Chapter 3: Beyond the Portal

[Psychie]

Renna moves over to the first door and waits for everyone to get into position nearby. Just because she sensed no evil is no reason to expect that there won't be something in there that might try to hurt them. "Everyone, I'm about to open the door. Stand ready." With that warning given, she grabs the first handle and opens it up.

Spoiler

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak prepared to go into the door with the others once Renna opened it. Flexing his claws, he stepped through the door and into what lay beyond.

 

[Silanon]

The room you're entering is of medium size - squarish, with maybe 30 feet between you and the light grey wall on the other side. It is completely empty except for a small fountain right in the middle of the chamber. It's not much more than a stone bowl, artfully decorated with ivy ornaments; a hand-sized alligator statue seated on a small pillar in the middle of it disgorges the clear, water-like fluid that fills the bowl below. Up to the burbling sound, nothing can be heard; a sweet smell is in the air; maybe a bit pungent, but not too unpleasent.

On the other side of the fountain, you notice another statue; an elven woman in a robe, kneeling in front of the bowl. Vines are woven into her long hair, the same kind that covers most of the dead trees in the northern swamps. She carries a quarterstaff on her back, obviously petrified as well, but does not look like much of a fighter otherwise. As you enter, no reaction can be noticed - at least for now, she seems to be just an ordinary statue.

 

[Orikanyo]

"...Curiouser and curiouser...." Carinall, largely quiet took his time to examine the bowl and the statues. "Why the statues...? Tiny alligator, give me your secrets... No? Nonono, perhaps but a simple alligator... The woman... Perhaps another guardian statue"

He looked over the statue once more, examining the fine detail. "...Beautiful... A shame to be just a statue..."

Perception check go.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

As the door opens, Baird scans the room and notices the two statues. Seeing the elven woman utilizing a quarter staff causes Baird to recall the harpy statue and decides to look carefully in case he triggers something.

 

[Silanon]

Just like in case of the minotaur and harpy, the statue of the elven woman shows too many small little details to just be expertly crafted. In fact, you would not be surprised if she opened her eyes and stood up to welcome you, particularly after the happenings just a few moments ago. From what you can tell after examining her for just a while longer, you'd expect her to be from the northern, swampy area - if she's from the mainland you're familiar with at all. She simply has this slightly barbaric look to her: Dozens of small hunting trophies - some impressive teeth, the bone of an animal, and other small talismans of that kind - hang from dozens of necklaces she's wearing. Amongst them, a couple of religios symbols stick out - a little emblem that shows the sign of Pharasma, the Mother of Souls, as well as one honoring Gozreh, deity of nature. Perhaps, she is/was/depicts a former spritual leader? Either way, you certainly couldn't imagine her to walk through any remotely civilized place - there is a certain ferocity in her appearance, even though you can't point out exactly what makes you think so. Even here, in the clean and empty room, she seems slightly out of place.

Compared to her, the little alligator certainly lacks quite some details - while it's still good craftmanship, it lacks something - perhaps it's the fact that its eyes are open and don't show any sign of liveliness.

 

[Orikanyo]

"How fascinating... Were she not stone she would be beautiful... But perhaps she is not? Pharasma... Gozreh... Both are dualistic godesses, one of the cycle of life and death, the other the power of the winds and waves...

Though... it is said gozreh is also a god... and goddess... or... either? Confusing.." The alchemist's knowledge on the gods is not truly complete, but he cannot truly say why thia statue would be here.

"But likely... this one is another statue the comes to life... it seems to alive not to be... Perhaps asking?"

He cleared his throat for a moment, not waiting for other's input, there was discoveries to be had and he was tired of watching others do the things.

"Greetings one of stone, forgive us our curiosity, we mean no harm." In truth, this wasn't the first time hes talked to a statue, it'd however would be the first time it would reply... if it indeed would.

 

[Psychie]

Renna once more lowers her blade. "She is not evil, that much I can tell you. Perhaps she is a guardian of this water? Can one of those with arcane talent can tell if it is magical?"

Spoiler

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Sherwood]

Wren shrugs. "That is far out of my list of talents. The only way that I might be able to tell that the water is magical is if I were to try to drink it, but I'm not about to do that. Too dangerous. Who knows what spells might be on that liquid." She shakes her head. "Nope. I'll wait for the all clear from one of our mages."

While waiting for the spellcasters to do their work, Wren will take a moment to look around for any pressure plates or other nasties that might be waiting for the unwary to trigger it.

