pawnstorm | DUNGEON ♛ SALAMANCA TEMPLE

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DUNGEON ♛ SALAMANCA TEMPLE

SALAMANCA TEMPLE
20 MARCH (NARCISSA) 2016

Once a grand place of worship for the ancestors of the Alfersa, the thousand-year-old ruins of Salamanca Temple returned to their full glory overnight. However, it also seems to be teeming with ancient reptiles long thought to be extinct. As the Heroes enter, it’s clear that the multilevel temple is a prime example of the artistic achievements of its time. The rooms are lush with plantlife that creeps in between the cracks of marble tiles and statues of Gladia with serpents at her heel, and the walls are covered in paintings and bas-reliefs depicting a famous epic about the Alfersa’s victory over all reptilian creatures.

The majesty of Salamanca Temple almost makes one fact easy to forget: it was most infamous as a site of magic… and human sacrifices.

Our Heroes know that there’s only one way to get out of here: find and defeat the boss!

	Lisbrand I’m sure you’re all aware, to some extent, that in addition to the war with Noir, Blanc must deal with threats within its own borders. These are what we call dungeons, and we only have a basic working understanding of them. Think of them as natural phenomena. Your task is reconnaissance and retrieval of the mana cores believed to be hidden in the deepest part of the structure, but you will likely encounter resistance. [a gesture to her side] Secretary Verdoni has more details about the nature of the structure. Secretary, if you would.
	Verdoni This is Salamanca Temple, a sacred and important site of cultural heritage to the Alfersa. Grand temples such as this were supposed to fill the devout with hope, but the Gladia of old was not always a benevolent goddess. Gladia’s Alfersan cult was infamous for its taboo sacrificial rituals. As a result, this temple is shrouded in frightening rumors and legends. Over the course of its bloody history, many atrocities were committed over the most trifling matters... The most famous is the tale of Moura Serpente. Perhaps you Heroes will have the chance to personally witness the truth behind these hallowed walls.
	Lisbrand Our scouts are incapable of exploring the structure the way this task force can. Therefore, you will be the front line in this mission. Your issued magical weapon will grant you immediate access to the temple once you approach the entrance. [and just to be safe, she gestures again. some of the Blanc soldiers who have tagged along for support functions march their way towards the appropriate door] Base camp will be established just outside the temple, in the event that you need to leave the area.
	Verdoni Which means that the Airy will be here for a while. Once you finish the dungeon, you are free to retire to your quarters. If you don't feel like riding the ship again, then walk. The journey to Caissa on foot will take a week at most. I suggest heading north to spend the evening at the city of Polgar. I suppose walking is a good thing for you Heroes; we will not always have the luxury of air travel.
	Lisbrand We will be breaking camp in the evening to rendezvous with Airy, so if you are not out of the dungeon by that time, you will be walking back to Caissa. [a pause] But I expect a number of you will do so anyway. This country is on full alert, and traveling by foot should be relatively safe inside our borders, but I hope I don’t need to tell you to be vigilant. I will expect all members of the task force back in Caissa by Lathrya 8th. Heroes, move out!

Basic info on the dungeon can be found here. Dungeon mechanics can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙

When you enter the temple, the flooring is surprisingly weak — wait, no. That’s a trap. And those are your screams.

You land in what seems to be the vast and sprawling corridors of the temple’s basement: dark, dank, and full of rats. But it’s more than just that — the smell of blood is thick in the air, and every so often, you might hear cries of agony. Magic circles, dried blood on ornate daggers, and tables with unspeakable tools for keeping mouths shut and human limbs in place… something tells you this is exactly what Verdoni warned you about.

MONSTER ♟ Lizardman
Weak against None	Strong against None	Immune to None
Men cursed to roam Enprise in a LIZARD-LIKE FORM by the goddess Gladia. Some conspiracy theorists say they aren’t cursed. In fact, their kind was the first to inhabit Enprise before the Alfersa arrived on a giant spaceship! But locals will squint and silently judge if you honestly believe this. These ANGRY, ARMORED lizardmen are equipped with BLADED WEAPONS and their surprisingly exceptional prowess in COMBAT. Their TOUGH SKIN and SHARP SENSES set them apart from your average human soldier. If you grab one by the tail, he’ll simply chop it off and grow one right back! But you might want to go ahead and take the risk — in alchemy, LIZARD TAILS are known for their regenerative properties. Their WEAPONS, SMELLY ARMOR, TAILS and LOINCLOTHS may be acquired as loot.

