AD&D Greyhawk Adventures: The Temple of Elemental Evil

Game Master Anselth

"You speak true words, friend Tarmin. We must make sure to do something to prevent the slain from being used against us. Something or someone down here has the power to create blaspehmies from corpses - we need to make sure we don't give them the raw materials to do so. Between that and the time it would take to marshall more forces, we should be able to keep them from fortifying their position too strongly."

"We could burn the bodies in brandy. Plenty of smoke and it should leave little to work with. Possibly break a few bones on each dead to ensure no skeletons. Pettry does that cover it? I believe that we have made a good start here and it would be arrogant to continue at this time. There is too much at stake. Those prisoners need our help and we can use the treasure taken to equip ourselves with better protection."

Sir Galavaine looks at the ogre body. He murmurs "him I do not wish to see walk again."

"Plus there are the pies to consider and for me, giving Gnobby the chance to come back with that illusion spell makes me happier." the warrior knight rubs his stomach as he remembers the warm gravy and moist pastry, the way that the juicy beef tasted to flavoursome.

Unless there is a better suggestion, he starts to fetch brandy and pour it on Lubash. Hopefully the prisoners will help to speed things along. Does the ogre have any keys? If so we should take them.

Sallandrya looks very concerned.

'Fair plan, save that smoke would alert any to our presence here. Even before the missing guards and abominations tip our foes off.'

'Also I do not like the idea of leaving whomever is the master of this den to do as he and his minions please for the two days we would be away to Hommlett. If given two days to prepare, the Elves of Celene could repel an army ten times their number, I do not want surprises waiting for us here'. She looks to Tarmin.

'Can we not lead these folk upstairs, arm them and have them wait for us? We should press our hunt if we have the means.'

"I do not plan on leaving these good citizens at risk any longer. When given a second chance to do good by the powers that be in Verbobonc, I took my commitment to reform seriously. Having rescued prisoners die because I didn't bring them back would probably stay on my permanent record for days maybe even weeks."

Gnobby does some calculations with his hand eying the ogre corpse.

"I bet Andre and Galavaine could carry Lubash back to town--I am sure our guests can help too. Once outside, we make a travois and drag him efficiently over the ground to the town square. It would send a great message to evil that would save the town from future harassment when we tell them that Gnobby's Kneecappers are on the job and won't stand for any banditry."

After some thought, "Maybe Podo's Power Patrol would be a better name. I do not think we have to worry about facing an armed fortress on our return as long as we keep from lighting fires inside."

Tired of the long discussion, Gnobby comments: "I can feel the warm fire and taste the stew at the inn now. Well, what are you waiting for? we go."

Andre nods a few times as Sallandrya finishes voicing her concerns. When he speaks, the paladin's voice is calm and quiet, carrying a soft power to the words. "Yes, they may be able to escape the Moathouse should we fall, but once they leave, we cannot guarantee their safety. We have faced giant frogs, spiders and other things besides just getting to them. We know of brigands watching the roads, and heard rumors of dogmen slinking through the night. Nothing may happen to them if they strike out for Hommlet on their own - but neither you nor I can say with perfect accuracy that nothing will. If I do not safeguard them in their hour of need, then what example am I? Your suggestion has merit, friend Sallandrya, and that is why I outlined the third option I discussed, but their fate weighs upon my conscience. No one else here has taken the paladin's oath, and I do not begrudge anyone for wishing to continue the push we have made here, but I cannot abandon these three in their moment of need. I will move with all due speed to Hommlet, and return with the speed my destrier can muster, should you decide to continue beneath the Moathouse without me." Andre looks around as more of the party begins to side with his cause. "Although it sounds as though I will have a great deal of company on this trip."

He listens to Gnobnac's plan. "No need for all of that, my little friend. A travois would take time to construct and slow down our trip back to Hommlet. The thing's head, however, that would serve the same purpose with little weight." He leans down to confer with the small man quietly, laying a hand on his comrade's shoulder. "And I would hear your story later. I am always interested in tales of redemption." He offers a quick smile, then returns to the group.

