OOC: existential crisis averted, yay!  An new thread and assured existence for another thousand posts.  Thanks Skald :-)
This leaves only the moral and ethical turmoil to be resolved.

"By all means, Brindle, take the puppy.  But I will not return to the Heart of Law." Tesseryn replies flatly to Brindle.  "I've no wish to face her disappointment.  And you should consider the wisdom of carrying that back in there ... " he gestures towards Brindle's belt pouch, "... the Lady asks much."

He takes off his ring and gives it to Aurion. "Should I not return, you'll know what to do with this."

He nods his greeting to the Naga, "Omphalos." and clanks determinedly through the open doors on the left.

Curious as ever, Aurion moves towards the door on the right. "A halfling seeking to tip the balance of good and evil by taking a magic item to a place of power... this I've got to see." He follows Brindle when he's ready.

Brindle looks a bit puzzled by Tesseryn's words. He glances down at the spell component pouch on his belt and shrugs. He unclips the pouch and pops it into his haversack. Then Aurion's words make him grin.

"When you say it like that, it sounds like something out of a bard's tale of noble deeds and brave adventure. I can't wait to hear how it ends!"

He turns to Leisha next.

"Leisha, you went too see the Heart of Law when we came here before, didn't you? Do you want to come with me too, or have you any words of advice for me before I go?" he asks her.

Leisha regards Brindle curiously, as if the halfling is working up to some hilarious jest.

"The Heart of Law, you say?" she frowns. "The gem that Tesseryn had stuck to his forehead ?" she continues.

"The one you wrapped up and put in your pocket?"

While discussion continues concerning the gem that is named the Heart of Law, the effects of too much radiance on magically slept puppies and the urgent need for some more smiting, Tesseryn formally hands the Lion Ring to Aurion then strides, determinedly and with heavy tread and heavier heart, westwards to the Tomb of Mitra.

In the chamber beyond, the ex-Paladin turns away from the stone lion statue to the north, towards the dais to the south and the old man who sits upon the throne thereon.

Meeting the man's kindly gaze, Tesseryn steps forwards to pick up his helm that stands on the stone before the throne, then turns away. 

Without, Omphalos is somewhat confused by Brindle's declared intent.

"Isss that not a ... puppy ?" the Guardian asks.

Brindle looks even more puzzled as Leisha adds another piece to the mental jigsaw he is trying to piece together. He pats his pockets then pulls out and unwraps the gem she mentioned.

"Is that what this is?" he asks.

He takes solace from the thought that at least he knows something Omphalos doesn't know.

He sets the cage down on the floor in front of him.

"The guards who were keeping watch on this cage said it isn't really a puppy at all. They claimed it is really a bronze dragon that was the companion of the priest of Mitra. They said it transformed itself into a puppy to escape but was then captured with a sleep spell and locked in this little cage. There is a powerful spell of temporal stasis cast on the cage, so the puppy never wakes up. I heard that magic doesn't work in the chamber of the Heart of Law, so I figure if I place the cage in that chamber the puppy will be able to wake up and change itself back into a dragon again and go back to helping the priest of Mitra.

"Well, that's what I hope will happen, anyway."

He looks at the naga for a moment before speaking again.

"But I suppose you are going to tell me why that's not such a great idea after all?" he asks.

"More importantly," Tesseryn interjects, marching out of Mitra's Tomb, "I have my helmet back!" He gleefully holds aloft the helm (the one with the weird Phillips-head indents as shown in his previous paladin portrait) then cradles it under his arm looking pleased with himself.

OOC: has Tesseryn finally performed a chaotic act?  Refusing to help with the quest; taking back an offering because he wanted the thing back; looking a lawful god in the eye and saying nothing!  Are we there yet?

"A bronzzzze dragon ?  Then that issss Murkaganth ?" the naga exclaims in surprise.  "It wassss thought he perisssshed ccccenturiessss ago when the Dark Tower rosssse."

