The Upside Down Tower Of Orling The Backwards
| Type | Dungeon |
|---|---|
| Status | Explored May 829 TA |
| Location | Sandal |
| Hex | 2229 |
| Campaign | Dark Lord Campaign |
| Adventure # | 25 |
On Orling the Backwards
Orling was a wizard of a most colorful background. When he was younger, Errorling, as his nickname belied, always seemed to get things just a little backwards. His first wizard's tower was said to have been built into the ground! Despite his shortcomings, Orling proved to be a masterful warlock, and his good nature and humor made him well-liked and respected. A favorite of the the lawful good court of King Gregory the Even-Handed, Orling was set to defend the southern boundaries of the kingdom against evil magicks. An awesome task for a single man, but Orling proved to be quite capable.
In the winter of 828-829 TA, a man bearing striking resemblances to the mage appeared at Orling's tower. Intrigued by his visitor's uncanny appearance, Orling was beguiled into accepting a gift from the stranger, a large tiger eye necklace. This was to prove to be Orling's greatest error. With the necklace always hanging from the wizard's throat, evil began creeping into the Reaches unhindered. First came the appearance of the stranger's own personal guards, large tiger-like creatures which stood upright and fought with savage brutality. While Orling still acted as the protector of the kingdom, he remained oblivious to the situation.
King Gregory believed that Orling was the only wizard able to protect the southern frontier. His orders were that Orling not be killed, but the amulet removed. Orling, the wielder of the fire of Kaas, was thought to be powerful enough to reverse the happenings of the last few months. His final warning to the party was that Orling considers the stranger a friend, but the party may not be so lucky.
The Upside Down Tower of Orling the Backwards
The Enemies
Rector is the evil wizard who has charmed Orling via the Necklace of the Master. He also carries a Staff of Death, Bracers of Defense AC 2, and a Dagger of Venom. He is a 10th level spellcaster. His henchman in Amsal the Armorer, an elven thief, in Rector's employ. The servants of the evil wizard appear as large upright tigers. They can fight with or without swords. They possess rude telepathy. They can signal danger to their masters and other servants. They speak common. The follow all orders to the letter and to death.
The Field
The party teleports into the middle of a large field. They are facing a stone hill with a large cave entrance ahead of them. Above the cave is painted a large red eye. There is a dense copse of trees on one side of them and a small lake on the other side. In front of them (just in front of the cave) are 50 orcs. Behind them are 30 ogres.
Cave of Urrge
Ironically, the cave is not the entrance to Orling's Keep. It is the cave of a stone giant, Urrge.
Urrge is a stone giant of no exceptional ability. He does not understand the daily appearance of the orcs and ogres. He knows only that the hunting is good in the forest, and the ogres and orcs never attack him.
Urrge lives with several cave bears. His treasure is: 6 crystal gems (50 gp each), a potion of storm giant strength, bracers of defense AC 3, crossbow of speed +1, and 12 bolts.
The Traps
The entrance to Orling's Keep is found by following the stream in the woods - which eventually leads to a small underground landing. There, the party will be greeted by Palme the Greeter. Palme is a kobald who has his instructions and will not fight. His staff has the same symbols on it as the giant transport pillar. This allows transport. He always reports to the evil wizard after a mission.
Room 1
A rocky ledge just out into the pool that marks the river's end. In the wall of the ledge is an opening large enough to permit a man to enter. Steps lead downward. Upon landing on the ledge, a magic mouth appears.
Perish shall enemies all-
Behold grace my shall pass who those only
grave watery a to sent by bodies your
lest find keys six the you must it in
chamber this enter who those beware.
At the bottom of the stairs is this symbol which teleports everyone on the stairs when touched. Not on stairs - no teleport until Room 2 is empty.
Room 2
Adventures in the Upside Down Tower Of Orling The Backwards
In May 829 TA, a party consisting of Ernest Goodfellow, Hylax the Barker, U-Gene the Dwarf, Zephaniah the Good, Sirfexx Ivancevio, and Blackfoot sought the help of Orling the Backwards and the Fire of Kaas in the fight against Valdemar and his allies. However, when they arrived at the Upside Down Tower, they found that Orling had mysteriously turned to evil. The Party was able to release Orling from his curse, but it was here that Sir Zachary perished. Sir Earnest Goodfellow, alias Dirty Ernie became a member of the party at this point.