The Temple of Alvir and Valmir

 “We should probably be making our way back to Marlock City,” Lyonesse said to Gyneth as they were passing through the temple square. “Especially if we want to arrive in time to meet up with Trystan, Ysolt, and Hector,” she added, then realized her stalwart companion was no longer beside her. “Ser Laoch?” She said, pausing to determine where the warrior had gone. Unfortunately, several people chatted and walked about, making it difficult for the blind mage to pinpoint the platinum-blond swordswoman. Thankfully, Gyneth heard her name and called out to Lyonesse, “There’s a notice here stating that the high priest of the temple of Alvir and Valmir is looking for some help.”

Lyonesse’s veil billowed around her, making it easier to sense obstacles best avoided. Gyneth held out her hand and gently hooked arms with the mage so they wouldn’t be inconveniently separated again. “Weren’t you saying that the priestess you traveled with is looking to help out the other temples?” Gyneth asked to confirm she remembered some of the stories the blind woman told correctly. Lyonesse nodded. “Yes, she would definitely insist that we head in and find out what the problem is,” the mage agreed, and let the warrior lead her inside the temple shaped like an upside-down galleon.

Asking for assistance, the duo were led to the high priest’s office, where he ushered them to sit with him at his desk. He wore gossamer robes, draped and layered like a toga, adorned with pearls and opalescent seashells. His long, dark hair was braided in cornrows that looked like the waving, branching corals often found under the sea’s surface. Another man came in with a pot of aromatic tea and several cups. Once he served his guests, the high priest explained what he needed. “We are in dire need of assistance,” he began with a sigh, taking a long sip of tea to steady his nerves. “Are you familiar with the beings called the Repulsive Ones?”

Gyneth slowly shook her head, though Lyonesse looked as though the title had conjured up a memory of sorts. “They live in the sea, right? In one of the lost cities of ancient lore,” the mage thought aloud, uncertain of the specific names. “Yes,” the man before them said, clearing his throat momentarily before continuing. “Recently, they infiltrated our temple and stole the Golden Net of the twin gods, Alvir and Valmir. We believe they have taken it to the Sunken City of Ziusudra. If we are unable to retrieve it, they will likely use it against the twin gods in the name of their horrific fish-god, Oannes.” “How do we find a sunken city?” Gyneth asked, her confusion and frustration already building as she tried to figure out how to reach such a fantastical site. “Go to the cliffs of the Shadar Tor. From there, you will find a way.”

After they left and made their way through the streets to the Gold Dust Tavern, the warrior expressed her thoughts on the quest they had picked up. “How are we supposed to find a city that’s underwater? We won’t be able to hold our breath long enough,” she argued a bit louder than she had intended. “I’ve been to the Shadar Tor. If the high priest believes we will find our way from there, then there must be something on the Tor that will help us. I simply need t-” Lyonesse wasn’t able to complete that thought when Gyneth stopped walking.

“What you need to do is hand over your purses, ladies,” a thug stated firmly, his voice gritted by years of thieving and bullying his way around. The warrior’s stormy grey eyes glanced at the knife he held, pointed at them aggressively. “Do you seriously think you’re going to steal from a pair of armed combatants?” Gyneth asked with a low growl, her face sneering as her free hand deftly drew her sword.

Thug: COMBAT 4, DEFENSE 7, STAMINA

Gyneth’s Combat Score: 6 + 1 + 5 = 12 Total

12 – 7 Defense = 5 < 6 Stamina = 1 – Thug Attacks!

Lyonesse peeled away from Gyneth as the warrior swung her sword and struck the thug’s hand. He dropped his knife, reeling back momentarily before his embarrassment fueled his anger. Clenching his fists, he charged at the swordswoman, who quickly deflected his attack and swiftly slashed his arm, leaving a severe gash on his torso.

Gyneth: COMBAT 6, DEFENSE 8, STAMINA 9

Thug’s Combat Score: 4 + 1 + 6 = 11 Total

11 – 8 Defense = 3 < 9 Stamina = 6 – Lyonesse Attacks!

Ignoring the searing pain, the thug lunged at Gyneth and punched her square in the jaw. Dazed, she then took a kick to the stomach and lost her grip on her sword when she was tripped to the ground. He then pinned her under his girth and began to swing punch after punch at her face. His tunnel vision was so narrow that he forgot Lyonesse was nearby and may not even notice she carried a sword.

Gyneth: COMBAT 6, DEFENSE 8, STAMINA 1

Lyonesse’s Combat Score: 2 + 1 + 6 = 9 Total

9 – 7 Defense = 2 > 1 Stamina = Thug Slain!

The blind mage quietly drew her sword and listened to the commotion around her. Judging by the sound of Gyneth’s pauldron hitting the ground and the clattering of the sword, her friend had fallen on her back. The sound of flesh punching flesh confirmed it. Carefully, Lyonesse approached; her honed senses picked up the man’s movements. She raised her sword high, blade down, and thrust the tip into the man’s back! The pain shocked him; his body coughed and convulsed, and then he fell dead on top of the warrior.

Screams rang out at the end of the alley as a passerby witnessed what happened. Lyonesse pushed the man’s lifeless form off of her companion and eased Gyneth to her feet. As more people gathered and the authorities came to assess the situation, both women were found protecting themselves against a thief. His body was looted, and the fifteen shards found on him were awarded to the two traveling companions. They spent three days at the Gold Dust Tavern so Gyneth could recover from her injuries before leaving Yellowport.