Treasures, Secrets & Oddities of the Wilderlands: A Tegel Interlude

 The voyage to Tegel was uneventful, not that Tarek minded. Tyrrian had approached the thief with his wish to return to Tegel Manor with a large portion of the Heroes of Eros for another foray against the evil that dwelt in that foul place. Tarek at first was going to advise against such an endeavor, but knew the brash young warrior would never turn his back on the chance to destroy evil on its home ground. So without wasting breath on a heated argument Tarek agreed to go on the condition that he would stay outside the manor and act as a back-up in case anything went terribly wrong.

 There had been talk among the merchants of a terrifying beast of fire roaming the countryside north and west of Tegel. The descriptions of which made him believe it could possibly be the second Scarlet tiger that had evaded them in the past after the destruction of the Emerald Enchanter's lair. These rumors needed to be verified so the thief decided to put the job that the crazy halfling Mike Lee and Decklin the dwarf had proposed on hold. After all the possibility of ancient ruins under the Modron city jail wouldn't be going anywhere anyway.

 Tyrrian already wore the pelt of a Scarlet tiger and the possibility of capturing the second one alive could be very beneficial to young warriors fighting order.

 After the Dragon boat was beached on the shores near Tegel village, Tarek grasped Tyrrian's arm briskly in a farewell shake and cheerfully quipped, "May the odds be in your favor brother!" Then in a quieter tone he followed with, "And may the gods Sashu and Losborst watch over you. I would say be careful but I know better!"
Smiling Tyrrian responded, "Thank you brother, and may the gods be with you - and um, good luck."

 Tarek flashed his trademark smile and winked, "Better lucky than good!" He turned to the other Heroes of Eros and gave an exaggerated bow, "My friends I bid thee farewell." He then gracefully leapt over the gunwale and into the surf.

 Tarek headed straight into the village proper to start verifying the rumors. He knew the rest of the party were going to Hero's Hill to retrieve the body of Sven for the trip to see the Banshee at midnight. Wanting no part of that the thief knew his time would be better spent visiting the White Horse to speak with the locals, besides a few ales wouldn't hurt - it had been a long boat ride after all.

 Not being a true woodsman himself started to become quickly apparent to Tarek after the second day of wandering in the woods. Unless the prey were feisty barmaids, pipeweed, ale or (dis)honest games of chance it came as no surprise that he was coming up with nothing. A trip to a nearby village may be in order as the Hawkswood trio should still be around and Rubie especially, would be a great help.

 Tegel was no place to be caught out after dark and Tarek returned to the White Horse as dusk settled over the quiet village. Brother Beavis had transformed the place into a Tavernacle. A sort of bar slash temple dedicated to Losborst! It was actually quite innovative and Tarek approved. Though the ale and wine here were of good quality and strength he missed the dwarf stout from the Grin reaper, the fine whiskey and pipe weeds from the city shops and "his" spot in the corner alcove at the dealer's Delight.  

 The thief's thoughts wandered to his female apprentices, or "assistants" as he called them in public. The women were all former slaves that had been forced into prostitution. Tarek had gained ownership of them through the actions of Chi and Garrote after their wild night on the town. Having a personal aversion to slavery from his time as a thrall under the Skandiks of Ossuary Tarek had offered the ladies their freedom and coin to get home or to join him and become his personal bodyguards and gang. To the last the ladies all agreed to join Tarek, and he set them up as the staff of Treasures & Secrets in Modron. After all a pretty woman with the right skills and knowledge could almost always command a higher price for merchandise being sold and lower one for goods being purchased.

Brother Beavis.

Just then Beavis entered the White Horse with a Gish harem girl on each arm. "Tarek! there you are. Thank Losborst I need your help." The good cleric made his way to his friend, "Look what our comrades have rescued from the foul depths of the manor!"

The two girls rushed to Tarek and knelt at his feet while uttering his name repeatedly in thick accents. It was obvious his name was the only Tharbrian they knew. Beavis went on to explain how the party had saved the two women from an ensorcelled harem and then opted to send them back to town.

"Will you be going back to the others then?" asked Tarek.

"No, it is not Losborst's will for me to return to the manor at this time. I have been tasked to send Chi and Garrote back with the wagon before dark, a task which I must hurriedly accomplish. Please do take care of these charges and be aware of the treatment they will have suffered while trapped in that cursed place."

Doing his best hurt and offended face Tarek protested, "What do you think I would do? You know I can be trusted, besides I'm having the beginings of an idea." Looking up from the girls Tarek scans the room, "Any idea when Marcus is due back?"

 The following morn saw the tavern door wing open and the sweet seaside air announced a familiar face. "Tarek, my friend! I hear you are looking for me." The Gish merchant smiled widely and strode to join Tarek and break his fast.

Marcus the decent.

The thief noted how luck again was on his side and through bites of honeyed bread said, "Marcus, I have a business proposition for you."

Taking a seat Marcus looked Tarek in the eyes and said, "My friend, before we go further, I must know if this opportunity will involve my villa. It is now almost fully repaired from that "incident" and I must protect my property against further possibility of damages both mundane and magical in nature!"

"Of course not, besides I had no hand in that debacle. It was the thrice cursed Alexander and his foul magics that brought on the calamity." Spitting on the floor, "Good riddance too, may he and his patron burn in many hells - after I send him there that is!"
  
"Good, so what then is this proposition you have for a simple merchant such as myself?" The Gish winked and drank some watered wine.

Motioning to the former Gish slave girls eating nearby Tarek began, "First my comrades rescued these poor beautiful ladies from the Manor and I need them tutored quickly in Tharbrian. You see they and you play important roles in a scheme that I believe will make us both a bit of coin."

"My friend, I am not one to dabble in the skin trade if that is where you..."

"Marcus, no. There is no exploitation involved. I intent to provide 'honest' work for the girls - i want to expand my business in Modron, which is where you come in."

 So Tarek then spells out his plan for setting up an import - export warehouse in the coastal village of Sunlitten. A place known for the unusual collection of oddities that was up on the shore there. Tareks employees will uncover and evaluate items of value which will then be sent by wagon to Modron for sale at the shop there. In the case of "special items" these can be smuggled in through the tunnels under the shop.

Tarek could see the Gish merchant running the numbers in his head and a moment later Marcus smiled, "Well my young friend, you have a deal! Let us drink copiously to it!!"

Sunlitten

By months end Tarek had procured an warehouse in Sunlitten from a group of fishermen that had fallen on lean times. As a bonus he secured the fishermen themselves as salvagers and promised to provide them with more reliable coin for the reclamation of the items from the shoreline than they had the potential to make fishing. Marcus was also able to bring Tareks bondsman Cyril to the coastal town where he would act as the thief's agent and overseer of business here. Cyril had a reputation as accomplished con-man and his skill with multiple languages would be useful here.

Cyril arrives.

"Your request to meet you here couldn't have come at a better time. Let's just say there was a misunderstanding in Modron when a recent widower gave me her valuable jewelry." Cyril shifted his hood slightly to cover the almost healed bruising on his face.

"Gave you say?", laughed Tarek as he slapped Cyril on the shoulder, "The Nightwatch got a hold of you eh?"

"Aye, so what is this job you have for me so far from Modron?" The pair of men entered the renovated warehouse. "Is that fish I smell?"

