The Druid of Grey Forest 2/10/998rw

Approaching the Horned Mountains from the west you feel impelled to cross in this general area. After climbing for a good portion of the morning you reach the pinnacle and gazing into the far valley see a lake with a tall waterfall spouting of the side somewhere higher up the sheer cliff. From your vantage point it appears a climb down is the only way to access the lake and waterfall.

If a climb down is the only way to access them, Oeric will do so.

As you near the lake you come across the bodies of several dozen dismembered and burned pink snouts. You are now at the north edge of the lake. No living creature is visible.

Oeric kneels beside the pink snouts a moment, trying to gather more information, then
begins moving around the edge of the lake to the waterfall, trying to see if there is
a way into the mountain behind it.

The bodies lie as they fell perhaps a day or so dead. As you near the edge of the lake and the sheer cliff you observe out of the corner of your eye some movement across the lake. Studying closely you see several horses apparently at rest near the lakes terminus.

Smiling faintly, Oeric moves towards the horses. When he gets there, the druid
strokes them, nickering softly. He checks on the animals, making sure that they are
well, before beginning to look for signs of where their riders might have gone (that
is, assuming they're not wild...).

As you approach the horses you notice a small man, kind of a midget lying on the ground under the shade of a small bush with a cap pulled down over his eyes. Around him you see a large variety of supplies, saddles and so on.

Oeric continues on to the horses, stroking them as he examines the little man. If the
midget notices him, Oeric nods and greets him. If not, Oeric will try to gently wake
him (starting with clearing his throat and moving up from there). Once he has the
little guy's attention, Oeric will ask him about himself and the horses, and whether
there is a way into the mountain.

A puff of smoke escapes the little man's lips, "I think the way you go is under the falls but I haven't been there so…," he lapses into silence. "Perhaps you could tell me your name before tasting a certain demise like my friends most likely have. Gillian at your service by the by."

He gives you a wink out of one eye.

Oeric gives the little man a barely perceptible nod and says, "I am Oeric Thorsgil,
priest of Freya. Well met Gillian. You came all this way to sit with the horses did
you?" The druid shakes his head, "No matter. Under the waterfall you say... That's
where your friends went? I believe I have seen them in my dreams, them and the
Ravens. I think at least some of them live yet". Oeric will attempt to go under the waterfall as Gillian indicated his friends did. If it seems that he must actually go under the water, he will cast Water Breathing upon himself.

Gillian nods, "Good luck, if you run into Lester tell him Ho for me if you will."

It looks like a swim is necessary to get to the falls and a spell for breathing water is accomplished and the short journey completed with little fanfare. As you pass under the falls you see a landing on the other side with passage leading inward.

Oeric shakes off some of the water, then moves to the landing and into the passage.

As you proceed through the opening you come into a large room about 30' x 30' the weak light coming from the passage you entered is all you have to see by. In the middle of the room you can make out a small pool with a column stalagmite in it's center extending upwards to the ceiling some 20' over your head. Water appears to be running down this column feeding the pool. At the base you also see a large metal chalice setting at the edge of the pool. On the far wall you see steps cut into the wall that lead up through a hole in the ceiling.

Oeric takes off his gear (including his robes) and sets his water-skins and pouch of
holly and mistletoe aside, casting Destroy Water on the rest. Then he takes one of
the newly dried torches and lights it with flint and steel. He moves to the pool and
examines the chalice. If he finds nothing to persuade him otherwise, the druid then
proceeds up the steps.

You find nothing of interest with the chalice, it appears to be made of some old black metal.

As you make your way up the stair you come to a landing with stairs spiraling up and a door slightly off it's hinges before you.

Oeric pauses for a moment, reflecting upon his choices, and then decides to continue
up the stairs.

After a short climb in spiral fashion you come to another door, also partially open. The stairs continue to spiral upwards. As you discount all the side passages and continue the long climb upwards you notice the scent of fresh air and you see the light of day.

Intrigued, Oeric heads for the fresh air and daylight.

As you approach the end of this torturous climb you hear the sound of rushing water and smell the fresh air of outdoors. Broaching the stairwell and peering around you find yourself on a small island surrounded by water rushing from within the mountain past you and out the opening which is the spout of the waterfall. You stand upon a small island about five foot square and it appears about ten feet to either side of this strong current. On the north wall you see a small rocky beach and no apparent openings but on the south wall you see a large double door with a huge bolt thrown open and a demonic being of huge proportions is apparently engaging battle with a small group of humanoids.
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