L2-15. Crossroads of Witness — Measure Before Might

Inscriptions

(thin Old Suloise)

Cut into the basalt pilasters and easy to gloss with any Old Suloise hint the party has:

• Center lintel (shared): “Measure before might; Law before flame.”
• North: “House of the Gods.”
• West: “Anteroom of Ruby Law.”
• East: “Proof of Measure.”
• South: “Return to the Six.”

Features

• Six-Compass Floor: A 10-ft motif of six interlocked diamonds (the Suel “compass”). Each arm points to a corridor; ruby pips pulse softly with the six-count.
• Witness Post (waist-high stand at center): Bronze cap with a small ruby stamp and a shallow dish for ash. Script: “Witness, then proceed.”
• Wayfinding Chimes: Light fingertip chimes (no roll) sound one, two… up to six when touched—purely a timing metronome players can use before the Proving Run.
• Lamp-niche (west wall): Continual-flame style ruby lamp (divine) burns here; can be snuffed only by dispel magic (ties the node to Wee Jas).

The Witness Rite

(player-skill; no checks)

If the party wants to “do it right” before choosing a branch:

1. One creature places a palm on the Witness Post.
2. Another rings the chime in a soft six-count.
3. On six, speak any respectful funerary line (Common is fine if measured).

Result — Ruby Poise (boon): Up to two creatures gain advantage on the first timing-based save or check they make in the next 10 minutes (examples: DEX saves in L2-17 Proving Run, coordination presses, or any six-count interaction like Quiet Draft vents). In addition, reduce current Attention by 1 (min 0) as the room “records” your proper entry.

Fumble (too loud, off-count): The post gives a thin buzz; no boon, Attention +1.

This is intentionally small—just enough to reward respectful play and prime them for the east test.

Readable cues (without rolls)

• North: Colder air, faint echo like a large volume; distant, solemn hush.
• West: Incense trace and dry parchment (toward L2-10).
• East: Low mechanical purr/whirr that syncs with the six-beat (the rollers).
• South: Warmer, open stone smell of the Great Crypt Hall.

Hazards & pressure

• None unless the party makes noise or defaces Suel symbols.
• Attention triggers: Loud shouting, banging metal on stone, or scratching at glyphs: +1 Attention each.
• Patrol response: At Attention ≥ 3, a Ruby Custodian with 2 Ruby Zombies approaches from the west (L2-10) in 1d4 rounds to “restore order.” They do not cross north into the temple unless attacked.

Small treasure & tools (optional)

• Ruby chalk (1 use) tucked beneath the Witness Post (Perception 12 or any careful look).
• Count-cord (six knotted): once per day after a spoken six-count, grant +1 to an ally’s next ability/tool check within 30 ft.

Boxed outcomes

• Witness observed (boon): One… two… three… four… five… six—the ruby warms under your palm; the chime’s last tone hangs like held breath. The crossroads feels steadier.
• Rude noise (pressure): The seams flare a sharp ruby line; the tone you strike comes back thin and disapproving, and the air seems to tighten.