Tarek expalined that Cyril would be in charge of a group of local salvage men that would scour the beaches each day and bring what they found to the warehouse. Then Cyril and the Gish girls would appraise the goods deciding what would be sent either openly or secretly to Modron while the rest were sent with Marcus for trade locally on the Merchants route. After some negotiation Cyril accepted the position and seemed quite happy with his percentage.

 In the end Tarek felt good about the whole plan and everyone was getting a fair cut as well being able to easily cover what the guild in Modron would be owed. Upon returning to the White Horse, Tarek was very concerned that Beavis had received no sign or word from the group that had gone to the Manor. Despite his friends skills in combat, he began to fear the worst - what had happened? Had they been captured, or even worse been killed, again. To what horrors had Tyrrian and the others possibly succumbed.....

This post was written by: Shawn (Tarek)
Scribed by: Cire Elik

DCC Chapter 23: Of Life and Death in Tegel part 2

 The noon day sun beat down on the adventurers as they stood before the open gates. "Like a maw unto hell." thought Lars. The thief nobleman was none too happy that Brother Beavis had decided to personally return the two gish slave-girls back to the village proper and return before dusk for the party. Looking at Tyrrian the former smuggler crossed his arms and stated his case plainly. "You know I'm not thrilled at the prospect of reentering that place without Holy-aid."

The young warrior turned and held up his hammer, the sun glinting off the God-metal. "I have faith enough here we can stand against that which dwells within."

"I stand with the boy-warrior!" the stocky dwarf brandished his axe and winked, "I have some knowledge of the dangers within and we can use that to our advantage."

An hour later the wagon returns with Garrotte and Chi the Elf-child. Lars still grumbling about Clerics follows the lead of Tyrrian and Erwyn back into the Manor. Retracing their prior path the group now consisting of Tyrrian, Erwyn, Chi, Lars, Kyoto, Sven and Garrotte, return to the bed chamber of the Gish slave-girls.

Erwyn and Tyrrian lead the party into the North east wing of Tegel. The first chamber entered is a long abandoned lounge, layered in a thick blanket of dust and cobwebs. The water damage is evident in the musty smell and poor condition of the paneling. A single Iron door is the only other egress from the room. A cursory search reveals a patch of skin that has been tattooed, Garrotte pockets it for later. Kyoto discovers the entire south wall of the chamber is hollow behind the wood panels. Tyrrian knocks a hole in one and peers through to see an almost exact duplicate of the room they are in but done in a sickly palette of greens and browns. Also a large stuffed ape glowers at him from a open archway at the back side of the room.

Erwyn and Lars inspect the Iron door and open it with little difficulty. Beyond lies a large chamber with a sunken floor the center of which holds a 15' tall statue of a serpent with halfling fist sized emeralds for eyes!

Snake Statue

Entering the lantern light also reveals a glistening carpet of snakes writhing all around the statue!!! Lars is enthralled with the possible value of such a item on the open market and how it could be removed from here. As one the group realizes the serpents emerald gaze has entranced them all, most are able to resist the power. However Lars, Erwyn and Garrotte all drop like rag dolls and the party scrambles to drag them from the room back into the lounge.

Chi vigorously slaps Erwyn multiple times chiming, "Wakey, wakey sleepy dwarf!" the elf-child seemingly enjoying herself overly.

Tyrrian kneels besides Lars and feels for breath, it seems there is none. "I fear they may be dead."

The three ensnared companions find themselves on a vast emerald plain with no horizon. A void of green hue stretching in every direction. "Our souls have been trapped I think." states the Thief as he looks about. Erwyn produces a coin from a pocket and tosses it as far as he can and listens. The clatter of the copper sounds in the distance. Garrotte nervously grips Shadeslayer while bemoaning, "I don't like this at all."

Lars then points off in the distance, "Look there, something approaches I think." A small black dot seems to be growing and taking form as it approaches the trio. After a few seconds it becomes a humanoid shape, a halfling or dwarf perhaps by its gait. Another moment passes and a well groomed halfling in a red velvet suit strolls up to the companions, a broad smile splits his face as he draws a small black envelope from his jacket and he says, "You really should look inside, you're gonna love it." There is a pause as the three adventurers look at on another then the little man continues, "Aw, c'mon. You know you're dying to open it. TRUST me. You're gonna love this stuff."

Erwyn takes the offering and opens the black envelope to reveal a single tarot style card, turning it face up the dwarf sees the image of the Rogue. The card then disappears. The little man in red then says, "Would like to get out of here? I can help you if you'll do something for me. What do you say?"

The three soul lost companions agree to "do" whatever it takes to rejoin their friends. "Before we go, who are you?" inquires Lars of the little messenger.

"You may call me the Laughable Loon, Mr. Lulu's Brigadoon!" with a sly wink, a gyration of his hips and a snap of the fingers his voice trails of in the companions heads as they are returned to the mortal realm, "There will be a man of worms, hold him off until help arrives, that's all you need to do for me."

"We should drag the bodies back outside," says Tyrrian to the rest of the party, "it's either that or burn them here. We cannot allow them to be possessed by the Tegel curse."

Suddenly Erwyn, Garrotte and Lars stir from the death like state that held them. "Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated." states Lars looking up at Tyrrian from the floor.

From the hall they entered the lounge through, a door opens and closes. The party sees a group heading their way. Erwyn's eyes go wide as Tyrrian cries out "SLAYERS!"

Slayers!

A group of five dark warriors march upon the party, the lead pair launch bolts of energy from their spears then spin them to use in melee! The bolts a strong and give both Tyrrian and Erwyn pause as they deflect them with their shields. "A shield wall!" cries Lars, "Let's form up!" the thief looks to Tyrrian.

 "I do not wait for the enemy to come to me, I strike with fury!" the scarlet cloaked warrior charges into the oncoming threat followed by Erwyn and Chi all letting loose battle-cries! Tyrrian hammers at his foe but his efforts are parried by the dark one, Erwyn suffers an unfortunate bout of armor-seizure and finds himself unable to move, "Look-out, they have a Freeze-ray!" yells the dwarf. Chi deflects a blow that would have wounded the dwarf and is knocked to one knee by the blow! Sven then rushes to the aid of the dwarf and elf and knocks the Slayer back a few steps giving everyone a moments respite. Like a bat in the night Lars leaps over the heads of his companions, flipping and drawing himself into a ball as he bowls through the ranks of the black warriors. Gaining his feet like a cat the thief then turns to face his companions and meld into the shadows of the darkened hall. From between Tyrrian's legs Garrotte springs out and slashes wildly at the creature facing the young warrior.

From the doorway of the lounge the Sorceress of Karak calls out words of power in an ancient tongue as a multitude of mystical bolts in the form of glowing foxes blast into three of the five dark-ones as they scramble to pick themselves up off the floor. Tyrrian taking advantage of Lars tactic smashes his hammer into the face of the slayer as a high-pitched wail issues from the creature and a bloody worm-like thing shoots from the cracked head only to burrow into the stone floor!

The last Slayer stands and prepares to fire upon the heroes when Lars emerges from the dark and delivers a skull shattering blow to the vile thing!

The remainders are burned to ash by a second volley of fox-fire from Kyoto, and the party regroups in the lounge while Sven collects three unused Slayer spears.

Taking a few moments to catch their collective breath, Lars then relates the bizarre tale of their out of body experience. Then the group decides to brave the Snake chamber once more and investigate the pair of doors that lead elsewhere in that room. Taking precautions to avoid meeting the gaze of the emerald eyes, they make to the unopened portals. Sven impatient with living a mortal life again rushes past and forces open the furthest door with a swift kick. He sees a trophy room adorned with animal heads, tusks and teeth all mounted or displayed for view. The back wall of the chamber is adorned in a large tapestry depicting a knight slaying a red dragon, flanking this on either side are a set of Green dragon-hide armor and a Red

dragon-scale shirt.