"If he can be woken from hissss ssssleep, it would be a great boon to the White Tower ..."

"... but the placccce where you gained sssstewardssssship of the Heart of Law," Omphalos inclines his head towards the gem in Brindle's hands, "does not ssssuppressssssssss magic."

He considers a moment before he speaks again.

"However ... it is possssssssible that the one who did thissss to him would be able to free him.  You sssspoke of guardssss - do you know who their masssster issss ?"

OOC: For the record, Tesseryn has definitely erred on the side of Chaos.  :>

"The guards came from the village up top of here, but their leader said it was Haffrung who put the puppy to sleep and fashioned this cage to keep it asleep. How are we supposed to persuade someone like him to release the dragon?" Brindle replied.

"Did you say Murkaganth vanished centuries ago? That would mean Haffrung is centuries old, too! What is he?" he wondered aloud

OOC: existential crisis and moral dilemma sorted - double yay!  Everything's back to its new normal :-)

Tesseryn listens to Omphalos, resolutely ignoring an urge to sponge the sssss's out of his ears.  "Well, now it seems there is no reason to risk the Heart of Law.  Perhaps we should return to the White Tower with with the dragon.  Gnomes are clever, they'll know what to do."

Shrugging, the thought of hot meal overtaking any curiosity about the room beyond, Aurion returns the ring to Tesseryn and herds the newly-freed prisoners towards the exit.

OOC: does that mist passage go to the White Tower?  If so he'll lead they way there.

Brindle is still thinking back over why he believed that the chamber of the Heart of Law might be a magic-free zone.

"Tesseryn, didn't you say the Heart of Law stripped all enchantments from you?"

He looked at the cage thoughtfully for a long moment before mumbling, "I wonder if that would work?"

He is still holding the precious gemstone cradled in his handkerchief, so he has never actually touched the gem himself. Suddenly making up his mind he reaches over and touches the exposed surface of the Heart of Law to the top of the cage.

"Grum-Gog's  curse was lifted from me, temporarily."  Tesseryn muses, watching to see if Brindle's experiment works.  "And I could see through the illusion that prevents me seeing the goblin faces on my belt.  That is why I thought the chamber of the Heart of Law may dispel enchantments.  This also seems a valid test."

"Though ccccenturiessss have passssssssed beyond thissss valley," Omphalos explains, "here time sssstandssss sssstill.  Sssso none of ussss have aged a ssssingle day."

"Haffrung," from his tone the news that it is he that is behind the capture of Murkaganth does not inspire the naga's confidence, "issss perhapssss not of ssssound mind, yet you may be able to bargain with him or trick him or elsssse forcccce him to release the dragon."

Omphalos confirms that the white mists at the south end of the passage to the west do indeed lead to the White Tower, though knows not of what the Heart of Law itself might be capable.

Brindle very carefully grips the clear, glowing gem in his kerchief, gingerly touching it to the top of the cage ...

... nothing happens.

Brindle shrugs and wraps the Heart of Law back up in his handkerchief and places it back in his pocket.

"Thanks Omphalos, it is been very interesting talking with you again. It looks like it is time we move on again. The gnomes may indeed have some fresh ideas that may help us, so that is where we will go."

He picks up the cage again and heads toward the mist-shrouded passage. But instead of turning right toward the mists he turns left instead and marches along the curved passage that leads to the chamber that held the Heart of Law.

When he reaches that chamber he will stop outside the entry and just look in to see for himself what is in there. If it all looks quiet he plans to tie his silk rope to the cage then slide the cage a few feet into that room, just to see whether anything does happen in there. If nothing happens he will use the rope to pull he cage back out again without entering that chamber himself. Then it will be time to head back to join the rest of the party and enter that mist-shrouded passage once more.

Tesseryn follows Brindle but stops short of the door.  He's ready to rescue the halfling if she should try to coerce him into embracing her Law.  Sword sheathed, helmet on, both hands free, knees slightly bent.  He gives Brindle a reassuring nod.

