Onward Red

You have a moment of disorientation while your head clears from the
magical transit.  The stench of sulfur and ozone fills your nostrils.
Hard stone supports your weight.  The glowing blue lattice has faded
from your sight, allowing you to notice that your're lying atop a
circular inscribed diagram - an exact duplicate of the one that
brought you here, but black instead of gold.  From off to one side
comes a sharp intake of breach.  Turning, you see... it.

Staring slack-jawed at you is a spiny little critter about three
feet tall with wings and a spiked tail, carrying a military fork.
It is backing into the gloom of a nearby crevice in a stony wall,
keeping a close eye on you all the while.  It halts only when it
hits it's head on the wall.  Thud.

FOLDIS,
    Foldis just stands there with a bewildered look on her
face.

I scramble to my feet and head for the little guy, making it as clear as
possible I mean him no harm.

In every language I can think of till he responds I say, "Hey, wait.  I need
to talk to you.  I just want to ask you a couple of questions.  I may be
able to pay you for the information."

If he continues to try to leave I tell the others:  "Don't let him get away.
The gods only know who or what he'll bring back if he goes for help.  But
try to take him alive."

If he does try to exit I hightail it after him, attempting to tackle him if
it won't get me skewered, brandishing my sword if he opts for weapons.
(like that will do me any good.)

?If he does speak, what language does he use?

I will Help Jeath catch the little guy if he tries to run and I will try to
take him alive.  As soon as I can I take a good look around at our
surroundings and check to make sure I still have my weapons.<>

Christeel stands silent for a moment in thought looking around and
then sruggs and says, "Jeath, I think that we were mistaken about
the center being the only part that would activate the magical
device.  Humm now how to get back.  It must be some very powerful
magic indeed that could transfer us to who knows where"  Christeel
notices the little spiny critter but pays little attention to it,
instead he looks around at his new surrondings.  Christeel proclaims
"We will need to find a way back"

While still looking around "Try offering the creature some food
or something it seems scared if you ask me,  I could try an animal
friendship spell if you think it could help"

Christeel will check on Foldis, "Hey your not possesed by some
sort of deamon or beast,  your feet seem to be stuck sweety.
(knowing that this last comment will surely bring her around)
Is there anything that I can do to help"

FOLDIS,
    As soon as spoken to FOLDIS replys,

        "What happened"

    and at being called sweety

        "This may be usual for you but its never happened to
me before, AND, I'M NOT YOUR SWEETY"

    I then move over to where Onyx is.

"You have a great knack for stating the blindingly obvious, Christeel.  I
think this little fella may know how to get out of here, or at the very
least tell us where here is.  Would you give us a hand in talking to him or
catching him if he tries to run?"<>

Christeel repies, "Yes, yes I will help"  Christeel will not draw his
weapons, "Onyx, Tis not just the Obvoius but the magical force that would
be required to allow such a transfer to this spot.  I would not like to run 
into this mage for he could probably destroy us with a though if he choose to"
Christeel will pull forth some food and have his servant slowly carry the
food toward the little creature trying not to spook it."  Christeel will
carefully watch the creatures actions, If it seems to be fearing us
Christeel will note this to the others.

"Uh, Christeel, isn't your servant invisible?  Floating food would bug the
hell out of me, but I guess the little guy is probably used to weird things
happening since he was guarding some sort of magic transportation device".
<>

Christeel replies in a whisper to Onyx, "Three reasons for doing this, one is
gain his friendship, another is to be back a bit if it decides to attack
and the last is to show it we posses magic, It may think us to be powerful in the
art of magic and decide to befriend us if it values its life."

"Those are pretty good reasons.  However, I do think we do not want to
underestimate the little guy.  I think he was placed here as a guard and he
does have knowledge of weapons.  He may be more intelligent than we think".
<>

FOLDIS,
    On approaching Onyx and Christeel I lower my weapons so
as to show no animosity towards the creature (whatever it
is) and simply watch developments.

Christeel to Onyx "Aye, I agree"

As you take your first steps towards the little fella, he begins gasping and
floundering, finally prostrating himself on the ground before you.  "Oh.. oh...
you.. are here... you came.  No hurt, Halitsu, no hurt," he says in broken common.
His military fork lies in the dirt where it fell from his hand, a few feet to
the creature's left.

At the sight of food flying towards him, he snatches for the food, but then
quickly ducks back down, curling up in a little ball on the ground.

As the creature backs down again, you smell a sharper stench of sulphur
behind you and see, Erilyx and Darrin lying in the center of the black
circle.
--------
To your left, are your comrades advancing on a small, spiny little critter 
about three feet tall with wings and a spiked tail, a military fork lying nearby.
It is backed into the gloom of a nearby crevice in a stony wall, lying 
flat on it's face, your friends turning to note your arrival.
--------
Jeath--

To Darrin and Erilyx:  "Thanks for the help, but I'm not sure you two
wouldn't have been better off back where we were."

To the rest of the group:  "Look around and see if you can find another way
out of this place.  And keep your eyes peeled.  'Moose' only knows what we
may find lurking around here.  Or what may find us."

To anyone approaching Halitsu:  "Back off.  Don't get to close, I want to
try to talk to him.  See if we can learn anything useful from him."

To Halitsu:  "Okay, Halitsu no one wants to hurt you.  I just want to talk
to you."  I sheath my sword and draw my dagger, holding it by the blade, and
squat on the ground about four feet from him.  I will ask questions till he
stops responding.  "Where are we?  What is the name of this place?  Why are
you here?  Are you protecting this place for someone?  Or watching it for
them?  If so, who?  What race are you?  When we first arrived you seemed
surprised we came.  Why?  Did someone tell you we would be coming? Or
wouldn't be coming?"  During this I will try to inch closer to the fork to
look it over.  If he doesn't like my messing with it I'll stop.

If I can't get him to talk I'll try to open him up with an offer of more food.

<>

<>
I will walk over to the creature with my axe lowered in a non threatening
manner.  When I get close to him I will place my foot on the military fork
so he can't pick it up.  "Don't worry Halitsu, we aren't going to hurt you,
we just want to ask you some questions.  Did you happen to see anyone come
through here recently?  We are looking for an aquaintance and I was
wondering if you might have seen him?"  (I will describe AJ to him)

<>

FOLDIS
    I completely ignore this comment and continue to approach
the creature lift it to its feet, give it its weapon back and
guide it towards the party.

As Jeath and Onyx move toward the little critter, his wings begin to flap
and he scrambles back towards the rocks at his back, his military fork all
but forgotten as dust clouds start to stir as his body rises a couple of
inches off of the ground.  "go away...go away... back... invaders... 
Invaders!" he begins to yell loudly.

"Shut him... it up!" Darrin calls out.  "It's got wings... it might fly,"
he adds rushing forward to try to help.

Christeel says, "Then bind his wings"

Darrin runs into the back of Foldis as she reaches the creature and
grabbing the little critter by the arms, she helps it too it's feet,
a gesture that completely confuses the little guy.  His wings stop
flapping and he looks at Foldis with his tiny mouth gaping wide, jaw
almost to his knees.

Foldis reaches for the weapon under Onyx's feet to hand to the creature,
who stands head cocked to the side watching Foldis with a slight smile
gracing it's misshapen features.

<>
The little guy DOES NOT get his weapon back.  Under no circumstances do I
let anyone pick it up.  I stay firmly planted on it.  I will then repeat my
question about AJ and see if Halitsu is calm enough to answer.

FOLDIS,
    In a whisper to ONYX
        "If we want to show this thing we are friendly we
should give it its weapon back, now move aside or I will
move you"

Christeel adds as the two dwarf's seem to be facing off with one another"
Foldis, I'm not sure we should give the critter back his weapon just yet,
Perhaps we should ask him a few questions first.  For all we know he may
feed on blood or flesh"  At the comment Christeel will look over to where
the critter had eaten the food given him.

<>
"I don't want to be that friendly to this creature.  We do not know
anything about him or what his intentions are.  It is entirely possibly he
is only acting to gain our confidence and so we do not consider him a
threat.  I WILL NOT give him a weapon to stick in my back at the first
opportunity.  You can try moving me if you want, but if you give him his
weapon back I will just take it away again, and then he will not only think
we are unfriendly he will think we are stupid.

FOLDIS,
    Again in a whisper;
    "Let me take the risk. It will have to go through me
before it get to any of the rest of you"

ONYX Also whispering:
"How about we compromise.  Let's talk to Halitso and find out more about him
and where we are at first, and then if we still think he is friendly, or at
least harmless, I will give him his weapon back.  For the moment he would
have to go through you to get to the rest of us, but that may not be the
case later.  I would just feel better if we knew more about him before we
gave him a weapon."

FOLDIS,
"OK we'll play it that way", I then lay my axe on the
ground in front of me and take a step back.

The critter shrinks as far back as it can into the rocks at it's back,
glancing keenly from one to another of the dwarves, who are only a little
taller than he is.  One glance at any of the others and he begins to moan
and sway back and forth a bit.

<>
Now that we have Halitsu's confidence and gotten him calmed down, or at
least confused, I will repeat my question about AJ.  I will aslo ask him:
"Could you please tell us anything about where we are?  We just arrived as
you no doubt noticed, and we would like to know everything we can about the
area."

It listens to Onyx's questions and scrunching up it's nose, he stammers,
"Who?  Another person come through.  Not since I've been here.  Been on
watch.  Halitsu's job to watch portal," he says with a glance at Foldis.
"Halitsu do good job.  Saw you come," he adds ducking his head.

After a few seconds, it snivels, "You come to Avernus... first layer of
Baator.  Near to fortress of Bel, the Mighty," he adds drawing himself
a little straigther.  "Halitsu guard here for Bel."