Spoiler

Hit Points: 32
Melee Strike: +4 (+8 with lightweight weapons)
Ranged Strike: +8
Initiative: +6

Armor Class: 20 +1 vs Trap Attacks
Fort Save: +3
Reflex Save: +9 +1 vs Traps
Will Save: +3
Perception: +13 (+15 to Locate Traps)
Stealth: +12

 

[Orikanyo]

"Shush I am trying to communicate with the lifelike statue that may or may not speak back." Now the absurdity of his comment didn't hit him until he finished... but stilll...

It was Rude to detect evil on a person you are talking to.

 

[Silanon]

First off: The rogue's eyes do not notice any kind of danger. In fact, you are pretty certain that there is nothing hidden within this chamber, so you won't have to worry about traps or other surprises.

At first, the alchemist's words don't seem to cause any kind of reaction. Not too much of a surprise, to be fair, it is a statue, after all - but still likely somewhat disappointing. Neither Renna's request nor Wren's assessment change anything, either - the stone remains silent right until you all are certain that nothing will happen. Then, she suddenly moves her head, stony eyelids open up silently and dark green eyes muster those gathered in front of her. The ivy in her hair turns green as the elven woman glances over you without focussing on anyone in particular - the stone face shows no expression at all, other than a knowing smile.

"She may speak back, at least for a while." The lips barely move as they form the words - and yet, you can hear the melodic, quite low-pitched voice without any trouble. Moreover, she does speak common - so everyone will understand her words. "You say you came here and meant no harm - and yet, you started the very first fight within these chambers after centuries of peace. Tell me, young lady, are you proud of your deeds?" The woman musters Renna for a while, before once more eyeing the others. "Good and evil have no meaning on the isle of gatherings - those of us who defend this place will make sure that it stays neutral ground."

 

[Orikanyo]

Carinall, proven right about his suspicions, looks like a cat who got the cream, despite being underneath a helm he did look proud to be right... Though a wave of guilt did overcome that once her words hit... Being scorned by this beauty was certainly stinging...

He tried to come up with something to say and sighed. "....Sorry... The swamp was fraught with danger, at every turn a trap, orc ambush or the wilds looking for the next meal, the odd peace of this place took one off guard..." he did his best to explain and apologize. "We thought the worst.."

 

[Silanon]

"Given your expression right now, it rather seems as if you actually didn't think at all. Fo a long time, I thought that to be a human trait only - it is sad to see that I was wrong." In this very moment, she seems old despite her elven features - certainly not because of her appearance, but because of the tiredness and sadness in her eyes; as if she had seen hundreds of pointless fights. "I once knew the swamps you are talking about better than everyone else - they were a quiet and peaceful place, just like this one until you broke its silence." She pauses for a moment, then makes a step backwards, away from the fountain in front of her.

"Regardless, I am not the one to accept your apologies - refresh yourselves if you wish to find peace, it may take decades until these halls open once more."

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird dwells on the statue's words and then speaks in elvish. "We are truly sorry for disturbing the peace of this isle. Although it is as you say, we may be the first ones in centuries to step foot on this island. However, what can we do to apologize for what we have done?"
Diplomacy Check.

 

[Psychie]

Renna places her hands over her chest and bows her head before the elf statue/woman. In her most sincere voice, she says, "I am deeply sorry for the mistake that we made. I feel responsible, for when I sensed for the presence of evil, I could tell that one of the figures was evil, and I warned my companions. Instead of giving the situation a chance to resolve itself, our party attacked, causing the disruption you spoke of. I swear as a paladin of Iomedae, if we can fix this and atone for our sins, we will."

Spoiler

I am going to try to add my Diplomacy roll to support Bairds.

 

[Silanon]

It might just be your imagination; but as both of you speak, it seems as if the statue's elven face slowly comes to life. It starts with a somewhat surprised expression as she hears her native tongue, and turns more thoughtful as you continue. She does not seem too fond Renna's choice of deity - but that does not seem to make too much of a difference as she speaks after a short, slightly awkward moment of silence.

"Your mentor should be proud of his teachings, seeing how well you speak the elven tongue." She seems to consider to add more, but instead simply switches to common. "You might have misunderstood me, though : This place is not peaceful due to the lack of travellers, but due to the discilpine of those who pass through. This isle has seen movements of entire armies, and yet no fighting has taken place."

She reaches out for her quarterstaff, and leans onf the stony weapon as more changes can be seen - her movements seem to become more fluid, though also unsteady as if the elf wasn't used to movement anymore. "Until you came in through a portal that had not been opened for you to begin with." Her green eyes muster you sternly as she pauses yet again. "For every law, there is a rule for those who happen to break it. Those who were harmed will propose a trial to make up for your mistakes; until then, you may offer them more insight, or use these chambers just as if you were guests." She turns towards Renna in particular: "There is a shrine dedicated to most common deities on the opposite side - and while Iomadae's name is not too much appreciated here, her symbols are amongst those engraved in its walls. You may ask her for guidance if you wish, just respect that others are similarly worshipped in the very same place."

