A town meeting has been called at the Restille Tavern/Town-hall, for all those who have volunteered to venture into The Villow, and find clues as to what is causing the disturbances from with-in. The place is light moderately, with four fireplaces each centered on one of the four cardinal walls. There are also lanterns strung to the ceiling lighting the place further. A tall human male tends the bar, and several barmaids make their way tending to the customers who are seated at various tables. Many of the townsfolk have turned out tonight, though only a select few have the look of adventurers. The place is a buzz with activity, conversations tending to stay on similiar subjects, mosty on the recent disappearances with in the city, and the attacks on the gate that separates the two cities. You see the thirteen members of the High Council seated at three tables, and they are in their typical formal attire. Black robes with varied colored stolls, that hang near to the floor. Kruegar, the Calopee, or head-member of the council bears his staff and hat, of the position.

Cecilia entered carrying her balalaika and decided to start off with a little music. Seating herself in good view of the council. Morgen entered and heads to an empty bar stool. Krillion enters and moves to a central table, taking a seat. Barkley enters and takes a seat at a table. Tommy enters, and immediately slips on an apron making himself look as though he works here. he moves about the crowd as a waiter. Felnor arrives and sits with Krillion, though he sits anyway not knowing the man he just sat down with, he orders a drink from Tommy, not knowing the small human is not really a waiter. Orla enters and takes a seat at the bar. Jarrius enters and stands against the west wall of the tavern. Safrin enters and takes a seat at the bar.

Cecilia strikes up a tune on her Balalaika, sining these words; "Apples and pears were blossoming Mist on the river floating On the bank Katyusha stepped out On the high steep bank Stepped out, started a song About one great grey eagle About her loved one Whose letters she cherished Oh song, maiden's song Fly towards the clear sun And to the warrior oh so far away Bring Katyusha's greeting May he remember this simple maiden And hear her singing May he save our fair city And love, Katyusha will save."

Bel'gareth enters and sit at a table where he can get a good view of the proceedings. He scans the room for other men of the cloth.

The room stirs as Captain Herral stands from his seat and holds his hands in the air for silence. It does not take long for the crowd to calm and he begins to speak."As you all may know, The Villow, is in unrest. Many of my guardsmen have fallen defending this city from the terrors that come from within our once silent sister. Rumers you have heard are true, disappearances within the city proper have been reported, and none of those who have been taken have been returned. We are indeed in dire times." He paused for a moment."As legend holds, one thousand years ago the cities were at peace with eachother, that all changed as the mighty warrior Pardolanell was taken from his rest by the evil Sorcerer Coulzest. Coulzest corupted him with his magics and sorcery, turning Pardolanell into his dark warrior. The cities were at war and for two hundred years they battled, force against force. Until they fought to a stale-mate, neither gaining the upper hand, neither willing to give up their territories." "The unrest of Pardolanell, corupted the rest of The Villow, and the peoples there became horrors of their once true selves. Coulzest disappeared and the city once again went into a deep slumber, and the wars ended. Gates were shut, guards were placed, and the good people of Restille were warned never to enter the vile city of The Villow." "And so it has been, now some eight hundred years, until now. There is once again unrest from within The Villow. We have once again felt its presence, its terrors, its horror. These are troubled times, time which I, Captain Herral, request from the high council for help. Bring together the good people of Restille, the sons and fathers, brothers and cousins, uncles, nephews, and daughters. Band them together and send them into The Villow to find out what is now after so many years, why our sister city is in unrest."With that he bows to the council and resumes his seat. As Captain Herral sits the crowd gathered at the inn erupts into conversation once again, hearing that the rumers of dissapearances were true from the voice of the city captain seems to have solidified to many of the citizens here that the times were indeed dire. The high council still remains seated, waiting on the rest of the room to fill, and the time of the meeting to begin. Though after the captains speech they appear less comfortable then they once did.

The crowds murmers continue, as the high council still speaks quitely amongst themselves. Since Captain Herral's speach the conversations have gotten more fearful, packed with anxiety as the people realize that the threat they most feared has come to fruition. Only in your darkest nightmares have you ever thought that The Villow might become active with the foul creatures, and rough brigands that it once had. Told in stories of your youth, and dreamt about as adolescent nightmares, now you feel as the rest of Restille feels, your nightmares have come alive. Kruegar the head of the High Council stands, his frail frame supported by the table which he stands near. His head shaking in the familiar old age way. It seems that even Old Kreugar is terror filled at the thought of the Villow come to life...err...unlife. His white hair in dishevel as usual, though it seems that it has thinned since you last saw him. The folds of his jouls hang a bit lower, and his lower lip trembles as he speaks. "Order," his gravelly voice cuts through the near silent crowd. "Order, this session of the Restille special council meeting is called to order." He waits briefly as the crowd quiets. "Captain Herral's words ring true. The council has been briefed, as to the manor of our sister city, and we have come to the conclusion that, as much as we hate to send our sons and daughters into the void, it seems that it must be done if future generations would live in peace here in Restille. We have recieved no warning, no explaination to the current state of The Villow, city records indicate that this Coulzest, this mad-mage, was destroyed years ago, with the use of the seven tears of Hargula. It is not said how these 'tears' were used, nor what they even look like." He looks towards the rest of the council, especially Lord Margiulle, a fire-haired man to his left, known to the citizens as Marguille the wise. He is also a well known wizard of some repute. "Marguille," Kruegar continues, "belives that the tears are ancient holy items that, once joined, release a power that will destroy evil in a hundred mile radius. As he is our resident expert in all things arcane, the rest of the council agrees with him. The last recorded location of the tears, state they lie in a vault under the famed statue of Gareduin, in the center of Restille. Unfortunately, after city workers, miners, and experts searched for these rumered tears, they were not found. The vault was empty, though recently so. No evidence was found as to whom removed the tears, though it is almost certain that they were human. Perhaps a cult of Coulzest. These tears must be found. They must be brought back here in safety, so that they might be joined, and we can use them to rid The Villow of our nightmares." He pauses again, as the crowd erupts into questions, and conversations. "Order," Kruegar calls in a strong voice mustered from somewhere in his frail frame, "Order, I say, this is not time to panic. This is a time to join together, to band together, find these tears, and defeat the evil that has come to our gates. The council has decided to send volunteers into The Villow for the soul purpose of finding the Tears of Hargula, and returning them to Restille. Each Councilman has a peice of parchment, volunteers will come forward and make their mark upon the parchment, along with their current occupation, or devotion. The council will adjourn for a period of five hours, in that time with the help of Captain Herral, we will place those volunteers into bands. We will be chosing individuals based on what they can offer the group." He pauses once again, and holds his hand in the air as several 'volunteers' start to rise. "Remember, you do this for future generations, so that they might live free of the terrors of The Villow. Now step forward if you will."

The council and Captain Herral return, along with six other officers of the Restille Army. They all have the look of professionalism, armor shining, hair and whiskers trimmed and neat. Their boots all strike the floor as one as they march in, Captain Herral in the lead. The council takes their seats once again, as do the officers and Captain Herral. They talk among themselves, a bit and then Kreugar calls the room to order. "Order," Kreugars voice breaks the silence of the room, "Order. After deliberation the high council, Captain Herral and these other senior officers have made decisions based on the volunteers special talents. There will be seven groups all together. When your name is called off remember who your officer is, and report to him once this meeting is adjourned." He looks to Captain Herral, "Call forth the volunteers." Captain Herral, gathers several peices of parchment into a pile and stands. "Ladies and gentlemen, The following volunteers will report to Chief Brashteel," he points to Chief Brashteel a tall thin man, with greying hair, and a thick red nose. "Harley Capson, Vernon Telliger, Ponce Mellosk, Vander Sloan, Craig Wheaton, Terrance Kest, Greant Mattow, and Wilks Casper, you will report to Chief Brashteel immediately after this meeting at the gates to The Villow." He shuffles the papers once more, "These individuals will report to me, at noon today at the gates. Jarrius Vancort, Cecilia Voxangeli, Barkley Timmons, Acolyte Bel'gareth, Felnor the Elf, Krillion, Morgen Lesestuck, Orla Flambard, Safrin Xanaes, and Tommy...err...Nasalgulp." He looks twice at the last name a slight bend to the right side of his lip shows his mirth and then he straightens. "You volunteers will meet me at noon a the gates to The Villow." He continues on listing names of other volunteers, who they are to meet with and what times. You note that it seems that they will be sending out patrols every two hours. Then he looks over the entire assembly, "Your names have been logged in a record book, that will remain in safe keeping, should you not return your families will be contacted and a sum of 400 gold will be gifted to them, as well as your name will be engraved upon a special plaque honoring your deed. This is no light task that is upon us, the future of our city, our friends, families and loved ones is at stake. Go now, and make your final preparations." With that he and the other officers bow to the council and take their leave. The council then makes their way to the door, shaking hands and speaking briefly with some of the citizens who are there, before they too exit the hall.

The group meet at the gate and meet Captain Herral.

The gate is just as you remember, though you have never been this close, as your childhood nightmares have kept you at bay. Its wrought iron bars near a foot thick are sharply pointed some thirty feet in the air above you. The panels between each bar, coated in fresh grey paint, keep your eyes from wandering into the sister city or your hands from entering. The whole gate looks as though it could repell anything that tried to enter. Its then you realize that you have never before seen what lies beyond these gates, infact never have you even seen them open. The stone walls that separate the two cities are as tall as the gate and hold a guard tower at even intervals about one hundred feet apart. Guards can be seen as silouettes through the arrow-slits in the stone towers. Narrow stairs rise to an arched door at the top of each tower allowing entry for the guards. Gargoyles, and dragon statuettes sit atop the wall looking outward into The Villow, a warning to those who may try to enter Restille. The sharp click of boots on stone warn you of Captain Herral's approach. The man is dressed in his war armor, not the ceremonial armor he was in at the meeting, and carries his shield, sword at the waist and a large three chained-ball flail is slung over his shoulder. A small satchel is slung over the other shoulder, and a ring of keys slaps against his thigh. His scowl is set, with brows drawn down tightly, in a demeanor that lets you know he is all business. He stops at a small building near the gate, and raps on the door several times, "Lets go, men." He commands. Ten men exit the structure, all similiarly armored, though armed with ten foot pikes and swords. They assemble into a formation and march past you to stand ready at the gates. They break formation and form two lines five feet apart, then turn to face eachother so that they are parrell to eachother and perpendicular to the gate itself. Captain Herral glides to a stop near where you have assmebled and begun your introductions. "We are prepared. When I open the gates the guards will file into the city and clear what may be waiting on the other side, once they signal that all is clear, we will enter the city. You must know that The Villow is in unrest, and we never know what we may encounter near the gates. Also do not be alarmed, even though it is a bright sunny day here in Restille, once on the other side of these gates it gets a bit more dark, a product of Coulzest's sorcery, there is no day light within The Villow, do not be alarmed. Though it does get to be a shade of grey at times." A slow smile creeps to his face as he sees your reactions. Then he regains his dark demeanor once again. "There is only one safe place within The Villow, and I will get you to that point, though after that I must get back here to ensure that Restille stays safe. It is a place that several of the temples' high priests have consecrated and made holy. It is the only place in The Villow you can run to for safety. Do not come back here to the gate for safety, my men are instructed to kill first and ask questions later."

The group passed through the gate. Jarrius and Felnor draw their weapons as they do so.

Your bodies slide through the gate and enter another world, at least that is how it seems. You first feel the chill, almost to the bone, as the darkness closes in around you. It is not a complete darkness, as you can see clearly about ten feet in front of you, and as your eyes adjust to it your vision distance gets even better until you can almost see twenty or so feet. (Even those with enhanced vision are hampered here, though is better than normal vision)

The guards men, it looks, actually made quick work of several human-like creatures, though from what you see they are a bit distorted, with large eyes and hunched backs. "Grim-men" One of the guards whispers as he catches you staring at them as they lie on the ground in their own blood. "These are the heart of what roams the city, once men and women now reduced to a life of hatred and evil." Captain Herral says finally. "The men made good work here today," he smirks. As your vision gets better, you see several piles of these 'Grim-men' to each side of the road that you travel down. Ringed in guards with Captain Herral leading, you head north until you make a quick right, passing several burned husks of buildings. Stepping over a body, Captain Herral points to it and one of the guards hands off his pike and scoops up the armored man hefting him over his shoulder. A volunteer that has fallen already. You see the safe house (Building SE 58 on the map)as you round the corner, a soft blue glow comes from within it. It is a two story building in good repair, infact better repair than any of the other buildings you have seen thus far. After a quick look about, Captain Herral opens the door and ushers the group in, leaving the guards outside. As you enter the place, you feel the holy magic course through you, reviving you and helping your tense muscles to relax. You definately feel very safe here, more so than you have in a long while. In the center of the room a pedastal sits with a glowing orb atop it, the source of the blue glow you saw from outside. "You will be safe here, and you may return here at any moment, though I encourage you to seek out deeper into the city when you feel comfortable with the haunts of the place. Take care coming close to here though, the creatures can feel its presence in the city and often lie in wait just outside the boundary of the magic." Captain Herral reaches once again into his satchel, and draws forth four glass vials with blue liquid in them. "Here, gifts of the temples, healing waters to ensure that you make it through this. There are three doses in each vial, but they wont last long once you get into the thick of it." He pauses, as if wanting to tell you more then continues, "As you travel in the city, you will not be allowed access to many places, the magic here constantly shifts closing off open roads, do not panic, the creatures can feel that here. The barriers will open up again and you can find your way around the barriers. Good luck, we have given you everything you need to be successful. Remember finding the Tears is the most important, if you find one, return it here promptly and use the whistle then come to the gate. Again good luck. With that he bows to you all and takes his leave. Finally you hear the rythmic click of the guards marching away, leaving you in The Villow.

Upon reaching the safe-house Cecilia pulls out her balalaika and plays a tune, singing; "Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, When in the gloom of the Villow, even then will I see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. "Let not your heart be troubled," Morath's tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me." Then cecilia asks; "Then, who would be best to draw maps to mark our progress?"

Morgen replies that he is good with a sword but not with a pen.

Barkley immediately charges up the stairs to check out the upper floor. He sees several winged creatures on the roof of the building across the street.

As you all start to get settled and discussion starts about setting up this house as a point for supplies to be left, there is a soft scurry of feet and the clang of metal, followed by a stiffled moan that comes from outside the building. Peering out one of the windows you see three men dressed in armor trying to make their way to the building. One of them looks very badly hurt as he leans on one of the others. The other man is in pitched battle against three...maybe four ghastly looking creatures. The beings look to have been long past dead, skin drips off of them and saggs to the ground, what clothing they wear appears rotten and filty. The one warrior seems to be having quite a difficult time defending the other two as they make slow progress toward your house. His blows cut deep into the zombies, at times hacking bits and peices of the animated undead from their already rotting corpses. Still they press on. The two supporting eachother stumble on a bit of uneven road and collapse to the ground, the wounded one dragging his fellow with him. With fast reflexes the other man springs back to his feet, what little light there is shows pointed ears through his tangled mass of hair. He quickly helps the wounded man to his feet casting his bow aside as he does.