Christeel says to Onyx, "Ask whom does he serve? and then whispers to
Onyx"I don't think that kindness is something the creature is use to
receiving and it may consider kindness a sign of weakness"  Christeel will
open up the lab book again and look for any notes on how to return.

Christeel to Jeath "Look through that book you found and see if it has any
infomation on how to get us back"

Christeel is back away a bit thumbing though the lab notes.

Nothing in the notes seems to be very informative about returning to
the wizard's lab.

To whom it may concern:  "Let him have the stupid thing.  If he can take us
out with that fork, he can probably take us out without it.  One quick
question though, is it magical Christeel?  If so I change my stance, don't
give it to him."

Christeel replies, "I detect no magic on the fork"

To Christeel:  "Finott's book is just a spell book.  Nothing too amazing.
We'll talk later, you're welcome to copy whatever you want.  Now you guys
understand why I search as I go, we'll likely never get back to that place.
Sorry, Darrin, I think we'll miss the wedding."

Darrin turns at the words and then says briskly, "I couldn't return to
Ross without that fiend anyway."

At these words, the critter looks up at the tall youth, tall to him that
is, and says, "You look for fiend.  You come to right place.  Many fiends
on Avernus.  Halitsu is fiend," he adds proudly sticking his spiny chest
out.

You can't tell from Erilyx's total and complete lack of motion, that he is
indeed alive - it's the muttered strings of words that triggers you off to
his status.

If anyone within muttering ear shot would hear it.  Erilyx lies there
through all this Halitsu junk.  Muttering.

<>
Since everyone else seems to be fascinated by Halitsu, I'll look around the
area to see if there is anything of interest, like maybe a way out.

Looking around, you see only the creature, the rocks at it's back, the charred
circle on the ground in the center of the plateau, and near the edge of a great 
cliff looking down... a cliff you seem to be at the top of, is a large horn 
of brass and bone.  On all sides of the plateau you are on, the terrain stretches
to to the farthest horizon on all sides, being made up of rough little hills, some
big enough to be called mountains, with rocks lying haphazardly strewn about.

<>
To Foldis:  "He seems to like you Foldis, see if you can learn anything
useful from him.  Like where this Bel guy is.  Or how to get home.  And give
him his fork back."

There doesn't seem to be to much else around here, so I'll go look at the
horn and see what I can find.  If I don't scare Hal too much I'll ask him
what it's for.

 "Lesbian childs of Tymora and Lloth, I can't believe I'm here," Erilyx mutters
under his breath.

FOLDIS
       Now Halitsu is talking to the rest of the party I
will approach the edge of the cliff and try to estimate both
how high it is and how easily I could get down it.

<>
Halitsu does not get the military fork back yet.  I want to hear the
answers to my questions first.

"Would someone kick Erilyx, his muttering is getting on my nerves."

"I have a few more questions I would like to aske you, Halitsu.  Does Bel
the Mighty like having visitors?  Do you think he would help us get back
home?  Do you have any standing orders about people coming through the
portal?  What is that huge horn for?  Since we can't fly, is there any other
way off of this plateau?

"Bel is very busy at the moment.  He is warring against the ancient enemy
the Tanar'ri and would not have time for you," he adds eyeing his weapon
with the stern dwarf standing on it.  He glances over to where Foldis is
walking to the cliff edge and Onyx has to repeat the rest of the questions
twice before Hal starts to respond again.  "Okay, okay... uhm, I don't know
if he help you.  Very busy.  Just supposed to watch for who come.  If danger,
I'm supposed to sound horn.  But you not dangerous.  And I think you can
walk down.  I had to climb partway up.  Hal not fly good, like big brothers."

Darrin grins and seeing that Foldis is away, he says to the little guy, 
"Now you like her, don't you?"  When Hal glances towards Foldis, he ducks
his head before nodding a couple of times.  "Well, Foldis will like you
to if you help us a little bit more.  How do we use that diagram to go home?"

Halitsu looks very helpful for all of a moment, until he hears the question,
and then his shoulders slump and his features turn down.  Shaking his head
slowly and moaning as his small spiky body sways back and forth with his
head, he says, "One way.  That what boss told me.  Just one way door.  Me tell
him if great enemy come, but then great enemy probably kill Halitsu, cause
enemy can not just go home."

"Then who can help us.  If your boss is too busy, who else can we talk to?"
Darrin asks quickly.  "How else can we leave here?"

Halitsu's face crunches up and he thinks real hard before saying, "Witch.  
Witch can help you.  She lives that way," he adds waving towards a mountain to
his right.  Hear she is really smart.  Smarter than me," he adds glancing
Foldis' way again.  "She lives at bottom of mountain, you like that.  Where
river meets skinny mountain," he points again.
  
Christeel shuts the book with a thud, "Well so much for the easy way home"
Christeel looks around trying to determine if there is a way down or up from
here other that flying. He says "I'm not that good at rock climbing, but I
do know how to use a rope"

At the words of the Dwarf, Phearez silences.  Shaking his head, Erilyx sits up 
and peruses the area.
          "Where the hell are we?"  He switches back to muttering.

The horn is a foot long and looks to be made to make one long blasting noise.
It's not a favorite among bards... so no dance partying on top of the mountain.

Those that have looked down can see that there is no clear path, and yet
the downslope is not steep and will not require much effort really.  You
are just extremely high up, so it will take sometime and a little care
to get down without serious injury, perhaps a few will get down without
scraping their knees and palms as well.

FOLDIS indicates downwards and says,
        "This looks easy enough".
She then looks in Christeels direction and says,
        "If you are worried about getting down just follow me, I've done
a fair bit of climbing in my time."

<>
"We might as well set off to see the witch.  It seems likely that she may
be the only one around here who can or will help us.  Besides, I'm not sure
I want to stay here long enough to meet any of Halitsu's big brothers."  I
will head for the edge and follow Foldis down.  If it looks steep enough
that falling to our deaths is a possibility, I will suggest tying ourselves
together on a line, so that if one person falls the rest of us can catch
them (ot the rest of us can fall to our deaths as well.)

I also head for the edge and start down.<>

Foldis,
        "Onyx! Wait I have rope and can probably find the
best route down."

Just to not seem moveless, I'll give ERILYX's next, most exciting move:

While everyone decides on what to do, Erilyx makes no point of doing
anything, and merely sits - exactly where he landed, and looks out at the
surroundings.  Mountaintops, flying demons, exploding volcanoes, you know
- normal stuff for around here.  When (if) anyone goes anywhere, he'll
follow.

                        ERILYX, who wonders if you have to be a
                                dwarf to get your name in all caps.
                                                                ;)

ONYX 
    I will head for the edge and follow Foldis down.


FOLDIS,
    FOLDIS is not at present heading down the cliff she is
waiting to see what the rest of the party decide.

  "I vote we head on down the hill and go see the witch."<>

Christeel goes to grap his rope only to realize that he left it on his
horse.  Christeel shruggs "Well I don't seem to have any rope available, so
much for tying ourselfs together for a decent." 

Foldis,
        "Don't worry I have rope", I then remove my pack and
take my rope off the side of it.

 Christeel makes sure that his sword and
bow are secure before heading over near the edge,  "You sure that we have
to climb down,  Any advise before I fall to my death."  Christeel will
listen to any advice offered before readying himself for the decent.  "This
witch seems to be our best option at this moment." "Foldis does your fiend
want to come with us"

Foldis,
        "It's not my fiend and it seems to have a job to do here"

"The only advise I have is if you fall try to think soft thoughts.
Actually, you could just think of the twins and I'm sure you would die with
a smile on your face."

I also head for the edge and start down.<>

I will wait for Foldis so we can tie ourselves in a line and she can pick
the best route down.<>

Christeel looks to Foldis,
        "Thank you, I may yet see my twins again"
Christeel gathers up the offered rope and starts making slip knots for the
party members to use in the descent.

"Uh... yeah, guys, should we leave Hal here, or what?" Darrin asks, not
moving for the proffered rope, as the little tyke takes the opportunity
to slump to the ground, his back to the pile of ropes.

Ask him.  Or maybe Foldis should ask him.  I don't see how it could hurt,
and he has to know at least as much about this area as we do (NOTHING).
Besides, the little bugger's liable to blow the horn and summon the cavalry
once we're over the side and defenseless, and if he has help coming up here
you can bet it flys.<>

"I don't think it will hurt to leave Halitsu here.  When we arrived we were
disoriented for a short time, so he could have blown the horn and raised the
alarm if he had wanted to.  I don't think he is concerned about us.
Besides, we would have to force him to go and we aren't in a position to
take him prisoner."<>

"Granted he could have blown the horn before, he would still have been stuck
her alone with us for several minutes before the cavalry arrived.  His
orders may be to wait till we try to climb down before blowing the horn,
there seems to be no other choice of exits from this plateau for an arriving
group such as ourselves.

"And I still say ask him if he wants to go with us.  We could use a guide.
I'm not in favor of forcing him to come with us if he doesn't want to go."

<>
"Okay, I will ask him.  Halitsu, would you like to come with us to visit the
witch?  We could use someone with your knowledge of the area to guide us and
we would be grateful if you would help us.  Besides, if you come with us the
terrible enemy that may show up in the circle won't be able to kill you
because you will not be here."

I agree with Jeath, we do not want to force him to come.  If he refuses I
say we just go on our way.

"Bel get pretty mad if I leave post," Halitsu pouts.  "Never been to see
witch, but mad boss is very dangerous.  I would like to stay if you let
me.  Halitsu stay, and will watch circle... maybe I will see man you looking
for.  Besides," his eyes go to Foldis, "Halitsu know when he's not liked."
You could swear his little snout sniffles a couple of times.

