Your guide, Nimyr, the young dwarf mercenary, turns out to be more helpful than you expected. He is clearly in this for the money. As it turns out, his mercenary band, under the dwarf warlord Strykova, was fighting for the late Baron Zell, an ally of Baron Brock, in the current civil war. But Zell was killed in a battle two months ago, and his army fell apart. The mercenaries were left without pay.
Now, as bandits, they have been roving the area, raiding and pillaging in lieu of pay, and Strykova was talking about setting himself up as a local Baron in the nearby city of Troll's Rest.
Bands of mercenaries answering to Strykova still wander the plain, and you have had to adjust your course south more than once to avoid their path. But your ride south has been swift. Nimyr's knowledge of the local terrain has allowed you to reach the Temple area sooner than you had expected.
Nimyr explains that Strykova was heard to say that the Temple of Ardis would have made an excellent base of operations, but the thick walls of the temple have kept the dwarves away.
Rooker says, "Helpful little bugger, I probably won't torture him much before I kill him."
Just after nightfall, you enter the river valley where the Temple is located. It's set at the edge of a forest, in the midst of a hilly region where scattered wheatfields are planted. Although the Great Moon is waning, the Lesser Moon still gives enough light to let you see the silhouette of the Temple in the distance.
Sharif says, "Gentlemen. We have arrived."
Rooker says, "Shall we camp outside for the night, or go knock on the door and see if the good people inside will let us in? Or shall I try to find the back way in?"
Sharif says, "We've come all this way… We must press on."
The Temple itself is a multistorey tower surmounted by a 20-foot wall with seven sides. Lesser buildings also stand within the walls. Two smaller watchtowers oversee the wall, and torches burn on the parapets, enough to allow you to see small figures patrolling the rampart.
Rooker says, "Right. Front door first?"
Sharif says, "Perhaps there is a more discreet way?"
Rooker says, "Discretion is my middle name, Sharif. But what is your plan?"
Sharif says, "Ah yes...I'm working it out now. Perhaps we can just look for a less secure entrance---away from prying eyes."
Thragga squints. "Vulkah..." he breathes, pointing at the tiny figures.
It's then you notice that over the gatehouse, a banner has been erected. Not the circle symbol of Ardis, a goddess of Life, but a crossed-axe and fist symbol...the same one that Nimyr has sewn on his shoulder.
Sharif says, "Bugger! It looks like it does make a good base!"
Rooker is keeping a good grip on his friend Nimyr.
Kane says, "It looks like we have arrived in the nick of time."
Rooker looks at Kane. "I'd say just late of it."
Nimyr finishes the last of the rations in Rooker's saddlebags, crunching on some apples and noisily spitting the seeds out. "Guess the Boss got what he wanted. Supposed to be full o'treasure!"
Kane says, "I hope our friend here has not now become a liability."
Rooker says, "Perhaps we should get out of sight? If we can see them, they can see us."
Kane says, "Good point."
Rooker guides his horse away from the Vulkahs' line of sight.
Nimyr says, "He defeated some priestesses and their guardians."
You can see where the mercenaries improved the defensibility of the place. They have chopped down or burned many of the trees that usually ring a shrine to Ardis.
A scorpion--a giant crossbow that Vulkah are fond of--has also been built or placed on the top of each watchtower.
Rooker puts his hood up and blends into a patch of shadow in the trees.
You can see a dwarf warrior marching slowly along the parapet, smoking a pipe. You're too far and too well-hidden for him to see you.
Next to Kane, Thragga unlimbers his warbow, draws an arrow from the quiver and sights along it at the sentry.
Rooker says, "Don't you go creating a stir, Thragga. You'll just rouse the guards on me."
Dropping from his horse, Rooker hands the reins of his horse to Sharif. "I guess it's time for me to earn my share. I'll be back in a trice. Keep young Nimyr safe."
Sharif says, "Good luck, my friend!"
Kane says, "Yes, luck to you, Rooker."