Once you make it back to the first level where the laity worship, you’ll be met with... more lizardmen. But not all hope is lost! Find the switch on one of the many life-size Gladia statues to open the hidden door behind the altar and proceed. The switch’s location may vary for each party.

TWO ♙

Only the clergy may enter the higher levels of the temple. Before they do, they must wash themselves in the pools of holy water that flank the entrance. These pools are so rich in mana, bathing in them will even replenish your own. As you splash around, you realize you’re not alone. Red and black lizard-like creatures emerge from the depths of the pools with eyes alight with fire and smoke blowing out of their nostrils. Looks like they woke up on the wrong side of the bed!

MONSTER ♟ Salamander
Weak against Water	Strong against Ice	Immune to Fire (except salamander fire)
In Enprise, salamanders are not amphibians, but FIRE-BREATHING reptiles the length of crocodiles. They have sticky pads on their feet that enable them to CRAWL UP WALLS and LEAP on unsuspecting victims. We hope your spars with the feathered inhabitants of Airy prepared you for this. When COOKED, a salamander’s MEAT can BURN ANYTHING that consumes it. However, it can only be cooked with SALAMANDER FIRE. It’d be wise to keep one alive to cook the rest. We suggest using the FLAME on the tip of its tail — less teeth and much safer. The SALAMANDER PARTS and MEAT may be acquired as loot.

At the other end of the room, there is a door with… teeth? That breathing sound isn’t your imagination; the door is very much alive and will chomp at anything that gets too close. Time to get creative. Behind the door is a staircase to the next level.

THREE ♙

Among the rooms on this level filled with treasures of wines, weapons, gemstones and gold is a large shrine with an imposing 20-foot tall statue of Gladia, a thick needle, pieces of cord and a scroll rolled out on a raised pedestal. Written in old Chernovian are instructions in poetry that varies for each party: Heroes must make a necklace out of the eyes of snakes and offer it to the statue. Those who did their research will be familiar with this practice: by doing this, you are giving her all your bad luck and having her bless your journey ahead.

You’ll need all the luck you can get because the moment you finish reading the scroll with your eyes, hundreds of snakes begin to slither out Gladia’s eyes, nose and mouth.

MONSTER ♟ Alfersan Snake
Weak against None	Strong against None	Immune to Poison
“Hissss...!” Men who were transformed into snakes by the goddess Gladia. Alfersan snakes are HOSTILE and VENOMOUS, but their powerful venom is also known to create the most potent of antidotes. Some adventurers might hate snakes more than others, but you Heroes can do this much, right? The SNAKE PARTS and VENOM can be acquired as loot.

Once the necklace is complete and offered to the statue, the statue will turn, revealing another staircase to the next level.

FOUR ♙

Men weren’t the only ones punished by Gladia. One thousand years ago, the priestess Moura grew envious of a higher member of the clergy, whom everyone preferred over the selfish, narcissistic Moura. What did that woman have that she didn’t? Consumed by these negative thoughts, Moura transformed the woman into a snake and chopped her into pieces for Gladia, praying that the goddess would hear her plea.

In an instant, Gladia answered: “All your life you have lived a lesser being, so a lesser being you shall become!” With these words, the goddess cursed Moura with a head of full of venomous snakes. Ashamed of her appearance, she locked herself up in the temple to fully devote herself to Gladia. They say that Moura lives up to this day, waiting for Gladia to grant her salvation...

As our Heroes enter a large, circular room at the top floor, they will see a desolate young woman muttering the prayers beautifully inscribed in gold leaf on the walls. Olive skin, pointed ears and amber eyes — there’s no doubt that she is Alfersa. As she raises her head and meets their eyes, she greets them with an eerie, twisted smile.

And so do the snakes in her hair.

