After a breakfast at the inn, you return to the Fighter's Guild and meet with J'Harast.
"Are we ready to proceed to the house?" asks J'Harast.
"Unless one of the spell casters decides against it, I believe we are ready to go. Sasha, you do still have your maps, don't you?"
Wellyn says, "Are we going for the house or the dungeon?"
"Everyone wants the house because it is closer, so I assume we are going there."
You set out, forming a living shield around J'Harast.
For the sake of Wellyn, here is a quick synopsis of the adventure thus far...
Sasha the cleric, newly arrived in Sandas in early October of 1370, was approached by a group of people - who it later turned out were clerics of some of the Good deities worshipped in the area - and was asked to explore and clean out a derilect house in a nice neighbourhood of the city. It had become infested with all sorts of evil creatures, and they were making a nuisance of themselves in the area. Gathering up a party of like-minded adventurers, they started exploring the place.
It has not been an easy time for them...the monsters were comfortably ensconced in the house, plus there have been interpersonal problems within the party, which came to a head about a month ago, when Sasha was murdered by another party member (since deceased) while J'Harast stood by. But, the party has persevered.
At this point the house itself has been cleared (you hope), as have the cellar areas beneath. However, they have discovered that there is a tunnel connecting the basement of the house with both the sewers of the city, and a dungeon maze beneath the graveyard next door. The latter, it has been learned, is owned by the church of the Gods of Trouble...who, as their name implies, are evil gods.
The party has begun to explore the maze beneath the graveyard, but much remains...
Passing through the West Gate of Sandas, you arrive at the house without incident after walking for half an hour.
The place looks as it always has...deserted and empty.
Illyana looks at the house. "It's been a while since I've been here, and my memories aren't fond ones. We're going back to the dungeon aren't we? Are there any areas we want to revisit?" A thought comes to her. "Oh yeah, Wellyn, don't touch any clothing unless you have a desire to become a girl.. We lost a party member to enchanted clothing."
Farad raises an eyebrow. "Indeed. I will remember that too."
Bel smiles and says, "Bedsheets also have a tendancy to attack people. We could always go torture that book some more but I do not think it will do us any good."
Illyana shudders. "Don't remind me. My father would not have been happy if he had learned how his daughter was almost killed by a sheet."
You head in and downstairs...through the walled off wine cellar and into the tunnel that leads you under the grounds of the house and under the adjacent graveyard.
There, you come to the octagonal-shaped room. You enter through a door in the west wall. The remains of a tunnel worm lie on the floor...along with numerous corpses of other species. In the south wall are two doors. You have opened the westernmost of these...it led into the area where you battled bugbears, gargoyles, and huecuvae...and where Bel was killed. The door beside it has not been opened.
To the east is another unopened door.
To the north are two more doors. The eastern door opens into a passage, you recall. The western door does too, and it is from this area that Rane brought the tunnel worm.
Illyana looks around. "Someone listen at those unopened doors, I don't want or need any surprises." She looks at the doors. Do any look more recently used than the others?
No.
Farad turns to J'harast. "I guess you are safe enough down here. Lead on. But watch the shadows carefully in case we were followed."
A bit sarcastically, J'Harast replies, "Thank you for the advice."
Turning to Illyana, "Of course, I'll check the doors. All part of the service."
J'Harast will make sure to check all the doors to see he if he hears anything. Once satisfied, he'll slip a doorstop into each one, until we are ready to open them.
He hears nothing at any of the doors.
Farad watches, his eyes gleaming coldly in the darkness, but he says nothing.
After listening at the various doors, J'Harast starts opening them, beginning with the door next to the one where Bel was killed. Unless anyone has objections. However, if he hears anything, then that door becomes the target.
Starting with the second door in the south, J'Harast opens it. Beyond is a passage running south for 60' and then out of the range of your illumination.
Closing it again, he goes over to the east door and opens it. This reveals a 20' long passage heading east...after which it opens up into a dark chamber.
Closing that door, he next opens the easternmost door in the north wall. This door leads to a passage running north for 20'...after which it angles off to the northwest.