"Well, I guess that settles that.  Let's go see the witch."<>

"Aww, Foldis, I think you hurt his feelings.  I bet if you asked nice he'd
come with us.  Besides, he could come in handy.  If nothing else, he appears
to know where the witch lives, and we sure don't.  If he's worried about
Bel, tell him we'll explain to Bel that we needed his help.  Did anyone want
to ask him where we should be headed if we're looking for the witch?  Or do
I have to think of everything?  I swear, if I don't do it it just doesn't
get done.  Kids these days.  Why when I was your age..."

"You just follow that river to the skinny mountain.  Bel get mad if
I leave," the little ugly tyke snivels, his eyes downcast.  "You don't
want Halistu to get hurt, and Bel not even want to see you.  He looking
for Tannar'ri.  OH... and you have to cross the river... her cave is
at the foot of the mountain, just on the other side of the river.  Halitsu
no like water, either."

"Please don't smack Jeath too hard Foldis, we may need him later.  Now let's
get off this damn hill and go find the witch."<>

Christeel says to Halitsu before starting his decent
        "Perhaps if luck favors us we might pass this way again"

----------------------
The way down is long... not exceedingly steep, nor hard... just long and
tiring, as your group has not rested for sometime.  There are a few slips
and slides, but Foldis's skill and Onyx's strength keep any injuries from
long falls to a rare minimum.  Still at the finish of the climb, you are
all winded and any bare hands, feet or arms are scrapped in numerous places.
As you climb down, you see in the distance, a vast number of fiends marching
about to the south, leathery-winged flyers above them.  None of them seem
to notice your party slinking down the mountain, and you are too far to
see what Hal's cousin's look like.

As you look above you, you see Halitsu launch himself from the mountaintop...
wings spread and easily catching a nice updraft... and heading at an angle
between you and the marching army.  He seems to be headed towards some 
dark ominous mountains in that direction... maybe that is where Bel lives.

He flies pretty darn well...

Christeel grins at Jeath and says "I wonder where the fork he is going"
Christeel to the Group as he watches the creature fly "Halitsu had said that
he was up there to watch for trouble, I would think that the marching army
means trouble.  I suggest that we try to stay clear of the armies"

FOLDIS,
    "It also said he couldn't fly very well, maybe we
shouldn't trust much of what Halitsu said"

JEATH,
Re Halitsu:  I was afraid of something like this.  I suggest we be on the
lookout, as there's a decent chance this Bel guy is going to be looking for
us soon.  Since Hal was apparently lying as Foldis pointed out, do we trust
what he said about visiting the witch?  If he flew off to find Bel, Bel will
know exactly where to find us if he wants to.  Also, it's possible Hal sent
us into a trap, or at least a very dangerous situation he thought would get
rid of us.

I'm not saying we shouldn't look for the witch, but maybe we should consider
it.  What about this Tannari''i guy?  Any enemy of Bel's may be a friend of
ours.  Only problem there is I have no idea where to start looking for
him/her/it/all of the above.

You find your trek across the reddish plain largely uneventful.  The sweltering
heat makes the journey uncomfortable, and Darrin notes with eyes rolled upwards,
that he didn't bring his extra water sack with him.  "Should have been
back at Ross's mansion by now," he grumbles. 

FOLDIS,
    On reaching the bottom of the cliff FOLDIS removed her
gloves and looked at the state of the others, she then took
up her place at the front of the party with Onyx and headed
in the direction indicated.

    On Darrin's comment her hands go straight to the side of
her pack and with a groan says
    "At least you have some water, I don't seem to even have
my skins"

    Then with a grin at Darrin says,
    "I wish we were in Waterdeep, we might have been payed"
she then breaks out in a deep throated laugh.

"We're in this together," Darrin says, "I'll share what I have...
and if... I mean when we get back, you'll be well paid, I promise,"
he says solemnly.  "I let Tag carry the money," he sighs.  "Though
I don't know if money would do us any good out here."

Great blocks of black basalt lie scatttered about and as you walk, a sudden
ball of fire explodes about a hundred yards from the party, shedding light
and heat across the land, shards from the ball fly through the air, but
fall about twenty yards short.  Though a wave of heat ripplies your clothing
as it burst and thunder rolls across the plain from it's boom.

After several long miles across the barrens, you reach a river.  It's a river
of red, sluggish water.

Upon closer inspection, the red, sluggish stream reveals that it's a river of 
blood coursing across the plain.  Images of tormented faces spring up in the
foam caught in the eddies of the river, to be dashed to bits on the rocks.
Each 'face' seems to let out a faint scream when the current forces it against
the rocks, though that might be simply the splashing of the fluid on the 
basalt.  A muted howling comes from much farther upstream, from the lake that
can be seen cascading in a waterfall from upon the mountain you are heading
towards.


<>
"I don't think we want to touch this river.  We are going to need some sort
of boat or ferry to get across.  I think it is possible that Halitsu has
gone to tell Bel about us, so let's hope that whatever he is doing is too
important for him to waste time on us.  I say we head for the waterfall.  We
need to rest and there may be some sort of shelter there.  That wailing is
going to be a pain, but I think we are just going to have to put up with it.
We are going to have to take stock of what we have.  If we don't find some
fresh water soon we are going to be in trouble.  I have 2 waterskins, but
one is almost empty.  I do have a few days worth of food, but water it our
most immediate need.  I say we get to the waterfall and hopefully find
shelter, and then I can go look for some fresh water.  If anyone wants to go
with me that would be great, since I also think that we should not go
anywhere by ourselves while we are here unless we can't help it.  I also
think it I see Halitsu again I am going to split his head open. just to see
what is inside."

FOLDIS replies,
    "You don't think we should touch it? I would rather
party with a tribe of Orcs than touch that!"

Re Water:  The water in this river doesn't look like the most appealing I've
ever seen.  Onyx, I'll help you look for fresh water (are you sure you want
to wander off alone with me).<>

"Sure I will wander off alone with you Jeath.  You have no reason to be
afraid, if anything tries to get us I will protect you."  :)<>

   After waiting for any reply from Onyx she then goes on
    "I would help looking for water but as I have no
waterskins I wouldn't be much use. Maybe when we get to this
waterfall I should try to find a way up it."

Dragging his feet heavily, but with his heavy cloak around his shoulders
still, Phearez is a ball of dizzy sweat.  His wit and reason have
evaporated off along with his body moisture, and he couldn't care less
if he were stuck in, say, hell.

In fact, he doesn't even have energy to be angry at his dunderheaded
companions, and his own cursed desire for respect.  It's just his eyelids
now. . . the struggle to keep them open.

Open mouthed, caked lips, and dull brain - he follows the rest of them. .
. slowly - ever so slowly, falling behind.

At the sight of the river Erilyx slowly catches up to the crowd and seeing
that there might be a discussion, proptly sits his ass on the ground and
rests.  I find it hard to believe, but he is even too exhausted to sputter
out his last coherent thought.
        Instead he just grunts to himself.
                "Fresh water, in hell.  Hah."
                
        Actually... that thought was pretty funny.  He grunts about twice
more before flopping flat onto his back, eyes closed.

Darrin checks for a pulse, and feels a faint one, though he's sure the
youth beside him is too weakened to awaken right away.

Christeel looks up and down the banks of the river, trying to find a way
across.  He heeds Onyx words and doesn't try to touch the blood river.  
Christeel will look around picking up a flat stone if he can find one and 
will try to skip a rock along the river seeing what the result might be.  
"We should head upstream"

Flat stone in hand, Christeel skips the stone and after bouncing off one
bit of rock sticking up out of the stream, it careens into one of the
heads floating by, bringing a sharp cry of indignation.

Darrin glances up, and seeing a fresh gash on the struck face, he pales
considerably and scrambles away from the group, fighting to not toss
up the dinner he ate night before last, at least not in front of his
friends.

"It seems to me we have a couple of options.  We can try to revive Erilyx
enough to get him moving again and head for the waterfall, or we can send
someone ahead to look for shelter and let the rest stay here and rest.  We
could also possibly carry Erilyx and all of us could head out.  I will
volunteer to scout ahead for shelter if that idea sounds best to everyone.
I don't think we should carry Erilyx unless we know where we are going and
how far it is since none of us are strong enough to carry him for very long
in this heat.  I am still well enough off that I should be able to scout
ahead and look for water if I find shelter, but I don't relish the idea of
running around out here by myself.  If anyone would like to come along I
would welcome the company."

"I also agree with Jeath that we can't trust what Halitsu told us.  We may
be heading into a trap, but I really don't see that we have much of a
choice.  At least we are aware it might be a trap and we can be prepared for
it.  Besides, I think the only place we are likely to find shelter out here
is by the waterfall."

I will give Erilyx some water to help revive him.

"Another idea just struck me.  Christeel, you are a cleric, right?  could
you try talking with the spirits in the water?  They may be able to help us
if we could speak to them.  I doubt it would work, but at this point
anything is worth a try."

Christeel look to Onyx, "Yes and Nay, I am a cleric but My goddess Mystria
has not granted me such power of which you speak.  I can how ever take care
of any water problems for I have been granted the power to create water."
Christeel adds I will try to contact my Goddess to make sure that we are
still within her realm of influnce" Christeel takes a moment to offer a
pray of enlightenment as to the party location.

Almost as if you didn't need to hear it, you hear a soft whispering
voice in your head saying, 
"'Tis a an evil place, and yet greatly structured.  Avernus, first layer
of the Nine hells of Baator.  Beware, my child... beware."

Christeel prays, "Thank you Mystra, my goddess, I'm yours to guide and lead"

Christeel stiffens and then looks around to at the group with eyes of total
astonishment,  "The Goddess Mystria has answered me, She told me of the great
dangers that are near, for we are on the first layer of the Nine hells of
Baator,  This layer is called Avernus.  I never in all of my life figured that
I would end up in hell"  Christeel looks around.  "She said to Beware, this
is a greatly structured evil place."

