The Myth and Legend of the Hidden Temple
All of Sornieth is aware of the World Pillar, constructed by the first Eight, that encased the planet with its magical protection. It is a tale passed down throughout the ages, from generation to generation, a symbol of hope for a united and peaceful land. But few dragonkind have heard the tales of the Hidden Temple where those that came before us worshipped a forgotten god -
Dramec, the protecting
god of stone….
Legend has it that during the Second Age when the world began to flourish once more, one of the early religious sects built an enormous temple. Carved from the finest stone from the and adorned with the finest gemstones, the Temple of Dramec is rumoured to have resided near somewhere between Dragonhome and the Scarred Wasteland, although various archaeological digs have not uncovered any evidence of its existence.
The few bards that tell this tale all tell it the same: before our ancestors splintered their faith they all worshipped Dramec in addition to their elemental deity, that it was the strength of Dramec that held the protections provided by the World Pillar in place. Archaeologists have been fascinated by the prospect of the elements banding together to worship a shared god, and it is said that the Temple was full of valuable offerings - offerings that would fetch a pretty treasure these days to the right adventurer!
Quote:
Theocracy prospered, adhering rigidly to the runes that adorned the Pillar's tiers. Acolytes of each element spent their devoted lives to understanding their meaning, witnessing their presence and role in nature. Even with their differences, the sects never embroiled themselves in confrontation. Reverence was paid wholly to the Pillar, and not to its singular layers.
As theocracy flourished the various elements became more secluded in their devotion to their searches for life’s meaning, and as the world became the battleground for empires, Dramec was eventually forgotten. The temple, abandoned for centuries, is said to have been destroyed in the explosion.
The legend is merely that… a legend, modern historians argue, claiming that there is no evidence of a temple, let alone one where worshippers from all deities came together. But the pebbles and germs are sure that the earthquake has some history to uncover… who will be the first to prove this legend true?
Written by kalhalla
The leaders of both Plague and Earth make their way down to the excavation site, trying to contain their excitement for fear of letting the other side know of the importance of this find. “Perhaps if you play it cool, they will go back home” each think to themselves. Expecting a temple in shambles, they were absolutely shocked to see the gorgeous temple in front of them: with both of their elemental signs above the doorway. What could this mean?
The group cautiously opens the door and enters the temple, and are surprised to find that the walls are…
alive. Pulsing with what could be akin to breath, the walls are framed with bones decorated with jewels that glisten in the torchlight. There are two doors: one to the right and one to the left; ornate designs in the archways of both. The leaders stand there for a moment before making a dash toward the doors - Earth to the left and Plague to the right… it seems we have a race!
Illustration by grumples
Written by kalhalla
The race continues onward! As the crews from each flight struggle forth through the ancient ruins of the labyrinth, they venture farther and farther down the twisting and turning paths until the ground shakes and the crumbling, weather worn entrances collapse, trapping both crews inside! Rescue efforts in clearing the collapsed tunnels only threaten to make the tunnels cave in farther and so the dragons inside must continue into the very bowels of the stoney structure, to the labyrinth’s center in hopes that another exit exists in the maze’s core.
As the Earth flight crew trudges forward through the labyrinth’s depths, they come across a rather empty room with only a single dragon skeleton as its only inhabitant. This unfortunate soul must have been lost and wandering for ages before making this room their final resting spot. But what’s this? The dragon skeleton appears to have something beneath its boney paws. With great care, the crew removes the foreign object, discovering an old, worn piece of parchment. The scroll reveals several traps and obstacles to avoid in the nearby area, making the journey forward easier!
Written by Incarnate
The Plague crew continues forward on what seems to be the correct path, looking out for the other flight’s crew. Suddenly at the end of one of the many corridors they see a glimpse of the other party. Knowing that they have the map the Plague place crew runs after them, only to lose a sight of them when they arrive there. Deciding to continue forward for the chance of catching up to them they set out again, only to see another glimpse of them in the distance.
This chasing game continues for some time, safely passing many corridors in a hurry running after the glimpses of the other party in the distance. But suddenly there is a dead-end, and the ones staring at them from a polished stone surface is their own reflection.
Written by NorthLantern
After a day of twists, turns, and missteps, the Earth crew came across a set of nondescript doors. Each door was completely plain barring the ornate knockers -- that look like tiny dragon heads, but not like any dragon they have ever seen before. Between the two doors there is a plaque which reads:
One door always holds a clue,
And the other always rewards.
Choose wisely for each may only be used once.
The crew leader quickly moves to the door on the right and knocks. The door slowly creaks open on its own and the crew tentatively steps forward to find a path that appears to head toward the center of the labyrinth! Excited they shove the door closed and continue on.
The Plague crew reaches the set of doors a couple of hours later. After studying the doors to look for any clues (of which there were none), they try the door on the right. No matter how much they knocked and pushed the door would not budge so they tried the door on the left. The leader knocked and the door swung open to a warm campfire, bedrolls, and a lot of food. The crew decides to rest for the night and appreciate the boon they have received. They may be behind, but with a good meal and proper rest they are confident they can make up lost time.
Written by Kalhalla
After already spending some time in the ancient labyrinth, the team is tired and decides to stop at a place that seems safe for a moment. The heavy snapper leans on a wall lining the corridor they are currently and and suddenly it gives in and he falls down, his back hitting something hard. The rest of the party members cautiously inch closer to look into the newly made hole in the wall to see what is inside.
What a surprise! On the other side of the wall has been a room full of various jars, vases and what looks like an incense items. It all seems very old, and on the pedestal in the middle of this hidden room is a large skeleton of something that has been long time dead. On a further inspection they notice a lot of smaller bones around, most-likely this was all prepared for a happy after-life of the large beast, based on ancient beliefs.
The party carefully gathers few of the empty jars and vases and continue on their journey, deciding to not stop at this place, after all.
Written by NorthLantern
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The Plague flight crew makes their way through the labyrinth, eventually finding themselves trapped in a room as a giant earthen door slides closed behind them.
A glittering, golden light surrounds the stone statue of some serthis-like creature in the center of the room. The group tries to find the source of the light refracting across the room, but never find the cause or possible treasure making the light. As they try to find a way out of the room, something begins to seem very off about the statue in the room. The serpent’s stoney skin seems out of place, not matching the rock material of the rest of the labyrinth and it casts a feeling of being watched.
Suddenly the gorgon’s stone exterior crumbles as the statue comes to life! The quick and nimble naga easily avoids the crew’s attacks with its serpent like speed and a very lengthy battle rages on as the dragons try to defend themselves from the newly animated menace. The creature’s gaze fixates on them each in turn, temporarily transforming the entire crew into stone statues!
Written by kalhallaIncarnate
