Valiant Swords of Greyhawk: Session 28 - The Fire Temple

 

Our Heroes:

• Sir Kentor (Human Paladin) played by Paladin Steve
• Sir Lantor (Human Fighter) played by Boom Gun Brandon
• The Mighty Xyzzifax (Human-ish Wizard) played by Blaster
• Braeden (Human Ranger) played by Battletech Terry
• Malice (Human Bard) played by Grognard Mike

 The party is level 5-6 at this point. This account is mainly written by Malice. The Cleric and the Mechanist are out this session. We begin on Day 73 of the campaign.

Malice rejoins the group at Hommlet, and we briefly discuss whether we should engage the Earth temple or the Fire temple. As Jaric and Samson are staying behind for a few days to take care of the prisoners, we opt to go and fight what we are expect to be our way to the fire temple. Before our journey, we eat the traditional bowls of breakfast chili, and Braedon tells Malice stories of what she’d missed.

Entering the the temple goes smoothly, and we get to the doors we were wanting to use to start our exploration without running into any denizens of the Temple in transit. We try the doors, and find a small unoccupied room, and a stairway leading down. We don’t take it yet, but it is always good to have another path. Instead, we take a side hallway, that doubles back on itself, but over its length inexorably leads further into the part of the temple where we expect to find the cult of elemental fire.

We get to a door, which with Samson gone, it is Xyzzifax that examines it see if it is trapped. It is not, but then the door’s lock bests the mighty wizard. Malice recommends walking around through the main hall, and try the door that seems to be on the other side of the room. Bubo is sent to check a side passage, where there are a number of objects blocking the hall – a folding screen and hanging lines. At the other other door, the lock once again is more than Xyzzifax can pick, so we go to Sir Lantor and trust in his brute strength. And, the door withstands it! Then, Sir Kentor tries to break the lock, charging with his magic shield. That too is stopped! Even Braedon helping isn’t enough. Finally, Malice has enough of the doors, and casts Shatter on them, to blow door open.

The room has a floor of white marble, and vaulted ceiling sheathed in alabaster. A cloudy crystal substance is set into the northern portion of the east wall. Xyzzifax opens his arcane senses, and the whole of the room has a minor magical effect, but it is stronger where the sheet is. Malice tosses a copper into the room – it clatters to the ground and lays there. And then Braedon shoots an arrow at the crystal, and it doesn’t do much to it. Then, Xyzzifax sends a skeleton in.

As the skeleton approaches the crystal, it glows, and there is a calming sound. Two radiant creatures appear, and can see us. They ask what beings like us are doing in a place like this. Sir Kentor strides in, and says that we are here to protect the land from the evil that is growing here. The angelic beings claim that this place was put here by the gods as an area of respite. While Malice just suspects them on general principle, Xyzzifax’s sense of the magic is that the room is a place of safety, and Sir Kentor can tell that the beings are serious. Xyzzifax asks where they are, and the respond that they are on another plane. Sir Kentor says that they offered aid, and they offer a short ritual enchantment to just might to enhance our weapons – for seven hours. And they can only help like this once per seven days. Xyzzifax asks how much they can enchant, and they say anything in the room. Xyzzifax has the skeletons deposit their bows in the room. Braedon puts in both of his short swords, and a bandolier of three daggers. We put in the spare suit of plate armor. Malice puts in a vial of poison. Sir Kentor puts in his hammer, and Braedon tries to put in all of his arrow, but Malice takes half and gives them back.

We close the door, and wait for the seventy seven seconds that the ritual will take. And then we open the door… to an empty room. “It’s so evil, you have to respect it.” Xyzzifax says. The suit of plate armor and the one of Braedon’s short swords that was magic are the greatest losses. Sir Kentor knocks on the crystal. Malice attempts to cast shatter, and the spell doesn’t go off. Sir Lantor strikes it with his blade, and it bounces off – the blow having no effect. Before we head out, Xyzzifax gives Braedon a magical and a silver dagger, so he can have melee weapons if it is important.

This is one of the more hilarious, triumphant moments of the campaign for me as a DM. Through my clearly amazing DM skills I managed to convince a party with people who have been doing this for 20-30-40+ years (almost as long as I have) to trust strange beings a couple of levels down inside a ruined temple of EVIL enough to leave a bunch of weapons and armor in a room and walk out for the chance of them being "enchanted"! For a few hours! I think the paladin blew his check to look for deception here too which helped. They all kind of knew it was probably a scam but they still left a pretty good pile of stuff. This is one of several very old-school kinds of things that I never expected to amount to much with a group nowadays but it did and watching their reactions was a lot of fun. 