Sven is taken with the shirt and removes it from the stand upon which it hangs looking it over. In the back of his mind race the memories of the curse of Felan's Axe and he wonders if the same dangers could await one who dons armor that once belonged to others.

Lars takes in the sight of the tapestry and is consumed with how he could get this out of the manor with the least damage. Garrotte spies a finely carved wooden box on a side table, opening it carefully he discovers what at first he thought were silvery coins are in fact a few score small loose dragon scales. The halfling quickly tuck the box into a bag.

Erwyn and Chi both remove the Green dragonhide armor from the stand, and look it over. The dwarf knows he could not wear this but remarks that it would be quite the find for the tiny elf-child. Chi then proceeds to doff her animal hides and strap on the wrymhide.

Sven starts to open his pack when Erwyn inquires, "Sven, if you're not going to don that scale shirt may I?" An agreement is made between the two companions and the dwarf sheds his former armor for the fiery hued scale.

The party then tries the last doorway out of the Snake chamber. Lars and Erwyn give the portal a once over seeing that it is water damaged as well and swelled into the frame. Lars finds no trap or lock so he forces it open. The musty stench almost overpowers the noble thief and he let's his friends know the area beyond may be infested with molds and such.

Tyrrian, Chi and Sven elect to head back into the lounge and cover the hall the party first entered this section of the Manor through. Lars, Erwyn, Kyoto and Garrotte elect to stay and investigate the musty room. Lars opens the door slightly to get a peek inside with the light from Kyoto's lantern shining over his shoulder. A very dilapidated and water damaged bedroom is revealed as well as a huge shambling thing! Cat-like

the thing in the room

reflexes allow Lars to shut the door before he is struck by an enormously powerful tentacle that almost knocks the door from its hinges. "There is something very nasty in there!" exclaims Lars as the door begins to splinter from a second hit. Another strike shatters the door, but the thing does not leave the room it is in. the sound of the tentacles lashing about can be heard. "I think Kyoto should give it a taste of Foxfire!" says the dwarf with a grin.


[under construction]

DCC Chapter 22: Of Life & Death in Tegel

After getting affairs straight in Modron and leaving a few of the Heroes to keep an eye on things, the bulk of the group boards the Dragon boat setting sail for Tegel.

The boat is beached near the lighthouse and Captain Hookah, Gilligan, Faroud elect to stay at the Trident while the others head to Hero's Hill to excavate Sven.

The groups first task is to venture out onto the moors after dark and at midnight summon the Banshee Rhianna, whom they saved from imprisonment within Tegel. (see Chapter 9) This errand would not be without much danger as venturing anywhere outside of the village after dark is considered a death sentence. The moors cannot be traveled by horse or wagon therefore a few hours before midnight the brave band set out with the corpse of Sven carried between them on a litter.

Beavis plunges into the thick night fog followed by Lars and his legal valet Pearl, Erwyn, Tyrrian, Kyoto, and Vala, while Tarek, Chi and Garrotte stay behind at the Tavernacle.

As the bell from the Abbey of Law tolls the witching hour Beavis calls out the Banshee's name three times. After a long moment of silence a spine-tingling wail is heard echoing in the night. Suddenly the ghostly form of a beautiful young woman appears before the cleric. For a brief instant everyone is sure she is going to kill Beavis, but then she leans forward and greets him with a soft kiss. "I, we've come to beg of you that favor of which you promised us upon your release." stutters the red-faced cleric as he kneels beside the linen swathed corpse.
"That I would return one of yours should they fall, I remember." Her ghostly hands stroke the form of Sven and the body seems to swell with strength, "I warn you though, he may not be exactly as you knew him. Nor may he be happy about what you've done."

A terrible cry arises from the Warrior as the burial wraps fell from him, hands grasping Beavis tightly he moans, "Why! I sat in Valhalla! I drank and warred with Coriptis! This mortal pain racks me!"

Sven, a single tear running from his good eye staggers to his feet. His hands explore the jagged scar running from his forehead to chin on the left side of his face. His left aye a blank white orb. Dropping to his knees the mighty thewed warrior cries softly to himself.

"Here, I brought you some clothes and a new axe." says Lars presenting a bundle from his pack.

Dressed but still somewhat dazed Sven turns to the party, "What now?"

It is at this moment that death strikes, as three large stones arc through the fog. The first strikes Beavis on the top of the head dropping him instantly, the second crushes the life from Pearl, and the third smashes Lars in the back knocking him down breathless! Lumbering out of the fog come the fabled Mist-men, thickly muscled and twice the size of an average man. A terrible battle ensues seeing the severe wounding of Beavis, Lars, and Erwyn. Vala and her fire-sprite put up a valiant effort fending off a Mist-Man from dealing a death-blow to Lars only to have the life crushed from her. Kyoto blasts the Mist-men with her Fox-fires as Tyrrian
and Erwyn team up to slay another of the night-creatures. The survivors are able to make their way to Abbey and nurse lick the wounds they suffered there until dawn.

The party spends the following day and night in Tegel village catching up with the locals. Most are happy to see the Heroes as well as the new faces, but a few villagers still harbor disdain for the adventurers.

The next morning the bulk of the group heads out to the Manor in a borrowed wagon while Tarek stays behind to investigate rumors of a flaming beast lurking in the woods nearby.

Arriving at the Manor the group sees that the wards placed upon the main entrance by Alexander ust over a year ago are gone! Is this because the inhabitants have overcome the spells power, or is it because Alexander removed the magic himself at the behest of his Patron Sezrekan? The party decides to scout out the entire outskirts of the sprawling abode. On the eastern side facing the sea a large marble gazebo is found. The entire edifice is overgrown with thick shrubs and rose bushes. Erwyn is intrigued and approaches intent on discovering if any secret entrances are hidden within. Erwyn is quickly taken back by the strange almost intelligent movements of the rose bushes, rather than fall victim to unknown dangers the dwarf sets fire to place and watches as the roses see to avoid the flames but in the end are burned away.

Also along this side of the manor is the abode of Sir Robert. The dilapidated guest lodge sits overlooking the cliffs to the sea below. Out front an old well beckons like an open maw to the underworld. Passed out on the front porch of the lodge, feet propped up on the rail is Sir Robert himself surrounded by a score of empty wine bottles. Lars shakes his head and enters the open door into the front parlor. Inside are two burly Skandik warriors engaged in a game of cards. For brief second everyone eyes each other, then Lars sits at the table and sets down some coin. The Skandiks smile at each other and deal Lars in.

Sir Robert is roused from slumber when Erwyn pushes him out of his chair. The delirious noble greets the party and remarks that someone has set fire to the gazebo, again. He then welcomes the party and is happy to see new faces among them, especially the Sorceress of Karak. He then very crudely makes advances upon her and is scared out of his wits as she casts Ekim's Mystical mask.

Lars stays with Sir Robert and the Skandiks while the rest make the circuit of the rest of the Manor. A pair of old Mausoleums are discovered round the back and a rather large graveyard is within waling distance of the manor as well. Upon returning to the lodge the party decides to try and gain entry through a pair of large iron gates on the eastern wall. The area looks to be a carriage entrance.   

