Stepping through the suspended waterfall, you find yourself in a murky tunnel. You consider turning back, but a warm mist caressing your face beckons you toward the crimson light ahead.
As you enter an immense crystalline cavern, the once warm and coaxing mist suddenly becomes a constricting, frigid vise. Unable to move, a sense of dread sweeps over you. The entire chamber appears to have been painted in blood, as torches along the smoothed stone walls cast deep red and amber hues throughout. The echoes of haunting melodies intensify with each beat of your heart, as if an alarm has been sounded.
Whispers. Shadows. Then ... a warm embrace. The chilling vise has been dispelled. It appears you are now safe to examine this lair more closely.
A black sapphire encrusted mirror floats above an obsidian dais.
Mirror
This two-sided circular mirror, made of black obsidian and encrusted
with sapphires, floats above an obsidian dais in the center of the cavern.
It is two feet in diameter and at least five inches thick. No matter your
stature, the mirror seems to angle itself in such a way you cannot escape
the reflection within it.
Reflection
On the black mirror's surface, light becomes dark and colors become indistinguishable.
The reflection pulses and the face of the person gazing into it appears
ashen and murky.
You feel yourself slipping into a trance-like state, unable to avert your gaze from the images appearing within the mirror. Your future, as well as your hidden thoughts and deeds, have been revealed. A movement within the murky reflection startles you. You jump back, keenly aware you are not alone.
Dais
dais The black mirror floats above this polished obsidian platform. It
stands alone in the center of the cavern's main chamber, encircled by
towering columns created from the touching of stalactites and stalagmites.
Chamber
Entrances to smaller chambers can be seen in each corner of the main chamber
(look chamber1, chamber2, chamber3, chamber4). Around each entrance, calcite
veil formations hang like crimson gossamer curtains.
Chamber 1
Plush couches and chairs, along with several small tables, fill the center
of this cozy reading room. This chamber is more brightly lit than the
main chamber, and you notice large orbs of light suspended from the ceiling.
Bookcases containing hundreds of books line the walls, and a small fountain
stands in the southwest corner.
Chamber 2
You glance around this chamber and realize it must be some sort of training
room. Various weapons hang along the southern wall, and protective gear
sits on shelves to the north. A long wooden bench spans the length of
the eastern wall. Incense of dragon's blood burns within a tall brazier
in the corner, but very faint scents of lemon grass and eucalyptus also
fill the air.
Chamber 3
This chamber appears to be some sort of laboratory. A table stands in
the center of the room with several jars, vials, and parchments strewn
over the top of it. Glass cabinets containing hundreds of potions and
elixirs line the northern wall. The south wall appears to have been blasted
by a fireball, and ash and debris litter the floor. You wonder what spell
went horribly wrong and what happened to the conjurer. A small sign is
posted on the wall.
Sign
******* READ THIS! *******
Effective immediately, casting or attempting to cast a charm spell upon any dragon is strictly prohibited. No exceptions! -- The Management
Chamber 4
You enter the Coven's meditation chamber, a place for healing and quiet
prayer. Alabaster sconces on the wall bathe this small chamber in soft
pink light. Mats and large pillows are scattered on the floor. The rich
scent of lavender fills the air, while soft music lulls you into a state
of total relaxation.
East
A massive hearth has been carved out of the center of the cavern's eastern
wall, and a cauldron hangs over the glowing flames within. A wool rug
lies in front of the hearth, and a small cart stands to the south. You
spy a broom leaning against the wall, and a rather large painting hanging
next to it. Entrances to smaller chambers can be seen in the north- and
southeastern corners.
Hearth
This enormous hearth has been carved out of the cavern's western wall.
Easily six feet wide and six feet in height, any fire burning within this
stone hearth could warm the entire cavern. Within it, a large cauldron
hangs over glowing flames, a mystery liquid bubbling over the sides.
Cauldron
This heavy cast iron cauldron is approximately 18 inches in diameter and
two feet in height. It hangs from a sturdy iron bar set within the hearth.
A brownish liquid bubbles inside it.
You instinctively take the wooden spoon resting on the cart and stir the liquid. The most wonderful aroma fills the air around you. Yes, you guessed it...chocolate!
Broom
A straw broom leans against the wall next to the hearth. Its handle appears
to have been made from the finest rosewood.
As you reach for the broom, it straightens itself up and shouts, `Don't even think about it!'
You jump back, aghast. Regaining your composure, you nod at the broom. You think to yourself,`How droll, a talking broom.'
