October 5, 349

The next morning, as the party is eating breakfast, a loud noise is suddenly heard in the middle of the cave. Standing there is a Qualinesti Elf wearing a black silk shirt and pants, with black high boots. He has on a hooded dark grey cloak and has a scabbard hanging by his side. Flung over his neck is a shoulder bag. Looking around, the elf asks "Hey, what's going on here, and who are you people."

Reg immediately grabs for his sword and stands to face the new threat saying, "Halt and identify yourself!". If the elf make any hostile gestures he will attack.

Stretching his empty hands out before him, Karanden says, "Whoa, sorry about the interuption but it seems that I am not where I had intended to be. Let me introduce myself," putting his hand out in the symbol for greeting, "my name is Karanden."

Sarah demands, "Not where you intended to be? Where were you originally?"

Karanden replies "A coleague and myself were investigating a small band of Draconians east of the Qualinesti Forest when we were preparing to return home via his magical sceptre that allowed us to transport great distances in the blink of an eye. The next thing I know, I'm standing here, preparing to be run through by a large man with a very sharp sword", smiling as he eyes Reg.

"Howdy," says Angus. "You aren't a paladin, are you..?"

"That's mildly interesting," says Tabrina, glancing up from her spell book. "What's your stock-in-trade? We could use another party member or three. If you feel like joining us, perhaps we could get on with the adventure."

Karanden replies with a smirk, "I've been called a lot of things, but Paladin is not one. Actually, I am a mage of some status and specialize in Draconian extermination. It seems that I will not be returning home any time soon, so if the invitation is sincere I will gladly join your merry band. By the way, what are you up to here, and where exactly is here???"

"A mage???" says Tabrina, salivating somewhat. "Do you want to trade spells? I was unexpectedly transported here from another world...all my books were left behind. I only have a few on me right now...which sort of limits my effectiveness."

"We're killing things," replies Angus in answer to his question. "There's lots of minotaurs in the dungeon we're clearing."

Sarah adds, "Or, to elaborate a bit, we're stranded on a minotaur isle. No rest and relaxation here, I'm afraid. The minotaurs at the top of this mountain are doing Kiri-Jolith knows what and somehow the Dark Queen is involved. Apparently, they don't know they have a basement and that is where we are right now."

Urwing tells Karanden, "And we are to find something the minotaurs stole from the bird men also."

All of a sudden, from the front of the cave, can be heard voices. Urwing recognizes it as minotaur. Quietly peering out from the back, Urwing sees a group of four, drenched, minotaurs standing at the entrance to the cave. They can be heard talking about the cursed weather, and that it's a good thing that they found this cave.

Karanden remarks, "Well it seems that I will be your companion for a while so do you mind if I am introduced to everyone and find out a little about each of you"

"Damn.." Sarah mutters. "We'd better hope that they aren't part of a larger group. Well, Mr. Mage, I believe it is time to show us what kind of spells you've got. I can silence them if necessary. I don't think this cave is big enough for all of us and I don't think we can convince them to keep walking on."

Karanden smiles, "Perhaps, Tabrina, later we can talk about such a trade."

On that note, Karanden will step forward a little and begin weaving his arms while chanting lightly to himself.

Urwing draws her sword and steps forward. "Sorry, this cave is taken!"

She charges and attacks.

Karanden will cast Hypnotic Pattern on the Minotaurs (which ever way they are facing if it matters).

The minotaurs turn around to hear Urwing charging, but do not react fast enough, as Karanden's spell goes off and causes all four minotaurs to stand around in a daze. Urwing disembowels one of the minotaurs before she realizes the state that they are in.

"Yeah, me too!" adds Angus, drawing his sword and heading after Urwing.

Urwing quickly ties the remaining minotaurs up and gags them.

Sarah asks the others, "What do we do with the rest of them? Time to find a room to dump them in, real quick.. We may have to bury the remains of the one you killed. I don't like leaving any traces behind."

"Thanks, Urwing!" says Angus, as he starts plunging his longsword into the minotaurs. "Makes things easier!"

Angus starts to merrily disembowel the minotaurs , singing a bawdy song in dwarven as he does so.

"Search 'em while you're at it, will you?" suggests Tabrina.

Angus quickly does away with one of the tied up minotaurs.

