon will kill him for this.
Without much else to explore, map, or sketch in the already explored portion of the underground temple, CRAP comes together with the assembled multi-colored puzzle-key in hand. They face the red door in front of them and make sure they make all preparations they intend to make.
(OOC: Are you making any preparations? Is Spernik coming with you beyond the red door once you open it?)
Obsben's chipper attitude failed to dim even during breakfast, as it isn't long into it that she launched into another one of her inspiring tales. This one involving some type of blue and sentient Ooze that went by the name "Da Be Dee", who for one reason or another found himself joining and acting as a member of the Dungsweeper guild in waterdeep, but at night acted as some sort vigilante/detective that went by "Eiffelman"! Unfortunately by the very nature of his being, things tended to go awry one way or another. But that never stopped detective Da Be Dee from solving various cases(most often without even being asked)!
Such tales aside, once the group are finally at the door, Obsben hands Graxx or whoever wanted the honors after begging a moment to cast a few prep spells and donning one of the outfit. "How do I look? Too uncanny?"She asks once the final spell took hold. At any odd or questions, she puts her hands on her hips and smiles. "Why not? Might as well look like someone that belongs if I'm gonna use the robe at all. And if it winds up being a bit of overkill, well, better red than dead as my master used to say."
As far as the Spernik business prior to even re-entering the temple, Obby tried to placate him with promises of everything being fine alongside a few head pats. And if that wasn't enough, she'd suggested at least bringing him back into the temple, but leave him in the column room until the group checked out what was beyond the door. "Knocking him out could also be an option. But since he's been such a sweet boy, I rather not that need be done."
Obsben's Prep:
-Inspiring Leader on Everyone(SB included), granting 14 Temp HP. -Cast Light on Dagger(currently held by Salty Bottom). -Cast from Scroll Protection from Energy(Fire) on Utar(just in case). -Cast (5th level)Aid on Self, Utar, & Neya, granting 20 Max HP and restoring 20. -Cast (4th level)Aid on Graxx and Salty Bottom granting and restoring 15 Max/HP. -Cast (1st level)Disguise Self, masquerading as Cultist Halfling(potentially). -And as previously request regarding the disguise above(and if should matter), some Performance: 17.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Also, depending on who decides to do the honors, Obby gives them a thumbs up and stage whisper, "And don't worry, I'm sure the room won't fill up with fire once you unlock the door"as encouragement(?).
-Bardic Die(d8) for whoever is unlocking the door.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Heard something during the night on the other side of the big red door. Hopefully it's just rats," Utar's thoughts jump to the wererats at Sokol Keep and the Rats Of Unusual Size encountered recently too and corrects himself, "Regular sized, normal rats. Knowing this place even undead ones would be fine, but likely as not it could be bigger."
After a quick breakfast, he checks over what's left of his armour and prepares a couple of spells. "Might be best if you stay here a bit longer, Spernik. We'll check the coast is clear, make sure it's safe first."
Cast death ward on Graxx and Neya and Obsben. Temp hp is nice and all, but relentless endurance is clutch.
If the rest of the party are ready, Utar will open the door.
Spernik: hog-tied, gagged, and left to wait in the mess hall, far away from the red door.
Also, recall that Graxx spent two charges of the Wand of Secrets during the previous in-game day, so he'd have to roll to see how many charges the wand regains. I don't think this was rolled already, so let me do it over here: 1 (3)
The wand then has charges equal to (1 + roll above) but no more than 3 in total. Then, one of these charges is immediately spent on the red door.
-> Graxx waves his wands and confirms that the door is not trapped.
Utar steps forward with the puzzle-key in hand. The key clicks into place and the grating roar of mechanical action fills the air. The door slides down into the floor below revealing the room beyond. This room is approximately 20 feet deep and 30 feet wide, and you can hear the sounds and feel the smells of burning coals, incense, and crackling flame. There is a pile of bones on each corner on this chamber. There are no other exits out of this last room.
The brilliant red and orange tiles covering the walls of this room gleam with reflected torchlight and the faint red glow that emanates from something that floats lazily in the air above a red, stone altar in the middle of the room. The object is quite large —the size and general shape of a large shield— and looks to be made of polished red metal inscribed with runes. The relic and the altar beneath it glow with a soft orange light, bathing the room in dim light. Before you can get closer to inspect it, however, a cold, distant voice interrupts you “Turn from your path, mortals; lest you forfeit your lives.”
