While within the Necropolis, the party moves near an open temple. As the party approaches, they are surrounded by Shadows moving in. Though before they can attack, a haunting music can be heard. The Shadows move back and surround two elves, a male and a female. The woman is playing a long double flute that looks like it is made of bone. The man is holding a skull with eyes of balefire.
The shadows move back into the ground.
When the last of the Shadows have gone, the woman stops playing.
They are dressed similarly and even look the same, obviously related. They look like the shadow elves you have seen, but their skin is darker, and their hair is lighter. The woman greets you first.
"Greetings. I am Runu, and this is my younger brother Urnu," she says.
There is a snort from the male, and a "younger by mere seconds." escapes his lips just loud enough to be heard by all.
Runu points to a rune on the ground that one of your shoes has kicked dirt onto.
"The Rune of Ake keeps the shadows confined to the temple. When you walked over it broke the magic. But no matter." She brushes the dirt away, and the great circle of runes glows briefly and then fades.
They tell you they are Shadow Elves, but they are also Drow/Dark Elves and therefore despised by all elves. More importantly, they tell you they are not under the sway of the Vampire Queen.
They mention they need a particular jewel from an idol in the central temple. The idol is that of the Demon Lord Orcus and the temple is his.They causally mention they know they are searching for the tomb of the Vampire Queen. ("Why else are you here? It's not the scenery!") They also add that the large temple is the access to the lower levels. There is a secret door under the idol.
If asked why they are helping, they will say that the Shadow Elves will kill them on the spot, but the adventurers are a curiosity to them and they have a chance to reach the temple.
If asked why they need it, they will claim it was stolen by the Vampire Queen, and they want to return to their home temple.
If the party tries to attack them, they use their Rings of Invisibility and sneak away. They do want the adventurers alive to face the monsters in the Temple.
The double flute are "Pipes of the Susurrus" and they require training to use.
There is nothing of note in this local temple.
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Note: Runu is a Profane Necromancer, Urnu is a Gothic Witch. Most of what they tell you is true. Save for a few details.
- The Shadow Elves will kill Runu and Urnu true, but they will also kill the adventurers. Runu is playing up how many Shadow Elves are here.
- Runu summoned the shadows herself to scare the adventurers.
- They do need the gem, the Eye of Orcus, but it is far more dangerous than they let on.
- They want the adventures to face the monsters of the main temple.
- They have no love for the Vampire Queen
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