Nimyr finds a breadcrust in Sharif's saddlebag and gnaws at it. "Where's he going?"
Sharif says, "Help yourself...He is going to look around" He casts a simple spell of ESP to see what Mimyr is really thinking.
Moving like a shadow, Rooker steps into the trees and disappears from view quickly.
Nimyr thinks you are a better deal than Strykova has offered him. He's out for the money and his fortune. He doesn't want to stay in southern Anghara!
Rooker heads off for a little bit of a recce, once around the place with eyes
and ears open, moving very slowly.
Thragga relaxes his bow as Rooker moves off. "I hate waiting, Kane."
Kane says, "I have no doubt Thragga you will get to fight soon enough.
"
Sharif says, "Nim...what do you know about Strykova. What's the best way in to this place?"
The mercenary shrugs. "Never been here. I was up north hunting dragon
meat."
Kane says, "So Sharif, how do you think we should approach this little problem?"
Sharif says, "Give Rooker a chance to scout things out...and then go knock on the front door."
Rooker finds two reflecting pools, and nearby are some farmhouses, adjoining the fields, that seem empty. He sneaks up to one and has a peek, and they've been looted.
Sharif says, "I truly hope what we seek is here."
Kane says, "Why would Strykova give it to us? And what of the priestesses?"
Sharif says, "Who said he would give it to us?"
Nimyr says around a mouthful of bread. "You never told me what you're seeking."
Sharif says, "He may not even know it is there."
Kane says, "He might not, but if we ask him for it surely he will want to know why we want it and most likely laugh in our faces."
Sharif turns towards the dwarf. "Nimyr…You are on a need-to-know basis, and right now you don't need to know!"
Up on the parapet, you can see a large figure, an Ukk, stomping back and forth. Ogres and other creatures are apparently on Strykova's payroll.
Sharif says, "Kane , I never said we should ask Strykova anything."
Kane says, "Did you not just now suggest we approach by the front door?"
Rooker has been gone some time.
Sharif says, "Yes...I said knock on the door. I did not say we should ask to come in. Where the Hell is Rooker?"
"Maybe I can help!" the dwarf says.
Sharif turns to Nimyr. "How can you help?
Kane says, "What would you do to help, dwarf, and why would we trust you?"
Rooker makes his way through the wheatfields, avoiding the sentries' gazes. The place is well guarded. There is no cover north of the temple, though.
Nimyr replies: "I dunno, I could talk to 'em, I guess. I led you this far, didn't I, Kane?"
Sharif says, "I can vouch that Nimyr is true of heart and pure of motive (that motive being greed...)!"
Kane says, "Why wouldn't you just hand us over to Strykova, Nimyr?"
Nimyr says, "Because you lads look like a better deal than the Boss, Kane. A lad like me doesn't want to live in Anghara. I miss me mountains. "
It's almost an hour later when Rooker returns, silently and suddenly.
Kane says, "Rooker, what did you find out?"
Rooker says, "Well, it's not going to be easy. The guards look efficient and pretty tough, but we might be able to get over the wall."
Kane says, "Perhaps we should take Nimyr up on his offer? What would you want in exchange for this service?"
Nimyr says, "I fancy that sword you're carryin', Kane."
Kane says, "That's not on the table. Besides, you wouldn't like the responsibility it carries."
Thragga grumbles, "Enough hiding. Let's take 'em!"
Kane says, "I don't think that would be wise, my friend."
Sharif says, "I don't think direct confrontation will work here, Thragga."
Kane says, "And again, it sounds like we need a plan."
Pulling the Selandri sword from his pack, Rooker looks to Nimyr. "How about this lovely blade instead? When it's done, of course."
Nimyr takes the sword from Rooker. Without unsheathing it, he tests the balance of the thing. "Aye...this'll do. And a hundred drags so I can pay me way home, too." He hands the sword back to Rooker.
Kane says, "Sounds like you want to go in style."
