The Hungering Temple

A squat adobe pyramid worn by the passing years, with a six floor dungeon beneath it. The lowest level holds a sacred pool within which a deity's servant dwells. The temple is inhabited by the Feather-and-Claw people and dedicated to the Shadow-that-Hungers.

Shadow-that-Hungers, an avian deity of Night

Its priests are known for their mastery over darkness. To devoted disciples, it offers eternal life of a sort. Regular human sacrifices infuse a person with preternatural vigour, which lets one persist far beyond their years.

Leadership:

1. Midnight-Ascendant (HD 5), the high priestess of the temple
2. Darkness-Regnant (HD 4)
3. Darkness-Malignant (HD 3)
4. Darkness-Poignant (HD 3)
5. Gloom-Unforeseen (HD 2)
6. Penumbra (HD 2)

Ceremonies:

• Once per day at midnight, a mass accompanied by chanting, celebrating the night.
• Special mass during eclipses, attended by priests only, when special sacrifices are offered.

Treasure:

• 30 000 silver in religious iconography and paraphernalia
• 3 000 silver in coins
• Hoard of the Many-Winged Herald, gathered in its sacred pool.

Notes & Connections:

• At war with Eklo, the bandit village.
• Cultists speak Ziz, while priests have a 2:6 chance of speaking Tradertalk.

 

Stolen from here.

 

d4	Common Encounters	#App
1-2	Feather-and-Claw cultists	d20
3	Hungering shadows	d8
4	Carcass crawler	d2

d6	Uncommon Encounters	#App
1-3	Priest (see Leadership) & Feather-and-Claw cultists	1 & d8
4-5	Black iron statue	d2
6	The Many-Winged Herald	unique

The Many-Winged Herald, servant of the Shadow-that-Hungers
"All shall be night!"
HD 6, Atk: beak 2d12 or breath, Def: leather, MV crow, ML +2, XP 725

• Worshipped: Immensely proud, will always listen to flattery. Can speak Ziz.
• Attack pattern: Always attacks first with its breath weapon, then either breathes again or makes melee attacks (equal chance of either).
• Breath weapon: Ravenous raven-like shadows, 80' long line, up to three times per day. All caught inside lose 2 levels, save for half.
• Undead immunities
• Rejuvenation: Discorporates into black feathers and starved ravens if killed. Comes back on the next sundown. Can only be permanently killed in sunlight.