New Beginnings and Unexpected Threats
Our intrepid adventurers found themselves at a crucial juncture, having dealt with the bizarre events within the Hidden Shrine. Session 7 marked a transition, bringing the party out into the daylight for the first time since their descent.
Emerging from what remained of a once-grand temple, they found themselves amidst ruins, with sunlight filtering through holes in the roof. A massive relief of a bat-like creature dominated the back wall, before which stood an altar carved with writhing vermin and the head of a screaming bat. This imagery immediately struck Vila as being the enemy of her newfound deity, Finnegan.
As the party cautiously surveyed their surroundings, Vila noticed the bat's eyes on the relief began to glow red. Before they could react, a giant hyena appeared from the northwest corner, prompting a swift initiation of combat. Despite its menacing appearance, the hyena proved to be less formidable than anticipated, falling quickly to the party's combined efforts.
Algos, meanwhile, attempted to ritually cast detect magic. Once completed, the magic emanated from within the altar. Upon closer inspection, the altar revealed handholds and hidden hinges, suggesting it could be lifted. With combined effort and a rope, they managed to tip the heavy altar, triggering a dangerous trap: metal bat wings on the sides of the altar whipped around, narrowly missing Algos but striking him. Beneath the altar, a pit containing valuable items and the remains of previous victims was revealed.
The subsequent looting uncovered a significant haul of wealth, including chalices, goblets, jewelry, and a large amount of silver. Among the more notable finds were a placard bearing the image of a vampire god, a jade statuette, and a marble statue intended for potions of healing.
As the party prepared to leave the ruined temple, a remarkable event occurred. Finnegan himself, in the form of the feathered serpent, descended from the sky, wrapping around Vila and declaring she had done well before flying away. He left behind a scroll containing official papers of ordination, seemingly marking Vila as a priestess of Finnegan. This cemented Vila's devotion to her unconventional deity.
However, not all was harmonious within the group. Yuri, still recovering from his recent “death” and subsequent resurrection, chose to leave the party, heading deeper into the jungle. His departure left the remaining members somewhat bewildered but determined to continue.
With their pockets considerably heavier and Vila now an ordained priestess, the party discussed their next steps, including selling their accumulated loot and potentially acquiring better equipment in Waterdeep. The session concluded with the remaining adventurers preparing for their journey back to civilization, leaving behind the immediate dangers of the shrine but carrying the strange blessings and lingering mysteries of Tamoachan.