91 rooms · levels 40–50
In this room lie a large number of lizards. They range in size from two foot crawlers to the large twenty foot monsters you have nightmares about. The room is completely dark save for the glowing red eyes that glint with intelligent malice.
The desert heat is oppressive, bearing down unrelentingly. The ground is parched and dry. Not a creature stirs and even the wind has fled. To the west, a dark uninviting cave entrance can be seen. From inside come the sounds of fell, slithering creatures.
A well traveled path wanders its way into the denser forest ahead. The trees to either side of the path seem well tended and are growing sturdily. Up ahead an extremely large tree can be seen pushing its branches far above the rest of the forest. If the rumors are true, the Sacred Grove will exist at the base of that tree. Strange, a large wall of rock is blocking most of the view ahead.
The path seems to end here, although on closer inspection it appears to continue into the rockface ahead. The rock seems incredibly smooth and is definitely not a natural occurrence. Cut into the rockface are a set of rungs leading upwards to the top of this curious fortification.
You are on top of what looks like a massive fortification of solid rock. This rock is not very wide, but appears to surround the grove completely. No seams appear in the rockface to suggest this has been built by earthly powers. It appears to have been recently raised from the forest floor itself. To the west this impressive fortification has been buttressed and then drops off to the forest floor beneath. The air is strangely still and powerful warding magics hum and pulse in the air above.
From here the Sacred Grove can be seen in all its wonder. Far to the west, is a small rise which radiates power. A large stone circle has been built there. Behind the circle can be seen a massive tree which is the Grand hierophant's dwelling. The feeling of peace that normally arises from the Grove has been shattered by the vast number of elementals and dao encamped at the base of the tree. Crude rock towers have been constructed around the edge of the Grove and these are manned by zealous lookouts. Walking unprepared into this large encampment would be certain death. The only way to enter the Grove is to step off the side of this earthen fortification and drop to the forest floor beneath. It is doubtful if the climb back up is possible.
The forest is strangely silent here. All the normal wildlife has either fled before the earth wall was raised, or they have gone into hiding. To either side of the trail the trees are packed densely and obstruct all possible movement. Behind you rises the large earthy fortification created by the Avatar of Earth. Retreat is impossible. Just to the west is a small glade, where a wooden bridge crosses a small stream.
A small wooden bridge crosses a brook here. The water is cool and clear, but not very deep. Small trout can be seen flitting through the eddies and whirlpools of the brisk current. This clearing is pleasant to the eye, yet marred by the smell of smoke drifting in on the westerly breeze. To the north, upstream the trees appear to be less dense than elsewhere, though briars obscure the view.
The forest trees begin to thin out and more light is available to peruse the surroundings. The smell of smoke is stronger in the air and becomes a visible taint to the breeze. To the west, the central clearing of the Grove is visible. The once beautiful wildflowers that blossomed there have been trampled into mud by the passage of cruel feet.
The brook water is cool and clear. Small trees overhang its banks but as the water is not very deep, it is possible to wade upstream with little difficulty. Further to the north, the forest gets a little thicker, although still not thick enough to become a hindrance to travel.
Even though the Grove has been desecrated, the feeling of power runs deep within the soil. The ground is covered in bruised wildflowers that release a pungent aroma into the air. A small oak tree has been callously ringbarked and no longer offers its branches as protection to the robins that used to frequent this place of beauty.
Soldiers of the dao patrol this part of the Grove regularly. The ground shows signs of the extra wear that has been put on it recently. Smells of cooking and acrid smoke drifts in from the west, while a large, recently built tower can be seen to the north.
The small seedlings that were being tended here have all died and been used for kindling. The fertile ground has been churned to mud in places by the uncaring feet of the dao and their elemental brethren. Smells of roasted rabbit waft in from the west. A large stone tower makes its presence felt to the south.