Sharif grins at Kane. "Seems a fair price."
Nimyr says, "It's a deal. What do you want me to do?"
"I have a plan!" Thragga says. "I jump the wall, open the gate, and you girls can come on in." He takes the leather cover from his axe blade, and looks to you for approval of his clever plan.
Kane says, "Quite brave of you Thragga, but I think not."
Rooker slips the sword back into his pack, shaking his head at Thragga. "Sometimes you frighten me, my friend."
Thragga grins at Rooker's compliment. But he waits for orders.
Kane says, "Nimyr, how do you suggest you get us in there?"
Nimyr suggests, "He's a vain feller, is the Boss..."
Rooker says, "Okay. You guys go make a big noise at the front gate and I'll go over the back wall. Run up to the temple, grab the cup, back in two shakes, right?"
Kane says, "Would he accept humans into his band?"
"With an audition, sure!" Nimyr tells Kane.
Kane says, "At least that plan is better than Thragga's."
Thragga grumbles, "Gah. Stupid plan. I like mine better."
Rooker says, "Audition? I'm not sure I like the way that sounds."
Kane says, "What kind of audition?"
Nimyr says, "A fighting audition. If he's even in there..."
Kane says, "Who would the audition be with do you think?"
Nimyr thinks. "The Boss would want to see it personally." he decides. "Got any apples left, Rooker?"
Kane says, "Yes but does he do the fighting or does he have someone do it for him?"
"Too much talking, Kane." Thragga says. "Let's use this little bastard as a hostage. Let us in or I'll rip his head off."
Kane says, "Do you think he would care, Thragga?"
"Let's find out!" Thragga says. Nimyr backs away.
Rooker says, "I think that you guys should distract them while I nick the goblet out of the temple."
Sharif says, "Kane..You're the military man. how do you think we should get in there?"
Kane says, "As a military man I would say we go back for our army. Unfortunately, it has been awhile since I've been part of any type of military. For lack of a better plan I say we go with Rooker's. So what kind of a commotion should we make?"
Nimyr says to Rooker, as he steps back, "Goblet? You came all this way for a goblet?"
Rooker looks down at the Vulkah sharply. "Yeah, a goblet that makes blood for us to drink so we don't have to kill little people all the time, okay?"
Nimyr nods, "Oh," he says.
Thragga says, "What's a commotion?"
Rooker says, "Big noise."
"I can do that." the Urag says.
Rooker says, "We know you can, big guy. So, are we going with the plan or what?"
A war party of a dozen Vulkah, two ogres, and three large wardogs lope up the road to the Temple. The guards and the party exchange words, and the gate slowly rolls open.
Rooker says, "Oh, good, at least it'll be a fair fight if I get caught."
The temple gate slams shut.
Sharif says, "Rooker…Were you able to do any reconnaissance in there? Do we know where the object is? Are there any secret entryways to the temple? Escape tunnels? Servants entrances? smaller portals? Sewer exits? Storm drains?"
Rooker says, "Nope. Never even got close to the wall. I'll just start with the biggest building and work my way out."
Kane says, "Sounds like you might want to go in for a closer look. I was thinking though maybe we should approach the gate and ask to join up. Nimyr can vouch for us. Then once we get inside we can try to contact one of the priestesses to find where the cup is located. Any thoughts?"
Thragga makes a rude noise. "That's my thought. When do I get to kill someone?"
Nimyr chews on some dried sausages while you talk, nodding in agreement.
Sharif says, "OK..Rooker. Here's the plan. I will use my magic to cloak you. You get in there and find the cup. When you locate it. Signal us from inside and we'll create a diversion so you can steal it and get out. Or we could start the diversion early."
Kane says, "If he's cloaked by magic why would he need a diversion to
get out?"
Rooker says, "We've got six hours before dawn. Guards are at their worst right before dawn, everybody gets sleepy then. I'll make a close pass around the walls now and see if there's an easier way to get into the place."
