Starker goes over to the altar and examines it carefully.
<investigation roll = 18>
” Riddles … in the dark
”Has anyone tried going up those spiral staircases?
It is an altar of black stone. Sitting on top of the altar is a 1' diameter gold disc standing on edge depicting a skull with ruby eyes and garnets cut into the shape of drops of blood surrounding the skull. You get a sense of "expectation" from the altar.
Xymox studies the parchment as the others look on. His voice, smooth but edged with intrigue, fills the chamber.
“I’d wager the answer’s words…”
As he speaks, the lettering on the pages ripples like ink disturbed by breath, alive for a moment—then still again. His crimson eyes narrow slightly, and he exhales a soft, knowing chuckle.
“Well now… it seems our author approves. Either that, or the page just took offense to my tone. Best keep your tongues sharp, friends—this room listens.”
Xymox stands above the desk and utters his answer. There is a ripple across the papers of the desk and a silver, glyph-covered rod about 1' long appears. It rests upon the papers on the desk.
Starker:”The altar has an air of anticipation. The gold disc’s diameter is the same as the length of the rod that was exposed in the workbench … coincidence, or design?
”Words
”Time
”Power”
if nothing happens, strikes EmFer’s Chastisement with the tuning fork.
Kragen looks at the disc again and nods at Chadwick. “Sir Chadwick is correct, it is an unholy symbol of Bhaal. This altar needs to be desecrated!” Is frowning now at the altar.
Starker:”As soon as I have finished rummaging through this alchemical assortment I think perhaps we should light the dragon brazier. The current geometrical arrangement lacks the beauty of consistent symmetry.”
Starker:”Friends and Colleagues, please restrain your zeal. Tyr has suffered this arrangement’s existence for a long time, a few minutes more will not offend Him. Let us make sure that we have recovered all the clues and puzzle pieces and keys before we indulge ourselves with the joys of desecration. After all, Tyr would be upset if the lich survived and we kept the Staff away from its rightful owner.”
<continues to examine alchemical workbench and, when finished, lights the dragon brazier.”
The beakers and vials of reagents begin to glow briefly under Starker’s touch. There are many of these scattered about the workbench. A large beaker is full of a milky, green fluid that is boiling furiously beside an empty beaker. You can see three glowing sigils behind all of the containers on the backboard of the workbench.
It is an altar of black stone. Sitting on top of the altar is a 1' diameter gold disc standing on edge depicting a skull with ruby eyes and garnets cut into the shape of drops of blood surrounding the skull. You get a sense of "expectation" from the altar.
Yartol looks better, but still beaten down a bit. He sheathes his swords and readies his bow, looking about and above.
Xymox studies the parchment as the others look on. His voice, smooth but edged with intrigue, fills the chamber.
“I’d wager the answer’s words…”
As he speaks, the lettering on the pages ripples like ink disturbed by breath, alive for a moment—then still again. His crimson eyes narrow slightly, and he exhales a soft, knowing chuckle.
“Well now… it seems our author approves. Either that, or the page just took offense to my tone. Best keep your tongues sharp, friends—this room listens.”
Xymox stands above the desk and utters his answer. There is a ripple across the papers of the desk and a silver, glyph-covered rod about 1' long appears. It rests upon the papers on the desk.
Starker:”The altar has an air of anticipation. The gold disc’s diameter is the same as the length of the rod that was exposed in the workbench … coincidence, or design?
”Words
”Time
”Power”
if nothing happens, strikes EmFer’s Chastisement with the tuning fork.
Starker intones words over the altar with no effect. The chime of the tuning fork echoes throughout the room. Nothing seems to change.
Starker:”Perhaps expertise in religious arts would be more useful than my arcanic aptitude here, Father Kragen?”
Kragen looks to Starker and nods, moves to the Altar and examines the setup, searching his memory for religious rituals.
religion check 6+3=9
“This altar and contents do not match anything I have read about? I am unsure of any acts associated with this type of setup.” Shrugs his shoulders
Starker:”Perhaps the alchemical workstation will be more forthcoming.
<goes over to alchemical workbench>
”Recall that the last time one of The Company touched this a fell creature fell from the ceiling. Prepare yourselves, I suggest
<gives everyone a few moments to gather their wits and ready their weapons>
”Here I go!”
<starts to root about the alchemical workbench, search for clues or hints or hidden conpartments>
investigation = 19
Chadwick exclaims 'Oh, wait!" Causing folks to jump.
"I remember that thing, the gold disc on the altar is the unholy symbol of Bhaal, the god of murder. Nasty fellow"
Kragen looks at the disc again and nods at Chadwick. “Sir Chadwick is correct, it is an unholy symbol of Bhaal. This altar needs to be desecrated!” Is frowning now at the altar.
Starker:”As soon as I have finished rummaging through this alchemical assortment I think perhaps we should light the dragon brazier. The current geometrical arrangement lacks the beauty of consistent symmetry.”
Would tossing the alter down 60’ to crash in the floor below be a satisfactory desecration, Kragen?
Holy water followed by placing something under a it and folding it with my boot- work for the disk?
Starker:”Friends and Colleagues, please restrain your zeal. Tyr has suffered this arrangement’s existence for a long time, a few minutes more will not offend Him. Let us make sure that we have recovered all the clues and puzzle pieces and keys before we indulge ourselves with the joys of desecration. After all, Tyr would be upset if the lich survived and we kept the Staff away from its rightful owner.”
<continues to examine alchemical workbench and, when finished, lights the dragon brazier.”
Chadwick looks disappointed about not getting to throw something down the hole.
Yartol marvels at the need for random destruction you all possess....
The beakers and vials of reagents begin to glow briefly under Starker’s touch. There are many of these scattered about the workbench. A large beaker is full of a milky, green fluid that is boiling furiously beside an empty beaker. You can see three glowing sigils behind all of the containers on the backboard of the workbench.
Starker:”Do any of you recognoze these sigils?”
Do either the boiling liquid or the sigils ring a bell?
investigation 19
arcana 11
perception 4
Xymox points at the others...