A small group of scouts, all wounded at different grades of gravity, reached the Palace at small pace. "They were expecting an intrusion. We are the only survivors. They were coming from all sides!"
One of the scouts took the floor and narrated the happening in the crypt. According to his words, the venomancers were heavily armed and equipped, obviously aware and fully prepared for the intrusion. The crypt itself was described to be a vast system of tunnels and enclosures locked out by massive doors. The description of the enclosures caused visible horror to rise at scouts' faces. According to their words, the doors were massive, of incredible size, with a myriad of sophisticated lock-type mechanisms with sinister carvings on them, each representing a scene of a natural disaster. "We called them Calamity locks when we saw them. I realize there is no other choice than to try to unlock the enclosures, but my very own nature remonstrates against such a step. Councilmen, you must be aware that not only salvation might be behind those doors. And there is no way to predict what disasters and what evil we might face..."
"Enough" Arabat interrupted loudly, preventing the scouts from dispersing their own fears among the Court members. "You said it yourselves, there is nothing particular in the tunnels, so no matter what evil they plot, they must be accessing the enclosures at a regular basis." The noble Demon rubbed his forehead, deducing the most likely way of events in the forthcoming campaign. "And if so, they must keep the keys to those mechanisms on themselves. By defeating them we shall collect the keys and discover what it is they hide there. You are now dismissed, scouts. The healers will take care of you." The Demon turned back to his fellow councilors for a short discussion.
Some time later, the briefing was proclaimed to all Lords of the Empire:
"The campaign has begun. Lords of combat levels above 3 may now lead or join vanguards into the crypt in Verdant Dell and all adjacent locations. The Lords who survive a combat with the venomancers loot gold and have a chance to loot artifacts and elements off the defeated Unholy. Moreover, venomancers drop the so called Calamity keys, necessary for unlocking the Treasure enclosures. While any knowledge concealed inside will be claimed by the Academy of Magical Sciences, any treasures conserved in the enclosures will be added to the Artifact Shop and will immediately be available for purchase.
After the end of this campaign, all Lords and ladies will be rewarded with a memorial artifact with properties depending on their successes in summary for both undead campaigns.
Proceed with caution, warriors and mages. The enemy is well aware of your presence and will be trying to surround you and overrun you with reinforcements.
Let valor combined with wisdom multiply your successes!
For Her Majesty! Charge!" |
