OOC: The DM has informed me that the ruined hut was in the first hours of the day before we RP'D camp. Do we want to investigate or just move on?

A thing that both Bryn and Thallan notice not long after they set out from Luskan was that although they were both wrapped to the nines in layers of cold-weather clothing The Piper was wearing nothing more than normal travelling clothes - yet the cold did not seem to affect him. 

"How is it you're so comfortable in such weather, partner?" Thallan asks the one called Piper.

OOC: Are we skipping the ruin? I don't mind if we do

OOC: In situations like this, my inner gamer wrestles with my inner role player. One wants to do EVERYTHING. The other leans toward reality. In reality, what reason do we have to investigate the ruin? We're evidently on a deadline, and we really don't even know where we're going. Thallan is not the curious type, except where people are concerned. However, inside, we might run into adventure and treasure. What would Bryn do?

OOC: Bryn has a wandering and curious nature. He loves to learn and discover new things, not in a greedy/hoard all knowledge way, more in a grew up sheltered and wants to discover the world. So he would vote to investigate the ruins, maybe even started in that direction but if the groups wants to move on he will comply with out complaint as he is sure he will have more opportunities

The Piper, who has been brooding since the Inn, finally responds to the prompting. "Uh, I have these boots that I won in a poker game some years back. They seem to keep my feet warm and this warmth runs all the way up through my body. I don't seem to feel the cold when I am wearing them. I prefer to be unencumbered with too much clothing, as they seem to hamper my movements and fighting style." He continues, "I think we should investigate the ruin, we may find some new stories to tell."  

Thallan grins, giving a solid nod. "Sounds like we're taking a little detour, partners." On the way, he comments to the Piper, "Those boots sound mighty nice."

The party make their way to the ruined building. As they get closer they realise that it was a sometime in the past a shrine of some sort. However they realise that more recently it has been used as a den by some sort of animal for there are piles of white fur in drifts in the corners of the room. There are also deep scratches on the walls scoring through ancient artwork of what appears to be creatures that combine a female upper torso with the body of a lion. The creatures seem to be worshiping some sort of tall humanoid creature but its details have been obscured by the deep scratches and the patina of age.

"Yes," replies Ebonitus, "they are amongst my favourite possessions." He then has a close look at the images on the wall to see what he can recall from his religion classes at the monastery (Religion check: 2). He seems to remember something...

He then has a good look at the fur and the scratches to see if he can determine what sort of creature it may be that is inhabiting this former shrine.

Survival check: 18 (or if you think investigation is more appropriate: 16) 

He then has a close look at the images on the wall to see what he can recall from his religion classes at the monastery (Religion check: 18). He seems to remember something...

The Piper who seems to now also be called Ebonitus recalls that the Demon Lord Grazzt was often accompanied by a coterie of Lamias.

He then has a good look at the fur and the scratches to see if he can determine what sort of creature it may be that is inhabiting this former shrine.

The Piper aka Ebonitus cannot determine exactly what created the scratches but it was not a bear. The scratches are of varying age but the newest probably date to last winter.  

"Now, this is interesting," Thallan says, adjusting his stance and putting his hands on his hips before the artwork. "Whoever drew this must have had some very interesting stories to tell. It looks like it's pretty old." He looks around at the fur. "Whatever has been living here doesn't seem to appreciate the artistry, however," he jokes. He lowers his voice a couple of decibels. "Perhaps we should leave before it comes back."

The Piper, recovers from his torpor and has shivers down his spine as he remembers the classes on Demon Lord Graz'zt. He tells Thallan and Bryn  "Whatever lived here hasn't been around for a year or so and the shrine looks like it has been inactive for somewhat longer. I suspect there was more to this shrine than this and I expect some ornate 'pleasure' rooms would be attached. It is possible that the creature inhabiting here accidentally activated a secret door leading to these 'pleasure' rooms and stumbled through and got trapped. It is probably dead by now." As he is saying this, the Piper investigates the scratchings and walls closely to see if he can find the mechanism for a secret door.

(OOC: I'm not sure which to use, perception or investigation, so I will roll both and let the DM choose)

Investigation: 21

Perception: 14

As he is saying this, the Piper investigates the scratchings and walls closely to see if he can find the mechanism for a secret door.

The Piper does find a mechanism for a secret door but it appears to have frozen - possibly he estimates because it has not been used in a long time.

"Well," says the Piper, "Do we force the door, or continue on our merry way?"

(OOC: I'll bot Bryn while Jono is on site in the middle of nowhere)

"I'm more interested in the hear and now rather than what happened long ago" Bryn responds to The Piper's question "so I say keep going."  

"Pleasure rooms?" Thallan asks happily. "That sounds nice," he adds innocently. When the Piper mentions forcing the door open, the big half-elf steps forward to help, but then halts when Bryn expresses a desire to leave. Raising his eyebrows, Thallan looks back and forth to see which — the Piper or Bryn — will give in.

"It's early in the day, We're fresh and I'm curious, let's have a look." responds Ebonitus. "C'm on Bryn, where's your sense of adventure." Then he tries again to work the mechanism and/or help Thallan to force the door open.

Thallan with The Piper's assistance put their shoulder to the door to see if they can move it (24). They manage to push the door open and see a circular room. In the middle of the room is a large circular plinth about 10 feet in diameter. On the roof above the plinth they can see chips of some sort of reflective material. The walls of the room are covered in the remains of friezes depicting creatures - mostly humans - cavorting with each other, demons and animals. A tall attractive demon can be seen overseeing the activities as well as being an active participant. There are also several empty niches in the walls. 

Thallan walks in, smiling and looking around. Spying the artwork (but not really looking at it) on the walls and the reflective chips on the ceiling, he nods. "I'm pretty pleased." He bends over and smacks his hand against the top of the plinth twice. "What do you suppose this is for?"