You are Galath Galahad, a young adventurer in search of a legendary black axe. Your quest will take you to the mysterious Hillside Haven, where a ruined abbey hides a dark secret. Will you find the axe and uncover the truth, or will you fall prey to the dangers that lurk in the shadows? The choice is yours in this thrilling hack and slash adventure. Grab your axe and get ready to face the challenge of the Forsaken Abbey!

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Prologue

First let me introduce myself. My name is Galath Galahad, and I am a young scion from a noble adventurer's house. I recently completed proficiency training in the art of combat using the battle axe, a weapon I do love using. I have moderate magical talent and know a couple of spells.

Not too long ago, I had the privilege of visiting my esteemed Uncle Zahra, a renowned wizard and alchemist, at his grand manor nestled near the capital city of Eldridgeon. While exploring the vast libraries within the mansion, I stumbled upon an intriguing document detailing the existence of a mythical black axe. Fueled by curiosity and ambition, I presented my finding to Zahra, seeking counsel and support in my endeavor. Unfortunately, my beloved uncle appeared largely disinterested, leaving me feeling somewhat dejected.

However, fortune smiled upon me in the form of Zahra's husband, Elrik, whose warmth and kindness never failed to uplift those around him. Upon hearing my impassioned plea, Elrik promised to intercede on my behalf, urging Zahra to consider offering his expertise in my quest. Alas, despite waiting anxiously for days, I received no word regarding Zahra's decision. Nonetheless, I refused to abandon my search, immersing myself further in the annals of history and folklore, determined to bring the legends surrounding the black axe to light.

Eldridgeon, a thriving metropolis famed for its abundant iron mines and radiant crystal caverns, sits proudly amidst dense forests teeming with mysterious creatures and enchanted flora. These unique resources serve as essential ingredients for masterful concoctions brewed by skilled alchemists residing in the city. Furthermore, Eldridgeon plays host to numerous marketplaces adorned with exotic goods imported from foreign realms – sumptuous silk garments, aromatic spices, and gleaming gemstones among them.

Beyond Eldridgeon's towering walls lie additional settlements that together shape the vibrant fabric of Eryndor. Among these locales is Hillside Haven, a charming hamlet embraced by undulating hills and flourishing vineyards. Perched atop a neighboring incline looms an old and ruined monastery, bearing witness to epochs gone by and echoing memories of yesteryear's conflicts. To the east, travelers discover Zephyrspire, a buzzing emporium frequented by brave souls swapping thrilling accounts of subterranean escapades. Finally, tucked away to the west rests Lunaris, a serene haven where mystics refine their psychic talents beneath lunar luminescence.

Amidst this diverse landscape exists an abandoned abbey close to Hillside Haven. Overrun by wilderness, the crumbling edifice remains a melancholic symbol of forgotten times and fierce struggles. Rumors persist, however, that the dilapidated structure conceals secret passages leading to unknown destinations, fueling speculation and sparking curious minds.

While engrossed in my research, I couldn't shake the notion that answers lurked somewhere within reach. Bolstered by steadfast determination and fortified by my initial discovery, I pressed on, believing that the path to the black axe would eventually reveal itself. Indeed, I yearned for the day when I could finally grasp the handle of that magnificent weapon, securing my place alongside the pantheon of heroes and champions celebrated throughout history. But until then, patience and persistent study remain my trusted companions as I navigate the labyrinthine mysteries surrounding the illustrious black axe.

Wishing for Zahra's involvement, yet understanding his lackadaisical attitude toward the matter, left me contemplating my next move. I resolved to maintain vigilance and keep my ears open for any relevant conversations or rumors circulating among the patrons of Eldridgeon. Perhaps some clue or piece of valuable intelligence would materialize, guiding me closer to my objective.

In the meantime, life went on as usual in the bustling capital. Merchants peddled their fine wares; scholars conversed enthusiastically about arcane theories and historical facts; guards maintained order with stern gazes and ready blades. Every once in a while, whispers of powerful beings or strange occurrences reached my sensitive ears—rumblings of potential danger or opportunities ripe for exploration.

One evening, while frequenting a popular tavern known as the Iron Mug, I found myself engaged in conversation with another patron, a grizzled veteran named Grigor. We discussed various topics related to combat techniques and weapons, ultimately landing on the subject of battle axes. Seizing the moment, I casually brought up the legend of the black axe, gauging whether Grigor possessed any insights worth pursuing.

To my surprise, his expression changed ever so slightly, betraying a glint of recognition. Whether genuine interest or feigned ignorance lingered behind his cloudy blue eyes, only time would tell. Regardless, I filed this tidbit away in my mental catalog, vowing to follow up should the situation demand it.

Finally, I was forced to return home to my studies, waiting on word from uncle Zahra while continuing to hone my skills with axe and spell alike.