A small bee hive has been burnt to a husk here. The smell of honey is strong and yet overridden by the more acrid smells of a military camp. The flowers that would have been tended by the bees lie crushed and broken, wilting in the unnatural heat of the cooking fires nearby.
A large stone tower has been magically raised from the earth to stand sentinel over this part of the Grove. It is made of seamless granite much like the fortification barring entrance to the Grove. The main difference being that this fortification does not look as natural, or as strong. The top of the tower shimmers from a defensive ward of some kind.
The top of the tower is open to the air and commands an outstanding view over the Grove and surrounding forests. The air feels stale and a curious sheen surrounds the outer walls of the tower. Sigils of warding and defence have been carved into the floor and sides of the tower.
This small guard post is really just a barrier of logs, designed to stop people entering the Grove from the forest and exposing the dao flanks to attack.
A large tower juts viciously into the sky. It appears to have been built for one purpose only, war. Made of solid, seamless granite, this impressive fortification would be hard to break. Defensive wards shimmer and pulse around the upper part.
Built to be functional, but with no redeeming features whatsoever, the tower offers an unimpeded view of the Grove. Sounds from the camp below can be heard with startling clarity.
A small barrier of logs has been hastily erected here. It bears little resemblance to the workmanship that created the towers. The logs can be climbed over with very little problem, or just avoided. That is if the guards don't mind.
A thinning of trees mark the border of the forest and the Grove. A small game track winds its way through the forest before averting from the Grove and continuing westward. Less frequented than normal, the path is starting to be reclaimed by the forest.
Sturdy rock fortifications rise straight upward from the grass, pushing the soft earth away in small waves. Built of pure elemental earth, these fortifications offer defense against assault by either sword or magic. Running from tower to tower, the sturdy earthworks offer a swift means for dao soldiers to travel unimpeded along the southern edge of the Grove.
A large fire is burning brightly here. Atop the fire lie many carcasses of rabbits and even the occasional fox. Whether these are to be eaten or are just being burnt remains a mystery. Amidst the fire can be seen the remains of a druid's staff.
A large fire burns in a pit in the ground. Skewered above the fire on an iron cooking spit are the remains of the local populace, those animals and druids that were unfortunate enough to be caught unawares when the dao-led force erupted into their midst.
Residual traces of the portal that the dao force used to invade the Grove still linger in the air. The ground is speckled with burnt patches of grass and the ashy remains of the many seedlings that perished during that first savage altercation.
The game trail continues to skirt around the outer edges of the Grove and begins to head into the denser, untamed regions of the forest. Another guard tower can be seen rearing up from the edge of the Grove to the south. Further to the west the forest becomes more tangled and thorny. The earthy barricade can be seen blocking all thought of travel any deeper into the wilds.
This game path makes its way around the Grove just inside the earthy barricade. Through thinning trees the occasional dao soldier can be seen patrolling in the edges of the forest. Not used to this kind of terrain, the dao make enough noise to clearly mark their presence. Just to the west, a small log barrier has been erected.
A small trickle of water wells up from the ground forming a small spring of cold, clear water. A small wildlife path wends its way in from the western bank and down to the edge of the spring. Any tracks that may have been there have been washed away in the recent rains, but it looks as though the path is not as frequented as in past times.
The brook seems to flow a little slower here. Small trout flicker and dart among the reeds that cling to the shore. The bank remains clear of wildlife tracks and the forest noises are subdued. To the north can be seen a small spring which acts as the source for this stream.
A large circle of stones has been raised from the earth here. Each stone has been engraved with runes of peace, knowledge and balance. Even the most hardy of the dao seem loath to enter into the centre of this place of power. The ground still seems lush and fertile within this circle although the magic of this place is fading with each hour.
The earthy fortifications continue ruler straight across the southern edge of the Grove. Barring all but the most determined assault, the dao must feel safe behind their knowledge of elemental earth control. To the west another tower looms above, stark witness to the dao intentions of not leaving without the information contained within the archives of the Grove library.
