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Chapter 3: The Temple of All-Consumption

Turn 61: Doors Close, Doors Open

His mind racing, Danton ran amongst the trees in the darkness to catch up to Syll just as the elf sat down with his back against the trunk of a large pine and closed his eyes.

”You art tired, Syll, and I am exhausted, mentally and physically. But, pray, answer just one or two more questions,” said Danton.

”Imprimis, I hath a basic question going forward. If you art considered low-born in Tenaris's eyes, then can we maintain our merry little group beyond the morrow? If you take mine meaning, will you and Tenaris be able to function together as more-or-less equals in our freebooting? Or will the social dynamics make that impossible? I know that you cannot speak authoritatively for Tenaris, of course, but you doth have a degree of insight that I plainly lack. Second, to your knowledge, Syll, where are we off to? Setting aside the issue I just raised, are you off on your own, as you were before our paths crossed? Some men are made to be loners, while others work best in an ensemble -- which are you? Methinks we could, the three of us, freeboot together profitably and in mutual friendship, but I know not this area and I know not your intentions.”

”Finally,” said Danton quickly, able to see the look of irritation on Syll’s face even in the faint light of the moon Celene overhead, “and then I shall let you sleep -- obviously you cannot speak specifically to Tenaris's feelings for me, though if I am wrong, prithee let me know, but let me ask you this. Tenaris is a high-born elf, whereas I am a Velunese man. Would she be able to ... what I mean is, could she keep company with me as an equal? I doth not ask you about romance. I can gather that for mineself, whither it happens or nay. But, fundamentally, how doth high elves vieweth men?”

Syll shook his head and made a sound that seemed a cross between a laugh and a groan. “Well Danton, I think Tenaris and I should get along just fine. I can't say anything for sure, but I don't foresee any issues. She seems like a decent sort. As far as you go, I'd be glad to have the company. I think we can scare up a nice mix of profit and adventure. Mostly elves ain't all that interested in any but their own kind, or any place but Celene, but the fact that Tenaris ain't there, and ain't heading back indicates to me that she ain't quite a typical high-born elf.”

“Can't really say much more than that. Now, I'll have to sleep on things a bit, but I'm kind of thinkin' to head to Furyondy, maybe cross the Nyr Dyv. Heck, maybe even head into Urnst. I'll have to think on the best path to take though. But for now, I really need some rest and you need to keep your eyes on the countryside—that damned temple is only a few miles away and we know that they’ve sent out kidnap parties to this very area in the past, so stay sharp.”

Many hours later, when Tenaris woke Danton and Syll after taking the third watch, the heat in the hills above Rastor was already sweltering. It was still early, and Tymerian’s shop would not likely be open for at least another two hours, so Danton and the two elves had time for a decent breakfast before heading into the village to collect their things from the woman’s shop.

“Yesterday, I doth not mind saying,” began Danton while he and the others ate, “was one of those days the threat of whose existence rarely occurs to a man until he is actually confronted with it. Put simply, I hath had no idea that our group was going to literally dissolve into dispute, and I rue that it was so. It proveth one thing about the nature of mankind: when misperception reigns, even good faith and noble heart may not be enough to stave off conflict.”

”Now, however, having said that, I hath no further wish to revisit yesterday's events. More that than, let me say that I am entirely pleased to be in your company. Syll, I doth not hesitate to add, though, that I am not blind to the attendant irony. When we met in Woodstock, now some weeks past, you and I did not -- how shall I put it? – ‘hit it off.’ Yet, in the weeks that followed, I came to see that your disposition and mine own were not so dissimilar. I wilt say it plainly: you art a talented warrior, a worthy spellcaster, and a crafty adventurer. When before, in all candor, I'd have left you in Woodstock, I now count mineself lucky to be in your friendship and company.”

Syll nodded acknowledgement, but when Danton turned to Tenaris, the sorcerer muttered, “here we go…”

”As for you, Lady Tenaris, well, let me just say again that things on mine part hath been pushed much further and far faster than I would e'er have pushed them had not yesterday's events transpired. I wilt speak plainly. From the first, I wast captivated by your beauty, your poise, your grace, your courage, and your skill at arms. If you hath only one of those virtues, you still would have caught mine eyes, but possessed of all those and more, I have hoped from the first moment to get to know you better. Please believe me, I sought your friendship first and foremost, though I doth not hesitate now to add that I had hoped that more might develop. So please do not think me a clumsy, presumptuous oaf in the words that I spoke to you yesterday. Circumstances forced mine hand, and, quite frankly, I am of the mind that no rational man -- even when in circumstances far from normal -- walks away from an opportunity at incomparable romance, even a remote opportunity, when he recognizes it. 'Twas not my hatred for Nanoc that brought me hither now. To the contrary, I love him as though he wert mine brother. Rather, 'tis the hope of romance -- eventual romance, I stress -- that places me in this glade with your company.”

The elf woman stared back at Danton with her eyes wide, but the Velunese had no idea what this expression meant.

”Do not feel the need to reciprocate or even reply, Tenaris. What I hath said now I hath said mainly to close the loop, for present, on mine intentions. I admire you, lady, and I would have your friendship and trust before any thought can reasonably be given to romance. I have spoken all this so that you would know mine mind. I wish to get to know you, fair Tenaris Glimmerdawn, as friend and comrade. If there is to be more than that ... well, only the gods now knoweth.”

While Tenaris remained inscrutable, Syll did not. The smuggler rolled his eyes at Danton’s words and feigned nausea.