J'Harast then opens the door beside it to the west. This is yet another passage...20' north, then the right wall angles northwest for 10' and then heads west, while the left wall turns west after 20'. This is where Rane found the tunnel worm.
J'Harast opens the last door, and the room where Bel bit it is revealed...littered with bones and debris. The four doors leading off of this room remain open, and you can look into the rooms beyond. All are as you left them previously.
In a quiet voice J'Harast asks, "Which way? I figure we should go down this passageway first."
You head south.
At the 60' point, you see that the passage runs a further 60' south and again out of the range of your lights. However, in the 10' - 20' section of the east wall is a door...closed.
Illyana pauses. "J'Harast, can you check the door?" She looks at the rest of the group. "Does anyone have any detection spells of any kind?"
J'Harast checks the closed door, listening at it.
He hears something...it sounds like heavy objects being dragged across the floor...accompanied by an occasional metallic crash...
In a whisper, J'Harast says, "Everyone to one side of the door. I'll open it and see what's going on in there. I'll let you know if there is to be a fight or not."
As soon as everyone is in position, J'Harast will open the door, sword at the ready.
J'Harast bangs at the door four times without success.
At last it opens...courtesy of the occupant on the other side.
Revealed is a 20' X 30' room (10' south, 30' east), filled with equipment and junk.
Facing you is a man, robed as a cleric. He grips a glowing hammer.
"Yes?" he says. "What do you want?"
"I heard the banging away in this room and was afraid that there was something wrong. However, you seem to have things under control.
"May I what you're doing with all that junk?"
"Why do you want to know? Who are you, anyway? Are you aware that you are trespassing on private property?"
"I can ask that question of you as well, sir. Are you the rightful owner of this property?"
Illyana says, "You startled us. We didn't expect to find anyone down here. What are you doing in a place like this?"
"What do you mean, 'a place like this'?" he asks, regarding Illyana. "If I want to search around here than I shall. At least I am not trespassing."
He wears around his neck the symbol of a three-pointed star.
Farad curses, "He's a cleric of the Gods of Trouble!"
Farad quickly intones the syllables of his protection from evil spell.
J'Harast will follow Farad into action, sword and dagger ready to attack.
As soon as Farad begins to cast his spell, the cleric commands him:
"DIE!"
Farad looks up as he completes his spell, but shows no sign of expiring on the spot.
"Oh shit..." the cleric mutters, as the grey elf advances, followed by J'Harast. Raz watches carefully, while Kelar and Wellyn guard the rear.
"Die!" he says again to Farad, as he swings his sword.
This time Farad does drop with a gurgle in his throat.
However, J'Harast quickly jumps into the fray. Missing with his longsword, he is conked on the head by the cleric for 5 hit points of damage. Thrusting with his dagger, the high elf connects for 3 hit points of damage.
Wellyn's jaw drops to the floor as Farad attacks the man at the door. He backs away from the group a little and then peers into the darkness either way, still keeping his post as rear-guard.
Illyana gasps at the sight of Farad, lying still on the floor. "This is NOT what I had in mind!"
Raz casts magic missle against the cleric. Two sparks of fire slam into the cleric for 4 hit points of damage in total.
"Save your spells, everyone!" commands J'Harast. "I'll take this one out."
The cleric has other ideas, though, as he swings his glowing hammer at the elf...but misses.
J'Harast's first swing with his longsword connects with a glancing blow. His dagger misses, but his sword hits again, cutting deeper this time.
Illyana moves in and swings her sword at the cleric. She slices open an ugly wound down the length of his arm and the blood pours out.
Farad staggers to his feet and resumes his charge into battle.
Badly hurt now, the cleric misses again. J'Harast does not, though, and finishes him off with a final thrust of his glowing longsword.
You inspect the cleric. Apart from his glowing hammer, he was wearing a fine looking suit of black leather armour.
You look about the place. It is a store room. As well as lots of miscellaneous and totally useless junk, you find in here a suit of banded mail (human sized), three longswords, some cloaks, robes, boots in various sizes and styles and several backpacks. None of these items appear to be magical, but they are of reasonable quality nevertheless.