"Hot food. Warm beds. This way." Aurion ushers the newcomers towards the mist. He leads the way, stepping through the mist.

Still keen to explore all available avenues, Brindle cautiously pokes the puppy-inna-cage over the threshold of the large chamber to the north as Tesseryn.  While the Halfling might appreciate the decoration of the room, with white velvet drapes, accompanied by quiet, gentle music and with a healthy outdoor scent to the air, there is no discernible effect on either the cage or its sleeping occupant.

Resignedly crossing that off the list of things to try, the pair rejoin the rest of the group where Aurion leads the way, hurrying along his companions old and new in his eagerness to seek what comforts the White Tower might offer.

Upon the instant you find yourselves transported back to that bastion of Law and Goodness, exiting the mists in a small side chapel.  To the west is the chapel vestal where reside everyone's favourite lammasu - Rosunn, Eaomir and Dohevin.

Having told those three wise beasts what you know of the caged puppy, you leave them to ponder the conundrum, as Gnevron is summoned to take you down to the mess hall and the much desired hot meal, though when you return, with bellies full, the lammasu do not have good news.

"We can determine no way to unlock the cage's secrets, save from the key possessed by Haffrung Helleyes," one tells you, as the posse of gnomes you have picked up in the interim dutifully chorus 'Death to all the followers of Set'.

"But while he may not be willing to tell you the words that will open the cage, we are certain that if we imprison him as we did with Berkam-Shem, those heady fumes will soon loosen his tongue, and Murkaganth will be free once more !"

"Well, at least we know what we need to do next," Brindle responds cheerfully. "Capture Haffrung Helleyes and bring him back here! That shouldn't be difficult."

The way he rolls his eyes suggests he might not be quite as confident as his brave words suggest!

"Well, since this is a nice safe place where we shouldn't be disturbed for the next hour or so, I will take this opportunity to really investigate the magics on this cage properly. I have an Identify spell prepared and this seems like a good time to use it. It takes an hour to cast it, so if anyone wants to do make any other preparations in the meantime, you have the time to do it."

He will find himself a suitable quiet place and set about his preparations for casting the Identify spell. Fortunately, he still has the necessary ingredients with him and he starts by crushing a pearl and stirring it into a small cup of wine with an owl feather. Finally he drinks the infusion, grimacing slightly at the gritty texture, before casting the spell and laying his hand upon the cage.

"I'll gladly help you capture Haffrung tomorrow," Aurion advises the party "but I'll take the rest of the day off, thanks. Need to work on my spellbook and maps... not sure if you've noticed, but this place is a maze. I expect that mapping it properly will help us work out where to look next for that belt."

Seeing Brindle swallow his gritty brew, Aurion grimaces. "That really is a useful spell, Master Thistlefoof, but there must be a better way. Ugh, feathers!" He takes a sip from a large cup of gnomish wine. "I'm interested to see if swapping the mayor's ring for a puppy was a good deal after all. Speaking of which, I'll get that ring back first thing tomorrow - no spells left for today."

He arranges with Gnevron to borrow a desk and assistance from whichever gnomes have the best knowledge of the layout of this place. He intends to make a map of two towers and their surrounding tunnels, adding what the party has learned to what the gnomes already know. Then he'll sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Wed 15 June 2022.

Tesseryn listens to the advice and planning from the lammasu and Brindle and Aurion.  The mages certainly are taking extraordinary measures to unravel the many mysteries.  Our hosts, and ultimate benefactors of our endeavours, whilst generous and friendly, seem a little too 'comfortable' with newcomers doing so much work on their behalf.  He wonders if they could be a little more helpful.  He considers for a moment then stands to address the assembled gnomes and Lammasu, an uncharacteristically broad smile on his face.  "I wish to thank you, the peoples of the White Tower.  You have been a great help to us, and we are forever grateful for your hospitality and advice.  With your help we have taken the fight beyond your secure walls and brought death to the Followers of Set!"  He pauses, expecting a chorus from the gnomes.

