Ch 3a. The Temple of the Ant

[ragnboneshopper]

Agrim takes an interest in Benson's discovery and looks over his shoulder to see if he can discern any meaning concerning the headstone, any detail that might serve to open a way out. Otherwise, he suggests using the plate to get outside (not the one to Greyhawk) and go from there.

[Stonjuz]

I need to determine the exact standings of the letters obtained upstairs.
As I see it....,
The opened letter, bloodstained, has been examined.
The other letter remains sealed and unread.
Is that how everyone else sees it?

[NJWilliam]

I need to determine the exact standings of the letters obtained upstairs.
As I see it....,
The opened letter, bloodstained, has been examined.
The other letter remains sealed and unread.
Is that how everyone else sees it?

I believe so.

[grey_starr]

Is there no one among us able to help our sightless friend, and remove the curse upon him? maybe it's darkness again? or light? but non the less... he needs something.

*while I watch others check out the marker-stone*

I'm not too keen on doing all this and our only reward is ... bug guts. We should adventure on... assuming Nayman can be dealt helped.

[Nuke66]

"I think we should find a way out before we lose more than Nayman's sight. To adventure further is foolish in my opinion." The druid speaks clearly, folding his arms across his chest.

[NJWilliam]

Branc Temugen, Mage

"Perhaps the second letter can provide some insight or information about this."

With that, Branc examines the seal more closely before breaking it to read the contents.

While examining it, he adds, "I myself could use a rest before I harness more magic, perhaps the magic in this area would help regaining my concentration in that regard."

[grey_starr]

To not adventure farther is boring and little girl like...

*walking over to Branc*

If you're afraid to open it... I'll stand over there and do it - though I'm not so sure I could read it.

[Stonjuz]

Nayman stands in the encroaching darkness. He knows not what is to become of himself. Left to his thoughts, he tries to think of a happy place. (Save vs. Death, in fact, why dont you just roll about three,four, five or six of them now, to save time later)

The tiara, laid upon the ground, creates a dome area emmitting the darkness spell somewhere off further into the approx. 100' x 100' cavern. Benson, Branc, Garth and Agrim, almost to the far end, all have torchlights. (Yes?, How many are holding them?)

At the marker, Branc leaves the stone to the others and reveals the letter. Benson volunteers to try the seal if the wizard deems it fitting. His stomach grumbles and the guardsman too thinks about a rest, or meal at the least.

Agrim, still interested in the marker, motions to give his lightsource to Garth and kneels down. The passing of the torch seems delayed for what Argim was expecting and he looks over to Garth who stands and seems bewildered, contemplating an exit.

[NJWilliam]

Branc Temugen, Mage

Branc nods to Benson in the light of his torch, hands him the letter and says, "Aye, break the seal if you would."

[grey_starr]

Alright then...

*Benson hangs the club with the other on his hip - it does not look all that comfortable, since it's really only meant to hold the one... then takes the letter from the Mage, and goes to the edge of the light and fearlessly opens it up*

[ragnboneshopper]

Agrim will strike his own torch and continue examining the marker, with axes hung on his belt, shield returned to his back, and scimitar in his good right hand. "You're r-right," he says to Benson, "it is cowardl-l-ly to flee. I onl-l-ly fearrr N-Nayman will get worse. I t-too wish t-to con-n-n... go on if a way can be opened."

[Stonjuz]

Benson tears the letter outward, upon itself, breaking the Iuz seal.
Nothing happens.

[grey_starr]

*i proceed to examin what the letter at make my attempt at reading it*

[Stonjuz]

One glimpse upon the calligraphy that is Iuzian print sends fear rushing thru the brain. Benson tries to hold the letter at a distance, but moves not, trying, praying, to let the note slip thru his fingers perhaps. Save vs. Petrif.

[grey_starr]

DPP(14): [1d20] = 7, PP(16): [1d20] = 8, RSW(15): [1d20] = 15, B(17): [1d20] = 16, S(17): [1d20] = 18

[Stonjuz]

[1d100] = 6 [1d20] = 17 [1d10] = 8 [1d8] = 3 [1d6] = 6 [1d4] = 4

The three spellcasters watch as the letter falls and Benson collapses back upon himself, barely avoiding a nearby rock formation on his way down. "I REALLY think we should find a way out before we lose more. To adventure further is foolish." The druid speaks again, louder, unfolding his arms from across his chest and adds, "See?".

Greystarr is out for 4 hours.
250 xp for trying it.

[NJWilliam]

Branc Temugen, Mage

"They would only bother protecting it like that if it was valuable information."

Branc steps over to Benson, picks up the letter, and peruses it.

[ragnboneshopper]

Seeing that Branc intends to look at the letter, Agrim grabs his arm to catch his attention and holds up a finger as if to ask him to wait. He then incants a brief prayer, hoping to grant Branc some level of magical resistance before making his attempt to peruse the letter's contents. Then Agrim stands by to keep Branc from hitting his head if he too should fall to the ground...


OOC: This orison is written as follows (so Agrim is stretching yet again for an orison that he has likely never tried quite this way):

Resistance to magic: The caster gains a +1 bonus to his next saving throw against magic of any type, as long as it occurs during the orison’s duration.

[Stonjuz]

Agrim gives a common prayer to Branc regarding magic defenses. Branc readies the parchment for perusal. The warding runes that disabled Benson, still remain.
(Almost there. Save vs. Petrfc: with +1 for the orison, +1 for expecting it, and +1 for mage knowledge)

[NJWilliam]

Branc Temugen, Mage

Letter in hand, Branc pauses and clears his mind while Agrim intones a prayer.
Opening the letter, he begins to read, cautious of the warding magic that caught Benson moments before.

Branc, Save vs. Petrification (13): [1d20] = 14 (+3 = 17)