Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#281 Post by Grognardsw »

Grey Mouser, thief

"Quarantining the town would be nigh impossible," comments Grey. "Easier to show Hookshill leaders and clergy our proof and warn of the dangers. Better still would be to quash the evil here at its source."

"The temple seems the next spot to investigate."

"Our elf colleague was caught by the town officials. Do you know where they may keep him, besides the jail?"

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#282 Post by Zhym »

Grothnak remains silent, having nothing to add to the conversation.

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#283 Post by ChubbyPixie »

Telkis listens attentively when talk tuens to the layout of the temple. "I believe they alreday said it's the front gate or over the wall. Unless we have some magic that will aid us?"

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#284 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Bo

Well, I heard what they said. Now I am waiting to hear the facts. I have no problem stepping over a wall but, surely there is another way in besides the front gates.

Is there?

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#285 Post by Inferno »

Day Seven.
Briarsgate. The Abandoned Windmill
(NW of 24)
Early morning. Saturday, October 22nd, 576 CY
Cloudy, damp, cold, misty



Image


The council of shadows continues.

Image

The investigators hunger for information, like starving men at a feast.

An indistinct townsman replies to Mouser: "If your elf friend was apprehended by the constables or by Magistrate Ruskadel then he is imprisoned in the town jail. Pray, upon what charges is he held?"

Another elusive shape answers Bo. "I'm afraid there is no 'back way.' The wall was built during the Goblin Years." he rasps as he sketches out a map of the sanctuary of the Church of Merikka and holds it close to the candle for the heroes to see. "The church is two stories tall and made of stone. The gates are shut each night."
Villager Map of Church of Merikka.jpg
Villager Map of Church of Merikka.jpg (272.8 KiB) Viewed 3969 times
Church of Merikka Map.jpg
Church of Merikka Map.jpg (120.13 KiB) Viewed 3968 times
Another obscure figure stammers, "I-If we are to wait to secure the roads... when will you go to the Church, good sirs?"


Actions?


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Status: Magic:
  • Protection from Evil (Pelias): -2 to AC and +2 to saving throws against evil, in a 10 foot radius around Pelias.
Resources:
DM:
The Horror at Briarsgate (1e): Lovecraftian Gothic Horror (N1, homebrew)
Lost City of Eternity (1e): Hyborian Age Sword and Sorcery (B4, JG102, homebrew)
Once and Future Earth (1e): Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Dungeon Crawl (X1, B1, ASE1, homebrew)
Sauron Victorious (1e): Dire Saga for the Fate of Middle Earth (homebrew)

Player:
Agax Gryyg: Gamer of Urth, Ravenloft
Azoth Al-Aziz: Lovecraftian Cultist, Tamoachan
Blodget: Foolish Young 9th Level Hobbit, Dark Clouds
Dredd Doomsmith: Dwarven Deathtrap Engineer, Tomb of Horrors
Elijah Crowthorne: Marooned Prophet, Pirates
Jack in the Green: Ancient Child, Giants
P.T. Codswallop: Larcenous Impresario, Dimwater
Sir Ugghra: Bestial Half-Orc Aristocrat, Brotherton
Swilbosh: Savage Lizard-Warrior, Keep
Tantos Vek: Failed Paladin, Under Streets
Ulfang Chainbreaker: Barbarian Liberator of Slaves, Tharizdun

DM bio is here.

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#286 Post by Zhym »

"This church sounds like a fortress," says Grothnak. "Many would die if we attacked openly. Is there a"—the Uruk closes his eyes and shakes his head, unable to believe he is about to suggest this—"sneakier way in, even if it is by the front door?"

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#287 Post by Grognardsw »

Grey Mouser, thief

"Stone? Tough to burn," mumbles Grey.

Then distinctly answering the indistinct man: "I do not know the charges, but our friend is innocent."