On the possibility of getting more information on the room, we make our way down the side hallway that has some items blocking the path. We push our way past, and come to a sizable room. There are a group of bugbears, and a human sitting in a large and ornate chair. They start by each hurling a multitude of javelins at Sir Kentor, and his magic armor and shield are enough to fend off all but two. Then, the melee is joined, or, as it happens, the missile fire continues with Braedon shooting the armored man, and them continuing to hurl javelins, this time with Sir Lantor taking a hit. And melee waits longer as Xyzzifax lights up the room with a fireball, seriously wounding a majority of the bugbears.

I don't know if we go a single session without a fireball from this point forward unless the wizard misses a game

Malice gives them the opportunity of not quite surrender – if they swear allegiance to Lord Xyzzifax they might survive. She does call out a few to beware of to her allies, and coaches Sir Lantor’s attacks. Then, at long last, melee is truly joined as Sir Kentor then Sir Lantor charge into the room. “Judgement falls upon you this day.” Sir Kentor booms as he swings his new magical blade “Zwei Hinzufugen” at the human in plate, and he too is terribly wounded. And Sir Lantor swings his mighty blade, and kills a quartet of them. That leaves only the strongest bugbear and the terribly wounded leader. The evil leader proves to have a flaming sword, and he slashes Sir Kentor – who is healed by Malice.

Then, the man in black plate takes an arrow to the eye from Braedon, and is slain quickly. A second arrow finds its way home in the bugbear as well. Then, that bugbear makes a run for it, and though Sir Lantor swings at his back, the creature is fast on his feet as he flees. Xyzzifax darts into the room, and to the door where the bugbear had ran. There is another room that the bugbear probably fled into, and though he can’t see the bugbear, he hurls a fireball into that room. The skeletons move up to where they can see him, and throw javelins. Malice races forward just far enough to get a glance at where the bugbear had run.

Hey they were moving fast so I had to draw quick! My lines are usually straighter than this!

This lavishly furnished chamber is lit by many candles that were lit by the fireballs. Tapestries on the walls show travesties committed with fire. An ornate chair is in the room, and a trio of doors on the far wall. Sir Kentor charges after the bugbear, and then does a short range teleport to get in front of the bugbear. Then, he goes to work with Zwei, and the bugbear is slashed as well. Then Sir Lantor charges it, and by the time he is done the bugbear is killed.

Malice presses her friends to keep it going, there is only a limited time left on her magic. Braeden sprints into the room, and gets to the far west door, and finds that it is locked. Xyzzifax sends skeletons to check the other two doors, and finds that they are both locked as well. So, we pause, and search the rooms. We find the bugbears have gold coins on their persons, and the human leader has a gold chain. Then, Sir Kentor sheathes the flametongue sword, and takes it himself. Zwei may end up in somebody else’s hands.

The paladin will use this for the rest of the campaign

Xyzzifax picks the westernmost lock, and Sir Kentor opens the door. It is a smaller room, and Xyzzifax enters and reaches out with his arcane senses. He finds a book that describes the elemental plane of fire, and a bone scroll case with a scroll of protection from fiends within.

Then, the middle door is unlocked by our wizard, and once again the paladin opens it with the warrior watching his back. The smallish room looks like a siting chamber, with a small brass bound chest. A quick check of the chest reveals some worthless garments and some coinage, as well as a potion. Xyzzifax hands what turns out to be magical poison over to Malice.

The process with the door is repeated at the final door, revealing a bedroom, there are boxes, chests, wardrobes, and a desk to investigate. In total, they reveal a partially written note, a sack with gold, an expected amount of clothing and some non magical equipment. Surprisingly, there is nothing magical to be found, but there is an extravagant robe. Xyzzifax finds the red silk robe with golden skulls on its black and sleeves, with the eight pointed symbol of the fire cult embroidered on the front pleasing. He takes it for himself, and puts it on.

Xyz will relentlessly troll the higher-ups of the temple with stuff like this throughout the campaign, taking their ornate robes and wearing them and calling it out regularly. Again, imagine this kind of thing in The Mighty Monarch's voice.

We check the final door before making our way back to the double doors that very likely lead to the heart of the fire temple. It turns out that it takes a long run to the south, most likely part of that long run that Bubo explored some time ago. Xyzzifax sends Bubo down this long hallway, so we can confirm that this is the other side of it.

