The Keys of Telku / The Temple of the Apocalypse pt. 21 / Fos the 2nd through the 4th, 3593 CE / 9-13-20

General Summary

As the Adventurers finish off the last of the salamander guards in the altar room of the Everfire, deep in bowels of the Temple of the Apocalypse. they are confronted by the high priest of the Everfire, an efreeti named Areem. Despite his powers over fire, the party are able to lay him low, banishing him back to his own plane. A troop of salamanders arrive, lead by a tiefling named "John." However, John is startled to see the party carries the body of a friend, Waldo Worksong. After some parlay, John learns that Waldo died a hero, and reconsiders his path with the Temple of the Apocalypse. However, waiting in the wings is another figure from the past. Henry's old nemesis Kevin Krupp descends from the high ceiling where he was observing the action. He proclaims himself the new High Priest of Everfire. His mother and ghostly brother Derek also reveal themselves. The party inquires about the book they seek, and Mother Rawneth taunts the party by revealing that she has it in her possession, but Henry quickly challenges his hated enemy, and Kevin responds by flinging a fireball at the altar, which destroys the undead wizard Sargem. The battle is on, but as Kevin descends further to rain fire down upon the party, John joins their cause, growing in size and grabbing Kevin, slamming him to the ground. Now within range of the other's attacks, Kevin is overwhelmed, the killing blow going to Henry, finally gaining revenge for his lost wife and child. A hooded figure appears, one which both Uli and Mother Rawneth seem to recognize. Though it's motives are mysterious, it informs Mother Rawneth that her cause is lost. Mother Rawneth hands over the book, decrying her dead son's impulsiveness that has now lost her access to the Temple of the Apocalypse. But even as she and Derek retreat through one of the secret passages, the party hears the sound of approaching boots. It is the Ancient One, the demigod leader of the vile Horned Legionnaires. He is joined by a cadre of his soldiers and his lieutenant, Lareth the Beautiful. They proclaim themselves masters of the Temple of the Apocalypse, but the hooded figure seems to take exception with this, and she banishes them to parts unknown. In that moment the party receives a horrific vision of a desolate, alien landscape, and a being of incomprehensible shape and size approaching on the horizon. But when the vision passes, the hooded figure retains her humanoid shape and form. She tells her servant Uli that he will be remaining with her for the time being. Uli bequeaths some of his loot from the temple to his fellow Adventurers, and the party finds themselves on the bank of the velvet river where they left their boats. They part ways with Tenser the sorcerer and sail back to Magepoint. On the journey, Adrienne catches sight of a surprising figure in the crowd as they pass through Divvers. Apparently Mother Rawneth's other son, Artimus is still alive. Back in Magepoint, the party receives a hero's welcome, and they decide to spend some time in the town resting and training before deciding their next steps.

Character(s) interacted with

Adrienne Kirk, Moss Cherry-Blossom Quickroot, Roisyll, Henry Skalitz, Jaunzaggoroth, Uli, Tenser, Sargem, Areem, Kevin Krupp, Mother Rawneth, Derek, Tharizdun, Iuz the Ancient One, Lareth the Beautiful, Artimus of Divvers, Cymria of Celadon. Werner Jacks, Jaroo Ashstaff, Vorcan, salamanders, horned legionnaires

Report Date

13 Sep 2020