Bel'Gareth does not hesitate in action. He throws open the door to the safe house and runs outside, pulling a heavy chain from his neck. He holds forth an amulet depicting a red four pointed diamond with silver moon and saber. He steeles himself against the fear welling within him. Thy Will o Lord "Heed the word of Morath foul abominations and flee from this place. Return to the abyss!", he commands with the Will of his Lord while running forward. Bel'Gareth felt a surge of Morath's Will surround him, but to no effect. The abominations persist in their attack. Braving possible attack, the acolyte of Morath takes the wounded man in arm and helps bring him to the safe house.

Felnor heasitates at the door.

Tommy does as well.

Krillion pulls a dagger and prepares to fight off the evil.

Morgen pulls his sword and seeing Bel'Gareth go out to help, follows suit, as does Jarrius, after pausing briefly.

Orla moves to the doorway to watch.

Barkley returns downstairs. Upon returning he touches the orb to try an move it outside, but finds that it is unmovable, and sends a vibration through him and the rest of the room when he touches it, even with his staff. He then moves to a window and gives a heads up about the creatures he saw on the roof.

Cecilia warns barkley that the orb should stay where it is, and then continues to sing, hoping to gain morale.

Safrin rushes out to help as well, after finding some comfort in the safe-house, she attepts to tunr the zombies as well but is unable.

Tommy pulls out his crossbow, and peers around the doorjam, ready to fire at will. A word from Jarrius to keep watch to the roof-tops get Tommy looking high.

Orla and Lally move up to the upper floor to gain a look at the creatures on the roof. Tommy quickly follows her, opening a window with great noise, and glaring ridicule from Orla, gains attention from the winged creatures, though they seem unwilling to test the orbs power. Tommy's mind set on the chest and the creatures. Though he fails to open the one locked chest.

Finally the Bel'Gareth, Felnor and Vander get the wounded boy into the house, and lay the boy next to the orb, finding that the orb also has healing powers, as they see him healed before their very eyes. Bel'Gareth and Krillionhelp him into the house and attend to him anyways, helping to comfort him. Felnor then rushes out to lend support fire to the others on their way in.

Orla and Lally move up to the upper floor to gain a look at the creatures on the roof. Tommy quickly follows her, opening a window with great noise, gaining attention from the winged creatures, though they seem unwilling to test the orbs power.

Combat took place between Felnor, Jarrius, Morgen, Harley, Vander, and Merrill versus the zombies. Barkley moves within rage of his darts and heaves three at the one zombie that caught his attention. Safrin guards the door and after Merrill falls and is picked up by Jarrius the group finally makes it inside the building. The zombies tried to follow but the power of the orb persisted, causing the zombies to be destroyed. During the combat Merrill and Vander are struck, though the blow does no damage to Vander, courously. Morgen, Jarrius and Felnor all make contact with the undead, and are finally able to draw them into the orbs protection sphere to destroy them.

Safely inside and now feeling relaxed and finally safe, the elf, stands tall, and smiles. "Thank you deeply for your help, if you had not been here we surely would not have made it this far. We are forever in your debt. I am Vander Sloan, elf of the Wilderen Woods, and friend to Restille, and her plight. These are my companions, whats left of them." He points first to the man at the pedastal, and then to the chainmailed man. "This is Harley Capson, warrior of Caquell, he too has travelled far to join this quest to help Restille. And finally this is Merrill Kest, our party leader, he hails from Restille, and were it not for him, both Harley and I would never have met you kind folks." With that he sighs and leans against the east wall of the room.

Introductions are made.

Jarrius asks the elf, "were there not eight that left with your group?"

Rising from his seated postition, Merrill shakes his head in pain, "Aye, there were eight of us, naught but two hours ago. Sadly we have lost those numbers, and are ill to lose more." The man in the brown and yellow surcoat says, his voice trembling. "What lies beyond these walls, are horrors men alone cannot fight. We made our way to the west, following the road north from the gates, hoping that we could get to the house on the hill, but alas, the way is blocked by a barrier unseen to mortal eyes, and when we tried to turn back our path was cut short by yet another barrier. That was when they pounced upon us like rapid dogs. The undead. There were many, and we fought a good fight, losing our mage and our healers within the first few minutes of battle. They even dragged their bodies away, so that we could not give them a proper burial." His words cut short by a sob, and for such a brute warrior, a somber sight.

Vander moved over to throw a comforting hand upon his leader, now reduced to tears over his fallen comrades. "This has not been your fault Merrill, we all chose to head that way, there was no way we could know that the way would be blocked." He looks up to the rest of you seeing your eyes wide, he continues where Merril left off. "We had the louts beat, there were only three left, and four of us remained, to fend them off. We found shelter in one of the buildings there, though it turned out to be more than we expected. A cult of Coulzest had taken it over, as a stronghold, and here we were already exhausted. They captured Ragnar before we could escape, I fear his death will last much longer than is natural. Finally we made our way back here, the three of us. And were it not for you the undead would surely have made us one of their own."

Krillion suggests searching house to house or go straight after the cult, but the rest of the group think that going house to house might not be agood idea. He also suggests that any of the undead they come upon and defeat they should remove the heads.

Barkley continues to watch outside for movement from the winged creatures. He asks Vander where the cult is.

Tommy returns downstairs. Saying, "Those winged creatures are not moving, they might be harpies." After Tommy says soemthing about Harpies, Krillion jumps up and moves over to the window next to Barkley.

With the creatures staying put Orla with Lally trailing behind comes down from upstair just in time to witness:

Harley starts to stir. His eyes come open, and blink several times. "W...w...where?" he says as he looks at those around him. He looks at each of you, then feels, his chest where his wounds had bled through his tunic. "W...w...what happened here?" Still he continues to look at all of you, then his eyes fix on Merrill, and then on Vander, as he sees the elf, they go wide. "Y...y...You, what do you want with us, why....." With that his eyes roll back and he becomes unconscious.

Merrill, seemingly confused, looks at his companion, then to Vander. With that the elf's eyes narrow, looking back at Merrill. In an instant the elf, reaches over and rips Merril's throat out, blood of the man splatters the group, causing you to recoil in the ghastly deed done before your very eyes. One last gasp is all you hear as Merrill's lifeless body slumps to the floor. The 'Elf' stands there holding the warriors throat, and begins to turn. His hair grows pale, his green-gold eyes become black with red slits for pupils, his nails elongate.

He bends as you all stare in awkward silence unable to make any moves, your bodies frozen in an unnatural state. Quicker than you have ever seen a man move the beast reaches down and grasps a crytaline blue tear-drop shaped jewel, from under Merrill's tunic. He looks at you with evil eyes, a sneer creeping across his face.

"Puny, mortals, leave this place, it is not for you. This is the only warning you will get. Go tell Restille that The Villow no longer sleeps, we come for them. Their petty holy magics will no longer stop us." He looks at the orb, with a smile, with that the beasts leaps through the window and bounds away...

A cloud of mist swirls in his presence, the only trace of him ever being there.

Harley comes awake, his eyes go wide and his scream pierces the room, soon followed by his uncontrolable sobs.

You feel your cold sweat run like rivers down the fine hairs of your spine.

Cecilia tries to gain courage for the rest of the group.

Words are said by Safrin over the corpse of Merrill, and Jarrius searches the body tossing a small leather book to Safrin.

Jarrius asks Harley, "Harley... HARLEY! How did you know your companion wasn't what he claimed?"

Harley stirs, his eyes blinking rapidly, as he does so. His face resumes its normal color, from its previous pale and emaciated tones. His breathing slows, from its rapid pace, and then he opens his eyes. At first he stares at the corpse of Merrill, then the shattered window, near the curious short human. He sits forward slowly, bracing his knees with the bends of his elbows, and clasping his hands. He slowly begins to rock back and forth, sweat begining to bead up on his forhead. He closes his eyes and takes a deep renewing breath, letting the air out slow with a whistle through his teeth. "What has happened? Our whole group, every member now, has fallen to the powers of The Villow." He pauses, shaking his head in disbelief. "Merrill, swore to protect us, he was our leader, and now he lies upon the floor before me lifeless as the undead that haunt these streets." He looks up as Jarrius asks his the question, at first not realizing that there was anyone else in the building, and upon realization jumps with a start, continueing to sit. "I..I dont know, how, I just did. He did not have the same look as before, the same but not the same." he said through chattering teeth. "Thank you for your help and kind words..." He trails off saying this last to Safrin. "How will I ever get out of here alive, if none of them could? I dont understand, why was I spared?" He looks to each of you as he asks his questions half expecting for you to have the answers. He waits, and then looks down to the floor. It is then that you realize that he is no older than thirteen, though big for his age, he has a childlike quality to him that spells out a much inexperienced, and youthful presence.

Safrin comforts harley with these words,"We don't know why you were spared, Harley. However, you are amongst friends. Also, if you can recall what has happened to your group, it may shed some light upon what has transpired here...Merril, your captain, he was transporting a tear. Do you remember how you got the jewel? Take your time and tell us when you are ready..."

Krillion dusts himself off as he pushes Tommy off of him.

Morgen suggests,"In regards to our next steps, I think we should search the houses - or at least the ones nearest this safe house - so that in case of an emergency, our route back here will be free from incident. As for keeping the houses clear, can not one of the clerics sanctify the house with holy water to prevent or discourage the weaker undead from returing to the house? And it also goes to reason that if the demon tracked down Merril to get one Tear, that perhaps the demon does not have all the tears? Searchng the house may turn up Tears or perhaps other items useful in our quest." And then says to Harley, "And as for you young warrior Harley, do NOT forget what you have seen. Know now in your heart and mind that the tides of evil walk this land and only the strong of courage and faith can prevent those tides from sweeping our world clean. Do not forget - remember what you have seen, feel the rage well up inside. Use it, channel it, focus on it to drive you to become one of the few who can and will stand up agasint the rising tide. If you do not, then surely the demon has succeeded in killing you."

Jarrius thinks they should take Harley back to the gate. And suggest that they find a sewer system if they wish to travel in this city. Then he moves over to Merrill's body and decappitates it, tossing a money pouch to Harley shortly after, saying, "give this to his family"

Cecilia says,""It is your decision to stay, or to return. When you say it made your head spin--was there something else going on, or is it something that happens as long as you're near such a Tear?" She listened quietly--there was much to absorb in what the youth was saying. "It is your decision," she said, "to stay, or to return. When you say it made your head spin--was there something else going on, or is it something that happens as long as you're near such a Tear?"

Jarrius suggests that the group cast detect evil on Harley.

Safrin asks Cecilia to read the journal with her.

"If you will have me I will stay with you. I know that you have seen alot already, if there is anything I can do to help you trust me more I will gladly do it." Harley says then falls silent.

Cecila and Safrin find some interesting points in the Journal, it reads:

Day 1: Today is the meeting here in Restille, I will go and serve my city, as I have told my parents and wife. They were understanding but sorrowful at the same time. Well the meeting went rather well, and I was placed with complete strangers, to venture into the city. It looks as though I am the oldest, so I am sure that they will look to me to be their leader. Also, I am the only one from Restille, and they might think I have an advantage due to that...but I dont. We have gathered at the gate, my companions mill about, I was right. They have chosen me for their leader. I hope that I dont dissapoint them. I have found a friend in the oddest person. An elf that calls himself Vander. He is a good man, I can tell, for he talks frequently of his family and the things that he wishes to do after we accomplish our goal here. The council has placed us with several others, a couple of magic users, two acolytes, and several warriors like me, although they are green behind the ears. The oddest of the group is a boy...errr...young man. I have not figured out just how old he is, he has the body of a man, but his childish looks make me believe he is but 13 or 15 at the most. He seems good at heart though, and I'll not be the one to hold his age against him.

Day 1: Well, here we are in The Villow. We are in some sort of safe house, that officer Brandt brought us to. There is a pedastal and orb in the center of the downstairs room, and a stair-way that leads up to a second floor. I have locked several days rations and an extra sword in the chest along with the other possessions and two healing potions. I hope leaving those are not a mistake. We had a meeting shortly after arriving here, and it was decided that we were to head to the house on the hill first, after we introduce ourselves.

Day 1: It is now later and we have placed valuables in the chest. I have put my lock on it and it should be secure. There are several winged creatures on the roof of the building across the street to the north, but it looks as though the power of the orb holds them at bay. The boy has told us little about himself, other than he feels that it is his duty to find the Tears. It makes me wonder why the council did not question him further about this. I will have to get into it with him at a later date...if I live.

Day 2:

As Cecilia and Safrin read the important parts of the Merill's journal, Morgen and the group welcome Harley into their group.

Meanwhile, Jarrius and Tommy go open the chest finding exactly what Merrill's Company had put there. Harley follows and retrieves his possessions. Bel'Gareth takes two gold and silver holy symbols of Morath, and some water that he believes might be holy water. Jarrius pockets one of the vials with the blue liquid.

Finging out that Harley might be a key to finding the Seven Tears of Hargula the groups spirits rise, but not for long.

As they begin again to make plans for a search of the city, the group hears howls from the night, and Barkley and Krillion, who had been keeping watch see several human like shapes off to the east. Though they do not enter the Orb's protection sphere, still the creatures on the roof across the street do not make moves toward the safehouse.

Again Barkley tempts fates as he now begins to touch the hand of Merrill, now dead, to the orb. Vibrations are sent through the house, though the brave warrior remains dead.

After Barkley and Krillion tell the others of the creatures they think they saw, the group again tries to decide what to do next. That is when Merrill's body begins to move and a short lived battle over his very soul takes place between the powers in The Villow and the powers of the Orb. the orb wins, and Merrill's body is consummed by the holy might of the Orb.

Jarrius, Morgen, Tommy, and Felnor head upstair to see if they can remedy the winged creatures across the street. Tommy's bolt goes wide, not even startling the creatures, they appear to be much more mad, though do not come into the protection sphere of the orb.

Harley is asked if he feels the Tears and he says that he cannot at this moment.

As Barkley is about to go after the figures in the dark, he spots several of the Grim-men coming from the west. Seven to be exact. He warns the otherrs, and Bel'Gareth rush out the door to greet them. Felnor and Tommy take pot shots at them, Tommy missin and Felnor striking one. Meanwhile, downstairs Cecilia strikes up a tune on her balalaika and puts two of the creatures to sleep. They then surround Bel'Gareth.

Soon Harley, the young fighter, and Safrin join in the battle, as Barkley and Cecilia stand back, Barkley hurling darts at the ensourcelled men effectively. Orla in the mean time moves out of the house and effectively casts a Sleep spell on two of the Grim-men that have just joined the fray. As the last of the Grim-men are engaged a lone figure enters the area of the orbs power. he appears to be a human male, dressed in armor. He looks very tired, like he had een running, and engages the ensorcelled one that is attacking Morgen. Soon the battle is over with slight injuries on the sides of our heroes. They retreat back into the safety of the house gaining its healing energies as they do so. Still Morgen does not lower his sword as the new guy, Astru, nearly collapses from exhaustion. But Morgen sees the folley of standing out side debating and quickly moves back to the house.

The majority of the group decide it wise to eat something as they have been in the Villow for near four hours. The take a break at noon. Tommy and Felnor decide to start shooting at the winged creatures across the street, Tommy finally hits and discovers that the bolt of hios crossbow is inneffective, as he hears it ricochet off of the creatures wing with the sound of metal on stone. He figures them to be gargoyles. Meanwhile, Barkley finishes his meal and decides to snoop around the back of the house. At nearly the same time Tommy begins a thourough search of the walls and floors of the orb room.

