The Frontier #23
The Hextor Temple in Whispering Hollow has fallen. With the exception of the Temple Mage, all of the Priesthood has gone to join their God in the world beyond.
Led by Validar and Dar Thaltus, those Seekers still on their feet chase after the mage. Araduin is found and he is freed from the magic rope that binds him.
Exiting the Temple, you can see the Mage on horseback off in the distance. Quickly mounting up, the Seekers give chase.
After a brief chase, the archers manage to get into bow range. Several arrows hit and the Mage falls off the horse. She is dead by the time the party reaches her.
Afterwards, the citizens of Whispering Hollow cautiously approach the Temple. Upon learning of its fall, all greet the party openly, hailing them as liberators.
The wounded in the party are helping back to the Inn of the Whispering Elm's, where they are all given a comfortable place to recover.
Several days pass uneventfully. It takes five days for the entire party to fully heal. This includes all of the clerics using their CLW.
The party searches the Temple, but fails to locate TiCat or Wendy. Scouring the temple, several items of interest are found.
In one of the priests' quarters on the second floor, a map is found depicting a good portion of the old Keln Empire. The city of New Keln is clearly marked, as is the location of the main Temple of Hextor in that same city.
Another note of interest mentions that all available gobliniod forces are to be gathered and prepared to march on Gateway.
Several items of jewelry are found, along with some magical equipment used by the Hextorites. However, there is no sign of any type of treasure vault.
After days of searching the temple, Finrod notices something odd about the temple's altar. With the help of several others, he manages to push it off to the side. Hidden underneath the altar is an opening in the floor. Steps lead down into darkness....
GM Notes:
Searching the temple uncovered the following items. Items with an * will radiate as magical when detected.
Found on the Head Cleric:
*Chain Mail
*Scimitar
Ring
Found on Dran
*Longsword
Found on the Mage:
*Wand
*Broach
*Ring
*Dagger
*Bracers
*Potion
Bracelet
Ring
Anklet
Headband
*Spellbook
1st Level Spells: Read Magic, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile, Mount, Identify, Enlarge, Detect Magic, Change Self, Color Spray
2nd Level Spells: Bind, Darkness 15' Radius, Flaming Sphere, Fool's Gold, Web, Wizard Lock
3rd Level Spells: Wind Wall, Vampiric Touch, Lightning Bolt
4th Level Spells: Magic Mirror, Create Darkenbeast
In addition, there is the goodies from the Anhkegs that has yet to be divided:
4000 cp
1000 sp
3 gems: A topaz, a peridot and a piece of amber
A Tiara set with Sapphires
A blanket made of owlbear feathers
*Potion
Party Update: This includes everything up to this post.
| Name | Race/Sex | Class/Level | AC/HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Araduin | E/M | M/2 | 4/8 |
| Arathron | 1/2E/M | R/1 | 3/7 |
| Cereld | H/M | C/4 | 4/28 |
| Dantar | H/M | T/2 | 6/9 |
| Dar Thaltus | E/M | R-C/1-2 | 5/13 |
| Finius | 1/2L/M | T/1 | 5/7 |
| Finrod | E/M | F-M-T/2-2-3 | 3/14 |
| Stephanie | H/F | F/3 | 2/32 |
| Validar | H/M | F/4 | -2/32 |
| NPC's | |||
| Arafel | H/F | R/2 | 4/16 |
| Dalliance | E/F | F-M/3-2 | 1/17 |
| Raeden | H/M | D/3 | 7/24 |
Campaign Notes: For the sake of the newcomers, here's a brief background. Most of you come from the Kingdom of Cynalon. Decades ago, Cynalon finally defeated their chief enemy, the Keln Empire, in a devastating war. Cynalon is just now recovering from the war itself. It is now expanding into the old Keln Empire.
The Keln Empire collapsed into pockets ruled by the strong. The strongest of these power groups in the Hextor Priesthood.