"Back off Angus." Urwing screams. She stops the dwarf before he can kill another.

Angus declines to be stopped. His demenour turns serious.

"I ain't goin' through this again, paladin," he says, eyes narrowing. "If you don't want to see them killed then look away. I've got a personal thing against minotaurs."

Urwing draws her sword and points it at Angus. "And I've got a personal thing against people who kill tied and bound prisoners. Touch a second one and it will be your last."

Before Angus can kill another one, he turns to Urwing and tells her, "Don't try manipulating me, miss paladin. If you feel that way then you shouldn't have tied them," Angus draws his glowing longsword and hoists his shield. "An' I have a personal thing against bossy paladins," he adds and attacks Urwing, intent on killing her.

Tabrina looks at the newcomer.

"Sure you want to join this group?" she asks.

"You'll see how bossy a paladin can be Angus. You didn't ask any of us if you could kill the prisoners. I'll not let you or anyone else take their lives so cold bloodedly."

"Any defender of minotaurs is an enemy of mine," says Angus, and then turns deadly silent, prefering to put all of his energy into the battle.

Urwing defends herself and fights to quickly subdue the dwarf.

Angus attacks to kill.

Tabrina sits back and watches.

Angus and Urwing go at it.

Talking to Karanden, "I am Tabrina," the green-eyed woman replies. "I am an Evoker...though with some training I could become a Theurgist."

While keeping an eye on Urwing, "I'm Angus, son of Mraan the Steel-Fisted, Dwarf-King of Kludar; brother of McTavish, brother of McKeough, brother of McClintoch, brother of - " the dwarf recites, counting them off on his fingers.

"Shut up, Angus," cuts in Tabrina. "I think he gets the idea."

"Bets, anyone?" she says.

Sarah tells Tabrina, "No point, really. Its gotten way past that."

"Both of you stop it right now," she tells Urwing and Angus.

Urwing grunts. "Gladly... If only my partner here would listen too, the dumb oaf."

But she can't stop without opening herself up to the dwarf, so she continues to try and beat him into unconsiousness.

Angus ignores Sarah.

After all the dust is clear, and the swords stop flying, Urwing has taken 32 hp of damage when she finally subdues Angus, who is laying subdued on the floor. The dwarf has taken 48 hp of subdued damage.

"Sarah Wayguard of the house Wayguard in Palanthas, Cleric of Kiri-Jolith at your service."

"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. Urwing Farseeker. I am a Paladin, but of no specific order. As for Draconian extermination, you have my sword on your side there. I hold no love for that kind."

There is a cold rain outside, with a slight breeze coming in the cave.

There are two tied minotaurs sitting in the middle of the cave.

Karanden nods politely to each in turn, taking the hands of any female party members and kissing them lightly on the back of the hand, "Pleasure to meet you", he says to each.

Frowning, Karanden asks Tabrina, "Is this normal? I would hate to be locked in combat with an enemy and find one of my companions pointing a dagger at my back."

Sarah tells Karaden, "It basically boils down to a question of honor which can drive anyone nuts. I should know, I've dealt with Knights of Solamina who make paladins look easy going by comparison. Yuck, I had hoped to get that behind me."

Urwing nods. "I've met some Knights, and I do not hold their strict code. But I'll not see people slaughtered in cold blood."

"Well, paladins by definition cause tensions in a party," Tabrina replies, "But this is a little worse than usual."

Urwing will lay on hands to the dwarf, healing him somewhat. He'll be out at least a day though so she doesn't bother tying him up.

"Well, now that that's out of the way," says Tabrina, standing and closing her all-too-thin spell book as she regards Urwing and Angus, "Shall we go and do some more exploring? Oh, Urwing, do something with your friends, will you?"

When he is able, Angus crawls off to a corner to lick his wounds, glaring at Urwing as he does so.

Karanden asks "Are you sure you wish to move on with one of your companions incapacitated and another so hurt? Both of them warriors at that."

Tabrina answers, "Seems we have no choice, now, since our hideout has been found and our paladin friend refuses to kill them."

Urwing remarks, "These fellows aren't going anywhere to tell others where we are. We'll stay here until we are rested and then find another hideout as we explore."

"It's your responsibility to see that they stay put, Jailkeeperwing," says Tabrina, with a slight, humourless, smirk. "As for staying here, I think I'll go for a walk. I don't have the stomach for minotaur stench that you do."