Meanwhile, Tommy discovers that there is a trap-door in the floor of the safe-house, near the rear of the stairs leading to the upstairs. He removes the door and looks down seeing a small ricketty ladder propped against the wall. After some discussion with Felnor, who joined Tommy at the trap-door, Tommy decides that he cannot resist going down into the hole. He does decide not to use the ladder that is in obvious misrepair. He lands with a thud and a splash as he drops into the muddy bottom of the basement. He sees several barrells and other items down there, but the most mysterious thing about the basement is the cool breeze being sucked into the northern portion.

Barkley then hands his staff to Morgen who has rushed to his side in an attempt to bring the wayward mage back to the safehouse, then Barkley runs into the shed, retrieves one of the chests that he saw inside, and rushes back out. Already too late, as Barkley's hands and feet are burned he tosses the chest to the ground and howls in pain. Morgen gathers the mage up and takes him and the chest back into the safe-house. Meanwhile Tommy searches the basement and finds that there is a drain tunnel in the north wall. It is covered by a grate, and is only about 2foot in diameter.

Krillion checks out the upstairs to ensure that the winged creatures have not taken flgiht. While Jarrius tries to gather the group together, first giving Barkley a peice of the warriors mind.

Morgen suggests that they go into the tunnel after they burn the house to the south-west, though the group decides that the one inferno is enough for now. Tommy ascend the ladder with no problems, and soon fidns it difficult to resist checking out the chest that Barkley retrieved from the now burned out shed.

After opening the book she begins to read aloud;

"Date Febrikary, 25th, 10216-(nearly a thousand years ago!!) I dont know what is becoming of our fair city. Strange things are begining to happen since that wizard came to town and proclaimed it his. Most of my family has fled into the city of Restille, I have stayed behind to fight the good fight. Many of my neighbors have also fled, giving me almost no hope at all. We were warned though that the gates would be closed forever. That was two days ago. Since then I have held my ground and remained steadfast. Even the armed brigands that come to my door and search my house were not able to find my secret basement. Though I fear I will have to leave soon enough.

She flips through the pages quickly but with care. "It goes on to account many other days of little signifigance, it appears to be a day by day record of this mans time in the Villow right after the take-over of the wizard Coulzest. Here are three other records that seem important:"

Date Margatch 3rd, 10216- I dare not stay in the basement any longer, for I fear that they have begun to search the sewers, and sooner or later they will find me, and I dont know what I'll do then.

Date Margatch 5th, 10216- I heard noises coming from the sewers, so I had decided to make my way to the shed in order to remain hidden from the patrols. It was not easy, but I managed to make it here, and was able to bring with me everything but my barrels of ale. Alas, I do not dare leave the shed now. I think that I might be safe for a time here, with the way the garden hides it.

Date Margatch 23rd, 10216- I fear this will be my final writing, my food and goods have been exhausted and I can hear voices and the panting of animals outside the shed. They have steadily gotten closer and stayed longer. I fear that it was a mistake to try and stay here, and my only hopes now are that my family will know I died a man of no fear..... I was able to hear a part of the conversation among two men who stood near here. They have been talking quite heatedly about something called The Wreath of Tears but for the life of me I cannot figure out exactly what that contraption is for. However they seem very angry that they have not been able to locate it......Night is drawing in and I hear footsteps through the garden, may Morath guide my hands this eve, as I strike out against them hoping to die an honorable death.

"This is the very last entry in the journal", she says finally closing the little book.

It is agreed that the shed in the book is the one that Barkley burned down and perhaps the hole that Tommy found leads to the basement mentioned in the book. Astru states his interest in the building to the east that has te maroon light in it, but decides that the basement might be the best choice right now.

The march order is as follows:

For single file:
      Krillion
      Tommy
      Morgen
      Astru
      Harley
      Bel'Gareth
      Safrin
      Cecilia
      Orla
      Barkley
      Felnor
      Jarrius

For two abreast:
Krillion     Tommy
Morgen       Astru
Harley       Bel'Gareth   
Safrin       Cecilia      
Orla         Barkley      
Felnor       Jarrius

Jarrius wedges the door with a peice of the rail he hacked off, and guards the door as everyone is herded into the basement down a rope placed there by Jarrius. Then he follows, shutting the trap-door as he descends into the basement.

Soon everyone is fear free and many of them are left wondering what it was that caused the fear in the first place. Astru quickly describes the three armored warriors to the group.

Meanwhile, in the basement, it is decided that with no word from Barkley, Tommy, or Krillion that the rest of them should go after the wayward trio. With Felnor leading the way, and each of the more heavily clad warriors dragging their armor behind them, the party enters the drain. As they reach the bend they hear a struggle below, and begin their descent. In the mean time, Barkley is struck by one of the poison tentacles of the giant leech, and is paralyzed, falling to the bottom of the drain. Tommy and Krillion fend off the leech with torches as the others make their way into the main drain. Seeing Barkley lying near dead on the bottom of the drain, Bel'Gareth and Safrin pull him out of harms way, allowing Jarrius and Morgen to get into the drain. Quickly morgen and Jarrius, with out the aid of salt, fend off the giant leech, waving thier torches at the thing, making it retreat. Tommy solidifies its retreat with a stab from one of his daggers.

Barkley remains motionless, as the giant leech retreats, and before a willing Safrin tries to suck the venom from his arm, she is warned by both Krillion and Jarrius that it is not wise to do such a thing, as she might be affected by it as well. Safrin takes note.

With the threat of the giant leech gone, the party surveys their location, noting many simliar drains in the wall of the main drain as to the one they just came from. It is soon decided that they msut still figure out what the maroon light coming from the house to the east of the safe-house is, and decide to send Tommy once again on a scouting mission up into the next small drain to the east of the safe-house drain. Jarrius quickly carves a mark in the safe-house drain, so they do not lose its position. Reluctantly Tommy takes out the spikes and rope once again and begins his ascent into the drain. The rest of the group, begin to rest, and Morgen suggests that it might be wise for some one to start mapping the sewers here, so that they dont get lost. Orla beings to review a spell, and the others take up defensive positions to the east and west of both the safe-house drain and the suspected maroon light house' drain. Tommy makes his way slowly ascending the drain, and finally comes to the end of his climb, coming once again to a rought iron grate, one that he cannot get open once again.

As Tommy is gone on his scouting mission Felnor picks up a faint sound coming from the east. A click, splash rythym, that he at first cannot figure out. Then he sees six red pinpoints of light, bits of ivory glinting in their torchlight and sees three undead dogs coming directly for them. Harley at near the same time feels very dizzy and collapses to the floor fo the drain, his senses realing from some unknown power. Quick thinking, Astru ascends the drain Tommy went into and makes ready to get behind the undead dogs as they pass. unfortunately they stop directly infront of the drain and Astru is hindered from getting into the action. Felnor, Jarrius, and the remainder of the party defeat the skeleton dogs. Tommy comes down from his scouting mission and tells the story of his encouter within the maroon lit house, and the voices he heard there. And while he could not reach the hasp to open the grate at the top, he explains in detail the conversation between two odd voices:

"So ya mean they're all gone?" Tommy says, impersonating the heavily accented, hissing voice he heard. He twists his face into a gruesome look, which he thought might befit such a voice. Tommy changes his expression to one more sombre, much like Jarrius. "We couldn't hear nothing. And you know we aint permitted inside." "They musta gone out the back. We'll send the gargoyles after 'em then." Tommy hisses with an accent. "What of the tears?" "Uncertain. They aint left the building, but they burned down the shed." he says, imprsonating the more sombre voice. Tommy was enjoying himself. "Go on. Get out of here." Tommy hisses, then reverts back to his own voice.

After Tommy relays this, Jarrius suggestst that there might be Tears nearby, what with Harley's reaction and all. Soon a decision is made that Krillion, Barkley and Tommy will return to the grate in the maroon lt house, and Krillion will attempt to open it. Upon opening the grate Krillion is struck by a magical flash and somethig descends into the cellar. A large monster of a creature comes after the group of tunnel-rats, and they decide to descend to the sewers before he can get at them.

Meanwhile the rest of the group decides to go up after the trio and before they make it very far they are met with the retreating three as they shimmy down the drain, in an attempt to flee from the creature above. And though they make ready for whatever comes, nothing does, and silence remains in the drain. A discussion ensues about wether or not they should attack the maroon lit house and its occupants now, that the moment of surprise has been thwarted by the alarm and the subsequent appearance of the creature. Some even suggest that the party leave the Villow all together, that the forces here are much more cunning than at first thought.

As the others move back to the safe-house, Jarrius, Orla and Tommy head up the sewers towards the maroon lit house. Barkley left in the sewers alone, finally decides that it would not be wise to stay there for longa nd follows Orla, Jarrius and Tommy up the shaft. Jarrius finds that the grate is unlocked and untrapped. He opens it slowly and exits. That is when the orkgre springs from his hiding spot and attacks the warrior from behind. He forces Jarrius to the floor of the basement. Quickly Orla, Tommy and Barkley exit the shaft, immediately attacking the Orkgre. Orla gets swatted and is flung against the wall, while Tommy makes it onto the things back, he and Jarrius finish the creature off, as Tommy draws his dagger across the things neck.

Barkley checks on Orla, and Tommy checks the ladder and trap door up to the main level. Finding that Orla is no worse for the wear, they leave Lally behind in the basement while the rest of them ascend the ladder. Tommy in the lead.

Meanwhile, at the Orb house, Hilligrathe and the others take what healing they can from the orb as the old man informs them of the orbs history in the Villow. "This is the Orb of Malladon. Malladon was a powerful cleric who had lived in da Villow prior to its fall. He constructed se'eral orbs in his day, however this one is da only one that da forces of evil have not been able to destroy." He points up to the ceiling indicating the orb on the main floor. "I was here once, quite by accident, and was marvelled to find it 'ere. Though I remember nothing of a basement, hmmm, perhaps it escapes me now. It 'as been several years." He says matter of factly.

He then tell's his story: "I grew up 'ere in da Villow. Course that was times past, long a'fore the fall of this great city." He held up his hand as he saw the looks on the faces of those assembled. "I know this seems impossible to you. Shortly a'fore the fall of da Villow, I was passed 'cross the gates into Restille and from there was secreted beyond da mountains and off to a land where da arts are practiced in secret. There Elvin kind and others have put a wedge in the continuity of time, and thus that is why I am not dead, yet I am over two thousand years old." His smile shows through his whiskers once again, almost as if he is proud of his age. "I studied there fer many years perfecting my knowledge in many arcane secrets, an' learning from many of the most enlightened beings alive. When da Villow fell un'er da power of one of my former instructers, the sorcerer Coulzest, I came back once again to Restille." His eyes seems to wet, as he remembers better times, and then he continues. "I found I was too late, and because I left da secret lands, I was not allowed to return. My studies not complete I was determined to learn what I could of da evil of this place. I made a request of da council at Restille, though as I said before they gave me no support. That is how I came ta be here." "As to how I survived in the villow all these years, well, I may look harmless but da evil here 'as found I am much more formidable than they at first thought." Finally a smile came back to his face. "My home has been blocked by da evil forces here in the Villow and unless I can find a way around da barriers those tears I spoke of are lost fer'ever to the causes of good. My home was on da far east of the Villow, I sense that certain protections have been breeched but da tears are safe there for now. However I fear that da cult of Coulzest and the aparations that live 'ere in da Villow will soon be able to get through and seize them for themselves."

Once Hilligrathe has informed them of everything, the group decides that they must try and help Jarrius and the others with the maroon lit house. They decide to go by way of the back, exiting the orb house through the south window, and hoping that they are able to enter the house next door through similiar means. While they are able to get out the window and over the fence that separates the two properties, as soon as they make their way into the garden it springs to life. Vines, weeds, and plantlife of all kinds begin to animate before their very eyes. Soon it is too late and several of the adventurers are captured by the vile weeds. The young boy Harley one of them.

Inside the Maroon lit house, Tommy enters the main level, and finds it to be an intriguing place indeed. Lines of magical fire dance over the floor all moving in complex sigils and runes. Several trails of fire run in intricate lines across the floor. The fire is orange and red in color and gives off no heat, however, Jarrius and Tommy both feel that it is magical, in one way or another. The trails twist and turn forming intricate patterns on the floor, and lead finally to a four foot tall pedestal. The room is lit by several sconces, draped in red giving the maroon glow to the place. Other than that it looks very similiar to the safe-house in design. The windows, however, are covered with thick red velvet drapes. On the ceiling above there are several intricate designs. None of which Tommy or Jarrius can decipher. The front door is secured (with another large lock), and has a sort of glow about it, they cannot figure out where the glow comes from except from the door itself. In the center of the room stands a pedestal, the magical fire twists and winds around it dancing, nothing can be seen on the pedestal from their view point Looking around further they see a staircase leading up to a second level. There is a small stand of books along the east wall, and a short leather-bound chair near there. A small chest sits near the west wall, it is iron bound and a rather large lock appears to secure it.

Intrigued by the chest, Tommy moves to inspect it, though after several minutes of examination he decides that it is protected beyond his abilities and nearly fears even touching the darned thing. Barkley inspects the books and finds one of interest, pulling it from the self and placing it in a pouch for later investigation. Finally Orla inspects the pedestal and finds nothing of note, other than perhaps it is a divining source. After several minutes the line begin moving more rapidly, as if they will soon reach a pinacle. Movement and light is heard upstairs and it is decided that perhaps the four should leave the house whiel the getting is good. Jarrius opens the south window and tells everyone to exit. Some discussion is made about the chest but in the end it is decided to leave it for another time. Upon exiting the maroon lit house the four find that their friends are in need of help in their fight against the garden itself.

Barkley, always quick on his feet quickly lights a torch and fends off the attacking plants.

Eventually the group recovers Harley and once again retreat back into the safe-house.

After describing what happened in the maroon lit house, it is decided that the group will attempt to get to Hilligrathe's home in the western part of the Villow. Where he claims there are two tears. They head out to the west.

After leaving the safe-house, the companions, while fearing the gargoyles on the roof across the street, make their way to the west. They cross the main street they were first led down two days ago by the brave Captain Herral and his guard. Some of them wondering if they will ever pass back through the gates to the safety of Restille again.

They lurked down the street following the lead of Hilligrathe. They passed several broken down buildings, one of which looked like a bakery. Soon after passing this building a cultist of Coulzest apeared on the south side of the street accompanied by six Grim-men. They attacked immediately. Soon, five skeletons were summoned by the cultist to join the fight.

The skeletons come from the bakery and immediately broke the group into two sections, however the fast prayer of Safrin turned the foul skeletons, all but one, and they disappeared into the Villow dark. That one was easily dispatched.

Meanwhile, Hilligrathe fought spell vs. spell against the cultist, as the rest of the group was concentrating on killing off the Grim. Soon Cecillia fell to the sharp claws of the once men, as did Krillion.

Hilligrathe was finally able to terminate the cultist, but it was too late to save two of the companions.

When the dust had settled Krillion and Cecilia lie dead in the streets of the Villow. Their bodies ravaged by the Grim-men. It was decided that the rest of the companions could not take the chance of their friends coming back as undead against them, and so Jarrius and Morgan went about the grissley task of severing their heads and casting them far away from thier bodies.

The bodies were looted for their gear, and in an honoring gesture, Safrin took Cecilia's Balailaka from her and bore it in her name.

Hilligrathe recovered from his fight with the cultist, and it was decided that they could afford to check the house from which he came, in case there were clues within that might lead them to yet more of the Tears.

