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

[accordance]

[ He starts dragging himself out when Lapis hacks through the snake's dead body - first comes a hand, then the other - it takes a while, but eventually he manages to sit upright and maneuver himself out completely. His wand is still in his hand, but he doesn't feel ready to stand up just yet. There's blood on his clothes, his hair, but he doesn't seem disturbed by it. What does disturb him, however, is some sort of shift he feels in his vessel.

Having heard part of Shinoa's words, he decides it's worth offering an answer. ]

The venom would be useful if you seek to sell it to scholars. But we already have the most important part.

[ The core, that is. ]

I would advise taking too much of the tithes, however.

[oneirism]

... It's... slowly working. And thank you, some light would help.

[The light of Shinoa's torch helps Lapis to see where to place the sword to keep opening up the dead snake, sighing in relief once Lord Light is able to get out. It's both weird and kind of gross to see Lord Light dragging himself out of the dead body, but at least he seems fine. For now, her worry overcomes her annoyance at him and his stupid plan, but that won't last for long.]

He's right, the venom would probably be something that's sought after.

[Her eyes soon narrow at how Lord Light is still sitting, and she crouches down next to him, not hesitating as she reaches up to wipe away some of the blood from his face as she frowns at him.]

Are you alright?

[scythersergeant]

[Shinoa pauses in stuffing some dead snakes into her bag, noticing Lord Light's reappearance. With a yelp she drops into a crouch beside him and hastily pulls out some mana and health potions from her bag, sending some snakes toppling out in the process.

She'll get that later. For the moment she shoves a recovery potion at Lord Light's face, the bottle already uncorked.]

Drink!!!

[In the background, her vulture has started pecking appraisingly at the giant serpentine carcass. Already looting the corpse, it is.]

[accordance]

[ For a moment, he sort of squints - but he has enough reflexes left to catch the bottle. He doesn't drink immediately, however, looking into the vial and examining its contents.

(Really, he's kind of just buying time.) ]

Thank you.

[ This is said to both the ladies, accompanied by a nod. Then he drinks, but in a odd manner - tipping the bottle so that the liquid can run down his throat without swallowing. He only takes half, though. ]

I need to assess myself. A moment, please.

[ He stands slowly, slightly pinched expression still on his face, holding out his hands in front of him. There are golden patterns on his skin now, similar to circuit diagrams - while they don't glow, they are the same colour as his eyes when he casts. 'Magic overload' is written all over them, metaphorically speaking; but he had been aware of a method to solve that.

After about half a minute, he speaks again. ]

I may need to reset my vessel temporarily; it seems I have casted too much.

[ Basically, he burned so much mana so fast through the dungeon that he's been casting from, well, his body. It's similar to 'cast from HP', except it uses up his internal matter. Which means there's a sort of hole inside him right now. ]

Both of you, I ask that you leave the temple as soon as your business is done. I will meet you... outside. Hopefully in a short period of time.

[oneirism]

[Now that all the fighting is over, Lapis' fox carrier quickly moves to press against it's master, Lapis' hand resting soothingly against it's back as she watches Shinoa shove the potion in Lord Light's face. At least he drinks it - even if the odd manner in how he does so causes her to blink. But then again, he doesn't really need to eat or drink anything.

Her brows furrow as she waits for him to assess himself, frowning even more at how gold patterns appear along his skin. That... really doesn't look good. And it causes her previous annoyance from before to quickly resurface.]

... Reset your vessel? What does that mean?

[Something about his words really doesn't sit well with her. Her voice is flatter than before, even as she keeps gently petting her carrier.]

Is this because you pulled that stupid stunt before?

[scythersergeant]

It's probably because of that stupid stunt. [Shinoa is on Lapis' side here.

At Lord Light's words her eyes narrow, catching onto the suspicious phrasing of it. He'll meet them outside? What is he going to do now?

Markings on the skin tend to be a bad thing, from experience. She scowls, waits for him to recover himself, then snaps in her best Authoritative voice. It's pretty good.]

We're not meeting you outside, you look like you need to be carried out.

Lapis, can you contact Lisbrand or Verdoni through Carrier? We might need assistance tending to him while he re-calibrates himself or whatever.

[accordance]

[ If this was any other situation, he might have actually stopped to argue/explain to them, but he's almost out of mana and he's not sure if the structure can be repaired. ]

It is not 'stupid'. I calculated it to make minimum casualty for the both of you. I apologize, there was not enough time to convey.

[ But he's reacting to that word for only two more seconds, because it's really not important right now. ]

Carrying me out will not solve the problem. I do not think anything else can, other than my own efforts. [ He knows himself best. ] This body of mine, it is not something that you will be familiar with, and neither will it be to anyone else here in this world.

[ How best to explain this in a short period of time? ]

I will provide more information when I have had time to organise it. Take care of yourselves.

[ With that, he closes his eyes briefly, and his outline begins to flicker. Starting from his feet, his body seems to be dissolving into golden light. ]