"I don't suppose she offered any advice on how to get out of here did she,
or any specific information on the dangers we should look out for?  I guess
the next time Erilyx says Oh No and then clams up we should all get ready
for the worst.  Afterall, the last time it happened we ended up in hell, the
next time might be worse." <>

Christeel shake his head no to Onyx, "The Goddess did not offer a solution, as
how to leave this layer, our survival is for us to determine, she will be
watching to see how we do."  Christeel adds, "As far as ending up in hell I
don't think that any thing could be worse, for if we are to die on this
world, we will never be able to leave, our souls will be trapped here for
ever and ever.  I plan on getting back somehow with out dying"

Jeath,
  Boy what a cheery bunch we've become.  So we're lost on the first layer
of Hell, I've been through worse.  Can't think of any right now.

Onyx, let's go scout ahead.  I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more than
exploring hell with a strong Dwarven companion.  Well, maybe one or two
things (OOC:  like visiting a dentist who's just run out of novacaine
[sp?]), but it's got to be near the top of the list.

As far as things getting any worse, they could you know.  This is only the
first layer.  What if we discover the only way out is to first venture
further in??

Darrin, don't concern yourself with my payment.  I don't know about the
others, but just the adventure has made this worth it for me.  On the other
hand, I may need a little spending money if a ever see Vea again.  Then
again, I may need plate armor if I ever see her again.

Christeel chrips in, "I don't think that gold is worth much in hell, but
when we make it back to Waterdeep" Christeel grins and winks at the lad Darrin.

Darrin grins shakily back at Christeel, though you think you hear him murmer 
Vrey's name as his eyes roll upwards and he shakes his head a little.

JEATH,
Has it occured to any of you to look for signs the Bastard has been here?  I
suspect that portal device we triggered has some sort of commands for
various places, and if you don't know the commands you wind up here.  But
Hal lied to us about other things, it is possible the Bastard is down here
somewhere as well.  If so, he came here intentionally, and if he did he must
know the way out.  It may be a good idea for someone to search around the
base of the mountain for a trail heading off somewhere.  Darrin, Foldis,
maybe you two could do that while Onyx and I scout ahead.  That will leave
the cleric Christeel to care for the passed out youth, if he should need
assistance.  He probably just needs rest.  Or a swift kick in the...

Onyx, let's explore Hell...

Christeel says to the group, "I will stay here an see to Darrin, the rest
might as well do some exploring of the area."

Christeel looks to Jeath, "You say cleric almost as if you don't like them.
I am the only cleric in this group and probably the only good one on this
entire layer of hell,  Mystria is the goddess the informed me as to where
we are, remember that the next time you use the word cleric if you would"

"Christeel, I apologize if anything I said led you to that conclusion.  I
sincerely hold Clerics in the highest respect.  Anyone who could be so
devoted to a cause, deity, anything, has a passion I'll never know.  I don't
regret this, but I do respect our differences, and your calling."

Christeel nods, "Tis in the past now"

Christeel turns his attention to the youth Darrin, "Sorry lad about tossing
the rock into the river but I was trying to figure out something about it.
We dare not touch it less we become part of it."

"It's okay..." Darrin trails off, trying to put it out of mind.

"How did throwing the rock into the river tell you we would become part of
it if we touch it?"  I am not doubting you, I am just curious how you came
to that conclusion."<>

Christeel look to Onyx as if looking at a child who just asked a stupid
question, "You see tossing an rock into the river allows one to notice the
ripples in the current,  I was looking for a magical ripple in the current
which would show that the river is actually alive.  I noticed the ripple
was indeed quite magical letting me know that the river is alive.  When the
rock smashed into the face and the cried out in pain that further informed
me of the river being alive and after speaking with my Goddess Mystria and
being told by her of there being great danger, I deduced that this alive
river is not one to be touched, and finally seeing the floating human faces
in the river that would tend to lead one to the conclusion that you become
party of the river if you were to touch it."

An interesting conclusion, and one I disagree with almost completely.  Not
that I think you're necessarily wrong, but that I think there are other
possibilities.  When Mystria said there was great danger about, not to knock
your goddess, but she wasn't specific.  It's possible the river would do us
no harm.  On the other hand, I'll wait some time before bathing.  It's my
not so learned opinion those faces are souls damned here for whatever
reason.  Whether or not entering the water would constitute joining them for
all eternity I don't know, but I have no desire to find out.  I'm most
curious to know the result of drinking from this river, but unless Halitsu
or Bel would like to volunteer I suggest we not bother to find out.

Christeel, "My goddess, Mystria is not here to hold my hand night and day
and if she chose to she could whisp us away from here and return us back to
whence we came.  But for some reason she has left us here, perhaps my
services are needed here for a while longer, and we need to complete a task
before returning.  She allows life itself to be our teacher, and we are to
learn from that.  What does not kill us makes us stronger"

I agree we should avoid the river if at all possible.<>

Darrin still pale manages to sputter, "Well, we can go to the witch or we
can wait for Bel to come get us.  If this place is so evil, than we know
that this Bel is probably the evilest of the bunch.  And little, cute 
Halitsu has a lot of big brothers and sisters," he says his gaze going
towards the multitude of marching fiends.

Onyx let's make tracks.<>

I head out with Jeath towards the waterfall to find shelter.<>

Shaking my head as I head off with Jeath:
"I hate mystical stuff.  I can't understand any of it.  Give me a good solid
axe any day, that I can understand."<>

----------
Onyx 'n Jeath
After a couple hour trek...

As you come closer towards the mountain that Hal had pointed out to you, you think 
you see the mouth of a cave... only it is across the river.  Where you stand, 
the river looks to be flowing a little more sluggishly than usual and is about 
thirty feet across, which is one of the narrowest points you have seen.  

The waterfall, which has been looming in the horizon is now quite close and
as terrible as the river... the howling, anguished bodies can be seen falling
in the cascading water, and where the water lands at the base of the towering
mountain is a great pool of screaming voices.

You can see across the river, that in front of the cave are some strange totem
like poles spread equally around the entrance and several feet from the entrance
to the cave.

You get the feeling that after a climb, that only Foldis might have the skill
to make, the only thing you will find is a lake, and who knows how long that
could take to get around, and then back down the other side.  And this mountain
is nowhere near as easy to scale as little Hal's mountain.

Jeath and I have talked it over and we have decided that we do not want to
find out what is in the cave by ourselves.  We will return to get the rest
of the group and figure out a way across when we all get back.<>

The trek back is just as long and tiring as the first journey.
---------
While Jeath and Onyx leave, you pull a little away from the river, carrying
Erilyx, who seems too exhausted to come around even with water splashed on
his face.  The others are gone for hours, and all you have for shelter is
a few of the blasted boulders, but it's better than being near the sounds
of anguish in the river.

On reaching the boulders FOLDIS looks for two that are
around 5ft apart and high enough to shelter under.

        If any are found she then rummages through her pack
and produces a square of canvas. This is placed over the gap
between the boulders and weighed down with rocks. Another
rock is placed in the centre of the canvas to trap any
rain/dew that may fall.

        She then starts looking for anything that could be
used to make a fire.

Darrin volunteers to help since it looks like it will be a 
long wait until Jeath and Onyx return.  But Darrin stays
clear of the river and it's voices.

Slowly, dragging tiredly, return the dwarf and the elf.

Well, there's good news and bad news.  We found a cave.  That's the good news.

The bad news takes a little longer.  Problem one, the cave is across the
river.  No, we didn't cross, we only saw it from a distance.  But it was
easy to spot, it's marked with a handful of totem poles.  I'm guessing their
some kind of wards to scare things away, but frankly this is hell, and I
can't see how those things are going to frighten away demons.

Did you guys find anything in our absence?  If not, we should probably head
for the cave right away.  On the other hand, if you guys have another idea
I'm all for it.  Although crossing a river of tortured souls to enter
uninvited a cave with demonic scarecrows to visit a witch in hell sounds
like a lot of fun.  Who's with me?

"As Jeath said, we did find a cave, but we do not know who or what is in
residence.  The river is about 30 feet wide at that point and the cliff
looks very difficult to impossible to everyone except maybe Foldis.  It is
clear we will have to cross the river if we are to get any shelter.
Christeel, would your invisible servant thing be able to carry us across?  I
have no other idea on how to cross the river, so I really hope that works.
Give Jeath and myself a few minutes to rest and we can head on back to the
cave."

I will sit down and drink some water to prepare for our return trip.<>

FOLDIS
        "If the river is crossable could I set up a rope so you could all get
over? I have most of my climbing gear with me.

        She waits for a reply before asking,

        "Onyx, could you spare a drop of water for me?"

"I do not believe that there would be any way to use a rope to cross the
river.  There is nothing to tie the rope to as far as I can tell."

"Christeel, can you please make us some water?  If you can let's all get our
waterskins out.  If you could put the water in the canvas that Foldis has
out we could all fill our waterskins."<>

FOLDIS,
        "I could fix a rope to the rock at this side with a
piton if necessary, the only problem with that is we may
need the rope later. If anyone else has a rope I could tie
them together and then all I would lose would be the piton."

Since taking shelter away from the river until the question asked by Onyx,
Christeel has taken a seat under the sheltered area and has been lost in
contemplation.  "Uhnn, Yes I will create water for everyone, Get your water
flask ready."  Christeel says a pray to his goddess and circle his hands
twice, then with a word and cupping his hands together water starts pouring
forth from his hands (4 gallons).  After the water has been distributed to
all that need it, Christeel pours what excess remains into the nearest
crater that he finds.

Darrin fills his flask and Erilyx's as well.