And so it is time! We head to the double doors that we expect to lead to the grand hallway to the fire temple. We take a few minutes to prepare, and while we’re there we can tell that the hinges are well greased and look to have seen much use. The long hallway to the next set of double doors leading to the temple itself. The temple is huge, and its south side is dominated by an altar and a giant fire pit. Tapestries adorn the northern wall. A brass tube is suspended from the ceiling, and there are stands of brass with charcoal. There are a pair of cauldrons with ladles. Atop the altar is the eight pointed fire symbol inlaid in gold. In the room are two ranks of bugbears, elementals, priests, and even the hill giant.

The fire temple knew they were coming. This is one of the bigger fights of the campaign.

We prepared poisoned weapons and fire resistance, and they prepared for us as well. The fire fanatic moves forward, and unleashes an unholy bolt at Sir Kentor, but his magical shields are too strong. The hill giant flings a huge bag at Sir Lantor. It hits with a thud, and he is covered with a foul smelling goo. And, the bugbears hurl spears at the knights and the skeletons. Only one is able to graze Sir Lantor, another damages a skeleton, and Sir Kentor weathers the barriage unharmed. Malice calls on the magic of her voice to empower the group, as Braedon casts protection from elementals on Sir Lantor. Xyzzifax casts haste on Sir Lantor.

The fire elementals charge, one Sir Kentor and the other on the short line of skeletons. One of the skeletons ignites, and then he continues forward, leaving a trail of fire behind him. And while Sir Kentor fends off the creature’s blows, he is surrounded by a bonfire. One of the clerics moves forward and blesses the Hill Giant, the High Priest, and the Fanatic. Sir Lantor has one of the fire elementals right in front of him, so he tears into it with the greatsword. The damage to to it is evident. But, engaging a being of pure fire is a painful experience, and Sir Lantor’s skin blisters. The High Priest walks forward, calling a swirling orb of fire around himself. His mace bursts into flame, and he looks at Xyzzifax and accuses him of wearing his robe in his own temple!

See?

Sir Kentor drives Zwei into the damaged flame elemental, and disincorporates it. The fanatic attempts to Hold Sir Kentor, and his faith is too strung. The Hill Giant charges Sir Kentor as well, and he is powerful enough to ward off its blows. Then, the bugbears try to close up with us, but the fields of fire created by the elementals make it more difficult for them. Still, they are able to destroy a skeleton. More bugbears throw javelins, and another skeleton is felled. But, the three bugbears that close with the skeletons, but he is able to fend them all off.

Malice casts greater hold on the Hill Giant, and he is paralyzed! Braedon misty steps away from the fire elemental, and puts a pair of magical arrows into it. Though one of the arrows was right dead of center, the elemental is still standing. Xyzzifax takes to the air, and uses the wand of fireballs. They seem more resistant to it than normal, here in the temple of fire. Many of the bugbears are lightly damage, and some take no damage at all. The giant is the only one that seems to take full damage from the fire. Neither the fanatic nor the high priest are harmed at all by the fire. The two remaining skeletons throw javelins at the Fanatic, but its armor protects.

I asked him what he was expecting using a fireball in the Temple of Fire and all and he snarked that it still did some damage

The fire elemental makes a burning charge at Malice and Braeden, but only Braeden is set ablaze. The cleric rushes across the temple, just in time for Sir Lantor to charge the paralyzed giant. He is a blizzard of slashes with the massive blade, and in a fountain of blood and grievous slashes of meat, the hill giant is slain. The high priest walks up slowly. Xyzzifax is too near to the ceiling for the orb of fire to hit him, but both of the Knights and the lone remaining skeleton are within its blaze. Even with the fire resistance, Sir Kentor is fairly damaged, though Malice’s magic does provide some healing. Then, he closes with the high priest, calling forth the judgement of vengeance on the servant of evil fire. And, with a stroke of luck, the blow from Zwei finds its way home.

The Fanatic closes with the Paladin, swishing a glowing, curved dagger in an intimidating manner. The bugbears charge in, except for a pair that throw javelins at Xyzzifax. He casts shield, and in the instant is protected. The bugbears continue to fail to be able to get through the Paladin’s defenses, but one is able to hit Sir Lantor. But, he parries the blow, so only is left with a strained wrist. But, a skeleton is destroyed by their effort.

Malice checks with Braedon to see if he can handle this fight with the elemental. He says yes, so she turns invisible, and moves into position to be able to lightning. Braeden casts protection from elementals on himself, and moves back to give himself range. Xyzzifax drops to ground level, and sends a lightning bolt across the back rank of enemies – hitting the High Priest, the Priest, the Fanatic, and two bugbears. Those bugbears are badly damaged, and the shock was enough to break the priest’s concentration on the bless that he had been maintaining. More than that, he is bloodied as well.

At least someone was thinking. With two arcane casters in the party it was bound to happen ...

