[Runequestprax] Chapter Thirteen: Five Eyes Temple (Part Two)

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Chapter Thirteen: Five Eyes Temple (Part Two)

Dramatis personae

Storyteller, (Lev)
Phoebe, Grantlands Initiate of Zola Fel and Seven Mothers (Michael)
Red Mouse, Zebra Tribe Initiate of Zola Fel (Sean)
Honest John, Pavis Initiate of Eurmal and Zola Fel (Rick)
Zammon, Rhino Tribe Initiate of Storm Bull (Gawain)
Praxilites, Sun County Initiate of Yelmalio (Jay)
Mountain Strides, Agimori Initiate of Lodril (Karl)
Antonia, Antelope Tribe and Lunar Lancer, Initiate of Daka Fal and Seven
Mothers (NPC)

1617 Solar Time, Dark Season, Movement Week, Fireday

In the name of Yelm the Sun, and Yelmalio, Son of the Sun God.

Following Duke Rauss' instructions we travelled along the Zola Fel across
the Great Bog, although Red Mouse was waylaid for a while by Jezra at the
start of the mission and seemed somewhat reluctant to discuss the
conversation that occurred between them. Nevertheless across the
swamplands, Strides acted as a scout and noted some ankylosaurs ahead.
Sages debate the nature of these beings, most concur that they are
devolved dragonewts. Although we avoided these creatures, it proved to be
an omen of sorts.

All was quiet upon reaching the great cliff known as Five Eyes. We debated
which entrance to take, but Zammon concluded the issue for us taking the
highest. Inside there was a great serpent which we dispatched quickly.
Further in the cavern we encountered a Dream Dragon, which demanded all
our crystals or Phoebe and Antonia! We refused of course, and engaged it
in combat and eventually it was overcome by Phoebe using all her Power and
that stored in her collection of crystals.

Travelling further in the complex we encountered the remains of the body
of Daine, with a wound in his back. Soon afterwards we found the Mayor's
body, with Daine's sword in his back and the sword that killed Daine in
his hand. It confused us greatly, but nevertheless we pressed on and found
an entrance to the temple proper. From there we caught and bound some
newtlings and pressed them for information. Apparently their leader was
Quicktail, and he had revived the Five Eyes Temple of the Rive Horse.

Armed with this new information we marched on and discovered the prisoners
of the cult. One brave Yelmalio mentioned that the Newtlings had
threatened to cut off his buttocks and eat them! I thought to myself that
this was indeed a just reward for our own barbarism against the river
lizards. I myself have not eaten newtling tail since becoming a River
Voice.

Nearby we also encountered three Dragonewts. We debated with them for a
while, but the alien creatures launched into an attack. We defended and
dispatched the beings, but if the rumours are true that will return after
reincarnation. It was also here that brave Zammon was struck by a poison
trap upon a chest and, but arose, zombie-like, due the crystal we
discovered in Dyksund's Caverns.

>From there we marched into the temple proper and both Zammon and Strides
were struck by great wardings, as the Red Mouse and Antonia took to
archery. I managed to contine successfully to the Temple's shaman, which
could only be Quicktail. I struck the rebel in the head with my iron spear
and felled him, and the other newtlins fled. We gave chase, but they
exited the complex proper and upon further investigation set themselves up
on a camp on the other side of the river.

We searched the rest of the Temple complex, with the former prisoners
happily providing guardianship at the entrances. Most rooms were mundane,
but we almost suffered in one whose mud was like quicksand, but were
fortunately assisted by the swimming skills of Honest John. Less
successfully was his attempt at an underwater temple found far at the rear
of the complex where we discovered a strange enclave with runes of Water,
Disorder and Dragonewt. Inside there was a flask, warm to touch.

We exited this chamber and checked upon our guards. A large number of
newtlings had congregated on the other side of the river and it did not
seem that this stand-off could continue much longer. We sent some our
newtling prisoners forth and requested a parley and Phoebe suggested that
perhaps Ma'char and Pachala, whom we rescued years ago, may be among those
gathering. Indeed, it was the case and through them we could establish a
concord to bring peace between the Newtlings and Duke Rauss, which
consisted of a cessation of hostilities, allowing the Temple to continue,
and the provision of healers against those afflicted by Muriah's diseases.
Most strangely however, the Newtlings seemed most insisten that either the
flask be handed over or one of the River Voices drink it.

When Phoebe volunteered for the latter, a great gathering was organised by
the Newtlings for this ceremony. Representatives from Rauss, riverpeople,
and the sapient catfish along with the Newtlings were also present. On
drinking the murky fluid, Phoebe fell into incredible pain, although the
Newtlings cheered. Over the next twenty-four hours she underwent a strange
transformation and at the end of it, became a Dragonewt!

Thus, a peace of sorts has descended upon our lands. I am not sure how
Phoebe will behave with her new personality. The Duke seemed to accept the
terms stoically. And, of course, there is still the problem of Muriah's
Curse. Whilst at the "Transformation Celebrations", Rauss provided me with
a scroll that showed an ancient Lhankor Mhy heretic with similar
protections to what Muriah allegedly shows. The Duke is becoming
desparate, as the governor of Pavis seeks his replacement. He offered me
200 Wheels and the lands of Dyksund if I were to bring him the head of
Muriah.

It is about time I was paid for this.

Praxelites, Initiate of Yelmalio, Lord Rabbit Hat and Lord Black Rock