To Zephyros' words, Lyra gives a small, sad smile. "You're right, they made their choices a long time ago. But I still can't help feeling sorry for them. Not because of what they did, but because of what they lost." 

When Eldrin steps in, Lyra nods and quietly slips out of the room. After they finish examining the holy symbol, she glances around the ruined temple and asks the others, "So... we cannot pass through that room. Is there any other door leading deeper into the temple? Anything we might have missed?" She tries to look around, keeping close to whoever carries a source of light, since she cannot see in the dar. (Perception: 20)

Eldrin,

Your detect magic doesn't register the holy symbol Zephyros currently holds as magical. However, your spell fades shortly after recognizing this fact.

Lyra,

Returning to the temple's main room, you make a circuit of the room and find what you believe to be three additional secret doors. Two on the Eastern wall, one to the South of the altar, and one to the North. The third door is located on the North wall of the room, directly across from the secret door in the South wall.

Everyone,

After seeing how these doors work, you can easily identify how to open them. Let me know which one, if any, you would like to explore.

Seeing Lyra identify additional secret doors, Meira takes a look around the chamber. "I'd start with the one closest to where we just were."

(OOC - I think that is on the East wall to the South of the altar.)

Zephyros stares briefly at the amulet, almost in amusement. "Personally, I don't believe in blessings or curses, only flame and blade." The warrior states. "So master Eldrin, considering you are the expert mage here, you may have it if you'd like." Ironheart adds, extending the trinket to the high elf. If Eldrin does not accept the necklace, Zephyros gives it to anyone who asks for it. If no one takes it, the grizzly man drops it into his bag.

Zephyros follows Lyra into the main chamber, always watching the corners, doors, and ceiling.

Perception: 13

Yarina follows Lyra as well, lighting the way for everyone with her torch.

Meira comments to Zephyros and the others, "Keep in mind we have to divide what we find with the dwarves. That symbol seems like a good item to put on the dwarf list."

Eldrin clasps his hands behind his back, his gaze lingering for a moment on the proffered amulet. His voice remains neutral, almost clinical.

"Given its origin, it is best left to the dwarves. Let those to whom this legacy belongs contend with its burdens."

He offers no move to accept it, and instead turns his attention fully to the chamber and the secret doors Lyra has uncovered. His sharp gaze drifts from one hidden entrance to the next, and slowly, he begins to pace a measured line across the stone floor, eyes narrowing in thought.

"Consider," he murmurs more to himself than the others, "if one were to draw lines between these secret doors, their placement around the altar, the heart of the temple, would a pattern emerge? Some symbol tied to their god, perhaps?"

He folds his arms, studying the spatial arrangement, mind sifting through lore and remembered iconography.

History or Religion check same Mod: 17

 Eldrin,

Logic and reason tell you the layout of the temple is likely mirrored, with the main altar area at the center and a potential secondary room deeper in the ruins. However, dwarven architecture wasn't a major focus of your studies. As such, you have no idea if this temple's design holds a deeper purpose or significance.

Everyone,

Have we agreed to press on and open the Southeastern door Lyra has discovered?

 (I'm yes on trying the SE for next!)

(Fine by me as well)

(Agreed!)

[Yes]

Adventurers,

After agreeing to press on through the Southeastern secret passage, Zephyros takes the lead and opens the door. His experience with the previous door helps him make quick work of it, and the stone slab pivots on hidden hinges unused in countless years. As the door swings open, the light from the lantern and torches illuminates a third Ooze that immediately lashes out at Zephyros. However, he deftly dodges out of the way.

Combat begins, Round one initiative:

• Meira 23
• Eldrin 18
• Yarina 17
• Lyra 12
• Zephyros 10
• Gareth 7
• Ochre Jelly 1

Updated map: Let me know if you'd like to adjust your starting location. You may post your actions in any order, and I'll resolve the actions in the order of initiative.

"Ugh! Away with you, you nasty creature!" Lyra exclaims, snapping her fingers. A glimmering beam of radiant light zips toward the ooze. "How many of these things are in this temple?" the young cleric thinks, making a disgusted face as she moves away from harm.

Action: Holy Word To Hit: 24 / Damage 7

Movement: If she can do this without provoking AOO, she will retreat two squares to the left and one up. Just in the middle of the two columns.

Meira is forced to set down her lantern in order to take up her shortbow.  She quickly fires a shot at the ooze.

(Shortbow Attack: 22, Damage: 5 + 4 sneak attack)

After firing, she moves back to the west of the SW pillar, leaving room for Lyra to slip between the pillars - if she can. Meira then hides. (Stealth: 16)

Yarina pulls out a javelin and throws it at the slime.

Action: javelin to hit 19, damage 10 piercing

Eldrin steps to the side with controlled precision, robes rustling as he takes in the ooze. 

His fingers rise, each digit forming an arcane gesture in smooth succession, like a scholar turning the pages of a familiar tome. With a flick of his wrist, he draws a glowing sigil in the air, three swift strokes, traced in light that burns blue at the edges. His voice is a quiet thread of authority, barely above a whisper:

“Ignis linea.”

The Weave responds.

A narrow lance of fire spirals from his outstretched palm, twisting like an arrow loosed from a bowstring. It flares golden at the core with veins of ember-bright orange, crackling through the air with a thin whine. The bolt arcs with purpose, illuminating the walls as it sails forward toward the ooze, its gelatinous form already beginning to recoil.

Eldrin does not linger to admire the spell’s flight. His eyes remain fixed on the creature’s reaction, already preparing for what might come next.

Action: Fire Bolt 21 to hit; 6 fire damage.

"Stupid sludge," The prepared warrior sighs, his breath filled with almost pity. "When will those afflicted with stupidity learn?! Death shall teach you! " Zephyros shouts, already sending his trident to pierce his foe.

Sailing through it's opponent, the three prongs glisten with it's flawless points.

Yanking the polearm free from the jelly, Ironheart readies himself to parry his adversary's next attack against one of his friends.

Trident attack: 19

Damage: 11

Reaction: 

Everyone,

Owlbear hasn't been active for a little over a week, so I will bot her action.

Combat begins, Round one initiative:

• Meira 23
  You drop your lantern as the creature lashes out at Zephyros. In a split second, your bow and arrow are in your hands. You loose the arrow, and it flies just over Zephyros' shoulder, sinking into the sludge. You move back and disappear behind a pillar.
• Eldrin 18
  (Excellent description) With the ease of practiced elegance, you send a bolt of fire at your foe. It hits the creature leaving a scorched mark and crusting over the Ooze where hit.
• Yarina 17
  Your javelin flies past Zephyros' left shoulder, embedding deep into the Ooze.
• Lyra 12
  Your whispered prayer is answered immediately. Divine energy releases from your fingertip, striking the Ooze and causing it to sizzle with radiant light.
• Zephyros 10
  You yell a challenge at the creature as your trident darts forward. It sinks into the sludge, breaking off chunks that your ally had burned. The chunks fall at your feet.
• Gareth 7
  You backpeddle, trying to gain some distance from the Ooze while drawing your bow. You loose an arrow and manage to finish off the creature before it has a chance to retaliate against anyone.
• Ochre Jelly 1 (Dead)

What amazing rolls! Well done, everyone. Combat has ended. Past the creature, the hallway wraps around to the North before wrapping back around to the West. Opening the northern door brings you back into the main room of the temple. The hallway is choked with rubble. What would you like to do?