Chapter Nine: the Ragged Man (a draining experience)

May 8, Temple of Kharad

The Starborn determine to reach the top of the temple and see what the creatures found thus far are guarding. The move through the narrow crawl space and confront the black pudding. Actually, the confrontation was rather simple as Alev stated at the crawl space entranced and dowsed the creature with multiple fireballs . . . no more pudding.

Exploring the upper levels they found a horrid man-beast that attempted to punch Tilk's heart out! A few seconds of swords and sorcery and the creature was down for the count. They then moved upwards another level where they found a coffin marked in ancient script: "The Wisest".

While inspecting the area, and carefully avoiding the coffin, the heroes were set upon by a spectre . . . the same elfin lady that had been following them throughout the temple. The creature laid her hands on Kettle and Tilk, draining each of them of their vitality. A long, hard-fought battle ended with the spectre vanishing in a puff of mist.

Kettle quickly took his vengeance on the creature. He rummaged through the coffin, pulling out treasures and passing them on to his fellows and finally descrated the coffin and the bones of the elf lady in a most . . . disrespectful manner.

The heroes pressed on only to find they could not make it to the top of the temple. A massive sandstone block guarded the way, and had the following inscriptions:

Behind the last seal He rests, who is the Lord of this place. He is the servant of the Master of Life and Death, the Sovereign of the Two Gates. His are the twin powers of golden blessing and silver destruction. Let none approach save the Three who he has blessed as Brides, unto whom he has given the jewels of his kingdom for a dowry. Peace of undying darkness be his for ever and for ever.

The heroes determined to find the rest of the key and come back. Another night of rest may see to healing of Tilk's and Kettle's lost life force.

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