Shifting to a more businesslike tone, Danton changed the subject:

”The question that immediately confronts us on this morn, as I see it, is whither to now? But before we decide, we hath to Rastor to make. On the way, let us all three tell of our pasts. I would know, Tenaris, how 'tis that a beauteous elven warrior hath come from Celene, and what was her purpose in leaving that realm. For mine part, I shall tell you the story of an ex-spy of Veluna and his travels, travails and misadventures. And, Syll, I would hear your tale if you care to tell it. For mine belief is that, if you art to rest your life on the shoulders of another man -- or woman -- 'tis best to know that person and have them know you. Lady, if you art willing, please begin straightaways, or, if you prefer it, Danton shall begin.”

Tenaris opened her mouth as if about to speak at last, but suddenly her eyes went even wider than before and Syll leaped to his feet and drew his sword, his gaze locked on something behind Danton’s back. Sensing trouble, Danton was on his feet in a flash, with Rat’s Tail in hand.

When both elves and the scout were armed and on their feet, Danton saw what had drawn the others’ attention: a tall man in plate mail, with a helmet obscuring his features, was making his way up the hillside, directly towards the party’s camp.

***

“Well Luger its done up to you,” said Nanoc. “I'm gonna open this door an’ see if there is a prisoner in here. But could be a room full o' bad people. So if you wants to clear out fore I open it, go ahead. As far as gettin rid o' this cult, if you want to try to get some people to help, we can try a few towns around here. Like I said, with that racist Tenaris gone, I am happy to stay here and see this job finished. If you is gone to give up on it, well then I guess I'll be off to find Asya. Your welcome to head that way wit me, I is sure from what she done told me there be plenty o' use for that sword o’ yours.”

“Anywho,” continued the barbarian angrily, “I am startin' to learn I'm jus an orc to most people. It took a long time for Hammstead to accept me, and that were only after I done saved some kids who got trapped under spilled flour bags. Even then most folks took to ignorin' me. It weren't till I killed that bear and saved them girls that everyone accepted me. O' course still none o' the girls wanted to be involved wit me. Least ways not till I met Asya. I think we is of the same heart; we don't judge people by looks.”

”I guess what I am gettin' at is I trust in people too easy an’ always think the best till I sees different. Well, Tenaris showed her true colors today, so did Syll by not speakin up immediately when all I did was ask if'n he minded handin' over the gloves. But what caused me the most pain is Danton showed his true colors also. I suspect he weren't really ever my friend, jus’ usin' me for protection and my size, makin' money off me wrestlin and what not. Tell all those stories 'bout Venessa an what not, probably all made up, too. He kept tellin' me not to trust people. I guess he were feelin' guilty 'bout himself when he was sayin' that. I guess now he done had enough skill to be out on 'is own and don't need an orc no more. All I know is I didn't start the name callin', and I don't regret a thing I said cause it were all true. Call me a dis-crim-ator, heck, I were the one that refused to kill the goblin woman and children, bet she wouldn't think twice 'bout cuttin’ a baby goblins throat.”

”Well you live and learn,” continued Nanoc. “So what I is gettin at is you ain't gotta feel like you have to stay here an open this door wit me. I ain't holdin no bad will towards you if you wants to go. Heck if it is a room full o' thugs, might be best you went cause I can pretty much outrun anyone. If you was there I'd have to stay an’ fight. I sure not leave you there on your own. So if you want to go, I'll give you a few minutes head start. Else wise be prepared for the worst an' hope for the best...that's my new way o' thinkin.”

Nanoc smiled broadly as he finished. At the same time, he handed Luger his one and only potion of invisibility.

"Here you take this; I was told it will make you so no-one can see you. Either way, if you decide to go it'll give you a better chance to get out, and if there is bad guys behind this door an I fall before you do, well, you have at least some chance to get away if you drinks it."

“Do not worry, my friend,” replied Luger, taking the potion. “I will not leave you alone in this despicable place. We have plenty of time to discuss what we're going to do in our current situation after we check this door. Once we've confronted whoever is here, we'll hole up and rest for a day or so and decide what to do. We still have these books to go through, which may shed some light on the situation here. With only two of us, it should be easier to move around without drawing too much attention. I doubt we can bring the entire mountain down ourselves, but we can certainly collect more information before turning tail.”

”I know you want to find Aseneth,” added Luger, “and I promised to help you in that regard, just as I promised Aseneth my help against the evils in her lands. As strongly as you wish to begin that quest, you must remember that your happiness with Asya will be short lived if this cult succeeds in freeing its evil god.”

“And do not be too hard on Danton,” said the cleric. “As he's said many times, he's a lover not a fighter. I've enjoyed traveling with Danton, but we are in more need of a strong arm holding steel than a slick mouth or a sharp quill. It is one less person we'll need to heal after our battles...” he finished with a laugh.

Nanoc laughed too.

“Sounds good to me Luger. Yeah, I'm just all 'round upset...I am sure the next time I see Danton, I won't be feelin that way no more. I am wit you against this here cult. I jus need to utter a prayer to kord and send Asya my love so if you need to be prayin' too, nows the time.”

Nanoc closed his eyes and bowed his head as he prayed to the god of strength, but as he did so, it was Aseneth’s voice he heard speaking back to him:

“Nanoc, can you hear? I hope is working and you are alright. I am missing you and trying find way back. They are watching.”

Hearing the voice of the enchantress, Nanoc’s eyes shot open and his head came up as he whirled around looking for the woman. The barbarian stood a little straighter and signs of fatigue and pain left his face, replaced by look of determination.

