The group has been transported to a long hall leading to the Entryway
of the Grande Temple of Jing. Feeling dizzy and disoriented they stand
in pitch darkness next to a wall of slashing and clashing blades.
At least 40 ancient swords, some elven cutlasses and some human longswords
whirl about, slashing at each other as if in mock battle, sometimes
sending a shower of sparks to the floor when blades lock. There is
little hope of passing this barrier, and any who try receive [7d6]
attacks from magical swords (Slash +20, 1d8+3) as they pass
through. Travel in the other direction reveals a dead end with one
curiosity. A mechanical lever [L1] of some sort is set into the west
wall. The lever is in the “down” position and can be pushed up by
anyone of average or better Strength. Doing so causes Block 1 [B1]
to slowly rise into the roof, allowing passage into the main chamber.
Pulling the lever down causing the block to slowly descend, blocking
passage once more. This and all Blocks within the Grande Temple of
Jing are of magical construction and blend so well as to be nigh-undetectable
when in place. They are seamless and resistant to most magical charms
of unlocking and spells of passing.
The room inside is large and high, with a ceiling hidden in darkness
above. Nine square columns divide the room evenly into a neat grid.
A lever identical to [L1] lies on the north wall which rises and lowers
in synch with it’s double. Levers [L3] [L4] are attached similarly
to blocks [B2] [B3] and [B4]. However these levers only work for “citizens”
of the Grande Temple, or those who have passed the Right of Initiation
in the Welcoming Chamber. Others
who flip the levers open a secret door in the roof 80 feet above them
(Spot/Listen DC 25) for a few moments before it slides back
shut. This releases [1d2] Seven Legged Spiders from a nest on the
other side of the ceiling, which quickly climb down the walls and
columns of the room to attack anyone or anything living within. (see
Sidebar).
Examining the columns in the room will uncover several things of
interest. First, they do not rise to the roof, but have flat roofs
60 feet up. They are somewhat sticky to the touch (the result of ages
of spider drool dripping on them) and enhance the Climb skill of anyone
so attempting by +1. Standing on the roof allows one to see the secret
door 20 feet above open and close when [L2-4] are flipped. If the
group can enter the nest somehow, they will find [3d6] Seven Legged
Spiders as well as the dead bodies of three of the elves they seek
wrapped dead in coccoons of webbing.
Column [I] has words scrawled into each face which although strange
of appearance, are magical and can by anyone who can read their native
language. The words read “The Grande Temple of Jing. Enter Here.”
Ironically, each column except [I] has a door in one face of it. The
doors are stuck fast with spider spit but can be torn open (Strength
check DC 15). Inside each column is a small chamber with low roof
that holds a three foot tall dais. Atop each dais is inset a bowl
with magical words carved arount it. Players need to decipher the
clues left by the words to place the proper object in each bowl. Only
then will the entrance to the Grande Temple reveal itself.
Bowls A, C, E, and G represent the Base Elements. Each is made of
steel and begins to hum when the proper object is placed within it.
[A] “I am of the body of mother Denoa, and I am unmoving but strong”.
Object: something of the earth, such as a stone, dust, or mud.
[C] “ I am of the heart of mother Denoa, and I dance with eternal
hunger.” Object: something which is currently aflame, such as a torch,
candle, or cloth.
[E] “I am of the breath and spirit of mother Denoa and I am unseen.”
Object: nothing but air. The bowl hums when touched or breathed upon.
[G] “I am of the blood and tears of mother Denoa, and I may kill
or cure.” Object: any amount of water.
When each bowl is humming, the objects are consumed and a blue beam
of light appears to connect the eight outer columns. Bowls B, D, F,
and H are made of gold, silver, copper, and glass respectively. Together
they represent treasure. Each has the same simple writing which reads
“Donations heartily accepted.” Bowls B, D, and F will accept any amount
of gold, silver or copper respectively, causing the “donation” to
disappear and the bowl to hum. The glass bowl will take any object
of value in like fashion. When each bowl is humming, a red beam of
light appears to connect these four columns. When all bowls are humming,
a door appears in each wall of column [I]. Any door can be opened
easily to reveal a 20 foot by 20 foot room with doors matching those
of column [l]. Anyone entering the room and closing all doors is instantly
transported to the Welcoming Chamber
of the Grande Temple of Jing.