Tabrina gathers up her belongings and leaves.

Urwing turns to the others and comments, "Well, that served no purpose. Now what are we going to do with him."

"Leave him here, the damned fool," says Tabrina. "And you're a fool, as well, Dorkwing. Better heal yourself, too. You do look better after your latest sex-change, though."

Sarah sighs. "Unless the fool will listen to reason, we may have to leave him tied up somewhere. Now, mind you, there is the chance he'll get himself free and this whole mess will start up again. Oy, I think I can get a headache out of this." She looks at Agnus. "Alright, perhaps you had better tell us why you hate minotaurs so much."

"I got beaten up pretty bad by a gang of them when we tried to escape from the prison," the dwarf mutters, "An' I remember..."

He glares at Urwing.

Urwing shoots back, "I don't care if they called your mother dirty names. What you tried to do was cold blooded murder."

"So?" asks Angus. "They deserve nothing better. Do you think they wouldn't do the same to you?"

Urwing responds, "Yes, they might do the same to me. But I expect barbarians to act like barbarians. That doesn't mean I have to act like one."

Urwing turns to the others. "We are stuck here for a day or two while both of us heal now. I'm going to question our prisoners and see if they can tell us how many other minotaurs might be about, and where they are staying. It might be nice to know how long they've been here too. Seems odd they don't know about these caves."

"As for the prisoners themselves, we'll leave them here while we are exploring in the area. When we depart, we can let them go with a warning to not return."

Tabrina laughs at this.

"Do that, Dumbwing!" she says, "And after that I've got some swampland to sell you! Do you really think these guys will just run off and conveniently forget about us...while we're in their stronghold trashing it? Would you, in their shoes? And forget about leaving here alone while we're off exploring, too. I don't want them breaking free and making off with our treasure while we're gone.

"No, my paladin friend," concludes Tabrina in a sarcastic tone, "Your wonderful sense of honour and fair play has gotten us into another pickle...so you'd better think of a better way to get us out of it."

Urwing replies, "We will simply have to move our camp. We'll leave them here for now. They will not know where we have gone and thus can not steal our treasure if they get free."

Tabrina sighs.

"Yes...simply move our camp. Spend time seeking more shelter on this mountainside when we could be in destroying the evil of that stronghold." She glances at the others. "I love paladin logic. You should have let Angus kill them...since we'll probably end up killing them later...when we encounter them in the stronghold. I only hope that they do not kill one or more of us, first. If that happens then the blood will be on your hands, Spockwing.

"So what is your plan for them? Leave them here to starve? Why don't you try to convert them?" she adds. "Oh...and one more thing, Urwing. Those minotaurs were speaking common when they came in...that means that they've understood everything that we've said in their presence since.

"Think about that, if you are capable."

Urwing replies, "The last prisoners we had I fed while we were in the area. These fellows won't escape unless someone finds and releases them."

"So you intend to keep them penned up forevermore? Fed and watered?" asks Tabrina. "That's not what you said a moment ago...you were going to let them off with a warning."

Urwing fires back, "Yes, I'll let them off, but only when we've left this area. We'll need to go back into town eventually for food or training. Until then they will remain prisoners."

Tabrina shakes her head.

"You're a musclebound fool, Rambowing," she says. "But, they're your problem, now."

Urwing rebukes her, "As for understanding us, at worst they'll think we are a bunch of oafs and report back as such. Its always a good idea to have the enemy underestimate you. What else have they seen but us arguing senselessly."

"They're still listening, Mouthwing..." Tabrina tells Urwing.

"And Angus," Urwing continues, "if you try and kill them in the future, I'll not let you live to try a third time. You are free to act now. I'll not hold your actions against you. But don't think of trying that again."

"Then you'd better kill me now," replies Angus, from where he sits, "'Cause I will try it again an' no threats or intimidation from you can stop me. But let it be known," he adds to the rest of the party, "That Urwing the paladin prefers to murder her sword-brothers rather than evil creatures such as minotaurs."

Angus struggles to lift his glowing sword, and presents it to Urwing, pommel first.

"Use my blade," he commands, and by his voice you can tell for the first time that he does indeed come from a line of dwarf-kings. "If you murder me this way then at least I want the weapon you use to be honourable."

