Later, that same day... (2 Winterswax Year One)
We reached our destination, though we took a different route. Apparently there was a stairwell that my fellow adventurers had discovered on their last expedition to these halls, and they voted to go there, not follow the trapdoor the Gormites wanted us to take. For the record, I voted for the trapdoor. I just hope these people are not going to backstab the Gormites. There’s still talk of that.
But I am getting ahead of myself. As we descended the stairs, we found the floors covered by sand. From the chatter I gathered that this is new. Something happened here since our group was here last.
As we followed the corridors, we were set upon by large ape-like creatures swinging bones as clubs. Being in the rear, I held the line until the more experienced adventurers managed to shuffle to the back. We dispatched a few of the brutes, which sent the others running. We considered giving chase, but decided it was not worth it.
After the battle, I was asked if I had a magic weapon. Of course I do not - just my old trust warhammer. Without many words, I had a short sword handed to me. Apparently, it is called Tepe’s Mirror - and it reflects only vampires. But a sword? A sword?! I know, I know. Tharok allows us to use all weapons, but it’s not what I am used to, or comfortable with. But who am I to refuse a useful tool for the battles ahead?
We followed more corridors and met some bird-like people. Men wearing bird-masks, that is. The squawked and danced, and seemed to mellow out when Simon imitated their behavior. They started to walk ahead of us.
We came across the remains of some gargoyles, apparently remains from an earlier expedition.
The amount of sand increased as we walked deeper into the complex. It’s everywhere. I find this a little worrisome, but my companions seem unconcerned, including the dwarfs. I guess I should trust their judgment, but unease remains.
We left the weird bird men at a junction that had a pit trap known to my companions. The bird-worshippers wanted us to follow them, but we had a clear goal in mind and did not. I wonder what they want from us.
We then reached a large underground temple, dedicated to a heathen and evil god, no doubt. It had pillars and pews, and one large altar in what I assume is the center of the room. It was fashioned out of reptilian bones, in a twisted mockery of Tharok’s throne, no doubt. Sand was still falling from the ceiling, and there were voices ahead. We soon found out who produced them - a large group of heathens. They identified themselves as “followers of malachi”.
There was a short conversation, but the vile heathens harbored ill intentions. They ambushed us! It took me a little while to get to the skirmish line, and I must say, I am not used to wielding a blade. I scored some good hits, however, and Tharok need not be ashamed of his acolyte.
The cultists fought to the death, and we obliged them. We did lose one of our own, however, the name of Sidebottomham, one of our dwarfs. An honorable death, and I made sure to give him the proper rites. No matter which god Sidebottomham may have followed, Tharok the Iron Sentinel watches over all who take up arms in noble causes.
Done dealing with the aftermath of battle, we went to the next chamber, where a statue of a large tentacled horror stood. Ominous. But this room turned out to be our destination. A large, truly enormous, number of coins lay strewn about, and we also found some good quality items. A sword with a crimson hilt, a silver and golden chain mail armor, a shield, a scroll case, a cloak and boots, and a wand. We gathered as many of the coins and items as we could. I even went so far as to doff my trusty Plate armor, and donned the chain mail. I hope it is not cursed…
And here we are. I take these notes as the others get ready to depart. It’ll be a long walk back up to the camp outside, so we best hurry.