MISADVENTURES IN RUNNYEYE

I hadn't intended for our probe into the depths of Runnyeye to happen so soon, but we were able to gather a full party of Emerald Templars, including some of our seldom-seen members of late, which made the trip that much more enjoyable. No sooner had we entered the dark hallways of Runnyeye and I had begun to caution party members of the many hazards of this dungeon, when Matewan and Pudg charged down the stairs, itching for a fight. I attempted to sway them from their irrational bloodlust, but to no avail, as two large, ferocious elite goblin guards chased them up the stairs. Granted, the two foul creatures fell before the might of the Templars, much resting was needed after the battle. Caution, it seemed, was now more clearly something to be considered.

There was a sense of urgency, however, as Pudg reminded everyone at regular intervals that he would have to part company with us. Our options were limited by our knowledge of Runnyeye, so risk was our only clear option. I volunteered to be the scout, to seek out an opponent that we could handle and that would still provide enough of a challenge to keep everyone's interest level up. Having dispatched the only goblin guards in our vicinity, the only visible opponent was an evil eye. It's appearance led one to believe that although it should be feared, it could be defeated with a combined attack. Believing this, I drew it's attention with a spell, since arrowfire was obstructed by debris in the doorway. Immediately, the evil eye began to cast a spell and ripples of agony surged through my body. Knowing that I was in trouble, I ran up the stairs to get far enough away from the creature, either to lure it to my party where it would be duly dispatched, or to simply get out of it's spell range. However, I soon found that the evil eye could target and cast spells upon anyone in the dungeon, regardless of line of sight or distance. I fell most miserably in a field of energy while struggling to reach the exit to this foul dungeon. I know not what the party thought when they saw my singed, convulsing body fly past, a look of terror upon my face, but I do know this: Pudg, our valiant paladin, also fell to the evil spells of this optical monstrosity. His corpse was seen near the exit of Runnyeye, arms outstreched towards the sunlight.

Upon retrieving my corpse, quitly cursing under my breath, I noticed that Pudg had left us, and we were no longer six. This fact combined with our recent out-matching led me to believe that we should try a different area, at least one with no evil eyes. Our party regrouped, and our wizard made me invisible to scout the depths of the dungeon for a suitable opponent. Around many corners, I moved quietly as I could in my armor and I found a goblin miner who appeared to be a decent foe for us to slay. I drew an arrow and split a line across the top of it's hairless head and it was on me at once. I led it up the stairs, only to turn and see that he had brought friends...many friends. At least 8 goblins I counted, each a worth opponent by itself. They didn't all attack at once, but once they all began to join the fray, I shouted "Retreat, retreat! (ooc: "zone!"). We dashed to the exit that led us to the Beholder's Maze, but Annathema, our wonderous enchanter, was overrun by the beasts.

Once again, after corpses were retrieved, I volunteered to scout below, invisible thanks to Shagwill's spells, in search of a lone goblin that would be ours. My search of the depths this time was a little more extensive and I remember many passages that I noted must be explored in the future when I felt that eerily familiar surge of energy as an evil eye caught site of me. My invisibility had been ineffective against this creature! In an attempt to find my way to the ramp that led me to this spot, I realized that leading this creature to my waiting companions would be a mistake, so I stood my ground, knowing my fate, and fell like the fool I am. Alone.

Thus, four deaths transpired, little experience gained by some, much lost by others, it was decided that Runnyeye would be saved for another day. I believe, as we made our way back to Rivervale, I could be heard muttering something about the damp halls of Upper Guk being more to our liking....

Alcar Darkbow