198 rooms · levels 8–20
You walk along the top of a small hill on a rock strewn path. Ahead, near the bottom of the hill you notice a young man, standing beside a stony projection of some sort. In the distance are several buildings, surrounded by a modest wall and gates. You hear the faint sounds of a bell chiming from somewhere within the structure.
As you approach the boy standing at the bottom of this hill, you discover he is staring intently at a large slab of smooth stone. His eyebrows nearly touch as he reads something with intent interest on the rocky surface. He breaks into a smile and dashes off suddenly, running north along a fine gravel path.
The path is much easier to walk upon here, leading slowly onto a grassy lane which spreads out before you. Ahead you can see the structure rising in the distance. To the west, standing some distance across the grass, a lush forest sways in an afternoon breeze. A sturdy wooden sign draws your attention momentarily as you take in the sights around you.
Well trimmed hedges form up on either side of the path as it approaches the main gates of the university. Ahead you can see a large iron gate, partially open, leading into a courtyard. Guards stand on either side watching you calmly as you approach. To the east you see a path leading toward a small shed, which you suspect belongs to the groundskeeper.
Walking along a small path leading away from the gates, you can see the wide expanse of lawn which surrounds the school. Immediately to the east is a small shack. From this path a simple looking hut is now visible to the south, apparently hidden from sight from within the hedge lined path.
You just manage to lower your head enough to avoid smacking into the relatively low doorway upon entering the tool shed. It is hot, humid, and smells mildly of rust and decay. Tools lie scattered about with little care, most in some stage of disrepair. A most unusual combination for a caretaker who does such a fine job of maintaining the grounds.
Imported from far away lands, the bamboo used to create this hut must have been very expensive and difficult to obtain. The outside of the hut is covered with dirt, mud, and sticks, making it impossible to notice the actual beauty of this home. Unlike the shed, the caretaker seems to take very good care of his abode. Amongst the various furnishings, your gaze falls upon an oak desk, with a partially finished letter sitting under a small paperweight.
You are standing on a well maintained lawn, west of the grassy lane leading toward the university. You can see the walls which surround the school grounds beyond the lane. Further west a line of healthy looking green trees sways back and forth as a light breeze blows across the grass. The wind feels gentle against your face as you inhale deeply.
You are walking along the westernmost edge of the grassy lawn, looking into a line of tall, thick trees which sway and groan softly in the breeze. The smell of pine needles and sap fills your nose as you discover a small path leading west into the forest. Your body tingles for a second as you shiver suddenly, although you can't figure out exactly why. Perhaps it was just your imagination.
After walking for awhile, you suddenly realize you're not sure anymore exactly which way you came from. Tall, healthy looking pines surround you, moaning softly and rustling in the wind. The ground is covered in a plush layer of dried pine needles, and seems to have absorbed your steps rather nicely, making it difficult to retrace your path. Sighing in frustration, you realize all you can do is move onward and hope to find your way out.
The ground slopes gently downward as you follow a row of trees southward. The pines begin to thin slightly in this direction, revealing more sunlight and sky overhead. Further south, you notice an animal trail, which disappears over the crest of a grassy mound. Despite these landmarks however, you still feel rather lost.
The pines have thinned considerably as you notice several other types of leafy trees growing in their midst. Leaves blow across the animal trail, which leads toward the grassy mound of dirt before you. The path turns abruptly, disappearing from sight. A loud rustling immediately west of you, behind the mound, startles you suddenly. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to have noticed you... yet.
Stepping around the side of the grassy mound, you find yourself staring down at a rather angry looking animal. Realizing too late that you have stumbled into its home and cornered it, you swear under your breath and attempt to move away slowly. Remembering ancient animal lore, you recall wolverines are fierce, deadly, and potentially aggressive opponents. Especially when cornered, you think to yourself, especially when cornered...
Following a winding path through the tall pines, you begin finding thorny bushes growing in your way. Carefully you walk around them, discovering the trail turns west now, avoiding a rather dense line of these obstructions. North and east the bushes seem thickest, making it impossible to move in those directions.
The path you were following ends abruptly, emptying into a small, long forgotten clearing. In the center you see an old firepit, lined with small rocks to hold the fire safely. Several logs are spaced around the pit, providing somewhere to sit besides the ground itself. The trees circle this clearing rather well, obscuring any fire which may be set here. This would probably be a safe place to rest.
Following the winding trail through the forest, you again find the thorny bushes springing up along your path. The bushes seem to grow thickest on every side but the trail, blocking travel off it rather effectively. The trail turns east, sloping gently downward into a clearing some small distance from where you stand now.
Following the trail west, you find yourself following a gently rising path leading deeper into the forest. As you reach the top of the rise, the trail splits in several directions, leading between various trees north, west, and south. Staring intently in each direction, you still can't seem to get your bearings. It's probably best to keep moving...
The path continues west, winding between tall pine trees, several small boulders, and occasional thorny bushes. As you continue walking, you come across a fallen tree along the side of the path. Covered with light green moss and bright orange mushrooms, this tree looks thoroughly decayed. Tiny insects crawl inside wormy holes in its long dead bark. Finding nothing unusual, you gaze further along the trail, which continues west.
You whistle softly to yourself as you continue following the trail between tall trees. Your nose is filled with the pleasant scents of the forest and fresh air. Feeling quite at ease, you find yourself enjoying this stroll, even though your location and destination are unknown at this point. The trail looks well used as it turns south here, frequently travelled upon by the animals of the forest.
The trees part suddenly without warning, as you find yourself entering a small clearing. Tall green grass rustles as a light breeze blows across the field, brushing against your face gently. You notice several animal trails cross the clearing, indicating this is most likely a natural opening in the forest and rarely, if ever, seen by human eyes. On the other side of the clearing opposite you, the trail enters the forest once again, and continues west.
A pile of leaves swirl around your feet as the wind blows them into life, performing nature's own little dance as you continue walking along this trail in the forest. The path splits here, turning south as well as continuing west, both ways looking equally sufficient for leaving the woods, or quite possibly getting you even more lost, if such a thing is possible. You also notice a large, vine covered golden leafed tree to the north.
The path begins winding its way between a series of medium to large size boulders which stick out along the trail. Small rocks cover the ground, along with the usual pine cones and needles you've seen in other sections of the forest. Moss clings to a few of the smaller boulders, but for the most part, the rocks remain smooth and uncovered. Looking back to the trail, you see that it now heads west again.
Walking north past a few tall pines, you quickly find yourself standing at the base of a huge, golden leaf tree. Ivy vines cover the trunk of this rather old tree, which provides a great deal of shade beneath its protective cover. As you gaze upwards, you notice a shelter of some kind in its upper branches, and a shadowy figure which is trying unsuccessfully to hide from you. The vines look rather sturdy and could most likely be climbed rather easily.
After a short climb, you manage to grab hold of a few sturdy looking branches and hoist yourself up into the upper branches of the tree. You can see other branches spreading out in various directions, although few of them look safe enough to place your weight upon. Near the center of the tree a well made shelter rests, created from branches, saplings, and leaves packed with mud. From behind the shelter, you see a young elf watching you in fear. Alone in these woods, you may very well be the first humanoid life he's seen in a very long time.
The forest begins changing rather abruptly now as you follow the trail. The trees here look unhealthy, covered with pale yellow moss and ugly black mushrooms. Wisps of fog roll through the woods around you, obscuring your sight as you look around. The trail becomes rather faint, although you can still see its outline heading west. Something feels wrong here, even though there is no apparent reason for this feeling.
Walking along the trail, you realize the forest is becoming rather quiet suddenly. You can hear the distant sound of an owl hooting, but even that is becoming fainter. The breeze that felt so comforting before becomes still now. Other than the beating of your heart, things are very, very still. The trail continues north from here, or back east toward the boulders.
As you continue heading west, even the air begins smelling bad, clammy and humid as you inhale. The ground seems softer as well, as your boots sink in slightly with each step. The trees are looking worse, covered with more moss and mushrooms, and becoming less dense as you move west. The fog has become thicker as well, making vision beyond a few yards difficult at best. You freeze suddenly as a low growl echoes from within the fog...
