UPPER DUNGEONS LEVEL ONE 74 THRONE OF THE FORGOTTEN KING.

74 THRONE OF THE FORGOTTEN KING. The corridor leading to this room is covered with thick dust and the humanoids who live on the level instinctively avoid it.

Each of the eight stone pillars in this room are decorated with a different motif. The two northern pillars are snakes entwined about themselves. The next set of pillars display multiple toad-like faces arranged haphazardly about them. The third set feature large weasel-like mammals wrapped around them. The most southern set of pillars are shaped like large dog-like creatures. The heavy bronze throne to the south is raised upon several steps and is occupied by a skeletal figure clad in rotting purple finery wearing a shining crown and holding a metal rod.

As the characters approach the first set of pillars, the skeleton in the throne will raise his hand and bring the rod smashing down on the floor, causing a minor tremor (dust will fall from the ceiling) and several stone snakes will dislodge from the first set of pillars and attack the party. There will be one for each party member, but no fewer than four.

Stone Snakes (AC 2; MV 12”; HD 2; hp 10 each; #AT 1 bite; D 1-6; SA Paralyzation and poison; SD Immune to mind-affecting magic; XP 93 each)

Those bitten by the snakes must save vs poison or suffer and additional 1-4 hit points in damage and become paralyzed for 1-4 rounds. The stone snakes, like the other creatures below, are immune to magic such as sleep, charm, or hold. They cannot be affected by cold-based spells or attacks.

Should the characters defeat the snakes and approach the second set of pillars, the skeleton will repeat its action. This time giant stony toads will wriggle out from their stony habitat. As before, there will be one toad per party member, but never fewer than four.

Stone Toads (AC 2; MV 6”; HD 3; hp 15 each; #AT 1 bite; D 2-8; SA Breath weapon; SD Immune to mind-affecting magic; XP 150 each)

These toads can choose to bite or breath fire. This fiery breath affects one opponent up to 1” distance from the toad's mouth, causing 10 points of damage (save vs breath weapon for half). Each toad can breathe fire three times.

As the characters approach the third set of pillars, the skeleton act as before, and this time giant stone weasels will wriggle from their perches. There will be one weasel for each party member, but always at least four.

Stone Weasels (AC 2; MV 15”; HD 4; hp 20 each; #AT 1 bite; D 2-12; SA Drain blood; SD Immune to mind-affecting magic; XP 190 each)

These creatures drain blood in the usual way.

The final defenders are two huge stone mastiffs.

2 Stone Mastiffs (AC 2; MV 15”; HD 5; hp 25 each; #AT 1 bite; D 1-10; SA Howl or bray; SD Immune to mind-affecting magic; XP 330 each)

These great dogs can see invisible objects and creatures. Once per combat each can use a special power instead of attacking. The east mastiff can howl, causing all living things within the room to save vs dragon breath or be rendered deaf for 1-4 turns. The west mastiff can give off a terrible bray, and all living creatures which hear this horrible sound must save vs spells or suffer loss of initiative every round for the remainder of the combat.

Should the characters defeat the guards and approach the figure on the throne they will find it to be a lifeless skeletal corpse despite its previous activity. The crown is made of glass only, but he holds a rod of lordly might with 28 charges remaining.