With the decision made Hilligrathe attempted to open the door. The mage disappeared only to reappear hanging in mid air surrounded by the flames and magic of a wizards cage. He was at first dispaired that he might not be able to get out. But then he remembered there were six keys to such a device.

Our Heroes decided that they would enter the house, and find the six keys in order to free Hilligrathe of his prison. Hilligrathe told them that there would be many more traps inside such a house, and to be careful. He also assured them that there were no more traps upon the entry door.

Once the combat has ended with the stone golems the room begins to shake and the pedestal bursts into magical energy. a dome of magic reveals shapes beneath, and Felnor decides to remove the hand he had there as it gets hot to the touch. Once the magical reveal ends several items are left on the pedestal.

1. (1) Star shaped rod about 1'6" long. It is grey in color there is a circle on each end, no other marks are seen.

2. (1) Square shaped stone about the size of a mans fist. It has a rune that looks looks like an eight pointed star.

3. (1) Clear glass bead the size of a coin. Nothing else of note on or in the bead.

4. (1) Green stone shaped like a miniature door.

5. (1) Copper hoop one inch in thickness and one foot in diameter. No other marks.

As they appear two of the doors unlock. Lally is tended to as best as the group can and Orla decides she will carry the animal until it is fully healed. Safrin then goes to see what items were left on the pedestal and begins handing them out.

Orla watched silently as the sparkling motes settled to the ground, her rage dying with the final stone creature. In it's place came an aching pain as she realised what came next. Turning slowly she moved towards the pile of charcoal fur lying beside the wall, tears began to fall as she realised Lally hadn't moved. Reaching her objective Orla dropped to her knees and reached out a shaking hand to touch her beloved friend. All the time she was hoping desperately for any sign of life.

As the dust settles Astru sink to one knee, his breath rapid and labored. Sweat trickles down his face leaving trails in the dust that caked there along with the blood from his nose, which although now healed is now slightly crooked. All in all he is a rather ghastly site. He stares unblinking at the pedestal as the items appear. A bit of movement catches his eye and he watches a Orla make her way over to her faithful companion.

As Orla approaches, Lally turns her head to look up at her, her breath coming in raged bursts. A slight wimper escapes the valient dogs snout, and several wags of her tail let Orla's mind ease a bit. Lally is hurt but not dead. She raises her head and gives Orla's hand a lick then rolls over to present her ample underbelly for a fimiliar rub. Her left hind leg seems bent in an un-natural way but other than that she is no worse for wear. She seems satisfied that she was able to deter her friend from being hurt.

Jarrius stands and surveys the room and his companions. As he removes his helm a youthful face is revealed, as is his long black hair directly contrasting his feirce blue eyes. He walks over next to Morgen and kneels, looking down at his fellow warrior then to the others, "Is everyone alright?" It was a silly question, he could plainly see that several of his companions were injured, but it was meant to find out how serious those injuries actually were.

Bel'Gareth was fatigued physically, but his mind was damaged more so. He drops to his knees and lets go of his weapon. It thumps heavily on the floor, as if filled with the guilt that overwhelms him. Had his god left him. He had seriously endangereed and hindered his companions in the last encounters. Hurting, more than helping. The priest grabs his holy symbol with both hands and presses it against his forehead. Closing his eyes, he begins praying. He presses the religioius symbol so hard that it punctures his skin and blood trickles to his brow.

As the smoke clears and the dust settles, Tommy is relieved to see everyone was still alive. Including himself. He dusts off his clothing, then the gleam from the top of the pedestal catches his eye. *Gulph* *Gulph* "What are those?" he asks. Before anyone can answer he hears a distinctive clicking noise behind him. Once... Twice... Which doors? Tommy wondered. Tommy again tries opening the middle door. It had been locked earlier.

Safrin tried to catch her breath, faintly smiling. She was about to compliment Orla on her last attack, but refrained herself from doing so when she saw her sad expression. However, the cleric began to smile when she noticed that the dog was still alive. "Yes... I-I am fine!", she answered Jarrius, blinking in surprise as she saw his face for the first time. Quickly looking away, she examined her companions, trying to evaluate the group's moral. "I can tend to the wounds, if you need help", she gently offered. Although most were badly battered, everyone was alive, which was comforting. Still, the young cleric could not help but feel a tad guilty for not having suffered any wounds in the fight. However, tossing the thought aside, she went to check on Bel'gareth. Paling as she saw the blood coming from his forehead, she was hesitant, wondering if she had the right to intervene. "Bel'gareth?", she said softly, picking up his heavy weapon with some difficulties. "You wanted to help... that is what matters the most..." Unsure if her words were enough to soothe him, she handed him his weapon and walked to the pedestal. "It seems we have received some gifts." Eyeing the various items, she was afraid to take them at first. "Perhaps some of them are keys to unlock Hilligrathe's cage", she blurted out happily, steeling herself and delicately brushing her fingers over the objects, almost expecting other stone creatures to materialize out of thin air.

Noticing the items on the pedestal Safrin brushes her delicate hands over them. Contrary to her suspicions nothing happens as she does so.

Harley slumps to the floor as well, his body feeling more bruised and battered than ever before. When Jarrius asks if they are ok, he raises his hand in a attempt to wave, and says, "yea, Im ok." Reaching into his pack he pulls out his waterskin and drinks heartily from it as if he hadn't drank in years.

Bel'gareth stops his praying as the young Safrin offers him the flail. He stared at it for a long moment. Finally making some sort of decision, he takes it from her and smiles. "Thank you sister." he says. "Your words are kind." The priest catches Harley drinking heavily from his skin and suddenly feels very thirsty himself. He fetches the waterskin from his belt and drinks as well, before something else pops out of the woodwork. Thirst quenched, he walks to stand next to Safrin. "In what way could any of these things help the old mage?" he asks. Belgareth picks up the palm sized rock with the eight pointed star to examine it more closely.

Tommy reaches for the door and finds it is still locked. "Curses!" he mutters beneath his breath. Now, he was not so sure he even heard the doors unlock. Maybe just a trick of sound I heard. Tommy reaches for the next door to the right and tries to open it. Too late, he thought about the possibility of it being trapped.

The relief that washed through Orla brought with it fresh tears as she petted her dear companion. And now saviour! "Ye daf' mutt! What'd ye do tha' for? Ye could ha' bin killed!" Vaguely aware of the conversation behind her she turned a disbelieving face on the priests. "Morgen an' Lally are ha'f dead, d'yes no' think th' trinkets c'n wait? It wouldn' take long t' do th' healin' would't?" There was a touch of bitterness in the girl's voice but she made no mention of the bruise she could feel blossoming on her own body.

Bel'gareth blushed crimson at the young girl's words. It was as if from Morath himself. He tosses the stone back to the pedestal. "Too bad healing ointments didn't materialize from thin air." he complains. "I don't have any healing droughts, or healing salves, ointments or spells. But, I can bind some wounds if needed." the priest says heavily.

Tommy turns at Bel'gareth's words and regards the priests. He had something. Something from Merril's chest. *Gulph* *Gulph* "Hey! I got these from the chest with all the holy symbols in it." Tommy produces two batches of smell herb wrapped in purple ribbon and offers them to Safrin who is closer to him. "Mebbe they are healing herbs."

Reassured, Safrin picked up the objects with a deliberate slowness. "Come take a look!", she called out to the others in a small whisper. Examining them one by one, she wondered if they had any special powers. "What do you think about these items? Maybe we will find some sort of explanations for their use in the other rooms.", she said to whomever joined her. Safrin turned to stare at the rather bitter Orla, keeping a neutral expression. "If you need help, just say so... I offered my services prior to watching the trinkets. I am somewhat sorry to say I am not yet powerful enough to cast healing spells, Orla." She put the objects back onto the pedestal. She then turned to look at Tommy who had been trying to open the middle door. "Any luck?" She stared at the little fellow with concern, hoping he had carefully inspected the door first for traps before she took the herbs he was handing her. Thanking him for the herbs, she examined them carefully. "I also have a blue potion, though I am unsure about its function." The cleric approached Morgen, studying his wounds. "If we do not have any healing potion left, we might as well bind your wound first."

Feeling a little rested Astru grabs his water skin and takes a long drink, and then uses some water to clean the blood and dust off of his face. “Safrin, if that is the blue potion that I gave you then it is a healing potion…three doses of it.” Astru comments to the young cleric. “And remember that we came in here to find the six key to the wizard cage that has trapped Hilligrathe. Should we take those out to see if one or more is a key?”

Jarrius continued to check his companions, and seeing that most were up and conversing, he wiped his brow and again placed the heavy helm upon his head. "I think that would be wise Astru. The old man is has more knowledge about such things, and if they are not the key to his cage, then perhaps they will at least open one of theese doors." He rubs his chest where the stone enchantment had struck him, "As for healing, how are we doing on potions and such? Perhaps it would be best if we did an inventory."

Safrin turned her head, staring at Astru. She quickly nodded. "Yes!", she answered, smiling in relief, "I have a full healing potion with three doses." She knelt beside Morgen, taking out the potion. "Here!" She offered him the blue vial. "Yes, these items surely have a link to the keys Hilligrathe spoke of." At Jarrius's mention of the doors, she brushed her hair back. "Did we not hear some doors unlocking after we defeated the monsters?"

Landing with a thud in his attempt to charge the statue, Morgen remains on the floor as he hears the final statue crumble. Remaining prone, Morgen is reluctant to move, lest he be reminded of his injury. I hope one of those items that appeared is a new flail for Bel'garathe. I don't think I can take much more of his old one. Does anyone know how to set a dislocated shoulder? Accepting the healing potion from Safrin, Morgen feels only slightly better. If we are low on healing potions, perhaps we should find a secure place to rest so our healers can mediate or whatever they do to get their spells back.

A.Admin

As Tommy trys the knob on the door on the right, he feels it begin to turn, A feint click can be heard, and he stops, slowly releasing it before opening it further. Tommy's Herbs Handing over both bunches of herbs, Safrin notices them immediately as a common plant that has known properties that drive wolves and such away. Returning to Hilligrathe As Jarrius mentions returning to the old man he notices that the door they came through is now shut, not only that but a feint glow can be seen coming from around the outside of it. Also noticed is a rather large rune on this side of the door. (WORD OF NOTE: 1st level clerics do not gain spells, however they may heal one point per day, and have certain knowledge of healing as well, like setting dislocated shoulders. Hey anyway I can help!!)

Safrin blushed in embarrassment, giving Morgen an apologetic glance. "I-I...do not have any healing spells... I am not worthy yet of my god's divine powers..." She lowered her head, staring at the tip of her feet. "Still, I aim to get stronger and I believe that, one day, my faith in Lord Ferestal will grant me more powers to aid in the lessening of your injuries." She smiled, her greyish blue eyes alight with zealous fervor. "For now, this is all I can do for you..." With a gentle firmness, she did her best to tend to his dislocated shoulder. Once it is over, the young cleric sharply turned to look around at the glowing rune. She eyed her companions in puzzlement. "Are we... locked in?" From where she stood, she carefully observed the rune. Did it resemble or have any relation to the items set upon the pedestal?, she quietly wondered. OOC: Using her extraodinary clerical first-level powers, Safrin hopefully succeeds in helping out Morgen and curing him another HP point! Hey, DM, how about taking care of a dog's broken leg? hehe...

Safrin moves over to Morgan, and looks him over. Shaking her head, she realizes that she alone will not be able to tug it back in place. Motioning over for Jarrius, Astru, and Harley, she tells each of them to hold Morgan down. Then she tells Bel'Gareth to grab onto Morgans dislocated arm at the elbow. She then takes hold of his hand and wrist. She has seen this done before though she is not sure she has the strength alone to do such an archaic thing. "On the count of three you three (Jarrius, Astru and Harley) pull that way. We (Safrin, and Bel'Gareth) will pull this way, hopefully gaining the ability to pop it back in place. Does anyone have some ale or beer on them. Morgan may want to swill some before we get on with this." She waits, and Harley presents his second wineskin, with a stout ale, he offers it to Morgan who heartily swigs it down. After the effects begin to set in, Orla rapidly says "ONE-TWO-THREE." With that the group pulls in opposite directions in an attempt to force Morgans strong shoulder muscles to allow them to replace the shoulder. Morgan howls in pain and Safrin pulling with all her might, begins to rock the ball onto the socket. With a final effort taking all she and Bel'Gareth have a pop is heard, and Morgans pain decreases dramatically. The rest of them release him gently. His arm now replaced. (Lally looks no worse for the wear, though she will deffinately need some healing, setting Morgans shoulder took everything out of you. However, bandaging goes a long way...hint-hint.)

The rune on the back of the entry door is of a twelve pointed star, in and around it are several other runes none of which look familiar. (Other than to those I passed a note to.)

Grimacing as Safrin explains that his shoulder will have to be set the old fashion way, Morgen sets his jaw in anticipation of the procedure. Taking the wineskin from Harley, he clenches his teeth as the arm is reset. Remaining prone until the pain subsides, Morgan speaks in between breaths. Strength is from within - the drive to follows one's path. Safrin. I believe one day you will certainly be a valiant warrior of your faith. As for others who walk the path of faith, their future is not so clear. With a sidelong glance at Bel'Garathe, Morgan will to sit upright and try to collect his gear. So what fun awaits us next? That ominous symbol on the door looks as if we will have to head further into this building before we can go out.

Orla rolled her eyes at Safrin's 'defense' but said nothing. In her opinion anyone with eyes could have seen who needed help! After all Morgen's arm was dangling uselessly and hadn't everyone seen poor, brave Lally flung across the room? She studied the door whilst petting Lally and nodded absently. "Aye, i's a stron' one! I'd wager th' only one o' us tha' could break i' is in th' cage out there. So, th' only way out is indeed, in!" Orla still sat, cradling Lally's head. Whilst waiting for someone to heal her dog, Orla poured some water from her skin into her hand for Lally to drink.

A worried expression crosses Tommy's small rounded face when he hears the faint click inside the door's catching mechanism. That's unexpected he muses. *Gulph* *Gulph* "Trapped." he says aloud and to no one in particular. An enlightened expression now. "Mebbe these small tools- OH! That had to hurt!" Tommy exclaims, hearing the rejoining of Morgen's shoulder. "Errm- the tools Bel'gareth threw to the ground might help with that- err, the door." He turns back to the door and carefully unwraps the small, mostly unidentifiable tools and begins working at the lock.

Bel'gareth silently prays for Morgen as they set the shoulder back into place. He calls on Morath in faith to help bind the man's wounds and restore that which he had so carelessly caused. "I'm sorry." the priest offers to the grimacing man in pain and turns away without word.

Pulling the roll of many shaped specialized tools out Tommy begins working the lock. After several seconds he realizes that it is much too complex for him, though continues to try. No luck, there is no way for him to breech this door, without springing a possible trap, he thinks.

With one last examination of Morgen's shoulder, Safrin seemed satisfied with the results. She gave him a grateful smile, her gaze slightly mirthful. "Next time, if you dislocate your shoulder again, Morgen, it will be much easier and less painful to pop it back in place... You might even be able to do it yourself." A dutiful Safrin moved on closer to the next wounded comrade, the little four-legged one. The young girl examined its wounds as was his mistress's wish. "Sorry Orla, I am not really familiar with treating animal's wounds and, since I supose neither are you, I suggest that we bandage it as best we can in the hopes of alleviating its suffering." Safrin glanced at the other priest. "Bel'Gareth, do you have any spare bandages?" Hers had been used to bind Morgen's arm.