Raz shakes his head..."That was one tough cleric!", then enters the room, looking for items that he might be interested in...he takes a special interest in the various backpacks, cloaks and robes, searching each for items that may be hidden within them.
He finds nothing.
Bel gets an interested look on his face and picks up the glowing hammer, "Since my only weapon skill is in hammer, anyone object to me taking this? It may be cursed or something but I think it is a reasonable risk."
"Go ahead Bel, you can have it. Let's search the backpacks and the room.. if there isn't anything of magical or monetary value, we can sell everything later and make a little money at least. Afterwards, we can continue down the corridor." says Illyana.
You find nothing else in here.
"In the future, may I suggest that magic users hold on casting their spells in combat, especially when we outnumber the opponent several to one.," says J'Harast. "Spells, it would seem, would be best used when there are multiple foes or when we encounter a foe that most of our weapons are useless against."
Raz looks back at J'Harast saying, "Fine by me. Next time I'll wait unitl you get your ass kicked in and then step in."
"Raz, you don't like me, and I realize that. I am making a simple suggestion that I belive would benefit the whole group. Those magic missiles that you used would be a lot more useful in a situation where we can't get three fighters on one enemy.
"Besides, if I'm getting my ass kicked, you better run like hell, 'cause whatever we're fighting is going to be a lot more powerful than us."
J'Harast will then search the room for secret doors and the like, leaving the junk to the rest of the group.
He finds none.
Farad nods, but begins piling up the equipment that looks to be of value. "We'll pick all this up on the way back."
You return to the hallway and look south. From the door, the passage runs for another 50', turning east after 40'.
You head down there.
To the east, the passage runs for 20', turning south again after 10'.
You go east and then look south.
The passage runs for only 10' more, and ends. There is a door in the last 10' section of the east wall.
J'Harast listens at it while the rest of you stand ready. Hearing nothing, he opens it.
Beyond is a large cavern, roughly oval shaped. Once you explore it, you see that it measures about 110' X 60', oriented east - west. Another passage - this one of rough stone and natural in appearance - runs out of the east side. It is about 10' wide. A second passage - only 5' wide and 5' high - runs north out of the middle of the north wall.
There is a lake in this cavern...roughly 65' X 30'...also oriented east - west. Water drips into it from somewhere above. The water is murky, and you cannot see the bottom of the lake.
Looking down the east passage, you see that it runs east for 60' and beyond. There is another 10' wide passage in the 30' - 40' section of the north wall.
Looking down the narrow north passage which runs out of the cavern, you see that it runs north for 20'...then curves to the east.
Illyana glances at the lake. "You don't suppose there could be something at the bottom? Ah well, if there is, it is probably still alive."
"We'll take the east passage first. There is no room in the north one to swing a sword or to stand, so it could be dangerous. We'll check it later if we have to."
"Agreed." J'Harast will look around briefly, and then lead the way.
You head down to the intersection with the 10' wide passage running north. Looking north, you see that it runs for 20', then opens up into another chamber.
Looking to the east, you see that this passage continues for another 50' beyond the intersection, and then there is another chamber.
"Wait here, I'll check out the chambers."
J'Harast will sheath his weapons, and slink off into the darkness to see what is around.
The rest of you wait, as he heads up the north passage.
All is quiet up the north passage for a few moments...then you hear what sounds to be a rock slide...
Farad mutters another curse. "Looks like our friend got himself buried. Lets go." He leads those who will follow off after J'Harast.
You advance slowly, looking for fallen rubble with your weapons at the ready.
Reaching the chamber to the north, you see that it is circular in shape, about 40' in diameter. The west wall has collapsed, but that is not recent. Another passage runs out of the northeast section, and before that is a gaping pit in the floor.
You go over and look into the pit.
It is 10' deep, with sharpened spikes lining the bottom of it...a number of them bloody.
J'Harast is down there, standing, looking upwards at you. He has a number of fresh wounds...