`I'll show YOU droll!' retorts the broom, as it takes a swat at you.
This might be a good time to explore other areas of the cavern.
Cart
A two-tiered cart made of rosewood stands here. Jars and vials containing
mysterious ingredients are neatly lined in rows on the top rack, and cooking
utensils hang from hooks secured to the front of it. A smaller cauldron
rests on the bottom rack, along with some empty vials and crumpled papers.
Rug
You bend down to examine this dark grey rug more closely. As you run your
hand along the wool stitch, your fingers encounter a glob of a sticky
brown substance. Ewwww! You rub off the stickiness using a corner of the
rug and quickly stand up, hoping no one noticed.
South
An ebony altar, flanked by two podiums, faces the southern wall of this
cavern. Large tomes rest on each of the podiums, and a mosaic circle decorates
the floor directly in front of the altar. The entrances to two smaller
chambers can be seen in the southwestern and southeastern corners.
Altar
This altar, polished to a rich luster, is made of the finest ebony wood.
Arcane runes and glyphs have been scribed along the edges. On each end
of the altar, crimson candles burn atop brass pricket candlesticks.
Podium
The podiums have been handcrafted using the finest ebony, and polished
to a lustrous shine. Each stands four feet in height and upon each rests
a large tome (look tome1, tome2).
Tome1
This large book is bound in black calfskin leather with brass hinges.
The front cover is embossed with gold lettering that you cannot decipher,
and a red silk ribbon bookmark has been sewn into the spine. A brass lock
and key device keeps this book secure from prying eyes, for within it
the secret covenants of the Coven members have been written.
Tome2
<><> The Book of Mirrors <><>
Bound in gold cloth, this heavy book contains shining mirrored pages, some of which are opaque, translucent, or painted in silver hues. If you look closely at each mirror, scenes from different times and places in your life will appear.
Mosaic
In contrast to the rest of the cavern floor, only dark grey and black
chips of hematite, onyx, marble, and obsidian were used to create this
large mosaic circle in front of the altar. Bits of bone form a distinctive
pattern within the circle, and in the center lies a glowing ruby. The
same runes and glyphs scribed on the altar have been interwoven through
this mosaic using pieces of garnet and amber.
West
You glance into the misty passageway from whence you first entered the
cavern. The torrent of water sounds muffled from where you stand. You
wonder if the waterfall is still suspended by some magical device, and
whether the translucent bridge over the chasm still remains. Something
has been carved into the cavern wall next to the tunnel entrance.
Carved
"The Hallowed Ground of Okk, the Guardian Spirit, once stood upon
this holy foundation. The spirit of Okk can be felt within these cavern
walls, mostly as a warm breeze playing on your hair."
North
Several parchments and scrolls have been arranged neatly on a large mahogany
table. Comfortable looking chairs have been placed around the table, presumably
so one can rest while examining the writings. Beautiful oil paintings
adorn the northern wall.
Parchments
----- Rules of the Coven of the Ash Moon -----
1. This rule is what Bliss says it is. Obey it, or suffer consequences too gruesome to mention here.
2. Offerings to your Goddess are mandatory and will put you in her favor. And yes, chocolate *is* an offering ;)
3. This rule is what Bliss says it is. Obey it, or suffer consequences too gruesome to mention here.
4. [This space reserved for future rule].
5. [This space reserved for future rule].
6. This rule is what Bliss says it is. Obey it, or suffer consequences too gruesome to mention here.
7. This rule is what Bliss says it is. Obey it, or suffer consequences too gruesome to mention here.
Scrolls
--- Membership Requirements ---
1. Candidates must be at least 10th level in a spellcasting class, -OR- prove their worthiness in another way, to be determined by Bliss. (Calm yourself, it's really not THAT bad.)
2. Interview with Bliss, or Elder member in her absence.
3. Completion of an entry quest (fun!)
4. A Covenant, and an Offering.
Paintings
Five oil paintings hanging on the northern wall portray each of the gods
Bliss worshiped as a mortal (look painting1 - painting5). The larger painting
on the western wall is a portrait of Tripper and His Tigers, whom Bliss
attended before she became a Demigoddess (look painting6).
Painting1
Within this painting, a large candle burns brightly. Looking closely at
the flame, you can see Jerald, the first immortal Bliss followed, speaking
to a large group of adventurers in the Storytelling Ampitheater. Jerald's
kindness and immense patience were virtues Bliss strived to achieve as
a young mortal. Within his following, Bliss met lifelong friends, Sorliea
and Gwenhwyfar, pictured sitting next to Her in the ampitheater.