"Perhaps there is an underground tunnel to the church? We have some experience in the depths."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#288 Post by hedgeknight »

Ingrid Esthof

"Could we somehow disguise ourselves, maybe as pilgrims, and approach the church by daylight, entering through the front doors? If not, we should wait until evening when we can search the perimeter for a concealed entrance of some kind. In the meantime we could check on our jailed companion."
Winter is coming...

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#289 Post by Starbeard »

Moogeye Comcra, monk

Moogeye takes a moment to peer down into the cellar to view the sketched map. "If we had access to magic that could open doors, entry would be simple; we wait until the very early hours and enter with weapons drawn. I have no doubt, however, that there are caves that will allow us a more stealthy entrance. They will be hidden beneath a building we have not yet searched, probably one not far from the temple itself."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#290 Post by ChubbyPixie »

"Could one of the magic-using types turn invisible, sneak in and open the door from the inside?" says Telkis, looking directly at Long Bo. Then turning to Moogeye he says "I believe the closest structure to the temple may be the rundown farmhouse we passed up hiding in to come here. Unless I am mistaken. Couldn't hurt to check it for "secret tunnels," though it seems like a long shot..."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#291 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Bo

I don't think we can wait until nightfall. Every minute that passes us by, they gather intelligence on us and set their traps. They know we are here and they know we are trouble for them.

Are townsfolk allowed access to the inside during the day? Could not one of you fine men simply escort us inside right now?
He looks at the hermit again, still not convinced if the man is of his profession or not.

If there is evidence of wrong doing inside, we will sniff it out and set this curse to the right.

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#292 Post by Inferno »

Day Seven.
Briarsgate. The Abandoned Windmill
(NW of 24)
Early morning. Saturday, October 22nd, 576 CY
Cloudy, damp, cold, misty



Image


Image

The cabal of conspirators against the sinister forces of Briarsgate continues laying plans.

"T-Tunnels? B-Beneath the village?!" gasps one eclipsed farmer. No villager here is aware of any channels under the town.

A tremulous voice quavers from out of the darkness, "I still cannot believe that the Church of Merikka could be involved in these dire matters! If it's true, then we are surely without hope. I was married there! My children were baptized there!"

Above, Moogeye spies movement to the west, at the misty edge of her perception. Two figures, moving south on the road beyond the field of dry, unharvested corn stalks.

"Farmers. Going to the village," whispers Ennis Twaine.

Moogeye can't help but wonder what would happen if they were to set alight the shriveled crops that surround the windmill on every side.

Image

"CAW!" the cry of a crow breaks her thoughts. Sephus lands on the unmoving sailblade of the windmill. "Caw!"

Underground, a concealed townsman answers the adventurers' queries: "Have you not seen? The church's main gate is open every day from dawn to dusk. Tomorrow morning is Sunday services. But you could enter the church as a visitor today. I expect you would be greeted by the clergy.
"...I could bring you there."


"I-I could bring you also," stammers another shadow. "Wh-when shall we go?"


Actions?


Area Map:
NW Briarsgate Map.jpg
NW Briarsgate Map.jpg (82.35 KiB) Viewed 3942 times
One square = 20 feet. 'X' is the windmill. '1' is the figures.


Image


Status: Magic:
  • Protection from Evil (Pelias): -2 to AC and +2 to saving throws against evil, in a 10 foot radius around Pelias.
Resources:
DM:
The Horror at Briarsgate (1e): Lovecraftian Gothic Horror (N1, homebrew)
Lost City of Eternity (1e): Hyborian Age Sword and Sorcery (B4, JG102, homebrew)
Once and Future Earth (1e): Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Dungeon Crawl (X1, B1, ASE1, homebrew)
Sauron Victorious (1e): Dire Saga for the Fate of Middle Earth (homebrew)

Player:
Agax Gryyg: Gamer of Urth, Ravenloft
Azoth Al-Aziz: Lovecraftian Cultist, Tamoachan
Blodget: Foolish Young 9th Level Hobbit, Dark Clouds
Dredd Doomsmith: Dwarven Deathtrap Engineer, Tomb of Horrors
Elijah Crowthorne: Marooned Prophet, Pirates
Jack in the Green: Ancient Child, Giants
P.T. Codswallop: Larcenous Impresario, Dimwater
Sir Ugghra: Bestial Half-Orc Aristocrat, Brotherton
Swilbosh: Savage Lizard-Warrior, Keep
Tantos Vek: Failed Paladin, Under Streets
Ulfang Chainbreaker: Barbarian Liberator of Slaves, Tharizdun

DM bio is here.