”Asya me love,” he said aloud, “I is ok, an’ me heart is o' looking for you and as soon as I helps out with this here mission...I is gonna find you and helps you and there weren't be no more undead in your city. I swear by Kord nothing is gonna keep me from your side... “

“To whom are you speaking?” asked Luger.

“I done heard Asya’s voice,” replied Nanoc. “Dunno if it was in my head or what, but I heard it, an’ it was her.”

“Interesting,” mused Luger. “She must have found a way to deliver a magical sending to you. Would that she could rejoin us here—we are sorely in need of her power.”

“Speakin’ o magic,” said Nanoc, “jus’ to let you know in case you can come up wit any good ways to use this stuff to get outta here, I done gots two potions o' spider climbing. We could both use one and be able to climb like a spider I thinks.”

“I have a feeling that if it comes to us having to leave, we're not going to do it quietly,” said Luger with a smile. “Heironeus has seen fit to grant me more of his divine power and if we choose to exit the way we came in, I will use this power to destroy our enemies. I'll not sacrifice my life meaninglessly, but I'll also not run away out of fear of death.”

“However,” added the cleric, “these potions of yours may come in handy if we decide to ford the lake we saw earlier. I do not wish to go swimming in my armor, but if we can climb the walls or ceiling above, I won't have to. The potion of invisibility will be useful if we need to do some spying, but I'll not use to run away while you fight alone. You may end up being the one who needs to use it; for I alone should not cause much alarm, but an imposing fellow like yourself is bound to cause guards to take notice.”

“Sounds good,” said Nanoc, handing one of the spider climbing potions to Luger. “I guess we gots two options; we can try to take this place on ourselves, or if'n we survives this door, we can see if'n there is any other towns nearby that we might be able to recruit some people to help. I know sometimes Justin'd pray to Kord for guidance or somethin and get some sort o' answers. Is that the kind o' thing you can do wit Heironeus? Maybe after this door, you can see if we oughta continue forward, or go an' search for new fellahs to help us wit it.”

“Now,” said Nanoc firmly, “I’m goin’ through this door and I’m gonna liberate or kill whoever or whatever is behind it.”

As he turned back to the door once again, Nanoc whispered, “Asya I done hear you earlier. In case you is still lookin’ in on me, I wants you to know I loves you wit all my heart. I woulds gladly fight an die for you and your city. But you knows If’n I think a person is in trouble I can’t stand aside and leave ‘em. So I gots to open a door jus’ in case. If’n it turns out bad, I hopes the wind carries my love to you ears one last time. Asya my heart is yours.”

And then, without another word, Nanoc wrenched the door open. Beyond the door was a square-shaped room, thirty feet to a side. A closed chest sat in the middle of the room. Against the north wall rested a bed almost 20 feet long and eight feet wide with a huge straw mattress. A large, fairly fresh haunch of meat, probably a whole side of beef, hung from a hook on the west wall. The only other door, besides the one Nanoc had opened, was on the south wall, and it was closed.

When Nanoc pulled open the door, he immediately heard the sound of heavy breathing, which caused him to back away from the doorway rather than rush through it. As he and Luger watched, a massive humanoid that stood nearly twenty feet tall, his head almost brushing the ceiling, ducked down low and squeezed its bulk through the doorway. It wore a variety of furs and animal skins and carried a massive wooden club—each made from a tree trunk—in each hand. Once through the doorway, the creature stood back to its full height, pounded its clubs against it chest and then rushed at Nanoc. The barbarian used the last moments before it was upon him to drain the potion of bull’s strength he had held at the ready in case of just such an eventuality (+2 strength).

[Initiative: Nanoc: 18, Luger: 20, Creature: 8]

Although the creature was gigantic, it was also quite slow, and by the time it was finished pounding on its chest, Nanoc was already hacking into its legs (attack: 12+17=29, 7+12=19; one hit; 18 damage). Luger followed right behind the barbarian, approaching the behemoth from its right side and stabbing it with Geistblatt (attack: 20+9=29; potential critical hit—2^nd roll: 14+9=23; critical hit; 16 damage).

The initial assault by the barbarian and cleric was devastating, but the creature they were fighting was so huge that he showed no visible reaction to the injuries he suffered—save for screaming in rage and smashing his tree-trunk clubs down to pummel Nanoc from both sides (hit for 21 damage).

Staggered by the massive clubs, Nanoc nevertheless continued to hack at the monster’s legs, severing a tendon that caused the giant humanoid to crash down on his left knee (attack: 12+17=29; 13+12=25; two hits; 39 damage). Luger continued to harry the monster on his other side (attack: 18+9=27; hit; 8 damage), but the beast clearly recognized which foe was a mortal danger to it and it ignored Luger in favor of pounding Nanoc with its clubs a second time (two hits for 18 total damage).

Seeing stars and with his consciousness slipping away, Nanoc allowed his simmering anger to boil into pure barbarian rage once again, and the adrenaline this provided gave him the strength to remain standing and continue fighting (barbarian rage: +4 strength, +4 con, +16 HP, -2 AC). Using this burst of renewed energy, Nanoc cut the giant’s other leg out from under it (attack: 18+19=37; 15+14=29; two hits; 36 damage). Luger did his best to continue to help the barbarian (attack: 6+9=15; miss), but his swing went wide as he was forced to leap out of the way to avoid being crushed when the huge creature they fought came down on its second knee.

Terribly injured, the massive creature screamed in rage, the noise echoing up and down the corridors of the entire bridge area complex. Its arms propelled by its own burning anger, the giant smashed its twin clubs into Nanoc a third time (hit for 24 total damage), and this time it was simply too much. After all the abuse he had suffered during the earlier battle with the bridge defenders, Nanoc was simply in no shape for a battle such as this and he crumpled to the ground under the sustained impact of the tree trunks that pummeled him.