Christeel speaks to Jeath, "I’m sure, I’m right about this river being
alive and touching it would mean you become part of it"

Christeel says Onyx & the party "The unseen servant can only do small
things 20 stones (lbs) and must stay  within a fix distance 30 feet, I’m
not sure how much help it could be since the river is 30 feet wide.  I do
have another idea for crossing the river but it is quite risky, and one
mistake would mean touching the river and becoming part of it.  Here is the
Idea, Since Foldis can climb she could climb up the cliff on one side of
the river a ways say 35 feet.  She could then anchor a 50 foot the rope
near her with spikes or something.  Dropping the rope down to us, one of us
could get a running start toward the river while holding the rope and swing
out in a arc across the river to the other side.  I have done something
similar to this near my home over a river with trees.  I will volunteer to
make the jump across since it was my idea.
Once on the other side I could anchor the rope somehow on the other side
and the rest of the party could crawl across the rope to the other side as
well."

"It sounds like an interesting idea, but frankly I do not know if there is
any way to anchor the rope so this will work.  I was not looking for rope
anchors when we were there, so I can't remember enough about the area to
tell you if this will work or not.  Why don't we all head out that way and
see what we can do when we get there?"<>

FOLDIS,
        "Could we rest a while, I have not seen this
crossing point so do not know how difficult it will be so
would rather be well rested before taking it on, if we
dicied I shoyuld"

As we begin our trek back, Jeath will strike up a conversation with
Christeel, esteemed colleague in the arcane arts (is it just me, or does
Jeath always fire out flowery compliments when he wants something?)

"Christeel, what if we were to combine spells.  I can throw feather fall on
a couple of us at once, and then you're unseen servant could ferry them
across the river.  It would have to hurry, my spell would only last a matter
of seconds (OOC: 12) but the river is not that wide and the servant should
be able to cross the river easily in the alloted amount of time.  Perhaps we
could test the theory on a boulder or something if you think it would be wise."

"What do you think?"

"I think a test is definitely in order before you guys try something if you
are not sure it is going  to work, especially if failure means someone goes
into the river.  I will even volunteer to find you a rock big enough to
stand in for one of us and I will even move it into position for you.
Stereotype me all you want, but magic makes me nervous, especially
experimental stuff.  (gestures around) Just look where the last magic
experiment got us."<>

Christeel, "Agreed, we should test this idea first, to make sure it will work"

When Erilyx reawakens and is able to stand, and thanks to the water Christeel
is able to conjure, you are able to continue, though Darrin refuses to walk near 
enough the river to see the victims of that horrid water.  As you come closer 
towards the mountain that Hal had pointed out to you, you think you see the mouth of
a cave... only it is across the river.  Where you stand, the river looks to
be flowing a little more sluggishly than usual and is about thirty feet across,
which is one of the narrowest points you have seen.  

The waterfall, which has been looming in the horizon is now quite close and
as terrible as the river... the howling, anguished bodies can be seen falling
in the cascading water, and where the water lands at the base of the towering
mountain is a great pool of screaming voices.

Just the idea of swinging across it and hoping not to touch the waterfall
cascading down the mountain, is enough to cause Darrin to shiver where he
stands.

You can see across the river, that in front of the cave are some strange totem
like poles spread equally around the entrance and several feet from the entrance
to the cave.

The cave is a quarter mile from the river, and you don't see anyone or anything
in the area... though as you stand there, a fireball touches down in the water
in front of you, causing a splash that plunges water high into the air, and
steam rises up in between you and the cave, slowly dissipating after ten minutes
or so.  None of you were close enough to get splashed with the water.

Erilyx's eyes are still heavy and reddened but he moves.  Following where
everyone goes, and watching with as much interest as he can muster through
his exhaustion.

        Speaking like a croaking lizardman:
                "Were there any spells in that other book you
                 found that might help...?"

Is about his only ... suggestion.

        Watching and Waiting.

                        Erilyx.

"It is obvious we need to get across the river, so which way do we try
first?  I think the combination of spells Jeath and Christeel were talking
about might be worth trying first.  If they work I think it will be less
dangerous than the rope trick.  I would hate to have one of us caught in the
middle of the rope when another fireball hits the river.  I think we could
get across faster with the spell combibation, at least I think I can.  I
have a feeling it would take me quite a while to go across hand-over-hand on
the rope.  If we do the spells and they work  on the boulder, I will
volunteer to be the first person we try them on.  I think the two people
actually casting the spells should not be the first ones across the river in
case something comes out of the cave and attacks. If we have Christeel and
Jeath cross last then they should be safe from attack and they can send
reinforcements over if they are needed.  I will begin looking for a rock the
weight about 150-175 pounds for the test in case we try the spells.<>

FOLDIS,
        "If you don't mind I would rather climb across than
let any sort of magic touch me"

Jeath,
"Christeel, we should have plenty of time to get across, but have your
unseen servant go the instant I say, I don't want to waste any seconds at all."

I assist in the effort to find an appropriately big enough boulder/stone.
Once it's in place I'll wait for Christeel to cast his unseen servant.
After he gives me the signal I'll cast feather fall on the object and
immediately tell Christeel to go.

With the prescribed attempt described, Christeel cast his unseen servant
spell and does as Jeath instructs, having the unseen servant push on the
rock as soon as Christeel is told to start pushing on the rock.

Christeel feels the need for a little extra in the spell, but as soon
as the servant is present, Christeel feels that everything is fine again.

Not push it, carry it.  It will weigh no more than a goose feather, the
servant should be able to lift it, whisk it across and set it or toss it
down on the other side.<>

Under direction, the servant picks up the boulder and carries it, the
boulder bobbing up above the water to the other side, setting the boulder
down and then returning to Christeel.  Counting it seems to take about
ten seconds to get to the other side.

Onyx is next and stands near the water's edge and feels Jeath's spell
cast over him, he becomes as light as the air, a sensation quite startling
to the rotund fellow.  He feels himself picked up and ferried safely to
the other side.  Deposited on the ground, Onyx takes up a defensive position
and get's ready to help anyone that needs it.  Next comes Foldis and then
all that are left are four.

Jeath begins to feel tired as energy drains from him with each casting
and then he remembers a rule his mentor told him.  Only two more times
could he possibly cast this spell. 

"Foldis, I think we should stand back to back.  I will look at the cave if
you would look towards the river.  This way nothing can sneak up on us and
we will not be surprised.  Let's also stand a good distance away from the
river in case another fireball happens to come calling."<>

  I'll just send Darrin and Erilyx together, and then Christeel and
myself.<>

Darrin steps up timidly, his axe tied over his shoulder.  "Erilyx... uhm,
let's go ahead then... and Erilyx, I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have made
you come here... I just thought we'd have a better chance with all 
of us together."  He ducks his head and awaits the casting of Jeath's
spell.

After Erilyx comes close, Jeath casts his spell, and the unseen servant
takes them aloft.  Halfway across it seems to those watching on the
river's edge that Erilyx begins to slip out of the grasp of the unseen
servant, his feet just barely dangling above the water.  Darrin grabs
hold of Erilyx, and as the unseen servant readjusts his grip on the
one, Darrin slips out of it's grasp and right into the river, with
only ten feet to go.

His scream is one of bloodcurdling terror, as he reemerges, trying to
keep the bodies from touching him, and throwing himself towards the
river's bank.  You can see him dodge one body, only to come face to
face with another, and he groans as he pushes away from it, now just
five feet from the bank.  He sees Foldis and leaps in her direction, trying
to ignore the chilling touch and eerie screams of the bodies around him.

FOLDIS,
    Foldis lies down on the bank and reaches out with her
axe in Darrins direction (making sure she does not touch the
"water" shouting,
    "Someone get the rope off my pack"

"I will head for the water and help Darrin get out.  After getting him out
I will get out my waterskins and start washing him off.  I don't know what
being in the river did to him, but he obviously didn't become part of it.  I
want to get as much of the blood off of him as we can in case it has some
nasty effect on him."<>

Throwing caution to the wind (OOC : well if there is a wind in hell)
Christeel quickly cast another unseen servant spell,  "Jeath ready your
last feather fall spell, and I hope to Mystria that my notion about this
river is wrong, or Darrin is lost"  Christeel will have the first servant
finish pushing Erilyx to the other side of the river.  He will have the
second go an grap hold of Darrin and pull him to the other side of the
river.  Once the first servant has finished pushing Erilyx to the other
side Christeel will have the first servant go and help the second in
draging Darrin from the river,  "By My Mystria, may I be wrong, why the
lad, humans life's are short already."

The unseen servant sets Erilyx down on the shore just a foot from the
water's edge.

Darrin scrabbles onto the shore with the help of the two dwarves, and a
sudden grip on his arm from something invisible, which the terrified
youth tries to break the hold of, and throws himself from the bank, trembling 
as Onyx tries to clean the blood off. 
 
"Alive... they're alive... they touched me," the youth coughs out.  "One grabbed 
me, while I was under the water, and I had to kick at it, but I was still
weightless and it started to drag me down.  I kept kicking, and finally I 
connected and broke away.  I think I swallowed some of the water," he says
swiping at the red filth still on his body.  He shudders and trembles, continuing,
"I can still hear them... they're all yelling the same thing.... Join us," he says
in a haunted voice.  

I will keep trying to clean the blood off of Darrin.  We are going to want
to keep an eye on him for a while in case the voices have a lasting effect
on him and make him want to go back into the river.  I will look towards the
cave entrance several times while cleaning up Darrin to see if the noise we
are making causes anyone or anything to come out.<>

FOLDIS,
    Once Darrin is out of the river Foldis will advance a
short way from the party in the direction of the cave and
keep watch in that direction.

