Sitting in my room in Red Wood, honing my beloved Battle-axe, I thought about the proceedings of the past days. After killing the semi-humans, we had waited for Hats and Zuhaidt to overcome their paralysis. They were too heavy to carry and we were a bit laden with equipment and treasure to do so. We left the lair of the creatures and headed N with a full party until we came to an E-W corridor. As we walked E, we came to a singed door on the S side.
Alf opened the door and came upon a small space with graduated steps leading up a few feet. On the right side was a huge dial on the wall with 1-35 and to the right a set of carved numbers - a form of cypher. My colleagues were extremely excited to work out the puzzle. They did so on the second attempt – fortunately the first failure set off no traps. A door slid open revealing a plinth with a fellow dwarf lying on it in glorious mail, holding a warhammer in his hands – the walls were decorated with scenes of fierce combat and predated whatever chaotic presence had taken over this place. A small chest lay on the floor. “Trap” yelled everyone at each other. I sought to lasso the warhammer as a test, on my second attempt it fell to the ground and a hissing sound emanated. The door was promptly slammed shut by my friends and I was left dreaming of what treasure of my people I might have missed. We spoke of returning later, but didn’t.
We continued E and after 20 feet found another S door. As colleagues pondered over it, Alf and I looked behind us and noticed a strong irregularity in the passage, a secret door N. We went into a short dead-end corridor, while our friends wandered further E. We soon noticed the outline of another hidden door. Alf was keen to slay a higher level undead and lift his geas, our purpose for still being here.
We called to the party and they returned to our location. We opened the secret door and found another dwarven burial room, with two plinths but it was unfinished. I stepped past them to another door leading N. It opened onto a 30x20 room with a bricked-up wall to the W and, more importantly 5 doors around it, each surmounted by a monstrous snake skull. As Rarder, Alf and I were contemplating them, 3 doors on the W and NW side popped open and 9 undead figures flowed forth, to our surprise. All wore clerical gowns and two wore the remains of miters on their heads. Alf took some wounds as we fell back into the dwarven burial room to reduce the odds against us. Koko came up behind us and turned 2. I slew my opponent while Alf and Rarder switched places so Alf took the rear rank and less risk. Rarder purposely defended only, allowing Alf to strike safely at the mired being. After a turn, he slew it and felt a rushing of energy uplifting him as the geas left! I hewed my mitred opponent and the rest were mere grist to our mill, we slaughtered them.
Searching the remains, we came across a longbow with a gorgeous quiver and superbly crafted arrows. Koko notice one of the bodies wore immaculately fresh-looking sandals and packed them away with glee.
There followed a short discussion as to what to do. I was for going back to the Dwarven chamber, some were for exploring a bit further but Alf and Rarder wanted to leave this cursed place.
We retraced our steps with little difficulty and made our way to Red Wood, with little difficulty. On our way we did notice the sound of groaning, creaking and then snapping trees some ways off in the distance.
So, here I am, no worse for wear but for minor wounds. I feel more confident in my abilities and am eager to try out the vial of Treasure Finding I came across. But first a good break!