The giant screamed in triumph when Nanoc fell, but its euphoria was short lived, for a second later, Luger slipped Giestblatt into its exposed back (attack: 15+9=24; 5 damage). Compared to what Nanoc had done, the wound was minor indeed, but it still served to draw the monster’s attention. Twisting its torso around, the creature swung its clubs wildly—one went clean over Luger’s head, but the second one struck him in the midsection (hit for 11 points), knocking him back and likely breaking more than one of his ribs.

The pain in Luger’s chest was such that when he tried to draw in close to gut the giant, whose stomach was in reach now that it was on its knees, he did not even come close (attack: 9+9=18; miss) and the behemoth swatted him aside with both clubs, sending the cleric flying clear across the room to smash into the stone wall (hit twice for a total of 21 damage).

Dazed and lying on the ground, Luger struggled to come to his senses and pick himself up even as the giant shuffled ponderously across the floor on its knees to finish him. The creature was now slow enough that the cleric managed to stand before it was upon him. He had lost his shield, but somehow Geistblatt remained in his grasp. Uttering a prayer to Heironeous, Luger charged the giant one last time. Even as the twin tree trunks swung towards the ceiling once more in preparation for being brought down on his head, the cleric leaped at the giant’s belly with Geistblatt leading the way (attack: 18+9=27; hit; 8 damage).

The blade sank deep into the giant’s stomach and the mighty arms trembled over Luger’s head. The cleric expected his end was imminent, but instead of crashing down to smash him, the tree trunks slipped from the giant’s grasp and fell to the floor at Luger’s sides. Even as Luger jumped and rolled out of the way, the gigantic body of his foe fell forward to crash unmoving onto the floor.

***

Clearly having spotted the party, the armored man made straight towards them.

"Art thou friends or foes?” he asked, speaking somewhat archaic and formal Oeridian.  “Speak quickly, for if thou art evil foes, then prepare to meet thy doom by mine sword, Justice!  But if thou seek to assail that temple of pure evil that lies nearby, then I shall count thee as friends, or perhaps allies. Which art thou?" 

“Is this guy for real?” asked Syll.

The armored man put his hands on the hilt of the greatsword he wore on his back and bellowed, “Speak! Thou shall not get the pleasure of another chance so close to yonder temple!" 

“We don’t take threats well,” hissed Tenaris.

“Just who are you? Why are you wandering these hills and why hath you approached our camp?” asked Danton in a more placating voice.

"I have slain one of those who reside in the nearby temple,” replied the armored man, “and acquired a robe and an unholy symbol. Though they are painful to carry and it is against my nature to skulk about like a villain, it is my intent to sneak into the temple and unleash hell, or shall I say the righteousness of heaven?  Either way, justice will be done.  Wilst thou join me?"  he finished, releasing his grip on his weapon as he spoke.

“And you think the best way to sneak into the temple is to approach the first people you meet outside and announce your intentions to them?” asked Syll incredulously. “Smooth, real smooth.”

"There be no relativism—or sarcasm—so close to this temple,” said the man. “Thou art either good and will join me in its destruction or thou art evil and wish to join it. Surely no one would simply choose to loiter around this place for fun. Indeed, I have information that the very world may hang in the balance of our choices. Life offers many clear choices, our duty is simply to choose the right path; to join the forces of the light and slay the minions of darkness." 

“Who are you?” asked Syll.

“I am Sir Peter Sparhawk, of Furyondy,” replied the man, “and I would know thy names and intent immediately.”

“We are Danton Verbrugge of Veluna and two elves, Syll and Tenaris, of Celene,” replied the scout in order to forestall any conflict, “and by your definition we are neither allies nor foes, for while we have no association with the temple, nor do we wish anything further to do with it. We mean to depart this land starting this very morning and never to return.”

“What?” asked Sparhawk. “Thou hast been in the temple?  Why art thou leaving?

Canst thou tell me what manner of beasts lie within the temple walls and what intelligence thou hast uncovered?"

“Tis far too long a tale to tell,” said Danton, “and we hath many miles to go and much to accomplish ere the sun sets, but if you truly wish to throw your life away in that fell place, you might seek out a great half-orc barbarian and a cleric of Heironeous who seek to overthrow it from within. They are called Nanoc and Luger.”

“What?” said Sparhawk again. “You actually have friends in there and you are departing in conscience?  Never in my travels have I heard of such betrayal!  What would makest thou do such a thing?  Even if thy friends were dead, surely you would not leave them to foul, fetid beasts of the underworld to prey upon, and bring them out for a decent burial?  But, thou sayest thy friends are alive.  I cannot believe mine ears!  Alive, you say.”

Sparhawk shook his head and looked as if he might be about to weep. “Pray tell, how canst thou do such a thing?"

“Look, bud,” said Syll, “you weren’t there and you haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about, so keep your opinions to yourself.”

"Well,” replied Sparhawk huffily, “I do not know what thy are about, but I pray you get yourselves to a church and soon to pray for forgiveness and atone for your grave sin. As for me, I shall go to the aid of thine friends.  Pray that I am in time to go to their succor."

The warrior then slipped off his pack, removed a black cloak and inverted Y pendant, put both on and then began heading uphill towards the path that ultimately led to the temple. As he went, Danton, Tenaris, and Syll looked at one another in disbelief.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think we all smoked something last night and this was a hallucination,” muttered Syll. “All those ‘thous’ and ‘thys’—and didn’t anyone ever tell that guy that ‘thee’ was singular in old Oeridian?”

