Ella looks thoroughly unamused. "It's not an exaggeration, or a metaphor. I refer to an actual temple. And trust me, Lady Sharindlar isn't as concerned with grandeur as dragons are," she scoffs. "The temple wasn't extravagant. I'd wager your important noble house was nicer. And unlike you, I didn't get to shirk my studies."

Hearing Dracor’s evaluation, Preston raises an eyebrow. 

"It’s a wonder how these things got here in the first place. In any case, we should gather everything and keep moving.", he suggests.

He didn’t really have anything to add to the conversation about where everyone was brought up. They already knew that he was born in Meadowhaven. That should tell them enough. Although, he was surprised to hear about Wulcrath’s upbringing. He’d love to hear more about everyone once the mission is completed.

"I just said that Temples are really impressive and big, impressive, and full of expensive things... what could be nicer than that!?!..." He would reply with a huff.. "And I believe you... I guess... I am just a bit surprised." He adds... looking you up and down once more. "I am sure you took your duties at the temple very seriously. I bet every candle got lit and that the incense was burned perfectly." You get the impression that the dragonborn assumes that ALL temples are the same and doesn't really have a clue about what duties are carried out in a temple aside from worship services.

When Wulcrath mentions living in a hut in the woods, Dracor nods in a knowing manner. "I've heard of some young nobles enduring all kinds of hardship while training to become knights." The dragonborn says with a nod. 'I had planned to start down that path myself..." Dracor says as he gestures towards his sword. "but uh, well my situation changed." 

When Wulcrath asks about Bahamut, Dracor smiles wide. "Well.. Bahamut is a massive platinum scaled dragon. He is also the biggest, strongest, and most compassionate god in existence! He is tough on evil but kind to those in need.... A true symbol for justice!" the gold and silver scaled dragonborn says as he clenches a fist and holds it up high. "Sometimes, I heard that he will disguise himself as a poor human surrounded by little yellow birds when he wants to communicate with people while keeping his identity a secret." He then leans in a bit closer to Wulcrath and whispers... "But the little yellow birds are actually ancient gold dragons in disguise as well... tasked with protecting Bahamut... Not that he needs help though!" He says with a smile and a pat on the back. "

"I agree..." Dracor replies to Preston. "We should keep moving, we can divide up our treasure once we find Hal!" The dragonborn says as he offers to collect the goods and hold on to them for now.

"O-oh...?" Wulcrath has a wide smile on his face as he listens to Dracor, taking in what he's been told with a nod. "I knew of the symbol for justice thing... but the birds? I'd love for you to tell me more if we find the time." The Big Red Dragonborn is feeling good about finally learning a bit more about his heritage in a way. But Ella's... indignance; if he had to choose a word, has brought him back down, and the interested smile drains from his face.

He looks down at the Dwarf, nodding worriedly before turning his attention back to Dracor. "Y-yeah... seems like the right move. Taking a left this time hmm?" He feels like he should say something but... Dracor seems fine. Maybe he just has a hero complex or something? Regardless, It's between them as of now, and the Fighter is ready delve deeper into the cave and follow the group.

Ella is looking increasingly annoyed. “There’s more to religion than candles and incense, you know.” She runs her fingers over her amulet. “But Preston’s right. We should move.”

After Dracor collects everything from the chest for safekeeping, the group proceeds along the main path, the cave gradually opening up into a spacious chamber. The air feels cooler here, and a soft glow emanates from natural phosphorescent crystals embedded in the walls.

In the center of the chamber lies a pool of clear, still water, reflecting the ambient glow. Small, luminescent insects dance above the surface, creating a mesmerizing display. Stalactites hang gracefully from the ceiling, occasionally dripping droplets of water into the pool below. The soothing sound of the water droplets echoes softly through the cavern.

On the far side of the chamber, an arched passage beckons, leading to a stone wall with a solid stone door. Above the door, someone has carved the following words:

In whispers deep, the heart entwined, a guardian true in shadows bind. Seek the beacon of magic, the balance true, and secrets old shall welcome you.

Dracor collects the items and puts them in his bag. As he gets to the mirror however, doesn't put it away immediately. Holding the mirror at arms length, he checks out his reflection... looking to see if he has missed any spots during his repeated cleaning sessions. 

Moving into the next room, the dragonborn is somewhat impressed. Dracor moves to the pool of water and then turns away from the water and looks into the mirror... creating a bit of an infinity mirror for a moment. If he doesn't notice anything of interest or value under the surface of the water, he would move to read the sign above the door. "Well... it sounds like we need to watch out for shadows..." He says with a grin as he moves his dancing lights to any dark corners of the room... hoping to clear out any shadows. Assuming nothing is found in the dark, he looks to his companions. "I guess we go this way."

Wulcrath is a little mesmerized by his surroundings as they enter this new chamber. He's walking a bit slow, taking it all in as he marvels at just how out of  time and strange this place is, at least to him. Maybe all caves have illusory walls, strange doors, glowing crystals, and chests of loot in them? This is the first one he's ever been in after all. He's brought back to reality by Dracor's voice. "O-oh, yeah. Seems so..." 

