DUNGEON ♛ SALAMANCA TEMPLE

[boardmaster]

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.

Comments

[moreasleep]

[He heard more coming and he knew he could not keep fighting them off. He quickly scanned the area for a way out. With one strategically placed shield, the sword bounced off it, leaving the monster vulnerable to attack. Yet he did not. He uttered a spell that surrounded the creature in a barrier. This time, the shield seemed to burn to the touch, keeping the lizardman trapped inside.]

Stay close.

[There was the stairs. Now they just needed an opening. He threw the torch at one of the oncoming monsters. That helped distract them and create enough time to get moving. He ran, using the shadows and gory tables as cover to escape. As he ran, the sound of screaming became louder. They were close, but he could not find who was screaming. There were only rats, monsters, and them. Was it a ghost?]

Go. Go ahead.

[He waited for Zelos to go up the stairs first. He planned to cast a barrier in the stairwell to keep the monsters from following them up.]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Zelos's gaze shifted between the stairs and Rory for the briefest moment. He wanted to tell Rory to stop wasting his mana on these small fry. Whatever his magical stamina might be like in his own world here in this one their reserves were far more limited. And they had no idea how long it was going to take to find this core or what challenges lay inbetween.

--Rather than say anything he ran up the stairs. If Rory grew tired he'd just have to handle things. Even a place like this... If he put his mind to it there was nothing he couldn't manage with his own strength. Overconfidence ftw. At the top he found himself back in the nave they'd first entered by. Except it wasn't so empty now.]

...If I let him handle this he's going to get hurt. [Great.] Well. Let's get started ♪.

[Drawing a knife he circled around the perimeter of the room, making sure the lizardmen prowling between the pews saw him as he went. They immediately began to stalk after him. When Rory reached the room he'd find Zelos being cornered by a gaggle of the creatures, the pit they'd originally fallen down behind him and growing closer as he edged back towards it.

For all that it looked bad there was only calm calculation on Zelos's face. He could solve this in one moment and clear the room. All he needed to do was lure these monsters into falling down the trap. That drop was no joke and should certainly be enough to stun the lizardmen and keep them out of Rory and Zelos's hair for a while.

A push from behind probably wouldn't be remiss in helping the beasts on their long way down.]

[moreasleep]

[He was well aware of the limits he had here. By using the area and casting only small shields and barriers, he did not waste much mana in the time they had been down here. He raced up the stairs. Panic spread through his chest when he did not find Zelos nearby.

Where's that idiot? he thought.

Once he saw him, he moved quickly. He had seen what Zelos did to soften the fall, and judging by the look on his face, he had some plan. That was no reason to leave all the danger to him, though. When they were in position, he tripped the lever that fastened a chandelier and ran to them. It was too far to the side of the group to hit anyone, but he was not looking to crack open a few skulls. When it came down, he pushed it with everything he had, shoving the heavy structure into the group.

That knocked a number of them into the pit, through a couple were quick enough to either grab onto the chandelier and hang precariously over the gap, or jump out of the way. The chain creaked, not made to handle all the weight of the lizardmen. It would not take much to snap it entirely. Alternatively, a hit or a stab, to their claws would make them let go.]

[glorifiedtrash]

[The sudden chandelier drop had Zelos's eyes glancing up and he quickly threw himself to the side. Well. That was one way to handle things. Rolling over he grabbed a dropped axe from one of the lizard men and threw it at the chain with far too practiced accuracy-- it severed with a spark of metal. The chandelier fell down to the labryinth below with shrill hisses that became ominously severed in the crash of glass.]

You took a long time.

[Whether it was an admonishment or an observation who knew. Rolling to his feet Zelos grabbed a dropped lizard man sword and threw it at one of the few who'd managed to dodge the chandelier, pinning it to a pew like a bug.]

[moreasleep]

[No!!