Spectral horses are heard within the stalls and a large black coach sits within. Inside a halfling sized coffin is discovered of which the party quickly drags out into the sun and destroys. Heading north out of the carriage house the group heads deeper into the north wing.

The short foray north reveals a hidden doorway in a staircase leading up to the second story of the north wing. The group chooses to explore the secret hallway and soon finds themselves in a bone filled sauna. Just south of the sauna room is a plush lounge inhabited by a mean black cat.

Erwyn is quick to lead the party in killing the feline which upon death, evaporates in a greasy black cloud with one of Lars throwing knives.

A small indoor garden is discovered housing a nest of bug-like sprites, the little creatures are friendly enough and have no helpful knowledge.

A group of skeletal men-at-arms are encountered in the Damp hallway outside the garden room and are quickly destroyed!

Lastly a richly furnished bedroom is opened and two Gish slave-girls are found and released from bondage. Through sign the girls warn of a secret room that has the power to entrance the mind. Lars almost falls victim but resists the call of "Unending Pleasure".

Deciding it would be best to send the slave-girls to the safety of the village before exploring any further the party retraced their steps and sent the girls on the wagon back to town with a note for Tarek.

The group now preps for a second short foray and hopefully to get back out before nightfall. It is now high noon.

Return to Tegel Manor

 It has been just over a year since the bulk of you have been in Tegel village.

An overview of the area:

Tegel Manor is the large orange edifice in the lower right hand corner. It is a gigantic structure that has been slowly added to over centuries by family members of the Rumph clan.

The Blue building in the lower left is the Temple of Law, an Abbey run by a group of nuns dedicated to Ulesh.

Tegel village proper is seen in the upper left.

In the upper right at the end of the east road is the Tegel Lighthouse, a few fishermen's huts and the Trameron's Trident. A quaint seaside bar & grill.

Following the road south will take you to the remains of the village of Eros, where it all began.


*click on the Tegel Manor label at the bottom of the post to bring up all related posts that refer to Tegel in one fashion or other.

Chapter 12: The Emerald Enchanter Part 3, Epic Finale!!!!

Morning: The White Horse Tavern

 The party is gathered about the common room deciding who will be returning to the Emerald Enchanters lair when they are greeted by the welcome sight of Moep the Halfling. Feeling better after his bout with the foul Dungeon Ague. "I cannot rest until the Enchanter has been vanquished. Besides I hear his minions shatter into gems upon death! I offer my humble services in this venture. We are riding in the wagon to get there, right?"

 Brother Beavis relates how three young travelers arrived in the night and have inquired about joining the "Heroes of Eros" in their adventures. The group agrees to meet the newcomers and Beavis brings them forward.
 A dashing man of medium build speaks for the three and introduces them as "The Hawkswood Trio"

 Maximus Peregrin, a healer who can hold his own in a fight.

Rubie Dawn Kestrel, a hunter who is an excellent shot with her crossbow.

Their cousin Chauncy Merlin, a wainwright with a mean looking Polearm.
















"Hawkswood, where is that?" Tyrrian inquires.
"Just a small hamlet west of here," says Tarek looking over Rubie with interest. "Each of you buy me a drink, and you can join us I say." as the young archer sits down beside Rubie.
The young woman appraises him as well with her eyes. "I have only a silver to spend, will that satisfy your thirst?"
Beavis plucks the coin from the girl's fingers, "That will get a round for all lass!" as the Cleric begins passing round cups.
"We need meat for the grinder." whispers Lars to Alexander, "Without Sven, our strength is diminished."
"You may come with us." says the Wizard to the Trio. "Your reward and entry to our Group will be determined by your actions in this venture."

The group assembles outside the tavern when the wagon is ready. Fifteen strong, Alexander feels this round will go to them and not the Enchanter.

A few hours later deep in the Enchanters lair:
 The group carefully, and as quietly as fifteen armed intruders can be, seek the Enchanter. A winding passage leads the group to a dead end. Calis notices some odd discolored mortar between to stones on the wall. Tarek spends a few minutes and discovers the secret to open a hidden door. A strange chamber is revealed!

The night before Alexander had spent some hours scouring the books from the Enchanter's library and discovered a spell that could be useful. It did however require him to sacrifice some of his own blood. Doing so the wizard is able to converse with two of the dead ancient Wizards. The first; a brain in a jar labeled Istrobian, proves to be obstinate and evasive. Moving on, the corpse turns out to be "Thesdipedes" himself. A mystic word of power is revealed to Alexander to aid in the defeat of the green wizard. Alexander also vows to help Thesdipedes find eternal peace if he should so choose.

 Some minutes later and the party discovers a group of strange captives in three different cells. The first contains a pair of scarlet tigers with large rubies set in their skulls. The cats radiate heat and pace the cell with pent up energy. The second holds a huge topaz colored snake that seems to ignore all attempts to arouse it. The third and final cell contains a creature beyond comprehension. A large translucent tentacled jelly, that gargles and bleats at the group. In the center of its mass a large pulsing crystal like mas seems to throb with power. Chi the elf-child tries unsuccessfully to communicate with the being through use of magic. Tyrrian has to be drug away from the scarlet cats. He seems overly drawn to them for a reason no one knows.

 Another door is found and opened, leading to a short hallway and a second door. Tarek listens and hears moans and murmurs inside. The door is locked and proves to complex for the three thieves skills. After a few moments though, Tarek engineers a door removal trick he learned and the portal is unblocked. The chamber beyond proves to be a large dungeon cell. Seven bedraggled people languish here in misery. The prisoners beg to be released before the Enchanter returns for them. Seeing Alexander, the man tells him he knows a word the Enchanter speaks when he comes for them. It somehow makes the bars imprisoning them disappear. "He speaks what sounds like Groflak, then the bars go away. They return when he says it a second time." Conferring with Calis and Chi, Alexander attempts to recreate the effect to no avail. However, both Calis and Chi are able to a single bar apiece to disappear. The party then takes the time to escort the weary prisoners out of the citadel.

 Moving quickly the group heads down the hallway past the cells containing the strange animals. The hall ends at an open archway into a large chamber. The chamber is plain except for the giant 9ft skull that dominates the rear wall. The eye sockets of the skull contain rubies the size of a childs head and the teeth appear to be emeralds the size of fresh baked loaves.

Moep moves quickly to the front of the party, his eyes wide as he looks at the treasures of the giant skull.
"Alexander, may I borrow your pole?" Tarek asks the wizard, as he places one hand on the eager halfling's shoulder. "We must use utmost care here my little friend."

Foot by foot, Tarek taps the stone floor as he enters the chamber. Moep follows Tarek as the two make towards the ominous face of death. "Tap,tap, tap" "Tap,tap, tap"
"CLICK!"
SLAM!!!!  Seven thick iron bars drop from the ceiling, blocking the archway and cutting off the thief and halfling from the rest of the group. Tyrrian grabs the bars, "Tarek, Moep, be careful!"
"We need to get past these bars, the command word from the prisoners!" Sally turns to get Alexanders attention. She see's however he seems preoccupied with something happening to the rear of the group.

