L2-11d-V. Relic Vault — “Ruby Witness Room”

What this room is

A lawful reliquary. Clergy logged, witnessed, and reclaimed tools of office, funerary implements, and votive art here. Everything assumes the Suel six-count and Wee Jas as witness: speak, stamp, then take.

The Ruby Witness protocol (how to take a relic legally)

1. Announce in a steady six-count any respectful funerary line (Common or Old Suloise).
2. Stamp the wax tablet with the ruby seal (press on the sixth beat).
3. Turn the item’s pedestal six-stud ring one click per count; press the ruby pip on six; then lift the relic.
   Success: A soft chime; ruby seam-lights cool; no further effect.

Fail-forward (any step skipped or off-count): The pad buzzes and a translucent ruby hand (force, no damage) attempts to grapple the taking creature (+5 to hit; escape DC 13 at end of turn). On a second offense in the same visit, the door locks and the ceiling rubies emit a low note (Attention +1) until the item is returned and the proper steps are completed.

Traps & defenses (fair, readable)

• Witnessless Theft: If an item leaves its pad without a prior stamp and six-count, each creature in the room must succeed on a DC 12 Wis save or suffer disadvantage on ability checks for 1 minute (the oppressive sensation of being judged).
• Chest Jolt: Forcing a chest without the ring-and-pip cadence deals 4 (1d8) lightning to the opener (from a ruby discharge) and locks the lid for 1 minute.
• Panic Seal (only if the party keeps trying to brute-force): On a third offense total, a distant bell sounds (Attention +1) and a Ruby Custodian begins moving from the Wing of Stone (arrives in 1d4+1 rounds).

Relics (curated; choose 3–6, or roll d8)

1. Pectoral of the Ruby Skull-Star (art 150 gp; while worn in funerary sites, advantage vs. charm/necrotic saving throws).
2. True-Square of Kendor (uncommon tool; advantage 1/day on stone/ mechanism checks; 1/long rest trace a six-count to sleep a Stone Bite seam for 1 minute).
3. Seal Ring of the Judge (uncommon; as an action, six-count mini-sanctuary vs. undead for 1 minute; DC 12 ends if you attack/cast).
4. Lendor’s Count-Rod (common wondrous; 6 charges/day; bonus action grant +1 to an ally’s next ability/tool check within 30 ft).
5. Jascar Sun-Disc (art 100 gp; uncommon if activated: 1/long rest +2 AC vs. one attack as a reaction).
6. Fortubo’s Brace-Nails (6) (consumables; wedge a trap/door, granting advantage on the next disable/force check).
7. Ruby Ledger-Bones (set of 6) (consumables; break one to “recount”: nearby Ruby ghouls/zombies lose their action this round).
8. Ampoule of Funerary Myrrh (2) (smear on a weapon; for 1 minute it deals +1 radiant to undead and counts as holy water for interactions).

DM tip: Place an extra Stonebond Token (from 11b) tucked beneath one shelf for parties who explored deeply.

Secrets

• Scribed panel (east wall, low): A sliding ledger slab (Perception DC 13 to notice scuff) hides a palm-map of the Wing of Stone vents with a charcoal note: “Errant draft east.” Grants advantage once on a Quiet Draft/vent puzzle.
• Witness cache (under the stand): Ruby chalk (2 uses) and a Wee Jas ribbon-seal; shows a narrow curl-script: “Measure remembers.” Presenting this to a Ruby Custodian gives advantage on one parley check here.

Boxed outcomes

• Proper witness & removal: One… two… three… four… five… six—the seal takes your stamp; ruby points fade, and the relic lifts as lightly as a breath.
• Witnessless grab (first offense): The pad hums disapprovingly; cool ruby light slicks your fingers as unseen fingers close around your wrist.
• Brute-forcing a chest: A red spark snaps from the hinges; the lid locks with a juddering clack as the room’s lights burn a shade brighter.