The fire elemental streaks through the last skeleton, destroying it, and clubs at Sir Lantor from behind, and then engulfs him. Sir Lantor is on fire! The cleric drops back and attempt to cast Hold on Xyzzifax, and he simply counterspells the attempt. Sir Lantor fights his way to the High Priest, deflecting blows from the bugbears. The priest fights like a demon, but Sir Lantor lands a blow, and the man is looking wounded. More than that, the orb of fire around him is disrupted. Then, in a burst of action Sir Lantor pushes through all of the enemies, putting distance between himself and the fire elemental. The High Priest swings at Sir Lantor with his burning hammer, but both of the blows are blocked. Sir Kentor takes advantage of the opening and stabs between the priest’s plates with Zwei.

Sir Kentor pauses for long enough for Malice’s magic to close some of his wounds, then feeling refreshed he lunges with Zwei, and slays the high priest. So much for the priest teaching Xyzzifax humility. The Fanatic screams in rage as his leader dies, and tries to slay the Paladin with a furious storm of blows with the dagger, but he never is able to find an opening in Sir Kentor’s defense. The bugbears swarm Sir Lantor and Sir Kentor, and Sir Lantor ends up somewhat the worse for the wear. One bugbear gets the sword batted to the side, but a second hit manages to bite deeply and draw far too much blood. Visibly whitening, the knight keeps his feet, but he is barely standing.

Malice moves into the room, into a position where she is able to put a lightning bolt through three bugbears and the fanatic. She kills one of the bugbears, and leaves the other two badly singed, and the Fanatic is in poor shape as well. Braeden moves back to where he has a shot on the fire elemental. The arrow finds its mark, and the fire elemental makes a crackling howl. The enemies are just a mass, so Xyzzifax hits them with a fireball. Even with their resistances, the battle had been enough that they suffer massive losses. After its carnage is ended, all but four of the bugbears are dead, as are the Fanatic and the Cleric.

The Fire Elemental engulfs Sir Kentor, and moves to where it can throw firebolts at Xyzzifax. But, this gives Sir Kentor an opening that he can take advantage of, and slashes with Zwei. It is not enough to end the beast, but it is enough to throw its aim off for one of the blasts. The other, though, is enough to slam into Xyzzifax, not only burning him, but lighting him on fire.

Sir Lantor swings at the bugbears. Even with Malice’s healing, he is not looking in great shape, so he is reluctant to go toe to toe with the Fire Elemental. So, he has to satisfy himself with slaying a pair of bugbears. Sir Kentor starts in the blaze caused by the fire elemental, and it is good that he is resistant to fire, because it does not harm him nearly so much. Then, fighting his way past the bugbears, he drives Zwei into the elemental one more time, and that is all that it can take. The fire winks out of existence, naught left but a wisp of smoke.

The fight against the last of the bugbears is hardly worth mentioning. Malice slays one with her poisoned glaive, and Braedon kills the other. And, as soon as they fall, like a flock of vultures the Valiant Swords begin to loot the temple (to be done next session, after which we will withdraw).

DM Notes

After the initial exploration and encounter with the Angelic Beings the fire temple fight was roughly 20 combatants versus the 5 party members and being down the cleric, especially, made it closer than it might have been.  It lasted 5 rounds and took a fair amount of time but everyone had a good time doing it.

And no, they never did figure out what was going on with the Beings and their disappearing items. If you have the adventure you'll know but once they found the fire temple and surroundings they did not go back to investigate. 

You can't always tell in advance what's going to be the fun or memorable parts of an adventure - and that's part of the fun of playing them! I knew this would be a major fight but the window room was a bigger thing than I had expected. 

There is always some RP during combat with our group but the wizard took it to another level here. I don't think that was fully captured in this account but it's not the first time and it will not be the last. The paladin also likes to get in a lecture as he makes a final judgement on an opponent - even if they do not share a common language. Samson being a halfling and punching with magical gauntlets ... well you can guess the comments when he connects, especially when he criticals. The ranger is the cool professional - unless someone gets u on him and then there is a bit more energy as he jumps back and whips out the twin shortswords and gets to work. The cleric gets some words off at times but mostly just charges up the staff of striking and blasts foes out of existence if it gets thick. Malice is the wild card being a) a 5E style bard and b) being played by the most experienced player in the party and c) not having a lot of alignment or honor type rules on fighting fair. She buffs the party much like a 4E Warlord and then looks for a good position to start hurting people .. a lot.

Final observation - I can't believe I didn't get a picture of this fight! I got one of the preamble, but not the main event! I do get better at this as we go.