"You are safe here, and well defended.  We have ventured into the tunnels and learned much.  Our enemies have no plan in action to assault the White Tower.  But we have been hard pressed at times while taking the fight to our enemies, almost defeated by trolls and wraiths, and we have not yet found Mitra's belt nor yet faced Haffrung Helleyes himself.  My friends, I fear we may need a little more help when we set forth tomorrow.“

"Gnevron, you taught us that evil is stupid and fights with itself.  This truth has lead to some of our victories - we were able to deceive our enemies and turn them against each other.  But our faces are known to them now, and they will not be fooled twice.  For myself I ask: can you help me to change my appearance to look like Ishpemo, or Merth, or another - to fool the followers of Set?!"

"Brindle here works tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of artefacts that will aid our fight against evil.  Here he is, trying to discover how to free Murkaganth - I just saw him swallow sand and feathers!"  He makes a face and feigns illness, hoping for a laugh.  "There must be an easier way!  What power of the White Tower can we take with us, into the tunnels beyond, to reveal the mysteries of artefacts that we wrench back from the followers of Set?!"

"Aurion has searched widely in the maze of tunnels beyond and discovered many passages and ways known only to the enemy."  He mimes an elf tiptoeing stealthily, finger raised to his lips.  "Yet even his keen elvish senses have missed many of the hidden ways that our enemies then use to surround us, or flee from us.  Perhaps, somewhere in the White Tower, lies a forgotten and unused tool that would aid Aurion to find the secret ways and sneak up on the followers of Set?!"

"Wrukaog is unstoppable!  Well almost, for even he had worked up a sweat after slaying a dozen minotaurs and trolls!"  He bows to the greater warrior.  "I have no idea what further aid he could possibly need.  Or Leisha, or Cogwitz, or our new-found allies: Gratchscartch, Vashalla, Moram, Haltashaar and Vidonitii, all of whom carry the battle beyond your safe walls.  With your permission, Gnevron, could each say what aid the White Tower could offer them as they bring the promised death to the followers of Set?!"

He tries to look humble as he asks one last time.  "We are in your service, and already in your debt.  Yet I feel certain that the resources of the White Tower combined with the cleverness of gnomes will find a way to help us beyond these safe walls."

08:29, Today: Tesseryn Brightsoul rolled 34 using 1d20+14.  diplomacy influence gnomes and lamas.
OOC: spell checker got me… no disrespect intended towards lammasu.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Sat 18 June 2022.

Brindle and Aurion depart for secluded nooks where they might take advantage of some relatively peace and quiet to do their research and catch up on the paperwork.

The Halfling settles in comfortably at the feet of the stuffed woolly mammoth in the chamber just off the central stair, about half way down the White Tower, somewhere near where Berkam-Shem is being held prisoner where he chugs down his heady magical concoction and concentrates upon the cage holding the puppy ...

Needing a bit more room, the Elf retires to his usual spot in the Library, on the floor above, where he spends much time with parchment and ink in an effort to properly map out the areas of the dungeons where your feet have trod and what little you know of the Dark Tower of Set.  The two gnomes assigned to help him have wildly different ideas of the layout and argue constantly, if good-naturedly, being lawful good, after all.  And if the end result has rather more elephants than there actually were, it is still a pretty good effort.

Meantime, Tesseryn, still constrained by the social niceties, but only just, all but begs the gnomes for help.  His impassioned speech does indeed produce the familiar rousing chorus from the gnomes, sometimes even at the points at which one might reasonably expect it, but at its conclusion Gnevron sadly shakes his head.

