Kull's 5th Report - Part 4
No trap detonated; no monster emerged. For a complex that had been liberally strewn with both, it seemed unlikely that a tomb so well-hidden would be without wards or guardians. When the contents of the sarcophagus proved to be nothing more than a crudely embalmed corpse and a small bag of gold, my suspicions increased, and I began a search of the chamber. No-one goes to the trouble and expense of building three secret doors, to protect so little treasure.
The fourth secret door - evidently this cult had a passion for them - lay behind the sarcophagus, with the opening mechanism only about a foot off the ground. Unsurprisingly, it was Zalich who located it.
Beyond this door lay what appeared to be a natural cavern, through which ran an underground stream. At the far end of the cavern stood an edifice that was most clearly a man-made addition: a flight of stairs, leading to a heavy stone door.
Brodnak, with his usual impetuous nature, ran forward and threw open the doors. Fortunately, these were not trapped, but the lid of the sarcophagus beyond - which he pushed aside with just as little caution - was magically warded.
A sudden flash of darkness filled the chamber, blinding the barbarian and causing him to reel backwards. As well he did, for a grim, undead monster levered itself into sight, swinging at him with its large, heavy fists.
This was no zombie or skeleton, mindless and easily controlled, nor a ghoul or ghast, swift fodder for strong blows. This was an abomination of far more power and darkness: the mightiest I had yet faced.
It was, however, but one creature, facing four. Whatever other faults they have, these adventurers do not lack for courage, and they pressed the battle as vigorously as I did myself. Taking care to keep clear of Brodnak's sword - the barbarian continued to swing wildly, despite his lack of sight - I moved to strike the creature from the opposite side, while Zalich targeted the beast with a bolt of energy, anathema to undead of any kind.
The beast struck Brodnak again, and he fell backwards down the stairs, stunned by the blow. Even as it turned to face me, however, I brought my flail crashing into its side, while Julianne leapt over the stricken barbarian to add her swords to the fray.
As Brodnak staggered to his feet, snarling with rage but thwarted from rejoining the battle by the loss of his sight, I struck again, my blow knocking the creature straight onto Julianne's blade. It gave a hideous shriek and buffeted her backwards, then swung again, its unnatural strength all but knocking me from my feet.
Yet the beast's strength was its own undoing, for as it knocked us away, it gave Zalich the opening he needed. Forsaking spells, he flung a flask of alchemist's fire, striking it on the back. Instantly, a sheet of flames roared up, the creature's dry, brittle flesh proving as flammable as tinder.
Within a few seconds, the monster was consumed, and the battle won. It had been a powerful foe, however, and the wounds it inflicted were raw and inflamed, almost certainly infected. I knew I would have to call on Hextor's strength to cleanse them, though this would have to wait: I had already called on His aid enough for one day. He grants us His strength, but only if we show strength enough to deserve it.
This sarcophagus contained the real treasures of the cultists: mainly coins and gems. With the wealth I have already accumulated, plus additional funds now promised by the village council, I will be able to finance the construction of a stone Chapel, where Hextor's strength can be properly recognised and revered. Few people need his aid more than those of Saltmarsh, though it is also true that few deserve it less.
I am pleased to report, however, that there has even been some progress made on this front: when we returned to the village, there were guards on duty, watching the roads into town, and construction had begun on a tower, to allow a watch to be kept in all directions. The guards' actual skill with the spears and clubs they wield still leaves much to be desired, but there is at last a willingness to take some steps to protect themselves, rather than relying on the fortunate presence of adventurers.
I believe that the presence of the lizardfolk has been a contributing factor in the town's improved state of readiness. The lizardfolk warriors set an excellent example of discipline and ability, and have humiliated the militia in several mock engagements.
The village council has requested that I spend a further week training the troops, at which time they plan to commence reconnaissance against the Sahuagin: a mission they have asked me to lead. I have agreed to their request, as the payment they offered for these services will more than cover the construction of the Chapel, as I mentioned above.
I shall report again once work on the Chapel has begun.
In Hextor's Name,
Kull Redfist
).
Apologies to the DM.