The Seekers are just one of many adventuring parties commissioned by the Kingdom of Cynalon to explore the Keln Empire. The base of operations is the reclaimed city Gateway. The Crown foots the cost for most of the adventuring bills. They provide training for free at Gateway. The Seekers have their own mansion in Gateway.
Several characters have gone up levels. You are automatically advanced in level, with the stipulation that you must spend 1 week in training once back in Gateway for each level gained.
Any questions?
Spectrum's Comments: The above was another case of seeing something I did wrong in hindsight at this point in time. I should have let the players decide what they were going to right after the fight, as in have some people recover from being wounded while others went out on other tasks. Logically, the Seekers probably would have taken the wounded back to rest and those still able to search the wizards tower for Wendy. Then later they could have done a more thorough search of the Hextor Temple. Or they could have done both. At any rate, it should have been their choice.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus...... FROM: Kazaroth 01/19/90 S#: 831190
...Feeling a bit foolish due to being in such a 'fog' the last couple of months Dar looks over the treasures compiled and notes to Cereld that if no one else is in need of it Dar would like the use of the magic sword. If someone else and the party would benefit better with it in another's hands so be it....in which case Dar will mention a preference for one of the potions found.
Once in Gateway Dar would like to spend a week in training at the local temple to gain his level 2 abilities as a cleric of Ehlonna. Also Dar will take this time to replenish his arrows, mend weapons and armor and restock on healing herbs, poultices etc.
SUBJ: Arathron (R) FROM: RAD DWEEBE 01/20/90 S#: 505994
I too, Dar, would like the Sword, but I don't know who would benefit more from it? If someone else gets it, I will take whatever I get, as long as it fits my style. Maybe U would like the Scimitar Dar?
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 01/21/90 S#: 830847
"Things just never seem to get any easier, my comrades. It seems that every time we try to solve one mystery, two more spring up in its place. A perfect environ to adequately test our mettle, I must say."
"There seem to be a number of tasks we must do and do quickly at this time. Foremost, in my estimation is dealing with the scheming wench that brought us to this town: Wendelaine. I suggest we trek to the tower of Akbar, her probable father, and stop whatever vile scheme she is planning. I will not stand to be played for a dupe. I will not."
"Once done with that, we have the completion of two of the Crown's missions in our hands. The money for their completion would create quite a monetary base for the rest of our adventuring. Also, we must quickly bring word to Gateway that the goblinoid horde is advancing on it. Surely the town should hold such an attack, unless they were taken unawares. It is our duty to make sure that doesn't happen. I fear that the horde may already be on the way. We had some evidence of large humanoid travels when we first came into this vile land. Hopefully, we have not been out here cavorting about while the attack has started!"
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 01/21/90 S#: 125924
"I agree with Validar. We should check into what has happened to Wendy, and the tower seems the most logical place to start. There's also that stairway in the temple to consider, but that can wait. Validar, since many of us are new to this group, perhaps you could explain what the two paying missions you mentioned are?"
If allowed access to the slain mage's spellbook, then I shall attempt to learn the spells Enlarge, Change Self, and Color Spray from it.
"There appears to be a fair amount of magical booty here. Does anyone in the group have any ability to determine what they might be? The spellbook does not contain a Lightning Bolt spell, so it's safe to assume that one of the items produced these, most likely the ring or wand. Of those, since I didn't notice a wand in the mages hand while she was casting the Bolts, I'd assume it was the ring, but this is all supposition. Still, I wouldn't mind having that ring. Of the other treasure, I lay no claim to any of the booty obtained from the Ankheg, since I did not participate in that battle. Of the rest, we should assign items to those who can best use them, sell the rest, and split the funds equally. This is just my opinion, and perhaps you already have an agreement on this matter."
SUBJ: Stephanie
'A sizeable haul, if I do say so myself!'
Steph's eyes gaze at the newfound treasures.
'I believe that Arafel is proficient in the use of the scimitar. Perhaps she could benefit most from its use? Of the items present, only the enchanted armor catches my fancy. Seeing how easily I fell in battle with Dran, I feel that my defenses are not adequate. As always, I leave the decision to Cereld.'
