[sblock=Kal-fen]You have actually heard a thing or two about the demon-handed man, but the accounts are a bit conflicting. A powerful mage known as Eli the Demon-Handed is said to have terrorized the area around the southern Duchy of Urnst several decades ago. According to most accounts he became obsessed with the secrets of Maure Castle and put forth an expedition to the place. After that he was not heard from again until Mordenkainen's adventure beneath the castle, where it is said he was slain by the archmage. The nature of Eli's transfomartion is unclear. Some believe him to be a cambion, the scion of a human and a fiend, while others say he made a pact with some fell power in exchange for the hands for which he is known. The most recent mention of him comes from reports originating in the Abbor-Alz mountains approximately three months ago. Apparently a gnoll was seen asking about a man fitting Eli's description among local tribes.[/sblock]
In response to Mapata's query, Jallarzi reveals some useful information, "Aside from the demon-handed man, Mordenkainen's group encountered a number of other hazards. One of the worst was a terrible iron golem that somehow turned Mordenkainen to stone. Bigby was forced to retreat after this encounter to acquire a scroll of stone to flesh to restore the archmage. There was also a powerful demon trapped within the dungeons by some sort of binding magic. I believe Mordenkainen and Bigby managed to banish him, but that does not mean he could not have returned. Finally, they encountered a number of deadly traps, though I'm sorry to say I don't know the specific nature of any of them. Some of them were merely bypassed, and it is my understanding that they left behind warnings of some kind for those who might follow after them. However, be aware that there are certainly traps that were never encountered and thus will have no warning whatsoever. I recommend you be on your guard, and don't take foolish risks.
"I believe I have said enough. I don't want to keep you any longer than I need to, and I have other affairs to attend to today as well. Allow me to show you out."
At that, Jallarzi intones words of magical power so that a mystical portal of shimmering white energy appears. You can see through the portal and recognize that it appears to lead outside.
"The chambers of the Guild are labyrinthine to those who are not familiar with it. This is just a short-cut. You'll be transported outside instantaneously. Farewell."
As each of you steps through the portal, you are whisked across time and space to arrive outside at the steps leading up to the Guild of Wizardry. Roshan awaits patiently and is only a little surprised by your sudden appearance.
It is time to make your preparations. You have acquired the means to enter through the "Unopenable Doors" and have learned a thing or two about the dangers you face within the dungeon. Before you undertake your journey to the castle's dungeons, which are several leagues overland, you may wish to peruse Greyhawk's shops and markets for items that could aid you in your endeavor.
[sblock=Game Information]You can purchase virtually anything in the city of Greyhawk that appears in the Player's Handbook chapter on equipment, including masterwork weapons and armor. For magical supplies, any and all spell components can be purchased from the Guild of Wizardry or an appropriate temple. All magical potions, scrolls, and wands appearing in the Dungeon Master's Guide are readily available for purchase as well. Other items, such as staves, rods, wondrous items or consumable items like potions that do not appear in the Dungeon Master's Guide may or may not be available. Feel free to ask for anything with a GP Limit of 100,000 GP. I will roll to see if it is available. Do not ask for anything that does not appear in the Players Handbook or Dungeon Master's Guide unless it is something I have already given you access to.
I expect you to be ready to set off for Maure Castle by next Monday's update. So if there is anything you feel you need to take care of, make sure you post it by this week.[/sblock]
