Caine made the journey back to Helix mostly in silence, recovering from his ordeal which had drained him in mind and body. Strangely, despite everything his spirit was strong as ever; it would seem delving into the depths and exterminating age old evils was just the thing to give purpose to a man's life.

He did not consider their exploration as tomb robbing (though others might certainly surmise otherwise), as if left unchecked the darkness within the tombs might expand outward into the world and threaten the living. Already the news the others had related about cultists and their nefarious deeds was disturbing.

More unsettling for now was the description Malivoire had given about the undead knight; Caine had read about such creatures in age old tomes during his studies in the mystical arts, and they were terrible evils. He quizzed the elven mage on their journey back, trying to determine if the creature had been actively seeking them out and if they would run into it again in their next delve.

Once Barnabus finished speaking to Mazzahs, Caine related his concerns to their patron. "Would you have anything, a spell perhaps or an artifact, to deal with such a creature?" he asked, describing the undead knight as well as Malivoire had described it to him.

Emerging in the wizard's workshop, Dax is relieved to see that Mazzahs appears to hale, albeit a bit sooty.

The ranger sheathes his sword, and remarks, "Your discoveries appear to have struck like lightning!"

At Barnabus' urging, Malivoire turned to Dilemma and asked her to reveal the copies of the sarcophagus' runes and glyphs she had made.  "If you would be so kind?  You did the work, after all."

 Opening to the last five pages of her spell book, Dilemma reveals what appear to be notes from previous endeavors.  She sneers at the first page, sighs at the second page, and then on the back side of the second page are the runes she copied for Mazzahs' consideration.  "The engravings are here.  I copied them down to the curves, edges, and breaks."

 She offers the book to Mazzahs.

Mazzahs grins, an expression not unlike that of a young, mischievous child, when Dax speaks of his discoveries and their aftermath. ”I will confess that there are times that I allow curiosity to stifle caution.”

Mazzahs frowns at the first set of bones that Barnabus presents to him. ” I will speak with Brother Othar regarding these remains. He is well versed on the crusades that were conducted in Aerik, even before the church of St. Ygg established a strong presence here. He may be able to provide some insight regarding them.”

He purses his lips as he regards the blackened bones of the crypt watcher. ” I have heard of such creatures, but have never encountered one in my own travels. They might be more properly termed constructs. They are the creations of accomplished necromancers, generally intended to guard their tombs and treasures. Such barrow guardians are not easily made. Whatever secrets still rest within that crypt, it is clear that their owner wished for them to remain hidden.”

“That you were able to best the creature serves as further confirmation of the faith I have placed in each of you.”

The wizard carefully accepts Dilemma’s spell book from her, handling it with a respect that borders on reverence, plainly aware of the importance of another practitioner’s collection of arcane knowledge. Studying the page, he nods, ”Excellent work, Dilemma. Very precise. You were wise not to open this sarcophagus, Barnabus. This enchantment is intended to purge the entirety of the crypt in fire should the lid be removed.”

He returns the tome to Dilemma. ”Before you depart for the catacombs again, I will give an item that you may lay atop the lid, which will dispel the magics within it. “ He looks individually to Dilemma, Malivoire, and Caine. ”This is not the last obstacle of this sort you will encounter in the maze. When you are ready, I will share with each of you the spell which can be used to undo such workings.”

Mazzahs considers the account of the destroyed crypt and its apparent escapee quietly, advising that the adventurers to be wise and watchful. When the tale of the priestess’ vestments is shared, he smiles. ”I am told that some accomplished followers of the Green Man are interred with symbols and clothing that could assist in their resurrection, should there ever be a need for them to return to the realm of the living to defend the balance. This was probably why the priestess valued it so much. Though, some of her hostility may have been directed specifically at you, Barnabus. As you are doubtlessly aware, although your patron and Silvanus each represent necessary facets of existence, they are in many respects opposites, and the two deities’ followers have often not had amicable relations.”

