Intro Maylin the magic-user has been living in the Free City of Greyhawk for several months, and he’s had several successful expeditions to the deeper levels of the Greyhawk Castle Dungeons. While resting after his last foray into the dungeons, Maylin was approached by a group of adventurers with a proposition. An interesting rumor had been circulating through the city recently, and this group was planning on investigating the source of the tale. The rumor concerned the mysterious Maure Castle, located to the southeast of Greyhawk. An adventurer claimed to have located a passage near the ruins that led to the dungeons beneath the castle. But at the terminus of the passage, a set of massive iron doors were discovered that prevented further exploration of the dungeons. Several other adventurers have since located the passage, and they all claim that the doors are unopenable. The rumors have caught the attention of a powerful figure, and he has decided to investigate further. A small group of adventurers are planning on traveling to Maure Castle to explore the passage for themselves. The party consists of Serten the cleric, Otis the ranger, Alton the magic-user (powered down to 9th level from his Gord stats), and now Maylin. DM’s Note: Maylin is a 12th level lawful good magic-user. For the other party members, I will be using several lawful good characters associated with the wizard Tenser. This adventure will serve as an audition of sorts for Maylin. If he performs well, Tenser will invite him to join his ranks.
Once assembled, the party made their way to Maure Castle by flying carpet. After spotting the castle, they chose a spot about a mile away to set up camp. Serten cast a speak with animals spell and got some clues to where the entrance to the passage might be. It was getting late, so the party decided to camp for the night and start their search in the morning. The night passed without encounter. The next morning they located the passage entrance. They entered without hesitation. The passage seemed to go on and on, deeper and deeper into the earth. Finally, the slanting passage ended. A 10’ square alcove to the north, and a 10’ wide passage heading south were their option. They ignored the alcove and headed south. After 90’ they came to a 30’ by 20’ room. In the center of the south wall were a set of massive iron doors. No handles, keyholes, latches, or hinges were visible. Maylin used his wand of secret door and trap location with no results, He then cast a knock spell, and was not surprised when it did not work. Finally, Serten produced a small silver key. He touched it to the doors and they immediately swung inwards. A 20’ wide passage running east/west was beyond. It narrowed to 10’ a short distance to the west. Another 10’ wide passage headed south, but ended after 20’ at a door. A massive open space was visible to the east. The chamber to the east was huge, 150’ by 200’ or more. A 60’ diameter pool dominated the center of the area. A 3’ tall chalice rested on a dais at the center of the pool. Many doors and passages were visible as well. The party approached the pool. Maylin scanned what he could for traps or secret doors and discovered nothing. After some debate, they decided to move on for the time being. They took a 10’ wide passage heading west. It went just 20’ before ending at a door. After listening and hearing nothing, they opened the door. The room beyond the door was circular, 30’ in diameter, and lit by four small candles. Besides the door they just opened, there were three more, meaning there was one door at each compass point. On each door was a painting of a fighter clad in chain mail and holding a long sword and shield. They all seemed to be squaring off against some unseen attacker. The party slowly entered the room. Suddenly, the east and west candles went out. The fighters on the corresponding doors animated, jumped out of the paintings, and moved to attack. To be continued…