Some of the items of jewelry, the anklet, bracelet and headband in particular, catch my attention.
'It was my understanding the monies found went into a group fund? I'm not sure about this.'
'I am in agreement with Val and Araduin. There is much yet to do to liberate this village. Les, we not forget the monstrosity the stalks the night here!'
'I had almost forgotten about the missions board! Let me see here...::Checking notes::.... There is a 10,000 gp reward for both of those jobs! We're rich!!'
After Steph's excitement settles, down she gets back to the business at hand.
'I guess going after Wendy would be the smart thing to do, but what about these stairs? Perhaps this is the entrance to their vault? Perhaps this is where they are keeping Ticat? Perhaps there is more magic items!'
SUBJ: Still More GM Notes FROM: Mad DM 01/21/90 S#: 808567
The spellbook does indeed contain Lightning Bolt, Araduin. I double-checked to make sure that I didn't forget to include it, but it is listed with the other spells.
To save time for Validar or any of the other original members, the Crown has a mission board posted in Gateway. On it are several assignments and a monetary reward for their completion.
The two missions completed were, (1) discovering the location of the City of New Keln, which is shown on the map in the priest quarters and (2) locating the main temple of Hextor. The first award is sponsored by the Crown, the second by the Priests of Heironeous. Of course the party must be the first to report the findings of these places to get the reward.
The party has also learned that the Hextorites are hoarding magic items. They plan to sacrifice these items in exchange for the Trumpet of Acheron, a powerful magic device possessed by Hextor himself.
The sacrifice is to be in August at the main Temple. It is now the middle of May, game time.
Also, there seems to be some misunderstanding about the gaining of levels. Or rather poorly worded on my part.
Everyone is now the level listed a few screens back. When you do eventually return to Gateway, you will have to spend 1 week per level gained in actual training. Also, I will need new spell lists from all the casters.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 01/22/90 S#: 127821
"Aye, Stephanie, you are correct. I'd almost forgotten about our missing companions. If he is held beneath the temple, then we must release him before thirst and hunger finish the job the Hextorites no doubt started."
One of Araduin's spells will be sleep. If he is given access to the spellbook, and manages to learn it, then the second spell will be Color Spray. Otherwise, the second will be Magic Missile.
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 01/25/90 S#: 806844
"While I too wonder about the whereabouts of Wendy, although I am not entirely convinced that she duped us, at least not intentionally, I think we should look down the stairs first. Although the cells up here were empty, this is the only clue we have as to the whereabouts of our friend, and I feel we should check it out before going on.
After that then we can go check on the wizard's tower before we have to rush back to warn the city of the impending goblin attack. Well I hope no one has any plans on a vacation about now, it seems we will be busy for a while.
Now as to the division of the loot, Stephanie is correct that we have agreed on keeping all of our funds in a group pool that everyone is allowed to dip into as needed, however if anybody does not wish to become a member of the Seekers then I'm sure we could give him or her a fair share of what we have collected. As to the magic items, I think they should be divided as follows, unless anyone has any objections.
Stephanie gets the chainmail, and Arafel gets the scimitar of the Cleric.
Dran's longsword goes to Arathron.
As to the belongings of the mage, I think the broach should go to Finrod, the ring to Araduin, the dagger to Finius and the bracers to Dantar. The potions I think should go to Dar and I would like to have the wand. This means that Validar and Raeden are the only two who did not get anything. You two will have first pick of the next items we get, agreed?
As to the mage's spell book, I think it best if Araduin, Finrod and Dal share the book and learn all the spells they can from it. You might want to keep it in Finrod's chest for safekeeping. Finrod I would also like to put the jewelry, the blanket and the map in there also if I may.
I think I have been fair to everyone here but if anyone thinks otherwise or feels we shouldn't go downstairs, please feel free to speak up.