The ground is thick with tents, all manufactured from the hide of some rather large, stony beast that defies description. A small rock garden is the only part of the Grove that remains undefiled. The rocks are arranged in a strange pattern that plays tricks with the eyes.
There is a small crater in the ground. The ground is blasted and all plant-life has been crisped to ash. Reddish burnt dust puffs up in small clouds and circles around in small eddies caused by the breeze. What caused this desolation is difficult to surmise.
A small stunted tree still remains here. Blasted by fires never before seen within the Grove, the bark hangs loose in tattered strips. The desolation of the surrounding area is made more intense by the stark solitary presence of this gnarled and twisted oak.
The earthen fortifications end abruptly at the base of a large tower. The ground has been cleared of any debris that might have remained after the brief fight for control of the Grove. Stark and ugly in its brutality, the tower bears witness to the cruelty of the race that caused its creation.
This tower is only open on three sides. The side facing the large oak tree is solid and thicker than the other walls. The wall seems to bulge slightly, as if still struggling to form itself into the mute rock of the other sides.
The flowers that covered the ground have been charred beyond recognition. The ground is a rusty red colour and rather dusty. No tents or any other signs of occupation can be noted.
The shadow of a huge oak tree spatters the closely packed tents with mute shades of greens and browns. Many dao weapons lie in piles here to be swiftly picked up and brandished to repel any attempts of incursion into the Grove. Staying in this place too long will surely invite discovery and potential disaster to anyone not here with the dao's consent.
This place is so burnt and desolate, that even the air is parched. Small fires spring up from the ground which is hot to touch. The smell of fire is strong, and no trace of plantlife remains. Small indentations in the ground, showered with glowing embers, give evidence towards the resting place of fire elementals not busy elsewhere.
Yet another tower rears its ugly head to the sky. Made of the same earthbound granite as the others, this one sports a large crack in the western wall. The sigils drawn upon it to endow strength and protection are faded and need replacing. Although the druids who protected this place have all fled, power to defend still remains.
Crumbling to the state of appearing unsafe, little more than the strong warding magics hold this tower upright. The floor creaks underfoot, and the air reeks of ozone.
This piece of the grove has been left clear of tents and clutter. It appears to be the dwelling place of the many elementals that have sided with the dao. Completely devoid of grass, the ground reeks with the presence of elemental earth.
As the tree is approached, its bark becomes soft and intangible. It is possible to walk inside. Now completely enclosed within the tree, the sweet scented sap flows around you. It is still possible to breathe, though how this could be is uncertain. The tree itself is alive with a benevolent intelligence that is centuries old. It is possible to travel upwards within the tree with a mere thought.
Lying scattered around the ground, as if thrown from a great height, many corpses of dao soldiers rot in the open air. Mute evidence to the defense wards of the Grove, their faces stare ever upwards, their eyes dull and lifeless.
This is the far western outskirts of the grove. Nothing exists beyond here other than densely packed forest and the tangles of undergrowth. Thorns block any chance of passage into the wild forest while a huge tree rears above the forest to the east.
Immersed in the dank undergrowth of the forest, not much light filters down through the lush canopy above. The ground is damp and patches of moss are growing on the shady sides of the trees. A thicket of thorns bristle in the breeze and on the other side of them can be seen the large oak tree.
A thinning of the tree coverage to the north shows an opening into the Grove, guarded by a large tower. The game track continues westward and eastward along the edges of the forest. Above, the canopy of the forest is thinner and lets in more light than other parts of the forest.
The game path peters out here, ending abruptly with the earth barricade blocking all hope of continuing westward. Dim light filters down through the branches making shadows too dark to penetrate with normal eyes. A lessening of trees to the south offers the only hope of pressing onwards.
The trees are tightly packed and offer little hope of pressing onward into the forest in any direction. The trees only get closer ahead and the wall of magical earth blocks any chance of a foray deeper. Footprints on the game track show that dao scouts frequent this place on occasion.
