Flan Ganno accepts a glass of the juice as well.
ooc: switching to regular Red for better visibility
"My specialty is ancient history, as well as magic in my capacity as a wizard. A few days ago, I lead a small team into a recently unearthed ancient fort for an archaeological study. I believe it was originally a Suel outpost, but there is evidence of a variety of inhabitants over the years. At first it seemed uninhabited, as I expected, but then my team was attacked by a pair of undead wraiths. We fought them off, but barely. We couldn't risk any more attacks, so we left the site, but on the way out I grabbed what looked like the most interesting item, a book that appeared to be a private journal.
When we camped I read part of it. I didn't tell the others what I'd discovered inside it, but they must have known I thought it was important.
The next morning, the book was gone. So was one of my men, Steven Hill, an expert trapfinder. I had no way of tracking him.
What I discovered from the journal is that an ancient Suel artifact known as the Golden Amulet of War is buried within a tomb in the Vast Swamp. This amulet - and I have read of it from other sources - not only brought power to the wearer, but more importantly, aided the entire armies that were on his side in battle. Given the wars that have recently racked the continent, and Iuz quickly rebuilding his evil armies, I don't need to tell you that such a discovery could soon prove to be of great practical importance depending on who gets hold of it.
The ancient tomb belongs to one known as King Acererak. He was one of the infamous lich King Vecna's top servants, behind only General Kas. Apparently Vecna was in possession of the amulet. When Kas betrayed Vecna, Acererak took the amulet and carved out an empire of his own.
It is said that Acererak was himself a lich, as well as having fiendish blood. For unknown reasons, he eventually withdrew from the world and ordered the construction of an elaborate tomb. When it was complete, neither he nor the workmen who built it were heard from again. With the leader gone, his empire quickly fell apart.
There have long been rumors of Acererak's tomb in the Vast Swamp. It is said that adventurers have attempted to raid it but that none have returned. On the other hand, some may have returned, as other tales tell of terrible traps of all sorts. Some tales suggest that Acererak has hidden himself so well that he can never be found, while other tales suggest that he has become so powerful that none can defeat him in battle. In my opinion, it is best to ignore these conflicting tales and simply assume the worst of everything."
"No doubt you've guessed where this is going" Father Jared says. "I have called you here because I believe that a raid on this tomb must be mounted. And soon, because I have no doubt - and my divinations confirm this - that a team of evildoers will soon be attempting the same. And if they fail, I expect others will follow.
Of course, the cultists of Vecna would do anything or pay anything to get their hands on the Amulet, as would many others. It must be secured for the forces of Good; or, failing that, at least it must be confirmed that none can get the artifact from the tomb.
Are you willing to take on this burden?"
"By the way, since Acererak was a king, there is no doubt that a huge hoard of treasure was buried with him. Other than the Amulet, you are free to keep whatever else you find."