About forty feet up the hillside, Sparhawk turned and looked back, calling out, "Well, art thou joining with me?  You can begin your penance with this small token of atonement to right what is so glaringly wrong." 

“To paraphrase the lady here,” said Danton, “open skies, verdant forests and the great cities of this world are our destination, and Syll is correct in saying that you know not that of which you speak. Fare thee well.”

Sparhawk shook his head in apparent disgust.

"Either the bonds of friendship you offered wert a lie or thou hast betrayed thy

friends in their moment of need.  Begone from this place then and atone for your sins.  If thou seekest to stop me in any way, I shall count you as mine enemy.”

“Blah, blah, blah,” said Syll dismissively as Sparhawk disappeared from view at the top of the hill. “Let’s get a move on,” he added to Danton and Tenaris. “Whoever he is, that guy could bring all kinds of trouble down on our heads if we stick around here much longer. Let’s go find Tymerian.”

“Milady,” said Danton, looking at Tenaris, “perhaps you should await Syll and myself outside of Rastor. Tis no place for one such as you.” When the woman frowned, Danton added hastily, “Believe me, lady, ‘tis no assumption of mine that you cannot handle yourself in a tight fix. For I hath seen you in action in the Temple of All-Consumption, and your swordsmanship is rivaled only by your bravery. The elves of Celene art truly a remarkable folk. Rather, ‘tis a matter of considered tactics that I wish that you remain outside Rastor.”

“Tactics? What do you mean?” asked Tenaris.

“Put simply,” said Danton, “Rastor is a bad place filled with bad men. Some of them may hath been involved in your capture in the first place, or at least seen you and your fellows taken to the temple. Thus your sudden presence and freedom in Rastor could raise alarm bells as it were. Beyond that, you are a beautiful woman, milady, and also would attract attention, and probably violence, in Rastor, regardless of whether you are recognized.”

Turning to Syll, Danton added, “Methinks ‘tis also best to disclaim all knowledge of the Temple with any others we encounter, much less to admit to ever having gone there. This town is surely rife with spies, or at least with those who would sell such information, and the last thing we need is to engender pursuit from the Temple.”

“Good point,” agreed the elf. “Let’s get our gear together and get a move on, but before we do, there’s one last thing. I picked up a set of bracers back in the temple that I identified last night while you were sleeping. They function to boost one’s stamina and constitution. I could definitely make use of them, but if you want ‘em, you can have ‘em and I’ll take those armored bracers you’re wearing instead. You can’t wear both obviously. I’d prefer these health-enhancing ones, but I’m willing to take whichever set you don’t want.”

Danton smiled. “Keep what you will. I am content with mine own bracers, but you hath raised an important subject, for it is I who wouldst share certain items with you and Tenaris.”

Rifling through his pack, Danton withdrew the wand of monster summoning that Syll had used during the trio’s escape from the temple the previous day and handed it to the smuggler, along with a stack of scrolls. To Tenaris, he passed two potion vials.

“You may ask why I am giving up mine hard-earned items of magic,” said the scout, “but you may be assured it is not charity. Rather, say tactical wisdom and comradeship. If ‘tis not you, Syll, then who is the best bearer of these scrolls and that wand? While ‘tis true that I can use these items, as you well know, mine usage carries a risk of inoperability or malfunction. In your hands, however, their effects reliably serve all of our needs. Likewise, fair Tenaris, mine own skills permit me to climb things and gain heights, such that are difficult for an armored elf as yourself. Besides, if I hath special need of any one of these items, would you not loan or give it to me?”

The woman nodded, even as Danton continued, “The answer is plainly ‘yes,’ just as I would also give of the items I hath yet retained if either of you hath need of them. So call it not ‘charity,’ for we are all best served by putting such things in the best hands. And, besides, when the time comes to split future booty, I will consider the same principles, and I wilt not hesitate to state that a given item is best placed in mine own hands.”

“That’s reasonable,” said Syll. “We sure don’t need any mess like yesterday ever again.”

“It probably goeth without saying,” added Danton, “but so that there can be no misunderstanding going forward, I wilt say it anyhow. We three are on wholly equal terms. Any former pact, bargain or terms that may have bound us is now dissolved and of no moment. Let fairness, wisdom and comradeship govern the division of any spoils henceforth.”

“Thanks, Danton,” said Syll. “I don’t have much magical stuff left, but I did pick some gems in the temple, and I’ll share those out equally. Contrary to what some people suggested, I never felt like a thief, and certainly don’t intend to become one. Since Tenaris has no gold, and since she and you both chose to come with me, whatever your motives may have been, I will buy our supplies in Rastor.”

With all these items exchanged, Danton wanted to raise one last subject before the group set out for Rastor.

“We should,” he said, ”resolve the issue of our destination before we set foot in Rastor, for otherwise, how will we know which direction to take upon our departure? For my part, I believe a trip to Enstad is in order. It is the capital of fair Celene, is it not? Perhaps there we could acquire healing and additional magic and recruit a full-time healer, without which we cannot long survive in such a dangerous world. Without Luger, even Nanoc’s mighty axe would not have availed us for long in the Temple. For no man is indestructible, and all may be worn down by repeated combat.”