Bel'gareth takes a grey shirt from his backpack and rips it into lengths. He gives these to Safrin. "It is the best I can do." he says.

Astru walks over to the door with the rune, keeping his distance he looks at it for a few moments and then shaking his head he turns around and walks over to pick up the hilt of his now shattered sword. “Well my father is not going to be to happy that I destroyed one of his swords. Do we still have the extra one from Cecilia? ”

Orla watched closely as Safrin bandaged Lally's leg, wincing in sympathy as the leg was straightened. Once the dog was comfortable she nodded at the cleric then stood, Lally in arms. Moving towards the pedestal she finally took the time to look at what had appeared. After studying them closely and handling each item to get the feel, Orla whispered a few words and waited. (casting detect magic)

Thanking Bel'gareth, Safrin took the shredded shirt and began bandaging the dog's leg. It was unexpectedly easier than she had thought, since Lally did not complain nor resist, but rather patiently submitted to the treatment. Acknowledging Orla's nod, Safrin curiously observed her while she cast her spell. Still, not wanting to distract the spellcaster, she distanced herself. She shook her head to Astru's question, indicating she did not have the sword with her. "Perhaps one of the others do..." Then, to Tommy, she handed him back the herbs he had given her previously. "These are used to keep werewolves and other strange creatures at bay. Keep it... It might turn out to be useful in this town..." Finally kneeling down, the priestess decided to pray for her god's protection until the group was ready to take a decision about their next plan of action. Oddly, she felt quite comforted by her prayers, as if Her Lord was imparting to her some of His divine strength...

Jarrius walked over to Tommy, "Any luck with that door?" He asked the little fellow, while simultaneously glancing back at the items that had appeared upon the pedestal. "Do you think that item that looks like a door may be some sort of pass against magic locks?" It was obvious that the young warrior knew very little about magic and its capabilities. He again looked down at Tommy then back once more to the pedestal, "I for one will not wait for my captors like Hilligrathe has chosen to do." It was becoming apparent that Jarrius did not like the feeling of being trapped, he felt like a tiger who had been lured into a cage.

Orla looked at the objects with some interest. It seemed logical that the copper hoop had some significance that escaped her, there was absolutely no other reason for it to have been hidden. She reached out and picked it up. It was no good! She couldn't ignore the brighter glow at the corner of her eye any more. Expecting to find Barkley studying his spellbook she turned her head, and gasped at just how bright it was. Squinting her eyes allowed her to see that it wasn't a book, it was the medallion! "Int'restin'! Tha' thing glows more'n them, 'n' this not at all." Orla moved closer to the medallion. "C'n I see?" she asked Barkley before reaching for it. It was at about this point that Jarrius' words registered in her mind. "He is not choosin' t' wait fer 'em!" she spoke sharply. Not even Jarrius could speak about a wizard she truly admired in that way! "Ye heard his try at castin'! Garbled by th' cage, he can't get out o' there wi'out th' keys!"

Jarrius stepped back a bit shocked at Orla's defense of the old man, he then smiled under his helment. "I did not hear the old mage attempt to cast anything, I did hear him mutter a mixed variation of curses when he found himself in the cage. A cage that the old man said was the only trap on the door, the same door that is now shut and glowing." He again removed his helm and looked into Orla's eyes, "Now granted I do not know too much about magic and its uses so it may be possible that the spell on the door is able to re-arm itself, or it may be that Hilligrateh was wrong and the door was trapped with more than one spell. Or it may very well be that the old man who happened upon us in the sewers is simply using us to acomplish his goals." "I do not know, and perhaps I spoke too soon when I said that Hilligrathe was waiting for his captors, but I thought that is what he said he was going to do, and if I've offended you Orla I apologize, it was not my intent, but I believe that there is much more going on here than we were informed of, and that we are aware of, and I do not want to see you... or any of the others harmed, and so thus I am perhaps overly suspicious." Jarrius had not meant to speak out so, and suddenly found himself embarrassed. He quickly averted his gaze from Orla and placed his helm back upon his head, silently hoping that nothing more would be said.

Astru listen to Jarrius’ concerns and seeing the warrior’s uncomfortable look quickly add his own thoughts. “I also have had growing suspicion, that those in the council have not been fully truthful with us, for I saw many more names on the list for the patrols, but there have been no more sent after your group.” “So I do not think that you are being overly paranoid Jarrius. And as of yet I do not have any reason to believe that Hilligrathe poses any threat to us, but I also intend to look upon anything encountered in this vile place with a wary eye.”

Moving over to prop himself agaisnt the wall, Morgen removes his helm. Matted hair sticks to his forehead where the sweat has drenched it. Trying to keep his mind on other things besides his arm, we watches as Orla's dog is tended to. Giving it a smile to hopefully brighten its mood while being bandaged, he laughs at how similar he and the dog are now in their present condition. With nothing more to be able to contribute, Morgen looks back at the pedastal What else appeared? Maybe they are pieces of a puzzle we have to assemble in order to open the door.

Orla listened to Jarrius' explanation and apology. Towards the end of his speech a slow smile began to spread over her face, a smile that was replaced by a sigh as he put his helmet back on. How was she supposed to judge anything if he kept wearing that thing? "I shouldn't ha' snapped at ye, yes're righ' t' be careful. If he is usin' us, aren't we usin' him an' all? Aren't we lettin' his knowledge and spellcraftin' help us get wha' we want? At th' moment his aims are th' same as ours, so we'll help each other out!" She turned her gaze towards Morgen and grinned at his attempts to cheer Lally. "If'n ye wan' t' try fittin' 'em together, feel free! None o' 'ems magic o' themselves, just a protection laid on them. 'ceptin' this un, which has nothin'." She gestured with the hoop, "Does ye wan' t' ha'e a go? I wan' t' study th' medal more." Orla felt her eyes being drawn back to the medallion, and reached for it again. "Oh, Jarrius?" she called absently, "I don' think ye needs t' hide from us. Why no' take off tha' cookin' pot and gi'e yer head a rest?"

Safrin seemed quite engrossed by her prayers. Hands clasped tightly together, she stayed still, gently chanting whispered words. Her eyes were closed and her fine spidery hair neatly framed her serene face. Full of devout fervor, the priestess seemed oblivious to her surroundings. Her holy symbol seemed to shimmer softly.

After collecting his aleskin, and capping it, Harley takes another swig from his waterskin and replaces them both into his pack. He then collects his rope from Barkley, rolls it up as well and places that in his pack. After stretching a bit, he moves over to Jarrius. "Well, what are we to do now? I mean, do we go out, or go on?

Jarrius looked towards the doors, and at Tommy. "We go on, the question is... through which door?"

“Yes which one do we go through….” Astru then remembers that he is still without a sword and asks again “Did anyone pick up Cecilia’s sword as I have need of one

Jarrius unsheaths his sword and hands it to Astru, "You may use my sword, though I fear it is somewhat damaged. I have Merrils sword that I retrieved from the chest in the safe house. As for Cecilia's sword I do not know who among us picked it up."

"I've never seen the likes of these spell before." Barkley walks up to the doors and looks them over for any marking for signs of use. (OOC: sorry for being a bit lacking in my play, but my work load is getting in the way at the moment. I will try to do better)

Astru says as he takes the sword and examines the blade for a moment. “Well its not too bad…you’d be surprised what a little stone work can do.” Then walking over to where Tommy is working on one of the doors. “Trapped did you say? Well what about one of the others.?”

Jarrius Vancort

Jarrius gave a nod to Tommy, "Then perhaps that is what we shall do." He once again looked into the room to check on Bel'gareth and Barkley, "Are you two alright? And if so are you cappable of trying something else, or should someone else who is less worse for wear attempt it?"

The warrior was mainly looking at the priest, he understood honor, and also understood that the priest was trying to reclaim his, perhaps Jarrius had been too hard on Bel'gareth when he scolded him, but it was done out of concern, he would have to speak to the priest later.

Acolyte Bel'gareth

Bel'gareth looks at Jarrius, a curious mixture of gratitude and disappointment within his eyes. At last, he gives the rod to Barkley and steps from the room, patting Jarrius on his shoulder without saying a word as he walks past.

In the other room, he begins praying in earnst to Morath while leaning against the pedestal in the middle of the room. His breathing was irregular and laboured. Bel'gareth had seen , through Morath, that it was not his time to die.

Felnor

Felnor watched the group from the background. When it came to traps and puzzles he wasn’t of much use. Besides he felt the group was on the right track and figured there where more then enough faces up front . So for now he just stayed in the back, sword ready …

Jarrius turned to Barkley who was still in the room, "What say you Barkley, are you fit enough to attempt another try?"

Safrin slightly grimaced in pain, when Bel'Gareth and Barkley were harshly flung across the other wall. She had not expected that at all.

Letting Barkley make another attempt if he wished so, she asked Bel'gareth about the tapestry. "Was there anything behind it? The picture seemed to have changed, can you tell us about it?"

Bel'gareth looks up from his prayer with a haunting look. Did she not see it? Did they all not see it?

"You did not see? Or, hear him?" the priest asks. His hands were shaking and his voice wavered. "The voice. The voice of the manor... of the Villow."

Seeing the others looking at him questioningly, Bel'gareth stands. They did not see him!

"The tapestry, oh did it change! I could see our enemy atop his castle, glaring at us with contempt!" Bel'gareth says. He closes his eyes to witness the terrible moment again when the masked face of the robed figure speaks. "He asks us, why we persist upon this futile search of his city. He declares we will never find what we are looking for and that his minions will hunt us down and he will use every one of us in his army of the dead."

Bel'gareth takes a deep breath, then opens his eyes to look at the others.

"He says we should take heed of his warning and leave this city which is his domain." the priest says, rubbing his balding head with his hands. "Morath preserve us all. The power that flung us across that room is but a whisper of his command."

Barkely seems lost in either thought or stuned by the events that he just was witness to. He is unable to move, except rise from near the wall he was flung against. As the others call out to him, it seems as though he either ignores them or cannot hear them.

The star-shaped rod, with the circles on each end, clenched in his hand.

(DM posting in the absense of Barkley. Bark, you are able to move and do anything you wish once you return, I just wanted to show your reaction to the events.)

Once again Jarrius looked to the others, "Alright, I shall enter the room. Pray for me, and if any of you have any ideas you wish me to attempt speak now, lest I go in and not return."

The muscular warrior once again began to strip his plate off, and set his steely gaze into the room.

Whilst Jarrius performed for the ladies again Orla, needing to remove nothing, slipped past into the room. Carefully avoiding the tile Bel'Gareth had tripped, and the tapestry, she joined Barkley at the indentations.

"C'mon now, buck up me laddo," she said with a smile. "No time t' daydream when there's work t' do! So, which one does ye want first?"

Barkley chest heaves up and down, as he finishes shaking the cob webs clear from his head. "I'm fine, just a little dazzed for a moment that's all"

Barkley works his way back to standing up on his feet, "Hold your ground Jarrius, keep your armor on. I'm not done for yet." Still clenching the star-shaped rod in his hand, he starts sizing up the holes, "Bel you might want to get clear, cause I'm not exactly sure what's gonna happen. But I'm not usually one for listening, especially when some evil demon telling me to leave. So I'm gonna take this rod and start trying holes.”

Taking his best educated guess. Barkley lines the rod up with a hole and slides it in about a third of the way. "Best get clear" Barkley stands a watches to see what Bel'gareth does before sliding rod in the rest of the way.

Jarrius was down to his Grieves and breeches, when Orla entered the room and Barkley spoke, the look on his face was a confusing one at best, it appeared to be a mixture of frustration, concern, amusement, and admiration all jumbled into one.

Orla looked at Barkley in some consternation, obviously he was badly dazed.

"Bel'Gareth's already gone! Ye sure yer fit enough t' do tha'? I don't mind if'n ye wants t' rest, I'll do it."

Jarrius looked at Orla, (If I didn't like that girl so much I would probably throttle her) He thought to himself, he then realized that his feelings for Orla were probably the reason he wanted to throttle her, instead of just letting her do whatever she pleased.

He continued to strip off his armor and entered the room.

Small beads of sweat can be seen on Barkely's forehead, "Naaa.. Orla, doing just fine, I do so love a riddle or puzzle to solve. So which one of the holes do you think I should shove this star shaped rod into"

At Barkley's question, Orla smiled. It looked like this was a tough puzzle for the other mage. Her glance flickered along the line of holes and then studied the rod carefully.

"I think y' wantin' t' put it in tha' one!" she pointed to the third hole, deciding to trust her intuition. "Are y' sure y' no' wantin'me t' do't?”

Felnor watched from behind, he didn’t want to get to close to the magnet as Orla had called it. But it was hard to see what was going on with all the people in front of him, so he decided to take a good look at the room he was in instead. Carefully without touching anything he walked along the walls examining them for anything out of the ordinary.

"I was considering this one" Pointing at the 4th hole. "It's star shaped like the rod itself. It would seem the logical choice to me. What makes you say to choose the round one?"

Orla chuckled at the question and looked up at Barkley,

"Call it women's intuition if'n y' like! Th' rod mebbe a star, but th' ends are circles." The laughter faded and she held out her hand. "Yes're hurtin' Barkley, le' me take th' risk."

Jarrius had just entered the room when he stopped and tied his rope around his waist. Looking back towards Astru he smirked, "In case you need to pull me out." He had set his armor and equipment on the floor and then proceded to follow Orla's footsteps until he stood directly behind Orla and Barkley.

Barkely hand the rod over to Orla

Growing edgy at the lenght of time it is taking to crack this mystery, Morgen continues to monitor the room for any signs of trouble. Preferring to keep his armor on just in case, he fingers his mace as he holds his breath in anticipation of the rod being used.

Safrin wondered if they were being too reckless, but she bit down on her tongue, knowing most of her companions were growing weary. Even if she cautioned them to be careful, the need to go forward was more urgent after the masked man in the tapestry revealed himself.

Since she was too far to have any precisions concerning the holes and that the others who had seen it were too succinct on the details, she decided to pray to her god for their success. Stepping back, she fervently delivered a series of hushed religious chants.

OOC: In case we might need some emergencey healing or divine powers, Safrin should try to stock up on meditation hours... ^_^

Taking the rod from Barkley, Orla positioned it, showing a confidence she wasn't quite feeling. Sensing someone coming up behind, she glanced back. For some reason the sight of Jarrius sans armour was...reassuring!

Turning back with a secretive smile she pushed the rod firmly into the circular hole.

Orla places the star shaped rod into the circular hole, pushing it in as far as it would go. She felt a vibration in the rod and then everything that was stuck to the magnetic wall falls to the floor, with a clang.

Those outside the room feel the power of the "magnetism" fade.

(It seems womens intuition was right on this time!)

The vibration sent a faint tendril of fear coursing through Orla's body. Expecting the worst she was pleasantly surprised to hear the metallic clangs from behind her.

The tension drained from her as she gave a faint sigh of relief. They were through!

Jarrius lets go a sigh of relief, and almost hugs Orla before stopping himself. He quickly turns and looks at the others, smileing as he does.

"Now as long as we don't need to poke another of these holes for a room further ahead, we shall be just fine."

He quickly returned to the first room and ONCE AGAIN put his armor on.

*Gulpf*

"She did good. Didn't she." Tommy says while helping Jarrius cinch the last of the straps to his armor.

