14. The Deathless Abode

Unnaturally chilled, lit by cold purple flames in silver braziers. Floor inscribed with arcane symbols. The Crimson Bishop stands in a circle of candles, chanting as the purple flames dance to his voice. 4 unconscious victims lie within the circle, at the Bishop’s feet, amid a pile of skeletons. An archway leads south to Area 15. Next to it is a small iron chest.

• Speaking to the Bishop: He congratulates the PCs for making it this far, and offers them the Cathedral as a secure base, in exchange for their loyalty. If PCs accept the offer, within 2 days all fighters become Sons of Bahal and all others become ghouls.
• Attacking the Bishop: He lets out a hellish scream, and the entire cathedral shudders. 2 Sons of Bahal (hp: 29, 20—stats on p.36) arrive in 1d6 rounds. After 3 rounds, if they are not removed from the circle of candles, the prisoners arise as 4 ghouls (hp: 14, 13, 9, 8—stats on p.45).
• Defeating the Bishop: He dissolves into a noxious cloud of ashes that quickly dissipates. All Knights flee the Cathedral. Years of pestilence come to an end as the Deathless Plague finally lifts. The party receives a 25,000gp reward from local authorities.
• In the chest: 3,500sp, 1,000gp, 35pp, scroll of haste, remove curse, protection from evil 10’ radius, confusion, charm person, scroll of hold portal, levitate, polymorph self.