The ground becomes softer as you leave the last few trees behind, finding yourself on the edge of a large, sinister looking swamp. Over the tepid waters the fog becomes thicker, effectively obscuring your vision beyond a few feet before you. From where you stand, the swamp nearly surrounds this last piece of land to the north, west, and south. The forest is to your east if you wish to go back into its confusing paths.
The muddy waters are shallower here than in other parts of the swamp, sucking slightly at your boots as you try to walk. Small grassy bushes grow in various locations, although they look rather sickly. You can hear the droning of insects in the air as you swat away a cloud of gnats which fly into your face unexpectedly. As the fog swirls around, you notice some dry land to your south.
Rising from the tepid waters, a small island of earth and grass forms before you. You slowly pull yourself out of the water and catch your breath as you study the surroundings. An old, overgrown path leads off to your east, but you quickly lose sight of it in the swirling fog around you. The swamp spreads out before you to the north, while to the north and east, you can see traces of the confusing forest you passed through to reach the swamp.
The path winds around a few half-dead trees which were unfortunate enough to try growing on this forsaken ground. The trail turns south abruptly, slowly rising along a gently sloping hill as you continue ahead. When you reach the top of the rise, you realize there is some sort of stone structure ahead, covered with moss and clinging vines.
The path ends before wide marble steps, leading into the structure, which seems fairly intact despite the moss and vines which cling to its walls. A huge pair of iron doors, decorated with brass and bronze highlights, swing open as you approach. The air tingles slightly with the hint of magic as you study the open entrance, which is covered with various symbols. Only one sigil is identifiable to you, located at the top of the doorway. The glowing symbol of Tyr blazes still, marking this place as a temple.
Looking down the length of this rectangular chamber past rows of dust covered stone benches, you see an altar on a marble dais in the center of the room. Small white candles adorn the simple looking slab, which looks recently used, with signs of melted wax along its edges. Behind the altar you take notice of a pair of closed hardwood doors, adorned with brass. Your eyes suddenly are drawn back to the altar as the candles slowly one at a time burst into flame by some unseen force. You take an involuntary step backwards as a ghostly figure materializes before the doors, and watches you intently.
As the huge wooden doors swing open, light falls upon this chamber for the first time in well over a century. The walls are covered with tapestries depicting mighty deeds of great heroes, defeating evil monsters of various types in the name and for the glory of Tyr. A faded red carpet lines the middle of the floor, while on either side, against the walls of this room are many ornate coffins. One of these is most likely the tomb of Lord Banor.
The muddy water swirls around your feet as it becomes slightly deeper, sucking at your boots and nearly causing you to lose your balance. You feel an odd sensation come over you momentarily, but manage to brush it off as just a case of the jitters. The fog over the swamp is still too thick to see much, but you can still see the forest to your south. The swamp continues west.
You find yourself waist deep now in smelly, muddy water. The fog has lifted slightly, revealing a line of thick, dead trees and thorny bushes which block passage north. To the northwest, however, you notice dry land and some sort of structure in the distance. The swamp spreads out before you to the west, south, and east.
Walking in this direction, the swamp water becomes shallow, eventually leading onto more solid ground. Pale green sickly looking grass springs up as you step out of the tepid water. Looking north, you notice the damaged gates of a ruined keep, not far from here. Perhaps you can seek shelter there.
Sloshing your way through the muddy swamp water, you find yourself standing along the westernmost edge. Rows of thick, dense looking trees block any further travel west, although further south you can see a bend where the swamp continues southwest. Something brushes against your leg in the water, giving you incentive to keep moving...
The swamp has gradually become deeper and deeper, until you now stand up to your chest in its grimy waters. Everything seems rather quiet here, save for the croaking of a frog somewhere. Leaves and dead branches float around you, following small currents of moving marsh water and oblivious to your presence. You look down curiously as bubbles begin floating to the surface, tickling you slightly. Suppressing a chuckle you start to move again, until you feel a very solid grip seize your ankle beneath the waters. A large, mud covered creature bursts forth from the swamp and leaps at you without warning.
Moving slowly along the muddy waters, you find yourself approaching the southernmost edge of the swamp. A line of thick, dense trees ahead prevents any further movement south, although you can continue west, north, or east from this location. You feel a slight tingling through your body and feel mildly dizzy for a moment, but the feeling passes.
Several large trees have fallen into the swamp here, providing shelter and protection for any animals in the area. The crude assembly has been reinforced by branches, bushes, and dead leaves, adding stability to the structure. You can feel the water beneath your feet speeding up slightly as the ground level begins a gradual descent, ending with a curving flow toward the southwest ahead. You can hear the gurgling sound of moving water in the distance.
The muddy currents begin sloping west, turning gradually as the water approaches a small waterfall. Loose rocks lie beneath your feet, causing you to nearly lose your footing as the water rushes past. The strange tingling sensation you felt earlier passes over you again, but you ignore it as before. The swamp continues to the west, where it appears to form into a small pool in its southwest corner.
The water is somewhat cleaner as it passes over the waterfall east and circulates here. Healthy looking bushes and water grass springs up from the pool, a sign that whatever ails the rest of the swamp has yet to strike this place. The fog has lifted as well, revealing a patch of dry ground north on which a tall stone statue stands. While the statue is too far away still to make out clearly, it looks roughly human in shape and seems to be holding something in its hands.
A small patch of dry ground is here, surrounded by the waters of the swamp. A stone statue stands here, rising above the fog which rolls around you, obscuring your vision. Standing on this earth, you manage to catch your breath and look around. The swamp lies before you, as far as your vision goes, to the south and east.
You stand on more solid ground now, having finally escaped the stink and oppression of the swamp. As the last wisps of fog pass by, the structure becomes visible, revealing two large shattered gates and a wall beyond any hope of repair. Whatever happened here must have been a very long time ago. You shiver, whether from the cold and dampness of your clothing, or from something unseen you aren't sure. Despite the condition of this old keep, you may find shelter within its ruins, or trouble, or both...
You are standing in the center of what was once a large stable, with nearly a dozen stalls. Looking around, it is apparent this building suffered greatly. The walls are scorched, pitted, and crushed in places, while the main roof supports of the structure look barely strong enough to support themselves. Most of the stalls are empty, but the last one clearly is not, as a pile of bones and moldy flesh rises from the ground to form into a ghastly looking horse.
The central courtyard of this ruined keep is clearly overrun with weeds, vines, and bushes which have pushed their way through cracks in the stonework. In the very center, an old fountain rusts away, its iron construction corroding as the elements slowly devour it. From this location, you notice a well of some sort to the east. West you see a partially demolished wooden structure, leaning against the crumbling remains of a tower northwest of where you stand. To the north you see a pile of rubble which you might be able to stumble through to reach the tower entrance.
Walking carefully through the rubble, you find yourself standing before an old brick well, now partially crumbled, in a corner of the ruined keep. Fragments from the wooden rack which held the spool, rope, and bucket lie scattered on the ground. The dead vines wrapped around the brickwork indicate the well is most likely rather dry, and could quite possibly be entered if you so choose. You feel a chill run down your spine as you gaze into the darkness of the well shaft.
The remains of much of the keep lie on the ground here, in huge piles of broken stone. Dust still rises from the rock as the wind picks up slightly, tiny dust devils swirling across the devastation. Carefully picking your way through the stone, you can see the tower more clearly to your west. The once great oaken door has been ripped from its hinges, and partially blocks the door with its mass. There is enough space however, for you to enter if you wish.
Most of the furnishings of this tower were wiped away long ago in whatever explosions and fire leveled the keep. You find yourself standing in the center of the gutted tower, carefully stepping around broken, burnt wood and shattered stonework. A few tapestries still hang from the walls, faded and singed. The spiral staircase leading to the top floor is still intact, although certainly it has seen better days.
After cautiously climbing the spiral staircase, making sure not to step too heavily in any particular place, you find yourself standing on the second story of the tower. Once someone's plush living quarters, the roof is missing entirely, along with much of the upper floor walls. Walking over to one edge of the tower, you find yourself at a great advantage here, for you can view much of the countryside from this spot. To the northeast, in the distance, you see the walled enclosure of the university with its library, temple, and school facility. To your southeast, as you turn around, you see the fog rolling over the nasty swamp you crossed to reach the keep, as well as brief glimpses of the forest you were lost in earlier.