Both Syll and Tenaris had strange expressions on their faces by this time, but Danton plunged on:

“I hath no doubt, fair Tenaris, that you could find happiness if you never left the boundaries of Celene. Your own sun shines so brightly that I cannot imagine you without happiness, where’re you were. But the Flanaess is a very big place—and a fascinating one. I know only a fraction of it mineself, and I would know more, much more. For instance, you hath never been to Veluna, and I could tell you tales of that realm—its history, politics and culture—that would make you wish to set foot there. How many other places hath neither of us visited that introduce new wonders and challenges?”

“But first,” continued Danton, “perhaps you should visit the forested bowers of your people again to communicate your safety to your family, who are probably very concerned about you. Let us go to your people and stay there as long as you fancy—but then, join me in mine explorations of the Flanaess.”

“I’m not really so anxious to return,” said Tenaris. “I actually only left a few weeks ago and I don’t think anyone there would even know about what happened to us in the mountains…”

“I don’t know about Tenaris,” added Syll hurriedly, “but Celene would be pretty dicey for both you and me, Danton, and Enstad would be the worst. For my part, suffice to say that some elves have a very long memory. As for you, the whole darn country is pretty much closed to foreigners—meaning non-elves--and it could be dangerous for you to try to go there. Nope, we better pick some other destination. My preference is north and east—away from Celene.”

***

Although Luger had known on some level that Nanoc was dead as soon as he saw the gigantic humanoid hit the barbarian the last time, confirming the fact after the fight was over was almost more than the cleric could bear. It took every ounce of will and determination the Luger possessed to choke back tears and bitterness and force himself to concentrate on survival and escape. Luger knew that the entire campaign to thwart the world-destroying plans of the Tharizdun cult now hung by the merest of threads—his own life. Salvaging what little he could carry of the many items in Nanoc’s pack, the cleric offered up a prayer to Heironeous for the barbarian’s warrior soul, drank his very last healing potion (cure moderate wounds: +16 HP), and then made his way out of the bridge complex as quickly as he could.

Like Danton, Tenaris, and Syll had done earlier, Luger picked his way back through the now abandoned caverns of the Earth Temple. Before leaving the bridge complex, he took a half-dozen torches in order to have light along the way, realizing that this would announce his presence to anything or anyone that might be out there in the dark. However, whatever the reasons might have been, Luger made it all the way through the old mines without encountering anyone. When he drew near the mountain’s entrance complex at long last, the cleric extinguished his torch, secured all of his gear in his pack, and drank the invisibility and spider climb potions Nanoc had given him.

The entire entrance complex seemed to be in a state of uproar as Luger made his way halfway down the hall and then climbed up one of the walls to hang from the ceiling. Men, gnolls, troglodytes and dogs were everywhere, and there were signs of some kind of recent fight—including the bodies of numerous dogs at the far end of the hall. When Luger reached the four-way intersection that led to Danton’s ‘Blasphemous Hall’, he saw that the main doors of the temple were open and several men, humanoids, and dogs were probing about the entrance area as if looking for a trail or scent. As the cleric made his way along the ceiling of the hall over the heads of those below, he managed to pick up some snippets of their conversation:

“Somebody got in or out during all that mess with the dogs,” said a goggle-wearing ogre that Luger recognized from when the party first entered Mount Stalagos days earlier. “That whole business was a diversion—I’m sure of it.”

Standing next to the ogre was the half-elf who seemed to be in charge of this area, Mereclar he was called, if Luger remembered correctly.

“You may be right,” said the half-elf. “But is there a connection to what the bridge crew says about Delchin and his boys attacking them and killing Oamarthis and his pet?”

“Dunno,” grunted the ogre. “But if the Fire Temple really hired Delchin to smash the Earth Temple again, why would Delchin then try to break into the Outer Fane?”

“Anything is possible,” replied Merclar. “Perhaps Tessimon tricked Delchin, seeking to use his services to achieve her ends and then to be rid of him by telling him to cross the bridge when his work was done. But that is neither here nor there. We must secure this area against any further intrusion and then get on with the job of re-securing the bridge complex. If this is really all that’s left of the bridge crew, we’re gonna need major reinforcements, and I’ll leave that up to you.”

By this time Luger had reached the entrance doorway and he crawled through it upside-down and out onto the roof of the cave outside. Once in the cave, the cleric moved along the roof and then onto the side of the mountain outside. Using the remaining magic of the climbing potion, he made his way well away from the cave mouth before finally descending to the ground. Alone, wounded and mentally and physically exhausted, Luger staggered into the trees and collapsed to the ground, falling asleep—or was it passing out?—well before his invisibility wore off.

When the cleric awoke, well over twelve hours later, although the sky overhead was still dark, he prayed to Heironeous for new spells, healed himself further (Cast Cure Light Wounds twice: +18 HP), and then set out down the mountain away from the temple. When the sun rose in the east a short time later, Luger was able to get his bearings and began making his way towards Rastor.

Nearly two hours later, when Luger could finally see the village in the distance, an armored man suddenly appeared on the trail ahead of him. The man was very large, he had a huge sword on his back, and wore a black cloak, not unlike the one Luger himself wore, and an inverted Y pendant dangled from around his neck.

“Greetings, brother,” said Luger as he and the big man drew close.

As Luger watched, the other man seemed to be looking about to see if anyone else was on the trail.

“Thou art from the temple?” asked the other man.

“Of course,” replied Luger. “And you?”

“I will be thine death, villain!” shouted the other man, throwing off his black cloak and pulling the massive two-handed sword out of its sheath on his back. Now that the man’s cloak was gone, Luger could easily see the familiar lightning bolt symbol of Heironeous emblazoned on his breastplate.

As the other man rushed at him, Luger backed off and withdrew his own holy symbol, which hung on a chain around his neck and had been concealed beneath his chainmail.