One last thing that I would like everyone's opinion on. I think when we leave this village that we should leave them with some sort of compensation for their troubles. After all they did let us rest here and they had to endure this temple bleeding them all this time. What does you think?"
One last note, during the time we are all resting, if he is able to I am asking Finrod to identify the items that he can (with the exception of the potions as I don't have a neutralize poison spell right now if they are poison. The other things should be safe as someone was wearing each of them.)
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 01/25/90 S#: 437186
Cereld, as always, you have reached a fair and equitable division of spoils. You may, indeed, place the blanket, jewelry, and cash in the Chest...I will even set aside a corner for party treasure, so that it doesn't get mixed in with my own stuff.
I am quite willing to attempt to ID the items, but we have only 2 pearls, so I can only cast twice...please set a priority of what is most important to analyze--I think the Wand should be at the top of the list, since you cannot even figure out it's most basic functions without ID. All of the other Items can yield at least an Idea of their function from experimentation.
As to the question of reward for the locals: I feel that letting us rest here is their payment of their debt to us for setting them free of the temple's tyranny. I would consider all accounts even, save for our responsibility to oversee the setup of a functioning self-rule government for these people, since they probably are not very familiar with how to do this for themselves.
The more immediate question, of course, is whether to descend the stairs... when I was but a young apprentice, I once left a beaker boiling on a burner whilst I turned to another experiment. Because I was not watching it, it exploded, doing me little damage except some scars to my ego, but I learned a lesson: "Always finish what you start."
We have begun searching these grounds for our comrade, I say we could not live with ourselves were we to leave without being sure whether he is here or not.
If those of you who would let your heads be turned by prospects of easy cash, consider that I am a procurer of wealth as one of my professions, and yet I have the loyalty to try to save our comrade-- are you with me?
SUBJ: Validar (R) FROM: Panther13 01/26/90 S#: 451612
"I have no problem with your division of treasure, Cereld. In my case, I received enough pleasure from the battle alone to do me well enough. I also feel that it would not be too difficult on us to leave the village with some extra monetary wealth gleaned from this foul cesspool. After all, most of it probably belonged to them anyway."
"I still have the feeling that TigerCat is not in this structure. I didn't think this would necessarily be the place he would be brought, if he is alive at all. And now, with the words of the collecting horde, he may be at any number of strongholds, if still in their hands. However, while we are here, a cursory search of the secret area is the least we could do."
"I strongly disagree, however, on your feelings about Wendy, Cereld. I think she has played us for the fools. There is nothing to indicate otherwise! The pieces fit together. She used us to find her father's tower and is now in possession of something of power, no doubt, or is in the process of finding such. I still say we should tarry little. If anyone would rather spend the time otherwise, I am willing to go to the tower alone, now."
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 01/26/90 S#: 89656
"While I've little interest in wealth beyond that required to maintain this group, I'm not sure that most of the people of this village are particularly worthy of recompense. With few exceptions, we were uniformly snubbed in this village. Nor did they do anything to rid themselves of their yoke. This hardly seems to be an attitude that should be rewarded. They have been granted a new chance at freedom; let this be their reward. There must be some better use to which these assets can be put."
"On the issue of Wendy, I did not know her long enough to get a feel for whether or not she manipulated this group. Whatever the case may be, there is more going on at the mage's tower than she could be responsible for. The strange beast which is ravaging this land began it's prowling before we reached here, and there is some evidence that the beast is linked with the tower. We'd best be prepared to face at least one other mage, and the beast itself when we go there."
"First things first though. We must make sure that Ti-Cat is not imprisoned in the temple before proceeding."
The Frontier #24
After some discussion and the division of the magic items, the Seekers descend the stairs into the lower level of the temple. There is no light below and torches are required.
At the bottom of the stairs is a short hallway. It is fifty feet long and ends at a door. Thirty feet down the corridor on the left hand side is an opening. Dirt covers the ground down here.
Checking out the opening, you discover that after five feet the passage is blocked by iron bars. The passage continues on for forty more feet before turning to the left.