The aged mage becomes silent when he is told of the followers of Orcus. ”That encounter is very telling,” he says in the wake of the story. He points to the table where he had been working, where the sapphire fragments lie within the circle. ”The skeletons that you have encountered. Those with the jewels in their foreheads. They are the result of a specific series of arcane rituals. Rituals which are exclusive to necromancers in the service of Set. Jakuul Mortis. The god of serpents, death, and the underworld. Their presence within the catacombs is not coincidence.”

“As many of you may know, it is said that Set and Orcus are the sons of the death god Nergal. Legend claims that the sons grew to covet their father’s power as they grew and that they conspired to destroy him. Now, they vie with each other for who will be the true ruler of the undead and the underworld.”

“That you have faced followers of Orcus and encountered the work of Set’s sorcerers means that the adherents of both deities are active within the Barrowmaze. They are seeking something there. Presumably something that would be of value to the god they serve. Perhaps something that could tip the balance in their chosen patron’s favor. If that is so, I think it might be best if neither faction was able to obtain what they seek.”

Mazzahs turns his attention to Caine. ”That was most certainly one Lord Varghoulis’ soldiers. As many of you now know first hand, Varghoulis is possessed of considerable power. I am unable to track his precise movements, but his aura is such that it cannot be entirely concealed from watchful eyes like my own. Since his rising, Varghoulis has not left the Barrowmoor. He remains there, possibly seeking the same things the followers of Orcus and Set do. Or perhaps guarding it, with a desire to thwart them both.”

“Before you depart again for the catacombs, I would suggest you pay Brother Othar a visit. I have nothing that would specifically assist you against Varghoulis’ minions, but I believe that he would. Brother Othar knows something of Varghoulis’ history, it seems.”

While listening to the explanations from Mazzahs, Malivoire shifted his weight to the other foot and leaned up against a table.  In doing so he felt a strange object pressing into his side and looked in one of his bags to see what it was.  An engraved tablet!

"Oh dear, I had forgotten about this in all the, um, excitement when the apparition began screaming."  He pulled forth the engraved stone and placed it on Mazzahs' table for inspection.  "I believe this also has some information pertaining to the gods of the dead, though I only had time for a short inspection in the tombs.  It will take a little longer to fully decipher, I think."

"After which, we may look within, yes?" Barnabus asks pointedly.


The priest spends a few seconds tracing the logic, before adopting a pedantic tone.

"From this episode, we should conclude that the balance has not yet been sufficiently endangered for a return to the world of matter, especially if the priestess has time to indulge in petty theological rivalries."

On to Brother Othar, then.
The coffers?

Caine listened attnetively to Mazzahs, noting the lore offered freely and which could mean the difference between their doom or survival in their next delve.

"Thank you for your counsel and wisdom wizard Mazzahs. I must admit I know nothing about this Varghoulis...is it a demon like Orcus and Set, or some form of lich?" Caine was curious, for the name certianlys sounded very lich like. "Seeking Brother Othar shall be a priority, as the type of undead Malivoire mentioned is something I may have read about, if the creature i recall is similar to the undead knight Malivoire saw, and they can be quite powerful."

Folding his arms over the other Caine stared at the sage and also added, "We were also wondering if you could allow us to copy some of your older spells...though you may not use them much anymore, they could come in quite handy in the crypt. Any scrolls or minor items of power could also be of immense help."

”Yes, that is correct,” Mazzahs tells Barnabus when asked about the sarcophagus’ lid, ”I am admittedly curious about what the deceased went to such effort to keep guarded.”

Mazzahs peers at the tablet that Malivoire offers, his eyebrows rising as his studies the runic script. ”It does indeed pertain to Orcus and Set. I daresay that it may provide some insight into their history, along with Nergal’s downfall. An excellent job retrieving this. I will set about translating it at the first opportunity.”

