Deciding against descending the sinkhole, the group turns back towards the main temple. They cross the temple grounds and approach the rear of the complex. As they cross the courtyard, a large frog statue near a pond begins to croak loudly. Encountering a locked door, the group unlimbers some magics and brute force and smashes it open. Beyond lies a long hallway packed with zombies (some carrying glowing candelabras) and beyond them, some capering creatures. There is a brief flurry of spells and the group is forced to retreat. They fall back and regroup, going up the rope for a bit.
Returning to the fray, the group seeks a different exit and enters into a dining hall of some sort. Stairs descend from the kitchen and a large hall lies beyond. A thick sweet smell dulls the mind and causes attention to wander a bit…muscles feel weak and reactions are a bit slowed.. The hall’ s roof is supported by six columns carved to look like stacked frogs. The area is dominated by a large statue flanked by incense belching braziers. As the group enters the room, the columns begin to deconstruct, revealing themselves to be composed of actual frogs – albeit with sharp pointy teeth. Thinking quickly, the cleric produces a ring of fire that starts cooking huge swathes of frogs – mmmm, frog legs!
Retreating, the group descends and enters a large prayer area dominated by a statue. In front of the statue, a large cauldron bubble noisily, heads and limbs floating up and disappearing. Doubling back, the party passes by a series of cells packed with various prisoners. The paladins subject them to scrutiny and singles out a lone individual as evil. Still, the group passes them by…at least they are safe for the moment.
Led by the elf, the group travels through the beginning of hallways. They encounter THE CTHONIC CRYPTS…pan flute splay and goat headed skeletons try to get the party to dance. The cleric and paladins turn them back and no one dances. Who knew that Torm was a Baptist? The investigation continues and the ambiance is somewhat familiar. Coffins line hallways and the place is damp and dreary…
Leave a reply