(Part 3) The Abbey on Guardian

[Balgin Stondraeg]

As the group arrives at the top of the cliff they see a grove of pine and cedar trees perhaps a hundred yards thick, that sits atop the cliffs on this side of the isle. A well worn path winds it's way between the trees and up towards the abbey and the old watcher that was seen rounding the point of the coastline. Through the trees they can make out fences on either side of the path that hem in fields of wheat and grain. Beyond the southern field is an orchard full of apple trees surrounded by a low wooden fence, the gate tethered by a rope and peg whilst closer to the abbey itself, goats can be seen in fenced enclosures. It is still mid morning (around half ten) and the sun is bright in a clear sky with only a few clouds lazily being nudged on by the gentle breeze.

Passing through the grove the group become aware that the fields also harbour carrots, potatoes, cabbages, turnips and assorted other vegetables. About fifty yards past the end of the farmlands a low stone wall, some six feet in height, borders the abbey itself.

Now here we have a bit of a dilema folks. The abbey's detailed enough to warrant a large scale map. However, I know that evil photobucket would probably resize it since it's a very big map (837 by 1068 pixels, shrinking it down anymore would lose a lot of detail that you guys'll probably need to see).

However, the lovely CD that came with the adventure includes a 3d rendering of the abbey, as seen from the outside, which I can rotate the camera around so I could take screenshots from various angles and post them, since they're an external view. The maps could then be used for the interior areas since they're indoors maps :p. Sound good?

[Keeper]

OOC:  Woohoo, I knew that Awareness(Assorted Vegetables) would come in useful ;)

Snapshots are great, Balgin!

"Seems a bit quiet, doesn't it?  I think we should try the front door.  Mr Kelden, these people are expecting you, aren't they?"

[Balgin Stondraeg]

"Erm, why yes, so they are," mutters the old sage thoughtfuly.

Actualy most of the vegetable patches seem to be dedicated to growing a kind of marrow or squash, it may be even related to the pumpkin. Most of you will remember the sailors mentioning this sweet vegetable that grows on guardian for it is considered a delicacy on the mainland.

[Custom_Hobby]

Auarm is tired of all the talking, "lets go tell them we are here already." (Then maybe one of you can help me figure out what this pendant is). Aurum continues to look around and listen.

[Keeper]

"You're totally audacious, Aurum, dude."

Raul knocks on the door (with the knocker, if there is one, with his fist, if not).

[Custom_Hobby]

Aurum moves up behind Raul (just in case we don't get a warm welcome) and in front of the sage.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

There is no knocker as such, however, the heavy iron rings that serve as handles also serve as wonderful knockers. Nobody answers the door. After a while someone gives the doors a bit of a shove and they swing slowly open to reveal an entrance hallway that seems to lead into a cloister up ahead. To the left a doorless entrance leads into what seems to be the refectory. The smell of some savory stew wafts gently from that direction. Wide basins of water stand at either side of this entrance.

Opposite it, to the right, are a large set of double doors. They are closed. One door features a carving depicting a wise and venerable looking gentleman seated upon a throne. Upon the other door is set a small blackboard framed with polished cedar wood into which intricate patterns are carved. SOmeone has written the following verse upon the blackboard in white chalk:

Of man-made work am I,
A home to the son of the sun,
I drink but do not eat,
Sleeping by day, rising by night

[Alex]

Ivor is somewhat unnerved by the lack of residents in the place, and falls into line behind Raul. With the flick of a switch and the turning of some crank handles, the various bells and whistles of his rucksack deploy from hidden recesses, making it easier for him to utilise them at short notice, and he twirls his walking stick, loosening his joints as he goes. Looking around to see what the rest of the party is doing, he makes sure to note Naedath's reaction, and absent-mindedly adjusts some wiring in his harness. (In order to cast Mage armour if necessary)

[Custom_Hobby]

Aurum cautiously advances with his shield and axe readied. He keeps his aura of senses up for himself and the party and continues to listen and look around.

[Keeper]

"Well, I think I know the answer to that riddle.  Why do we keep finding places with silly riddles on the walls, Ivor?" Raul laughs. "Oil lamp, in case anyone was wondering.  Shall we check out that great smell?"

Sorry Balgin, it just seemed kinda obvious!

[Alex]

"Um, oil lamp, indeed, appears to be correct. I've been trying to work out a theory behind the seemingly widespread riddle-on-wall phenomenon, but so far I've drawn a blank. Whilst I've not entirely discounted the possibility of a puzzle-pixie, or a flock of wandering sphinxes, the climate in which some of the aforementioned wall-mounted conundrums seems suggestive of..."

Ivor tails off, suddenly aware that he's rambling again by the glazed expression in the eyes of his friend.

"Anyway, let's see about getting something to eat- I've been looking forward to trying some of the fabled pumpkins!"

[Keeper]

"I'm still sticking with the puzzle-pixie theory.  Why in the god's names people feel the need for this sort of thing, I have no idea!  The only thing worse are those half-blank number grids that easterns have a penchent for!"

[Balgin Stondraeg]

"Well, I think I know the answer to that riddle.  Why do we keep finding places with silly riddles on the walls, Ivor?" Raul laughs. "Oil lamp, in case anyone was wondering.  Shall we check out that great smell?"

Sorry Balgin, it just seemed kinda obvious!

It is? I would've taken ages working it out if I didn't have the answer written down for me already.

"Ah, now I believe I can help you there" says Naedath, leaning on his staff heavily. "The priests of the church of Theydori like riddles, puzzles and wordplay. It helps them to keep their wits about them as they continue their search for knowledge. Why I wouldn't be surprised if the riddle was not changed on a weekly basis, possibly even daily."

Peering about he says, "now then, is there anybody home?"

As Raoul and Ivor advance into the refectory they see plain tables and benches laid out neatly across the well worn floorboards. An archway in the right hand wall leads to what must be the kitchen (and where that lovely smell comes from). Beside the arch is a wide wooden counter for serving meals. Wooden bowls are stacked upon the counter as are a tray of spoons.

[Alex]

A loud rumble comes from the general direction of Ivor's stomach.

"Well, I suppose an obvious place to start looking for someone would be the kitchen- after all, if the aroma is anything to go by, somethings cooking."

Ivor sets off for the kitchen, feeling rather hungry after all that running up and down the cliff.

[Custom_Hobby]

Aurum heads of behind Ivor "No one should go off alone."