The heartwood of the tree flows around you with a thick, almost tangible presence. Large branches that are hollow sweep off in all directions. The floor is smooth although made of natural wood. It is as if the tree grew this way out of choice, which is indeed what has happened.
The hollowed out branch runs slightly upward and is not completely straight. Slight ruffles in the walls show places where sap flows like blood in veins to the outer branches of the tree. The hallway is lit by a mute light coming from the walls.
Continuing along the branch, the floor is slightly soft and gives a little underfoot. Mute light filters in from the walls. To the west, the branch opens out into a large room of some sort. To the east, the centre of the tree can be seen.
A large room opens out within the branch itself. The floor is covered with living furniture, and hanging from the ceiling are small light globes. In the centre is a large table, made from heartwood. Upon it lie maps of the grove and surrounding forest.
A natural bedding of moss and lichens grows upwards from the floor here. The natural comforts this may provide have been disdained by the more recent occupants, who have moved in a large slab of rock to sleep on.
Living wooden chairs form neat rows along the walls. Cluttered around them are sets of stone eating utensils. Some of the bowls still have a bit of stony gruel inside. The diagrams on the table are mostly of a magical nature. All are written in a strange language and contain many strange sigils and footnotes.
This large room stretches out to both the west and south. Defense plans for the dao forces lie scattered around the place. Someone has nailed a small map to the wall. Sap drips from the wound making the wall glisten.
The central table is more cluttered here than elsewhere. A small alcove opens up to the north and a flickering light can be seen emitting from the room.
A small torch burns brightly on the centre of a wooden desk. The desk is made of living wood and has grown upward from the floor. A pool of protective sap is forming around the base of the light, and above, the ceiling appears to shy back away from the naked flame.
A natural wooden bed and wardrobe grow from within the walls. The bed looks as if it has been unused for quite some time. The wardrobe is empty, although no dust has settled here.
This chamber has been cleared of all furniture that may hint to its origins. Drawn on the floor is a magical circle that just blisters with power. The ink glistens with a wet light and the air reeks of ozone. Char marks on the wall are slowly filling with sap and a disquieting glow comes from the walls.
The floor of this hollow branch is scarred from the travel of heavily booted feet. The branch seemed to droop slightly as if there is an immense weight at the end of this small corridor.
Dao mages are using this room to rest from their labours. From the state of the mess, it appears they have little time to rest at all. The room shows little sign of occupancy other than some bunks.
This natural room is being used as off duty quarters for the Dao officers. What the room was originally used for is impossible to say. Bunks made of stone have been erected here. How these heavy beds came to be in this small room is a small wonder that will forever remain unanswered.
This branch sweeps upwards towards the druids private quarters. The air is clean and fresh to breathe. A small breeze drifts in from the north, coming from who knows where.
The branch sweeps upward rather steeply, and it is difficult to see what may lie ahead. Set in the floor of the branch are small, smooth wooden steps. Travel is easy despite the steep incline.
This tunnel is a marvel of nature. The forces that went into bringing it into existence are too powerful to comprehend. The noise of birds foraging on the outer layers of the bark drift in, somewhat muted but still audible.
The smell of sap is strong here, and seems to be coming from the east. The branch raises slightly and splits into two distinct directions. To the north a flicker of light is visible.
This hollow branch widens here to form a small room. The floor shows scorch marks, and sap wells up from welts in the walls and ceiling. To the east, a large door is inset in the wall. The door glistens with strong, magical energies. The tree itself is starting to grow over the door to protect the knowledge inside from falling into the wrong hands.
This room is hotter than the rest of the tree. The cause of this is a small bonfire burning in the centre of the room. The walls seem to shrink back from the heat and the ceiling drips defensive sap.
A flat well-lit corridor heads away to the north. It appears to stretch away endlessly into the distance. Sound is muted here and the breeze is quite strong.