Another pause. "if there is something you would like to know, you may ask about it anytime. And if you allow me to ask a question myself: How are things on the other side? It might not be my home any longer - but I would still be very much interested to know why exactly you came here."

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak watched everything happening in silence. He would let his allies partake in finding out what this place truly was. He knew his strengths and non-combat interaction was not among them. The statue thing that was slowly changing into a mammal unnerved him. Until it became a threat, he would continue to observe silently. His eyes were not nearly as sharp as Wren's, so he did not try to see if there were more here than meets the eye. He even remained stoic when hearing they may be stuck here for years.
Upon hearing her question about the events that brought them here, Veskassdak said just one word. "War."

 

[Silanon]

"Almost all of those who stride through the portals do so because of war. Most simply pass through to fight their rightful battles in places they have never seen before. Some arrive to search for allies against whatever they believe to be evil." A short look in Renna's direction, the hint of a mocking smile on her lips. "Only a few decide to stay for longer, tired of endless bloodshed and pointless chaos." The smile fades as she speaks the last words - for just a moment, she seems lost in thought.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren gives a wry smile. "Well, I must say that I am glad to be here. Anywhere in the world away from the drama of back home. I am curious, though. Just where are we? Can you tell us a bit about this place and where it is on a map?"

Spoiler

Hit Points: 32
Melee Strike: +4 (+8 with lightweight weapons)
Ranged Strike: +8
Initiative: +6

Armor Class: 20 +1 vs Trap Attacks
Fort Save: +3
Reflex Save: +9 +1 vs Traps
Will Save: +3
Perception: +13 (+15 to Locate Traps)
Stealth: +12

 

[Silanon]

Mentioning the troubles you're running away from gets you a curious look - the elven statue does not inquire, though. Instead, she solely focusses on your question. "Even if I wanted, I could not tell you the exact position of this place. Seeing the stars tells me that it is further north than any other place I've ever been to - however, as you already noticed, that is of almost no relevance. In some sense, this place is close to every known point of importance; just pass through the right portal and you will be within a day's journey of it."

She spreads her arms as if she wanted to embrace the entire place. "As for the isle itself: It is part of the lawbringer's domain, though he only watches it from afar these days - it is neutral ground where entities gather whot rarely get along. Apart from that, it is a waypoint for those who are worthy to walk through the portals, and those few who accidentily manage to enter."

 

[Psychie]

"Neutral ground? That is good to know now, so we don't repeat the same mistake we did upon our arrival." Renna shifts her feet in embarrassment for breaking the peace before. "It is my worry, though, that many of the orcs that are waging their fight from the other side of the portal will not honor any peace here, and will ravage the lands here as they do back home."

Spoiler

Hit Points: 34
Lay on Hands: x6
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
Will Save: +9
Perception: -2

 

[Silanon]

"I do appreciate your concern - though there is no need to worry. Of all the peoples who travel these realms, the orcs are by far the ones who use our portals the most; and yet, there has never been an incident caused by their kind. Instead, their thirst for victories has spread the law much further than you might expect - seeing their savagery in battle, you rarely notice the minds behind their plannings, wiser than humans and more decisive than elves."

 

[Silanon]

If the elven statue-woman wanted to add anything else, she is interrupted before she can do so - you all hear a dark, manly voice behind you, followed by scuffling sounds as the minotaur statue you fought slowly and vigilantly enters the chamber. "Orcs still stink, though - can't fault you for being at war with them, though there is little honor to be gained." Avoiding you all as much as possible, he gets closer to the fountain and takes a sip from the fluid; almost instantly, you can see how most of the wounds your weapons caused close up, only leaving thin scars behind - you notice that these are not the first ones.

"You fought well, though I'd love to see how you'd do without the strength of numbers and trickery." He seems to eye the alchemist in particular, seemingly remembring certain frost bombs all too well. "You brought war to this place, so we will grant you the opportunity to bring order to another place if you wish."

 

[Dicer]

"Regret battle caussse usss in peacsse placsse," Veskassdak said as solemnly as his voice would allow. "Order make better than here. Arsu'sayp Nohprem not violent until threatened. When threatened, hold back Arsu'sayp Nohprem will not for tribe protect."
With that he fell back into silence. Actions always speak louder.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren nods. "I know that I personally regret the fact that we attacked you first. What can we do to restore the balance we broke?"