Looking towards the cave entrance, barely visible, at this distance,
you can see puffs of white smoke billowing upwards from the mountain,
just above the cave's height... white smoke, unlike the black fireball
smoke you've encountered.  Nothing else seems to be going on in that
direction.

Darrin curls up, huddled in a ball, shivering, though in the incessant
heat of this plane, his clothes are already starting to dry.

<>Christeel, do you have any other suggestions, or should we stick with
this.  I still think it will work if we're still while we cross, but
honestly, if I fall in I'm too tired to fight my way out.  But I don't think
we want to rest alone on this side of the river, if we're going to do this
we should do it now, while there's no one else around to bother us.

Christeel to Jeath, "Well let do it, I'm As ready as I'll every be,
and I need to see if there is anything that I can do for Darrin,  I see
that I still have a lot to learn about magic, Darrin appears to still be
alive after falling into the river.  He looks terror striken from here."
Christeel has his servants return to his side of the river, "The servants
are ready to move us, they are in position, I am ready when you give the word"

"Let's go then."  I cast my remaining feather fall spell and immediately
say, "Now."

Christeel and Jeath feel like they are suddenly floating above the water
and carefully deposited on the other side on the shore just above the river.
Though as you crossed over the bodies floating and clawing, jostling into
each other, it was enough to cause a shudder in the deeps of your bones.

Chrsteel will urge the servants to push he and Jearh as quickly as
possible to the other side.

There still appears to be no one nearby, and Darrin huddled on the ground
is at least quiet and not fighting Onyx who is never going to be able to
clean the boy off fully, though Darrin has ceased to care about his grimy,
mucky coating, just trying to stave off the horror in his mind.

Once on the other side Christeel, will quickly go to Darrin's aid, first
casting Bless on himself and those around him, and following the bless
spell a create water spell (OOC : Tada, Holy Water), cupping his hands for
the water to pour forth  "Darrin you must drink some of this water" After
Darrin has drank some of the water Christeel will use what remains to rinse
Darrin's entire body off, Clothes and all.

I think we all need a rest.  What do you say we move near the cave and have
a rest.  Let's get close enough we can take cover in the cave if we need,
but try to stay far enough away to not disturb anything inside just yet.
And I think it's fairly obvious we'll need to post a watch.  I'm spent, and
I don't think Darrin or Erilyx are in any shape for a watch.  I'll volunteer
for last watch.  Anyone care to go first?

Christeel, if you want I'll loan you Finott's book, I'm too tired to do
anything with it now anyway.  Maybe next time we rest...

I will let Christeel look after Darrin since I think he will be better able
to help him than myself.  "I Agree with Jeath about needing to rest, but I
think we should do it just inside the cave where we will be out of sight so
anyone who might be looking for us will not spot us easily, and so we will
be in the shade where it will be cooler.  I think it might be wise for us to
check out the cave a little before we all go inside.  Foldis, would you care
to join me in a brief look inside the cave.  I don't think we need to
explore it fully right now, just look around near the entrance where we will
be and maybe back about 50 feet or so.  I will then volunteer for first watch."

I head off towards the cave, hopefully with Foldis as backup<>

FOLDIS;
    As Foldis is closer to the cave than Onyx she waits
until he reaches her then drops all her equipment except her
weapons and falls into step alongside him Axe hanging freely
from her wrist.

Darrin does his best to comply with Christeel's directions, even drinking
a little of the water, and he seems to look with slightly cleared eyes
around him, but he trembles and shakes as he tries to stand on his
own and make it towards the cave behind Jeath and Christeel.

As Foldis and Onyx go ahead of the party to scout out the cave, they
approach cautiously.  Someone has set up posts around the cave some
thirty feet from the entrance.  As the posts have no crossbars spanning the
five feet between each, they do not seem a handy method of repelling
intruders.  The white smoke billows forth from the cave entrance.
Foldis and Onyx reach the posts and the others moving slower bring up the
rear about fifty feet back.

A white-haired woman clad in red robes staggers, coughing, from the cave.
She glances up with bleary, bloodshot eyes, curses, and begins to make
a series of gestures.

FOLDIS,
    As soon as she spots the woman Foldis says, in a loud
voice,
    "Hello, can you help us"

If the old woman keeps gesturing after Foldis talks to her I will run
forward and grab her hands so she can't cast any spells at us.  (It's been
nice working with all of you, please scatter my ashes in a gold mine back home)
Onyx

Upon seeing the woman apparently begin to cast a spell, I will dive to the
rock, and roll ten or fifteen feet away.  When I come up I pull a dagger and
prepare to launch it.

Christeel, quickly grabs Darrin and has him find a place of protection,
away from the old woman. (Christeel thinks that the lad has already had a
full day's excitement)

Onyx tackles her as wispy threads fly up into the air above the dwarf,
flying off to the left of the party where they do no harm.  The woman
begins to scream pitifully, crying out, "Don't kill me! Fiends! Rape!
Help!!!"

"Please ma'am, calm down.  We are not here to hurt you.  I am sorry if I
frightened you, but I didn't want you to cast a spell on us thinking we were
enemies.  We have come in search of you to seek your help, so don't worry,
we will not harm you."

If she calms down I will let her go and help her to her feet and ask her is
she is okay.  I will then ask:  "My companions and I are exhausted from our
travels, would it be possible to step inside the cave to rest and talk?
Also, my friend here (indicate Darrin) fell into the river.  Could you tell
me if it will have a lasting effect on him and possibly what that could be?"

If she doesn't calm down I will keep holding to her and telling her we mean
her no harm and that we only want to seek her help.<>

Dropping down to one knee, Erilyx draws his cape around his body,
obscuring any motion from his hands.  As the old bag flings her hands
around, he watches - dim eyes now hawkish.

As for what is going on now, since Onyx tackled her, I move to Darrin with
a gesture that hopefully nobody sees, but nothing overly hidden.  I figure
they're watching the witch... right now I'm not.

Moving to Darrin's totally wettened form as he tries to stand on his own,
Phearez will lock his gaze squarely, pulling himself straight.  Slowly
closing his eyes, the bony youth inclines his head to Darrin in a sincere,
waist-up bow.
        Speaking, Phearez's tone is solid yet soft.
                "Perhaps some day, I shall return that favor."

Darrin barely nods in return before Erilyx turns away.

If Darrin tries to ask/say/do anything else, Phearez will turn away from
him instantly, silently moving off to the side (perhaps near a totem pole)
to watch the rest of the encounter.  Totally motionless and wordless.  His
heavy cloak is now worn off kilter on his body, so it hangs over his right
arm, obscuring the knife he grips tightly.

Jeath picks himself up, feeling only slightly sheepish, and says, "Well done
Onyx, but what are you going to do with your new girlfriend now?"

"Do you suppose this is the witch Halitsu was referring to?  Onyx, you seem
to have a way with women, would you like to question her and see if she can
help us?  It might be wise to ask her to verify the answers we got from Hal
as well."

"I'm kind of busy at the moment, Jeath.  Do you suppose you could make
jokes later and possibly find something useful to do now?<>

"Trust me, Onyx my friend, if I can crack jokes in hell after what we've
been through, I'll be cracking jokes later as well."

As I say this I head for the mouth of the cave.  I'll enter and look around
quickly, we don't need her hiding helpers or anything of that sort.

"Please excuse my rude friend, ma'am.  He doesn't mean to be rude by
entering your home uninvited, he just has no manners.  We have tried to
teach him, but he is dumb as a post and he just can't seem to learn.
Honestly, he won't hurt anything, he is just a little paranoid and he wants
to make sure we are all safe."<>

She continues to struggle and scream even as Onyx speaks to her, but 
then as she realizes that Jeath is going into her cave, she calls out,
"No!  You shouldn't go in there.  If you are not my enemies than you
will prove it first.  Let me up and let me go into the cave and retrieve
an item that will help me know if you speak the truth."

Christeel remains quiet as the events unfold for the group, "Darrin how are
you feeling?  I hope that the blood river doesn't have any lasting effects,
but don't you worry, I'll be sure to keep a close eye on yee.  We have a
few people that are expecting us to return and bring back A.J."

After the issue with the witch woman is settled some, Christeel will say to
the group,  "We need to get some rest Onyx is right, Darrin and Phearez
need some rest, I as well need some rest, my spell reserves are almost
depleated."

<>
After giving Onyx a dirty look, I halt my approach to the cave and say,
"Pardon me, milady, but I fear I'm a bit skeptical.  As to my rudeness, I'm
a thief, it's my job to go unbidden into other people's homes.  As to
proving we are not your enemies, you came out casting spells at us.  We
merely stopped you, and did you no harm in the process.  We could just as
easily have injured or killed you.  That alone should prove we mean you no
harm.

On the other hand, you came out throwing spells at us.  We have now rendered
you harmless, yet you ask us to turn you loose and let you out of our sight.
For all we know you will attack us again.  Perhaps you should give us some
sign that you mean us no harm.

As I said, pardon my skepticism, I'm a cynical elf, and being in hell has
only furthered my cynicism.  Might I suggest a compromise?  How about if I
accompany you into the dwelling?  Though I freely confess to being a thief,
I tell you in all sincerity I have never kept another's personal belongings.
You have my word, for what that's worth in hell, that I will not start with
yours."

This said I begin to back slowly towards the cave, watching to see if she
will come with me.  If she will, being a gentleman, I will stop and allow
her to go in first.

I won't enter till I see her reaction.

FOLDIS,
    To Onyx
    "Onyx get off her, do you realise how ridiculous you look"

    Foldis then approaches Onyx and the woman reaches out a
hand and says
        "Here, let me help you up"

"I will help the woman up and release her so she can go into her cave."
After she is gone I will turn to Foldis  "Tackling her was an accident, I
only wanted to grab her hands to keep her from casting a spell at us.  If
you think I was out of order maybe next time someone tries to cast a spell
at us you would like to stop them."

