DM Tuyena |
North of the city of Bard's Gate, in the hills of the Stoneheart Mountains, lie the ruins of the twin shrines dedicated to Aroden.
Near the ruined shrines lies a series of catacombs used as burial halls for the followers of Aroden. Long abandoned, these catacombs are now home to various evil creatures.
In ages past, a vast temple to Aroden was erected in Bard's Gate at the founding of that great city that still stands today. The priestly followers of this noble god erected smaller duplicates of the temple in a secluded valley to the north of the city, adjacent to a lake of crystalline clarity.
This valley became known as the Valley of Shrines. In the nearby hills they also carve burial halls to house their fallen heroes and worshipers. For years the worship of Aroden thrived, producing heroes and paladins of legend, some of whom are entombed in the burial halls.
After the apparent death of Aroden the remaining followers were unable to maintain both the temple in Bard's Gate and those in the valley, so the priests sealed the northern shrines and returned their worship to the temple in the city.
Abandoned, the burial halls still remained sacred places, and small groups of pilgrims continued to make treks to the sealed temples to pay respect to their fallen predecessors and to peer into the crystalline lake.
As the years passed and the worship of Aroden declined even further, the shrines in the northern valley increasingly fell to disuse and ruin. Only a handful of devoted priests, led by the high priest Abysthor, were left to continue the elaborate rituals of their god.
Even the great temple in Bard's Gate began to deteriorate. Despite Abysthor's devotion, his temple and the worship of his god only waned further.
In his final years, Abysthor spent many hours in the main temple in Bard's Gate attempting to commune with his deity. Declaring at last he had received a great vision, he traveled alone - aged an infirm - to the Valley of the Shrines, claiming he would return soon and that the glory of Aroden would be restored.
Abysthor never returned. Some said he had gone there to die and had done so alone because no other priest would be able to cast the spells to consecrate his body properly anymore. Many groups of the priests followed after him, though none could brave the corruption that had infested the burial halls since they had been abandoned.
Abysthor's failed quest was taken as a sign of final decline. No more paladins or priests came to the temple of the once great god.
It has been some twenty years since Abysthor disappeared. Only a handful of lesser priests remain in the temple in Bard's Gate, their cavernous temple falling to ruin, empty of worshipers.
DM Tuyena |
I'm going to pass some rumors out that each of your characters may know. You may use either knowledge local or diplomacy to meet the DC to gain the rumor.
This will be broken up into a few parts because my phone has trouble handling posts of this size.
Under each of your names will be your available rumors.
Alianne:
Neils:
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DM Tuyena |
Nil:
Ptolem:
DM Tuyena |
Somonti:
Varian:
These Rumors are either in relation to Aroden and his temple within Bard's Gate, his Shrines in the Valley, or the Burial Halls in the Valley.
Varian |
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
diplomacy, using surge: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (2) = 15
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Alianne of Heldren |
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Nil Silverwind |
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17
Varian |
Varian shares those things he's heard with the others:
"I heard that "The entrance to the dungeon is in a wood filled with spiders. Beware their foul bite!" While I'm not particularly phobic of arachnids, I'm not fond of them either.. I've seen my share in my youth... Nasty beasts."
The view of some folks is that "Aroden is no longer. Though we don’t usually think of it, deities die as do we mortals. Look to his church! It is in shambles! Their priests have no power! Aroden, though once mighty, has fallen." At least that's what people are saying."
"I overheard one adventurer saying, "I was forced to leave my friends behind. We encountered these strange things with many tentacles. My friends fell all around me. I am ashamed, but I have my life. I wish you luck if you head into that death trap, friend!" Tentacled monsters could be some kind of aberration. Might be handy to have some way to escape from entanglement if there are tentacled beasts there."
"I also heard a couple of folk discussing the fate of another adventurer. "They say that a great dwarf warrior, renowned for wielding a wicked magical axe, met his end in the caves below those halls." We should keep an eye out for the axe and the remains... Maybe give him a decent burial."
Ptolem Nizam |
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
"Useless rumors, all. 'Abysthor didn't go down into the temple!' 'Aroden is dead!' they tell me. Why should I care?"
DM Tuyena |
I think you all mentioned you'd like to know each other at least in passing ahead of time, so we'll go with that.
The temple of Aroden is home to one of the few keys that can unlock the door to the Valley of Shrines. There are of course other ways inside, but this is the simplest and most direct and the reason I assume for most of you, that you've come here.
Though of course others may have come for blessings before attempting to enter into a once holy site of Aroden, etc.