The command originates from a tall humanoid figure wearing what looks like heavy armor but made of petrified wood instead of metal. Tree branches grow out of the armor pieces, twisting in unnatural directions, reminding you of the roots breaking through the walls and ceiling around the temple more generally. The person's entire body is covered, except for their head... or should it be called a cranium. The skeletal figure has no muscle, skin, or hair left on its head, though it is able to speak without difficulty. The pauldrons on the unique armor grow tall to each side of the cranium, mimicking faces naturally formed out of knots on trees, and giving the impression this figure has three heads instead of one. This figure, who you judge to be the leader of the Circle of the Scale, is flanked by two other undead figures. These two look more feral, displaying their fangs and claws, their unarmored skin turning mostly blue in undeath. “Do not disturb the scale. Turn from your path. Leave.”
(OOC: If you are satisfied with what you see, you can indeed choose to leave this relic undisturbed. If you want to do anything other than immediately leave, then please roll initiative. There is no surprise round here, so if you are taking any aggressive/defensive action, keep in mind that it will take place during the first round of combat, in whichever order initiative determines.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya is taken aback by the presence of the first undead with, at least, enough of its mind(?) to still speak. She reasons that if it can speak, it can be reasoned with.
"Why do you still protect the Scale? Your order had fallen many years ago and this temple's halls have been neglected ever since?"
For a change of pace, Utar offers to take first watch having eaten and helped Spernik to eat as well.
Perception - 21
(Second watch)
Perception: 21
Extended Signature
CON SAVE: 22
Graxx hands the ring over to Obsben.
"What do you make of this? It looks like something special." Graxx says inquisitively.
Graxx eats one of his rations(deducted) and cleans off his Vicious Pike before stowing it and once more having his mighty axe at this side.
"Sorry you couldn't fight in the last one my friend." Graxx says to his axe.
Graxx runs his hand along his chest.
"You didn't miss much..." Graxx says once more to his axe.
Graxx thinks on the last battle as his eyes start to grow heavy. When he takes his(Third) watch he will keep an eye on the remaining door specifically.
Perception: 24
The group agrees to settle in for the night right outside the still locked, red door. The cleaner space should be more welcoming now that it doesn't stink of death, and any body fluids are magically whisked away. Choosing not to start a fire lest the smoke suffocate them inside, the party calls it a day except for their respective watches. Spernik falls asleep for the entire time, unless someone chooses to un-gag him and engage in conversation.
@Utar: Apart from the sleepy noises made by the party, this entire underground temple is eerily silent. So much so that even the smallest of sonorous disturbances would be noticed. Every now and then, you pick up on some noise coming from outside: rustling leaves, chilly winds, animals howling. The one noise that catches your attention above all else is the scratching sound coming from the other side of the red doors. It happens only once, and it is brief, but you pick up on it. Despite that sign, there is no indication that the door is being manipulated from the other side.
@Neya: The party's Tormite calls you for your watch. Nothing seems to happen during it until you notice that Spernik is having a nightmare. He is mostly grunting when he vocalizes any portion of his dream but, in the rare occasions he mumbles something audible, he seems to be saying a name: "Scorlworyx".
@Graxx: After diving into that pool, you verily stink! That said, whatever disease might inhabit those waters was not able to best your immune system. After you are cleaned up by your new halfling friend, you fall asleep and is eventually called for your watch. You spend some quality time with your weapons and can't resist visiting the sleeping mounts outside for just a moment. All seems well, including with the red door when you go back down.
@Obsben: You had asked the party's Tempuran to wake you up some 15 minutes before your watch so you could ritually cast you identifying spell on the ring he collected from the pool of water while he still kept watch. You have performed this ritual dozens of times and this is just another one. You soon find out that this ring was designed to protect you from cold. You then spend most of your actual watch reading Spernik's journal instead of paying active attention to your surroundings, trusting SB to yell if something deserves such a reaction. Here's a summary of what you learn (we can assume you share this info with the party once they wake up.)
Meaning to raise the issue of something being trapped behind the doors in the next room, Utar settles down into his bedding after waking Neya.
Expecting his dreams to be dominated by dragons given their surroundings, he's surprised that they are focused on the trials he's overcome. His past. His meeting with Aleyd, Moneus, Litta and then other Tormites. His entrance into the priesthood. Previous postings. Phlan. Then his thoughts drift to the trials to come. Knowing the road he's been on, he feels oddly light about where it likely leads. Old orcs and half-orcs aren't a normal sight, even less an old adventurer. Still, looking back he can't help but marvel at the intricate nature of his journey so far. A day later, a moment's hesitation, turning left instead of right, he feels Torm's hand guiding him, even when he didn't know it.
Somehow, whatever comes on the road ahead, Utar is buoyed knowing that he isn't going to face it alone.
Graxx awakens feeling more powerful than he did when he went to sleep.
He knows Tempus has bolstered his call to be able to heal his companions and prevent death.
Graxx thanks Tempus silently.
