Amber Temple

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The **Amber Temple** is a location in the *Forgotten Realms Campaign* of Nat19. It rests atop Mount Ghakis in the land of Barovia. Many Dark Gifts can be found within, each of which grant the recipient a power, but also come with a price.

## History

Presumably long ago, the lich known as Exethanter came to reside within the Amber Temple.

More recently, Vilnius and his master Jakarion came to the temple, though the latter did not survive.

## Role in Plot

The Curse of Strahd Party ventured to the Amber Temple to help their ally Kasimir Velikov acquire a power with which to resurrect his deceased sister. The party fought their way through the temple, fighting a band of barbarians, flaming skulls, amber golems, and more.

They encountered a wizard named Vilnius inside the temple who was seeking his former master's staff. The party agreed to help him find it so long as he helped them do so. Once he found the staff and touched it, something came over him. His eyes glazed over and he insisted that he must leave, refusing to talk to Ashley when she asked for his assistance in changing her body. He eventually left, though he was later slain by a roc.

Upon entering one of the many chambers containing amber sarcophagi, the party found a group of nothics. These aberrations peered into their minds and revealed many of their secrets. This angered the party enough to attack and kill them. It revealed that Monty believes himself to be a coward, and that Jolyne was in love despite not realizing it herself. The latter revelation spiraled into Hadrick believing Jolyne was in love with Monty, which led to the self-appointed bodyguard to try to test the paladin of Pelor to see if he was worthy of Jolyne. Meanwhile, Devin and Jolyne discussed the true nature and object of her affection: Hadrick. Jolyne was convinced she wasn't in love with Hadrick because he did not match the image of the perfect man she had read about growing up, but Devin convinced her it was true.

Following these separate discussions, Jolyne and Hadrick discussed what had happened and eventually confessed their feelings to each other. It is only after this that Hadrick relinquished one of his swords, named Greywinter, unto one of the many statues in the temple. Having found a fitting place to set his former captain's blade to rest he parted with his assumed name, Greywinter, in favor of his true name, Kainwind.

The party regrouped after the personal conversation and proceeded deeper into the temple. They eventually came upon a large room with several wooden crates inside. As Hadrick led the group into the room, vampire spawn erupted from the crates. A harrowing fight ensued, in which Hadrick lost his life, greatly distressing his friends. Kasimir turned to one of the nearby amber sarcophagi and activated it, accepting its gift. Doing so made him appear almost as if undead. He elaborated that the gift he had just taken could resurrect the dead. Devin quickly rose and also accepted the gift, using it to revive Hadrick.

After things had calmed down somewhat, a figure entered the room from the nearby staircase. He was a lich, but when asked for his name, or for any information about the temple, he claimed to not remember. After looking around, the party found a scroll of Greater Restoration and used it to restore his memory. The lich then introduced himself as Exethanter, the caretaker of the Amber Temple. He presented the party with gifts for aiding him, and assisted them in clearing the snow that had blocked the exit to the temple since their arrival.

Upon exiting the temple, the party encountered a possessed Xhantharykk Quelzorladar, who was feeding on a roc he had slain. He noticed the party and immediately attacked them, though he was ultimately killed once again. In his last moments, he regained his awareness, and apologized for everything he'd done. The party buried him atop Mount Ghakis, and left the Amber Temple behind.

## Notable People

 **Vilnius** † | NPC | A wizard's apprentice whose master died within the temple. He remained there and survived until theparty encountered him and helped him escape.