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

Part Two - Cooking with Monsters: Dungeon Edition

[forbothofus]

[ Following a hectic battle, the last salamander slides out of the mana pool. The deaths of its’ fellows doesn’t seem a bother when there are tasty people near. (More food for him! The chomping door will be jealous.)

Emil drags a sleeve over his forehead and licks his lips. He steps carefully over one of the lava-hot corpses and holds forth a rusted iron sword with a heavy slab of fresh salamander meat impaled on the tip. For someone about to cook over a monster’s mouth (and teeth, and fire), he seems quite self-assured.

The salamander exhales flames and lunges forward. Emil leaps away from the searing heat, keeping the sword stretched out. The steak sizzles in the licks of flame. The salamander waddles closer, now eyeing the steak with as much interest as the boy. ]

Could you distract him? Make him turn around so I can reach his tail?

[ Emil asks his teammates. Not like he’s never done this before, but the tail flame would be a lot easier! ]

[impulsives]

I can't believe I'm actually doing this kind of extreme cooking.

[ It's not a grumble of annoyance, but just a sort of 'i'm still getting used to this shit and it's getting weirder what the fuck' statement that came from Shinn. Still, he's going to try and awkwardly maneuver to get the Salamander pinned down so they can actually cook the meat.

So he's going to just distract it by poking its back with the sword he gained from the lizardmen earlier. ]

[sunderings]

[ Extreme cooking, Shinn says with a much too serious expression, and Sion cannot help but laugh, silvered and light as he keeps watch from the ledge of one of the pools, taking full advantage of the holy water and its mana replenishment boon, now that the flood of salamanders has been quelled. Or rather, quelled save for the singular beast which is now far less of a salamander and much more of a gaslit stove.

(His smile, after that, is a private one.) ]

Enjoy the experience, it is likely one you will never happen upon again. Besides... [ He looks to Emil, then, confident that the younger man will continue to evade any and all close encounters with the salamander's breath of flame. ] ...cooking with companions a heartwarming activity.

[ Just as it could easily be a scalding one, which is why, despite all appearances, he is at the ready, able to cast healing magic if some manner of mishap should come to pass. ]

[buildyourworld]

[ Unlike Sion, Tieria is only using the water to clean off the blood in his hands and sword, before noticing the mana replenishment property of the water. No wonder his mentor is hanging around one of those pools.

Trusting Emil and Shinn to the salamander roasting, he'll just keep watch just in case any more surprises leap out at them. He doesn't bother with the cooking since it's something he's told never to try by his family, but even he chuckles at Shinn's comment. ]

This is not a camping trip, Sion [ ...what cooking with companions often entail. ]

Be careful of the tail. [ He warns Shinn, as he tends to a ragged cut on his thigh, cleaning it quietly as he grits his teeth. One of the salamander managed to swung it's tail at him, cutting him with the spikes on its' tail. Luckily, he has the sword from earlier, so it has died as quickly as its' ambush when Tieria stabbed it right through it's gut and sliced it in half.

Most of the fight in this room had been physical since the salamanders made it almost impossible to remain stationary in one spot long enough to cast a spell. Which is why this room is now a bloody mess... ]

[forbothofus]

[Under normal circumstances it is a comaraderie building exercise (especially when something catches fire or explodes and you find out who is most efficient with water magic.) Right now, it's a test of reflexes. Fortunately that brief dip in the mana pool revived his mana resources, which Harvest had depleted during the last ambush. He’d still be soaking up mana, but he volunteered for the dangerous job – as usual. Perhaps he is getting a bit overconfident… but from what he’s observed of his teammates, he trusts they’ll step in if called to.

The salamander snorts out smoke then twists around to snap at the sharp instrument digging into its back. Emil dodges the swing of the tail then holds the steak over the tail flame like a camp fire.

He refrains from talking so as not to draw attention, and he can spare only a nod of thanks to Shinn. His hands are getting slippery as the heat is starting to affect him. But the steak just needs a couple more minutes… the door won’t mind if it’s rare, right?]

[impulsives]

[ Urgh, why does everything here has to literally stink. The Salamander's breath is just as bad as the stench of the lizardmen, probably worse considering there's a high chance of him being burnt to a crisp if he's not really careful. Still, Shinn isn't complaining, the sooner they can get to feed the goddamn door, the better. Though, there is one question he has in his mind considering he wasn't exactly paying any attention to the briefings. ]

Say, where are all the others anyways? A bunch of us entered around the same time, and so far it's just been the four of us right now.