You call out to Ticat down the passage, but get no response.
The door at the far end is wooden, held together with steel bands. There is a barred window set five feet high in the door.
Peering into the little window, a wondrous room is seen. In the flickering torchlight, many coins can be seen pouring out of numerous chests. There appears to be all types of coins and more than the group can possibly carry. Gems and pieces of jewelry can be spotted amongst the sea of coins. The hilts of several swords can also be seen. As you might expect, the door to this room is locked.
While inspecting the corridor, Dalliance believes that she spotted something. A section of the wall, about halfway in-between the stairs and the blocked passage, appears odd to her. She believes that there is a door concealed in the wall.
Further searching reveals what could be the outline of a door. However, there appears to be no way to open it.
GM Notes: Well, now what? Which way will you go?
In inspecting the wand, writing is noticed on it. Using Read Magic, the command word is clearly visible. The wording is in the Keln language. Roughly translated, it says, 'Behold your deepest terror!'.
Spectrum's Comments: Having command words inscribed upon things such as wands is a standard practice of mine.
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 01/27/90 S#: 111156
Well, should we bust the door or keep going? I will go with the others decision.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus....... (R) FROM: Kazaroth 01/27/90 S#: 492354
looks in through the window warily.
"This appears TOO good to be true....let us use extreme caution in entering beyond the door. Perhaps there is an illusion placed here to distract the greedy from the real nature of this door....a trap! Let us first explore the possibilities past the secret door. I doubt it is there for no reason.... surely there is purpose to it."
With his comments said Dar will await the rest of the party's reactions. During the conversation certain to ensue Dar will look around both doors for signs of use. This he will do by utilizing his tracking ability to search for any prints indicating which if either door has been used by the enemy in the recent past.
Dar's clerical spell list is as follows:
Cure Light Wounds x2
Entangle
Magic Stone
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 01/27/90 S#: 472339
"I agree with Dar. Even if no illusion is in play here, the door is likely to be trapped. It also brings us no closer to finding Ti-Cat. The treasure room can wait until we've explored the rest of this pit. It also relieves us of the decision of whether the towns' people should receive any recompense. There's more here than we can deal with."
SUBJ: Stephanie
'Tis more than likely a trap. Not even I would be foolish enough to leave my valuables in the open. No matter which way we go, it looks like some muscle is going to be needed to get through the barriers. Which way shall we go, Cereld?'
More GM Notes:
Even though the party has covered most of the floor with their own footprints, Dar notices a few things. While it appears that not many people have traveled down here, a trail is noticeable.
Footprints lead from the stairs and to the barred opening. They travel only in this one direction. There is a second trail, starting at the concealed door in the wall. This one leads straight to the stairs.
No recent prints lead to the door with the treasure behind it. Experimenting with the concealed door reveals that it is possibly locked on the other side.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 01/31/90 S#: 436560
"Well done, Dar! Now, what can we make of these signs? To my eye, this evidence would seem to indicate that the door to the 'treasure' room is a one way proposition, once entered, never left. Now, there may be another door in there, which leads eventually to the far side of the hidden door that has been found, or there may not be. I think we should examine the obvious corridor before tackling these possibilities. If Ti-Cat is being held down here, it is unlikely that his prison lies beyond the room of treasure."
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 02/01/90 S#: 484440
"Two things that my old pal Father Timalt always said to remember about Hextorites. One is that they can never be trusted. The second is that the easiest way to overcome any obstacles they put up, is to do what they least expect.
I am in agreement that the treasure room over there is a trap. Since the barred passage seems to be the entrance to this place, and the concealed door the exit, I say we break down the concealed door and come in the back way. Validar, can you and Stephanie find something to break this thing down with?
Meanwhile Dantar (welcome back by the way) can you and Dwaladin see if there are any traps to watch out for here?"
After all is clear and Validar and Stephanie have returned, Cereld will first cast a Strength spell on Validar, Stephanie and Finrod. "Take it away people."