Urwing answers, "I'd have to find another blade, Angus. You dishonored it when you tried to kill me."

"You are still alive Angus, and that is only because I do *not* kill my comrads in arms. I'm distressed because you are the one that had murder in his heart."

Angus shakes his head.

He tells the paladin, "I'm not beholden to you for my life, as you try to make it sound. If you're stupid enough to let your enemies live." He glances at the minotaurs then back to Urwing, "Then you're a danger to all those around you," he says. "But yeah, I did want to kill you...an' I still do. Your warped logic and sense of honour put all of us in danger...an' the selfish an' bullying way you treat the rest of us proves that you couldn't give a shit for us except as far as we can help you to serve your own ends."

He looks at Reg, then turns his eyes back to Urwing.

Urwing remarks, "Pah. I said nothing about you being beholden to anyone. The danger is you Angus. Can we trust you not to sink your blade into our backs while we are down here? Keeping these prisoners captive is the honorable thing to do. You mentioned that they beat you while you were a prisoner. But these minotaurs you despise so much have more honor that you ever will, Angus, for they didn't kill you in cold blood as you would them."

Angus shakes his head at this.

"The danger is these minotaurs," he says. "And the pig-headed paladin who protects them. I acted to protect the party from the enemy...and the traitor in our midst."

Urwing answers, "Protect the party from a bunch of already captured minotaurs. Yes, that's brave. You can kill all the minotaurs you want, but you'll do so only in battle, not slaughtering helpless prisoners."

Angus accuses Urwing, "You can't tell me what to do, paladin. You can beat me to a pulp...but you can't break me," replies Angus. "I tried to kill them because they're a threat to us for a long as they live."

Urwing asks Angus, "Can we trust you not to sink your blade into our backs while we are down here?"

"I won't do that," the dwarf replies calmly. "I didn't do it to you an' I won't ever do that."

"Keeping these prisoners captive is the honorable thing to do," Urwing tells Angus.

Angus shoots back, "Keeping us alive is more honourable."

Urwing declares, "Yes, but keeping these prisoners doesn't put us into a deadly situation. You attacking us does."

Angus shakes his head in disagreement.

"Time will tell. I prefer to err on the side of caution," he says.

"How can you be so sure that we aren't asking for trouble if you YOU keep them?" asks Tabrina. "What if they're missed, and they send out more minotaurs to search for them? Though that is just as likely to happen whether they were killed or not," she adds sadly.

Urwing recalls, "You mentioned that they beat you while you were a prisoner. But these minotaurs you despise so much have more honor that you ever will, Angus, for they didn't kill you in cold blood as you would them."

"No, they didn't kill us in cold blood," puts in Tabrina. "They were conducting some sort of experiment on us...they kept us alive for that reason."

Angus nods in agreement with Tabrina.

Urwing replies, "Perhaps I ain't got honour by the way you define it, but I value the lives of my companions - Tabrina, Sarah, Reg, an' maybe this new guy, too. They've earned my loyalty. If I have to kill a few hypnotised minotaurs to insure their safety then I will," he says, his voice growing stronger. "If I have to kill a stupid paladin who has proven to me that her loyalties lie elsewhere than with the rest of us, then I'll try to do that, too."

"I think everyone here but you knows where my loyalties lie.

Angus comments about Urwing's loyalties. "Aye...with yourself."

Urwing continues, "But you are so twisted by your hatred that you can't see the difference between your friends and your enemies."

"Can so. I'm looking at an enemy right now," the dwarf replies, regarding the paladin.

Angus coldly tells Urwing, "I've known quite a few paladins in my time, Urwing. Every one of 'em was arrogant and often stupid...but all of 'em but you showed at least some unselfish loyalty to their companions.

"But I guess paladins is different on this world," he concludes, sadly.

Urwing accusingly looks at the dwarf, "Don't twist my actions, Angus."

Angus shoots back, "I ain't twisting your actions, stupid paladin. You're twisting them yourself."

Urwing comments, "I'd lay down my life to save your own."

Angus interrupts, "Sure...if it would benefit you somehow."

Urwing replies, "Maybe someday you'll see how wrong you are."

"I hope you're right. An' if you are I will apologise," the dwarf replies.