BOSS ♟ Moura Serpente
Weak against Fire	Strong against None	Immune to Poison
“You are not from this world. … Ehehe… Ahahaha! Oh! Oh, praise Gladia!” Believing the Heroes to be her divine retribution, Moura wastes no time. At the snap of her fingers, a GIANT SERPENT crashes into the room and slithers to its master’s side. The serpent is strong and quick, and when Moura hops on its back, she is nearly untouchable. Strike its soft UNDERSIDE to get some damage in! “To deliver judgement and receive judgement — that is why I exist. I live for no one but my goddess...” The SNAKES ON HER HEAD are a deadly force on their own: they can extend, retract, and even change color according to Moura’s mood. Moura can also use them to get around. When the snakes sink their teeth into your flesh, their bite can either POISON or PETRIFY. The venom will grant its victim DIZZINESS and NAUSEA. We hope you stocked up on antidotes. The remedy for petrification, however, is A KISS ON THE LIPS. One from your true love won’t have any special effect, but that’s rather sweet of them, don’t you think? PRAYING to Gladia — even if by just talking or asking her for anything — will grant you a temporary RESISTANCE TO POISON. “Why? Why do you listen to their prayers and not mine? … Heh… Gladia did always favor the pretty ones!” If you are PRETTY, Moura with direct her rage at you and chase you down. And if everyone is pretty? She’ll take down the prettiest first. To make matters worse, swarms of ALFERSAN SNAKES begin to crawl over the Heroes to distract you and restrict your movements. Don't fret; the TORCHES in the room will help ward both snakes and Moura away. “My goddess, is this enough...?” When you deal your final strike, Moura appears unharmed. But she falls a second later, sprawled on the marble floor and looking up at the ceiling. Slowly, her eyes close and her chest stills. Is she at peace? A glowing object rises and floats above her chest — your first DUNGEON CORE. MOURA’S ARMOR and TOMES ON STATUS MAGIC may be acquired as loot.

You may exit the temple by going back the way you came or jumping out the hole Moura’s serpent made. Falling to your death won’t be a problem — the giant serpents of the temple see you as their new masters. They will catch you and let you hop off their backs once they reach the ground.

FIVE ♙

Salamanca Temple is in a secluded area, so the Airy is parked at an open meadow. Walking back involves cutting your way south across the jungle and crossing the river. We hope you brought a map and a compass! Both are available for purchase on the Airy. The Airy will leave for Caissa on the evening of the 20th. It will arrive in Caissa on the 22nd.

For those who want to explore, the jungle gets thicker as you head north until you find winding stone paths that lead to the city of Polgar.

LOCATION ♟ Polgar
Although Polgar is a city relatively untouched by Blanc’s technological advances, it remains one of the country's largest urban centers due to its TOURISM. The city is home to the ALFERSA, a matriarchal society similar to that of the Amazons, in which men are often relegated to housework and manual labor. Most Alfersa believe that machines are no replacement for good hard work and prefer to live alongside NATURE, though small clockworks and machinery do exist in certain parts of the city. TROPICAL FLORA blankets Polgar and its architecture. There are many TEMPLES and SHRINES here dedicated to Gladia, Lathyra and Oubliette, all well-kept as the Alfersa are proud of their heritage. For the gods, their faith does not waver. Some of their festivals last entire months, with the celebration moving from shrine to shrine in resplendent procession. Polgar is also a popular tropical GETAWAY; its spas, resorts, restaurants, hot springs and brothels are all well-known and high-class, staffed by beautiful men and women and catering to all preferences.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Okay, so. Like we discussed, we have to be on guard since our offense isn't that great-

[Five seconds into her pre-mission brief and the floor gives away. Okay. This is a great start to the day.

So much for it seeming like they had some handle on things again.

It's dark where they've landed, and the smell of the air is bad- oh, she then recognizes the smell as blood- and she scrambles to her feet as fast as she can, scythe and Carrier at the ready. Her griffon vulture squawks and circles into the air, but she hangs on to the rope secured to its ankle so it doesn't go too far. Oh, no, it's not scared, it's going to look around for things to mess with and she's not ready to risk that yet.]

Is everyone alright?

[Really, maybe she should've expected something like this to happen. It's a creepy, ancient temple, so of course there would be trap doors.

But she was still caught by surprise and she can only grumble in protest once they land, the smell of blood causing her nose to wrinkle. She's quick to get onto her feet as well, glancing around as her eyes start to adjust to the dark - narrowing when she notices daggers and ornate circles scrawled under their feet.]

... I'm alright. Though I doubt we should hang around here for long.

[She considers what she knows of the place.]

Yeah....I think we're supposed to go up, right? So we're going the wrong way- we should get back onto the ground floor.

[Shinoa takes a few brief steps, seeing that everyone's alright. Then...]

Do you hear something?

[ Lord Light might have recognized the possibility of the floor caving in if Shinoa and Lapis hadn't gone ahead and actually fell through it. But then again, relying entirely on his sharp sense for navigation might take them three days to get through the dungeon, so that's that.

He lands on his feet, rolling a little to dissipate the impact. However, he stands a lot faster than he usually moves, grey eyes glowing subtly gold as he tries to reconfigure his vision to be more efficient in low light.

It works... somewhat. ]

We should ascend. There may be stairs, or at least a semblance of one.

[ Vertical climbing isn't really possible right now, given that they don't have the tools. ]

I do. Be alert.