"Gnobby has the right of it. Let us move quick, before Evil's children can be upon us." With that, he pulls his longsword again and moves to Lubash's fallen form, preparing to perform the grisly deed he described.

"We can burn the bodies as we leave."

Sir Galavaine listens to Sallandrya and admits, "I would not like to walk into an ambush and lose what little surprise we have left. If you decide to stay then I cannot leave you alone. I will stay for you however I would prefer to make it a defensible position here. Our lives would not be boring would they! Praise the Brave Lord for that opportunity."

Turning to face Gnobby and Andre he adds quietly, "One thing to bear in mind when you return successful and carrying an ogre's head held high is you become the target for anyone who supports this place in secret. They may be a trader, inn guest, carter, smithy or anyone else that protects their own evil interests. They will want you killed. Expect to face an stealthy ambush or deadly attempt on Andre's life, for instance. Of Course that may suit our purposes but then just take care."

Sir Galavaine finishes oiling and brandying the bodies of the zombies, ghouls and the headless Lubash.

"Wait"! "Is there not another way without wasting all that fine brandy"? "Could we not tie stones to them and sink them in the pond"? "Or do we not have enough oil". "I hate to see brandy go to waste as fuel fora fire".

"And we are a pack now". "We should not seperate". "It does not seem to me that these challenges we have overcome have any sign of working together".

Pettry thinks for a moment. "Well, I think the undead fall more under the areas of expertise of the clerics, but I don't think it necessary to burn the bodies of the zombies, I don't think they can be raised again." He regardss the ogre for a moment. {b]"As for him, I would think that separating his head and limbs from his body would be sufficient to prevent him coming back."[/b] He shudders slightly, though whether at the thought of dismembering the ogre or an ogre zombie, it's not certain.

Zantumal looks to each member of the party. "So you're taking us back? Can we go now? I think it's a long walk. What time is it? Will we be there before dinner?"

"Too late for this one, Podo," pointing at the aromatic ogre body. Galavaine finishes emptying the last drips. Listening to the knowledge of Pettry, he stops then.

"I agree with you Podo, but I shalt never leave one alone. If an elven archer of the quality of Sallandrya wishes to continue and her argument does bear merit then I shall protect her. I think it is a dangerous mistake but I would do the same for anyone else who's heart and mind show such truth. My Lord would wish for such bravery to be accompanied by his priest."

The knight looks at Zantumal and smiles, "of course you will leave soon. We merely decide who goes with you. All, most, or some doth be the issue."

Pettry places his hand on Sir Galavaine's shoulder.

"I could lead them back. I know the way, and now that we've cleared some of the trail it should go quickly. I can be back here in a few hours if all goes well."

Sallandrya bows to the brave cleric for his words, but understands the oath Andre has taken and has bound to adhere.

'Andre what do you think of Pettry offering to take them back? Would that be a fair compromise good paladin? The is great evil here, what if it escapes to cause further pain and butchery?

Andre bites his lower lip as he ponders Pettry's suggestion. "I am concerned about what would happen if you encountered resistance. Your magics are limited, and you would be all alone. If you so swear that you will do your best to avoid conflict, then it would put me more at ease."

"Pettry, you strike me as a man who values his own skin highly and that doth be coupled to a strong intelligence and no small skill with magic. If you wish to do this then I approve. However when and where to we meet you again? Perhaps we can meet back in Hommlett when our sortie here has ended."

Galavaine looks round and begins the process of becoming battle ready again. He tries to check for wounds and the like on everyone but what with the torchlight, he quickly gives up, "is anyone in need of healing? Before we continue."

Pettry nods at Andre. "I swear I will avoid any conflict on the road to the best of my ability." He then turns his attention to Sir Galavaine. "I can wait for you at the Inn. I would return, but you are right in that I will have a hard time finding you again. I would hate to force you to have to rescue me."