He lunged, half of his body going over the gap as he pointed his knife down. One small shield was all it took to change the chandelier's trajectory, and another small shield sent it rolling away from the group of panicked lizardmen. He heard glass shatter, but he could not check to see how the group below were faring. One of the remaining monsters quickly approached with his sword at the ready. Apparently, saving his peers was not enough to earn his sympathy. Rory kicked at his leg and sent him tumbling back. When he grabbed his tail to throw him over the gap, it instead came off and writhed in his grasp.

He shouted in disgust and threw it in the face of another lizardman. Blood splashed in his eyes and he flailed blindly, crashing into his tailless partner and sending them both falling over the gap. Well that, actually worked out quite fortunately. Now it was just them and the lizard stuck to the pew.

…

Rory rushed to him and put his hand over the reptile's mouth. He was still breathing, but he was weak. There was still time. He pointed his knife at the wound and began healing. So far, he had been conserving mana, but that was impossible for treating a wound like this. He did not hold back. As he concentrated on stopping the bleeding, he tried to get the sword out.

He did not utter a word to Zelos. It was as if he did not even exist.]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Zelos didn't stop Rory. He'd already understood this from the man's actions downstairs. Holding his knife he weighed his options. He could just murder the creature. He was sure that's why they'd been set here. As a test. As a blood sacrifice. As something to bring pain and suffering. His hand tightened around the hilt of his weapon. ...It seemed two years was not enough time to lose his anger. He truly was...a terrible Chosen. Someone who just couldn't forgive.

Coming closer he grabbed Rory's shoulder and shoved the man roughly out of the way. It only took a moment to strip off a glove and use it to bind the lizardman's hands together.]

O sacred powers, save this wretched soul and grace it with your mercy.

[A circle of green spread across the floor beneath the three of them, an wind picking up around them with a touch that healed and refreshed. This was going to leave him tired. It was a stupid price to pay. But he grabbed the hilt of the sword and ripped it the rest of the way out, trusting the magic to take care of the worst. Once he had it in hand he stepped back, head hanging.]

Get him the hell out of here.

[It'd be a good plan considering how murderous Zelos's voice sounded right now.]

[moreasleep]

[His shoes scuffed the floor as he stepped back. The look in his eyes as he held his knife tightly made it clear he was ready to turn on Zelos in an instant. He may have been ready to kill, but Rory was not.

Yet he did not kill. He watched closely as Zelos healed the creature and removed the sword. As furious as he was, he knew better than to yell at him for the moment. He looked at the lizardman and tipped his head, leading him away.

The monster's anger had faded and, though bound, showed no signs of malice. Still, Rory kept the bindings on. He bore no lofty fantasy that an act of kindness could change everything for the better. It was only due to sheer luck that this monster wished to repay them. When they were out of Zelos's sight, the lizardman stopped. He reached to give Rory something.

It was his smelly loincloth. Because, you know, everyone was clamouring to get their hands on warm lizard loincloths. Rory slapped his forehead.]

Put that back on!

[The monster hissed and covered himself again. Clearly, Rory had no appreciation for haute couture. Instead, he went to a Gladia statue and pushed the foot up. It was hiding a switch underneath. He activated the switch and a hidden door behind the altar opened. His debt repaid, he walked to the basement.]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Zelos didn't move at first. He was angry. More angry than he'd been in some time. No-- that wasn't true. He was livid. He didn't understand what was happening. The more time he spent in this world the more it seemed he couldn't keep his feelings contained. All that overwhelming guilt and self-hatred that normally kept him so docile didn't apply here.

Without really thinking it through he joined Rory by the statue and-- unless Rory had some quick moves Zelos wasn't holding back with his slap.]

You arrogant son of a bitch! Don't you dare try to "protect" me ever again! I'll accept your pompous ass this one time, but after we get out of here I had better never see your face again. Got it?

[He was mad. That Rory had forced this no kill vow on him. Hadn't even asked. Had attempted to do something he was too weak and too stupid to do and now Zelos was left with the mess of it. All at the same time being expected to please Rory's insufferable pride. He was not Rory's doll to screw around with as he pleased. He was willing to accept a lot of things, more than most any other person alive, but from someone who was the same as him, who should have understood, he refused.]