A vine covered brick wall surrounds the university, providing some small protection from the elements. Before you stands a pair of iron gates, partially open, which leads into the central courtyard of the structure. A pair of guards stands alert on either side of the portal, each looking somewhat nervous for some unknown reason.
Standing on a well worn, cobblestone path which leads further north into the central courtyard, you see several buildings within this enclosure. To the northwest, you see an aging library, likely holding valuable knowledge for would be adventurers. On the other side of the courtyard further north, you notice the university building. You then hear another bell sound, much closer, and realize the sound comes from a temple to the northeast. To the south the iron gates leading out of the complex remain open.
Following the cobblestone path beyond the gates, you find yourself standing before a huge marble fountain in the center of the university courtyard. Shaped in the semblance of Eldath, Lady of Sacred Groves and Springs, the water pours freely from a goblet held in her divine hands, filling the fountain's basin to her ankles. On the other side of the fountain, the courtyard continues as it leads to the steps of the university building itself. In addition, the courtyard spreads out to the west and east as well, leading to the steps of the library and temple, respectively.
Stepping around the fountain and following the cobblestone path west, you find yourself walking slowly toward the library. Smooth stone benches line this section of the courtyard, providing places to sit and relax in the warm afternoon sunlight. People walk around you, heading in various directions and seemingly oblivious to your presence here. The steps of the library are a bit further to the west.
The cobblestone path ends abruptly at the beginning of the smooth stone steps leading to the doors of the library. Several students relax here, enjoying the afternoon sunlight while exploring various pursuits. There is plenty of room here to sit and enjoy the weather, or if you desire you can continue west into the library.
You pass through the doors leading into the university library, finding yourself standing in an immense chamber. Strange softly glowing globes of light hover near the ceiling, providing illumination and warmth. As you look around your eyes take in the expanse of the library, spreading out before you. Row after row of ancient books and scrolls await you to the west. Sturdy tables sit in the corners of the library to your north and south, where you can see several people lost in study.
You turn southward, walking slowly toward a large wooden table in the corner of the library. Whispering quietly to themselves, a pair of older looking librarians seem to be enjoying a well deserved break, leaning against the cool brick wall of the building. Stacks of books sit on the table, where they sit waiting to be returned to their respective places in the library.
You turn northward, walking slowly toward a large wooden table in the corner of the library. Sitting at the table and engrossed in his studies, a young librarian apprentice looks up at you momentarily. After looking you over he returns to his book, apparently not caring that you look just a bit out of place here. To your west a long row of tomes and scrolls begins, running parallel to the northern wall and ending some distance to the west.
Walking past the table in the northeast corner of the library building, you enter an aisle between a row of shelves to your south and the cool brick northern wall of the facility. Countless volumes of books and scrolls line the shelves, which go on for some distance westward, ending near the western wall of the building. On a rather plain looking pedestal before you rests a single brown leather tome, open to a specific page. You can read the page, continue west into the aisle, or go back to the table to your east.
Stepping into an aisle between rows of shelves filled with ancient books and scrolls, you are taken aback by the sheer number of volumes. You look further along the shelves, noticing a desk a ways further to the west. On a plain looking pedestal before you rests a single white leather tome, open to a specific page. You can read the page, continue west into the aisle, or go back the way you came.
Walking past the table in the southeast corner of the library building, you enter an aisle between a row of shelves to your north and the cool brick southern wall of the facility. Countless volumes of books and scrolls line the shelves, which go on for some distance westward, ending near the western wall of the building. On a rather plain looking pedestal before you rests a single black leather tome, open to a specific page. You can read the page, continue west into the aisle, or go back to the table to your east.
You follow the aisle as it continues westward, browsing here and there to examine the numerous volumes of lore this library contains. The shelves end to your west, several feet from the western wall of the building. On yet another pedestal before you, a single green leather tome rests, open to a specific page. You can read the page, continue going west, or go back the way you came.
You follow the rows of shelves west, browsing here and there to look at the huge collection of books maintained in this library. The shelves stop here, several feet from a large circulation desk to the west. Sitting open on a pedestal before you, a single blue leather tome rests, open to a specific page. You can read the page, visit the circulation desk west, or go back the way you came.
You follow the rows of shelves west, browsing here and there to look at the huge collection of books maintained in this library. The shelves end to your west, several feet before the western wall of the building. On yet another pedestal before you, a single red leather tome rests, open to a specific page. You can read the page, continue going west, or go back the way you came.
You emerge from the aisle of books, finding yourself standing in an open space near the western wall of the library. A large desk catches your eye to the south, where you can see someone sitting and going over some form of paperwork. To your north, a set of stone stairs spirals upwards, connecting to the second floor of the building. From here, you can go north to the staircase, go visit the circulation desk to your south, or wander back into the aisle of books to your east.
You find yourself standing at the foot of a spiral staircase, created from stone blocks and leading upwards, disappearing from sight. A well maintained wooden handrail follows the steps, giving people a place to grab onto should their balance be thrown off. It looks sturdy enough, should you desire to check out the second floor.
A beautiful looking circulation desk sits in the center of a raised stone platform. Created from fine exotic mahogany, sanded smooth, and lacquered to perfection, this fine piece of carpentry must have cost a fortune. Sitting behind the desk, an older looking administrative librarian looks up from his paperwork and studies you, a small frown forming on his lips.
You emerge from the aisle of books, finding yourself standing in an open space near the western wall of the library. A large desk catches your eye to the north, where you can see someone sitting and going over some form of paperwork. To the south you see a plain, ordinary looking door. Curiosity getting the best of you, you try to open the door, but discover it is locked. You could perhaps see if the person at the desk has the key, or wander back into the rows of books to your east.
As you step through the doorway, you are barely able to see a set of worn stone steps descending into darkness before you. An old, partially rotted handrail is anchored to the wall on your right, providing minimal support. Clinging desperately to the corners where wall and ceiling meet, delicate spider webs sway back and forth in a light breeze which blows up from below. You get the impression few people go down these steps...
Slipping around the circulation desk and pretending not to notice the icy glares the person sitting there is tossing your way, you enter a short section of passageway heading west. From the light generated by the strange floating orbs over your head, you can see the hallway ends shortly, before a pair of closed doors on either side of its end. You can approach the doors to the west, or go back the way you came, and try to explain yourself to the librarian.
Taking your chances, you enter the doorway, finding yourself standing in a modestly furnished office. In the center of the room, behind a large oak desk, you notice a very imposing looking man, engrossed in writing on a piece of parchment. A large blob of ink drops from his quill, smearing the page as he looks up at you and sighs.
Just as you expected, the hallway ends here before a pair of doors to your north and south. As you study the workmanship of the wood, you can discern no hints at what may lurk behind either, although you would suspect them to lead into ordinary enough rooms, this being a library.
You slip through the doorway as quietly as possible, not knowing what to expect on the other side. You sigh with relief however, as you discover the room is empty, save for a large pinewood table and several straight backed, cushioned chairs. Several books are scattered across the table, some open, others closed and stacked together. You realize this must be some sort of study room, although nobody is here currently.
You pass between the brass lined doors, finding yourself in a large, round chamber of strange design. Curved shelves follow the contours of the room, containing all manners of strange and wondrous devices. In the center of the chamber a huge, strange looking cylindrical tube created from shiny brass and gold shines, pointing upward toward the ceiling, which to your amazement is completely translucent! The clatter of something metal striking stone causes you to spin around, as you notice a short fellow in filthy clothing bending over to pick up something. He stands, and turns toward you. He's a gnome, you realize, trying not to stare too hard.
You enter a warm, cozy looking chamber with several long desks, shelves lined with books and binding implements, and a stack of books in various stages of disrepair. The floor of the room is covered with furs, a rather stark contrast to the plain library on the first floor. As the door groans slightly, you turn around, noticing a note posted beside the doorway.
