Chp. 4: The Gods Will

[Grognardsw]

Azoth's divine vision detects no traps in sight.

Then the ocular blessing fades, its duration expired since his casting.

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz: occultic priest:

"This room is safe from dangers man made," the dark disciple declares. "But I cannot see beyond it...
"Yet.

“’Ai! ‘Ai! Ch’ Ee Ftaghu Gotha Kadishtu Phlegeth R’luh!"

(Casts 'Find Traps' again. Good for another 50 minutes.)

The severe sorcerer-priest advances eastward and gazes south toward the serpentine arch. From a distance of 50 feet, he attempts to peer through it with his blazing, otherworldly orbs.

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Knowing that without the dark priest's arts the party would have met their demise long ago, Calto momentarily stems away from stoicism, quickly grips the priest's bony shoulder and spares a whispered, "Thank you."

He retracts his hand just as quickly as it was placed and follows along with scimitar bared.

[Dram]

Kitchi- Stays back with Tabia. Lets be wary shall we.

[GreyWolfVT]

Tabai "As always Kitchi I am very wary."

[Grognardsw]

"Thank you," says Siavel between puffs of Kitchi the ranger's rejuvenating healing weed.

From a distance of 50 feet, Azoth attempts to peer through the portal way with his blazing, otherworldly orbs. He sees no traps.

Kitchi healing weed on Siavel [2d8] = 9

[Dram]

Kitchi- You are welcome. Is it safe to proceed?

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

"You are welcome, Calto.
Safe, Kitchi? No. But I detect no manmade traps either," Azoth rasps sardonically.

The arcane acolyte produces a glowing gem from a black velvet pouch and tosses it south, hoping to have it rest 40 feet beyond the serpentine arch, illuminating this next chamber.

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Calto stands by, anxiously peering down the hall, hoping Azoth's glowing stone brings secrets to light.

[GreyWolfVT]

Tabai waits to follow the group.

[Grognardsw]

Azoth's illuminated stone lights up an area beyond the portal. Ten feet back is a rune-covered door which is glowing to the priest's sight. In the upper part of the door is a 2'x2' barred opening through which one can see. At their current position, the adventurers cannot see into it.

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Calto looks around at the others before silently treading forward. He will attempt to peer through the barred opening without coming into contact with trapped door.

[Grognardsw]

Calto beholds a wondrous sight. The feathered serpent is about 12' long and is in a small 10'x10' chamber with black painted walls, floor and ceiling. It flies and flitters about, then snaps its head around to the barred window.

"Free me."

It speaks!

Tabai please make an Int. check.

[GreyWolfVT]

Tabai trying to recall stories from his life of any lizards like the one painted on the wall.
Int Check (10) [3d6] = 13

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

"How came you to be imprisioned here?" Calto questions the magnificent creature. He is intrigued that the beast can speak; however, he remains vigilant for duplicity.

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

"That door is trapped. Likely to keep the serpent demon imprisoned. Let us all back away before it beguiles us to free it," hisses the suspicious sorcerer-priest as he collects his Gem of Light and looks around for any other doors here.

[Grognardsw]

Tabai searches his ancestral memories for the feathered serpent and can only remember it was creature for good.

"I was captured by the priests of old and imprisoned here as a show of their power," the serpent answers Calto. "These walls and door are hexed and must be broken."

[GreyWolfVT]

Tabai relays through Kitchi that the creature is good and that is all he can remember.

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

Seeing no other doors in this dead end, the untrusting cultist retreats through the serpentine arch to the safety of the previous chamber.
To the serpent creature, he says: "Demon, what are you? What is your name? What will happen if we free you?"

After hearing the answers, Azoth says to his allies, "After I rest and pray, I can divine the true nature of this creature. Let us take no action regarding it until then, when we possess more knowledge. These double doors here are safe from traps, my friends."

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Calto agrees with the priest's suggestion. "I believe Tabai when he claims this beast is benevolent, but you are correct Azoth. It is wisest to wait to free it until we are certain of its intentions."

"Until then, I would learn more from this magnificent beast."

He turns to the serpent, "I trust you understand our trepidation. If you are indeed a creature of good, you have my word that you will soon be free. What can you tell us of this place? Do you know of any more entrances or exits besides those at the top of this ziggurat?"