"The tigers are coming!" hisses Chi, "I heard the bars back there move when Tarek triggered the ones in front of us."
Chauncey kneels and sets his polearm against his foot. "Those beasts won't get past me easily."
Rubie kneels beside her cousin, crossbow cocked and ready. The sound of padded feet and a low rumbling growl getting closer.
"The tigers do not bother me as much as the jelly-thing." Says Lars to Alexander. "I'm not liking the thought of it oozing upon us here in this confined space."
"I agree, when I say, everyone into the Skull room." Alexander concentrates and points his finger at the barred archway. "Groflak!"
The scarlet tiger charges around the corner a wave of heat preceding it! 'Twang!" Rubies bolt sinks deeply into the felines shoulder stopping just short of Chauncey's heavy blade. The party backs away from the wounded Tiger.

 Tarek and Moep are a mere five feet from the leering skull. "Tap the rubies!" squeeks Moep overcome with the thought of prying the giant gems loose. Tarek levels the 10' pole with the right eye and just as he is about to touch the gem.....
"AH! HAhahahahah!!!!" The rubies glow with red light, as the skull seems to come to life, gnashing its crystal teeth in anticipation of a meal. Both Tarek and Moep are transfixed as twin bolts of scarlet energy leap from the ruby eyes! Moep hops into the air in fright as the beam scorches the floor beneath him. Tarek is caught squarely in the chest and blasted from his feet, the pole clattering across the flagstones.

Two iron bars melt away, and Tyrrian charges in to aid Tarek. Sally and the others begin to quickly file into the room staying along the back wall furthest from the now laughing Skull as it fires off random beams of energy at the party. Alexander is the last to enter the chamber. To prevent any further chance of attack from behind he magically seals the archway with a wall of summoned stone!

Ducking scarlet bolts that scorch the stone wall Lars opens his pouch and takes out the lucky rock. "Well we're committed now. Everyone who can, prepare for VOLLEY!"
Tyrrian aided by Max drags the smoldering Tarek to Sally.  Moep pauses as he debates hiding amongst the party or going after the Skull himself. Just then a searing beam slices through his left ear! "Yowch! Oh that is it, your eyes are mine!" screams the halfling defiantly.
"I have something for burns." says Max, drawing forth a poultice that looks like dung smeared on a leaf.
"I don't think i feel THAT bad!" grunts Tarek turning away from the newcomer.
Tyrrian looks at Chauncey and then the Skull. Both men see Moep scrabbling across the floor towards the skull a large empty sack clutched tightly in his hand. The Halfling is able to evade many scarlet blasts and position himself against the same wall upon which the skull resides. Infuriated it can no longer target the would be looter, the skull lashes out at the rest of the group. Red beams blasting into their ranks.
"Cover US!" cries Tyriian as both he and Chauncey rise to charge the the Skull.
"Heroes of Eros, FIRE!!!" bellows Lars as he hurls the rock.
Chi with bow, Farhoud with knife, Calis with bow, Rubie with crossbow, and Alexander with Arcing axes all launch a barrage of assorted missiles at the eyes of the skull! Tyrrian using his shield to deflect incoming blasts rushes the skull, Chauncey two steps behind him. The missiles pass the two and Moep sees all of this coming directly at him. "Ahh!" holding up the thick leather sack in front of his face the halfling drops into a crouch to make himself as small as possible. All but Chi's arrow strike the skulls eyes and the red gems begin to crack radiate red smoke. The leather sack deflects just enough of Chi's arrow that it only scratches Moep's already seared ear.
 Tyrrian and Chauncey are each able to land blows upon the ruby eyes that cause the skull to explode in a shower of rock and glass!

 Searching feverishly through the smouldering rubble Moep sobs to himself, "The rubies, oh those gloriously giant rubies...".
 The party spends a some time checking the room and healing those most harmed. Calis discovers another secret door in this room near the destroyed skull. Following the newly discovered path the party enters a widening hall. To one side are a pair of closed doors and an archway to another hallway, on the other side the wall is covered in a strange thick brown web like substance, and just beyond a third doorway.. The "web" ruffles with movement and suddenly a score of severed green hands emerge from it and block the party. Alexander strides forward, "Let's see what Thesdipedes taught me will do." Intoning an arcane formula the wizard waves his hands at the spider like severed appendages. "YASMILON!"
 The emerald hands go rigid for a second before exploding in bursts of green goo!

With the hand-spiders no longer a threat, Tarek listens at the first of the two doors. From within he hears a terrible hissing and gibbering sound.
"Uh, I think we should just leave this door closed." Tarek looks back at the party shaking his head.
"Is it locked?" inquires the wizard.
"No." Tarek responds flatly, "But it sounds REAL bad in there."
The door is opened at behest of the wizard and indeed the sight within causes even him to quickly regret the decision.
"What was that, and what was being sucked or milked out it?" says Moep as his face goes pale.
Standing in front of the closed door looking at all the members of the party Alexander states, "Things held by pentacles that cause my brain to squirm are better left alone. We shall move on."  

The group spreads out, Lars discovers a previously unseen iron grate in the floor. It has been chained shut. Chi, Calis and Rubie allow Tarek to open the second door after listening at it. Inside a kitchen, full to bursting with provisions is found. Moep is lured into the chamber as the scent of fresh rabbit stew overcomes him. In the fireplace a large cookpot simmers and the halfling tastes the contents greedily.
"I hope that isn't poisoned." says Alexander.
As the Moep scans the kitchen for something he can put some stew in to carry it away he is surprised by two emerald hands! He kicks one into the fireplace and jumps up on the counter where his eyes fall upon a large opened cook book.
Calis attempts to bat the hand back into the fire as it leaps out with his club. Chis skewers the second hand to the floor with an arrow. The first hand leaps onto the counter lunging after Moep! The halfling squeeks in terror, scoops up the cook book and flies out of the kitchen. Tyrrian, guarding the archway next to the kitchen is almost knocked over as the little man bursts from the larder emerald hand in hot pursuit. Chauncey tries to smash the severed appendage as it runs past but only succeeds in making himself look foolish in the attempt. Finally having endured to much Moep turns and faces the green hand. Drawing his two shortswords he grits his teeth and growls "Let's end this you freaky shit!" The hand leaps at Moep and is quickly julienned by the Halfling.
 While Lars ponders the grate and where the tunnel below may lead, Tarek with Chaucey as backup move to the third doorway. Beyond a storeroom is found and another door inside it. Again, Tarek listens. Hearing nothing, it is the light shining through under the door that gives him a clue as to where this portal may lead.
"The sunlight, a courtyard lies beyond or it is a back door." Tarek pushes the door open to reveal an indoor greenhouse lit by a sun-globe suspended from the roof. The hideous garden turns his and Chauncey's stomachs as they see strange plants with odd thorns, slithering vines, stalks with human heads upon them!!! The scene dazes Tarek and Chauncey is barely able to pull the thief back and shut the door before a large bellowing Green guardian hurls itself at the men.
"A very large emerald guardian is coming!" yelps Tarek as he and Chauncey stumble back into the main hall.
BOOM, BOOM,     SMASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The door to the greenhouse flies off it hinges. The entire party gasps in surprise as the largest guardian they have encountered so far is silhouetted in the doorway.

Without hesitation Alexander points at the guardian and shouts, "Yasmilon!"
The emerald encasement dissolves, returning the large creature to its natural form. "I have released you from the emerald enchantment! We mean you no harm!"
The primitive man-giant looks over the group with wild eyes. He takes a hesitant step or two forward, before he stops to sniff the air.
"I think he's hungry." says Moep from the kitchen doorway. "Here ya go Mongo! Plenty to eat in here." The halfling gestures into the kitchen with the ladle from the stew pot.
The hairy man creature moves past the party ignoring them and descends upon the stew pot like a starved animal. Closing the kitchen door Moep turns back to the group smiling "Let him eat the rest of that pot and he'll be napping soon after. I don't think he's all that dangerous now."