[ He knows it's a phenomenon from that short briefing at the beginning, but it's been bugging him now that it's a bit more quiet after all the fighting they've done. ]

[sunderings]

It is nothing if not an anomaly, the place which we've entered. [ —Sion's voice rings, airy and light, clear as a bell as he shifts closer to Tieria, aware of the injury which the man tends to on his lonesome. Had his ward truly thought the wound might escape his eyes? It is a jagged cut, likely to take to infection if not properly cared for, and for all that Sion seems light of heart here, in this moment, he is aware of their blood-soaked surroundings, the ages of grime to be found in the temple, and Tieria's own discomfort.

Healing magic is quick to find his hands, his mana, newly restored, poured into a beautiful gesture which encourages skin to knit back together, and another which sees pain soothed. These are little things, but the cut closes over soon enough, and more than the Hero King would care to admit, in this realm it is this manner of restorative spellcraft which comes easiest to him. ]

When we raised our weapons, calling for summons to the temple— [ A gentle hum upon his lips, he surveys Tieria's new-found lack of injury with a discerning eye, and finding himself satisfied, he returns to skimming his hand over the surface of the holy water, golden eyes flitting to the company's up-and-coming chef-duo. ] —we were likely partitioned accordingly by the entrance itself.

[ Giving pause, he wonders if he is not the only one familiar with walking the spaces and voids between worlds. ]

The others, whom we did not stand side by side with, are undoubtedly facing their own set of trials.

[buildyourworld]

[ It's not like he intends to not treat the wound but he simply wants to clean it first, even if it's probably not necessary for magic healing but he's so used to it that it's the first thing he thinks of when dealing with it. ] Thanks... [ Still, he's grateful for Sion's help, watching as his wound closes painlessly, slightly quicker than it would have been on a different person. Where the wound was, is nothing, except angry red skin that would eventually fade away into nothing. Although the wound was horrible, it left no scar on him. It's as if he hadn't been hurt at all... ]

Shinn, stab the tail in place. [ It sounds a lot easier said than done but Tieria has seen the boy's reflex and is fairly sure he could do it with some effort. Even though he's watching, it doesn't mean he's not worried about their safety.

The topic has him contemplating something. He has been wondering why they haven't seen anyone else that enters the dungeon and has for now, assumed they entered from a different entrance. ] That or this temple is larger than it appears and the others might have been transported into a different location. It'll be troublesome if they're in different dimensions, [ This would answer Sion's question of whether he's the only one who is familiar with spaces and voids between worlds, although, not entirely in the same sense or discipline. ] some of them are not capable in combat... [ Now he's beginning to worry for Lapis and Marie (although he's sure Soma would likely make sure they're fine). ]

[forbothofus]

No, don’t pin down the tail. [Emil interrupts hastily, as someone who learned the hard way to never grab a monster with a flexible form by the tail.] Just keep him occupied. One more minute.

[One theory about the team separation matches with his own suspicions. If the dungeon is absorbing mana and existing in its own dimension, it’s possible each team occupies the same space, only in different layers. Such a rift in space is often unstable and dangerous; all the more reason to find the dungeon cores and finish this mission quickly.

He watches as the steak darkens to a handsome brown, well seared on the outside, still raw and juicy inside. Perfect.

Emil steps back and circles around, giving the salamander a wide berth. (His hands are full and he sees no need to kill this final salamander, who after being denied a meal is now nosing the bodies of its' fellows.) Emil nods to his teammates to indicate he’s done, and once they’re ready to leave, he approaches the exit.

The door seems to breathe heavier in anticipation, and a warm gust greets Emil as he stands a couple of yards away. First, Emil reaches into the pocket on his belt where he keeps pet biscuits. He tosses one into the gaping maw. Sure enough, the teeth snap shut over the biscuit, crushing it and scattering crumbs over the entrance.

Emil stands sideways, draws the saber back and with a sharp flick of the wrist flings the steak into the waiting doorframe. The teeth chomp down before the meat is even through, and a chunk falls from its’ mouth into their side of the room.

Add x1 Chunk of Salamander Steak to inventory: Yes / No

The teeth remain shut. For a moment. Followed by the door gasping open until its nearly taller than it’s frame and screaming a blast of air into their faces.]

Now’s our chance! Everyone, follow me! [And as if he’s done this before, Emil leaps forward into the doorframe to land safety on the other side.]