Illyana frowns. "At least you didn't die. Can anyone cast a healing spell or should we save them?"
Sasha frowns and asks, "Can you climb up if we toss down a rope? I will heal you then if you need it."
While the rest of you chuckle, J'Harast scrambles up the side of the pit and out of it.
Illyana looks around and says, "North east is the way to go.. or has the pit totally blocked our way?"
There is plenty of room to safely walk around the pit.
You walk around the pit and move northeast, with J'Harast leading.
This passage runs northeast for about 50', at which point there is an intersection with two passages. One of these runs just east of north, and the second runs southeast.
You look both ways.
To the north, that passage runs for about 20', then angles northeast. At that point, though, is another passage...running west.
Looking southeast, this passage curves rather sharply to the east...such that after 10' it is running east and out of your sight.
You head southeast.
To the east beyond the curve for a further 20' before meeting another tunnel. This latter tunnel, you see when you get there, runs south for 20', then angles off to the south-southeast. The other passage continues east for 10' past this intersection, then turns northeast.
J'Harast looks at the two passageways. "I'll go check them out. Wait here."
J'Harast will then move up the east passageway and look down the northeast passage.
J'Harast takes off alone up the east passage.
A few moments later he returns, to report that the passage ran northeast for about 20', then opened up into a cave about 35' in diameter. Directly across (ie. in the northeast wall section) another passage exits this cave, curving northwards. The cave itself was empty.
He then takes off to the south, and returns a short time later. This passage ran south-southeast for about 40', at which point there is a "T" intersection with a tunnel running south-southwest - east-northeast.
He looked each way down this passage. To the south-southwest, the tunnel ran for about 35', before coming to a chamber. In the other direction the passage curved northeast after 10', and out of sight.
"Lets go south."
You take J'Harast's suggestion and head south, soon arriving at the "T" intersection that he described to the rest of you.
"Wait." J'Harast pulls out a bit of chalk and mark on the wall of the intersection a generic design, with an eight sided figure.
"This way, we'll be able to remember where we came from. I have a feeling that this may soon become a maze.
"Let's go east-northeast."
J'Harast goes to round the corner and stops...having just noticed a secret door in the wall on the south side of the intersection.
J'Harast listens at the secret door, then checks for traps.
Raz stands to the side of the door.
J'Harast opens the door while rest of you stand ready.
Beyond is another 10' wide passage running south. This one is different to the tunnels that you have been exploring over the past few hours, for instead of being a natural passage perhaps only slightly worked by the hand of man, this one is of neatly cut and dressed stone.
It runs south for 30', turning east after 20'.
J'Harast moves up to the turn, and see where the passageway leads.
Raz follows.
J'Harast turns back and glares at Raz. "Will you wait until I have checked out what is ahead. Let me do my job."
"Fine by me. Just trying to help.", Raz stands back, arms folded.
Farad just smiles, and keeps his position in the lineup.
From the corner, the passage runs east for 40' before ending at a stone door.
The elf moves up and listens.
He hears nothing...nor does he note any traps.
J'Harast opens the door.
Through the door is a crypt (20' X 30': 10' north, 10' south, 20' east; flight of stairs leading upwards in middle of east wall). The air in here is dry and stale. Around the walls runs a 3' high stone shelf. Lying upon it are a grand total of 12 bodies, clad in now-decaying burgundy robes. The bodies themselves have been here for awhile, you suspect. They are little more than dried out husks.
Farad pulls out a flask of holy water, and walks around the perimeter of the room, sprinkling each body to make sure they are truly dead. He'll next takes his silver sword out, and severs each head to make doubly sure.
Bel posts himself by the hidden door, outside the room, in such a way that he makes sure the door will not shut and lock them in.
Raz will keep a watchful eye out as he steps into the crypt, holy water in hand.
All remains still and quiet. Your holy water does not elicit any response from the corpses. They remain unmoving...sans their heads.
Seeing that the bodies are what they appear, Farad will begin searching them and the rest of the room.
He finds nothing of interest or value.
Once done, he will motion to J'Harast to continue scouting ahead.
