Mediocrates examines the statue more carefully. The axe it holds is stone and is part of the sculpture itself, not an object that could be removed somehow. Stylistically, the whole thing is rather geometric and abstract. Even though the creature it depicts is unfamiliar, it seems clear that the eye sockets are disproportionately large and deep. The left eye socket is empty. The little stone in the right socket seems to belong there but looks like it was designed to be easily taken in and out. The stone isn’t exactly a gem, more like a polished river rock.
When Med beckons, Gragor crawls above the arch and comes down to listen to his questions.
“The goblins have only been here for a few days. We learned that they make poor food and then we started ignoring them.” Gragor makes a strange gurgling sound and then goes on. “I would prefer to see them gone, but rushing in to attack is work for mad heroes with broadswords and such, not sensible spider kings. No. Not sensible spider kings.” He scurries off, then comes back again and sighs. “You have my leave to attack, if you must.”
Brother Landrau, wearing a look of disgust, watches him crawl away again. “If we’re serious about going in there, maybe one of us ought to peek around the corner first so--”
He’s interrupted by a goblin, which comes flying out the door as if it had been thrown. In the air it howls loudly, but it is silenced suddenly when it crashes into the railing at the edge of the ramp with a sickening crack. It crumples limply to the floor.
Shouting can still be heard within.