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#293 Post by ChubbyPixie »

"So frontal assault, then, effectively," says Telkis. Then, indicating himself and the half-orc: "We won't go unnoticed, certainly not us non-human folk. We'd just as well march straight in. No need to involve any of these good townsfolk. Perhaps another option would be to send in some stealthy types, under cover of darkness, or invisible... or invisible under cover of darkness!... to open the gate and let us in. Just a thought. I'm good either way, I suppose."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#294 Post by Starbeard »

Moogeye

"I do not believe they would make use of elaborate tunnels elsewhere, but fail to provide themselves with an auxiliary exit at the temple. There must be a tunnel leading from one of the other buildings, otherwise their creatures would have no way of concealing their movements."

"But it does not matter. We do not know of the secret entrance, and cannot use it. A frontal assault seems our only option without wasting time. They will expect us to attempt entry at night, not in broad daylight."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#295 Post by Zhym »

Grothnak nods his head at the villagers who volunteered to take the heroes to the temple. "A brave and honorable offer," he says with approval. "But our enemies know us. We cannot pass as pilgrims or travelers any more. Telkis is right. If we go openly to the temple, it will result in battle whether we want it to or not."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#296 Post by OGRE MAGE »

Long Bo hears the voice of his friend and begins climbing up the steps to meet him.

Yes! We should go there right now! The time for subterfuge has past us by. We need to take action and do it now! You folks have risked enough in just meeting us here. There is no need to endanger yourselves any further. We shall act alone!

The constantly ducking man holds out his finger and whistles for his friend as he reaches the upper floor. He nods at Ennis as the crow arrives.

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#297 Post by Grognardsw »

Grey Mouser, thief

"A frontal assault is not my favored approach," says Grey. "Though neither is the idea of going stealthily into the maw of danger - again and alone - which seems to keep happening to me. Does someone here possess magics to help a thief make such an incursion?"

"I would like to rescue our friend Hoom first, trying the jailhouse. Perhaps we can capture that sheriff at the same time."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#298 Post by AleBelly »

Pelias speaks after a long silence. sorry all

"We anticipate conflict, but consider that we may not be met with outward aggression. A plan is needed in case we are met as we were in the Golden Grain. For me, I would ask pointed, direct questions. Bo, perhaps you should pack one of your lizard heads to provoke a response."

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#299 Post by hedgeknight »

Ingrid Esthof

"The longer we delay, the greater the risk that our foes will be able to shore up their defenses against us. While I would like to break our companion out of jail, it is an unnecessary risk at this point. The enemy will not expect a frontal assault in broad daylight."
Winter is coming...

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Re: Chapter 8: Against the Cult of the Reptile God

#300 Post by ChubbyPixie »

hedgeknight wrote:Ingrid Esthof

"The longer we delay, the greater the risk that our foes will be able to shore up their defenses against us. While I would like to break our companion out of jail, it is an unnecessary risk at this point. The enemy will not expect a frontal assault in broad daylight."
Telkis rubs his beard and ponders. "I agree with the first part... still... can we really leave a party member behind? What if it were you? Or me in there? I'm torn, but feel we must try to free Hoom if we're able." He suddenly gets very still. The gears seem to be turning in his head."Wait! Wait... what if... what if... Long Bo, could Sephus carry enough to get a thief's tool, you know, those picks they use, to the jail window? That way Hoom could get himself out of jail and meet us at the, well... wherever we decide to go. We could ...um... include a note." After a moment he adds, "I could ask a weasel to do it, but I'm not sure I've seen any around these parts."

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