During a brief respite before chaos ,the Irregulars received a quest from Lord Padraig to investigate the Orcs inhabiting Gardmore Abbey as well as agreed to accompany Sir Oakley to Bahamut’s Temple on the pinnacle of the Dragon’s Roost:

It takes more than a day to reach the Abbey. While still far off, a quick scouting indicates that the main entrance is manned by orcs and some larger creatures, so their plan is to search for the hidden staircase on the far cliff-side of the abbey mount (revealed by Oakley.) They take the extra time to stow their mounts safely some distance away, before approaching the steep face…

The entrance was well hidden by a rock-slide – it apparently hadn’t been used for decades. Upon reaching the top, they first make for the Heroes’ Gate – separating the village from the Dragon’s Roost- in hopes of getting a view down over the orc encampment and to make a map for Lord Padraig.

Like the rest of the buildings on this bluff, the Heroes’ Gate has fallen into disrepair, with the main door hinges being rusted off.

Oakley identifies the large central statue as that of “Gardrin the Hammer, my ancestor” and there are multiple statues looking down from high niches in the corridor to the portcullis, though at least one has already fallen to ruin.

Quickly it becomes obvious why the door hinges were destroyed, as the party is attacked by the dreaded rust monsters. Immediately the goblin’s sword is hit and starts to rust!

It that weren’t enough, two of the ‘statues’ were actually gargoyles, which start dropping the other statues on the group!

To distract the rust monsters, the illusionist successfully fools them into seeing the giant statue of Gardrin is if were made of metal (instead of stone.)

This buys enough time to defeat the monsters – well, except that gargoyle opening the door to another room, and releasing a Rage Drake.

But with the threats to their weapons and head-space eliminated, the drake is quickly dispatched, and the party scouts the village below, completing their map and getting an approximate Orc (and supporting monster) population below. The rouge goes down into the upper village a little way and gets some more intel, but decides that a hasty retreat before discovery is wiser.

They close the portcullis, and mend the exit doors from the outside, placing a wizard lock with a password…

… now the Dragon’s Roost should be secure while the proceed to the Temple.

The ruined husk of the abbey’s glorious temple stands forlorn at the top of the hill, a monument to its former majesty. Hints of silver and platinum ornamentation still gleam here and there through a coat of black soot that covers the entire structure. The arched roof of the temple is half collapsed and its windows shattered, but it still manages to convey something of its original purpose – to remind the viewer of the power and glory of Bahamut and the other gods of good.

Sir Oakley (who is being controlled as a guest-PC) is not cautious when he approaches the main entrance to the Temple. Fulfillment of his final quest awaits – and he rushes in, perhaps not noticing how much corruption is in the wings.

… though heavily damaged, filthy and old, the Temple of Bahamut is still impressive…

…the Paladins cast a human-form of the Platinum God as the central icon-statue…

His escort quickly follows.

Suddenly, Oakley is confronted by two harpies dressed in bloody Bahamut priestly robes – they challenge his loyalty: “All of the Paladins are traitors!”

There is only one possible response by Oakley: “Die, you vile corruption!” – and he charges the nearest one to attack.

But something completely unexpected happens…

… a ghostly image of a giant playing card appears near the altar. Florynsael immediately identifies it as “The Idiot” from the Deck of Many Things. Clearly it’s influence over 100 years has turned the harpies insane.

The harpies have command of the angels protecting the temple, so the battle is intense, as all of the attackers can fly…

The illusionist moves to the altar in an attempt to find the hidden card, but must settle for using it’s power instead to weaken an enemy.

…the battle is intense and it looks like the Angels will be able to pick off our heroes from the rafters if something doesn’t change soon!

Once the harpies are killed, Oakley summons all of his faith and shouts out “The Corrupt Priestes have been destroyed, and I come to purge the temple of evil – Angels of Bahamut, HEAR ME and stand down!”

Bahamut must have heard his plea (and a crit roll): The angels cease attacking, move back to the altar, and await his attempt to cleanse the temple.

But the ritual fails.

The angels depart – each giving the Paladin name and location of a holy relic, required to complete the ritual. The first relic can be found in the catacombs beneath this very temple.

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Next: Rivals in the Catacombs

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Build Notes

• Terrain
  • Heroes’ Gate Walls:WINTERHAWK: Castle Base Set by Fat Dragon Games
  • Heroes’ Gate Portcullis: Kitbash by Afet
  • Heroes’ Gate Door: Dungeon: Heros’ Hall by Kev’s Lounge (Removable doors kitbash)
  • Temple Map: Madness at Gardmore Abbey Module map by Wizards of the Coast
  • Temple Pillars: Park Güell (rescaled) by Papeti
  • Temple Walls:EZ DUNGEONS Expansion Set 3 by Fat Dragon Games (Alcove Walls Kitbash)

• Temple Props:
  • Font: The Lost City by Finger and Toe
  • Alcove Altars: Fold N’ Go Singles:Altar by Rite Publishing
  • Main Altar: Kitbashed version of Claudio’s Altar FREE

• Battle Markers
  • World Works Games Battlepacks: Basics

Next: Rivals in the Catacombs