The wizard places his hand on a rolled piece of parchment that sits atop an adjacent table. ”Mistress Ticklebottom had the wherewithal to secure several valuables from her ill fated tavern before it ceased to be. Among them was the map that the possessed man had sought. She was willing to lend it to me in exchange for a contribution toward her rebuilding efforts. Although the map itself is reasonably clear, the parchment has scribblings in most of its blank spaces, much of it in the Abyssal tongue.”

“I’ve only spent a short time with it, but I gather that the ruins were once a temple dedicated to Impurax, the white stone used in their construction intended to resemble bleached bone. At some point, all those who served and resided at the temple were wiped out by warriors from the north. Purged is the term the writer of the map uses. The northern fighting men who were responsible would go on to establish what would ultimately become Ironguard Motte.”

“I’ve not yet discerned anything of value that might remain in the ruins. Nor can I tell if the structure has been put to any other use in the intervening years. But I will continue my study of the map. As for now, there is clearly much going on within the Barrowmaze that requires investigation. I am not yet convinced that a journey to the former temple is of sufficient importance to divert you from your exploration of the catacombs.”

Mazzahs addresses Caine with a somber expression. ”In life, Varghoulis was a ruthless and accomplished warlord, from what I can gather. I suspect that he commiserated with dark powers, which empowered some of his conquests and are responsible for his current undead state. Some necromantic texts that I have consulted lead me to believe that he is what some term a death knight, a risen warrior possessed of considerable arcane power. Such creatures are rare…and formidable. Varghoulis was recently awakened from his slumber. I believe that he has some fell purpose within the Barrowmaze, but I do not yet know what it might be.”

“Varghoulis commanded many soldiers, some of whom undoubtedly serve him now in death. They are likely quite dangerous as well, though nowhere near as fearful as their patron.”

Nodding at Caine’s request, the mage adds, ”Before you depart again for the moors, you may return here and copy some spells that might assist you on your expedition. I am always glad to help promising practitioners of the art.”

OOC: To clarify Mazzahs’ offer, the wizard will allow each magic user in the group to copy two spells of their choice from his archives, either of first or second level.

The Shrine of St. Ygg stands adjacent to the Helix town square, one of the few buildings in the small community that has been constructed of stone. The small church’s tower, which occupies its northern end, is not as tall as Mazzahs’ spire, but nevertheless makes it easy for the adventurers to locate the structure.

A handful of villagers are exiting the shrine as the members of the company approach. A young black haired human woman in a hooded robe, the front of which is embroidered with the red and white symbol of St. Ygg, speaks to each of the attendees as they depart. As the last of them leave, she turns to the adventurers, her expression curious. ”Good day to you. I am Cella. How may I be of service?”

Proper as can be, Barnabus primly replies that they are here to see "Brother Othar on theological concerns of the highest order."

He leaves the obligatory declaration, "We are expected," unspoken yet fully understood.

Then, with a smile, he abandons the punctilio and capers and jigs for a frightful few seconds.

"He's helping us renovate the Barrowmaze," the priest confesses. "Is he available?"

”He has just finished performing healing for some of the villagers,” she replies. Nodding to the church’s entrance, she adds, ”Please follow me. I will take you to him.”

The adventurers are led through an austere sanctuary, sunlight pouring though a set of tall windows on the long room’s western side. Cella brings the group to a door at the far end of the chamber. Opening it, she steps inside. The room is a small, simple stone chamber, furnished only with a table and chair, along with a short bookcase. Seated in the chair is Brother Othar.

”I’m sorry to disturb your meditation, Brother,” Cella says, ”These people needed to speak with you regarding some matters involving the Barrowmaze.”

”Yes, of course. The adventurers who Mazzahs is sponsoring,” the priest replies, standing.

Cella nods and departs. ”How may I be of help to you?” Othar asks.

To be sure, Barnabus can only remember that he had wanted to ask Brother Othar about the crypt of the phantom. Had there been other things? He can't remember.

"Mazzahs thought you could enlighten us on a certain question of paladins, saints, and other sinners...," he begins.

Malivoire thanked Cella for her help on her way out of the study chamber before turning his attention to Brother Othar.  When Barnabus stumbled over the details, the elven mage added some context for the priest of St. Ygg.