"We have sworn oaths to Mitra that we will defend and hold this tower to our deaths and may not sally forth in force, much as we appreciate your sacrifice.  We trust in the wisdom of your gods that they have seen fit to entrust to you the destruction of the Dark Tower of Set," he pauses and joins in with the chorus, "and pray constantly for your success."

"So too ... alas, while we are blessed to have the Lammasu and others who may call upon the gods for assistance, there is not one here allied to the White Tower who practices the magic arts."

"Though," Gnevron looks a little puzzled, "while we can't help you change your appearance, other than to suggest, of course, that you might grow a beard, I must say that really you look very much like most humans of my admittedly limited acquaintance."

"However," all the gnomes beam delightedly, "since your last visit," he dips his head towards Leisha and the ex-prisoner contingent that accompanied her on that occasion, "we've been having a bit of a hunt around, and we eventually located the 'Lost and Found' box," and there's a couple of things in there that might be of use to you.  Things that others have left behind, you understand ... we couldn't possibly think of using them ourselves so we've been keeping them for if they ever returned ... but its been a while."

"Here ..." Gnevron passes Tesseryn a thin wooden baton, "a Wand of Secret Door detection, I believe."

Next, a rather tarnished silver figurine fashioned in the shape of a raven, "a messenger bird, lots of fun at parties," he beckons Tesseryn close that he might whisper the command word in the ex-Paladin's ear, .

"And this ...," he struggles under the weight of what was once no doubt a magnificent helm, bedecked with perhaps a hundred gems, though the majority are now blackened and burned with only five retaining their original lustre - a diamond, a ruby, two fire opals and a plain opal.  "No idea what use it was, but you never know - perhaps if you're wearing this then nobody will recognise you ?"

OOC: do the rest of you rest as well, or are you going to leave Aurion to catch up on his beauty sleep ?

Brindle returns after an hour of studying the cage. He looks frustrated.

"My identify spell was unable to unlock the secrets of this accursed cage," he grumbles. "Which should be impossible, unless the blasted thing is some sort of artifact. However, I have heard of such a thing from the legends of my homeland. This could actually be one of the five fabled Prisons of Zagig! If that is what it is, it would be impervious to magic or physical force and can only be opened with the correct command word. So we are back to trying to prise that command word out of Haffrung Helleyes."

After reporting that bit of news Brindle heads off to a suitably quiet and comfortable spot to catch up on sleep as well, so he too will have a full complement of spells available before they set off to confront Mr Helleyes.

Tesseryn smiles in genuine delight as Gnevron empties the Lost and Found box and presents him with its unexpected treasures.  "Thank-you Gnevron.  I truely believe our friends in the White Tower are doing all you can to aid us.  And yes, we can use these beyond your walls."  He passes the wand to Aurion and the silver raven to Brindle, grinning as he whispers the password .  Then he dons the helmet.  "How do I look?"

After dinner he will examine the helm.  Does it reveal any passwords?  He will quiz his allies on how to use it.

Before resting he will ask the gnomes to prepare some special supplies, in addition to the usual packed lunches for the foray tomorrow:
- A cask of their strongest liquor.
- Any old belts... the more the better, especially the big ones.
- A sackful of sausages.

Brindle smiles and packs the tarnished silver raven away in his backpack.

When Tesseryn tries on the helm, Brindle nods excitedly.

"I have heard of a magical helm covered in gems, called a Helm of Brilliance. I heard that in bright light the gems would reflect rays of light, hence its name. The gems are each supposed to be able to cast a spell related to light or fire, but only once and are then burned out and useless. I don't know much more about it but there must be a password. I will be able to cast another Identify spell after I have slept and studied my spellbook, if you want me to use it for that?

"I would be able to cast a second Identify spell if I use my Pearl of Power to let me do that tomorrow. I could use that to work out the commend word for the wand of secret door detection, or to determine the powers of these bracers of Berkam-Shem's that I have been wearing since we captured him. Gnevron, I don't suppose you could persuade him to tell you the powers and any command words of these bracers, could you?"