You return to the rough stone passage, leaving the stairs for another time, and turn to the east-northeast.
The passage runs in this direction for about 10', then angles northeast for 10', then continues east-northeast again for a further 50'.
At this point it forks...one branch heads east while the other heads north.
Looking east, you see that it runs in that direction for 60' and ends.
Looking north, you see that this branch runs for 60' and out of your visual range. However, in the 25' - 35' section of the east wall is another passage, running east.
"Wait here, I'll check out the east passageway first." says J'Harast.
Illyana yawns. "Not much to do down here. Its one big empty place."
Farad turns toward the female fighter and snaps a command, "Wake up woman! The last thing we need right now is for you to be dozing off. I would have thought an experienced adventurer like yourself would know that exploring is usually long stretches of bordom followed by small bursts of furious action. Don't lose your fighting edge down here. Things will get lively enough before we leave, I'll warrant you."
She shakes her head. "I've been through more than you could even blink at. I assure you I am not tired in the least, but from what I've seen this place is one big empty area. We've run into one cleric and a bunch of dead bodies. How long have these clerics been down here anyway? If they've just moved in I doubt we'll find much down here. Or maybe they're all off in another section."
You watch as J'Harast goes down to the end of the east tunnel and looks about.
After a few moments he returns, having found nothing.
Next, he heads north and looks east, then recoils as you see five huge scorpions come scuttling out of the opening towards him, stingers bared.
"Oh Shit! Watch for their tails! If anyone has magic spells, now would be a good time for one." shouts J'Harast.
Farad gives an 'I told you so' look at Ilyana, and drawing his sword, moves forward to engage the creatures.
Raz waves his hands in a mystical gesture, muttering ancient words of lore, and casts a magic missle spell at a single scorpion. A pair of missiles shoot forth, whiz through the air and strike the lead scorpion for 4 hit points of damage.
J'Harast swings both his sword and dagger at a scorpion, but both are turned by its hard exoskeleton. A pincer snaps at him and slices a piece out of his leg for 3 hit points of damage, then the stinger pierces his belly for 1 hit point of damage. J'Harast cries out as his gut swells, and drops to the floor.
Raz looks around at the others, "Should I cast invisibility on anyone?", he shouts. No one answers, so he works is way close to J'Harast and pulls him back out of harm's way, as the scorpions are now concentrating on Farad.
Farad stops his forward motion. "Poison. Sasha, Bel, can you neutralize poison?"
Farad ignores the fallen J'Harast but takes a guard position. "If not, you folks flee. I'll hold them back and follow behind you."
Two scorpions attack the grey elf. Farad hits first, though, badly hurting one of them. None of the monster's attacks get past his plate mail and shield.
Wellyn continues to stand guard at the rear for now.
"It isn't worth the fight!" Wellyn says over the din of the battle.
Then, there is a roar from farther up the passage...past the scorpions, and an enormous creature, with a body similar to that of a man but with a bull's head, comes charging into sight.
"YOU ATTACK PETS! ME KILL YOU!" it bellows, brandishing a very nasty looking pole arm.
Farad shouts, "Minotaur! Retreat!"
He begins moving back. A scorpion snaps at him, trimming his sideburns for 6 hit points of damage.
Knowing he is of no further use, Raz grabs J'Harast and starts to flee as best he can carrying J'Harast. As he moves by Wellyn Raz shouts, "Stop flapping and start defending Wellyn!"
Farad is retreating, but stays in closest to the monsters so that others can move out first. Seeing Raz encumbered with J'Harast, he shouts, "Drop him. He got what he deserved. Get out while you can."
Raz frowns deeply, "I agree that he's a son of a bitch, but I'm not leaving him here... he got hurt defending us! Somebody help me with him please!" Raz continues to flee down the hallway.
"I'd watch what you say, Farad, or you might find us leaving you behind soon enough." warns Illyana.
Farad continues a fighting retreat, but gives Illyana a cutting look. "So now you are naming me a liar, cheat and murderer? It is one thing to leave the worthless behind. Another to abandon someone you simply don't like."