[impulsives]

[ You have obtained: A HALF-BITTEN CHUNK OF SALAMANDER STEAK X1 !

Description: A chunk of Salamander Steak left behind by a door that eats pretty much everything. Perhaps it could be used for something else...?

Not one to leave behind an item that can cause a door to react like that, Shinn decided to pick the chunk of meat up, and put it in the satchel he's been carrying around. While his parrot carrier reacted in disgust over it, Shinn p much just ignored it as he followed the others through the door, all the more willing to get this over and done with.

After all, the Salamanders were easy enough, so it should go uphill from this, right...?

Yeah, right. ]

[sunderings]

[ The act of healing a comrade should require no thanks, is the sentiment Sion is certain to convey, though he himself cannot be entirely sure of his own contribution to seeing the wound closed. In the instant his magic had come into contact with the cut, it seemed it had inspired a regenerative property which the other man possessed, the healing process expedited not only by the spell, but by a nameless something more intrinsic to Tieria himself.

It is a curious thing, but now is far from the time to sit in idle contemplation—Emil approaches the exit, tossing first a biscuit, then the salamander steak into the waiting maw in swift succession, and as the door gasps, heaving a volley of air which catches the hair and would have liked to make the eyes water, quite naturally their next line of action is to vault through the still-quivering ring of its teeth.

Ah. Well, it wouldn't be the most (insane) reckless maneuver that the Hero King has committed to before, and so he follows at Emil's behest, taking note of Shinn's pause to gather the remnants of the well-seared steak and mouthing do not get left behind! before...

He finds he needs to regain his footing, for the floor beneath them is no floor at all but a sea of gold coins which makes waves with each and every step he takes, its vastness littered with the glittering treasures of gemstones, ornamental weaponry, and ...wine. Wine, in decorative flasks, one of which Sion lifts from its bed of gold as though lamenting its presence there, among so many treasures destined to go untouched. ]

Shall we make a second offering to the door, so that it might be able to know the happiness of a full meal?

[ Steak, wine, and all.

It is with a light laugh and a chime of coin that Sion moves to proper ground, finding a pathway between the piles of treasure befitting of some great dragon's hoard, though it is troubling to him that there are no enemies in sight, no guard for all the riches before them save for the door. ]

[buildyourworld]

[ Giving Sion another nod of gratitude, he follows Emil's instruction and jumps through that impossibly alive and disgusting door. Right into another room full of treasure of all kind. Dusting his uniform, not that it's helping considering how filthy it is, soaked with salamander blood. Whose bright idea was it to make their uniform white if they're going to send them into filthy dungeons?

Picking up a bottle of what looks like strong wine, he throws it at the door at Sion's suggestion, watching the mouth crashes the bottle for it's content. Can magical door becomes drunk? While they wait to find out, he picks up a satchel of precious gemstone and pockets it, along with a snake amulet in his personal color, hoping to exchange them ( the precious gemstone mostly ) for some colle later.

You have obtained: A SATCHEL OF PRECIOUS GEMSTONE & 1X SNAKE PENDANT ]

There're some gemstone here, probably worth some colle.

[ He starts walking around the room, sword out in case of ambush, looking at the various treasure lying around the room. ]

[forbothofus]

[ Never once has he leapt through a monster’s maw to land ankle deep in coins.

Emil’s feet nearly slip out from under him as his Blanc issue boots slide over the coins. A sharp twist to the side and he throws his arms around a statue of a rearing serpent, legs curling under him and treasure scattering in his wake after the scramble.

Some would be delighted. Emil glares at the coins as if at mud in a bog; he’d rather have his footing than riches. As his companions follow one by one, Emil listens and scans the room for any other movement. Gold is incredibly heavy, but he doesn’t discount the possibly of creatures lurking around the treasure.

Emil lowers back to the treacherous ground and wades forward, trying to maintain contact with the floor. He watches puzzled as some wine in sacrificed to the door. Steak and wine? A rather scorching combination.

The treasure goes unheeded save for its existence as a nuisance, though Emil wonders how much blood was sacrificed to build this hoard. For that reason among others, the treasure has no hold on him and he wanders the rooms, securing the area, without distraction.

Until he steps into a great hall and pauses to gaze into the hollow eyes of the guardian. Emil hesitates in the doorway, taking in the curiosity of the instruments on the pedestal, rather drab and familiar amid all the precious metals. He hasn’t forgotten the possibly of traps, and his suspicions are rekindled. He turns to call to his teammates. ]

I haven’t found an exit, but this room is different.