"It seems the Barrowmaze has followers of Set and Orcus active within the tombs.  We were hoping you might be able to shed more light upon their competition with each other, especially in regard to how the Barrowmaze would factor in."

"Also, Mazzahs suggested you were the most knowledgeable person with whom to discuss the nature and history of Varghoulis, who now roams the tombs with his servants."

Barnabus’ inquiry prompts a curious frown from Othar. The priest seems prepared to ask a clarifying question when Malivoire speaks. Othar nods, considering the mage’s words.

”This land, now mostly under the rule of the Duchy of Aerik, has a dark history. As I’m certain that your travels have already informed you, the moors that comprise most of the southern portion of the Duchy are quite forbidding and dangerous. As best as I understand it, they have been as they are for centuries, going back before the time when we have any written or oral accounts regarding them.”

“Prior to the coming of the Duchy, this was a lawless place. Only the wood elves of the Thornswild and the dwarves of the Moon Peaks brought safety to this area. Many of the tribes who called the swamps home, the lizard men and froglings, were prone to occasional banditry even then, but their neighbors largely held them at bay.”

“Although it is not entirely clear as to the precise date, at some point, followers of the death god Nergal discovered the moors, and believed them to be a place where they could carry on their dark traditions without interference. The Barrowmaze, at least a portion of it, was already present, its early origins lost to time. But no doubt the presence of such a sizable burial ground further strengthened the resolve of Nergal’s faithful to make the area their home. Many accounts claim that Nergal’s cult was responsible for many of the newer additions to the catacombs.”

“But at some point, there was what could only be termed a cataclysm. The sons of Nergal, Orcus and Set, dethroned their father and slew him. Accounts suggest that Nergal’s cult collapsed, with only a few clinging to belief in their deity, insisting that the Lord of Death could never truly perish. Many of the rest fled, but some joined orders devoted to either Set or Orcus. And between those two groups there began a war for supremacy, a contest to determine which god would rule the underworld.”

The priest sighs. ”Multiple sources, including scribes among the dwarves and wood elves allude to a longstanding belief that Nergal had hidden artifacts of terrible power, vessels infused with his very essence, within the catacombs. Unfortunately, any specific details regarding what they might be, should they exist at all, was kept by his followers, and some who chose to follow his children. But it is believed that both Orcus and Set continue to seek out those items. If they truly are repositories of Nergal’s power, it could be that they could lend one of the brothers the strength that they require to overcome his sibling.”

“There are persistent rumors that servants of both Orcus and Set, living and undead, still search the catacombs for Nergal’s hoard. We in the church have contended with some marauders in the service of Orcus in recent years, here in the vicinity of Helix and especially in Bogtown. But reports of battles with both Set’s and Orcus’ faithful appear occasionally throughout the history of Aerik’s founding. These brigands simply represent their most recent appearance.”

He pauses, contemplating the last portion of Malivoire’s query. ”Varghoulis was a warlord. A renowned mercenary who had once served the ancient Kingdoms of the East. However, pride in his accomplishments drove him to seek his own lands and to become his own master. He and his followers discovered this land, many decades before the founding of Ironguard Motte, and it is said that they erected a stronghold here. Varghoulis did not fear those who already resided here. He clashed with them all: the humanoids of the swamps, the forest elves, even the dwarves in their mountain hold. He was, first and foremost, a conqueror.”

“And, like many of his kind, he was not content to simply hold to what he had already won. His gaze drifted to neighboring lands and coveted them. But the neighboring petty kingdoms were formidable and his efforts to expand met with considerable resistance. During this time, the cult of Nergal still thrived, and their priests sought Varghoulus out.”

“Accounts claim a deal was struck. Nergal lent his power to Varghoulis in exchange for his allegiance…perhaps his soul. For a time, Varghoulis’ holdings reached well beyond the moors. Some claim that the dead served alongside his living soldiers within his army. But eventually, many of the northern Dukes were able to set aside their squabbles amongst themselves and unite against Varghoulis, supported by the early church of St. Ygg and followers of the battle god Crom. Their massed armies met Varghoulis just after he had crossed the Moon Peaks. They decimated his forces and mortally wounded him.”

