Hedrack, the bald cultist with the goatee, appears in the corner near the lever with a large group of other cultists. You recognize Naquent, Varachan, Lareth, and high priestess Kelashein from the Water Temple. Two more cultists are wearing strange robes and masks you have not seen before, long loose violet robes that conceal all features and a black spiked helmet that reveals only their eyes.
Hedrack leads the masked cultists on a tour of the prison area, while the rest of the cultists follow behind, showing the masked cultists great deference.
The conversation is carried out in several languages, including common, abyssal, and ancient Suel. From the little you can overhear, the two masked cultists are both women and their names are Maliskra and Susain Carun. Susain sounds like the archtypical mad cultist, she cackles and shrieks, particularly at inappropriate times, and talks to herself incessantly, referring to herself in the second person. The other cultists cater to her whims and laugh along at her jokes, but wince at her behavior when she is not looking.
Maliskra seems different, quieter and more terrible due to her silence. All you can see of her is her eyes hidden beneath the mask. Her eyes smolder with a yellow sulfurous glow.
Varachan speaks in common while passing in front of Kerwyn’s cell,
“As I indicated in my report, most honored Doomdreamers, the prisoner in this cell gave us a clue that might lead to the recovery of the three remaining elemental power gems. Naquent was supposed to organize an expedition to recover the gems, but she is behind schedule and has not left yet.”
Naquent interjects, “I am almost ready to leave, as soon as a few more preparations are completed. I had hoped to witness Lareth pass the final test to become the Champion of Elemental Evil.”
The Doomdreamer with the yellow eyes speaks, “After the Champion is anointed, we will return to the ruined temple where the Fire Node is nearly excavated. With the Fire Gem, the champion can perform the rituals to reopen the node and summon the Prince of Fire. With Fire called to ascendancy, The Champion shall at first be weary. The champion and the Prince will rest in the nodes, gathering their strength for the coming trials. Imix, weakened by his travails, will grow stronger by the hour."
The other Doomdreamer shrieks with laughter and shouts, ”Ha Ha Ha! The Greater Temple shall be rededicated to the True Master.
The Champion shall bring the princes to the Inner Chamber. Once the Nimbus of Darkness is formed betwixt the ovoid altars, the Orb shall channel the energy of the princes to Great Tharizdun. Until then, Maliskra guards the Orb. The Horn of Darkness shall open the channel. Infused with the energy of a thousand suns, The Master shall burst forth. Ha Ha Ha!"
The Doomdreamer with the glowing yellow eyes adds, “The fire gem is set in the Orb of Oblivion. The other gems are lost. But they also shall be found. Oh, yes. They shall. Infinitus offered to find the power gems, as he found the fire gem, but his price is too high. If Naquent finds the gems, the two of you will be greatly rewarded."
Naquent adds in a pleading plaintiff tone to her superiors, ”Now that we have the information we needed, shouldn’t we execute these prisoners? Some of the Oracle’s words could be interpreted to mean that these heroes of Hommlet present a threat to our plot! A danger that must be averted!”
Varachan has a desperate look on his face. Hedrack sighs. Susain Carun laughs, although you can not tell who she agrees with or who she is laughing at. Lareth and Kelashein the Water Temple Priestess have a disinterested look on their face, as if they do not care whether you live or die.
Maliskra responds, ”Ahh, yes, I received several written reports from you requesting that the prisoners be immediately executed because of the possible danger they present. I also received a report from Kelashein, where she insisted that the Great Plan was doomed but for her betrayal of these so-called heroes and that she deserves a great reward for her efforts.”
Hedrack interjects, ”Some heroes. A few words and they were all overcome. Lord Burne and Canoness Y’Dey are threats, not this lot of fools and outcasts.”
Maliskra replies, ”Yes, I quite agree. These prisoners are not a threat. They will be sacrificed to the Elder Elemental Eye, but at the appropriate time in the appropriate manner.”
Susain interject, ”All praise the Elder Elemental Eye, Tharizdun's own eye, torn from His face, by His own hand, cast to the Elements, to spite His betrayers, to ensure His return. All praise the Elder Elemental Eye!"
Maliskra continues, ”While we are on the topic of sacrifices, I think it is time for the last of the Azers to face his fate.”
Kelashein speaks quickly, ”Most Honored Doomdreamers, what about my reward for defeating the heroes and delivering them into captivity?”
Again Hedrack sighs. This time Naquent glares. Varachan has an interested look on his face while Lareth appears bored at first.
Maliskra continues, ”Hedrack said he does not have any openings for you in his organization. And you have not received the Dream of Doom, so you may not join the Doomdreamers. You must remain in your current position in the Water Temple.”
Kelashein has a look of despair and incomprehension on her face. Naquent laughs out loud.
Susain Carun laughs and says, ”Susain Carun sees an alternative if you seek advancement. Lareth has not passed the final test to become the Champion of Elemental Evil. It is possible that he is not the champion. If you take the test before him and become the champion, you will achieve a greater power and destiny than any of us, including even Susain Carun.”
Lareth gets an angry look on his face after hearing this and says, “I am ready to take the final test. Let me take it and prove once and for all, that I am the Champion of Elemental Evil.”
Kelashein interjects, ”I want to take the test!”
Hedrack sighs and replies, ”Very well, we will organize the final test. Kelashein will take it first as a reward for capturing these fools, and if she fails, then Lareth will take the test.”
The cultists walk to the corner of the room, pull the lever, and disappear. A few minutes later, your new friend Reunox the fiery dwarf, disappears from his cell and the prison becomes pitch black.