Sharif says, "Wait!"
Thragga scoffs, "Six hours! It's midnight! Raiding hour!"
Rooker says, "However I can get in, you guys make the diversion at dawn, and I'll do whatever I can to get back out with the cup."
"I'm still gonna get th'sword, right, lads?" Nimyr says. "And the hundred?"
Sharif says, "What do you say. Kane?"
Kane says, "My fear is that a diversion will just let them know we were here. If Rooker can enter and leave undetected, all the better."
Rooker snorts, "If?"
Thragga snorts, "Fear?"
Kane says, "Sometimes fear is healthy, Thragga. What say you Rooker? Is the plan better with or without a diversion?"
Sharif raises his arms. "Do not be alarmed Rooker..and try not to bump into anything. This will only work as long as you don't attack anyone.
Rooker says, "I'm familiar with the process, Sharif. If I'm not back by dawn, make the diversion."
Sharif says, "The moment the sun's first rays poke over the hills all hell will break loose. If you come back before dawn with the cup, you get Kane's sword."
Rooker says, "I'll do what I can."
Kane says, "Now, how can we use the dwarf to cause a diversion?"
Rooker fades from view. his outline glassy and then transparent..made invisible by Sharif's powerful magery.
Kane says, "Rooker if you can't find the cup come back and we will work on a new plan."
Sharif says, "Perhaps you should go with him Kane? I can mask you as well"
"And me!" Thragga says. "I'm not going to sit here pickin' dingleberries with the Vulkah."
Kane says, "Works for me. Rooker, do you mind the company?"
Rooker says, "Only if you all promise to keep quiet."
Kane says, "We promise."
Thragga says, "Whatever."
Sharif sighs.
Kane says, "Sharif, do your thing."
Sharif says, "Kane..this won't hurt..much. Remember Thragga. No fighting ..or the magic will fail and you will be seen." He raises his hands and weaves the spell
Thragga nods. "Right. No fighting. Trust me."
The powerful spell weaves its way over Kane and Thragga, who fade like Rooker did.
Nimyr says, "Well, that is some trick, Sharif."
Rooker hands an end of the rope to each of his companions and moves off into the darkness. "If the rope goes slack, stop where you are until I pull it tight again.And be quiet."
Kane says, "Will do."
Thragga nods, but no one sees him do it.
Sharif says, "Come on Nimyr...let's go see what kind of diversion we can come up with."
Nimyr jumps to his feet, brushing crumbs from his beard.
Rooker moves off into the darkness slowly, making allowances for his noisier companions.
The band of invisibles approaches the wall. Twenty feet high, it's inscribed
with large circles, symbols of Ardis, that make it perfect for climbing. Rooker
lets out 10 feet of rope for Kane and 20 for Thragga so no one bumps into each
other. The expedition appears to be moving well as you reach the base of the
wall.
Rooker leads the party straight to the wall and then moves counterclockwise around the temple looking for openings.
Sharif says, "I'm going to watch the spectacle from here". He works a spell that allows him to see his invisible companions clearly.
Thragga says, quietly, "Too high for me to jump." More noisily, he says, "I said, Too high for me to jump!"
Rooker whispers. "Thragga, I heard you the first time. Be quiet.
There are no openings in the wall. But the vertex of the wall at 3 o'clock around the dial, near those buildings, is heavily shadowed by the moonlight.
As the invisible group reaches the shadowed spot of the wall, Rooker halts the group and whispers to them softly. "We'll climb here."
Sharif finds a comfortable spot to wait out the dawn and recharge his powers.
A tug on the rope. "Come on, Rooker, you can make it..." Thragga hisses. "I'll boost you over!"
Rooker pulls his rope of climbing from his belt pouch and tosses it upward with an invisible flourish, whispering: "Attach."
The invisible rope makes a slithering noise as it scrambles upwards, unseen, and pulls taut.
