rumour and battle
Otis leant back before answering, "Know there is much I know and some of it you need to learn.....
It's too much coincidence that the ogre mage was here just ahead of you and killed one of the few allies who could have helped. We must assume therefore that the plan to meet here was leaked somehow and the forces arrayed against you acted swiftly. It is too bad! Riker was a good friend and someone who could be trusted absolutely.
The question of how they knew needs to be answered otherwise there will be doubt about your mission through out. Gwythe was an obvious possibility but how would he be able to alert others if he was in you sight the whole time. No… it must have been from somewhere else.
With all the bumbling about today, it is clear you need to know what you are up against here. Firstly some history, I know this is well known to some of you but it is worth repeating. For many years, a cult of Chaotic Evil flourished in the area of the Gnarley Forest north west of Nulb. The cult was based on the premise that the elemental forces of the universe are Chaotic and opposed to mankind. The Temple of the cult sought to destroy all works of Good and to disrupt order. Its members were thieves, assassins, brigands, and the like.
Fire was regarded as the first elemental evil, and its penchant for Chaos fitted the premise of the cult. Water was likewise worshipped as an even more powerful force of Chaotic Evil, in the form of floods, storms, and raging seas beating upon the land and ocean vessels. The epitome of Chaotic Evil, however, was regarded as a combination of air and earth, represented by blackness and corresponding with the demonic Abyss. This combination was regarded as a complete negation of matter. The cult grew powerful and rich, attracting followers of the worst sort and offering them safety within the walls of the Temple stronghold. From this fortress would the followers ride to rob, pillage
and lay waste the lands about, tithing the cult from the spoils of the carnage.
Captives from those raids were brought back to the Temple to serve as human sacrifices, children to the fire, men to the water, and women to the blackest Evil or to slave their lives away in bondage. Besides the extensive upper works of the Temple, a deep labyrinth beneath the place was constructed, but virtually nothing is known about these dungeons except that they were inhabited by a plethora of creatures serving Chaos and Evil. It was even rumoured that a demon took up abode in the deepest level, to better receive the sacrifices to it.
Eventually the neighbours of the Temple grew tired of these depredations. About ten years ago all Good, both Lawful and Chaotic, banded together to form a mighty host. Their army marched to the Temple, fighting two battles along the way. The first was conclusive, thought the forces of Good who held the field afterward, so they gained the reputation of victory, and their ranks swelled with local men. The second battle saw a great slaughter of kobolds, goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, evil men, and the like. The Temple was thereafter besieged, fell, and its inhabitants put to the sword. It is reported by some sources that the Temple and its precincts resisted complete destruction, but the majority state that the whole was razed so that the cult could never merge again.
So that was then and now to bring the tale up to date. I and others have long suspected the temple is on the rise again and attracting many evil followers. I moved to the village about a year ago and set myself up as the blacksmith to keep an eye on the developments. It was clear that the temple influence was everywhere and no secret that it power was waxing.
Rentsch was party to this, as are many in Nulb, but he was the easiest to read and follow. His lack of subtlety was key to my understanding of events and tracking of the growing problem. Unfortunately your actions have halted that line of approach. No doubt others will take his place.
This is what I do know; the temple is actively recruiting and building its strength. The rumours of the demon were well founded and in the final assaults this demon was active in the defence of the temple. What happened to it is unknown but the overall victory would strongly suggest it was banished. We know the new denizens will seek to release this demon so the full power of the temple can be unleashed on the land. They must be stopped at all costs! Those I represent would take action but their forces have many priorities at once and cannot act on rumour alone.
What I ask of you is find out the strength and focus of the forces within the temple complex and report back to me. To do this you will need to infiltrate the temple itself, whether through force or subterfuge is your choice. I do not suggest you try and destroy this evil though have no doubt you will be involved in resolving the issue.
I suggest we use the druid's cave as a meeting place, but first we have other matter to attend to. The ogre mage will be back."
[Private to Iviana: It was there again! This strange fascination with the temple sent a shiver down Iviana's spine.....]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Fri 02 Oct 2009.