Stepping into the hallway, you find yourself standing on soft, relatively expensive carpeting which ends abruptly before a pair of closed brass lined doors to the south. Along the west wall, you can see an engraved hardwood door with a small plaque hanging beside it. Along the east wall there is an ironshod door with a sign nailed into its surface. From here you can try one of the doors or go back to the staircase behind you.
You step through the doorway and into a small chamber, deciding not to heed the message posted outside. You whistle softly, finding yourself standing in a vault of some sort, containing the rarest and most valuable of the library treasures, including some very ancient looking tomes, scrolls inlaid with gold and platinum, and antique looking vases with scriptures written upon their surfaces. The hair on the back of your neck stands on end, causing you to whirl about just in time to see a rather large, heavy set man charge toward you, his hands a blur as he attacks...
You slowly make your way to the top of the spiral staircase, stopping briefly to catch your breath. Looking around while standing here, you notice the same floating light orbs, though these are chained to bricks at regular intervals. The passageway to your south leads to several closed doors ahead. You can continue south along the second floor of the library or go back down the staircase.
You descend the staircase slowly, brushing aside numerous cobwebs which have collected over time, stretching from handrail to the wall opposite. A cool breeze blows from behind the stairs, causing bits of loose clothing and gear to flap slightly. A dark and silent chamber lies to the east, although you can tell the wind does not originate from there. There is definitely something amiss here...
Your boots kick up several years worth of dust as you enter this small chamber, causing you to cough and wheeze for a bit. The air is cold and damp, which further complicates your breathing but after a few moments, you manage to shrug it off. The room is lined with shelves which are mostly empty, although an occasional jar or box can be seen as well. In the corner, an old barrel lies in pieces, shattered some time ago and empty. This must be an old cellar, long forgotten.
Turning slightly in order to fit into the opening, you manage to squeeze through, maintaining your balance in the naturally shaped tunnel. The floor is rough, rising and falling with stony bumps which may prove treacherous to walk upon. Several feet further, the tunnel turns northward, continuing beyond your sight. You can see the opening to the east easier here, noticing that while this tunnel may have been formed naturally, that breach certainly wasn't.
You find yourself standing in a roughly formed, T shaped intersection where several branches of the catacombs connect. Standing on the rough, difficult to walk upon floor, you consider your options. You can follow a branch of the catacombs westward, where the sound of dripping water is discernible. There is also another branch going south, although you can see a bend along that stretch of corridor turning eastwards. Or, if those two options don't interest you, there is a long stretch of tunnel heading north, into darkness.
The passageway continues, although a short distance ahead, the tunnel stops at an intersection heading north and south. The ground here is slightly rougher than before and devoid of the small puddles of water you've seen in other sections of the passageway. You continue into the intersection, or go back the way you came.
Continuing eastward you follow the passageway, which starts widening slightly. The floor is unusually smooth save for strange ripples which spread out from a source slightly ahead. You follow the pattern, watching as the strange striations get closer to each other, looking up to discover an opening along the northern wall of the tunnel. The passageway continues eastward, following a relatively straight and level course ahead.
Following the smooth walls of the opening for a short distance, you find yourself stopping as you bump against solid rock. Stepping back and looking closer, you can see a small trickle of water seeping from the wall, forming a small puddle at your feet. Once long ago, the water coursing from here might have been strong enough to create the smooth, rippled floor. Finding no other exits from here, you resign yourself to turning around and going back into the tunnel.
You lower your head carefully, squeezing through an opening at the base of the well and find yourself in a naturally formed tunnel heading east into complete darkness. The air here is cold and damp, causing you to shiver as you pull your cloak tighter. Moisture flows freely down the rocky walls, forming small pools of water on the rough looking dirt covered floor of the tunnel. Other than the sounds of dripping water and the wind against your back, everything seems rather quiet.
After a long descent, continuing to hold tightly onto loose projections to work your way slowly down, you reach the bottom of the well. The chamber you now stand in is dimly lit, damp, and dreadfully silent. From the shadows, something large shifts around suddenly, and you find yourself staring face to face with a horrible monstrosity, which has been chained around the neck to one wall. Unfortunately for you, whoever did this left plenty of slack for the creature to reach you...
You step into a damp, shadowy chamber which reeks slightly of death and rotting flesh. The floor is littered with the remains of various animals and humanoids, some of which look more recent than others. In the back corner of this room an old stone coffin rests, the lid slightly ajar. An uncontrollable shudder passes through your body as the lid suddenly is pushed aside...
As you step over the edge of the well, you are able to find plenty of handholds, grabbing onto rocks and long dead roots which stick out. Pausing for a moment to catch your breath, you look around carefully. Some light still is visible, some distance above, while darkness and silence await below.
Carefully watching your footsteps, you follow the tunnel northwards as it begins dipping slightly. As you walk along, you find yourself wondering just how far these passages go, and where they might lead. While it all looks naturally formed at this point, you begin to wonder if someone, or something, didn't play some role in connecting the sections you've seen so far.
Following the last of the sandstone steps as they descend into the southeastern section of the cavern, you find yourself standing on the edge of a huge mushroom garden. The air here smells of moist earth and decay, causing your nose to twitch slightly. Strangely glowing, phosphorescent moss covers the stone floor, creating an eerie green glow which lights the area sufficiently for normal vision. Mushrooms of all shapes, colors, and sizes, varying from small brown ones the size of your thumb, to monstrous flaming orange stalks the size of a pony grow along the floor. Noticing some movement within the cavern, you stand very still as shadowy figures move about the garden, bending over to harvest mushrooms.
The passageway widens slightly as it brings you to the entrance of a large, silent cavern. The stone beneath your feet, created from smooth sandstone ages ago, forms several natural steps which empty into the chamber. Huge stalactites and stalagmites reach out to each other across the span of your vision, nearly touching in some places. The cavern continues to the north and east.
You enter the center of the cavern, surrounded on all sides by huge columns of stone stretching from ceiling to floor, formed over the ages and now covered with the same strangely glowing moss from the garden. In the very center you see a small pool of water, which looks rather cool and refreshing. Further ahead you see the end of the cavern to the north, although the cavern goes westward as well. You hide quickly behind one of the pillars as you hear a strange, guttural voice barking commands, noticing now several figures outlined against the west wall of the cavern.
Slipping from stone column to stone column, you manage to approach the western edge of the cavern as stealthily as possible. Against the far wall of the chamber, a huge throne sits, carved from sandstone, petrified mushrooms, and the glowing moss. A huge figure stands before the throne, a whip in hand as it growls at several scurrying figures. As it yells at them, the whip sails outward, landing solidly across the victim's face, and a piercing shriek fills the room. Other figures form a line, each dumping a small basket of harvested mushrooms in a pile beside the form, then slowly trudging away...
You finish crossing the cavern, finding yourself standing at its northern end. The columns begin spreading further apart here, providing less cover from detection. Along the wall before you, an opening leads into another passageway, heading northward into darkness. Beyond the opening you can hear the sound of moving water, which leads you to suspect an underground river is close. To the north lies the passageway, while to the south the vast cavern awaits.
You climb through the opening, knocking loose chunks of stone and showers of dirt, landing knee deep in fast moving, icy cold water. The current flows westward, forcing you to strain and barely manage to stay standing. The tunnel continues to the west as well as the east, the walls rough and covered with the green glowing moss, lighting the way for some distance in both directions.
Following the flow of the river, you move along rather steadily, heading west. There is less moss clinging to the walls now, making vision beyond a few feet ahead rather difficult. Your legs ache slightly from the icy cold, but you manage to shrug off the pain and continue ahead. The tunnel continues west, or you can turn back and force your way against the water flow heading east.
The water begins getting deeper now, already up to your waist and becoming deeper, although the strength of the current is much less than before. You can feel the floor sliding beneath your boots gently as the current carries you westward. In the distance you can hear the sound of water rushing over a hard, unforgiving surface, a sound that brings the image of waterfalls to mind... The tunnel continues westward, or you can start working your way back to the east.
You swear under your breath as the water rushes straight toward another flat wall, the opening obviously hidden beneath the surface. Looking around quickly, you notice a small waterfall pouring into a chamber to the north, flickering light outlining the opening rather nicely. After several moments, you manage to stand against the flow, and consider your options. To the north lies a water filled chamber, while to the east, a long, hard fight against the current. The water seems to continue past the wall, and most likely there is some kind of opening beneath the surface, but your instincts tell you going that way or letting the current force you is a really, really bad idea...
