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Orlen will assist in identifying the fragments up close.

“Did it hatch?”

   "Or break out," suggests Theo. "That's what I was wondering too."

The fragments do look like they were from a shell or covering the niche. All are of a dull grey color and could seemingly be fit back together. One piece hs a decoration carved into it: an oval containing a starburst. At the centre of the star is an embedded ruby.

Sir Jovius eyed the gem with interest.
"That might be something to consider recovering on the way back, since this place might very well be abandoned."

  "Look, see that piece there with the star," says Theo pointing. "Have we seen any other such features? It may be an indication of something behind the wall wherever they are. Hmm, that gem might be worth something too."

OOC: DM, have they seen any?

“Let me take a closer examination.”


Today: Beagan WobbleCog rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Check 2. 08:43, Today: Beagan WobbleCog rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Arcane knowledge check 1 Dungeon Local Nature Planes Psionics Religion .

Nothing like that symbol has been seen in the complex so far. The starburst design is common across many lands and religions but something of this particular one gives Beagan a feeling of demonic influence.

"No need to wait, we can see if we can get the ruby out now," Orlen said taking out his tools.

Orlen then attempts to pop the gem out of its mounting carefully.


08:20, Today: Orlen rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Appraise Ruby.
08:21, Today: Orlen rolled 22 using 1d20+10.  Disable Device to get Ruby out.

“It appears demonic, so you may not want that ruby...”

Binx watches the extraction with careful curiosity, "It might be able to be cleansed... but most likely not worth it."

Orlen's investigation shows that the ruby is worth something like 1000gp. It looks to be of very high-quality and is quite large. The problem is that it is embedded within the stone and would require either a lot of noisy effort to try and release it here in the dungeon or the chunk of stone would need to be carried to a craftsman in the village. Fortunately the chunk of stone it is embedded in isn't too large to carry.

"Folks not likely to leave something like this laying around," Orlen said and the group did need something to cover their expenses. "Sadly I'm not able to remove it from the stone it would require more specialized tools to do so than I have with me. We could carry it with us, after all we could find another exit," he added.

“We should take it, but if it’s needed to resubdue a demon, were putting it right back.”

"So who is the strongest among us that can carry it?" Orlen asked pointing to the stone with the gem in it.

Sir Jovius shrugged with a modest smile
"I like to think of myself as pretty stalwart, i suppose "

OOC: Sorry, I should have mentioned that that chunk of stone is no more than 10" across. Shouldn't be too much of a burden for anyone to carry it in their backpack. Then again, I might not be considering how large that is compared to a gnome.

  "You can pop it in my magical pack, if you want," offers Theo. "It shouldn't affect the weight."

Anything else you'd like to do in this room or are you ready to move on?

Orlen says "Okay and puts it in the magical pack. We could use some of the proceeds from it to help the families of the boys"

OOC: We can move on

Sir Jovius chuckled ruefully but nodded
"True, i suppose that's the best use for it.  Okay, let's move on, then"

From the main chamber, there are still three unexplored passages: A wide way to the south, and two smaller ways one north, the other south.

"Well, my friends, shall we try the larger southern passage first?"

"That sounds like a plan to me, clear the larger ares first and the smaller ones after."