With the "Magnetism" apparently turned off, the group is able to move in a little closer and sees that the hallway leading south-west out of this room leads to another room. No illumination other than your torchlight (If you have one) is present.

The hall is approximately ten feet in width. The floor remains the same as the other rooms, as does the walls. The ceiling however is now only about 8 feet in height.

(XP awarded.)

---

PlayByWeb Archive Post
A.Admin	posted... Villow XX...  on Tue 22 Aug 2006 @ 4:41 PM (US Mountain Time)
	New thread...properly tagged with the correct numeral!!
Safrin Xanaes	posted... An explosive mix...  on Thu 7 Sep 2006 @ 7:58 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Safrin was utterly appalled by the ogre's healing. Yet, she was even more panicked as she registered Erin's death. She felt a sudden mixture of bottled rage, fear and desperation surge from deep inside her. "My lord... Please... Let it end...", she silently begged, swinging forth a mighty blow that rang through her whole body.
Tommy Ty Nasalgulp	posted... Tommy attacks!  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 7:34 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Tommy's jaw drops as the twinkling of lights surround the oaf in a surreal aura. Then he shrugs off the fascination as if it were a chill in the night and lets fly with another volley of arrows at the large oaf! Init 6 (Quick to the draw!) Attk1 20 CRIT! Attk2 18 Hits AC-1 Dmgs1 2pts (unmodified for crit) Dmgs2 4pts Arrows left: 14
Morgan	posted... Not so with it, yet...  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 8:26 AM (US Mountain Time)
	The blue stars dancing in front of Morgan’s eyes slowly fade, though the pounding in his head and the ringing in his ears remain. Someone placed a sword in his hand and gently nudges him back into the fray. Unsteadily, he swings at the big blob in front of him…
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... the fallen...  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 8:32 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Bel'Gareth kneels next to the fallen Erin, confirming death and prays. "Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord Morath, the soul of Thy servant Erin, from every bond of sin, that being raised in the glory of the resurrection, he may be refreshed among the Saints." The adept stands and signs a symbol of faith before continuing. "Through Morath our Lord. Amen."
Valerina Squirrlet	posted... keep on goin'  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 8:37 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Valerina was somewhat dismayed to see the recovery, but then again, she reasoned that such things might tire One-Eye-Stinky, so that they would be in better shape (she hoped!) whenever they found him. Trying to keep from being discouraged, she pressed on with her attack. ((Init: 6 Adjusted to hit: 16 Damage: 3))
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Where is that healer???  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 2:36 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius, looks briefly into the room to see where the healing came from but not wanting to miss another opportunity to strike, doesnt hesitate to take his shot. Needless to say he does not let on that he saw anything.
~Felnor~	posted... Wading back in...  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 2:40 PM (US Mountain Time)
	With the sucess of his magic now over, Felnor, draws his sword with his one good arm and wades back into the fray.
~Barkley Timmons~	posted... Like a rock...  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 2:45 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Barkley continue to stand to the back, doing nothing.
~Harley~	posted... toe to toe...  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 2:47 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Harley continues his attack, unfazed by the magical healing that was provided to the ogre in front of him.
Astru Tava	posted... it keeps going...and going...  on Sat 9 Sep 2006 @ 3:45 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Astru frustrated by his lack of being able to inflict any significant damage to the ogre, and also by the evident healing redoubles his effort. But alas...from somewhere amongst the swarming amout of bodies around the oaf an elbow srikes him just as he swings and his axe slices harmlessly throught the air.
Orla Flambard	posted... Staying put...  on Fri 15 Sep 2006 @ 4:02 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Orla once again stays put as the battle infront of her rages on....
A.Admin	posted... Begin round 4...  on Fri 15 Sep 2006 @ 4:25 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Delmer's frustration with the situation seems to have wanned a bit since his healing, now knowing that his captor has his back he is fighting with a renewed vigor. Felnor and safrin strike the ogre at the same time, seconds before the tip of Jarrius' sword misses the big creature. Safrin's staff leaves a welt to his left flank, and Felnor's sword nicks the meaty part of his right arm. The combined attack from two directions seems to have stunned Delmer. Val and Harley strike at Delmer as well only seconds behind the first attacks, Val's sword cleaves into his left calf while Harley's is a thrusting jab at the midsection where he nearly buries his sabre to the hilt. Astru attacks as well, though his blade misses when the Ogre turns toward Val as pain shoots through his calf. Tommy's arrows slam into the ogre, one to each upper shoulder where the neck meets, heavy thunks that penetrate the giants' weak armor. Delmer howls in pain bringing him to his knees before the group. Morgans' weak swing comes in too late as the bolt of blue-white energy from Rathem bursts upon the skin of Delmer. His eyes roll backward as his howl is cut short and he tumbles to the ground. Bel'gareth is both saddened and elated as he sees the big ogre go down, he feels the pulse of Erin and lets out a slow heavy breath, the Dwarf is truely dead. Barkley and Orla do nothing. End Round 4 Just when the group thinks all is done, a burst of flame explodes in the small hallway. Everyone except Rathem, Orla, and Barkley take 6 pts dmg. As the smoke clears Foul laughter can be heard from the room Delmer came from. One eyed Stinky AC: 5 Tommy is reduced to -1 hp. Val is reduced to 1 hp. Bel'gareth 5, Astru 6, Felnor 9, Harley 8, Safrin 5, Morgan 7, and Jarrius 6. Tommy needs to roll a CON check 1d20 less than CON score or suffer -1 hp he will do this every round until healed or reduced to -10 hp
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Jarrius next....  on Mon 18 Sep 2006 @ 9:21 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Seeing the ogre fall to the ground Jarrius shields himself as best as possible when the fireball explodes. Raising his hands infront of his face, he waits until the flames dissapate, and then reaches out and swings the door closed. "Holy mother of all thats good!" he exclaims, "Oh, no, Tommy!!" he yells when he sees the halfling laying motionless on the floor scorched. He rushes over and kneels next to the little guy. "His breathing is shallow. Anybody have any potions?" Then standing, he goes back toward the door making sure that whatever came through got through him first.
~Felnor~	posted... Felnor next...  on Mon 18 Sep 2006 @ 9:24 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Shaking off the effects of the blast, Felnor watches as Jarrius rests Tommy's head back down, and joins him at the door, sword at the ready. "I have none." He says somberly. "I think we are all pretty beat up too!"
~Barkley Timmons~	posted... Weakling speaks...  on Mon 18 Sep 2006 @ 9:26 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Taking a look at the mayhem all around, with scorched bodies and faces in the hall before him, Barkley shakes his head. "Perhaps we have met our match with this place. I mean, Hilligrathe, must have known that we would surely meet our maker in this place. Curse the old man."
~Harley~	posted... Harley next...  on Mon 18 Sep 2006 @ 9:29 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Harley dusts the black residue off of his bare skin, wincing in pain as the blisters that were caused by the magical fire break open and the air hits the tender skin below. Walking over to Safrin, he digs into his pack and hands her a small box. "This might help," he smiles, "My mother packed it for me, she is a healer, perhaps it will relieve pain or something."
Astru Tava	posted... Oh no you didn't!  on Mon 18 Sep 2006 @ 3:44 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Astru drops to a knee and tries to shield himself from the intense heat, it is all that he can do not to scream out as the intense pain engulfs him. After the flames die down he staggers to his feet, Jarrius’ shouts find their way thought the fog of pain clouding his mind. He shakes his head of the fog and shrugs off his backpack handing it to Safrin. “There is a vial in my pack…” He says and then turns gripping his axe tightly rushes after Jarrius trying to push his way through the door bellowing out in rage as he does so. “BY THE WILL OF KLAYDOR YOU SHALL DIE FOR THAT…” (ooc: there are two doses left of the healing potion.)
Rathem Nuegal	posted... Now that's magic!!  on Wed 20 Sep 2006 @ 3:31 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Rathem, despite the terror of the situation can only stare in awe as the flame engulf's the better part of the hall. Fire nips at his brow, making his eyes water, yet he looks on. His heart begins to beat faster yet, fear finally taking root. In front of him, friend lay dieing and wounded, other rush around him, panic driven into helping those that can survive. Near the door he watches Astru's figure rush through the door, anger forcing his feet on. What is there to do. The mage grabs hold of a few darts, his robes billowing out behind him as he rushes past his fallen comrads. He forces his head to the side as he passes the dwarf, unwilling yet to commit himself to that knowledge. There are greater things to do at the moment, great things indeed. Shaking in fear, he follows Astru into the room beyond, darts held ready.
Morgan	posted... Who; next...  on Wed 20 Sep 2006 @ 8:13 PM (US Mountain Time)
	A sudden blast of fire exploded all around Morgan knocking him off his already unsteady feet. The searing pain mixed with the smell of burnt hair and flesh almost caused him to retch. At least the ringing in his ears had stopped, either that or the burns starting to blister took his mind of the annoying noise. Still shaky, he stood, fumbled for is sword and crossed to join his comrades. What ever waited beyond the door may finish them, but Morgan wasn’t going to lie down without a fight…
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Stopping them at the door....  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:39 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius stops at the door and secures the door. Then turns to survey the madness that was created in the hallway. He knew that at any moment the magiker who threw that fire could burst through the door at any time, but he also knew that he had to buy the rest of them time to heal. "Those of you who are ready move up here and secure this door. Those of you who are hurt stay put and Safrin and Bel'gareth will come around to you as soon as they can. Special attention is needed at Tommy and Valerina." He finalizes after looking at the two who took the majority of the damage and who lay still.
Orla Flambard	posted... Jarrius...  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:41 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Orla rushes to Jarrius, knowing full well that he took as much damage from the fire as the rest of them. "Jarrius, tell me you are not hurt badly." She says embracing him in a short hug. (DM POSTING)
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Pushing her away...  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:43 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius accepts her hug, but then gently pushes her away gently. Grabing her by the soulders he looks at her earnestly. "I dont know what lies beyond, but if we have time, I think you should study some spells and get ready." With that he leads her to the other door and sits her down. Then he returns to the doorway.
Orla Flambard	posted... Studying...  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:45 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Orla did not like the fact that they were pausing but she knew he was right, that they needed to rest and get some of their friends healed. And she agreed she would need some spell work in order to help her friends in the next room. Pulling out her spellbook she quickly tries to memorize the cryptic runes that would produce spells. (DM POSTING)
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... Taking the salve....  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:47 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Bel'gareth takes the salve from Harley and moves over to Valerina. Feeling for a pulse over her carotid he smiles inwardly knowing that she was not so near death as he had first thought. Unscrewing the vial he had taken from Harley he takes a sniff of the balmy salve. His head jerks back, from the pungeant odor of the stuff, and looks sidelong at the young boy. After a confirming nod he begins smearing the pastey stuff over Val's burns and wounds. (DM POSTING)
A.Admin	rolls... Tommy's CON roll...  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:54 PM (US Mountain Time)
	September 22, 2006, 5:54 pm Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 0 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.  8 = 8 Total = 8
A.Admin	posted... Scratches and Scratches....  on Fri 22 Sep 2006 @ 5:58 PM (US Mountain Time)
	After Jarrius bolted the door the party could hear scratching on the other side of it. While the door was holding the group did not know for how long it would. Meanwhile Val feels the tingling healing of the salve working. Add +3hp this round. Safrin takes the vial from Astru and holds it up to Tommy's Lips, holding his nose with one hand, and pouring it down his throat with the other he soon blinks his eyes. Tommy gains +5hp this round. OCC: Ok, people Ive moved this along a bit, lets get to posting now...
Morgan	posted... Guarding the door...  on Sat 23 Sep 2006 @ 7:38 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Morgan, glad for the rest, still refuses to let his guard down. Sword in hand, he stays near the door, least whatever is scratching at the other side break through.
Rathem Nuegal	posted... Umm, rest?  on Sat 23 Sep 2006 @ 9:29 AM (US Mountain Time)
	** EDITED September 24, 2006, 7:26 pm ** OOC: I take it that we didn't go rushing on like fools? lol BIC: Rathem sits to study his spells as well, letting his rage cool. He will also look into the other spells found on the cultist they fought earlier, hoping to find a new spell in which to fight this evil. OOC (Again): Assuming that there are spells found on the scrolls or books from those mages we fought, how long does it take to learn a new spell? Edit: After memorizing his spells, Rathem will look through the spell book he has that they gained from the ealier spell casters they fought, reading up for any new spells.
~Felnor~	posted... Rest...  on Sat 23 Sep 2006 @ 12:38 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Felnor, moves next to Jarrius and puts a hand on his shoulder. Turning the man his way he points to the floor. "You should rest Jarrius, you are not above getting hurt and I can tell you need to sit if only for a bit. Let me take watch on the door."
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Very well...  on Sat 23 Sep 2006 @ 12:39 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Looking at the elf, and the others near the door, Jarrius conceeds the point and slides down the wall to squat near the door. Though he doesnt appear to be fully resting, it looks as if that is the best anyone could ask for.
~Barkley Timmons~	posted... Studying...  on Sat 23 Sep 2006 @ 12:40 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Barkley squats as well, only he stays well away from the scratching at the door. He pulls out a small spell book and begins reading from it.
A.Admin	posted... Scratching....  on Tue 26 Sep 2006 @ 6:41 AM (US Mountain Time)
	The scratching continues for some time, and then finally ends after about an hour. Then everything behind the door goes silent. Everyone naturally heals 1 pt damage.
Astru Tava	posted... Calm before the storm.  on Tue 26 Sep 2006 @ 7:56 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Astru slumps down against a wall like the others. Letting his mind go blank he tries hard to block out the stench of burned flesh and the pain of his own burns. After a long while he finally notices that the scrathing has stopped. He stands up and makes his way over to where the dead ogre lies and begins searching the body for anything useful. Once his search is complete he turns and looks to his ragged companions "What say you all, is it time to move on and meet our fate, or is more time needed?
Rathem Nuegal	posted... Home  on Tue 26 Sep 2006 @ 8:21 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Rathem could wish for nothing more than home at the moment. It took him most of his life to find his calling. He was in his last decades, and knew that magic is what he lived for, but more so, magic of the violent type. He cared little for the violence that he cradled each and everyday, but the action it brought gave him more than anything could in his life. As a wizard, he found a place in the world where he was needed. The wizard woke from his contemplations, having fallen asleep in the book of magic he had found from the cultists. Standing he strentched before inquiring about the wellbeing of his companions. In the middle of the night, or what suited for night in these dark rooms, someone had taken the bodies of the dead and moved them as to not revive their memories upon first wake. If they continued on like this, they were all going to become cold corpses, like his good dwarven friend. "We can't keep going like this," he announced allowed, sharing his thoughts with the group. "We've lost quite a bit in the last few days, and I don't see to many days ahead of us as is. What's outside of this building? Is there any place smaller, perhaps easy to defend that we can set up as a temporary base? It may sound like much, but I feel that this isn't going to be a small mission. There is much more here than I had ever anticipated and we will need to find some place that we can prepare in advance. In the very least it will give us a place to let time heal our wounds with less threat than staring death down the throat the whole while." Rubbing his arms, he tried to bring some warmth back into his old bones. "If I am not mistaken, there are none here that have the gift to heal? My friend, our dwarven companion, was granted the power to heal from his patron, and now all we have is the skills of our own hands. I may sound like a rambling old man, but if we don't prepare ourselves better than we seem to be doing, we are going to die..." Rathem looked around the room, making it appearent he was searching for their dead companions.