"I'd lay down my life to save your own, even though the payment is probably not worth the benefit of keeping your own hide alive. You don't pay me the same respect though. I'll not hear any more of your 'honor' talk from you Angus. It was not I that attacked his fellow comrad."

"You were the one who threatened another party member with her sword...first," Angus replies. "If I was a twisty snake like you then I could claim I acted in self defence."

Urwing answers back, "Aye, I threatened you. And I'd do it again to stop one of my comrads from pursuing such an evil course of action. We are here to remove an evil from the land, not commit further evil ourselves."

Angus shakes his head.

"You're not my keeper...or my judge. Keep your paladin code for yourself...don't try to make me adhere to it. I ain't no paladin. Sif is my patroness an' she will judge me. If killin' an evil minotaur is evil, then may she strike me down now."

Urwing looks to the others.

"If the rest of you feel Angus is right, and we should just slaughter these minotaurs and others we capture, let me know. I'll depart and leave you to your fun. I'll not be part of a party of people with such morals."

"You already know what my opinion is on this subject," says Tabrina quietly. "But you ignored it before...and I doubt if you'll pay anymore heed to it now."

"Yes, but if the others here share your feelings, I'll leave you be then," Urwing challenges.

Urwing's tone is unlike the normally playful expressions she normally uses. Rather her words are hard and cold.

"I don't think so," replies the dwarf. "There's a rot in the middle of this party...an' I just tried to lance it."

Angus' tone is soft, though his words are not. His normally laughing brown eyes are icy.

Urwing turns and goes to interrogate the prisoners.

Tabrina rolls her eyes. She goes over and whispers to Angus.

The two whisper to each other for a moment, making occasional glances at the others...then Angus smiles.

Tabrina straightens up and walks away.

Karanden speaks, "I know I am new to all of this but I have but one questions," as he looks toward Urwing. "What would you have done if you did not have rope or any other way of detaining these beasts? My spell was meant to distract them long enough for you to dispatch them before they had a chance to do so to us. I am not a fighter such as you, therefor I use my magic to defeat my opponents in any way I can. If this means I must incapacitate an enemy before I dispatch it, then that is what I do. The result is the same as if you charged head long into the group and slew them all with sword in hand. Do not get me wrong, I do not question your morales, but I ask this simple question to see if it will cause you to look at the situation in a different sense." He then looks at her with a compassionate smile and awaits an answer.

Karanden leaves his stuff, but hurries after Tabrina.

Urwing laughs. "You would make a good theologian Karaden. And I understand your question. As for what I would do, it would depend on the moment. Taking life needlessly is an evil act, and if such can be avoided, I will take such action. But I will not endanger our lives to do so. If no method of capturing the creatures is possible, then it is inevitable that they would recover and pose a threat to us again and thus combat must continue. I would most likely strike to maim and not kill in such a situation however, so that our foes when they do recover can not harm us."

Urwing smiles then, "But, I never am without several ropes, and thus have done as much as I can to avoid such a quandry."

The party can see Tabrina and Karanden talking to each other as they walk towards the cave entrance.

Tabrina exits the cave and Karanden follows Tabrina out.

Late in the day, Tabrina and Karanden finally return to the cave. Angus and Reg are on one side while Sarah and Urwing are on the other side with the two tied up minotaurs.

It is evening and a cool breeze is entering the cave.

"Well?" asks Tabrina.

Sarah mentions, "We could resume searching, but leaving Agnus behind?"

"I meant about the paladin's minotaurs," Tabrina tells Sarah.

Urwing tells Tabrina, "I believe that has already been settled. I will watch the prisoners while we are here and waiting for Angus to heal."

Tabrina shakes her head, "No, no, no, you stupid paladin! You said that you were going to interrogate them...did you? Or had you forgotten about that?"

Urwing replies, "Somewhat. So far they refuse to give any information other than their rank and serial numbers. If I were in their position that is all I would reveal myself."

Urwing shrugs, as if nothing more can be gained.

Sarah remarks, "So all of this was really a waste of time more than anything else?"

"Well ain't that just peachy!" mutters Tabrina.

She goes and sits down as far away as possible from the monsters. She sits down next to Angus and Reg.

Urwing remarks, "We are stuck here in any case until Angus heals."

The party spends the night restlessly. Sarah heals Angus for 18 hp.

The next morning dawns sunny and warm.

Go to October 6,349.

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