Wulcrath's silver gaze finds itself fixed on the crystals on the wall quickly though. Shiny... unlike anything he's ever seen before. "This place is incredible." He finds himself with another smile creeping onto his face, almost giddy at the sight of this seemingly untouched ancient chamber. Traveling wasn't always the most fun for him... this was the most purpose he'd discovered in a while. Looks like wandering isn't all sleeping in the woods and hearing voices in your head...

Preston seems perplexed by the chamber. The soft glow of the crystals, the serene disposition of the cavern, the fireflies, it’s all very impressive for the young soldier. He approaches the pool slowly, almost afraid of disturbing the silence and calmness of this chamber. 

Near the water, he kneels down and gently cups a bit of liquid with his gauntleted hand. He uses some of the water to rub the back of his neck. 

Feeling refreshed, he moves to the stone door with the carving. Poetry was never really his cup of tea. He lacked the subtly to appreciate this art form. But maybe there was more to it?

"Seek the beacon of magic? What could that mean? What is this beacon?", he asks out loud at himself and to anyone willing to listen.

The rhythmic drip-drip-drip sound is the only thing that disturbs the silence. You now know that its source is the water dripping in the small pool. Dracor doesn't seem to find anything interesting inside it, in fact, it is so clear that you can all see its rocky bottom. Nothing lurks in the shadows either. The whole place seems serene and peaceful and you can't help but feel like you are the only ones disturbing the peace and quiet. 

Wulcrath kneels down and pokes around in the water a bit, but ultimately makes his way to the door after he's done being amazed and nosy, shaking his hand free of water as he steps back up to the big stone door. With nothing else in the room catching his attention, he shrugs, plants his feet... and pushes on the big stone blockades before him.

Open Sesame? Strength mayhaps?:  15

7d6? Cool D20 Dndbeyond? 

Trying again and then I'll just put it in the game log if it tries to make me look like im cheating again.. 11

The stone door doesn't seem to move at all.

"Maybe the words have something to do with how to open it," Constable Alena ponders. 

Dracor ponders Alena's words and moves to inspect the door... looking to see if there is any slot or hole where he could place some if the treasures from the treasure chest..

investigation 12

Dracor carefully examines the stone door, running his hands over its surface in search of any hidden mechanisms or openings. However, the door appears solid and seamless, devoid of any visible handles, holes, or slots. Its imposing presence against the cavern wall suggests that it is indeed a door, yet the means to open it remains a mystery.

"Welp... I don't see anything on this door that will help." Dracor says as he frustratedly turns around and rubs his scaley chin. He then looks to all the objects giving off light in the room. "Maybe we need to make it dark in here... It says shadows bind the guardian... so maybe if we make it dark we can see the guardian and then... unbind them? Maybe?" Dracor says with a shrug.

Preston looks around the room, carefully repeating the riddle’s verses. He’s trying to make sense of it. He considers Dracor’s interpretation. It made sense. But how would they go about making this whole room dark?

He considers the other verses. "A heart entwined…Beacon of magic…balance true…Could it be referring to the heartstone we learned about in the previous room?"

He then considers the first part. "Whispers deep…". His heads turns to the single most noticeable thing in the chamber: the pool. "Deep?" Was there something underneath these crystal clear waters? Only one way to find out. 

The young Paladin starts making his way into the pool, disturbing its stillness. Once in the center, he would take a deep breath and plunge his head down to inspect the bottom for anything out of the ordinary.

Investigation: 4

Whether failing or successful, he would come out of the water afterward.

Wulcrath shrugs as the door resists his attempt to open it, and the Dragonborn turns himself around. "Well, I've done all I can do." He says half-jokingly. Though, he really can't make heads or tails of the riddle.

As Dracor takes a stab at the door though, he nods at the Noble's approximation. "Mmm... I could see that. But do we even have a way to-" That's when he's interrupted by the splashing of water, and he turns just in time to watch Preston have himself a dip. The Fighter is taken aback a bit, and his gaze turns back over to Dracor. "W-Was that like anything you had in mind?" He says with a little laugh. 

As Preston begins to muse about the hearthstone, a subtle vibration resonates through the cavern. Suddenly, the stone door, previously impassive, groans open with a grinding noise reminiscent of rocks colliding. A blinding light spills forth from the newly revealed chamber, causing everyone to shield your eyes.

As the brilliance subsides and the group's vision adjusts, an otherworldly sight unfolds before you. The chamber you have entered is a breath-taking replica of a lush forest. Towering trees stretch upward, their branches laden with vibrant leaves. Colourful flowers carpet the ground, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoms. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting dappled patterns on the ground.

At the heart of this surreal scene stands an altar, seamlessly integrated into the forest setting, adorned with moss-covered stones and intricate carvings of woodland creatures.