Chapter 3 / Episode 81 – Finding the Temple of Gruumsh

Chapter 3 / Episode 81 – Finding the Temple of Gruumsh

Planting 6, 576 CY – Early Morning, Highport

Weather: Gloom giving way to Highport’s acrid coastal air
Temperature & Wind: Cool ocean breeze rolling off the bay
Sky: Smothered by low gray clouds, diffusing the morning light into a dull haze

Players Present

• Dog the Ranger of the Gnarley Forest

• Irving the Reluctant, Paladin of St. Cuthbert (with Harvey the Hare)

• TerryOr, Cleric of St. Cuthbert

• Dixon, the Dwarven Fighter

• Silversun, Magic-User of Greyhawk

• Slash, Bard

• Tiger Wong, Eastern Monk

---

Dawn crept slowly over the ruined sprawl of Highport, its light struggling against the soot and salt that never quite leave the air. The party had returned to a city that belongs to orcs, the streets beneath breathed distrust, filth, and danger. The smell of the sea mixed with old fires as the companions guided their cart of plunder down Highport’s broken avenues.

They moved cautiously, discussing trade, scouting routes, and how best to convert their spoils into resources before taking on the next threat. TerryOr insisted they unload their valuables now, not risk being ambushed at night with so much gold in tow. The others reluctantly agreed — after all, in Highport, the walls have eyes, and most of them belong to something that wants you dead.

The Moneychanger’s Cut

The group entered the money-changer just as the morning’s first hawkers began setting up. A greasy-fingered moneychanger offered to convert their heavy gold into gems — at a predatory rate. Dixon inspected the stones, heavy brow furrowed, and determined the man had inflated their value. Still, the exchange was made; Highport has never been kind to honest transactions.

“Let’s get the hell out of here before he changes his mind,” Slash muttered as the party departed.

Supplies, Pelts, and Side-Eyes

The general store was a cramped affair: furs, cheap weapons, rotting rope, and overpriced arrows. Dog acquired ammunition at double the normal rate, cursing under his breath, while Terry asked about oil and vials. 

Gargamel’s House of Wonder

At the crooked-roofed alchemist’s shop, Gargamel struck his usual bargain: strange, exorbitant, but strangely fair for Highport.
A troll statue, a handful of gems, and a dangerous-looking dagger bought them a cache of healing and extra-healing potions. Terry negotiated hard, and the cleric’s insistence — backed by Silversun's special interests — earned the group one additional potion as tribute.

Meanwhile, Gargamel confirmed the enchantment on a red-gemmed dagger:
+1, and +4 to hit against magic-users.
A potent tool in a city where spellcasters often hold grudges.

Highport’s Ruins and the Hunt for the Temple

At Terry’s urging, the group shifted from commerce back to reconnaissance. If the Temple of Gruumsh truly stood somewhere among these ruins, they needed to find it before things take a turn. Dog led, stopping often to analyze tracks, shadows, and the stink of old battle.

A burned-out stone ruin with a skull-and-scythe symbol suggested a once-evil sect — perhaps Nerull, perhaps something fouler. Irving failed to recognize the sigil, and the group pressed on.

A dragon statue and broken pillars hinted at an Earth Elemental connection; Slash muttered,
“Feels like something we saw near Nulb. Or worse.”
But Terry pulled them back to the mission. “Stay focused. Gruumsh. Nothing else.”

Into the Phantom

Their next stop was The Phantom, a den of alcohol, blood, and whispered threats. The clientele was a mix of orcs, bugbears, Lizardmen, stray humans, and a few things that didn’t like the light. Slash ordered ale; Dog watched the door; Terry scanned the room for symbols of Gruumsh. Irving waited outside with the chained dwarf.

Inside, the companions tried gathering rumors.
“Temple,” Slash said to a bugbear.
The beast only growled and spat.
“Wrong one,” Dog whispered. “Try again.”

Nightfall, Lodging… and Theft

By evening, the group found lodging next door to the tavern — 2 gold each for a room, the privilege of not being murdered while sleeping. Terry, Dixon, and Dog coordinated watches. While Silversun prepared to bed down, he checked his belt, his magical dagger was gone, pickpocketed at the tavern. "Curses!!! I will burn this hell-hole down!"

Highport had taken its toll.

Temple of Gruumsh — The First Signs

Before dawn, Dog scouted the eastern quarter as the rumors led.
There — movement.
Orcs, lined up to enter the temple.
And faint… too faint… human screams from the stone structure beyond.

Dog returned grim-faced. “It’s not just an orc temple. They’re doing something inside.”

Morning came with no comfort. Silversun studied his newly acquired spellbook, preparing invisibility 10' radius, and other formulae. The others re-memorized their prayers. Irving polished his armor; Harvey twitched nervously; Dixon checked his hammer.

They would return to the temple soon.

---

Rewards and What's Next

• Each player gains 100 XP for role-playing and city navigation.Dog: deduct arrow purchases from party funds

• The party continues pursuing the Temple of Gruumsh

• Next session begins at sunrise, Planting 7, 576 CY, in the western old temple district.