The Desert Temple's Dark Secret

Desert Temple: Holy Place or Nudist Resort?

Many know the temple in the desert to be a holy place where one goes to achieve their dreams. Guided by a helpful sponsor, they seek out this oasis to become a rogue, cleric, warrior or enchanter. It is the site of ceremony and honor... or is it?

There has often been whispered talk in dark corner of Inns of a somewhat more taboo side to this so called procedure. People have been spotted going into the secret hidden temple fully clothed but when they come out? That's a different story.

~ Edenn

A Different Story

Groups of people– usually in two's but sometimes in four's or sixes– have been spotted exiting the Desert Temple completely naked. This has sparked gossip that the temple may actually be the sanctuary of a nudist cult. There have been shocking accounts from casual passers by having crossed near the temple exit and observed adventurers running about equipped with nothing more than their wit and some aren't fortunate enough to have even that.

Says one viewer, "ok there I was walkin' around the desert and stuff. All tryin' to kill a few scorpions and then this guy just appears outta nowhere completely naked, not so much as a ring. Actually.. he looked kinda good..". The interview was cut short due to unnecessarily detailed of specific parts of the anatomy.

~ Edenn

Ravishingly Rogue

Pity the poor adventurer who faces a chest that says, "This small box probably contains some kind of valuable. If you want what is inside, you will have to enlist the aid of a talented rogue... unless you happen to be a talented rogue yourself."

Stalking rogues requires infinite patience, a good sense of balance, dexterity, and charm. Only the most seasoned adventurer can marshal the skills to hunt for a rogue, and even then they have to hope the rogue takes pity on them as they stand there clutching a locked box, looking hopeful with puppy dog eyes.

Why we need rogues is self-evident to all except the village idiots, the better question is what makes a rogue and what joy does this peculiar ilk gain from the experience of knowing us. This reporter asked a few and was able to glean the following:

Found swinging off the nose of the Great Wall Beast, Morris said "I might give away a secret or two but can tell you a good rogue relies on his charm, his wit, and when all else fails runs like heck."

Looking up from carving a zombie flank steak, Sar grinned and whispered "Being a rogue is being unafraid of taking risks - you can either make it or break it. Its how you carry out your decision that's thrilling."

A sad, waif face, full of big eyes, resolved into Jimmy Kitten silently begging gold from passers by. She sobbed and allowed a small tear to drop as she shook her head and sighed, "Me mother sold me into this, a few plat and I reform." She was observed to tuck the proffered coin into a flashy-platinum purse as she strolled off. Being a rogue appears not to mean being poverty stricken it seems.

Rogues peek out joyously from sewers, walk our rooftops, and dance through the cannons to cavort in the sky with birds. A rogue as a hunting companion means meat in the pot (better not to inquire what kind or where it was gotten), laughter in the air, and spring to our steps.

~ Alpha Betsoup

Map Vault Re-opened

Having time on his hands and no knowledge of how to wash it off, Cerberus's ability to think outside the box combined with his hobby of rummaging through other people's belongings led to the recent re-discovery of the Map Vault key.

Cerberus proudly opened the door to the Vault to share old, tattered, out-dated maps with all.

~Ixon Fier

Ask Balthazar

Dear Balthazar,

It appears that somebody keeps trying to gatecrash the parties I have. How do I keep these ruffians from ruining the flower beds?

~ High King Deek

Dear King Geek, Leader of the Lost,

Maybe if you invited me... but nooo... well I know who's not getting an Easter card this year. By the way, your tulips are fabulous, you simply must tell me what fertilizer you use.

~ Da B

Dear Balthazar,

I have a problem with light... whenever I step in it, it burns me. I constantly have to walk in the shadows to try to stay out of the sun... Can you help me?

~ Shadowy Rogue

Dear Nocturnal Ninja Rogue,

Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a serious disease afflicting 3 out of every million adventurers, caused by a rare genetic defect resulting in an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet light. There's nothing I can do for you. Face it. Cory and Ben just plain don't like you.

~ Da B