Quest #15

The Body Thief


Note:  The time frame for this quest is many years after the preceding one.  You may want to play a few other quest packs in between Quest #14 and this one.


"It has been many years since you last saw Lord Narran.  During the long journey to his realm, you pondered the meaning of his short note: 'Come quickly.  Something strange is happening.'  The note gives little information, yet still fills you with dread.

You arrive at his castle, and Lord Narran greets you warmly.  After some small talk he finally comes to the meaning of his summons.  'Teraptus' castle has been abandoned since his execution.  None dare go there; the aura of evil still weighs heavily on the ruins.  Yet lately the villagers have reported seeing strange lights around the old castle.  Some say that the spirit of Teraptus has returned.  I want you to check out the rumors.  If they are false I need you to prove them so.  If they are true, then destroy whatever evil has taken over the castle."


Wandering Monster - Orc


Special Rule:

When the Heroes enter a room or a corridor with one or more monsters in it, Teraptus takes over one of the monsters in the Heroes line of sight.  The monster retains it's stats, yet can cast spells.  Teraptus' spells are listed in room 'E'.  Teraptus can cast each spell once for every body he takes over!  Have Teraptus taunt the Heroes while in these new bodies.  If there are any more monsters in one of the Heroes line of sight when the monster that Teraptus' spirit inhabits is killed, move Teraptus there.  Otherwise wait until the Heroes find some more monsters.


Notes:

A.  When the first Hero steps on this square, read "It looks like the castle is still abandoned, yet there are subtle hints that this is not so.  For instance you notice that the wood of the drawbridge is not rotted, it looks new.  The chain on the drawbridge is freshly oiled.  Could it be that someone or something is inhabiting the castle?"


B.  When the first Hero steps on this square, read "The castle looks like the ruins you expected.  Passages are blocked with rubble, the floors are dusty, and there are cobwebs everywhere.  Maybe the castle is still abandoned after all"


C.  None of the chests here are trapped.  The first one contains 500 gold coins.  The second contains 4 gems, each worth 100 gold coins.  The third contains 4 longswords and a helmet.


D.  Tell the first player to search this room for treasure "On the Sorcerer's Table you find an old book entitled "Casting Your Spirit."  It appears to be a book about taking over the bodies of lesser creatures, but none of you can really understand it.  The book is full of evil runes, and after glancing through it you destroy it."


E. You find a staff and three daggers here.  All are useable.


F.  Tell the first player to enter this room "Before you is an horrifying sight.  Teraptus stands before an evil altar, chanting incantations and sacrificing blood.  You can tell that Teraptus is not alive; only his spirit exists in this realm.  He is a Wraith.  'Fools!' he shouts.  'I will finally destroy you and have my revenge.'  Teraptus finishes his spell, and begins laughing.  His spirit fades, then suddenly the Death Knight in front of you begins laughing."

Do not place Teraptus on the board as long as there are creatures in this room.  When each is gone, place Teraptus on the board and read "Teraptus spirit howls, and since there are no other creatures for it to take over he attacks you himself."  Teraptus can cast each spell below once in his form, plus once for each body he takes over.

Teraptus spells:  Fear, Sleep, and Command

Teraptus Spirit retains its normal stats.


When Teraptus is destroyed, read "With the final blow Teraptus Spirit begins to howl.  The howl changes to a scream and gains in loudness as Teraptus begins to fade.  The scream becomes a high pitched screech and just when you can no longer stand the noise Teraptus disappears and the screech stops.  You look around for a second, wondering if Teraptus is really gone.  Before you can stand and ponder too long the ground begins to shake.  Teraptus castle is falling apart.  You quickly head for the entrance, dodging falling beams, plaster, and blocks.  You make it out just as the castle collapses.  Then, you watch as the rubble begins to glow.  The glow intensifies, and the ruins of the castle disappear.  When the glow fades, the castle is gone.  Even the place where the castle stood is gone; instead of bare ground and a foundation you see a peaceful glade of trees.

You report all that happened to Lord Narran.  'Thank goodness you were able to destroy Teraptus before he was able to start a new reign of terror.  It looks like we are rid of him at last'.  You take your leave of Narran, and begin journeying home.  As for Teraptus, you are not so sure that you have seen the last of him."