Sasha's eyes flare in anger at Farad's words, but she moves to help Raz with J'Harast.
"We do not leave our companions behind Farad. You had best learn that."
She reaches for J'Harast and says to Raz, "Here, let me help ... "
She gets a firm grip on the unconscious J'Harast and with Raz tries to beat a hasty retreat.
"Then get him and move quickly. There are too many of them to hold back, and each minute puts us more in danger." Farad continues to fight, staying closest to the monsters so that the others can retrieve J'Harast.
Raz crys out in frustration, now carrying J'Harast with Sasha's help, "LET'S GET OUT OF HERE...SAVE THE TALK FOR LATER!!!"
Bel casts neutralize poison on J'Harast.
The elf wakes up and glares, his swollen gut already shrinking.
"ME KILL YOU ALL AND EAT YOU FOR DINNER!" yells the minotaur.
Feeling better, J'Harast jumps up and take his position in the front of the party and joins Farad in the fight.
Seeing J'Harast take the offensive again, Farad also begins to press the attack. "Some support from the back would be useful now."
Bel says to the Minotaur, "Now wouldn't you like a nice caesar salad instead, it's much better for you." Bel then casts charm on the Minotaur.
The spell has no effect.
"Flapping?!" the 1/2 elven ranger mutters.
Wellyn shoves the bickering party members to the side as he tries to get to the front of the group.
"I'm done with this crap if we get out alive" he snarls under his breath.
Once he is up front he'll take a defensive posture, trying more to slow the scorpions/minotaur down than to spend the time to kill them.
The scorpions surge forward to meet you.
Farad shatters the one which clipped him, and it lies still.
"MY BABY!" wails the minotaur from the back.
J'Harast cuts into another for 6 hit points of damage, but then it does the same to him for 4. He misses with his dagger, and dodges the stinger.
Wellyn, still grumbling, dodges another scorpion and deals out 9 hit points of damage into it with his sword.
Four scorpions remain, along with the minotaur.
Farad presses the attack.
Illyana frowns. "Bel, you had better have an extra neutralize or slow poison ready.. We might need it." With that, she'll take a swing at a scorpion. She misses, but so does the scorpion.
Bel says, "Alas I only have 1 3rd level spell per day. I have a cure light wounds available though."
"No slow poisons? It would keep us alive long enough."
Farad grins. "Then I guess some of us will be visiting Jaramir without the mage's help." He continues to attack. The scorpion strikes first though, and the grey elf suffers three hit points of damage. He is badly wounded, now. Nevertheless he strikes this new scorpion with his longsword, but does not kill it. Then it cuts him with another pincer hit for 8 hit points of damage, and he drops unconscious.
Wellyn continues to attack with both weapons, as does J'Harast.
The ranger misses both times, however, the scorpion does not and he takes 8 hit points of damage. His leg is gashed open and blood pours out. The scorpion cuts him again with its other pincer for 6 hit points, and he drops unconscious in a pool of blood.
"Argh!" Sasha snaps.
"Raz, if you have no spells left, grab Wellyn. Let's go everyone - run!" Sasha shouts over the din of battle.
"Let's Go!" Sasha shouts, going to get Farad. "Fighters - fighting retreat. The rest of us - move as fast as you can out of here. If you have long range weapons, use them to harry the enemy - over the fighters please."
Sasha will drag Farad with her and seek the exit.
"Sasha, Illyana, Raz, Bel, grab who you can and get out of here. I'll meet you back at the inn."
J'Harast will fight with renewed vigor, trying to protect his comrades as they escape.
J'Harast attacks.
Dodging the pincers, he nails his foe for 13 hit points of damage. Then, the stinger hits him again, he cries out again, and collapses again.
"Bel! Grab J'Harast. Illyana - rear guard, but keep with us. Don't engage, just run. Everyone - Move it! NOW!" Sasha calls out.
Bel will grab Wellyn and retreat.
Illyana gasps. "Am I the only fighter left? Can someone else grab him?" then Illyana yanks J'Harast away from the scorpions, and tries to retreat.
