Location 2: The Hall of the Hundred
"It is called the Ascent," Quintus tells you as he motions a gloved hand toward the gleaming white cathedral which towers before you. Built directly into the side of the mountain, its elegantly carved stone construction reflects the sunlight, nearly blinding all who look directly upon it. "The first steps of the great staircase begin here, winding up the inside of the mountain, all the way to the summit itself," he continues. "That is where the most sacred site of our faith lies."
Passing through massive double doors, the sheer size of its vaulted ceiling and the mastery of its stonework take your breath away. You travel along a path which runs directly through the center of the cathedral. Flanking you on either side are twelve great suits of armor perched atop tall marble plinths. Supplicants bow in prayer before each one, giving you the sense they are more like shrines than weapons of war.
Quintus notices your interest and explains, "These are the sacred suits of armor worn by the Venerators. Come, this way."
He leads you to another area of the cathedral, well away from the throngs of pilgrims and supplications. The air here is filled with the strong scent of weapon oil mixed with incense. On Quintus' authority, you enter the Hall of the Hundred.
The giant warrior priests known as the Venerators are unmistakable. Towering men of chiseled muscle, each is half again as tall as any human. Each is dressed in richly decorated robes with cowls pulled over their heads - always concealing their faces. Some of the warrior priests train in fenced sparring arenas while others pace the hall, studying huge leather-bound tomes.
Your presence is noted immediately as one of their custodians approaches you. The man, dressed in silver robes with green gems set into the collar, addresses your party. "I assume you are the adjutant?" he inquires. Quintus nods and, curiously, ushers the custodian off to the side so they can speak out of your earshot. Another reminder that outsiders are not trusted here.
After a few moments, they seem to reach agreement and the custodian addresses your group, "Very well then. If you seek to know us, you must first be weighed. By blade or blood, our masters demand a test of combat. One or all must face the trial. Iron sharpens iron. The pillar must be strengthened."
Looking at the giants arrayed before you, you realize this is probably going to hurt. Getting injured on a hunt is a serious matter and not something to be looked for. The Venerators are said to have the strength of ten men, you will put that to test, but how best to proceed? One of you could take the test alone or you could attempt it together and possibly stand a better chance, though the more people taking this trial, the more people could take a beating.