“Several stories insist that Varghoulis was able to return to the moors before his death. Almost all claim that Nergal promised the warlord immortality, that he would one day stride the moors again and conquer in the death god’s name.”

Othar shakes his head. ”There are many mysteries that I am unable to understand, even with all of the time that I have devoted to the study of spiritual matters. Having awoken from the grave, Varghoulis’ only purpose would be to serve Nergal. To obey his god’s command and further his purposes here in the realm of the living. But how does one serve a god who is dead?” He shrugs. ”I have no answers.”

“Historically, Varghoulis favored the shield device of a skull imposed over a black rose. I know that the design was said to be Varghoulis’ own, though I cannot attest to its intended meaning.”

Barnabus thanks the scholarly brother for his exposition without using the word "exposition."

"There are at least three ways to serve a god said to be dead," the priest offers. "One: the god could be made to live again. Two: the god already lives again. Three: do things in the dead things honor."

"It is not only Varghoulis who would serve in one of those ways. We have found various markings of his god within the maze."

"But what I wanted to know more about," Barnabus says with some swerve to his voice, "is about this phantom we encountered. On the walls of its tomb, we found scenes of crusaders and their glorious conquest. We also find Elvish writings that Mal has been translating."

"But the presence of the phantom in its torment suggest that the crusaders might have been, shall we say, misguided in their fervor?"

Othar nods. ”It is entirely possible. In the early years of the Duchy of Aerik, the church of St. Ygg made a concerted effort to drive the followers of Orcus and Set from these lands. Obviously, those crusades were earnest, but unsuccessful. And there were more than a few under those banners whose zeal for the cause clouded their judgement and led them to acts that were terrible and senseless.”

“By the same token, the brigands who gave their allegiance to Orcus often proved to be formidable foes. There is more than one account of them capturing clergy and champions of St. Ygg and sacrificing them to their deity in flame. From what I know of their dark traditions, such sacrifices are said to provide Orcus’ faithful with considerable spiritual power.”

“Whatever the horrific origin, cleansing the tomb with holy water should assist in putting the tortured soul to rest, if you’re inclined to such an undertaking.”

Barnabus nods in earnest agreement with the brother's overview.

Okay, yes, holy water shall be acquired for the purpose of tomb cleansing. Cost? Quantity? Embarrassing to think this hasn't been attended to before. Is there a specific tomb that he's referring to? The phantom's?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Fri 02 Dec 2022.

That evening, the adventurers are met at The Brazen Strumpet by an itinerant locksmith by the name of Novif Stog, whose services were retained by Bilworth Turgen for the purposes of opening the two coffers the company had retrieved from the catacombs. The party gathers in Barnabus’ room while Stog, seated at a small table, begins work on the larger of the two chests. Given to mumbling as he works, Stog explains to the adventurers that a significant amount of his income comes from the jailer at Ironguard Motte, who has a habit of misplacing the keys to the cells below the Duke’s stronghold.

Opening the lock on the first coffer, Stog frowns at the contents, a collection of fifty copper coins, all gone green with the passage of years. ”Odd to keep such under lock and key,” Stog mutters. Proceeding to investigate further, the locksmith discovers that the coffer has a false bottom. Lifting it, the adventurers can see that the hidden component contains a prism, perhaps two inches long, which is dusty rose in color, along with a vial of gray liquid, which has a silver stopper in the shape of a skull.

Stog struggles with the lock on the silver coffer, finally getting it to yield to his efforts. As he opens it, there is a sharp snapping sound, which is followed by a curse from the locksmith. ”Evil thing,” he says as he sucks on the end of his thumb, which has apparently been pricked by a needle. The interior of the coffer is lined with velvet and contains a sleek silver dagger, its short hilt suggesting that it was designed for throwing.

