The Ancient Payroll

Late one night in the Merchant study while looking at some of the old books on the shelf I came across a small leather-bound book. It’s papyrus was well preserved, on which an ancient language appeared to be written, the corners were all adorned with hand made paintings in brilliant colors. I spent quite some time standing there reading this odd little book, until finally I reconized some of the drawings resembled the shape of the hauson coast line. After talking to a fellow Scholar we came to the conclusion that this was a real map, and led to a sizeable ancient military payroll.

Excitement set in as I filled my water skin, and sharpened my blade. I then prepared a satchel of dried meats, fruits, and vegetables, along with some fire starting materials, a small knife and some other assorted things. I built a worthy torch and gathered some Repelling gear, I was ready for anything.

Arriving at the docks, one cold foggy morning. I looked out across the water for about 1/2 a foot and listened carefully for the sound of oars. An elderly man rowed by himself to the docks, my ride had arrived. I carefully got in the delicate looking boat wondering to myself which was older, the man or the boat. The trip was short, I arrived at the secret location just before dark and set up camp in a secure location. Following my copied map to the landmarks shown I found the land had changed very little in the past centuries. Finding the rock marked on the map and rolling it away to the side I then tied off one end of my rope to it, and repelled carefully down the hole.

At the bottom I found a series of tunnels leading everywhere. This part of the map I didn’t have, I was not worried though. I felt a cool breeze blowing down a chamber so I followed it. After a short period of time I found myself in a chamber lined with quartz crystals. “Certainly this itself is a treasure worth coming all this way for!” I heard my voice echo through the caverns. Continuing to follow this odd breeze I soon passed a carved doorway where a light yellow glow was shining. I found the ancient payroll, gold and silver coins, crown jewels, scepters, jewel encrusted blades included. Carting this treasure out was no easy task, and it took many trips to bring it back safely.

However, once it was secure I donated a great potion of it to the king for protecting my right to claim it, another great portion to the museum, so the community could enjoy its art and beauty. I donated a generous ammount to my guild, and kept a small sample of the coins and an amulet for my troubles.