You push yourself toward the opening in the northern wall of the tunnel, managing to work against the current threatening to drive you into the solid rock ahead. You literally pour through a small waterfall, spilling into a waist deep pool which partially fills this chamber. Clearing the moisture from your eyes, you look around, first noticing the pool itself seems to glow, lighting the room. The ceiling of the chamber descends toward the center, creating a single long stalactite which nearly touches the surface of the water. You are startled suddenly however, as a huge column of water rises from the pool, forming into a vaguely serpentine shape, with glowing red orbs for eyes.
Working slowly but steadily against the current, you manage to follow the passage eastward, stopping occasionally to catch your breath. The way east is blocked now... the subterranean river flows from a tightly constricted opening beneath the water's surface, set into a rough looking wall of rock. There is however, a rather large breach in the northern wall of the tunnel here, leading into yet another passageway.
You stumble through the huge breach in the northern wall of the tunnel, spilling into a flat, rubble strewn corridor. Dusting yourself off and standing, you look around. The hallway you find yourself in is dusty and looks ancient, but is most definitely not naturally formed. The walls, created from bricks long ago, while covered with dust and cobwebs, are most definitely the creation of humanoids. There is also an archway in the eastern wall, leading into a darkness. You can follow the corridor north, or duck through the archway to the east.
This chamber is rather small and extremely stuffy, barely large enough for you to squeeze into. The walls are roughly cut, moving just a few feet back before ending at the foot of a waist high shelf of stone. Upon this shelf lies a well wrapped corpse, covered with an old, rotting shroud. Apparently you have stumbled across a burial chamber.
Your boots kick up long settled dust as you continue along the corridor, occasionally stopping to listen. Sometimes you could swear you hear something, a moan, the rustle of clothes, but never can you catch it when you are listening for it. Shaking off a momentary lapse in your courage and following the hallway once more, you avoid the walls, which are covered with cobwebs stretching from one rusty torch bracket to the next. The corridor continues to the north.
The hallway continues, going on for some distance and disappearing into darkness without any signs of changing directions. The dust along the floor here has been disturbed, although how long ago isn't clear. From an archway in the western wall, you think you hear some shuffling sounds, not unlike bare feet dragging on stone...
This chamber is rather small and extremely stuffy, barely large enough for you to squeeze into. The walls are roughly cut, moving just a few feet back before ending at the foot of a waist high shelf of stone. Ripped apart, the remains of a well wrapped corpse lies half on and half off the shelf, bones and rotted flesh torn away by a hideous, evil creature which hisses at you. Tossing aside a bone it was just gnawing on, the monster attacks!
You follow the hallway, finding yourself wondering who built these catacombs. The construction is too crude to be of dwarven make, and most likely was created by humans. To your knowledge however, the university certainly hadn't created any tunnels down here. Puzzled and curious, you stop pondering and regard your surroundings once more. Ahead, the corridor turns eastward, disappearing around the corner to the north. You could also go back down the length of hallway to the south.
Two sections of plain, unremarkable hallway meet before you, one heading east, and the other south. Slumped in the corner however, you notice the skeletal remains of a long dead adventurer. You step closer, looking to see if anything of value remains of the corpse, but find everything has decayed and rusted away. Just as you touch the bones of this ancient dead, it leaps to its feet, one arm reaching back as it prepares to punch you...
The hallway here begins sloping upwards slightly, rising in elevation the further east one goes. A steady breeze brushes past you, coming from further down the hallway and sweeping away any dust and cobwebs which line the walls and floor. You also notice an archway along the northern wall, leading into yet another small alcove. You can go east or west along the passageway, or try your luck north.
This chamber is rather small and extremely stuffy, barely large enough for you to squeeze into. The walls are roughly cut, moving just a few feet back before ending at the foot of a waist high shelf of stone. Upon this shelf lies a well wrapped corpse, covered with an old, rotting shroud. Apparently you have stumbled across a burial chamber.
The corridor continues rising gently, heading east into darkness for some distance. The breeze blowing past you is cool and refreshing, filling the passageway with more lively scents than those of other sections of these catacombs. You sneeze, shake your head slightly, and continue onward.
Your floor of this section of passageway is level and smooth, contrasting greatly with other sections of the catacombs. As you look around, you notice an archway in the southern wall, leading into a dark and silent alcove. The passageway ends to the east, where dim light seems to be filtering down from above. You can check out the alcove south, or follow the passageway either west or east.
This chamber is rather small and extremely stuffy, barely large enough for you to squeeze into. The walls are roughly cut, moving just a few feet back before ending at the foot of a waist high shelf of stone. Upon this shelf lies a well wrapped corpse, covered with an old, rotting shroud. Apparently you have stumbled across a burial chamber.
You are standing at the beginning of a long corridor beneath the university building. Light shines down from a hole in the ceiling, illuminating your surroundings. The floor here is covered with rubble, presumably from the collapsed section of ceiling. Looking around, you suspect this passageway is much older than the university, perhaps by a century or more. You can climb your way out of here, but you may have to lift some planks which are partially covering the hole above, or you can follow the hallway west.
You walk through the doorway, finding yourself standing in a musty, old storage closet in the northwest corner of the university building. Wooden shelves are anchored to walls here, holding various cleaning supplies for the janitorial staff of the school. A stack of planks lies scattered across the floor in the back of the room. You notice a cool draft in this room, which is odd, considering there are no exits you can see, other than the open doorway behind you.
You are standing at the northern end of the hallway, which turns right through an archway and ends abruptly outside a pair of open doors. To your left you see another closed hardwood door, although there is no sign of any identifying markings on its surface. You see a small wooden sign posted on the northern wall.
The corridor ends again, this time outside a pair of open double doors leading into the cafeteria. You can hear the sounds of earthenware and ceramics clacking together and on tables, as well as several voices idly conversing. Heavenly smells beckon you, causing your mouth to water and stomach to growl angrily. When was the last time you ate, anyway? You can go north through the doorway leading into the cafeteria, or return to the corridor west.
You walk through the doorway and enter the back of the cafeteria, drawn by the smells and sounds that promise refreshments. Around you several large round wooden tables sit vacant, waiting for a group of hungry students to claim them. You notice a small group of such students, engrossed in conversation and stuffing their young, beardless faces. Further east, at the head of the cafeteria, you can order food from a smiling cook. She is watching you curiously from behind a wall section, which partitions her from the rest of the room.
Walking past the tables, chairs, and eating students, you step up to the window of the cafeteria, where you can place orders for food. A smiling cook looks at you expectantly, waiting for you to ask for service. She points to a menu posted next to the window, which clearly displays what you can buy here. Stomach growling impatiently, you get ready to place your order. This better be worth it, you think to yourself... Just type list to see the menu for the day!
You are standing in the long hallway running through the western wing of the university building. Along the west wall, you notice a closed hardwood door, with a brass marking labeled "1D". Further north, you can now see the corridor turns right, disappearing around a corner. There is also one last door along the western side of the hallway ahead.
You step into the last of the four classrooms in this hallway. While each of them looks rather similar, the lesson on each of the slate boards has been different. The room has the same wooden benches filling the room and is currently alight in the warmth of the afternoon sunshine. Along the northern wall, as before, you see a slate chalkboard, on which valuable information has been written.
You find yourself standing outside a third door, which as before closely resembles the others, created from solid hardwood and unadorned save for a brass marking. This door has been marked as "1C". To your east, another of the spongy material boards has been mounted, although there doesn't seem to be any notes posted on it at this time. The hallway continues north.
You enter yet another classroom within the university building. The room is quiet and empty, giving you as much time as you wish to read the information written on the slate board along the north wall. You could sit on one of the wooden benches near the windows, and enjoy the sunlight upon your face, if you like. There is another lesson written here for the students to absorb.
You continue walking further along the corridor, passing by the closed door and eventually reaching another, also to the west. This door closely resembles the first one you found, although the brass marking upon this one reads, "1B". The corridor continues northward, where you can still see several more doors to the west, and eventually the end of the corridor far to the north.
