Page 84 - Lords of Madness: The Book of Aberrations

impressive shrine, while narrow side passages stretch off into the locks and bars have long since decayed into uselessness, but
unknown darkness. they can be partially held shut by a large stone dragged into
place behind them (DC 18 Strength check to force open).

The shrine lies near the intersection of three significant Currently, the doors are not blocked.
passages and several smaller ones. Such intersections have The kuo-toa thralls catch lizards or collect moss here. They
great importance underground, since travel is limited to attempt to avoid strangers, especially strangers carrying bright
passages—cutting “cross country” is not possible. Kuo-toa lights, by withdrawing into the temple, closing the door, and
hunters, grimlock raiders, duergar, and surface traders use dragging the stone into place.
these passages. Many of them have no inkling that a mind Kuo-toa (2): hp 11 each; Monster Manual page 163.

flayer refugee lives in the old shrine. The kuo-toas fight with shortspears and adhesive shields

if attacked, seeking to withdraw into the temple at the first

2. FAÇADE (EL 4) opportunity. If escape is blocked, they fight to the death.

At one time, this façade would have been imposing. It combines FLAYERS THE MIND CHAPTER 4
classical architectural elements, such as columns and arches, 3. MAIN VESTIBULE (EL 3 TO 9)
with fl utings and curves suggestive of monstrous oysters or The fi rst room inside the shrine is a large, dilapidated vestibule.
other shellfi sh. Much of this beautiful stonework is now tumbled Its walls are covered with chipped, stained friezes portraying
down. Cut stones as tall as a man lie scattered across the broken signifi cant events in the mythology of Blibdoolpoolp. A heavy
fl agstones of the former plaza, where pools of dripwater stag- curtain hangs across a doorway in the eastern wall, and a door
nate. A fl ight of broad, moss-covered stone steps leads up to the cracked open a foot or so leads to the south.
entrance, a set of bronze doors green with age.
Two green-silver humanoids with slick, scaly hides, webbed Without a working knowledge of Blibdoolpoolp’s theology,
hands and feet, and big, goggling eyes are trapping small crea- the meaning behind the carvings is hard to discern. Looking
tures in the moss and pools here. at them intently for more than a few minutes is unsettling to
sane characters; despite their poor condition, the carvings
The shrine itself is part natural cavern, part excavation. The portray Blibdoolpoolp’s insanity forcefully.
doors open easily enough, despite their size and age. Their

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