Painting2
An orb containing the All-Seeing Eye of Eternity has been meticulously
painted on this canvas, and within it, an image of Foolkiller. During
the time Bliss followed Him, She rarely saw Foolkiller without a smile
on His face or a twinkle in His eye. The Avatar, Brenick, is also depicted
here, fighting a dragon as the young Sorliea and Bliss hide behind him.
An image of Foolkiller is seen gazing upon His Avatar with pride.
Painting3
Horrific images seem to come to life as you gaze upon this third painting.
Deformed and grotesque skulls outline a portrait of Torchbearer, the Dark
Seraph, casually reclining on His throne in the Sanctum. The lifeless,
bloodied bodies of countless victims lie at His feet. In the bottom corner,
an image of Bliss can be seen in the drowning pool, Torchbearer hovering
nearby, cackling gleefully. Although Bliss followed Torchbearer for only
a short while, Her time as a Cherub had the deepest impact on Her body,
mind, and soul. It was then that Bliss's lust for the dark arts began
to develop.
Painting4
A black fire sheaths the right hand of Thaygar, Ebon Ba'ham of Death and
Despair. Within the fire, Dinin, Ebon Lorebringer of Death, Melisa the
Lady Death, and Bliss offer sacrifices to their Lord, rejoicing each death
within the realm. A smaller image depicts Thaygar engulfing Bliss with
flames, a hug Bliss will never forget.
Painting5
This is a portrait of the last immortal Bliss worshiped before her own
ascension - Solanthas Goldleaf, Lord of the WarDancers. Smaller images
depict Solanthas, Bliss, and Malin dancing around a large bonfire with
the WarDancers shortly before Bliss and Malin ascended.
Painting6
This large painting portrays Lord Tripper in His Den, reclining in a comfortable
leather chair. A broad smile covers His face as He gazes proudly upon
the Tigers, some of whom recline on the pillows nearby, while others practice
their skills in the sandpit. One of the Tigers playfully splashes around
in the pool with Taaut, Tripper's omnipresent companion.
Down
Thousands of small pieces of granite, marble and onyx have been interwoven
with precious gemstones to create breathtaking mosaic designs across the
entire cavern floor. Looking closely, you can see images carefully set
within the larger mosaic patterns across the floor. Directly in front
of the altar to the south lies a large mosaic circle.
Images
Looking closely at the intricate flooring, you can seen images of people
and places carefully set within flowing mosaic designs. (look image1,
etc.)
Image1
A rather large mosaic of a cloaked figure seems to create its own shadow
underneath one of the towering crystalline columns. A cape, crafted from
the deepest black obsidian, hides most of the features of this elusive
figure, save for a noticeable smirk. He holds in His alabaster hand a
ruby encrusted staff, with some sort of lettering scribed upon it.
Image2
Next to one of the crystalline columns, you see an image of a tall Warric
standing proudly, armor gleaming in the sunlight. His gaze is fixed upon
a single strand of auburn hair he holds in his firm but gentle hands -
a strand of time, a whisper only She still hears echoing in Her heart.
Image3
A large purple flame has been carefully crafted using chips of amethyst
in this mosaic design. Standing behind the flame to one side is Bliss's
dear friend and guardian spirit, Okk. On the other side stands a human
female with golden tresses and shining steel armor -- Bliss's soul sister,
Cassandra. Both figures bear long scars across their cheeks.
Image4
Within this mosaic pattern, a handsome elf seemingly comes to life. Bright
blue eyes that once captured Bliss twinkle in the soft light of the cavern.
Perched on his gleaming armor is a cute fire lizard!
Image5
Within this mosaic pattern, towering flames surround Bliss and her two
lifelong Warric friends, Gunner and Steelblade, as they battle large fire
elementals. A number has been written over an egg casing laying on the
ground next to the trio. Could this be the number of bags Bliss lost in
her many battles with the elementals? Is she STILL whining about that?!
Up
Soft crimson light reflects on the ceiling's vast sprays of Aragonite,
giving the appearance illuminated chandeliers hang majestically overhead.
An ornate pipe organ formed from calcite crystals extends outward from
a narrow ledge along the uppermost portion of the main chamber.
Organ
This pipe organ has been carefully carved out of the expansive calcite
along the uppermost ledge of the cavern. The music within the cavern appears
to originate from this exquisite piece of craftsmanship.
Ledge
If you were flying perhaps you could see what lies within the crevices
along this narrow ledge.