Stepping through the doorway, you enter another modestly furnished classroom in the university building. Light shines through several windows along the west wall, providing the only illumination in the room. Several rows of plain wooden benches fill most of the room, providing enough space for a couple dozen students. A huge slate board is mounted on the northern wall, providing the day's lessons. Written on its dark surface is a long message which you may be interested in reading.
Continuing northward, you walk further into the corridor in the west wing of the university building. The corridor is quiet and empty, rather plain save for several unlit torches anchored to the wall. To the west, a closed door created from solid hardwood draws your attention, as you notice a small brass marking on its surface. As you read the marking, "1A", you realize this must be one of the classrooms.
You step through the doorway, quietly entering a modestly furnished classroom. Light shines through several windows along the west wall, providing the only illumination in the room. Several rows of plain wooden benches fill most of the room, providing enough room for a couple dozen students. A huge slate board is mounted on the northern wall, providing the day's lessons. Written on its dark surface is a long message which you may be interested in reading.
You find yourself standing in a rather long, uncarpeted hallway, which continues north for some distance. Along the west wall further ahead, you can see several closed doors, most likely leading into the classrooms of the university. A plain glass window set into the west wall here, however, gives you a nice side view of the library, covered with ivy and looking rather mysterious.
You walk through the archway heading west, finding yourself standing in a plain looking corridor. Red carpet covers the floor, continuing west toward a spiral staircase, as well as heading north into another corridor. A simple looking board made from some form of spongy material has several notes pinned to it on the north wall, while several potted plants rest beneath a stained glass window along the south wall.
The red carpet ends at the foot of a grand looking spiral staircase leading upwards to the second floor of the building. The stairs are well cared for, with polished darkly stained wood steps and bright brass rails, sufficiently wide for several people to travel at the same time. The corridor goes back to the east, while the stairs lead upward.
Why do they call this the sitting room, you find yourself wondering as you pass through the northern archway, entering into a dark, shadowy chamber. The room is bare, save for a large sign against the far wall, and a rather uncomfortable looking chair beside it. You then look around and realize there are no exits! Perhaps you should read the sign... Oh, and Welcome to the Sitting Room. ;)
As you pass through the intricately carved doors into the university building, you find yourself standing in a large chamber with a high ceiling, supported by white marble columns. Beautiful imported tapestries hang from the walls, portraying various exotic locations of the known world. The smoothly polished red marble floor contains an ornate mosaic, prominently displayed in the center of the room. There are archways leading to the west, north, and east here. There are several potted plants decorating the corners of the chamber, as well as a plaque hanging on the wall beside the archway leading north.
Walking through the eastern archway from the grand entrance, you find yourself standing in a plain looking corridor. Red carpet covers the floor and several potted plants sit against the south wall of the hallway. The corridor continues east, emptying into a small chamber of some sort.
The corridor ends here, emptying into a small chamber in one corner of the building. A huge, curved stained glass window covers the south and east walls as tinted light shines through from the outside. To the north, an archway opens into several connected open chambers. Next to the archway, a brass plaque has been mounted.
Passing through the archway heading north, you step into a richly decorated chamber. Expensive tapestries adorn the walls, displaying valiant battles between adventurers and various monsters. The floor is covered with expensive carpeting, which continues north through another archway. On either side of you, great bronze statues stand of two members of the Legion!, shining examples of intelligent, cautious adventurers. You can examine these statues closer, if you wish.
Stepping through the next archway, you enter a similarly decorated chamber. The same rich tapestries and expensive carpeting adorns the room, making this chamber a copy of the last, although the statues on either side of you are definitely semblances of two other members who have contributed to this school. As before, you may examine the statues more closely if you choose, or continue north beyond the next archway.
You pass through yet another archway, finding yourself in the last of the chambers dedicated to the chief contributors for this university. To the north, through a smaller archway, you see the corridor comes to an end. The statue on your right hand side looks brighter than the others, having been created from brass and highly polished. You can examine the statues, or continue north and leave the Hall of Heroes.
You have entered one of several private chambers which belongs to the students who learn here. The rooms are rather simple, containing only the bare essentials. Each student has enough space for a small bed, nightstand, and a modest dresser. You are mildly amused to find the occupants of this room are asleep even now, probably enjoying the disappearance of their teachers.
Stepping through the doorway, you find yourself in a rather nicely decorated bedchamber. Several plain looking tapestries hang from the walls, and the floor here is carpeted. A plush looking bed sits in one corner of the chamber, and sitting on it, you see an irritated looking instructor. He sits there half dressed, one hand reaching for a boot as you enter, although now, having noticed you, he glares at you angrily. This must be the resident instructor assigned to stay and keep watch over the young students at night.
The plain looking corridor comes to an end here abruptly, not very far from the archway leading into the Hall of Heroes. There are closed doors to your north and south, which you assume lead into the private chambers of the university students. Somehow it seems appropriate that each day the students must pass through the Hall, reminded of what they could one day achieve.
You step through the last archway leading out of the Hall of Heroes, finding yourself standing in a quiet corridor leading to the west and east. The hallway seems rather plain and unadorned, although a simple looking sign is stuck to the wall in front of you. Looking around, you notice the corridor isn't very long, ending in either direction shortly after you leave this spot.
The plain looking corridor comes to an end here abruptly, not very far from the archway leading into the Hall of Heroes. There are closed doors to your north and south, which you assume lead into the private chambers of the university students. Somehow it seems appropriate that each day the students must pass through the Hall, reminded of what they could one day achieve.
You walk through the doorway into one of several private chambers belonging to the students of the university. The room seems rather plain and simple. Each student has enough space for a small bed, a nightstand, and a modest dresser. You are vaguely amused, finding the occupants are fast asleep in their beds, apparently taking advantage of the current situation involving missing teachers.
You have entered yet another of the private chambers belonging to students here at the university, although this room looks slightly nicer than the others. The room is large, and apparently those living here have decorated the place. Several paintings hang on the walls and the floor is covered with plain looking woven rugs. The furniture is more or less the same: a small bed, nightstand, and modest dresser just like the other students. You get the feeling the students sleeping in this room are probably further along in their training or carry some sort of social status here.
Passing through the doorway, you find yourself standing in a dusty, untouched classroom here on the second floor. Hanging at an awkward angle, the slate board here has no messages written upon it. The chairs scattered around the room are in various stages of disrepair. This chamber may be serving as storage now, although nobody has entered this room in some time.
Walking through the doorway south, you step into a warm, musty smelling chamber. A large, oak desk fills much of the room, behind which sits a large, rather imposing man. Around him you see piles of forms and parchment scrolls, scattered across the desk. The rest of the room is rather plain, walls and floor unadorned. As you stand gazing about the room, the man looks up at you and scowls slightly.
Climbing the spiral staircase, you slowly move upwards, following the brass rail as it angles around. When you reach the top, you are now facing the opposite direction from when you began, only now on the second floor. A carpeted hallway lies to the east, as well as closed doors along the south wall.
Moving along the second floor corridor, you notice several potted plants lining the carpeted hallway. The torches lining the walls here are decorated with brass, making this part of the university building rather fancy. Along the south wall, you notice two doors, one where you stand now, and another further along the hallway. At the very end of the corridor you see an open doorway leading into a chamber, although you are still too far away to see much more.
As you continue walking east, you reach the end of the second floor corridor, which turns northward now. Looking in that direction, you see another section of hallway which ends at a huge pair of ornately carved doors. There is an open chamber to your east, as well as a closed door to your south.
Looking into this chamber, you discover richly decorated furnishings which make this room a fine place to relax. A plush, velvet lined couch rests against the east wall, with a low sitting etched glass table standing before it. Several leather bound books sit on the table, along with a beautiful vase holding red, yellow, and blue carnations. The walls are lined with several tapestries and paintings, although you can't discern any particular theme from them. This must be the teacher's lounge, you think to yourself.
Stepping around the corner of the second floor corridor, you continue northward, stopping when you reach a pair of ornately carved doors. Pinned to one of them you notice a piece of parchment, which seems to have a message written on its aged surface. On either side of the doors, a small brass plaque is mounted, upon which a single word is etched. The torches lining the walls here have been lit, creating flickering shadows across the hallway.