My Journey Begins

At last, a letter from my venerated Uncle Zahra, brimming with the promise of arcane insights and recondite counsel. Or perhaps it holds yet another of his confounding enigmas that I will spend hours wrestling to solve. But enough dallying; let's not prolong the anticipation any further.

I break the wax seal, my heart pounding with excitement, revealing an ensemble of parchments and a rumpled map, accompanied by a voucher for 30 platinum pieces and a miniature black talisman hanging from a slender chain.

The first sheet is a letter, penned in Uncle Zahra's unmistakable handwriting:

"Dear Nephew,

Alas! I bring you tidings of a sorrowful nature, for my cherished companions, 'Mewk' the cat and 'Woff' the dog, have departed from this mortal coil. The former has vanished without a trace, while the latter met his end at the hands of a wandering undead creature. I miss their comforting presence dearly.

Despite my initial reluctance, I shall lend my aid in your pursuit of the Black Axe. It seems that even a seasoned mage such as myself cannot escape the ceaseless entreaties of a resolute spouse.

I have delved into the research you requested and discovered the location of a catacomb where the Black Axe may lie hidden within an abandoned abbey, situated atop a mountainous hill. I have marked the locations of the abbey and a nearby hamlet called Hillside Haven on the enclosed map.

A mysterious black-clad warrior, his name unknown, reportedly ventured into the underground catacombs wielding an axe that matched the description you provided. He never returned to Hillside Haven and is presumed deceased.

You may redeem the enclosed voucher at any local coin changers for financial assistance on your quest. I'm certain they'll be overjoyed to see you.

By the way, I have included a small black talisman with red etchings on a chain in this envelope. It may serve as a guide once you enter the catacombs. The incantation is 'Atrum securis, monstrate mihi viam'. Be cautious, for it may be perilous.

Yours sincerely, Uncle Zahra"

What an extraordinary epistle! I shall make my way to Hillside Haven and the nearby catacombs without delay. It's not as if I have any pressing engagements awaiting my attention.

As I delve deeper into my uncle's lengthy letter, I uncover a second page containing the eagerly awaited intelligence report. I steel myself for an enthralling tale of derring-do and intrigue.

The report reads: "Long ago, the scholarly monks of this unnamed abbey belonging to an obscure sect became tainted by some evil they unearthed during their underground excavations. Soon after, the defiled monks were slaughtered, and the abbey was razed to the ground by a coven of wizards." I can't help but scoff at the melodramatic tone of the account. It seems that every aspiring chronicler believes they are endowed with the talent to spin an engaging yarn.

The following paragraph cautions, "Do not accept this report at face value; conduct thorough research." I suppress a chuckle upon reading the signature: Michael Conrad / Intern / Adventure Guild Spyworks. Indeed, he is but an intern; however, his serious demeanor elicits a faint smile from me.

Turning the report over, I notice some hasty scrawls on its reverse side. The first note advises, "This swashbuckling adventure has been adapted from the one-page dungeon: 'Dungeons of the Forsaken Abbey' by Gabriel P and is copyright 2010, CC-BY-SA. The original dungeon can be found in the 'One Page Dungeon Compendium', 2010 Edition, via an online search." I quirk an eyebrow at this disclosure; it appears that even Uncle Zahra's intelligence reports are not immune to the trend of rehashing old ideas.

The second note warns, "Gabriel P has no affiliation with the author of this game book and played no part in its creation." I can only guess why such a disclaimer is necessary; nonetheless, I mentally tuck it away for future reference.

With a weary sigh, I ponder my next move. The third sheet beckons me, filled with unknowns and potential surprises. Yet, as always, I fortify myself to confront the challenges ahead, armed with my trademark sarcasm and wit.

As I read through Uncle Zahra's letter one final time, I encounter two requests made by the eBook author, Michael Conrad. Firstly, he implores me to leave a glowing review replete with comments on the eBook that I have been " enjoying" - if such a term can be applied to this literary endeavor. Regrettably, it is customary for me to support fledgling writers in order to preserve my relationship with Uncle Zahra.

The second request is for me to peruse "Forgiving Judas," a book authored by Spencer Conrad, spouse to the esteemed Mr. Michael Conrad. I can only imagine what sort of literary atrocity awaits within its pages; however, I shall add it to my ever-growing reading list, just after the latest issue of "Warrior Weekly" and before the memoirs of that has-been bard from last year's midwinter festival.

Having completed these delightful tasks, I shift my focus back to the matter at hand: investigating this supposedly corrupted abbey. The sooner I can put an end to this investigation, the better. Who knows what repugnant horrors lurk in those forsaken ruins? But alas, onward I must proceed.

Without further ado, I begin my preparations for the journey to Hillside Haven and depart at once.