I then turn to Erilyx. "You seem to have recovered, it is good to see you up
and about again."<>

Muttering again.

Erilyx's eyes are over the dwarf to Jeath, as he shakes his head in
seeming disgust.  He basically ignores Onyx, keeping watch on the scene
Jeath is creating.  And it seems farily obvious that Jeath's actions are
not approved by him.  Under his breath he's muttering again.  [I'll leave
it all in, but you can forget bits at your own discretion.]

        "Accursed elf!  What is he thinking, She lives in hell
         does he really think his ever frightening visage will
         lull her into doing as we please?!  How can someone be
         so clever one instant and so god forsaken stupid the
         next."

Even through his muttering, Erilyx's facial expression maintains it's
mask, not showing any of the emphasis the words do.

Muttering again.

"What exactly is your problem?  I don't agree with Jeath just walking into
her cave without permission when we are trying to win her over, but at least
he is trying something.  He wants to make sure there is no other threat to
us inside the cave, which is a good idea, even if I don't like how he is
going about it.  Just what have you contributed to our efforts besides
sneaking off when danger rears its head and mumbling your disagreement with
what we do.  If you don't like what we are doing then by all means tell us
about it openly or do something yourself.  I trust every member of our group
except you.  I know if I am in trouble they will be there to help me and
back me up in a fight.  I am fairly certain that I can not count on you to
do the same, after all you ran off after we prevented the assassin from
getting you without so much as a thank you to any of us.  You try to hide
everything you do from us, such as throwing your cloak around you so we
can't see what you are doing.  We are supposed to be a team, but we can't
work together effectively unless we are honest with each other about our
abilities and skills and you seem to want to hide your talents from us.  I
have had it with you and your secretive ways and lack of contribution to our
efforts.  Either shape up and act like a trustworthy member of our group or
find a nice demon to hang around with."<>

Christeel sits down near Darrin, and starts fliping through the spell book
that was found by Jeath in the mound home.  Commenting to Darrin, "I have
to agree with Onyx, Erilyx actions are quite strange."

Darrin says hesitantly, "He didn't want to come here in the first place.
I made him come.  I wouldn't be happy being here and knowing you only came
because some jerk threatened you with an axe."  Darrin ducks his head as
though shamed.

Christeel turns a page, "You should have left him behind, but who knows
time may prove me wrong, as I was about the river"

The witch brushes herself off and looks dubiously at Jeath and then
all around her at the others arguing amongst themselves.  She mutters
to herself something that sounds like, "Baatezu... amongst them... hmmph."

One look at Darrin, her head bobs up and down a couple of times and she says,
"Alright, come ahead, the lot of you... don't dwadle.  You can all come,
but once inside, I'm going to take a careful look at the lot of you with
my gem of seeing," she threatens making for the cave with Jeath waiting
patiently for her.

  I step aside and make a sweeping gesture with my left-hand, and then
fall in step directly behind her.  Once in side I will circle the area
quickly, looking in any nooks and crannies and touching absolutely nothing.

Christeel still fliping though the book, gets up and slowly follows the old
woman into the cave.  "Darrin, you doing Ok lad?  It appears that this old
woman may be able to help us some."

Darrin rises shakily after Christeel, and glancing down at himself, still
with muck and junk on him, he takes a swipe at some goo left on his leathers,
not that any comes off.  But he nods at Christeel and with only a slight
shudder as he glances behind him towards the river in the distance, he
follows everyone into the cave.

To DM:

Curses.  Was I _that_ loud?  That damn dwarf is one strike away.  If he
steps on my toes one more time, it will be his last. I don't see anyother
way out of here with my skin on but to follow them though.  Tymora be
damned.

I'm searching this pad for anything to pocket.  I will _never_
underestimate a denizen of hell however.  Baatezu - that's a term he'll
commit immediately to memory.  Why do I have the feeling she's talking to
me.  Torm be damned.

To Players:

Erilyx takes he verbal beating, staring Onyx clean in the face, without a
single flinch or attempt to retort.  When the dwarf is finished (and the
hag invites everyone in) Erilyx will silently walk past him, and await his
turn to have his soul peered into.

I will follow the woman into the cave.<>

FOLDIS,
    Foldis returns to where she left her equipment, picks it
up and then takes the old woman up on her invitation to
enter the cave.

As you enter the cave, passing the mouth opening, you each feel a faint tingle
wash over you, but nothing more.  Inside the cave, you spy an even smaller hut,
from which white smoke still emerges in fitful, acrid puffs.  The womans leads
you inside the front door, introducing herself as 'Hexla, the mad witch.  Least
that's how I was called back home.  You folks can call me Hexla.'

Once inside she hastens to a fireplace mantle and true to her words, she takes
up a small gem, and putting it up to her eye, she closes her other eye and slowly
gives you the once over, indicating afterwards that you may be seated.  She
makes Darrin sit near the fireplace, murmering, "Poor dear lad.  Must have slipped
and fell in the river, eh.  Must be careful in crossing the river... only a few
shallow places to get across and not have to listen too much to the wailing.
You'll be alright, get some vittles and brew in you."  She reaches out a gnarled
old hand and gives the youth a little pat on the head.  "Anyone else for some tea,
and I have some fresh vegetables from my garden, which I just made a stew from."

FOLDIS,
        Foldis happily accepts the offer of tea and stew.
        
        While they are being served she asks,
                "How long have you been here, and where did you come from"

Her house is a jumble of jars and containers, and pillows and rugs... and only
on one wall, is a line of books on one shelf, kept in a very neat and precise order.

Christeel closes the book and takes his time looking around the Witches cave.
Christeel will watch as the witch takes the gem out a looks over the party
with her small gem.  Christeel asks "Hexla if I may ask a question, What does
that gem of yours allow you to see about us?  Are you expecting someone to be
playing a trick on you?  Do you get many guest that come to visit?  Also may
I ask about your neat stack of books?

"Oh, those.  Some of my reading books is all they are.  Helps pass the time.
And you never know with fiends, they're always playing tricks, though I don't
get that many visitors to worry."

To players:
Seeing the pillows and smelling the food, Erilyx collapses in some pillows
near the door, and will lie motionless until there's some (any) food.
He'll chow like a starved orc child, and then collapse back into the
pillows, motionless again.  Listening, you assume.

To Moose:
Phearez will sit there and peer at each one of them.  'If I had my damned
way, I wouldn't have come, Chris steal.' he thinks to himself.  'Bastards
all of them.'  Etc.  I think you can kinda dig his line of thought by now.
Anything the witch says he'll weigh heavily, nobody in hell is going to
offer a straight bargain.  That's for sure.  He wonders what kind of price
it might cost one for planetravel. . . and for some reason, he doesn't
think it'll come down the the platinum wrapped snug in his backpack.  He's
watching for lies inside lies, riddles inside plain wrapping... and
studying her too.  Magic is something which fascinates the kid.

"Thank you for the tea and stew."  I will sit down and eat and rest.  I have
been walking a lot today and I am tired.  There are several questions I
would like to ask Hexla, but at the moment I am too tired to worry about it.<>

IC:  "Thank you, no.  I'll pass on the tea and stew for now."  This said I
will wander over to the bookshelf and observe the titles.  I will also
observe my foolhardy(?) friends partaking of the proffered vittles.  Here's
hoping no one shows any ill effects.<>

Hexla suggests the Blood War account by Centurion Julius Caesar, one of
the early Tanar'ri generals of the war.

IC (forgot this part):  I also keep a good eye on our new 'friend.'  Call me
paranoid, but this is just too easy.  I smell a trap (or is that just Onyx...)

Upon entering the cave Christeel closes the book and looks around at the cave
very carefully noting any thing that seems strange to him.

Christeel has also, not taken the offered tea and fresh veggies.
(thinking to himself she is a witch after all not to mention that
 we are in hell)

I will take the offered stew and tea, but I will not eat or drink until
Hexla does.<>

Hexla fusses over everyone, making sure everyone is happy before sitting
down on a ratty old couch with a small cup of soup and a dainty cup of
tea.  Both of which she sips at as she entertains you.

Christeel asks of Hexla,
        "Hexla would you tell us how you came to be here on this layer of hell"

"In my youth, living in the Outlands quite content, and then I found out 
about the other planes.  I worked hard to perfect my magic, gathered the 
right materials and cast the spell.  I ran from my hut right into the cave
wall," she says with a knowing smile.  "I haven't been able to get the
right components to cast the spell again."

        "Would you tell of the gem which you hold up to your eye, what is it that
         you are look for in us?  Are we not what we appear to be?"

"Well, you might have been fiends," she answers seriously.  "Some fiends can
disguise themselves, but the gem of true-seeing sees through illusions."

        "We are new to this layer, Who runs this world, and who are his enemies?

"This is the first layer of Baator.  Have you not heard of the nine layers of
hell.  This is Avernus and the ruler of this layer is Bel, the pit fiend.  His
enemies... anyone that is not his slave."

        "Is this ruler a strong one or are there others fighting for his crown?"

"Pit fiends as a whole are incredibly strong, though there is always a fiend
who wants more, who wants to become a pit fiend.  Good luck to them, but then
what would be the difference to me.  I have my garden, growing my own food and
for my safety I can not go far from my cave, lest a fiend corner me.  It has
been a terrible time here, but then I've come to an agreement with Bel.  I am
not so powerless that I did not hurt his ranks that first came at me."

        "Do you know any thing about the platform over there on yonder mountain?"
        (Christeel is indicating the area from which the group came)

"No.  I can not help you.  I have not been that far from my home."

        "Do you know the name Halitsu, he is a deamon creature that we first
         encountered upon arriving here?"

"No.  Why do you ask?"

