The Wayfarer's Inn

The teleportation works as planned and both Gaderon and the monster materialize in front of the two sphinx statues.

Please state what Gaderon intends to do, Greg.

Gaderon will immediately move away from the creature. He will try to touch the sphinxes to activate them, he is expecting them to destroy the thing. After touching them he will say "Help me fight this thing!"

Next, he will verify that the door is closed and then teleport back to the group. If the door isn't closed he will levitate over to it and close it before teleporting out of there (to make sure the thing can't return to plague us). No need to wait for the results of any conflict between the sphinxes and the thing...

Gaderon reaches out to touch the sphinx statues as the obscene creature reaches out another time for him, but again his several and powerful magical protections deflect the attack.

Immediately upon touching them, both statues become flesh and blood. "Help me fight this thing!", cries Gaderon.

"This we will, mortal, and you will pay our price for it, thereafter!" Both sphinxes then jump from their pedestals and attack the amorphous monster with great ferocity. Turning towards these new foes, the creature lets loose of Gaderon who is able to float to the stone door and close it.

OOC: The sphinxes spoke of payment after the battle. Will Gaderon wait to see its outcome, or does he teleport away as originally intended? If so, please make another d% roll, Greg.

He didn't realize that there would be a price and will try to think out what the possible ramifications of his departure would be. He realizes that he would owe a debt to these creatures and that they would probably pursue him making the groups position worse. While he regrets his decision to touch the sphinx and call for their help, he decides to remain and pay their price rather than teleport back to the group as he had planned.

Sol looks at Ahi and Kherim's position and after thinking for a minute he pulls out the war hammer and offers "Would you like me to see if I can chip away the rock from about your feet? This may take awhile. Who should I work on first?"

"Uh.... I'd be welcome if you could, but will it be in the least possible? Maybe magic is better in this situation." is Ahi's opinion. Kherim looks up disheartened.

OOC: let me check if Ahi has stone shape memorized. I don't have the sheet here so it will take a while.

The two sphinxes make short work of the weird creature. They're larger and stronger and neither seem to be irritated by its weird babbling, nor by its ability to transmute the ground into quicksand as their mighty wings help them avoid sinking. The unlike battle is soon over, with the creature dissolving into a disgusting puddle of eyes and mouths. Turning towards Gaderon, one of the sphinxes speaks: "You're brave, mortal, as you have not fled while we were battling the loathsome thing. Know that we're here to guard and help those in need, if the odds are overwhelming...." The sphinx pauses and musters Gaderon with its dark blue eyes. "Awakening us to fight this puny little creature was not necessary as you would have well been able to defeat it yourself. Thus we demand payment from you in either gold, gemstones or other valuables!"

With their request for gold, Gaderon realizes that Asterion was carrying their money and he had taken no treasure except for the Cleaver of Set since the adventure began. He answers "My companion was carrying all of our money when he perished. The only treasure I am carrying is this. I had intended to destroy it once I had escaped from this maze. But, I have nothing else to pay with..." As he produces the Cleaver of Set from his things and offers it to the Sphinxes.

Sol will wait on Ahi before starting the chisle him out of the stone.

As they witness the gleaming item in Sol's hand, the sphinxes recoil with a deep growl, their eyes fixed on the weapon.

"This we won't take, lest the warth of the evil one who built this place will be unleashed on us. Better keep it for yourself, mortal. More we dare not say."

Gaderon says "Then I will take my leave of you. Thank you again."

With that he will teleport back to the group.