Stepping through the ornate doors of the auditorium, you enter a vast chamber. You whistle appreciatively as you take in the high dome stained glass ceiling and smooth, polished stone walls. Marble columns stretch upwards from the ground, supporting the tons of stone above your head. Looking northward, deeper into the room, you see rows of wooden benches. A stage has been erected in the front of the chamber, along with a set of steps to reach it from the floor. On the stage sits a podium created from some dark material, behind which someone is standing. You can enter the stage from the stairs north, if you desire.
Walking quietly up the steps, you find yourself standing on the stage, created from long, flat wooden beams and stained lightly. The podium, which you now realize has been carved from black marble, is rather impressive to say the least. Behind the podium a tall, handsome man stands, his lips moving silently as he gazes over a scroll held in his hands. Graduation is probably approaching, and this must be the speaker. Looking closer, you realize this man is Volo's brother, the Master of Ceremonies!
The cobblestone path ends abruptly at the base of magnificently carved marble steps, leading slowly upward to the open doors of the university. Several people are sitting on the steps, enjoying the beautiful weather and the warmth of the sun to engage in their favorite activities. There is plenty of room for you to relax here, or you can go into the school if you wish.
Passing beyond the fountain, continuing northward, you discover tall green hedges lining this section of the courtyard on either side of the cobblestone path. Further north, you see the steps of the university building. Several people seem to be sitting on the steps, engaged in various activities, from reading to relaxing in the sun. Come to think of it, the sunlight does feel rather warm on your back.
Heading east around the fountain, you find yourself walking along the eastern courtyard. Beautiful potted plants and exotic trees line the cobblestone as you move toward the temple, providing shade to relax under and tasty fruit to taste, if the crotchety old cleric picking them is willing to share. She reminds you of a vulture, swooping in for its prey. The stone steps of the temple are to the east.
The cobblestone path ends abruptly here as the grand marble steps begin which lead into the temple of Tempus, Immortal Lord of Battle. Marble statues of gigantic wardogs sit, guarding the entrance on either side of the steps. Several young acolytes are relaxing on the steps, enjoying their lunches or engaged in polite conversation. You can continue east into the temple itself, or observe the young clerics here on the steps.
You walk through the open doorway of the temple, past a pair of heavy iron reinforced oak doors, entering a small, dimly lit entrance chamber. Flickering torches line the walls, providing enough light for you to see an archway to your east, leading into another chamber and dark, silent alcoves to the north and south. Stone guardians stand silent, vigilant watch on either side of the room, giving you the vague impression that you are being studied closely.
You step through the opening in the northern wall of the temple entrance, entering a dark alcove and stopping abruptly. A huge granite statue of the god Tempus fills the rest of the room. Huge, muscular arms folded across his chest, the statue seems to look downward, meeting your gaze boldly. You could almost swear there was a bit of a smile on his face, the kind of smile that would make most men cringe...
The air in this dark, silent alcove is musty, causing you to cough as you stand alone in the chamber. Small metal hooks line the smooth brick walls, providing various places to hang travelling cloaks. You notice several dust covered shelves hanging above the hooks, all of which are empty. This must be some sort of storage area, probably for holding wet clothing on rainy or snowy days, during religious gatherings at the temple.
Walking past the stone guardians, you step beneath a stone archway which continues before you, creating a short section of tunnel. The smooth stone walls are covered with painted murals depicting valiant battles and epic scenes of warriors struggling against powerful enemies. As you continue along the corridor, the sounds of your boots striking the floor echo around you. You study the floor momentarily, noticing the highly polished marble tiles beneath your feet.
Sunlight shines through the stained glass ceiling of this vast chamber, gently warming the cold stone benches which fill much of the room. In each of the corners, huge stone statues of hunched over giants press their backs against the ceiling, using their backs to support tons of stone and glass. Looking further into the room, you see a clear path leading past the rows of seats and ending at the foot of an altar upon the edge of a raised marble platform. You can hear the faint murmuring of one individual sitting near the back of the room.
Passing several rows of empty stone benches, you find yourself standing before a marble platform. At the edge of the platform, an exquisitely carved bone altar rests, apparently created from the skeletons of several large creatures. Standing near the back of the stone stage, you see a robed figure hunched over something in its hands. To your north and south you notice passageways leading deeper into the temple.
You quietly ascend the marble platform, walking around the altar and moving toward the back of the stage. The robed figure, a rather wise looking priest, turns toward you and regards you curiously. In his hands he holds a book, most likely containing some prayers to his god. Against the back wall of the room, yet another statue of Tempus stands, hands open wide, inviting people into the temple chamber.
You follow the grove of trees as it continues on, and as you step around a huge oak, you stop abruptly. Before you an unusual looking silver tree with strange golden leaves grows in the center of a small clearing. While this in itself would draw your attention, you find yourself looking at the beautiful black unicorn that is stretching its neck slightly to nibble on the small red fruit growing along the tree's branches. You are momentarily breathless as you take in the tranquillity of this place and the peace of the arboretum around you.
Walking deeper into the arboretum, you find yourself entering a small grove of tall, leafy trees. A light breeze blows through, causing the trees to sway back and forth gently, leaves rustling as they soak up warm, soothing sunlight. Inhaling the fresh air, you look around slowly. The grove continues to the west, or slopes slightly to the east, where you can see a bit of light reflecting off water. To the north and south hedge lined paths lead back toward temple entrances.
You move through the last few trees in the grove, following a gently sloping hill until you stop just short of a beautiful pool. Sparkling clear water ripples slightly as a small silver fish leaps into the air. As you watch time seems to slow momentarily, light reflecting from shiny scales as the fish ever so slowly drops back into the water. Across the pond you now notice a tall, armored priest also watching the pond, lost in his own thoughts and oblivious to your presence.
You step into a well lit roughly square chamber in which several figures are engaged in simulated combat. The center of the room has been outlined with chalk, clearly marking boundaries as the men struggle with each other, striking blows against weapons and opponents alike. You smile a bit as they provide you some entertainment. Nobody seems to have noticed you.
You have entered one of several bedchambers for the hardworking priests of Tempus. Modestly furnished with desks, beds, and cabinets for clothing, this room is designed to comfortably hold two or three individuals. You notice two occupants, fast asleep here.
You have entered a plush bedchamber, belonging to one of the higher ranked members of the clergy. The floor is covered with plush furs, the walls with rich tapestries and paintings, and the door is created from finer quality oak than the other doors in the temple. A large bed rests in one corner, while behind an antique wood desk sits a rather irritated looking priestess who seems to be glaring at you for disturbing her privacy.
You step quietly through the archway, walking westward into a plain looking stone chamber. The floor of this rather unadorned room is covered with padded mats, sufficient for several priests to pray and meditate. Currently you see a single priest, kneeling quietly in the center of the chamber and humming softly, most likely the source of the sounds you were hearing outside the room.
The corridor turns eastwards here, continuing on for some distance, beyond your current line of sight. Various sounds reach your ears as you pause for a moment, listening carefully. From a chamber to your west through an archway you can hear soft humming and whisperings. However your attention is drawn more to the chamber southward, in which you hear the sounds of metal and wood clashing loudly and the groans of injured men...
Following the bend in the corridor, you continue eastward along a stretch of hallway leading deeper into the temple. Lit torches line the walls, providing ample light to see by. Further ahead, along the south wall you can see a pair of doors. However for now, you can only continue east or go back to the west.
The corridor continues eastward, although you can now see its end ahead just a bit further on. A pair of carved wooden doors stands along the southern wall, one before you now and one at the end of the corridor. Strangely enough there is also a window mounted in the northern wall, giving you a fine view of a beautiful grove of trees. There must be some kind of courtyard around the back of the temple, you suspect.
The corridor ends here at a pair of doors, one along the north wall and another to the south. While you have no idea what might be beyond the southern door, you strongly suspect the northern one leads outside, into the courtyard behind the temple. Light shines through the gap at the bottom of the door and a strong breeze blows against your boots, further adding to your suspicions about that door.
