In the description of the Chapel of Heironeous in Dungeon #124, it's mentioned that Valkus Dun came to Diamond Lake 2 years ago (593) to replace the previoys high priest, who "vanished under mysterious circumstances."
Coincidentally (or perhaps not), in 3FoE, we learn that the Faceless One came to Diamond Lake about 2 years ago as well. Could the Faceless One be responsible? Has anyone addressed this in their campaign?
I'll probably have the magic shield in the Faceless One's lair belong to the old HP, as well as the cold iron longsword in the grimlock's/choker's lair (though the grimlocks arrived after the HP's murder/sacrifice, the Faceless One could've given the sword to the Grimlocks as a gift). The skeleton w/organs in the Faceless One's lab I'm considering making that of the HP himself.
Anyone else looking into this subplot?
Although I think this is an interesting take, I think you need to involve the Hextor temple as well. They would be the most appreciative of a Heironean priest's death. I am at work and can't look at the adventure, or I would give a few ideas of my own.
What is the Faceless One IS the missing priest??? :)
Now that's what I'm talking about.
Not that it really matters unless some subplot is added about how the good priest went bad. You know... how he had premonitions of his girlfriends death and turned against his order to try to prevent that from happening...and inadvertantly caused her death anyway... um darkside...
ASEO out
Although I think this is an interesting take, I think you need to involve the Hextor temple as well. They would be the most appreciative of a Heironean priest's death. I am at work and can't look at the adventure, or I would give a few ideas of my own.
I considered that, but I believe Theldrik & his cronies arrived in Diamond Lake after the HP vanished. Of course, you could say that Theldrik wears the armor of the HP--& the unholy symbol on the chestplate has actually been made with the HP's own blood.
While we're at it, any other subplots floating around?
I have an idea, but it's specific to a samurai disguised as a miner working for Smenk. He was sent to Diamond Lake to investigate his lord's missing nephew, and Smenk is suspected.
Anyway, Smenk has this old useless mine that he uses for storing gear and dumping the occasional body. I was thinkin' of tying this old mine to a personal dungeon of Smenk. Like, he uses it as "storage" is just his cover up to keep residents away from prying too deeply into any traffic to and from the mine. Secretly, he uses it to lock up his enemies, interrogate conspirators, dump dead bodies, all that good stuff.
Smenk's mine is ideal for just about any sub-plot you wanna throw into Diamond Lake. Even if Smenk doesn't use it himself, his thugs might... anything goes.
BTW, I named the missing priest "Amon Kyre," in a Gygaxian homage to the author.
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Okay, here's a couple long-winded rumors I whipped up for my players today, regarding this subplot. I'm not sure yet whether to have Kyre dead, or perhaps for the PCs to find him later (maybe even as a prisoner in the Hall of Harsh reflections).
Rumors:
“Valkus Dun came to Diamond Lake two years ago, to replace the previous high priest, who mysteriously vanished. Dun was the one what opened up the chapel of Heironeous every Godsday to the common folk. By the end of 594, his congregation had grown quite a bit–one reason the high priest at the Church of St Cuthbert, Jierian Wierus, doesn’t like Dun. Wierus lost some of his flock to Dun. He’s got no problem with soldiers going to the Chapel of Hieroneous, but he always felt that the common folk “belong” to St Cuthbert. However, despite the increase in Dun’s congregation, its been decreasing significantly in recent months, almost back to its original size. But they ain’t goin’ back to Wierus, either–his flock’s been shrinkin’, too. At first it was thought that the townsfolk were goin’ across the lake to the Cult of the Green Lady, or turning to the Old Faith at Bronzewood Lodge, but no one’s seen any real increase in their numbers. The people ain’t left town, either–they’re still around, but they jus’ don’t seem interested anymore.”
“Amon Kyre was the name of the former high priest at the Chapel of Hieroneous. Two years ago, he just up an’ disappeared! He was a very private person, they say, and kept pretty much to himself. Some say he preferred to work alone, ‘cause if’n there were any glory to be had, he’d want to claim it for himself! Anyway, the chief healer at the Chapel, Velias Childramun, says that Kyre seemed real restless the last few weeks afore he disappeared. He’d leave the garrison alone at night, all geared an’ armored up, and take off on his horse into the hills, like he was lookin’ fer sumthin’. Sometimes he’d just ride through town, talkin’ at shady-lookin’ characters, or lookin’ at people all strange-like. Two days after he disappeared, a patrol found his horse a few miles southeast of town, half-eaten by scavengers. Kyre was nowhere to be found. Some think he may’ve been captured by bandits, but ne one ever heard talk of ransomin’ him. Most think he may’ve run into a band of orcs, or goblins, or even ogres or trolls, and eaten, but no one knows for sure. A full investigation by the Sanctum of Hieroneous in Greyhawk, the garrison commander, and the local sheriff turned up nuthin’. Hells, even usin’ magic didn’t do no good–-to this day, they’re not even sure if he’s even dead!”