[moreasleep]

[He never trusted Zelos from the moment they met. His guard was up when he heard him coming. Though he had thought Zelos would go after the lizardman, he was ready and leaned out of the way when he saw the slap coming.

He looked down on him the whole time he shouted in his face. It was not the first time it happened to him and experience told him it was pointless to enter a screaming match, especially here when he needed to conserve energy. Despite what was said, it did not shake his resolve to protect him as long as they were in this hellhole. Zelos may be an insufferable asshole, but he was fooling himself if he thought he could do this alone.

Between the insults, Zelos had proposed a most enticing deal. He did not want to see him again either. He leaned back and nodded his head.]

Got it.

[He went through the previously hidden doorway. Nowhere else to go but up, it seemed.]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Zelos didn't follow immediately at all. Rather he stayed in the nave, hand covering his Cruxis Crystal. What the hell was going on... His fingers curled around the stone. He couldn't feel it-- his soul. He couldn't control his emotions. What was he doing?

You do not understand your own heart. His fingers tightened. Thunderland had said that to him. At the time he'd scoffed. But now he was beginning to wonder... Just what the hell was this world doing to him? It was...frightening.

Only when he felt he had some control did he finally follow. A good ten minutes later, but he didn't care. If Rory was alive, dead-- the man was welcome to deal with his own problems. ...And that, too, wasn't like Zelos at all. What was more he knew it wasn't like him. Heh... Maybe the monsters weren't the real monster in this place.

Going through the doorway he found the next room, a purification chamber of some kind. Two heated pools with leaves floating gently on top. Beyond them was a pair of doors with an intricate design. Almost like teeth.

And Rory...?]

[moreasleep]

[During that time, Rory had long since explored the area. By the heated pools, he left a message warning Zelos not to enter the water. With the trap on the ground floor and everything that was in the basement, he doubted the pools were any good. After throwing in one of his dried snacks and seeing something eat it, that confirmed his suspicion. There was a narrow barrier next to a wall going over the pool, creating enough surface space to walk on.

When Zelos came up, Rory was at the next door. He crunched on the dried beans that he had stored in his pocket to regain some mana, though he winced with every mouthful. He heard the breathing and knew what this door would do. A simple shield should work here as well, but he waited for Zelos first.

He watched Zelos the moment he came up. While he never fully understood the man, now he was more unpredictable than ever. In a place like this, that could be fatal for either of them. He gripped his knife, prepared for the worst.]

[glorifiedtrash]

[Zelos didn't need Rory's note nor did he even glance at it. Striding across the room he didn't even glance at Rory and went straight to the door. It opened its jaws immediately to take a bite out of him, but he shoved the sword he'd acquired between its teeth instead. All it took was a moment to step through and yank the sword after him.

He'd leave it up to Rory to get through on his own.

The next room was a sight, some sort of treasury. But as Chosen it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before. There was nothing impressive here. It took him a moment to decipher the ancient language on the pedestal, but he'd run into this language in the Grand Library before. It wasn't that far off from angelic. ...The snakes crawling out of the statue's face was a nice touch. Raising the arm with his small shield he quickly bashed several, stunning them. It only took a moment to tie them together into a nice necklace of neatly lined up snake heads and offer it to the altar, side stepping the rest of the snakes like a waltz he'd done all his life. Because he had. Literally and metaphorically.

A grating noise filled the room, the statue turning on its pedestal to reveal a staircase up. Still not waiting for Rory Zelos paced up it into a room with a young woman. ...She had to be the one responsible for the revival of this temple. Or...? She turned to look at him, a strange and vicious smile spreading across her face.

A murderous smile. Well. He had a sword now-- short of God there was nothing that could stop him. He calmly assumed a fighting stance as a large snake burst through the wall.]