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HDK 89 † The Quest for the Chalice of Life

by ELYTHERIA

/
1.
The company surrounding our summoned hero enter the great hall of the inner keep. Earric was accompanied by the ranger Rician and an Elven scout going by the name of Lewin Moonshadow. The mighty doors opened with a creak. Sitting beneath a brightly lit chandelier the king and his inner circle of knights await the company's arrival. "It is beyond any doubt, only the Chalice of Life can save the Kingdom of Elytheria from falling into darkness. Set forth and seek the wisdom of the monks, for they alone know where the Chalice may be found."
2.
Even before the company explained why they had come; the monks knew of their intentions. From them, they learned that the chalice was still hidden deep within the Eastern Mountains and had never left the place where the dwarves had kept it. "At the foot of their highest peak you will find a hidden stone door that will lead you to the heart of the mountain. There the chalice is hidden within an icy cavern. But beware! You will have to cross the eternal vale, which, since the dwarfs left this world, is riddled with goblins. Their strength however lies only in their numbers, they have neither superior weaponry nor tactical knowledge."
3.
It was a cold foggy morning as their eyes beheld the glory of Sir Penrith's Keep that rose in the mists before them. Enclosed by mighty walls, the banners that waved in the wind seemed to greet Earric and his company with the promise of a warm bed and a hearty cooked meal.
4.
Night was falling. Upon the advice of Lewin, the company steered clear of the Blackwood Forest. Only a few rays of sunlight managed to penetrate the dense branches and reach the ground that teemed with evil creatures. The company sat around a fire, with the forest being visible only as a black line on the horizon. They listened to Lewin's tales.
5.
Although the Lichs and the undead army were miles away, and there was no danger of the dead rising, the voices of the adventurers began to die down as they neared the barrows, until they spoke only in whispers. It was almost as if the adventurers were infected by the silence of the graves. With their step almost as light as falling the snow, they passed the hills.
6.
After the passing of the barrows and a few uneventful days, the company stumbled upon the ruins of what once used to be a fortress. Passing through the broken gatehouse, they reached the once busy courtyard that was now overgrown by moss. The blowing of the wind and the chirping of birds had replaced the chattering of people. In hopes of finding useful equipment (or as Rician called it: loot) they searched the few houses that had escaped total decay. The fortress seemed to have been abandoned in a hurry. If it were not for the ravages of time, one could expect the inhabitants at any moment to return and continue the lives they had left behind.
7.
The village of Farnax was one of the easternmost settlements in Elytheria, and the company's last chance to spend a night in a warm bed before leaving civilisation behind. They seized the chance to visit the local inn for a cooked meal, a cold ale, and a place to stay. When night fell the main hall of the pub filled with the merry voices of the patrons. As strangers (let alone Elves) rarely found their way into the village the company of adventurers found themselves that evening at the centre of everyone’s attention.
8.
The Tower of Wind was the former residence of the air archmage that inhabited it many generations ago. During the first age of Elytheria, all four corners were governed and under the protection of an elemental archmage. The North by the archmage of water, the East by the archmage of air, the South by the archmage of fire and the West by the archmage of Earth. Although the rule of the mages ended many centuries ago, the tower still stood as proud as it did on the day it was built. As the company passed the road beside the building, they could not help but feel that the tower was still inhabited by someone, or something.
9.
For the whole day the company climbed the foothills of the Eastern Mountains under a bright sky. Their legs were tired, and their feet ached when the sun finally set. As twilight grew, they set up their camp under an overhanging rock where they had a wide view to the South and West. Night grew and the waxing crescent dipped to the horizon. "I can't remember the last time I witnessed such a clear night sky" Earric broke the silence. Although the others agreed with him, they simply just nodded without speaking and kept on admiring the beauty of the stars.
10.
Shrouded in mist the eternal vale lay before them. The river in its centre ran quietly. The peacefulness of the valley had deceived many travellers before, making them run directly into the ambushes of the mountain goblins. Thankfully, the monks had urged the company caution when crossing it, a warning they took heed of. They waited until nightfall to cross the valley, staying hidden under low trees at the edge of the vale. After the sun set, the company moved out, keeping a low profile as they approached the river. Here, they were completely out in the open, risking discovery. Everything seemed to go according to plan, until after the crossing of the river. Lewin urged his companions to silence; his Elvin ears had picked up the sound of footsteps racing towards them from the distance. Within an instant the goblins charged them from all directions. As flight was hopeless, the company made a stand and immediately fired their arrows towards their attackers. Thanks to the skills of Lewin and Rician they were able to pick the goblins off one by one. When they were close enough for melee fight, there were not many attackers left, yet still the battle was bloody. The goblins however soon retreated as they weren’t accustomed to such a show of resistance. The company used this chance to escape the scene of battle and headed toward the other side of the valley. The crossing was complete, now they could concentrate on reaching the highest peak and look for the secret stone door.
11.
For the past few days, the company had spent their time searching for the hidden stone door. Snow has been falling constantly and the wind was icy cold. "Bah, it is no use. We will never find this damned entrance" professed Rician, summarising their seemingly hopeless effort. "We have been searching for days. I am cold, hungry, and tired. Face it, Earric. We have failed." Earric felt the same but he did his best to hide it from his companions. Night began to fall, and he urged them to continue the search the next day. At least for this night they would have a place to stay that was sheltered from the wind. They entered a small cave and lit a fire to warm themselves. After they had set themselves down for a short while, they noticed a dim blue glimmer coming from one of the cave walls. At closer inspection, the light seemed to come from a glyph that was engraved in the wall. With some effort, together they managed to prise the door open. Before them stood a long staircase leading straight down into the mountain. With torches blazing they followed the stairs. The air grew colder with each step and they soon ran out of warm garments to wear. Finally, the stairs ended and passed into a straight hallway. From the end of it appeared a clear blue light. Overcome with joy, the adventurers approached it and found themselves in a small cavern whose walls, floor and ceiling were completely covered in ice. Standing in the centre of the cavern and perched upon a pedestal, stood the artefact. The prized possession they had searched for so long. It was a golden chalice covered in blue gems. Finally, with the kingdom of Elytheria in the possession of the Chalice of Life, the war against the Lichs will be won, and the realm can return to peace again.