Further travel is abruptly halted by the appearance of a swirling, misty wall. The wall shimmers with its own light and feels rock hard to touch. A stiff breeze issues forth from the wall and the air reeks of ozone. Time appears to be moving slower here and light flickers sluggishly from the wall.
Gale force winds buffet you back and forth. In the centre of the maelstrom can be seen a small room encircled by a magical field. The gale blows towards it and you can feel your heart stop beating.
Time begins to move again and things speed up back to normal. The light is still subdued and sound muted. A small, plain wooden door is mounted within the tree branch to the north. It is open and offers a view into a small hallway. The light normally emitting from the tree branches is non-existent.
Walking down a small dark hallway within the tree, small alcoves branch off on both sides. To the west, both heat and light are emitted in waves, while to the east, nothing but quiet comes forth. Ahead to the north, the corridor continues with more alcoves branching off on both sides.
This room seems almost unlimited in size, the walls being made of ephemeral flames. The heat here is oppressive yet not painful. The flames form strange shapes that vanish as quickly as the eye perceives them.
No end can be seen to this huge sea of pure, fresh water. The water is mostly cool and still. Vision is near totally unimpaired. Small bubbles of air swirl around in eddies, uncertain as to which way to float.
The corridor begins to get smaller and darker. Alcoves branch off on both sides. To the west a blank wall of earth can be seen. To the east the alcove opens outward into a large aerial vista. Going that way could be dangerous without the ability to fly.
It is impossible to tell the size of this room as it is made up of earth. The earth is movable and feels like mud to touch. Breathing is not possible here, but it also seems to be unnecessary. The gravity of this place seems to obey its own designs and pulls in different directions at random.
An unparalleled deep, shiny blue stretches forth in all directions. Very little can be seen here, the sky stretches forth in all directions. Gravity seems stronger than usual and any dropped item will plummet downwards forever.
All travel ahead is blocked by the presence of four concentric wards made up each of one of the primary elements. Directly to the north is a large wall of fire that defies any attempt to enter.
Fire writhes and fills the air with the sounds of crackling. The heat is menacing and travelling onward would be preferable to being fried. A huge wall of water looms out of the flames and a vicious wall of steam rises up where the two contact.
The water gives reluctantly and allows slow passage inside. It feels like walking into a large jelly. To the north a large wall of earth appears.
The earth is cold to touch and presses downward with a vast weight. Vision is totally impossible and any sense of direction is quickly vanquished. The slow moving earth pushes inward as if any presence here is totally unwanted.
The earth suddenly gives way to a rather solid feeling wall of air. The air is brutally cold and unreasonably dry. To the east the four concentric wards give way to a centralized mass of whirling elements.
This is the centre of the maelstrom. Whirling chunks of the elements fly about in totally random patterns. Lumps of opposed elements collide and shatter causing large amounts of smoke, ice, ooze and magma. There is a strong pull towards the central crystalline structure, which appears to be of magical creation.
The crystalline structure of an intricate spell totally surrounds you. The spell pulses with a life of its own. Flickering lines of magical energy race outward along strands of fine crystal creating eddies of movement like rain hitting a spiderweb.
In a vast cacophony of noise the warding stasis spell begins to crumble and collapse. Vast whirling eddies of force appear to suck the pieces of elements back to their original planes. Light that was missing before shines in with unabated glory.
This is the room where it all began. A large conjuring circle takes up most of the floor. The room itself shimmers with the remnant echoes of powerful magics. Cluttered around the room lie various items used in the working of strong ritual magics. Light issues evenly from the walls and the sap hums with power.
Grown from within the tree, this room is small and dry. A natural light filters in from the wall. Along the walls are small shelves with many books and scrolls. In the centre of the room is a large chest.
Gravity takes control of you and sends you in a sharp dive downward. There appears to be nothing to stop your fall, and nothing to see.
Empty