Prison in the Salt Plains: An Adventure of Gold, Mystery, and Conflict | Jan Teschner

Arcadia, Northern Treasury, Inside the Great Portal Book – The party stood on the portal book, preparing to step into the shimmering portal within the book’s pages. Just as they approached, shadows fell across the group. Looking up, they saw Tiyana and Selah, who arrived with Moon Priestess Selene. With Selene’s magic, the newcomers were shrunk to match the party’s size, and together, the group stepped into the portal.
On the other side, the party found themselves in a vast, infinite expanse of warmth and swirling wind. The ground shimmered like gold, firm underfoot, while a grand, ornate temple complex stretched before them. The environment was surreal - a desert-like plain, but unlike any they had seen.

Exploration of the Golden Plane
The party began their exploration with caution. Deva tested the golden ground by dropping a hairpin, wary of hidden dangers, but the pin rested undisturbed. They moved towards a gazebo-like structure filled with ornate furniture, though it appeared unused for ages. Signs of life were sparse, limited to a few birds fluttering in the golden skies. Beyond the gazebo, the group discovered an octagonal structure crowned with spires. Tiyana sensed magical traces leading inside, prompting the party to investigate. Inside, they found a massive spiral staircase descending deep into the ground. Smaller staircases branched off into the spires, which Mabel identified as ancient observatories. Opting for the main staircase, the adventurers descended into the stony depths.

Caves of Mystery
At the base of the staircase, the party entered a spacious cave, where a fallen golden gate marked a long-abandoned mining camp. A second gate remained intact, and after some effort, Tiyana and Ace managed to unlock it. However, beyond this gate lay an even larger and more fortified golden door, securely locked from the other side. Marina and Selah scouted the cave’s walls, finding a damaged side gate. Marina’s strength opened a person-sized hole, and the party ventured through. Navigating a hidden passage, Selah led the group around the fortified door, emerging into a grand chamber. Sand-like waterfalls framed the room, and golden chandeliers glowed above. At the chamber’s centre stood a pedestal, crowned by a pearlescent, glowing sphere and five staircases leading up to it.

Encounter with Auralis
The pedestal held an idol – a 30cm tall golden figure clutching a heart. Tiyana felt magical energy flowing into the idol, including the energy of the mask spirits the party had pursued. Mabel approached first, while Selah climbed onto a chandelier to observe from above. Selah attempted to purify the idol with holy water, but there was no effect. With cautious magic, Tiyana used Mage Hand to move the idol from its perch. As the idol touched the floor, a radiant trail of gold and pink light emerged, forming into a humanoid shape. The light solidified, and Auralis, a magnificent golden being, addressed the party:

“I am Auralis. Why do you want to take me from this place? Do you want to break my heart again?”

Revelations of Auralis
Tiyana explained that the group was sent by Selene to destroy the mask spirits, but Auralis’ response was charged with anger and pain:

“The Moon Priests stole my idol from my temple and imprisoned me here in this infinite salt plain! They attacked my people, desecred my temple, and shattered the Order of the Golden Heart. Any who align with them are my enemies.”

As the party asked questions, Auralis revealed more about the idol’s history. Long ago, Auralis was revered by the Order of the Golden Heart, a now-destroyed religion. The idol that housed Auralis was at the core of the temple, until the Moon Priests attacked, stealing the idol and imprisoning Auralis within the golden plane of the book.
Auralis confessed that parts of Auralis’ essence had been projected outside the book, allowing Auralis to possess artefacts like the masks. These artefacts acted defensively, especially when Selene approached.
The party debated what to do. Mabel asked Auralis if returning to the original temple was possible. Auralis expressed a desire to be free and demonstrated incredible power by melting a section of the golden floor with ease upon Selah’s request. Deva, attuned to subtle deceptions, determined Auralis was genuine in intent.
Ultimately, the party decided to carry the idol housing Auralis back to the real world.

Return to the Cathedral
Back in the real world, a drowsy Selene restored the adventurers to their normal size. Mabel – Auralis in pocket – and Tiyana hurried to the boat, while the others lingered to speak with Selene. Selene revealed the collection of relics and artefacts within the cathedral were taken as spoils from “ruthless pagan barbarians.” When the party requested the promised reward, Selene offered a Greataxe of the $\text{Deep}$ and the recipe for Holy Hand Grenades. During this exchange, Deva quietly pocketed a golden oil lamp, and Ace scooped up a handful of coins.

Family and Farewell
As Mabel and Tiyana returned to the boat, they encountered Mabel’s estranged daughter, Hazel, who had found a new life as a healer in Arcadia. The reunion was tense. Hazel accused Mabel of following her to Arcadia, expressing a desire for independence and distance. Hazel made it clear she had found peace and purpose among the kind-hearted people of Arcadia. If religion ever helped her overcome her resentment, Hazel promised to send word to Mabel’s home in Fairview. With Tiyana’s urging, Mabel reluctantly left for the boat.

A New Journey
Aboard the ship, the party revealed their next destination to Auralis: The Forbidden Island, home to the ancient temple of the Golden Heart. The group charted a course for Camp Sonoma, an adventuring outpost near the Forbidden Island, ready for the challenges ahead. What secrets will the Forbidden Island reveal? Can the party restore Auralis to the temple and unravel the mysteries of the Golden Heart? Stay tuned, readers, as the Fireball Gazette chronicles the unfolding epic!