about

Elytheria lies in ruins! Cities are being deserted as people flee in panic from the undead force that rose in the southern kingdom. For generations, the prophecy has been thought nothing more than a tale to fright children. Yet still, a fortnight ago, it proved to be true.

It was said that if a king's firstborn son were to die on a full moon, the Lichs would return and lay siege over the rule of the kingdom. And indeed, under their mighty spells the dead have been rising from their graves to wreak havoc throughout the land.

Knights, lords, and mighty armies were dispatched south to face the dead. Yet it proved to be a hopeless fight, the dead relentlessly fought their way across the kingdom. As despair spread, even among the king's own ranks. It became clear that the force could not be overcome by mere mortal means, and so with nowhere left to turn, the king sought the advice of the sages.

Under their counsel he learned of an ancient chalice, forged by dwarven smiths, and enchanted with the power of life by the wizards of the Eastern Mountains many years ago. Held in the highest regard after its creation, the artifact however slowly sank into oblivion after the downfall of the dwarven kingdom. As time passed the knowledge of its whereabouts had been lost until only a selected few knew of its precise location.

"So, you know how we can obtain this artifact? I shall spare neither labour nor expense! I prithee thee, tell me where I am to look for it." the king implored the sages.
"It will be no easy task, my lord. I, however, do not know where the chalice can be found. Seek the knowledge of the monks of the abbey that lies to the north of your castle, they may be able to provide you with the answers you need."

Eager to retrieve the artifact, upon which depends the future of the realm, the king called for the paladin Earric to fulfil the quest.

O=={============>

The magic of vintage fantasy RPG modules, the sound reminiscent of old computer role-playing games music, the evocative and mystery-filled illustrations in 80s underground heavy-metal tradition make this "The quest for the Chalice of Life" a must for all lovers of the most classic and sincere dungeon-synth.

The cassette of "The quest for the chalice of life" contains the entire adventure scenario complete with map, which you can adapt to your favorite RPG.

Press play and let your imagination wander...

credits

released September 26, 2021

Illustrations by JADE WOLFSPIDER ART.
Enjoy her great works here:
www.instagram.com/wolfspider_art
www.instagram.com/wolfspider_art
www.instagram.com/wolfspider_art

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Heimat Der Katastrophe Milan, Italy

DIY label focused on ambient punk, minimal-synth, dungeon-drone, wartime music and post-nuclear wave. Managed by a creative punx collective from Milano city.

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