Rooker pulls the rope guiding the others to him until they are close. Tucking it into his pack, he whispers. "I'll go up first and pull the rope twice when you should come up.
A sentry is heard above...the heavy tread of an Ukk. The creature is humming an ogre tune to himself.
Thragga says, making a gesture of throwing something at the Ukk above you. "You want I should...?"
Ensuring that his posessions are secure, Rooker takes hold of the rope and begins to climb.
The Ukk's heavy tread doesn't slow as he patrols past where you are.
Rooker is not heard shimmying up the rope.
Rooker pauses at the top to look around before he goes over the wall onto the walk. He pulls himself up nimbly and lights on the parapet, unseen. The compound below seems quiet, with only the sentries on the wall visible.
The fat Ukk keeps walking, not having suspected a thing.
Kane waits silently below waiting for Rooker's signal.
Rooker tugs the rope sharply twice to signal Kane to come up.
Kane scrambles up the rope and swings onto the parapet.
Rooker scans the walls looking for any sign that they have been heard.
In his turn, Thragga twangs the rope like a great bowstring as he scales the rope and is heard landing beside you. The Ukk on the wall pauses, looking back in your direction.
Kane stays perfectly still.
The Ukk shrugs, belches and turns away.
Thragga hisses, "Come on, let's get off this wall."
Rooker pulls his rope free and makes it fast on the opposite side of the wall. "I'll go first and secure the bottom."
There's a long building below you. By the smell of it, it's a stable. There's an opening into the loft in the roof.
Rooker whispers to the others: "Maybe we should move away from the stables, horses might give us away if they smell us."
"Horses are for eating..." Thragga whispers.
Rooker says, "Not tonight they aren't."
Kane whispers, "Let's find that cup and get out of here."
Thragga swings his legs down and lets drop with a-thud- on the ground. A cloud of dust rises where he landed.
Rooker leads the group a few yards downwind of the stables and reattaches his rope before climbing down into the yard.
The Ukk on the wall who passed you by pauses, his face lit by firelight. He turns back and approaches you, slowly. "Whatthehellwasthat?" the tall ogre grumbles.
Rooker ducks into the shadows at the base of the wall and waits for Kane to join him.
The Ukk now stands on the parapet on the wall above where Thragga landed, looking down into the shadowed area near the stable.
Kane swings over the side of the wall and hangs from the top by his hands.
"Stoopid horses..." he says, shaking his head. The Ukk turns back again, marching away.
Once Kane hears the Ukk is far enough away he scrambles down the wall.
Kane joins Thragga and Rooker at the base of the wall.
You three gather at the base of the wall, away from the stables and near the silo.
Thragga says, "You make a lot of noise, Kane..."
Kane says, "Sorry, where to next?"
Rooker moves toward the smell of Thragga and whispers softly. "One more noise like that and we won't need a diversion outside, there'll be one inside while they skin us all."
Kane says, "Let's find this cup and get out of here."
Rooker says, "If you were a Vulkah, where would you keep prisoners that
knew where the goblet is?"
"Tied down and screaming until they told me.." Thragga says.
Rooker says, "But only if you knew it was here." Handing the ends of the rope to his companions, he leads the way toward the temple building in the center of the complex.
Kane says, "They should be easy enough to find."
The large main door to the temple is flung open and light spills out. Six drunken Vulkah come staggering out. "We made 'em dance tonight, didn't we, lads?" says the leader.
Rooker halts the group to wait for the Vulkah to pass.
The Vulkah mercenaries laugh and joke. They have apparently been having sport of some kind inside. They launch into some drunken song as they stagger across the courtyard. One pauses to urinate against the temple wall.
Once the drunken mercenaries have passed, Rooker leads the group toward the Temple.
You approach the main temple. It's a tall, almost pagoda-like structure made of granite stones, expertly set. The other buildings in the compound are smaller, wooden structures, thatched roofs, with 1-2 stories, with windows on the second floor. Aside from the Temple itself, the silo is the tallest, with no windows.