The temple of Aroden stands out like an eye sore in the center of the town square of Bard's Gate, looking truly out of sorts next to the illustrious buildings surrounding it.
Though its position here, at the center of commerce and legislature as opposed to in the temple district signifies the importance the now dilapidated building once held here in the city.
Now, citizens walk by the building as if it wasn't there at all, their eyes glancing over it as they move from one structure to the next. Those few who do take the time to examine the building do so only with a look of disgust or contempt.
But it is to this temple that you have come. Whether for purposes of religious pilgrimage, some noble quest, or reasons entirely your own.
Entering into the building proper, you find that the temple if possible looks even worse from the inside.
Large portions of the ceiling have given way, and even now crumbling bits of plaster and stone fall from the great heights of the once majestic structure.
Only a handful of clergy can be seen throughout the building, most of them donning rags and looking no better than many beggars out upon the streets.
None of them seem to have noticed the now six strong group of outsiders in their midst as their eyes never once look to the entrance to the building, as if the idea of visitors was totally alien.
Ptolem Nizam |
Ptolem looks around incredulously.
"Are you people seriously so incompetent that you couldn't at least maintain your temple's structural integrity? Just because your god died doesn't mean you have to stop sweeping the place."
Varian |
Varian sighs as he examines the interior of the temple. Sad to see such a place in this state of disrepair. I guess this is what happens after the death of a god, if he is indeed dead. Surprising that there are still even a few remaining priests.
He calls out without meaning disrespect, "Hello? Hello there, you, yes you, priest of Aroden. May we have a word with you? or your leader actually?"
DM Tuyena |
Many of the few remaining priests visibly jump as Ptolem begins to speak to them.
One of the older among them says to Ptolem, "Yeah? Well you fix the damned roof with no gold and no magic. Maybe I quite like the holes? Eh? Saves me time on bathing when it rains."
Another priest bows to Varian and quickly makes his way down the halls and out of sight.
Nil Silverwind |
Nil looked forlorn, finding it odd that the situation could have deteriorated this far. He had found out little of interest or use through rumor, so he decided not to mention much.
At the talk of Ptolem or the building itself Nil perked up.
" Ptolem is not going to change anytime soon. Conversely, I could fix your building with some time free of charge if you could offer favors. Do you have most of the materials around of when they last broke? "
The taller man of elven heritage spoke like one would sing his words, yet with little effort. His words were direct and with purpose.
DM Tuyena |
"We toted the larger pieces away, we're resigned to the eventual collapse of the ceiling at this point. We would be eternally grateful if you could fix our grand temple, but I'm uncertain what favors we could really offer you aside from a place to stay." the head priest says to Nil.
Turning to Alianne, "I suspected as much, what few visitors we get tend to be those seeking the Valley."
"I would ask you to reconsider, but I know too well by now that adventurers rarely heed words of caution."
Nil Silverwind |
" Sometimes the smallest gesture means the most at even the unassuming times. One exists on more random small acts of kindness than one realizes. If you position them somewhat close to the area, I may be able to restore your building to its proper state. "
Ptolem Nizam |
"I would ask you to reconsider, but I know too well by now that adventurers rarely heed words of caution."
"If they do, they can hardly be called adventurous, now can they?"
Alianne of Heldren |
"I think my sister is captive or worse in there. I, at least, can't really back down. Thank you for the warning, though. I don't suppose you know something about the region that could help us on the way?"
She can't help but feel a little stupid for disregarding his warnings like this though.
DM Tuyena |
DM Tuyena wrote:
"I would ask you to reconsider, but I know too well by now that adventurers rarely heed words of caution."
"If they do, they can hardly be called adventurous, now can they?"
The man sighs, "No I suppose not, may you have better luck than the others however." The man reaches inside his robes and produces a long bronzed key before handing it to Alianne.
"It is terrible to hear such things happening to good people, I hope you find her well."
"As for the state of the Valley itself, I know no more than mere rumors. What I can say is that the shrines and burial halls as I'm sure you know belong to our Lord Aroden."
"I would ask that you treat them with reverence when possible, and if you were to come across any of his ancient relics, if you might consider returning them to us here."
"Such artifacts may be able to sway the minds of the people of Bard's Gate that Aroden has not abandoned us, nor is he dead, this is merely a time of trial for his followers."
Finally turning to Nil, "I will have some of the more sprightly among our numbers bring what they can from the gardens."
Neils D. Lafont |
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
Only got the first one
Neils stands aside from the conversation, lacking anything meaningful to add. His mind had wandered to visions of heroic deeds to come and, in the process, he had stopped paying attention to what was said.