        "We are here looking for man that fled our world and goes be the name
         A.J.,  do you have any means of tracking or finding him?  We would
         be grateful for any aid that you could render us"

"I have seen no one come this way in many years."

        "Is there anything that we can do to help you?"

"Hmm, well isn't that sweet of you.  See if you can find me some sweetgrass
and bat skulls.  If you bring them back to me, I can get out of this 
infernal plane.  How did you come here, if you don't mind my asking?"

"We found an abandoned stronghold while looking for the man my friend
mentioned.  While exploring the stronghold we entered a room that had a rune
covered circle in the middle of the floor, but whay we didn't know was that
dust had covered the runes that were over the rest of the floor.  Entering
the room must have triggered a spell and we ended up on that plateau.
Halitsu is a small fiend who was guarding the place and he told us you might
be able to help us get home and how to find you.  If we were to find you
some bat skulls and sweetgrass could you get all of us back home, and would
you have any idea where we could look for them around here?  Is there
anything else that we can do to get home?  If you can help us get home then
the least we could do is help you get home as well.<>


"Hmm," she says rubbing her chin thoughtfully.  "We could try.  This fiend
told you about me, eh?  Awful nice of him, I guess.  Of course there's
ways to get out of Avernus.  I can help direct you," she says nodding once.

To MooSe.

Once the mention of sweetgrass and bat skulls rings in Phearez's ears he
know the reagent hunt will be on.  That being the case, he closes his
eyes, and begins to breath heavily, reaching for the sleep which he feels
very near to him.

Basically, he wants to fall asleep.  It's been almost 3 full days now
without any rest for him, and this is his first meal in about that time as
well.  The kid's beat, and after eating - Bah, no chance.

I know that you don't necessarily want me to leave the group, but one of
the development possibilities I left open for Phearez was the possibility
of dual classing over to a mage.  He is intrigued by magic, and not to
mention, one who could fight off demon fiends and have a magically
protected lair.  As he tries to dose off, he plots in his head sucking
down a few hours of sleep while they hunt.  Talking to Hexla.  Alone.


To the players:

        Nada nada limonada.

Jeath tries and fails to stifle a chuckle.  "Sweetgrass.  In hell.  No
wonder you've been here so long.  I'm sorry, I don't mean to scoff, but I
scoff nonetheless.  To quote an oft used orcish phrase, 'Not bloody likely.'
I don't suppose you know of any other way out of hell?"

Hexla snorts, "True, I haven't seen anywhere that might have some, but
I thought if you see some, you might bring it my way."

"I'm sorry, no offense meant.  If we should find some sweetgrass I'll
personally see that you get some."<>

"I don't know exactly how you can get out of here, but I can tell you
who, or rather what, would know:  The Pillar of Skulls.  It's some sort
of punishment for sages who've cheated their customers, and it's got the
answers to most any questions about the area.  Ask it about the way out,
and make sure you ask it about the key, too.  You have to be more clever
than it is, and they say the pillar's made of the skulls of petitioners who
lied for a livin'.  It'll try to cut a deal with you, but you have to make
sure you're gettin' the better end of it.

"To get ot the Pillar of Skulls, follow the river through a set of hills.
Once past 'em, you'll come to a plain surrounded by more hills that form
a cul-de-sac at the bend in the river - a dead end.  Head off to the right,
toward those hills across the plain, and soon you'll reach the pillar.  If you
want it to give you information, you're s'posed to pay the music, so have
something ready to give it in return."

"Might you have some idea of what they would accept as payment?"<>

"You just have to pay the music," she says again.

"Most of all, don't trust anyone here!  You can't even be sure I'm tellin'
the truth," Hexla finishes.

"Tell me something I don't know."<>

Darrin starts to shake again when she mentions following the river and
noticing, she says to the others, "I think both your young friends need
a rest.  That one," indicating Erilyx, "is already asleep and the boy
should feel better in the morning.  Why don't you all take a rest here.
I understand if you post a watch," she adds with a smile.  "This might
be the safest place on Avernus for you bloods."

"True, we all could use a rest.  How fitful can it be to sleep in hell?<>

"I would prefer last watch, but I will go first if there are no other
takers.  Christeel, Foldis, I think that leaves you two.  I don't believe
Darrin or Erilyx will be taking a watch tonight.

Darrin murmers about taking a watch himself, but his eyes are half shut.

Muttering, in the best imitation of Erilyx I muster, "Bloods.  Why did she
call us bloods.  Something about blood and hell just doesn't mix."

"Thank you for the information, Hexla.  Would you care to come with us to
the Pillars?  If the Pillars tell us how to get home you could come with us.
It seems like the least we can do is try to get you home too.  How long do
you think it will take us to get to the Pillars?  I think a day or two of
traveling in this environment is about all we are going to be able to manage
in our present condition.  With more than one night's rest we would be able
to go longer, but I would rather not spend any more time here in Hell than I
have to. Also, do you know of any specific dangers we are likely to
encounter on the way?"

I will take third watch.  I am too tired to stay awake for an entire watch
at the moment.<>

"Two days at the most.  I understand that you wish to leave Avernus as soon
as possible.  I fear I would only hold you young 'uns up.  And it would be
best for you to get the young one off this plane as quickly as you can.  I
haven't heard of any lasting effects do the river, but it's definately
frayed the poor dear's nerves," she says patting Darrin's head gently.  "Close
your eyes little one.  I'll sing you a lullaby I used to sing my son.."
she trails off and then sitting on the arm of the chair, she pulls Darrin,
resisting at first but then not having much fight left in him, towards
her and starts to hum a lullaby while rocking back and forth.  It's not long
till Darrin is fast asleep, a content and peaceful look on his face.

Christeel offers, "I'll take first watch, get some shut eye, I'll wake
Foldis later on to take the next watch"  Christeel takes up a seated
position near the sleeping members with a veiw of the cave entrance.  The
elf unslings his bow and places it across his lap and pulls an arrow out of
his quiver and set it into position for firing.  He pulls out 3 more arrows
and places them to his right and slowly draws his long sword and places it
to his left, prepared for any trouble.

Once preparing himself for his watch and provided that Hexla is still up
and awake Christeel will ask Hexla if see would care to chat some more.
"Hexla would you care to chat some more?"

Hexla shushes you and then making sure that Darrin is sound asleep, she
eases out from under him and steps carefully around Erilyx to sit near
Christeel.

"I would like to ask a few more questions, could you tell me what you know
of the blood river"

"Sorry.  I just heard, it's more ucky looking than dangerous, though I
wouldn't take a bath in it."

"What did you see when you looked at Erilyx"

"A human... male."

"May I use your gem of seeing for a moment, I would like to see what this
gem reveals"

She hesitates but then hands it to you, though she keeps both eyes on it
at all times.

If given the gem, Christeel will hold it up and look though the gem at the
diffrent party members and then look at Hexla herself.  Christeel will then
hand the gem back to Hexla.  "Thank You"

Looking through the gem doesn't show you anything you hadn't already
noticed with your own two eyes.

"You did say sweet grass and bat skulls,  I'll make sure that you get these
if we encounter any."

"That's very nice of you boys," the old lady replies.

Christeel, "You have been here for quite a while haven't you, how long has
it been?"

"Many years... at first I was in a lot of danger, but I have a secret
weapon and my holy water and my gem of seeing.  That stopped a lot of
the lesser Baatezu."

Christeel, "Darrin swallowed some of the water, I did my best to help
clense him of the blood water, do you know if it has any lasting effects?
He had said the while in the river the there were voices calling for him to
join them."

"Ooooh, particularly foul.  No wonder the poor boy is so shaken up.  I
wish I could tell you more, but you'll have your hands full trying to
get him to come near the river again.  If you must cross it, find a 
shallow place with maybe some rocks, that way if you fall in, you won't
go all the way under," Hexla suggests.  "There's a few places that shallow."

Christeel, "How many books do you have of worth, I remember at the entrance
of you cave that you were going to cast a spell upon us.  Perhaps we could
trade or bargain for some of your spells,  what say you?"

"Hmmm, no.  I don't really think so.  I need to keep what spells I have 
from getting into the hands of Bel and the other fiends.  Keeps them on
their toes."

When Christeel's watch is up, He will quietly get and go and wake Foldis,
"Your turn to take the watch,  would you make sure that I'm not distrubed
for at least eight hours, I require that much rest to regain my spells,
Thank you.  Christeel then gathers up his sword and arrows and goes and
find a resting place and proceeds to snuggle down for some much needed rest.

FOLDIS,
    Quietly to Christeel
        "I can't guarantee you 8 hours but will leave you as
long as possible"

    Foldis then picks up her axe and quietly moves to the
entrance to the cave.

I will sleep until Foldis wakes me up for third watch.  When I get up I
will put my armor back on and keep my axe handy.<>

Christeel will make a note to himself that at his earliest opprotunity
make a copy of the spells in the book that Jeath had found.

Likewise, I'm sure.  When my watch rolls around I'll leaf through the books
on Hexla's shelf.  Won't actually read a book, just brief excerpts.  Can't
afford to get too deep into a book and expect to stand watch at the same time.
<>

Jeath notes that when his turn comes for watch, that Hexla is still 
sitting next to Darrin, who's curled up in her arms sleeping soundly.

She watches as you begin to make your way towards the books and whispers
softly, "The histories are to the right.  I would rather you didn't 
touch the black binded books.  They are all the protection I have in
this foul world."

The histories don't make much sense, some writing about a Blood War,
and then another seems to be about the creation of some race called
yugoloths.  Just touching them reeks of death and decay.

As Jeath reads, Darrin stirs, Hexla stretches and she makes her way to
a tiny kitchen and starts cooking.  It smells pretty good.  Darrin's
eyes watch her forlornly as she walks from the room.

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