Raz goes back into the fray and tries to pull Farad out.
Kelar quickly casts sleep on the scorpions...catching Raz as well...who nods off, collapsing atop Farad. One scorpion is slept, too.
As Bel retreats with Wellyn in tow, he casts invisibility to animals on Illyana as he passes her.
Once back up the hallway a safe distance, Bel says, "Well here goes nothing." and casts cure light wounds on Wellyn.
The ranger comes to and groans.
Right now, Sasha is directing matters from the rear. Behind her is Bel, with Wellyn. Raz lies sleeping atop the unconscious and bleeding Farad, as the scorpions scurry towards them. Illyana is by Sasha with the body of J'Harast, while Kelar is nearby, looking sheepish.
"I suppose it will have to do.. we need to pull those two out of there quickly."
"Kelar, grab Raz - try to wake him or carry him along. Let's keep moving out." Sasha calls out.
Illyana advances up the corridor with Kelar. "Grab them while I try to distract the scorpions."
The scorpions are easily distracted, as is the minotaur, allowing Kelar to grab both Raz and Farad by a leg apiece and drag them back. By the time they are out of harm's way Raz has been reawakened and now feels quite refreshed after his little nap.
Then, with the help of Bel and Sasha, you all run away. The monsters do not pursue.
You stop after a few moments and administer first aid to Farad. He is still unconscious but will live. The same cannot be said for J'Harast, for he is truly dead this time.
Illyana's sword drops to the floor. "Well, that is that. He's dead now and he won't see his brother come back. Let's get out of here before we lose anyone else."
Bel silently bends over and picks up J'Harast and starts toward the exit.
White-faced and silent, Sasha follows.
You return to the inn without incident.
Farad sits up, weakened but alive. "What happened to J'Harast? Did he get stung again? I guess we should make arrangements to bury him, as elves can not be brought back from the clutches of death. Also I suppose there is no further need to seek Jaramir's soul. Someone should tell Ray Jay."
"We haven't decided what to do about his brother yet.. Nor will we for maybe a day or so." says Illyana.
Sasha immediately retires to her room without a word to anyone.
Bel, still carrying J'Harast, says "I am going to get J'Harast revived. I will strike whatever deal I have to, do I have any support?"
Sasha pauses on the way to her room, hope flashing across her face. "I thought ... I thought elves could not be revived ... " She says uncertainly.
Farad shakes his head. "They can't, not with simple magics anyway. Ray Jay might be able to wish him back to life, or perhaps a friendly cleric with a holy artifact could do so, but the cost would be prohibitive. Have you not told me the clerics have already taken your money? You do not have the coin to even remotely consider paying for such magics. And we have not found the gold to help Sasha pay back that loan she took. No one will lend you the money when you are already in debt."
Bel says, "Isn't J'harast a half-elf? If that is the case it may be possible. If he is a full elf you are right."
Sasha turns away and continues up the stairs. Without turning back, she replies, "He is an elf."
"They.. can't be.. J'Harast was full blooded, his brother was a HALF brother. He's gone forever.." says Illyana with a weary sigh.
Illyana turns twards Sasha, "Come talk to me when you feel able to. I don't want to lose anyone else over this."
Sasha does not reply. She closes the door to her room and then you hear the sound of it being locked from within.
"I hope she heard me. I don't want her to be in there for the rest of her life."
Raz looks troubled. "For all of his crimes, J Harast was a member of our party. I will do my best to remember him as a good man."
BeL sighs and says, "It's still worth a try, I'll probably bring back a corpse but I gave my word. Does anyone have any ideas besides a wish, which is out of our abilities."
Bel departs with the body...returning with it within the hour.
J'Harast remains dead...by all appearances...
Bel says, "I have found out there are 3 ways to bring J'Harast back: a wish, a rod of ressurrection, and a spell of reincarnation cast by a powerful Druid. A wish is out of our resources. Does anyone know of someone that may possess a rod of ressurrection? If not I am going to Strabath with the corpse to talk to the head of the Temple of Vidar there. I may be able to strike a deal for services to get J'Harast reincarnated."