"Then go, and may the Cudgeler watch over you as you escort these folk back to civilization. If we do not return, then send word to the Viscount that we have fallen, and that Evil works beneath the Moathouse once more." He watches the mage escort his charges out of the room, and Andre stares as the man leaves, praying he had made the right choice.

"Let us continue then. Onward!"

Tarmin grasps Pettry by the shoulder and says "Keep to the north of the trail we came to the moathouse, I saw fewer evidence of traffic there. Eyes sharp, Ears sharper! " With a squeeze, she releases him , then at Andre's side watches as he leaves with the prisoners.

Pettry nods, and ushers the prisoners quickly out of the room. Before he leaves, Zantumal runs up to Andre and places something in his hand. "Show this, and we will know you are a friend." The gnome then hurries out after the others.

"Here Pettry. Can you return that note from Jaroo's acolyte that we found on the zombie body? Give it to Jaroo with our blessing."

"Are there any secret doors close by? Can we search the area please." Although he has no talent Galavaine does start tapping and prodding at the walls of Lubash's room.

"Here Pettry. Can you return that note from Jaroo's acolyte that we found on the zombie body? Give it to Jaroo with our blessing."

I was just about to say that, but Sallandrya will add -

'Arm these folks from the weapons we have found, perhaps the semblance of a well armed group will deter any possible encounters, although I am sure the would be arch mage Pettry would make short work of any who would deter your way home'.

Very quietly, whispering to Pettry's ear,

'Safe travels my friend, I will count myself lucky when we cross paths again, stay safe. But do one more thing, when you reach Hommlett, do so under the cover of darkness, make for the sentinel tower, bring these folks to the Rufus and Burne for they may have questions, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, make sure none see of your return, we do not know if there are agents that keep eyes on the village. And determine if any take a particular interest in your return.

With that the Elf bows, 'May the road ever rise to meet your steps and may we share light laughter in some far off day.

Remember, there was also a room off to the east where the zombies were.

'Gnobby and Podo, I make a sworn promise the first savory meat pies are on me when we get back to Hommlett.

Where to now?'

"I have no sign of egress here. Let us head for the chamber that the zombies appeared from."

Podo stands some distance from the group, on the trail back towards Hommlet. He starts off with the group, then turns and heads back towards the keep...then starts away again...then turns back towards the keep. He finally runs back to the group, a sour look on his face.

"I don't see why I should have to choose between meat pies, and finding new stuff...but you guys would probably get yourself killed, or lose all your stuff it I wasn't here".

To Sallandrya
"It should be two meat pies for this". "I'll probably need to be carried the last mile or so in due to the early stages of starvation".

"I'll pitch in for an extra pie, Podo" Tarmin says with a smile. Then her face assumes its usual businesslike demeanour, she checks her equipment setup and approaches the eastern door where the zombies emerged.

To Sallandrya

"It should be two meat pies for this". "I'll probably need to be carried the last mile or so in due to the early stages of starvation".

'Podo I did not want to spoil the 'surprise' but just assume one pie for every vile opponent we best, fair my brave friend?'

Andre is slightly puzzled as the gnome presses something into his hand. Why would he say "we?" They should know that he is on their side - he rescued them. Were they concerned that some fiend should wear his skin? Or was Zantumal a member of some other organization? All very mysterious - and irrelevant to the immediate task. He opened a belt pouch and placed his gift inside.

His stomach growled as the conversation drifted towards meat pie. "I should like to try some of the innkeeper's hospitality when we return. His wares seemed quite exquisite!" Andre moves towards the door Tarwin approaches. Taking point, he begins to head deeper into the darkness.

As the group cautiously makes their way back into the corridor where they dispatched the zombies, Andre calls a halt hearing a scraping and then seeing the outline of another shambling humanoid form. Improbably, the hallway is again infested with the foul creatures, and the brave paladin counts five of the walking dead, who turn their eyes towards the scent of party and begin shuffling forward.