”Well that’s a lovely weapon, innit?” the locksmith asks, before slumping face first on the table, where he remains, unmoving.

Upon hearing the snapping sound, Barnabus' elation had turned to alarm, which was fully confirmed when Stog slumps over, apparently lifeless.

In all haste, Barnabus gathers the poisoned specialist in his arms (presumably with the help of another) and rushes him to the Shrine of St. Ygg. It is beyond his meager (although not inconsiderable) powers to treat the man.

"Grab the coffers," he calls out. Identification of the poison might prove life-saving.

But as soon as he's spent some time with the bloke, he realizes he's dead. The trip will be about seeing that he gets a proper burial now.

Already, in the back of his mind, a voice frets, "We're going to need another lock-and-key man, aren't we?"

Presumably, after the body has been disposed of (cough) (cough), we'll return to our patron for IDs of the magic items.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Mon 05 Dec 2022.

The swamplands just south of Helix prove to have numerous spots where a locksmith may be informally laid to rest.

When the adventurers return to Mazzahs’ spire with their newfound prizes, they find the wizard poring over a thick tome, contentedly smoking a pipe. He raises his eyebrows as he studies the trio of items.

”Most interesting discoveries, to be certain. All should prove beneficial to you.”

Mazzahs picks up the rose colored prism first. Holding it at chest level, he releases it into the air, which prompts it to begin orbiting his body at a quick rate of speed. ”An ioun stone,” he explains, ”As you can see, they hover about their owners, granting a specific boon. This one gives increased protection from physical harm.”

OOC: The ioun stone will give a -1 benefit to its owner’s armor class.

Turning his attention to the dagger, Mazzahs turns to his writing desk and hurls the weapon at it, the point biting into the wood. The mage extends his hand and the knife pulls free of the desk, returning to him. ”An enchanted throwing dagger. As you can see, after it is thrown, it will return to its wielder’s hand. Exceptional workmanship.”

OOC: The dagger is a +1 weapon and, as demonstrated, will return to its owner’s hand on the same round it is thrown.

Lastly, the wizard takes up the vial of translucent gray liquid. ”I would recommend saving this for use at an opportune time. Whoever drinks this potion will have the ability to control the undead for a short period. Something that could prove to be of considerable help within the catacombs.”

OOC: The potion is a potion of undead control. It allows the one who drinks it to control 3d6 hit dice of undead as though they were under the influence of a charm person spell. The effect lasts for 5d4 rounds. Both intelligent and unintelligent undead can be controlled, though some especially powerful undead may be immune to the potion’s effect. Lord Varghoulis, for instance.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Tue 06 Dec 2022.

"We can't just drop him in the swamp, Barnabus! We didn't cause his death! No one can blame us for the poisoned needle in the lock of chest that was in the catacombs for gods know how many years.

Besides, Bilworth Turgen sent him here. And he will know that he was with us before he disappeared. And if he has family they will want to have a proper funeral.

I for one, will contribute some gold to pay for the burial and help them with their expenses."

Dax looks to the rest of the group for moral and possibly financial support.

---

Sorry, B. I know you didn't say it outright, but I'm just extrapolating from the DM's comment about somewhere to drop a body! :-)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:16, Wed 07 Dec 2022.

"Aye, Dax is right."  The dwarf comments.  "Leave him be, tell Bilworth, and it will be handled."

Bilworth Turgen, normally a cheerful, gregarious man, takes the news of Stog’s demise soberly. ”He was a decent sort, Novif was. But we both knew that anything that came out of those tombs could prove deadly. I’ll make certain the priests at the Shrine provide him a proper burial.”

Although Searlait, Kraomar, and Lampert are prepared to journey back to the Barrowmoor at first light the following morning, matters at the mill delay the expedition’s guide, Tamson until late morning. By the time the adventurers reach the now familiar sight of the entrance chamber above the catacombs, the sun has moved into the western sky, and the shadows have begun to grow long across the swampland.