Graxx feels that destiny is coming in this showdown with the Cult of the Dragon and that he may soon have the clout he needs to free the Sky Ponies.
Or if he controlled a Dragon with this relic... No no... Spernik said it didn't work.
Sleep was slow to come as she started to feel a strange energy suffuse through her. It wasn't the steady, permeating flow of ki that she was used to. Rather it was something more malleable, more chaotic. She was becoming more aware of the Weave, itself. Oddly, the two weren't clashing, but beginning to harmonize. Perhaps her training had some concepts similar to magical disciplines?
Perhaps when she has time, she may inquire with others of the Silent Wood if any others had a similar experience.
Extended Signature
Obsben could be said to be a vivid dreamer if ever asked on the topic. For her dreams were much the same as they've been for a long, long time at this point. The council of "Obby" needed to meet and renew their union least Obsben fell prey again to the whims of a certain goddess! Yet as was more rarer the case, one Obby 'felt' or perhaps heard a tune, and couldn't help but share it with the others, lulling them into such an inspiring melody that, by the time Obsben was awoken for her watch, she yet still hummed the melody as she studied Spernik's books; her soul and mind now far more in tune to the hidden strands and melody that reverberated throughout the weave...
Obby's Tune, for those curious:
Of course as split as her focus had been, she is sure to not to forget other nightly duties as well... Nothing the party had to worry about of course. Rather, if nothing should happen during her watch, the party is treated to the sight of the strange halfling dancing alongside Salty Bottom and singing the song until the growl of her stomach reminds her of breakfast. "Ah~ Everyone sleep well I hope. 'cause we have big, big, big day ahead of us."
Meanwhile...
In some distant forest far to the south, another halfling is covered in scratches and bruises in the wee hours of the morning. Yet despite the heavy bags under his eyes, he determined continues the climb to the top, desperate to get the head of a goat out of a tree. A plaintive whine from a fey touched mastiff gives him pause long enough to look at a trio down below. The eldest of which, an elven woman, smiles devilishly up at him as the mastiff tries his best to hold back a young girl with thorny vines covering her arm from trying to climb up after the halfling. One of three gets a glare, before then with a heavy sigh, the halfling continues the long climb up, hoping and praying his party has had an easier go at things at least...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Nice interpretations of all the power-ups, everyone. @Ori: Nice touch with the cut to Doozey!)
Dreams had, powers gained, journal read, and tiredness gone, CRAP wakes and comes together for breakfast in the rotunda. Spernik has to be fed and allowed to relieve himself again. If given a chance, the captive complains again and again that the Cult of the Dragon will kill him for this.
Without much else to explore, map, or sketch in the already explored portion of the underground temple, CRAP comes together with the assembled multi-colored puzzle-key in hand. They face the red door in front of them and make sure they make all preparations they intend to make.
(OOC: Are you making any preparations? Is Spernik coming with you beyond the red door once you open it?)
(OOC: Only the best prep in the world~)
Obsben's chipper attitude failed to dim even during breakfast, as it isn't long into it that she launched into another one of her inspiring tales. This one involving some type of blue and sentient Ooze that went by the name "Da Be Dee", who for one reason or another found himself joining and acting as a member of the Dungsweeper guild in waterdeep, but at night acted as some sort vigilante/detective that went by "Eiffelman"! Unfortunately by the very nature of his being, things tended to go awry one way or another. But that never stopped detective Da Be Dee from solving various cases(most often without even being asked)!
Such tales aside, once the group are finally at the door, Obsben hands Graxx or whoever wanted the honors after begging a moment to cast a few prep spells and donning one of the outfit. "How do I look? Too uncanny?" She asks once the final spell took hold. At any odd or questions, she puts her hands on her hips and smiles. "Why not? Might as well look like someone that belongs if I'm gonna use the robe at all. And if it winds up being a bit of overkill, well, better red than dead as my master used to say."
As far as the Spernik business prior to even re-entering the temple, Obby tried to placate him with promises of everything being fine alongside a few head pats. And if that wasn't enough, she'd suggested at least bringing him back into the temple, but leave him in the column room until the group checked out what was beyond the door. "Knocking him out could also be an option. But since he's been such a sweet boy, I rather not that need be done."
Obsben's Prep:
-Inspiring Leader on Everyone(SB included), granting 14 Temp HP.
-Cast Light on Dagger(currently held by Salty Bottom).
-Cast from Scroll Protection from Energy(Fire) on Utar(just in case).
-Cast (5th level)Aid on Self, Utar, & Neya, granting 20 Max HP and restoring 20.
-Cast (4th level)Aid on Graxx and Salty Bottom granting and restoring 15 Max/HP.
-Cast (1st level)Disguise Self, masquerading as Cultist Halfling(potentially).