“Thou art a fellow paladin?” asked the other man in obvious shock at seeing the symbol. “Why dost thou wear the colors of the enemy?”

“I might ask you the same,” said Luger, “but this is neither the time, nor the place. I don’t know who you are, but, at least for the time being, I need to get off this path as soon as possible, and I suggest you do the same. The temple in the heights above is in a state of uproar and it may well send out search parties.”

"Since you obviously have more knowledge of the temple than I,” said the other man, “I shall follow your lead and listen to any moral, lawful suggestion you offer in order to be able to slay as many evil creatures as possible later.”

“I don’t suppose you have seen a man and two elves anywhere nearby?” asked Luger.

“What?” replied the other man. “I saw three such blackguards—calling themselves Danton, Syll, and Tenaris—on a hillside not twenty minutes ago! Wait a minute—thou must be the one called Luger. Danton said you remained inside the temple—with one called Nanoc!”

“Much has transpired in a short time,” said Luger, “I will explain what I can, but first you must take me to Danton and the elves.”

***

When Sparhawk and Luger appeared at the top of the hill, Danton, Syll and Tenaris were still in discussion of their destination after departing Rastor. The three were shocked to see Luger, and Danton was deeply saddened to hear of Nanoc’s death. Tenaris and Syll were saddened as well, but their feelings were tempered by the unpleasantness of their last encounter with the barbarian.

Because Tenaris, Syll, and Danton were still badly injured from the battle in the bridge complex the previous day, Luger used all his remaining spells to heal their injuries, assisted to a degree by Sparhawk, who contributed his own healing abilities. By the time that all the tales were told of what had transpired with each group during their separation, a good part of the morning had passed. Luger then broke out the four different books that he had recovered during the party’s foray into the Temple of All-Consumption and asked that the others divide the reading of the tomes with him in order that he could learn as much as possible of their contents in a short time.

Two of the books turned out to be the same: The Worship of the Elder Elemental Eye. This slim volume described four elemental temples: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air, each of which gave obeisance to an elemental ‘Prince’: Earth to a creature called Ogremoch, Fire to something called Imix, Water to Olhydra, and Air to Yan-C-Bin. All four temples, and their associated ‘Princes’, served some greater power that was never referred to directly in the book, but that the party members knew was none other than Tharizdun.

The second book, entitled A History of Evil Cults, described numerous shadowy cultist organizations, including the Cult of the Elder Elemental Eye, the Cult of Vecna, the worshippers of Iuz, the dread Scarlet Brotherhood, and something called the Horned Society. The book also contained sections on the followers of numerous other evil deities, including Hextor, Incabulos, and Erythnul. Unfortunately, the section on the Elder Elemental Eye contained nothing that was new to the party. Indeed, it was far less detailed on the cult than The Worship of the Elder Elemental Eye.

It was the last book, the one that Luger read personally, the handwritten notebook entitled The Temple of Elemental Evil, which proved the most interesting. This book related the rise of the infamous temple north and east of Hommlet, emphasizing that it was the followers of Tharizdun that were behind the effort from the outset, concealing their guiding hand behind the façade of the Elder Elemental Eye cult, with lesser contributions by the cults of Iuz and something called Zuggutmoy, as well as the drow. The book went on to explain that the location near Hommlet was chosen because it sat atop a nexus of elemental power that drew forth and focused the forces of earth, air, fire and water in powerful underground nodes.

When the forces of the Temple of Elemental Evil fell the first time, against the combined forces of Veluna, Furyondy, and Verbobonc in the Battle of Emridy Meadows, the temple structure itself remained intact, and the surviving cultists went to ground. When the Temple of Elemental Evil fell the second time years later and its catacombs were collapsed, forces from the Temple of All-Consumption spirited away two of the most powerful clerics who had led the northern temple.

According to the tome Luger read, the head of the Temple of Elemental Evil, a man named Hedrack, had been rescued and brought to the Temple of All-Consumption to assume a position of leadership there, while another cleric, referred to as Lareth the Beautiful, who had actually been killed by enemy forces, had been raised from the dead and taken to the town of Nulb, at least until that town was abandoned as well. What happened to Lareth thereafter, the book did not say.

The reading and absorbing of all these tomes took most of the day, and by the time the group had done so, the sun was setting in the west and darkness was falling on Rastor and the Lortmil Mountains once again.

________________________________________________________________

Notes for turn 62:

Please send postings for Turn 61 by the end of Friday, July 20th.

Current date/time/location: 11 Kolovoz; approximately 2000; the foothills southwest of Rastor

Items gained this turn (not yet divided): none

Undivided Loot previously gained: none

Items used/lost/destroyed/sold/left behind this turn: Nanoc/Luger’s potions of bull strength, invisibility, cure moderate wounds and spider climb all used; many of Nanoc’s items left behind

FOES DEFEATED:

Active party members listed in bold.