Without thinking much of it he waves "hello" to a passing priest.
Somonti |
Somonti steps into the temple, late as usual, with a fluidity that belies the ostentatiously ornate crimson velvet ballgown she is currently wearing.
"Good morning Gentlemen, Alianne, I trust we have secured a key? The drain is worse today, can you honestly not feel it."
She adds the later almost to herself. Stood to one side of the group she sways gently, as if absent mindedly dancing to a tune only she can hear.
DM Tuyena |
The priest visibly deflates as Nil makes it known he only plans to fix the structure when he returns, "No, nothing of the sort." he says to Nil.
"Well then, is there anything else I can do for you? If not than I wish you well on your journey."
The priest awaits any further questions, but if none are presented he bows to you all and returns down the hall and out of sight.
Varian |
"Well, we have a key, and know the way... let's be off if everyone has what they need for such a journey... does anyone know how far it is? I might want to pick up some rations on the way out of town if we might be gone for several days."
Alianne of Heldren |
"Thank you for this," Alianne says, accepting the key and stowing it in a belt pouch, before trying to make a curtsey at the priest, realise she's wearing armor, and attempt to turn it into an odd little bow instead.
"... Right. Sorry. Dawnflower's light upon your path, and I hope your god will answer your prayers once more, eventually."
On the way out, she agrees with Varian. "We should probably bring more food rather than less, right? I can cast create water, so as long as we have waterskins, we should be set for that, at least. I'd rather not get stuck trying to dig out a cave-in and ending up starving to death before we can dig it out and see light of day again."
Varian |
know local: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 8 + (4) = 27
"Well, it's not far, but I still think at least a few days rations would come in handy, we will most likely end up camping out at least a night or two."
Nil Silverwind |
Nil shook his head, " To my knowledge I saw no such thing. As for Somonti. I would appreciate if you did not do so, it would make my repairs take that much longer. I have already tasked their strong to reorganize the rubble, I need not be made into a liar if possible. "
The man tested the string on his bow as the skintight sheen of azure metal armor reflected of the contrast of his Darkwood Bow.
" I have food as well " He almost says as an afterthought.
Neils D. Lafont |
"Seems everyone has food as well. We will need to set a watch if when we make camp. Gnoll raiders have been plaguing the entire area recently."
Varian |
on the way out of town, Varian will stop and buy some rations.
Nil Silverwind |
" If Neils is correct, that is concerning. I have the capability of seeing when there is no light, keen sense and carry my bow. I suggest we have one such member on every watch paired with another. Three watches should suffice. "
Varian |
"I too can see well in the dark and use a bow, and would prefer to be on first or thrid watch, but ultimately, it doesn't really matter if it's not feasible."
Neils D. Lafont |
"Then I can take the first. Though my vision may not be specially enhanced, I don't need much more sleep and can risk waking up later on should something happen."
Somonti |
One of the priests yells out at Somonti, "Hey! Come on now, this place may look like little more than a pile of rubble at this point, but it's still ours! Show some respect!"
"There's no life here. Yet the place is not dead, just empty... That piece didn't go there anyway... We will help you rebuild your temple when the time is right. Life is returning."
Somonti turns and leaves with the others
Somonti has no basis for any of this. It's up to you if you want to treat her as a visionary or a damaged mind.
DM Tuyena |
You arrive at the Valley of Shrines in a little over an hour.
Two massive doors block off the entrance to the Valley, the wood has rotted in many areas and you surmise that if anyone truly wanted to get through the gate by force a few whacks with an axe at the soft wood would give them sufficient room to crawl through.
A large chain hangs between the two gates keeping them fastened closed, a padlock at it's center.
Despite the foreboding tales of the Valley, birds chirp merrily nearby and the forest immediately surrounding the gates are lush and green.
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Alianne of Heldren |
Alianne walks up, digs out the key, and tries it on the padlock.
"Well then, here we are. Watch out for trolls."
She does seem somewhat troubled, incessently looking around and staring off into the distance.
"Where to from here?" she demands.
Neils D. Lafont |
"The old temple, presumably" comments Neils. He manages only to poorly mask excitement in his voice. He waits impatiently for the door to open, shifting from one foot to another in succession.
DM Tuyena |
The large doors don't budge for a moment but as they begin to slowly build momentum they swing open and clang against the stone walls surrounding them on the other side.
The interior of the Valley very much resembles the scene on the other side of the wall, as lush green forestry is all that greets the eye.
However, Alianne is able to spot amongst all the foliage, two marble pillars that have been overgrown some two hundred feet from the doors.
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