"Let us leave him for later, the Enchanter must be our first concern." says Alexander.

Tyrrian returns from a quick look down the unexplored hallway. "There are stairs back here going down."

Hearing that Lars stands up from the recently unlocked grate, "Well that sounds better than sliding down here into who knows what."

The group descends and follows a winding hallway that delivers them face to face with a most hideous creation! Once a man, now transmogrified into a amalgamation of scorpion and human!!!! Alexander once again takes the lead and calls out "YASMILON!"
 The emerald scorpion man reverts to mortal form and is quickly vanquished. The door exiting this chamber however is plainly warded. After some failed magical attempts to discover its nature, Tarek goes Old-school.
The thief fires an arrow at the door from afar, searches for other traps or releases. Growing impatient the party opts to use the guardians body as a battering ram and bash the door open.
 The Observatorium is marveled at, and Alexander ponders how to remove the giant crystal ball. Pressing on the Enchanters bedroom is ransacked and all his books become property of the party Wizard. Next, the Carving Station is looted also, as the stone working tools come into possession of the young Warrior/Blacksmith.

 At last the party kicks in the door to the Enchanters Transmogrification Chamber! He is waiting for them and throws the levers sending the young maidens to certain doom! Eight flying skulls swoop at the group!
"Fear not ladies, Tarek is here to save you!" shouts the thief as he charges towards the Enchanter behind Tyrrian.
Tyrrian with his shield raised rushed for the Enchanter, who pays the boy no heed. Multiple scarlet rays blast ground about the young warriors feet causing him to stumble. Moep races into the chamber, sneaking towards the Green Wizard amongst the pipes and machinery. Some members of the party begin attacking the weird machinery as others battle the flying skulls! Scarlet rays fly about, as pipes are broken and vats are punctured!!!!
The Emerald Enchanter and Alexander Ballistic become locked in a magical contest of superiority! Taking this chance Tarek is able to deactivate the moving cages and release the beautiful captives. Alexander on his last leg, and fearing another blast from the Enchanter will end his life is relieved to see Moep emerge behind the Green wizard with swords drawn.
The Emerald Enchanter has his staff hand severed and his life ended by the brave halfling.

Gathering the two maids Tarek urges a quick exit for all as the chamber shakes violently! The party quickly backtracks as the lair of the Enchanter begins to crumble about them.

Returning to the Consultorium, Alexander is able to organize the relocation of all three dead wizards. Tyrrian was able to retrieve a scarlet gem and tiger hide as well.

Standing together outside the now crumbled lair of the Emerald Enchanter the Heroes of Eros wonder what became of the Hairy Man-thing, the second scarlet tiger, and the gibbering jelly thing. The friends climb aboard their wagon and head back to town for some much deserved rest.
 
Bravo, Heroes of Eros, Bravo!




 

Chapter 12: Emerald Enchanter part 2

 Sally, Garrotte, Farhoud and Emily have set up a quick campsite just outside the main entrance of the Enchanters lair. The body of Bull Zi and the Emerald guardian that turned back to human are under a tarp.

 Alexander, Calis, Alan, Chi, Sven and Alex are just inside the entry hall checking out the interior set of metal doors and the secret panel that had been revealed last time.

 Alex asked tar-Ark to reveal any Evil in the area and after a few moments proclaimed the party to be "safe, for now."

 The hidden panel revealed a small chamber that ran the length of the entry hall itself. A strange grapefruit sized hole the only other means entrance or egress to the hidden area from the hall. "An air vent for prisoners, perhaps?" muses Sven pondering the hole.

 The metal doors are found to be locked and Jack the monkey tries to pick them unsuccessfully. Alan then comes forward encouraged by Alexander. Kneeling down and looking at the keyhole Alan thinks carefully before applying two special tools to the door. "CLICK" the doors part slightly, and Alan puts his tools away as he steps to the back of the party.

Outside
 "Two riders, coming fast!" says Garrotte pointing back towards the town.

 "Yes, but who?" Sally's hand grips the haft of her flail in preparation of battle. "Ah, look it is Tarek and Tyrrian."

 "They ride as if pursued by the Dust Devil himself, wasn't the boy sick?" Farhoud covers his eyes with his hand to watch the approaching riders.

 Reigning in their horses, the young men dismount and move quickly towards the covered bodies. The entrance to the Enchanters lair yawning ominously just yards away.

"Sally, we came as fast as we could. Tom warned me you were all in danger and someone would fall! Who is that under the tarp? Where is everyone else?"

Tarek grabs the boys arm holding him in check. "Slow down lad, let them explain."

Kneeling by the bodies and rolling back the tarp to reveal the faces Sally says, "I'm afraid Bull Zi did indeed, fall. The other was a guardian of this place that became human upon death."

"And the others?" gasps Tyrrian.

"Inside with Alexander," Sally points to the entrance of the citadel, " even now they are penetrating a secondary portal."

"Then we had best hurry, they'll need our help!" Tyrrian rushes quickly towards the open doorway.

"We'll be back, we will all be back." says Tarek to Sally, giving her his signature smirk

The party is joined by the young Thief and Warrior. A few words are exchanged and the warning of Tom is related. As one the group opens the secondary set of doors and enters a large well furnished waiting room. A large emerald topped table dominates the chamber. Alexander directs Calis and Alan to begin rolling up the smallest of the thick carpets on the floor while he inspects the furniture.

"These things will look great in the Manor, once we clear it." muses the Wizard as he tests a plush chair.

 Chi guards the entrance as Sven, Alex, Tarek and Tyrrian approach the large emerald table. In quick succession the room fills with a low hum and a sense of great power as a pair of green bat-winged skulls emerge from the tabletop. Then just as quickly a man dressed entirely in green clothing and skin like one of  true Viridian heritage rises as if from a pool of emerald water.
 The green wizard utters a mystic phrase and the flying skulls swoop about the surprised party as he looks down at the four men just before him. Tarek, never one to be taken easily by surprise brandishes his dagger at he green man.

 "Now now friend, don't get test.. Ouch!" A blast of green fire shoots from the man's finger tip scorching the thief's shoulder.

"Taste Axe!" cries Sven swinging savagely and practically knocking the wizard from his perch on the tabletop. As everyone else begins to come to their senses the green man disappears back into the table.

 Alexander and Chi quickly dispatch the flying skulls with arrow and arcing axe. "Our host, I assume." says Tarek rubbing his shoulder.

"The Emerald Enchanter," mutters Alexander kicking the remains of a shattered skull. "I must know his secrets."

 Calling the others from outside the party removes everything not nailed down. Farhoud takes a horse and rides back to town for the wagon. Emily is tasked to return to the beach and update Captain James on their progress. 

   1/2 hour later
 The group looks over the two exits from the lounge. Sven, Tyrrian, and Alex have used the time to shatter the emerald table so the Wizard cannot return that way.

