Asrigh’s Portal
Overview
A large stone archway rises only paces from the World’s Edge. It is attached to a weathered wall with engravings that depict what little is known about the wind deity Asrigh. The most intriguing carving seems to depict birds of paradise (50.11) transforming into harpies after touching the ground. There is evidence that the arch was once part of a larger temple complex. Scholars believe it may be the site of the fabled Terminus Temple referred to in the Codex Othonoi (44.17).
It is unsafe to linger here because a large flock of harpies broods on the cliffs below the arch. They are unlike harpies elsewhere. They are as large as common vulture but do not have women’s torsos or arms but rather the heads and voices of beautiful maidens. Despite having women’s heads, the harpies cannot speak. They babble, coo and scream inanely. A favorite tactic is swarming their prey and dragging them off the ledge.
Connection
- Asrigh is currently imprisoned in the Prison of the Nine (29.14.54) and has one final prophet (27.18.01).
Hooks
- What purpose did this archway once serve?
- Are harpies really cursed birds of paradise? Does anything bad happen to people who kill them?
- Why was Asrigh forgotten?
- What is the Codex Othonoi? What does it say about the Terminus Temple?
- How did these abominations come to dwell here? What god or mortal would allow them to live?