-And as previously request regarding the disguise above(and if should matter), some Performance: 17.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Also, depending on who decides to do the honors, Obby gives them a thumbs up and stage whisper, "And don't worry, I'm sure the room won't fill up with fire once you unlock the door" as encouragement(?).
-Bardic Die(d8) for whoever is unlocking the door.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Heard something during the night on the other side of the big red door. Hopefully it's just rats," Utar's thoughts jump to the wererats at Sokol Keep and the Rats Of Unusual Size encountered recently too and corrects himself, "Regular sized, normal rats. Knowing this place even undead ones would be fine, but likely as not it could be bigger."
After a quick breakfast, he checks over what's left of his armour and prepares a couple of spells. "Might be best if you stay here a bit longer, Spernik. We'll check the coast is clear, make sure it's safe first."
Cast death ward on Graxx and Neya and Obsben. Temp hp is nice and all, but relentless endurance is clutch.
If the rest of the party are ready, Utar will open the door.
Graxx feels bolstered by Obsben's words and ready to face anything this ruin can throw at him.
Graxx thinks of what he can do to help the party.
"If it's not rats, it's either waiting to ambush or not smart enough to open a door."
Graxx once again withdraws his Wand of Secrets. He will use it on the door to see if there are any traps awaiting the group.
OOC
Preparations galore! Let me go over everything because I want to make sure I don't miss any of it.
Also, recall that Graxx spent two charges of the Wand of Secrets during the previous in-game day, so he'd have to roll to see how many charges the wand regains. I don't think this was rolled already, so let me do it over here: 1 (3)
The wand then has charges equal to (1 + roll above) but no more than 3 in total. Then, one of these charges is immediately spent on the red door.
-> Graxx waves his wands and confirms that the door is not trapped.
Utar looks to the others, making sure they're in position. Looking back at Spernik, he guesses the human is safe enough.
Gripping the key, Utar turns it in the lock and opens the door.
"Not trapped", Graxx states verbally as he stows his wand back in his backpack and withdraws his Tempus' Dogma!
Graxx steps up behind Utar ready to charge forward!
"Into the breach, then." Neya says as she nods signifying her readiness for whatever is beyond the door.
Extended Signature
Utar steps forward with the puzzle-key in hand. The key clicks into place and the grating roar of mechanical action fills the air. The door slides down into the floor below revealing the room beyond. This room is approximately 20 feet deep and 30 feet wide, and you can hear the sounds and feel the smells of burning coals, incense, and crackling flame. There is a pile of bones on each corner on this chamber. There are no other exits out of this last room.
The brilliant red and orange tiles covering the walls of this room gleam with reflected torchlight and the faint red glow that emanates from something that floats lazily in the air above a red, stone altar in the middle of the room. The object is quite large —the size and general shape of a large shield— and looks to be made of polished red metal inscribed with runes. The relic and the altar beneath it glow with a soft orange light, bathing the room in dim light. Before you can get closer to inspect it, however, a cold, distant voice interrupts you “Turn from your path, mortals; lest you forfeit your lives.”
The command originates from a tall humanoid figure wearing what looks like heavy armor but made of petrified wood instead of metal. Tree branches grow out of the armor pieces, twisting in unnatural directions, reminding you of the roots breaking through the walls and ceiling around the temple more generally. The person's entire body is covered, except for their head... or should it be called a cranium. The skeletal figure has no muscle, skin, or hair left on its head, though it is able to speak without difficulty. The pauldrons on the unique armor grow tall to each side of the cranium, mimicking faces naturally formed out of knots on trees, and giving the impression this figure has three heads instead of one. This figure, who you judge to be the leader of the Circle of the Scale, is flanked by two other undead figures. These two look more feral, displaying their fangs and claws, their unarmored skin turning mostly blue in undeath. “Do not disturb the scale. Turn from your path. Leave.”
(OOC: If you are satisfied with what you see, you can indeed choose to leave this relic undisturbed. If you want to do anything other than immediately leave, then please roll initiative. There is no surprise round here, so if you are taking any aggressive/defensive action, keep in mind that it will take place during the first round of combat, in whichever order initiative determines.)
DM's Screen:
6 11 3
While the door wasn't trapped, Utar guessed that the scale almost certainly is. Having come this far, he certainly isn't backing down now.
"We've faced your traps and formed the key, why should we leave now? Would you seal yourselves away again?"
Utar's initiative: 17
Neya is taken aback by the presence of the first undead with, at least, enough of its mind(?) to still speak. She reasons that if it can speak, it can be reasoned with.
"Why do you still protect the Scale? Your order had fallen many years ago and this temple's halls have been neglected ever since?"
Initiative: 27
Extended Signature