 Alan gives the doors an "all clear", and this sentiment is backed up by Tarek as well. The right hand door is chosen and Sven reaches out to open the door. A cruel voice whispering in his ear,"Kill them Sven, we can kill them all together..". Gripping the chaos axe tightly in his left hand, as beads of sweat run down his brow the brawny warrior open the door and looks beyond.
 A long hallway stretches out before them and is well lit by wall sconces. Two closed doors are made out along the left hand wall, the first about 15ft. away the second another 20ft. or so beyond that. The second door has a third doorway just beyond it on the right wall as the hall itself turns left. However impeding any progress at all is a burly emerald guardian, the remarkably lifelike statue hefts an enormous axe and advances !!
  Resisting the temptation of Felan's axe Sven retreats a few steps into the lounge. "There's a big one coming." he states to the rest of the group. Upon entering the lone guardian finds itself assaulted from all sides and is quickly defeated. The death blow releases the mortal trapped within who grabs Tarek and pleads, "Ask Thesdipedes to save my wife..."
 Tarek crosses the dead man's arms over his chest and remarks, "Wife? Perhaps there is something here worthy of my attentions."
 "This is the second reference to that name." Alexander looks down at the dead man. "I wonder if he were the leader of these cursed men, or another Wizard perhaps?"

 The group wastes no time and barges into the next room. A strange reading room of sorts confronts them and it takes a few minutes for the trick of the teleporting books to be solved. The 2 large tomes are sent outside to wait with the Sally and the others. A sitting room is found next, filled with hand drawn portraits of various men and women. The artist is noted as "R. Rumph", Next a well used bedroom containing small trinkets and a sack of coins is discovered. Again the group is watched by a pair of flying skulls which are destroyed.

 The hallway is followed around the bend to the left as Sven, Tyrrian, Tarek and Alex lead. An undetected pit trap drops three of the four leaders into its spiked depths. Fortunately no serious wounds are suffered and the victims are pulled to safety from the opposite side. Chi discovers a secret door that allowed egress around the pit and another doorway exiting the trapped hall was found.
 The new door is opened and reveals a hall of odd construction. Walls, floor and ceiling are all made of a dark heavily pebbled stone. Intrigued Tyrrian enters first followed by Chi, Sven and Alan. "This is lavalite!" marvels the young blacksmith, "This entire hall is made of it. It is almost beyond belief."
 As the adventurers marvel at the construction a hideous figure forms in the rock before Tryrrian. Reaching out of the walls clawed stone arms swipe at them all! Alan is able to dive back out the doorway before suffering harm and Sven shoves Chi out the doorway into Alexanders arms. Using the warhammer from Tom, Tyrrian fends off the clawed attackers as they assault him from every surface!
 Sven gives in to the Axe and severs a stone arm from the wall just as it grabbed for the young warrior beside him. The anguished cries of tortured souls fills the gray hall as the two warriors battle the stony claws. Alexander creates two large shields of mystic energy to help give the men some protection. Using the mystic shields to great advantage Sven is able to rally Tyrrian and the battle begins to sway in favor of the Heroes of Eros. It is then that Tom's hammer shatters in a blow against a stone enemy! "The hammer, no!" cries the blacksmith. Once more Sven shoves a friend out of danger and he uses the full fury of the chaos axe to finish off the screaming stone monsters.

 The far end of the stone hall is discovered to open up back into the entry lounge, and Chi finds a secret panel in the wall near the door through which they entered this place. The party led by the Warriors continues on through the secret door.

 Entering a wide hallway the party comes face to face with another guardian of rough green crystal. It charges the group and is met in battle by Sven who is no longer in control of himself! Sven shatters the guardian in a mighty blow and looks up to see six more come around a corner running at him. Tyrrian moves up to aid Sven in this battle. Alexander casts a wall of protection from behind which he and the others let loose with missile fire to aid the Warriors. The battle rages for some some minutes and Sven is quickly overcome by multiple blows which drop him to the ground. Acting unconsciously for his own safety Alex rushes forward attempting to lay hands on Sven only to be run through himself by an emerald sword! Finally Tyrrian is able to defeat the last two guardians with the aid of the rest of the group but they find they are too late to save either of their fallen comrades.

 Alexander suggests they retreat with the dead and return to town for the night. Also to get a few more members for the group seems to be a wise move at this point, for they know not what further dangers may lurk deeper in the lair of the Emerald Enchanter!!!

Epilogue
 As Tyrrian lifts the small body of Alex into the wagon, it becomes readily apparent that the young cleric of Tar-Ark had been a girl this whole time.
"The poor girl, I think she really may have loved Sven." Tyrrian covers her face with the tarp, "We should place them with Tom atop the hill."
The party agrees and Brother Beavis is summoned to a oversee a service over the fallen. 

 

A Dream and a Warning....

"Tyrrian, Tyrrian my boy awaken."
The scent of moist earth overwhelmed the young blacksmith as he sat upright surrounded by heaps of freshly picked radishes.

"Where am I?" looking down and finding his hands and nails caked with dirt the boy slowly stands and looks about. He realizes the field seems to stretch to the horizon in all directions. "Could have sworn someone was calling me."

"I was Tyrrian." says the pleasant vice again this time from somewhere above him. Looking up hand over his eyes to shield it from the intense light from what he thought was the sun. Tyrrian is greeted with the face of his friend Tom the Cleric of Limtram and recently deceased.

"TOM! but how, you're dead." stepping back a few paces Tyrrian sees his friend is sitting astride a large softly glowing radish hovering a few feet above the field.

"Yes, Tyrrian I am dead. I have come to warn you, the others are in grave danger. Even now one of them is going to fall, you must awaken and go to them. Your strength will be needed to defeat the new foe they are about to meet."

Moving close enough to the boy Tom is able to reach down and touch the boy's forehead. The soft glow becomes a golden light that seems to course through Tyrrians very blood.

Sitting bolt upright in bed, sweat stained clothes plastered to his body Tyrrian cries out, "Danger! we must go to the others!" Firm hands press the boy back down in bed, as Tarek and Brother Beavis look down upon him.

"Settle down lad," Beavis brings a cup of water to Tyrrian's lips "you've had a bit of a fever and you been talking in your sleep."

"Beavis is right, it's safe there is no danger." assures Tarek as he pats the boys shoulder. "You need your rest, the fever just broke."

"It was Tom, he told me our friends are in danger! We must go after them!"

20 minutes later

As Tyrrian and Tarek mount horses to go after the rest of the party Beavis reluctantly hands the reigns to the boy.
"Are you sure you're well enough lad? I fear the malady may yet return and be worse this time."

"I'll be fine brother, besides Tom's warning can not be ignored. We may already be too late."

Turning to Tarek, Beavis hands him a small pouch of herbs. "Watch him, should the fever return steep this in water and make him drink it. Moep is still in topor and other villagers are showing sign of the fever now. Don't let him push himself too hard."

Placing the pouch in his vest Tarek shoots a smile at the cleric. "Don't worry, he is like a little brother to me. I'll take care of him and we will find Alexander and the others."

A cloud of dust settles around Brother Beavis as he watches the two young men ride towards the coast. After a few minutes the cleric turns back towards the White Horse Tavern, he has more tea brewing inside and must see to Moep and the others who have fallen ill.

Chapter 12: The Emerald Enchanter

It has been two weeks since the encounter with the undead at the manor. In that time much has happened.

Tyrrian has fallen ill with a strange malady. The nuns fear evil humors have settled in his lungs. He is young and strong and all believe his recovery will be quick.

Alex asks Bulls Zi to train the monkey “jack” in some thief skills.

Sally has begun to sway some twenty odd villagers to follow Mesha as their primary deity.

Alexander has cast some magic that has a mercurial effect of growing wheat. This has helped the farmers get back crop lost to the cultists. He is also coming to grips with his newly bonded patronage to Sezrekan.