[ He turns, head tracking the source of the sound much like how an owl would. Soon, its source reveals itself - a reptilian biped dragging a rusted wooden door open and stepping into the room where the Heroes are. ]

[Sorry Lord Light, but they aren't slowing down for anything. Especially since this is a place that she really doesn't want to hang around it.

Though she pauses at the sudden glow from his eyes, but then again, this is Lord Light - so the glowing only gets a blink before she nods in agreement with her two party members.]

... There should be. Unless the people here could scale the walls somehow...

[But Lapis quickly falls quiet again when she hears... something. Gripping her ribbons in her hands as she glances towards the source as well. Tensing at the humanoid reptile that steps in, watching as it steps forward and raises it's weapon the moment it lays it's eyes on the group - though Lapis doesn't even wait for anymore than that, instead summoning a tornado to try to knock it off it's feet.

Look, she's not taking any chances and he certainly didn't look friendly anyway.]

From my readings Salamanca Temple has a distinct reptile thing about it.... Lord Light probably knows more, but I- that's a lizard!

[They're.... kind of? Half-lizards? The point was, they could plausibly scale the walls without stairs, but by now that has ceased to be the point. Shinoa hisses a sharp signal to the rest of the group- that is, uh, one person- as Lapis' immediate attack manages to throw it off balance.]

Good job, Lapis! Let's go!

[The lizard recovers its stance by the time Shinoa sprints within striking distance, and its blade CLANGS to deflect hers.]

Snakes. The goddess Gladia favours snakes.

[ His grey eyes never leave the lizardman before him, brows furrowed as he calculates the trajectory of the beast's blade and Shinoa's attack. Lapis' wind buys them time, and it's enough to let him slip a bolt of lightning through the gap between Shinoa's arms and their enemy's body.

It strikes the lizardman's side, enough to disorient it temporarily. Shinoa should be able to take it out soon. ]

... Well, that explains the lizard guy.

[Were normal people turned into half reptiles here or something, then? Whatever, she can think about it later. Right now she needs to make sure that the lizardman doesn't hit anybody.

Lapis waits until Lord Light has disoriented it, before sending another gust of wind under it's feet, the motion setting it further off balance. That should be enough for Shinoa to land a hit without it blocking this time.]

[The monster goes down, and Shinoa stakes it like a sacrifice. Her scythe sinks deep and when she swings it back in a forceful arc, jerking the blade out of her target, it is not pretty.

The teenager only tuts at the blood on her clothes.]

Hhfff.

Okay- door's that way- [She looks up at a sound from beyond the corridor that the doorway extends into.] -and I think there're more of them, so let's hurry!

[ Shinoa can be quite vicious. That, he will take note. ]

We should.

[ He moves now, sure that the coast is clear, but still glances at his companions to make sure they follow. The open door reveals a corridor - quite long, with some sort of light coming from its end. There are doors leading to offshoot rooms, but they are closed for now.

There's a very faint sound of moaning and scraping a few doors down - he picks up on it immediately, expression turning serious. ]

We can investigate, or we can look at something else. What do you consider better?

[Meanwhile, Lapis glances away when Shinoa jerks the weapon out of the lizardman - she has a pretty strong stomach, but she's never really been a fan of violence. But she doesn't seem bothered beyond that, simply nodding as she follows behind the others.

At least the corridor has some light, which is a relief - gold eyes scanning the corridor before she frowns faintly at the noise coming from behind one of the doors. Crossing her arms over her chest as she narrows her eyes at it, humming thoughtfully at Lord Light's words, her eyes glancing between him and Shinoa as she thinks.

She's been in enough creepy places to know that weird, creepy noises behind closed doors = bad things.]

... In my experience, investigating that sort of thing led to seeing something really unpleasant and then getting attacked. Though if we ignore it, whatever is in there might suddenly jump out to attack us.

Well said, Lapis!

[Shinoa nods approvingly at Lapis' analysis of the situation; for once she has a sensible team, and it feels so good. Having no dumb teammates trying to rush headfirst into a fight is such a liberating experience.]

Hm- I'd rather not get jumped by those things from behind when we're further in, but it's not good to waste too much time here either. If we can block the door.... with a wooden plank or something so it can't open.... we can do that?

[She approaches the door, listening intently. It didn't sound like anything more dangerous than more lizardmen.]

TEAM "WHAT IS OFFENSE" | Lapis, Lord Light, Shinoa

1. Entering the dungeon

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2. Dungeon Exploration

3. Boss Fight

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