Session 2
Session 2: The Chaplain's Warning
Date: Day 2 (Dawn)
Location: Kendall Keep — Chapel (Location 17)
Summary
The party visited Father Abercrombie at the Chapel to learn more about the rumoured Hidden Temple. The priest proved to be far more than a simple clergyman—a former soldier turned warrior-priest who has been desperately trying to warn the Keep's authorities about the growing evil in the hills. He shared extensive knowledge about the Hidden Temple, his suspicions about a spy within the Keep, and gave the party a sacred mission.
Events
Meeting Father Abercrombie
The party entered the Chapel at dawn and found Father Abercrombie kneeling in prayer before the altar, clad in chainmail. When Zeale challenged him about the Hidden Temple—and questioned why a priest wears armour in his own chapel—Abercrombie revealed his true nature.
He explained that he was a soldier before taking holy orders, having fought in three campaigns against the Horned Society. He wears mail because St. Cuthbert calls his servants to action, not passive prayer. He has been waiting for the chance to fight the evil he knows lurks in the hills, but Devereau will not release him from his duties.
The Hidden Temple Revealed
Abercrombie shared what he knows of the Hidden Temple:
- The temple is called Eglalgina — "The Everlasting Palace"
- It is dedicated to Erishkigal, goddess of death and the underworld
- It was built into the living rock of the Caves of Chaos, in the "highest place" and "deepest darkness"
- Ancient priests believed they had destroyed it two hundred years ago, but they only sealed it away
- Someone has now broken the seals
He showed the party an ancient chronicle kept by priests who served the land before the Keep was built, which describes the temple and its sealing.
Evidence of Evil
Abercrombie described the evidence he has gathered:
- Three months ago: A shepherd found one of his flock torn apart and arranged in a ritual pattern, entrails laid out in a deliberate design
- One month ago: A tinker and his wife vanished from the North Road—no bodies, no blood, only the Sign of Erishkigal carved into their wagon seat
- Every time he reports these incidents to Devereau, the evidence vanishes before patrols arrive—as if someone is warning the enemy
The Suspected Spy
When pressed about who might be betraying the Keep, Abercrombie reluctantly shared his suspicions about Mendel the scribe:
- Mendel arrived five years ago with references from a noble house in the east
- He asks subtle questions about patrol schedules and traveller movements
- He once asked to borrow the ancient chronicle—Abercrombie refused
- Abercrombie has found the chapel door unlocked when he was certain he had secured it
- There is a "coldness" in Mendel's eyes when he thinks no one is watching
Abercrombie emphasised he has no proof—only instinct.
Asham and Arpad
The priest also revealed his suspicions about Asham the cooper and his missing daughter Arpad:
- Arpad disappeared several months ago—officially assumed to have run off with a tinker
- Asham swore she would never leave without word
- After her disappearance, Mendel visited Asham, ostensibly to offer condolences
- Asham has become a shadow of himself—withdrawn, avoiding others, refusing confession
- Abercrombie suspects Arpad was kidnapped by the Temple to ensure Asham's cooperation
- Asham may have been coerced into providing information or assistance to the enemy
The Sacred Mission
Father Abercrombie entrusted the party with:
- A silver holy symbol of St. Cuthbert — an ancient relic that belonged to one of the priests who originally sealed the temple
- A request to place it at the threshold of the Hidden Temple if they find it
- A plea to bring back proof of the Temple's existence so he can convince Devereau to act
Next Steps
The party decided to investigate further before venturing to the Caves. Abercrombie directed them to:
- Asham the cooper (Location 7f) — the grieving father who may be under Temple coercion
- Devereau the Castellan (Location 27) — who demands proof before acting
- Mendel the scribe (Location 28) — the suspected spy himself
He warned them to be careful what they reveal to Mendel, and to approach Asham gently.
Session End
The session ended with the party standing outside the Chapel in the grey morning light, deciding to visit Asham the cooper first.
Treasure & Equipment Gained
- Silver Holy Symbol of St. Cuthbert — Ancient relic, to be placed at the Hidden Temple threshold
Party Status
| Character | Class | HP | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zeale | Fighter 1 | 11/11 | Healthy |
| Mira Ashwood | Mage 1 | 4/4 | Healthy |
| Finn | Thief 1 | 6/6 | Healthy |
| Brother Marcus | Cleric 1 | 8/8 | Healthy |
Key Information Learned
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Hidden Temple | Called Eglalgina (The Everlasting Palace), dedicated to Erishkigal, located in upper caves |
| Ancient History | Priests sealed the temple 200 years ago; seals have been broken |
| Suspected Spy | Mendel the scribe — no proof, but suspicious behaviour |
| Coerced Ally | Asham the cooper — daughter Arpad possibly kidnapped as leverage |
| Evidence Problem | All evidence vanishes before patrols arrive, suggesting inside information |
NPCs Interacted With
- Father Abercrombie — Extensive conversation, received quest and holy symbol
NPCs Mentioned
- Mendel — Suspected spy
- Asham — Cooper whose daughter is missing
- Arpad — Asham's daughter, possibly kidnapped
- Devereau — Castellan who demands proof
- Erishkigal — Goddess of death, patron of the Hidden Temple