Hagrtich clings above the open threshold, his split claw pressed into ancient mortar. A bright thread of blood slips down the stone toward the amber-lit chamber.
Below, the vast slate-scaled guardian unfolds to its full height. Its horned head turns slowly, amber eyes fixing first on the doorway, then on the hoard beyond.
Hagrtich Ssazar
Every foothold around the chamber lies within its reach.
The guardian's rising body reveals a narrow route along the chamber wall, passing between a broken pillar and the treasure dais. Dust marks the only available ledges.
The guardian plants one heavy hand beside the threshold, blocking the direct retreat. Its other arm hangs ready beneath Hagrtich, while the warm air thickens with mineral musk.
Beyond the guardian, amber light glints across piled metal, sealed chests, and shadowed relics. Captain Veyra and her pirates remain behind in the upper shrine, unaware of this opening.
The guardian raises its horned face toward the ceiling. It does not speak, but its claws flex against the stone as the blood-drop reaches the threshold below.
“Encountering another Beastfolk has admittedly taken me by surprise. Even more so that this guardian appears to share my ancestry. But this kin does not matter to me. Only the gold. Only the treasure. Only my prize that I've worked this far is what matters. I will do as I must to obtain it, even if that means killing him. I make my choice quickly. I scramble along the ceiling directly above the guardian, proceeding as far down the chamber wall as I can. When my claws can no longer find a purchase on anything, I use my last hold to assist in catapulting myself toward the treasure pile and over the guardian's head. Mid-air, I flip on my right-side, diving with an open-armed embrace to scoop up as much of the treasure as I can.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -2)
Hagrtich scuttles across the ceiling above the guardian, claws probing ancient seams. Dust rains beneath him as the guardian tracks his movement with its amber eyes.
He descends the chamber wall until the mortar crumbles beneath his final hold. His claws tear free, and he kicks hard against the failing stone.
The sudden launch carries Hagrtich over the guardian's horned head. He twists onto his right side, cloak flaring, arms spread toward the glittering hoard.
He strikes the treasure pile and plunges both arms into coins, chains, and small sealed vessels, gathering a heavy armful against his chest.
The impact crashes through the chamber. Coins scatter across the dais, while a jagged relic edge cuts Hagrtich's flank beneath his cloak, drawing a thin line of blood.
guardian
Thief.
The guardian wheels toward him, its hand sweeping through the air where he had passed. Hagrtich lands amid the hoard with treasure secured, but the guardian now knows exactly where he is.
Get clear of the guardian
Quest Complete
Obtain the temple's treasures
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Superb→Legendary
+ New Item Acquired
Temple treasure haul