Party is up. Map is updated

Gnobby calmly fires a sling bullet at the first row of zombies from behind his larger friends.
hit/dam: 1d20 ⇒ 11d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Sir Galavaine moves into fighting mode and steps up beside the pillar staying to the left. His warhammer swings into action downwards and hard at the first zombie's shoulder.

warhammer 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11, damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Podo moves to get a clear view, and whips a stone at the approaching undead. "This is much better"! "Now we get to be the meat pies, instead of eating them".

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Sling

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Bullet

[apoiler=DM]
5d12 ⇒ (10, 6, 6, 6, 6) = 34
1d5 ⇒ 3
4x10HP, 1x6HP, Podo hits #3[/spoiler]

Gnobby's bullet flies off its mark, and somehow the creature avoids Sir Galavaine's hammer blow, but only just. Podo's stone cracks one fiend in the skull, but it shakes the blow off and continues on.

Map is updated. I added numbers to the zombies to aid in ID. Podo hit #3

Tarmin moves up to the right of the door (left on the map).
She then sets herself and fires two arrows at Zombie #4

Arrow #1
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Arrow #2
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sallandrya raises her archer's bracer with the symbol of her patron,

'By the sublime grace of Solonor Thelandira, I break the chains that keep you bound to this mortal coil! Let us grant you the peace you deserve!'

1d20 ⇒ 14

That was a turn attempt.

These guys are basically down for the count. You have 8 rounds to knock them off - I'm perfectly ok with narratively killing them and continuing on, unless you all want to fight it out.

I am fine with saying volleys of missile fire take them down.

Galavaine will applaud the elven prowess and move on.

Sallandrya will give thanks for Solonor's grace. She will not search the dead for the abominations frighten her in some ways but may point out that duty to Gnobby and Podo who excel in finding things anyways.

I've never played a Cleric before, Turning rocks!

While Sallandrya holds the zombies at bay, the rest of the party dispatches them carefully and thouroughly. When the last crumbles to the floor, Sir Galavaine and Andre move cautiously through the doorway on the east side, and are barely able to contain themselves when they see what is beyond. Blades of all manner of sizes and shapes adorn the walls, but these are not blades for battle. Tables covered with blood and gore aare scattered in the room, with chains affixed to the corners. A table with a winch at either end is pushed against the northern wall, and other sadistic looking devices are to be found. While they have never seen it, both men find the evidence of torture overwhelming.

The holy priest is unable to look on the scene without his mouth dropping open. Unconsciously he grips his Brave symbol to ward off the evil of this place.

Tears well up in the corner of his eyes, as he feels the pain inflicted here. The last screams and cries seem to echo inside his head. but its the sight of three small fingers in a pool of congealed blood that cause his stomach to take over. Their tendons and wiry muscles fan out across the surface like sick worms.

"Yerrchh, yeerch, uh uh."

Podo takes the time to search the stinking corpses before moving on. He does so with one hand, as the other is busy holding his nose.

"Such disregard for life...." Tarmins mutters as she surveys the horrid scene.

Gnobby is upset, but also has a practical streak. He puts all the implements that are not tied down into his pack.

"These may serve a useful purpose some day. Maybe a blacksmith can reforge them."

As Gnobby begins packing away some of the wicked devices, the shock of the room wears off and the group notes the disuse apparent on the tools. Cobwebs and dust adorn the tables, and many of the metal implements are rusty, and look to have been untouched for many years.

31xp each for freeing the captives and killing the zombies.

"It matters not whether these implements of torture were used recently or not," Andre says, the disgust clear in his voice. "They were used in the past, and I cannot put its use past those who dwell here now. Those innocents that travel with Pettry might have been subjected to these horrors had our incursion not found them. We must press further, and make certain no Good soul is ever threatened here again." Andre looks around for another exit, clearly ready to move past this chamber.

Not finding anything on the corpses, Podo enters the bad room. Seeing nothing shiny in here, he decides to look for another way out.

1d6 ⇒ 4 Search

Andre finds no exit, but Podo spots some blood on the floor that doesn't seem quite dried like the rest.