They were determined to make for the cathedral seen from a distance, and to avoid a slog through a undead-infested city. So, Aderian lead them out of the smithy, circling around the outskirts in the counter-clockwise direction. They aimed to stay in the dry grass, at least a hundred yards from any building. At one point, a wight lead several ghouls in a rush to attack, but Ghevont’s holy symbol and a show of might drove them off or cut them down.
Presently, they arrived at the backside of the wall surrounding the cathedral, twenty feet tall but violated in several areas with crumbling gashes. Aderian climbed up on the open section only five feet above ground and peered into the graveyard surrounding the church building. Ghouls wandered aimlessly, not noticing him.
Soon a wraith drifted into view and began speeding towards them. The ghouls took notice as well. Soon magical arrows and magic missiles flew out to bring down the wraith. Over the wall they all went, excepting for the poor donkey who was left behind. Lifting the heavy beast was deemed impractical. Saddlebags of food were left behind, too, but Ghevont grabbed his magical painting to stash behind a gravestone.
Into the Graveyard
On their bellies, they crept towards the cathedral’s oaken doors. Ghouls were driven back by the power of the Anointed One. And soon they were standing before the two heavy doors. A screech preceded a dark shape looming at the open gates leading into the temple grounds. A spectre!
Aderian rushed to place spikes before each door, hedging against foes attacking from out of the building. Ferris had climbed up the face of the building, squinting through the stained glass window. He could make out only flashes of light, no details. As the spectre flew with great speed, he let fly arrows.
Meanwhile, Tienarth waited for the unholy horror to come within range and then let loose a terrible bolt of lightning that tore the spectre apart.
Ferris continued his investigation, climbing across the roof to the bell tower. He cut the heavy ropes mean for tolling the three bells out of some superstition about their power when rung. Then, he climbed in and down narrow stairs. Inside the chapel a solitary ghoul meandered around the broken pews, pushed aside for a huge pentagram drawn out on the floor Green fire periodically raged upward from the evil inscription.
The Portal
Soon enough, the rest of them followed Ferris with the aid of ropes. Ghevont strode forth to confront the ghoul who cowered. Gaining no satisfaction in dialog, the priest crushed the skull of the ghoul which then fell backwards into the pentagram fire. Instantly he vanished.
It was then that the elven priestess exclaimed in recognition. “Finally, the legends are confirmed!” she announced as she dashed into what they soon realized was a portal of sorts. The two remaining elven warriors followed close behind.
Endnotes
- Treasure: none
- Kills – 2,905 xp
- 18 Ghouls
- Wight
- Wraith
- Spectre
- Characters
- Tienarth/Tre – avoid combat 733 xp
- Ferris/Henry – climbing 806 xp
- Ghevont/Jeff – smite undead 806 xp
- Aderian/Jason – fighting, leading 813 xp
- Virtues: none
- Vices: none