Safrin Xanaes	posted... Euh...  on Wed 27 Sep 2006 @ 8:19 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Safrin looked across at Rathem and blushed in embarrassment. However, she finally shook her head and smiled wearily. "Our gods did indeed grant us the power to heal, but only to some extent. I apologize deeply for my lack of powers... if only I were stronger... Your friend.. I am sorry Rathem... So very sorry...", the young cleric answered back in a soft and sltightly trembling voice, her eyes tearing up a little bit. "I-I think we need a bit more time to rest, Astru... Nevertheless, I still have some scrolls of healing if we want to speed up our recovery...", she added, giving everyone a speculative look to check their wounds. With a sigh and a grimace of wry pain, she lowered her head and continued to monitor Tommy's current state. "We are not going to die...", she thought, quietly making a quick prayer to her Lord. OOC: Safrin will cast two CLW spells (2 and 5 to those with the lowest HP).
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... Bel'gareth's healing....  on Fri 29 Sep 2006 @ 7:48 AM (US Mountain Time)
	As time wears on Bel'gareth prays for the power fo healing from his God. After being granted it he moves over to Tommy and places a hand on his head. Murmering a few more prayers over the small man, he feels the fire of healing flow between them. Tommy is cured 7pts Then he places a hand upon Safrin, saying, "You are as much a fighter as the rest, you will need your strength back my dear." and again he releases the power of his God upon her. Safrin is cured 7 points OCC: Cast CLW on Tommy and Safrin. (DM)
A.Admin	posted... more time?  on Fri 29 Sep 2006 @ 8:02 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Several more hours pass, waiting for the fear and pain of heading into the room with the spell-caster 'one-eyed-stinky', to pass. Safrin does her job of healing, along with Bel'gareth, and Harley's salve seems to ease the pain from the burns quite well. While the scratching at the door is gone, and has not recurred often you can hear the click, click, click of claws on stone. From beyond the door, you have no clue what the magiker has envoked here to fight you off. First it was an ogre, next some ball of fire, and then the beasts you hear, what could he bring next for you to have to wade through. The Orla, Valerina, Rathem, Felnor and Barkley have been diligently studying their spellbooks hoping to learn a bit of useful magic before heading into uncertain doom. And the healers Bel'gareth and Safrin move among those who are most hurt plying their Gods will upon injuries sustained. By the time three hours pass many are ready to continue on. Tommy's eyes are open and he is feeling much better, leaning against the wall, sharpening an arrow for his new shortbow. Astru, Jarrius, Harley and Morgan all stand ready near the door, each checking eachother's armor and weapons to ensure that they are ready as well. Here is a breakdown of current health: Astru: 7 Barkely: 5 Bel'gareth: 6 Felnor: 10 Jarrius: 7 Morgan: 8 Orla: 9 Rathem: 10 Safrin: 15 Tommy: 11 Val: 4 Harley: 9 The numbers represent hp's left. Let me know if you move on or not!
Morgan	posted... Who's with me...  on Sat 30 Sep 2006 @ 7:24 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Morgan gazed around the room, focusing as best he could on his fellow companions. He rubbed the bridge of his hose with his index finger and thumb, blinked his eyes twice, than tried to shake away the sleepiness that threatened to invade is mind. ”We cannot stay here much longer, we need to move and soon. I am worried that we are being surrounded.” He looked again at his friends trying to weigh their thoughts. ”I think we should press on. If today is my day to die, I plan on taking ‘One-Eye’ to the abyss with me.”
Safrin Xanaes	posted... Sigh  on Sat 30 Sep 2006 @ 2:35 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Safrin slowly nodded. "Yes... Morgan is right...", she began to say, "We have no other choice but to go on..." The young cleric's pale lips extended into a gentle smile. "I will try to make sure that this is not your day to die..." She closed her eyes. "...Nor anyone else's...", she quietly promised herself. "Lord Ferestal... Please grant us the force to free ourselves of this cursed house..."
Tommy Ty Nasalgulp	posted... Rest...  on Sun 1 Oct 2006 @ 8:38 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Tommy continues sharpening the head of his arrows, trying very very hard to ignore the dead man and ogre in the hallway. Tears pool along the edges of his eyes. Was he to end up like them? Dead here in this awful place. He seeks redemption in the eyes of his unforgiving father. He seeks no fame, but an inner feeling of importance among others, but now, all his wants and desires seem trivial as survival becomes most important. Sucking in his breath, Tommy looks up at the young Safrin. Her brave words move him to smile thinly. *Gulpf "We'll be okay." he offers, looking over at Jarrius. "Jas need some rest fer a bit." After sharpening the arrows he had, Tommy moves quickly around the hall collecting any arrows that had not shattered. Hesitantly, he even pulls them from the dead oaf and wipes them of blood before inspecting for damage. As he returns to the spot along the wall to sharpen the arrow heads, his foot slips on end of Belgareth's broken flail. Tommy looks over at the man. The sound of claws beyond the door remind him of the dangers they still needed to face. *Gulpf! "You need another weapon Bel."
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... Yes Tommy!  on Sun 1 Oct 2006 @ 8:50 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Belgareth heard the brave little man's words even though he is deep in prayer and meditation. The Will of Morath is with them still in this dismal and forsaken place and Belgareth finds comfort in that fact. The Will of His Sons and Daughters were here as well, as evidenced by the healing power of Ferrestal through Safrin. "You are correct my litle friend." Bel says behind closed eyes. It is good to hear Tommy's voice as he was in such dire circumstances earlier. "See if you can find me something would you. Anything blunt will do." The adept continues to pray silently knowing Tommy would accomodate his request, and perhaps the task would ease the lad's mind of such grievous thoughts this place could create, if but briefly. After a time of praying, Belgareth moves among the companions, easing thoughts with conversation and tending to minor wounds.
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Opening the door....  on Mon 2 Oct 2006 @ 4:08 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius, moves up next to Morgan and checks to make sure everyone is in place and ready before he pulls it open.
~Harley~	posted... Ready...  on Mon 2 Oct 2006 @ 4:09 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Harley pulls his sabre from his resting place and holds it loosely in his grip. He was not sure he was prepared for what was beyond, but knew that somehow they would overcome the next obstacle in their way.
~Felnor~	posted... Ready....  on Mon 2 Oct 2006 @ 4:11 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Felnor, pulls his sword, and moves up behind the others, while his arm was still broken the rest had done him some good and he felt much better. He was fortunate that Safrin set it before, as the pain he was certain would have crippled him.
~Barkley Timmons~	posted... Ready...  on Mon 2 Oct 2006 @ 4:13 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Barkely, new that whatever sent a fireball into their hallway was powerful. If that was the only thing he knew, it was that. Still, he smiled as he saw his companions once again brace themselves to enter into combat with someone who wields such power. He just hoped they were not fool-hardy. He fingered the darts he had gathered from the ogre and prepared with the rest of them.
Tommy Ty Nasalgulp	posted... Tommy's ready  on Tue 3 Oct 2006 @ 11:17 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Tommy, ready with his short bow- well, large for him, steps up to the door. He places his back against the wall near the door frame, waiting until the door is opened. He will use the frame for concealment and protection, firing at the target within the room from the doorway when possible. *Gulpf! "Okay, let's get'im!" Tommy murmurs quietly.
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... quick now...  on Tue 3 Oct 2006 @ 11:22 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Bel'Gareth stands silently to the side, ready to enter the room behind the others and give aid where needed. He could call upon Morath to bless them in their efforts, but he wanted to save the Will for aid in wounds. He nods at Tommy's suggestion and waits.
Safrin Xanaes	posted... Up front  on Tue 3 Oct 2006 @ 8:04 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Safrin boldly edged herself to the front, near Jarrius and Morgan. Since she was one of the very few who had been completely healed, she thought she ought to keep her promises and protect her friends at all cost. With her staff in a defensive position, she readily watched the door that was about to be opened...
Astru Tava	posted... Ready  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 8:25 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Astru sighs and gets to his feet, wincing as some of his burned skin cracks, sending out a wave of pain. He picks up his axe and moves towards the door taking up a position just behind Morgan. Looking down at the small man he asks “Tommy...Do you think you can get a shot off before we enter?” He says and then looks up at Jarrius “Ready when you are...”
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Throwing the door...  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 11:30 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius nods as everyone shows they are ready, then placing a hand and shoulder against the door throws it open. "AHHHHRRRR..." he yells moving into the room swinging at the first thing he sees there.
A.Admin	posted... Opening... & Falling???  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 12:10 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius throws open the door ready to pounce upon whatever may be behind it---At the same time Thaydor, Krevky and Nisse decide to make their jumps. This is the tale of what happens next. Throwing the door, Jarrius moves in with Morgan, Astru, Safrin, Valerina, Bel'Gareth, Orla, Barkley, Harley, Rathem and Tommy on his heals, seeing three grey tigers before him rare back and prepare to fight, he moves forward toward the first one. The rest of them spread out each going toward one of the three greys in front of them. At the same instant the lone cultist (Val recogizes him as "one-eyed-stinky") throws open the door to the fire pit, and prepares for a fight, his hands and lips moving finishing a spell that he had plenty of time to prepare. A sly smile upon his face. Seeing the door across the room open, Thaydor, Nisse and Krevky pull up their jumps. Thaydor slides to a stop mere inches from falling off of the fourth pedestal, liekwise Nisse nearly falls to a stop on the third one and Krevky taking up the rear of the formation feels his toes start to slide off of the second platform. The sight of a cultist dressed in the same robes as the one that lay dead near where the caged wizard was, makes them hesitate. The heat of the room intense. The cultist shows his surprise immediately as his retreat is cut off with the three newcomers making heroic leaps across the Pit of Jesgushan. At the same time his eyes widen as he takes in the sheer numbers of foes he now has. Roaring loudly the three grey tigers show their canine teeth as they prepare to attack those who rush toward them. Summoned as they were by the man in robes behind them they would die for him. The room just entered is a plush looking office with a desk in the southwest corner piled high with books, papers and odd figurines. There is a statue in the northeast corner near the door where the cultist stands. It looks to have once been an object of great wealth but the cultists have disfigured it with paint, and moldings of their own design. Through the open door the companions can see and feel an intense heat. Fire burns beyond the orange flickering glow tells the tale of that. And several voices can be heard from beyond, though they cannot be seen. Those of you attacking here are the AC's of the villians! Cultist x1 AC: 6 Grey Tigers x3 AC: 6 (large) Thaydor, Nisse and Krevky need to decide what they are going to do now! go on, or face the cultist from atop the floating platforms? The rest of you need to roll init, attk and dmg for your hits. Round one is next!! Map: 1. Morgan 2. Jarrius 3. Bel'gareth 4. Thaydor 5. Tommy 6. Felnor 7. Orla and Lally 8. Harley 9. Barkley 10. Astru 11. Safrin 12. Valerina 13. Rathem 14. Krevky 15. Nisse A. Cultist B. Grey conjured tiger C. Grey conjured tiger D. Grey conjured tiger
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Jarrius rnd 1...  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 12:31 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Jarrius skids to a stutter halt when he sees their next foe, three grey tigers. Each of them looks as gnarly as the next so he charges in toward the center one, closest to the man in the red and black robes. He leads with his sword and tries to skewer the tiger infront of him.
~Barkley Timmons~	posted... Barkley rnd 1...  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 12:34 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Barkley follows the rest of the group into the room, and he immediately throws out a burst of magic toward Safrin. Barkley casts Shield on Safrin
~Harley~	posted... Harley rnd 1...  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 12:36 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Seeing the tigers Harley almost loses his nerve, he had never seen such creatures before, let alone this close, but the bravado of Jarrius, Morgan and Astru spurred him on. After a bit of hesitation he heads of the tiger to the right of Jarrius. His sabre in hand he hopes these creatures are not as viscious as he has heard.
~Felnor~	posted... Felnor rnd 1...  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 12:37 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Felnor moves to just inside the door, and stops, recalling his spell to mind, he prepares to fire off some magical energy toward the fleeing cultist. Felnor casts Magic Missile
~Nisse Snöbjörn~	posted... Nisse pit of hell....  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 12:41 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Seeing Thaydor having a hard time of it, He takes care not to jump either too far or not far enough. He breaths a sigh of relief with each jump and landing. Still his feet burn and the sweat rolling down the crack of his arse boils, and that is enough to make a day go bad. Then he sees to his horror the door on the other side open, and with it a cultist who obviously weilds power, and now his nuts shrivel. Pulling his hand axe, he aims and throws it toward the cultist hoping to cut off his spellcasting.
Thaydor Stoneshield	posted... Little choice!  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 3:17 PM (US Mountain Time)
	It takes a moment for his mind to come to grips with it all – the teetering platforms, the searing heat, the sudden appearance of the robed man before him, the certain death of the fire below. But over it all, one thing screams in Thaydor’s mind – whoever that was, he was holding the door to safety open. If he and these two new companions were going to amount to more than roast toasties, he was going to have to get to that door and hold it open. With a roared battle cry, Thaydor pulled his Dwaren claymore and, using it for balance, began a sprinting series of leaps toward the door - and the robed man standing beside it. He could yield, or he could die, but the Dwarf was getting out of this furnace!
Safrin Xanaes	posted... Errrr...  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 9:18 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Safrin rushed into the room. As ready as she felt she was, nothing could have prepared her to the mayhem of the room. She gasped at the sight of the new comers. Yet, the snarling beast before her soon brought her back to the current reality. Giving her head a quick shake, she blindly swung forward, missing the large creature...
Rathem Nuegal	posted... Round One  on Wed 4 Oct 2006 @ 10:37 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Rathem curses to himself, damning these spell chuckers that the group keep crossing. At least it wasn't another ogre. The old wizard decides throw a spell of his own. Pulling on the magic energies around him, Rathem compresses it into a small bolt of power. Within seconds the spell is completed and he throws his arms wide, releasing it at the opposing cultist. Initiative: 9 Magic Missile: 7 damage
Astru Tava	posted... Rnd 1  on Thu 5 Oct 2006 @ 3:19 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Astru rushes through the door and immediately sets his aim on the tiger to the left. Moving closer he swings his axe, but alas his footing suddenly leaves him and he ends up crashing to the floor in a ungainly heap. Init: 3 To Hit: 3 (1+2)
Krevky Talviak	posted... slipping  on Thu 5 Oct 2006 @ 8:21 PM (US Mountain Time)
	init=6 (looked at wrong char. sheet when was in the bones thread). ---- "I'm losing my footing," Krevky cries out as he struggles to maintain his balance on the slick platform. He observes Nisse hurl his axe at the caster that appeared in the doorway blocking their way out of this furnace. Sweat stung his eyes as it rapidly accumulated beneath his plate helm.