Farhoud has become a trusted member of the group and joined the Warrior class.

Brother Beavis has begun brewing an ale at the White Horse, called Losborsts Hearty Pale.

The reformation of a new town militia under Mordacity has helped repair the overall village morale.

  The attack by the handful of faceless ones as they escaped the undead has been causing Lars to wonder if the Cult of Palimdybis has been truly destroyed. He sends Garrotte and Calis to scout out the old ruin along the coast that sits between the Manor and the Tegel Lighthouse.

The two report that it appears to be nothing more than a very ancient ruin. Weed choked and unlikey to be more than a den for rodents. The party decides they should still form a team to go there and make sure the place poses no threat in any way.

  The following morning Bulls Zi, Alex, Sven, Sally, Lars, Alexander Ballistic, Garrotte, Calis, and Faroud set out in the wagon to the ruins. At the last moment Lars thinks it would be best to take the “Magic Boat” from the fishing village and approach the ruins from the beach as there is no direct land route to get there except crossing unknown terrain.

  A couple of hours later the party climbs up from the small beach and nears the ruins. When they get within thirty feet the ruins waver and disappear! “A massive illusion!” exclaims Alexander, “The power needed for such a thing is intense!”

 They stand before a squat cyclopean structure some sixty feet in height. It is topped by a temple-like second story. Directly ahead is a large silvery door of unknown metal, the only apparent entrance, flanked by two man-sized statues seemingly carved from green crystal. The group approaches with Alexander in the lead.

“The green hand!, I forgot about that one we found in the manor.” He mutters to Lars.

“Well, it’s still in that chest. I think.” Replies Lars scratching his chin.

Bulls Zi steps away from the group and walks along the base of the structures east side looking for any windows or balconies.

Meanwhile, Alexander decides to get a closer look at the metal door. Sven follows him as they slowly move closer to the doorway. Suddenly the two statues move, brandishing weapons and block the door. Alexander moves back wary of setting off any other magical defenses. He cries out some “command” words and phrases in a few different languages to no avail. Finally Alexander steps forward palms up and says “May we enter here?”

In response the green warriors swing weapons at him and barely miss! Instantly Sven is lost to the battle lust of the Chaos Axe and charges the foes!

Bulls Zi has decided that he can easily scale the sixty feet to see what may be on the roof. At this point he some 30 feet up the side when he loses his grip! A last ditch effort to save himself fails and he falls impaling himself on his very own javelin he stuck in the ground when he began his ascent. As his vision goes dark he hears the faint sounds of battle from the front of the structure.

One of the green warrior statues is very rough and poorly sculpted, as if it were an early work by the artisan, the second is of exquisite detail and could even be said to almost be truly alive! As Sven takes the brunt of the attack upon himself the rest of the party attempt as best they can to aid him while being wary of his berserk state. A few minutes of battle sees the rough warrior fall and shatter as 6 large emeralds fall from its chest cavity and scatter upon the ground. The concentrated efforts of the group fell the second green warrior who surprisingly turns back into a mortally wounded man! As he expires he gasps “Thesdipedes knows the word….”

As the group ponders the significance of this, Alex the cleric wonders where Bulls Zi has gotten off to and goes looking for him. Sven is healed by Sally as the battle with the guardians was very taxing for him.

Upon discovering the impaled body of their companion Alex calls out and the group move his body to the wagon. Going back to the Silvery door and discovering it has a large keyhole some attempts to pick it are made. First up is “Jack” the monkey who was being trained by Bulls Zi. After a few minutes Lars tires of waiting for the monkey and waves him off so a real thief can try.

  The door is opened and a twenty foot wide hall is revealed. It is about fifty feet in length and the walls are adorned with bizarre mosaics portraying a green wizard fighting demons, casting spells, and various other deeds. Once again with Alexander and Sven in the lead the group enters the strange edifice. A weird clattering noise and a cool breeze swirl about the group. Tiles fly off the wall and form into a large golem that now blocks the party’s progress. A couple of attempts at communication come to nothing, so Sven steps up and offers his hand in a gesture of friendship. He gets a golem slap to the face for his trouble!

The party expends a great amount of effort in battling the mosaic tile golem, Alexander casts an awesome display of Alexander’s Arcing Axes (magic missile) to great effect! A second and even third mosaic creature battle with the group, before they realize the trick of destroying the tiles so they cannot add to the mass of an existing golem. Sorely tired and with a few lost spells amongst the Wizard and Clerics, they party discovers a doorway that had been hidden behind the tiles.

to be continued.....

Tegel Village update

  (From Tegel Manor by Gamescience 1989)

For years the ancestral manor of the Rumphs has overlooked the countryside about Tegel village. Once the proud protectorsof that township and the surrounding farmlands, the keeprs of the Golden Hind Banner fell into decadence, degradation…and far worse. Now their fall threatens to drag down the hapless villagers and the countryside itself, if not checked quickly.

  Tegel Manor, a great manor-fortress near the Pagan coast on the Winedark Sea, is rumored to have withstood the ravages of time because of an ancient glamor cast upon it. The hereditary owners are the descendants of one Sir Rumpole Rumph, who first erected the original stone keep. As the family prospered, it grew into a rambling edifice of well-fashioned masonry and stout timber. Sir Rankling Rumph added the “Brother’s Tower” during his time as lord. The stone spire of the “Wizard’s Tower” was added over a century ago by Ridwick Rumph.

  The Rumph family has been remiss in their duty of providing protection to the nearby market village for about a hundred years now. Some have said that this failing – and their other bizarre eccentricities – have led to their corruption and the decline of the family’s good fortune. Many have found the manor and its surroundings to be a dangerous place to visit.

  Tegel is a village of about 400 souls, good peasant-stock mostly, who make their living as the market-town for the farms of the surrounding area, with a small amount of sea-trade from the coast. Traditionally, they have looked to the Golden Hind banner of the Rumphs for protection in the past. Nowadays though it seems the Heroes of Eros have come to protect them from what the Rumph clan has become.

NOTABLE PEOPLE of TEGEL

Ternelmor ex-mayor of Tegel.    Status: deceased

Exposed as the leader of the cult of Palimdybis in the events of “The People of the Pit”.

Lars “the Honest”

Player character, self proclaimed and unopposed mayor of Tegel. Also current owner of the White Horse tavern.

Arnthora

Abbess Arnthora    Status: Ally

Leader of the nuns of Law. She and her sisters live in the Monastery on the hill above Tegel.

Mordacity

Mordacity Maghoula                   Status: Ally

Churlish leader of the militia, never liked Ternelmor. Tolerates the PC’s to date.

Halaf Fec

Prosperous local merchant. Wants village to be a nice place again.

Hasnovar

Hasnovar, former owner of the White Horse.         Status: deceased

Exposed as a cult member and killed.

Miss Altarontha

Proprietor of the “Boarding House”, her two sons Shak and Vinca help her keep a quiet decent place where travelers can stay.

Quintas

The one-eyed owner of the “Trameron's Trident”. He swears to know much about the sea creatures of the Winedark.

Cretin Nodcock

The owner of the Blacksmith and metal shop in town.

Marash-ar

Gushing but wily fish monger.

Sir Robert

Sir Robert Rumph

The current living family member. Robert constantly attempts to sell the Manor, often for unbelievably cheap prices. Also he tends to lose it while gambling (and a very good sport about it) but the manor always seems to return to his hands.