You turn southward, walking beneath a simple archway and entering a stretch of corridor in the temple. The ceiling and floor of the hallway are plain and unadorned, created from rather ordinary looking stone. The walls are also rather unremarkable, save for the occasional torch or guardian statue similar to the ones found in the temple entrance. The corridor continues southward, turning eastward ahead just before another archway.
Slipping through the doorway, you leave the temple and enter an arboretum sheltered on three sides by the temple complex. Warm sunlight and a mild breeze greet you as you step outside. A dirt path lined by rows of chest high hedges leads northward toward a beautiful tree grove. You can follow the path north, or go back into the temple through the doorway south.
You turn northward, walking beneath a simple archway and entering a stretch of corridor in the temple. The ceiling and floor of the hallway are plain and unadorned, created from rather ordinary looking stone. The walls are also rather unremarkable, save for the occasional torch or guardian statue similar to the ones found in the temple entrance. The corridor continues northward, turning eastward ahead just before another archway.
Slipping through the doorway, you leave the temple and enter an arboretum sheltered on three sides by the temple complex. Warm sunlight and a mild breeze greet you as you step outside. A dirt path lined by rows of chest high hedges leads southward toward a beautiful tree grove. You can follow the path south, or go back into the temple through the doorway north.
You step quietly through the archway, walking westward into a plain looking stone chamber. The floor of this rather unadorned room is covered with padded mats, sufficient for several priests to pray and meditate. Currently you see a single priest, kneeling quietly in the center of the chamber and humming softly, most likely the source of the sounds you were hearing outside the room.
The corridor turns eastwards here, continuing on for some distance, beyond your current line of sight. Various sounds reach your ears as you pause for a moment, listening carefully. From a chamber to your west through an archway you can hear soft humming and whisperings. However your attention is drawn more to the chamber northward, in which you hear the sounds of metal and wood clashing loudly and the groans of injured men...
Following the bend in the corridor, you continue eastward along a stretch of hallway leading deeper into the temple. Lit torches line the walls, providing ample light to see by. Further ahead, along the north wall you can see a pair of doors. However for now, you can only continue east or go back to the west.
The corridor continues eastward, although you can now see its end ahead just a bit further on. A pair of carved wooden doors stands along the northern wall, one before you now and one at the end of the corridor. Strangely enough there is also a window mounted in the southern wall, giving you a fine view of a beautiful grove of trees. There must be some kind of courtyard around the back of the temple, you suspect.
The corridor ends here at a pair of doors, one along the north wall and another to the south. While you have no idea what might be beyond the northern door, you strongly suspect the southern one leads outside, into the courtyard behind the temple. Light shines through the gap at the bottom of the door and a strong breeze blows against your boots, further adding to your suspicions about that door.
You step into a well lit roughly square chamber in which several figures are engaged in simulated combat. The center of the room has been outlined with chalk, clearly marking boundaries as the men struggle with each other, striking blows against weapons and opponents alike. You smile a bit as they provide you some entertainment. Nobody seems to have noticed you.
You have entered one of several bedchambers for the hardworking priests of Tempus. Modestly furnished with desks, beds, and cabinets for clothing, this room is designed to comfortably hold two or three individuals. You notice two occupants, fast asleep here.
You have entered one of several bedchambers for the hardworking priests of Tempus. Modestly furnished with desks, beds, and cabinets for clothing, this room is designed to comfortably hold two or three individuals. You notice three occupants, fast asleep here.
Descending some roughly cut stone steps, you enter a small chamber beneath the coffin's base. You notice several natural rocky formations, including stalactites and glowing moss covering the ceiling and walls. Rats scurry about the room, darting into tiny cracks and crevices as you move deeper into the room. Resting in one corner of the chamber is a small closed chest, covered with dust.
You find yourself squeezed inside the stone statue, which seems slightly larger on the inside. The interior is dry and clean, and before you on a small pedestal a large tome lies open, with a parchment scroll marking one of its pages. Despite the protection granted from being locked away inside a stone statue, the book is in poor shape. You may be able to read some of its contents still, however, if you are careful.
Lifting as much rubble as possible, you manage to create an open space large enough to squeeze into. Working your way inside, you discover the glint of metal comes from a rather nice looking shield, bearing the insignia of some long lost nobleman's family. Beside the shield rests an old scroll, glowing softly and lighting the chamber slightly.
Without warning the ground gives way beneath your feet, leaves and grass caving in as you fall into a hole in the mound. You shiver as you feel moisture begin seeping into your clothes. Looking around for a handhold, you think you notice something lying in the bottom of the pit. The light shining into the hole reveals just how close freedom lies. You can get out the way you entered.
Slipping your way beneath the base of the tree, you squeeze into the opening, finding yourself in a small hollow space within a tangle of huge tree roots. The air is musty and causes your throat to itch slightly, giving you good reason not to stay here for very long. Entwined within the network of roots is a small black metal coffer wrapped protectively in some old, moldy cloth.
Your head is thrust beneath the surface of the water as the current becomes violent. After a few moments you smack against hard rock, losing most of the air in your lungs as you exhale sharply. The water squeezes you forcefully through a sharp, rough opening and into an underwater tunnel. Just before losing consciousness, you feel yourself expelled into thin air, falling beside a huge waterfall that goes on forever...
The gods take pity on you, snatching your poor body away from the brink of death, but not without a price.. say goodbye to all your possessions.
There is a sudden, blinding flash of light, and you close your eyes quickly to avoid its brilliance. Sensations of weightlessness and movement confuse you slightly, until you feel solid ground beneath your feet once more. When you can see again, you find yourself standing in a granite chamber, the walls of which look blasted by magical energies and chemicals. A glowing pentagram marks the center of the floor, with alternating black, red, and white candles at each point and following the lines of the symbol. Against the back wall, a long stone desk rests, with various instruments, tomes, and scrolls sitting on its smooth surface. You find yourself standing in Tempus' private workroom, a place where fantastic monsters, magical objects, and small miracles are created.
As you walk along the eastern wall of the cavern, you find an entrance leading into a rather cozy looking alcove, serving as both a den and a bedchamber for Tempus. In one corner a plush king size bed lies, covered with rare imported silk sheets and fur lined blankets with pillows filled with exotic feathers. Against a wall on the opposite side of the room, a comfortable looking sofa sits. A magnificently carved obsidian fireplace keeps the chamber warm, with a small eternally blazing fire in its hearth. The floors of the chamber are covered with fine fur pelts, making this room very comfortable and extremely relaxing.
Stepping cautiously through an archway against the west wall of the cavern, you find yourself standing on a small patch of ground at the edge of a fantastic chamber. Once a gigantic block of crystalline material, someone has painstakingly carved an entire forest scene, complete in even the tiniest detail, from that single piece. A hidden light source illuminates the room from somewhere beneath, reflecting across a smooth, glassy pond and sparkling in every blade of grass and pine tree needles. The ceiling of this chamber resembles the night sky, completely dark and covered with stars, forming the constellations of the heavens. You stare in awe at this splendid chamber.
You are standing in a vast, naturally formed cavern, carved from soft limestone by flowing water long, long ago. Near the back of this chamber you see a series of stone layers, forming wide tiers and rising to create an elevated platform of sorts. Upon this platform a huge throne rests, constructed from bones of various monsters and humanoids, and held together with gold and silver bindings. A plush velvet cushion with golden tassels provides a rather comfortable, if not intimidating, place to sit. Behind the throne, anchored to the rear wall, the preserved corpse of an ancient red dragon rests. The majestic wings of this flying nightmare are spread wide, covering the entire back wall, while its neck tapers down over the throne, head staring across the chamber as if the beast were still alive and prepared to engulf the room in searing, agonizing flames. In the center of the vast cavern rests a gigantic round obsidian table, lined with gold trim and polished extremely smooth. An intricately detailed mosaic of the world, created from the finest and rarest of glasses, is set into the middle of the magnificent table. Around the outer edge, the names of the other gods are carved into specific places at the table and outlined with silver. Each place also holds a finely engraved platinum goblet, and a beautiful carved mahogany chair for those who hold council here.
Welcome to the Throne Room of Tempus, Immortal Lord of Battle.