This Chapter:

Entire Campaign:

Current Status of the Party:

Danton

AC: 16 (17 vs. one opponent)

Hit points: 30/30

New XP: 0

XP total: 27,401

XP needed: 28,000

Equipment: rapier, 6 daggers, light crossbow, studded leather armor, quiver with 33 bolts, bedroll, backpack, flint & steel, thieves picks, 3 waterskins, 30 days trail rations, hooded lantern, gold ring engraved with the name Karakas, 1 sap, 1 metal key from Yusdrayl, Everburning Torch, old journal, 8 iron triangles with upside down ‘Y’ inside,1 inverted ‘Y” pendant in a brown triangle, new journal, notebook, pen, ink, parchment in sealed waterproof box, pipe, tobacco, metal box, whetstone, six packets of tinder for lighting fires, gold inlaid dagger, Journal of Geynor Ton, a folded piece of parchment with a note addressed to someone named Festrath, spider pendant, a disguise kit, letter to Master Dunrat, ochre-colored robe, potion of love, a dozen vials of lantern oil, masterwork thieves’ tools, Rat’s Tail (Rapier +1), silver and gold brooches, bracers of armor +1, potion of hiding, pouch of unknown dried herbs taken from the home of Tal Chamish, emerald pendant, a small ebony troglodyte statuette, a curved dagger, six sticks of incense, a black robe, an emerald pendant, potion of invisibility, boots of elvenkind, 1/3 of Oamarthis gems

Gold: 1419

Silver: 1200

Luger

AC: 20

Hit Points: 60/60

New XP: 2100

XP total: 24,751

XP needed: 28,000

Equipment: heavy mace, light x-bow, dagger, 20 bolts, chainmail +1, large steel shield, 3 belt pouches, large bag, 50’ rope, 5 torches, hooded lantern, 3 oil flasks, flint & steel, 28 days rations, silver holy symbol of Heironeus, 3 flasks holy water, 3 healer’s kits, backpack, cleric’s vestment, traveler’s clothing, 3 waterskins, bedroll, iron triangle with upside down ‘Y’ inside, eight cockatrice feathers, scroll of cure disease, Geistblatt (ghost touch longsword +1), 5 vials of Furyondian Fire, cloak of resistance +1 (+1 to all saves), potions of enlarge, reduce, nondetection, silver and gold brooches, tattered black cloak with burning eye emblazoned on it, note from Master Hedrack to Master Uskathoth (in Draconic), one large triangular metal bar, 2 emerald pendants, upside down pyramid symbol, book on history and worship of Elder Elemental Eye cult, two inverted Y pendants in brown triangles, scroll with remove paralysis and protection from elements, Oamarthis note, 3 books: The Worship of the Elder Elemental Eye, A History of Evil Cults, and The Temple of Elemental Evil, two metal keys (one taken from Oamarthis and the other from the goblinoid), dwarven waraxe, steel shield, set of dwarven-sized full plate armor (all of these taken from Oamarthis)

Items taken from Nanoc (none being used as of yet): 3 iron triangles with inverted ‘Y’, three black cones made of some unknown substance, a black scepter decorated with a half dozen violet gems, metal scroll tube, two inverted ziggurat pendants; potion of water breathing, Aseneth’s House Torquann dragon ring, ring of jumping (+30 to jumping checks), silver and gold brooches from Woodstock, potion of spider climb, 2 emerald pendants, cloak of resistance +1, gauntlets of dexterity +2

Spell Selection:

Level 0(5): none
Level 1(4+1): Domain: Protection from Evil

Level 2 (4+1): Domain: Aid

Level 3 (3+1): Domain: Magic Circle Against Evil

Level 4 (2+1): Domain: Holy Smite

Turn Undead attempts left on current day: 7 of 7

Gold: 2789

Silver: 2166

Syll

AC: 14

Hit Points: 32/32

New XP: 0

XP total: 11,920

XP needed: 15,000

Equipment: Ring of Protection +1, Cloak of Resistance +1, Urrtarr’s spellbook, Scroll of: magic weapon, Masterwork Longsword, backpack, 3 water skins, 28 days rations, bedroll, magnifying glass, 2 flint & steel, 10 candles, map/scroll case, parchment, ink & pen, mirror, oil flask, 40 arrows, clothing, longbow, 1 dagger, sack, 50’ rope, chalk, 5 torches, storm whistle, 5 bells, gold brooch, lamp, black cloak, inverted Y pendant, rose quartz gem, ring of climbing, bracers of health +2, 1/3 of Oamarthis gems, scrolls of Pyrotechnics, Melf’s Acid Arrow, Protection from Fire, Animal messenger and stone shape, Summon Monster II, Change self, Enlarge, Sleep X2, Wand of Monster Summon I (8 charges)

Spells per level per day:

Level 0: (6)

Level 1: (7)

Level 2: (5)

Gold: 3281

Silver: 12

Sparhawk

AC: 17 (19 when using longsword/shield combination instead of great sword)

Hit Points: 39/39

New XP: 0

XP total: 6,000

XP needed: 10,000

Equipment: backpack, water skin, 1 week rations, bedroll, tent, 2 daggers, masterwork great sword (Justice), longsword, composite longbow, 1 quiver with 20 arrows, ink & inkpen, 50’ silk rope, whetstone, 1 vial holy water, half plate mail, large steel shield, 2 candles, signet ring and sealing wax, gilded warhorn, chalk, 2 mirrors, flint & steel, 5 pitons, 20 pieces parchment, 2 empty sacks, silver holy symbol of Heironeous, Everburning Torch, black cloak, inverted Y pendant

Spell Selection:

Level 1 (1):

Turn Undead attempts left on current day: 6 of 6

Lay on Hands healing points left on current day: 0 of 12

Gold: 100

Silver: 0

Tenaris

AC: 22

Hit Points: 24/24

New XP: 0

XP total: 5,780

XP needed: 6,000

Equipment: longsword, chitin full plate mail, large steel shield, masterwork morningstar, 6 javelins, 2 troglodyte spears, inverted Y pendant, 30 days rations, potions of cat’s grace, levitate, spider climb, 1/3 of Oamarthis gems

Gold: 0

Silver: 0