Tommy Ty Nasalgulp	posted... Tommy attacks!  on Fri 6 Oct 2006 @ 8:24 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Tommy sucks in his breath, for behind the mage were three other figures. Friend or foe? Better to think of them as foe in this place. Still... he concentrates his aim on the mage first and hoped he could fire off his volley of arrows before the mage could cast some deadly spell. The lad fires off two consecutive arrows as fast as he could and still maintain his aim, then ducks behind the doorway to await whatever spell the mage throws at them. Init 3 Attk1 18, hits AC -1! Attk2 12, hits AC 5! Dmgs1: 1 point Dmgs2: 5 points
Valerina Squirrlet	posted... Long time, no see  on Fri 6 Oct 2006 @ 5:29 PM (US Mountain Time)
	"One-Eye-Stinky," said Valerina, letting the spell she'd been holding back for the occasion fly. "I am less helpless than our first meeting." ((Init: 2, Damage: 3 via magic missile))
Krevky Talviak	posted... slips ...  on Sat 7 Oct 2006 @ 10:04 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Krevky slips from the platform and quickly reaches to grab it before he plunges into the inferno below... (str ck result=5)
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... Belgareth casts...  on Mon 9 Oct 2006 @ 9:18 AM (US Mountain Time)
	** EDITED October 10, 2006, 3:33 pm ** Bel'Gareth moves carefully back, out of the way of the advancing fighters. They were now facing more than one enemy and the figures behind the mage worries the priest. Now, the adept calls on Morath's healing abilities for the first person he sees to be injured! Cast CLW, hold action until someone bleeds
Morgan	posted... morgan rnd 1....  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 3:50 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Morgan rushes into the room taking a quick look around, and then seeing the others rush on to meet the tigers, he moves in next to Safrin striking out at the east-most tiger. (DM--where are you Morgan??)
Orla Flambard	posted... Orla rnd 1...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 4:01 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Orla gasps as she sees the cultists and the tigers, and whispers a silent prayer for the safety of her friends. Knowing that she will not be much help in a fight against tigers, she stands back out of the way. (DM--Again no Orla)
A.Admin	posted... Begin rnd 1...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 4:47 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Rushing through the doors the companions are startled by what they see. Three tigers, a cultist, and three strangers in an inferno beyond. Shaking off their nagging subconscious voices they rush in and attack. In the main chamber: Rathem, Felnor and Barkley begin their familiar chant that will call to them the power that they soon will unleash. In the inferno: Stopping short on the floating Platform Nisse hurls his hand axe at the cultist that suddenly appears through the door ahead of him. The axe buries itself into the shoulder of the surprised cultist. Also, Krevky is able to catch and hold the edge of the platform that he slipped from. Feeling his boots begin to singe he begins pulling himself slowly up onto it again. In the main chamber: Morgan swings his sword at the east-most tiger, and finds that the great cat is much too agile for him this time, and he is instead swatted by a paw with claws, they rip through his armor and leave a nasty wound. Morgan takes 4 pts dmg Harley too swings at his opponent, his sabre cutting deeply into the grey fur of the great cat. In turn the cat turns his fury upon him and pounces upon the boy leaving him bloodied and hurting. Harley takes 9pts dmg Tommy aims carefully at the cultist. Just when he was going to fire he saw the cultist move like he had been struck, and then someone gos in his way, finally he sees his shot and releases, both arrows strike home and pain can be seen in the cultist's eyes. Brave as a cleric, Safrin rushes in and joins Morgan in his attack against the east-most tiger, her first swing misses and she regrets that Morgan gets hit. Then the tiger swats her and she regrets that even more as the sting of the slap nearly knocks her over. Safrin takes 4pts dmg. Following the others Astru makes his way toward the western-most tiger and brings his sword toward the beast, dodging it, the tiger slaps his axe out of his hand sending it sailing five feet away, the axe bounces twice and then the haft of it breaks against the wall. The great cat's second slap rings up side Astru's head though it is only a graze. Astru takes 2pts dmg. Motivated by the fear and fury of seeing Harley pounced upon, Jarrius swings his sword in an arc as he approaches the center tiger, tensing his muscles he brings the blade of his weapon down upon the grey fur of the thing. He cuts a large gash, but it only seems to rile the beast that much more. Val moves in behind Astru, when she sees his sword go flying she recoils, and then presses in, her attack is unsuccessful, unfortunately her hesitation left her open for the tiger to swat her as well, again only a nick. Valerina takes 1pt dmg. Meanwhile in the other room, Thaydor's latest jump leaves him sliding off the other side of the floating platform, uable to grasp the edge of it. The fall seems like forever, and the heat intensifies, then Thaydor feels himself flung upon solid ground, not hot coals. Laying on his back, he finds himself upon a narrow walkway that leads below the floating platforms. It appears to be a sacrficing walkway, as there are several hundred scorched bones laying there. Though he still lives his back is sore from the fall. Thaydor takes 6pts damage from the fall. In the main chamber: Felnor and Barkley finish their spell chant and release the power bestowed upon them. Felnor sends his blue-white arrow sailing toward the cultist, watching it burst upon the man's robes. Barkely, meanwhile steps forward and cast shield upon Orla. Bel'gareth, sees Harley go down under the weight of the tiger, and rushes forward as soon as the great cat rolls off of him. Pulling him out of harms way the cleric of Morath lays hands upon the boy curing him. Bel'gareth cures Harley for 6pts. Orla stands back not wanting to get in the way. Then one-eyed-stinky (cultist), still barely on his feet releases his spell with a final burst of energy. The effects take place near the doorway where Rathem, Orla, Barkely, and Tommy stand, as strands of magical energy form as the shapes of webbing, becoming thick sticky strands that make it impossible to move. Orla, Felnor, Rathem, and Barkely need to roll 2d4 to see how long it takes them to free themselves, Tommy needs to roll a Dex check to see if he is caught in the web as well, and if he is roll 2d4 to see how long he is trapped. A final cackling laugh gurgles to a halt as one-eyed stinky apparently dies of wounds. END ROUND ONE. Tigers x3 AC: 6 (OCC: I hope I did not forget anything...these things take longer and longer it seems.)
~Jarrius Vancort~	posted... Jarrius rnd 2...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 4:55 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Seeing that Harley was dragged to safety by Bel'gareth, Jarrius plans on cutting off the persuit of the tiger, placing his body back in line with it and taking a large slicing maneuver at the beast.
~Barkley Timmons~	posted... Barkley rnd 2...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 4:57 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Stepping forward, his spells spent, Barkley moves in beside Jarrius taking Harley's place in the attack against the central tiger(C). His staff lashing out at the thing more in defense than offense.
~Felnor~	posted... Felnor rnd 2...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 4:58 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Suddenly overcome by the mass of magical webbing Felnor finds it difficult to move, and the broken right arm is not helping. Still he finally gets his sword drawn and begins hacking through the webs.
~Harley~	posted... Harley rnd 2...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 4:59 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Thankful once again for the healing care of Bel'gareth, the boy grins at the cleric. "I fear without you I would be long dead." Still he tries to push himself up and get back into the battle.
~Nisse Snöbjörn~	posted... Nisse rnd 2...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 5:02 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Not stopping to gloat, as he sees the cultist drop to the floor, Nisse immediately looks back to the others. Seeing Krevky dangling from the platform, and Thaydor gone entirely he attempts to leap back to Krevky's platform to help him up.
Safrin Xanaes	posted... Don't know what hurts more...  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 5:38 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Safrin grimaced at the pain inflicted by the tiger's sharp claws. Yet, her pride is even more hurt by the fact that she missed her target for a second time. "Lord Ferestal...", she whispered faithfully. "Grant me strength..."
Thaydor Stoneshield	posted... Out of the frying pan . . .  on Wed 11 Oct 2006 @ 5:47 PM (US Mountain Time)
	It took a moment to draw a good breath. It took several moments for Thaydor to open his eyes and convince himself he was not, in fact, roasting. He was hot, certainly – uncomfortably hot. But that was a far cry from smelling his own flesh broiling. Amazingly, his hand still held his beloved Dwarven Claymore. With a grunt, he hopped up. Well, he tried to hop up. It should have been easy to get back on his feet – how often had he done that? Why was it hard this time? His back hurt. His chest hurt. By the Gates of Hell, even his teeth hurt! Thaydor had to roll over, then get his feet under him before he could, at last, stand up. Immediately, he dropped to his knees. Here on the walkway, some of the direct radiant heat was blocked, but when he stood – even to his meager height of 4’3”, the fire below singed his whiskers. He carefully slid his sword back into the scabbard on his back. He could hear the sounds of battle above him; the growling of the big cats, the ring of steel. He looked to one end of the suspended causeway, then to the other. It seemed he was out of this battle. But if he did not get his wits about him, and get out of this fire-pit, he would also be out of this life!
Thaydor Stoneshield	posted... Now, out of the fire  on Thu 12 Oct 2006 @ 5:26 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Intense heat threatening to roast him, and time working against him like crazed banshee. There were several wrought iron rungs bolted to the sheer walls forming a ladder on each end of the walkway, leading both up and down. The walk was already starting to singe his feet inside his boots, and it was hard to even take a breath. Gritting his teeth against the pain and the heat, Thaydor made his decision. He pulled his waterflask from his belt as he headed for the far end of the walk – at least now he didn’t have to jump floating platforms! Dousing his leather gloves with water, he reached out and grasped the first iron ring – and could hear the sizzle of water boiling out of the palm of his glove. With no fingers in the gloves, he had to grip carefully, least he fry his skin. Resigned to climb out or die trying, the Dwarf starts upward.
Krevky Talviak	posted... climbs up  on Thu 12 Oct 2006 @ 12:02 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Straining his muscles Krevky pulls himself back onto the platform. "I'm ok Nisse," he calls out. "How's Thaydor? Is there a way back up for him?" Krevky then makes his next jump...
Tommy Ty Nasalgulp	posted... A little tidbit about Tommy...  on Thu 12 Oct 2006 @ 4:42 PM (US Mountain Time)
	** EDITED October 12, 2006, 4:44 pm ** Tommy shoots his volley of arrows and ducks behind the door frame. The last thing he saw was the mage pointing in his direction. He takes a deep breath then everything went to hell. Sticky strands now cover him from ceiling to floor to walls. He can't hardly move, so thick are the strands. He tries to wipe the sticky strands from his face with no success. He can hardly see now. Misunderstanding the spell, Tommy begins looking frantically around him for the spiders that the mage had surely conjured! He can feel the web being tugged in another direction. Is it a giant spider? Oh Gods! How is he going to survive? *Gulpf! "I cant see them! Where are they? Where ARE THEY?" the little man screams in fright. He frantically searches the webbing for the creatures. He abhors spiders. Hates them. Kills them at every chance. And now, they were going to exact revenge for all the spiders he had ever slain. Another tug in the webbing... *Gulpf! "Ooooohhhhhh.... where *sob* are they?"
Astru Tava	posted... Maybe I'll become a mage....  on Fri 13 Oct 2006 @ 3:44 PM (US Mountain Time)
	It wasn't the ringing in his ears, nor the sting from the tiger's claws that bothered Astru...it was the fact that he has lost his axe, which now lay broken against the wall. And to further his ire, he still has to deal with the angry beast as best he can...so drawing his sword he steps forward and swings his sword in a mighty arc towards the tiger. Wheather it was the blood and sweat blurring his vision or just sheer exhaustion, none can say, nevertheless his sword slices naught but air.
Rathem Nuegal	posted... Round 2  on Fri 13 Oct 2006 @ 10:28 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Rathem fails to complete his spell in time before becoming stuck fast in the adhesive substance. Growling, the wizard struggles to free himself, but realizes that it will be a time consuming objective. Stuck: 4
Morgan	posted... Round two  on Sat 14 Oct 2006 @ 12:19 PM (US Mountain Time)
	Morgan winched as the tiger’s claw tore into his side. He fought back the urge to swing at the beast in a blind rage, but waited for an opening. As the tiger lunged at Safrin, Morgan saw his opening, and swung at the tiger… Int 5 Attk 20 Dmg 10
Valerina Squirrlet	posted... Val rnd 2...  on Sun 15 Oct 2006 @ 8:52 AM (US Mountain Time)
	After her scratch Val, decides it better to attack the beast with a bit more cunning rather than face off against it directly. Sliding left she strikes out at the grey furred tiger with her sword. (DM)
Orla Flambard	posted... orla round 2...  on Sun 15 Oct 2006 @ 9:06 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Feeling the icky mess instantly overcome her, Orla lets out a shriek. Lally at her feet instantly starts to growl and then wimper as the pup finds it cannot move either. (DM)
Adept Bel'gareth	posted... like a shepard...  on Sun 15 Oct 2006 @ 9:22 AM (US Mountain Time)
	Bel'gareth, sees that his flock of friends is in need of help, and realizing that many of them are still close to death, he grabs at the haft of Astru's broken axe and turning it over so that the large pommel becomes the striking side, he charges toward where Astru and Valerina battle the great cat. (DM)
A.Admin	posted... Begin Rnd 2...  on Sun 15 Oct 2006 @ 10:37 AM (US Mountain Time)
	With One-eyed-stinky (the cultist) apparently dead from wounds sustained by our heroes, one threat is gone but four real ones still exist. Three of which; grey tigers, powerful beasts unburdened with the restraint of a master now, and the fourth; a pit of blazing heat that continues to play hell with the three newcomers. Barkley strikes first his staff battering the tiger (C) ,that Harley and Jarrius fight against, in the shoulder the great cat lets out a yelp and then howls a roar of rage. Safrin continues her rash of misses, as her staff sails high when the tiger (D) in front of her ducks quickly in order to pounce once again. Blinking twice at seeing Barkley actually get involved Jarrius brings his sword around cutting into the great cat (C), his sword creating a large gash across its throat, deep but not deep enough. Patience pays off for Morgan as he sees an opening in the fury of the tiger (D) as it stretches out a clawed paw at Valerina, he slides his sword neatly into the ribs of the beast, bringing with it a swath of blody gore as he pulls it out. The tiger still looks to have some breath left though, and gashes him again with a mighty paw, though his armor protects his flesh this time. Morgan takes 3 pts dmg. Picking up the broken haft of Astru's battleaxe and using it as a makeshift mace, Bel'gareth steps up and swinging it like a baseball bat strikes the tiger in the chops sending several teeth flying. Shaking its head the tiger rares back. Meanwhile in the inferno Krevky pulls himself up and begins leaping across the platforms. Luckily he makes it all the way to the end, nearly tripping over the carcass of the cultist at his feet. After losing his axe to a miserable attack attempt earlier, Astru pulls his sword and makes a good attempt at slicing into the beast he is working against. Unfortunately his sword flies wide and that opens his flank up to the attack of the tiger, a paw grazes him in the ribs. Astru takes 1 pt dmg Getting up after being beaten and then healed by Bel'gareth Harley makes a feeble attempt to hit the tiger (C), his sabre missing by a long shot. Val digs in but it doesnt do much good as her sword misses once again. Caught in the webs, Tommy, Orla, Felnor, and Rathem begin the ardous task of cutting themselves free. Though no spiders are present Tommy's fear of them seems to slow his progress, as Felnor's broken arm slows his. Thaydor begins making his hot climb up the rungs, the water from his canteen coupled with the leather gloves seems to be effective in holding off the heat of them as he proceeds up. Leaping back after Krevky, Nisse falls from the platform, and is unable to grab the ledge. Unfortunate for the dwarf he slams into the walkway below and bounces, his body falling victim of the flames below. The entire chamber is filled with the stench of burning beard hair, flesh and leather, along with the womanlike screams of a dying dwarf. Three tigers remain, Thaydor still climbs, Krevky can step over the cultist and attack if he wishes, and Orla, Felnor, Tommy, and Rathem continue to hack at the webbing that surrounds them. END ROUND 2 Tigers x3 AC: 6 Map is current!!
A.Admin	posted... maint  on Sun 3 Dec 2006 @ 6:05 AM (US Mountain Time)
	maint
A.Admin	posted... maint  on Thu 4 Jan 2007 @ 8:49 PM (US Mountain Time)
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