The TEMPLE of Ssthivg,
lady of serpents
Two farmers searching for lost stock discovered the hidden
entrance to a forgotten temple. Upon seeing the large serpent
statue inside they fled, wondering what other horrors might
lie within. Governor Mordreth is asking for a brave band of
adventurers to clear the area of all chaotic monsters and
ensure the safety of the scared townsfolk. He is offering a
2 large reward and the goodwill of the townsfolk.
1
(1) A wide tear in the cliff side opens to broken and
dusty stairs disappearing up into darkness. A moist,
animistic, and dank odor wafts from the darkness.
A sixteen foot tall granite statue of a curling
serpent dominates this room. Set atop the head are
two large red gemstones (1gp total) serving as the
statue’s eyes. Inquisitive adventurers will notice an
abundance of old and fragile shed snakeskins across
the floor of the room. A smashed door leads to a passage. Detritus
has collected in the room and hides silver coins equal to 1gp.
3
(2) A small band of GOBLINS (equal in number to the party) led by a
HOBGOBLIN have taken up residence in this room. They are afraid of
the remainder of the temple and have failed to explore beyond this
room. If the party made a raucous entering the temple,
5
the creatures will be waiting to ambush the party. Two
small wooden chests have been smashed, the
contents lie under the makeshift bed used by the
leader: a bag of silver (2gp) and five arrows +1.
(3) The wooden door to this room is a rotten and
4 crumbles on any attempt to open it. In the center of
the room a six foot tall serpent statue spews foul smelling brackish
water from its fanged mouth. Anyone brave - or foolish enough - to
10 ft
drink the water has a 2 in 6 chance of contracting a disease, merely
touching the water confers a 1 in 6 chance of disease. Silver coins
(1gp) and a silver tooth (1gp) litter the bottom of the fountain.
(4) The stairs are treacherous, noticing this requires a WIS
check at normal DC(12). Failing to notice and continuing
down the steps requires a hand (15) DEX check to keep from
slipping, sustaining d2 hp damage. This room is full of rotten
crates, shattered clay pots, and general debris scattered about. Roll
three times on the Treasure 0-3 table (page 42-43).
(5) The party may notice the room is oddly clean and devoid of
6 contents save a large metal chest set against the far wall. Within
the locked chest is medium sized GELATINOUS CUBE (pg 30) that will
surprise anyone who opens the chest. Inside the monster is a DAGGER OF
THE SNAKE CULT +1, owner gains the additional language of Slytherin.
(6) Steps lead down to a lower floor, covered in a three feet deep water
(suffer a -2 to the roll). A large drain can be opened which will cause the
water to drain away in d6 turns. A GIANT SNAKE (pg 35) has made this into
her lair. Stairs lead up to a hidden passage to the forest above. Eggs
(d4) occupy the southern most corner beneath the waterline.
(7) Ssthivg’s Lair. A large stone coffin dominates the room, unknown
and ancient runes are carved into its surface. Behind the statue on a
raised dais, stands an impressive gold statue of an alluring, snake-
headed woman. Any attempt to open the coffin or merely touch the
7 statue causes it to activate and attack (use GOLEM, STONE (pg 31)
but with AC 15 and HP 20). Hidden inside the coffin under dust are
an OBSIDIAN WITCHKNIFE and a STAFF OF THE COBRA.