Farad shakes his head. "Do not seek reincarnation. As an elf he will be reincarnated again as an elf elsewhere. Your way may cause J'Harast to come back as any common animal."
"Look Bel. J'Harast is dead. Your going to have to accept that. People die everyday. We do not have the resources or the ability to ressurect J'Harast. I think the best thing we can do for J'Harast now is concentrate on saving his brother. I vote that we go do that asap." says Raz with finality.
Bel sighs and says, "Raz, I live by my honor and I swore to J'Harast that I would help him redeem himself with all my power to the gates of hell itself. I do not ask for understanding or support, I will continue until I have exhausted all possible avenues. The goal of the quest was to redeem J'Harast, saving his brother was only a means to that end. And what have we even tried, talk a little and mope around. We put more effort into polishing our weapons then that. I am a chivalric, without the honor of my word I am nothing. I wish you well in your future Raz, but frankly I had higher hopes for you then that shallow a committment to a party member."
Saying nothing in response, Raz turns away and walks over to the bar. You hear him say, "Barkeep, could you pour me an ale?"
He gets his ale.
Farad nods. "Your honor is a good thing. Like you I too live by a code that guides my actions. But I urge you not to seek reincarnation. If you are not able to bring him back to his natural state, let the gods reincarnate him as they see fit, not at the hands of a druid who can not control the form he returns in.
"And for the record, should I die, in no case should you attempt to reincarnate me."
Bel smiles and says, "I do not impose my wishes on another, this is a pact between J'Harast and me. I have no such pact with other party members. I will make greta efforts to bring you back but I would not reincarnate you. That would be for the gods to determine. I will not reincarnate J'Harast until I have no choice, I will search for a rod of ressurrection first and then consult his family. J'Harast's redemption is the issue here, and we do not know the cosequences of J'Harast dieing with this task undone."
Farad nods. "Well, if it is magic you seek, then you should probably consult Ming. He may have a rod, but I'm sure he will charge you for its use. Or perhaps he knows of one who does have one.
"I had thought that with J'Harast dead, we would have no need to save the brother. Was not the whole purpose of such to benefit J'Harast in some way?"
Raz looks up from the bar. "I don't know Farad, but it seems to me that his brother needs help and I think that we are the only ones who are able to do it at this time. I can't imagine what it is like to be an good person imprisioned in hell. Saving J'Harast's brother is the right thing to do. The question is are we will to do it?"
Bel looks at Farad and says, "If an Elf is brought back as an elf normally then why would he not be brought back as an elf by a spell? We have no idea how such a spell would work, a Druid who knows the spell should be consulted before conclusions are jumped to. Besides if he comes back as an animal we could do some fancy soul transferrance and get him into an empty body, we have one just waiting." Bel points at Jaramir's empty husk, presumably still doubling as a lamp. "If a soul can be dragged out to the nether world, one can be put back in. Then J'Harast can free his brother and his soul, or whatever elves have, can be released to be reincarnated normally."
Farad shrugs. "I am not a druid, but I do not think reincarnation can be controlled. As for placing the soul in Jaramir's body, I think we needed to have it kept empty so that the soul could move back into it. If J'Harast's soul occupied the body, Jaramir could not come back."
Farad then gives a laugh. "I am not a cleric to know these things, but I do have a little theological knowlege. Perhaps I am wrong. Go ask your druid and see what he says."
" Bel I will help you with finding some way to get J'harast back. I agree that we should go see Ming or Ray Jay. I would think he/she could help us with a wish. He/she is an arch mage." says Kelar.
Farad nods. "But how will you pay for it?"
Bel says, "Find out if it is possible first, then worry about how to do it or afford it."
Farad laughs. "I would not worry about if it is possible. From what I have seen Ray Jay is a competent mage, and if he is not able to cast such magics himself, he probably knows of a mage who can."
"Therefore I would worry about the money first. Having someone raised costs about ten thousand gold. I would think a wish would cost at least as much, if not more. I know we do not have anywhere close to that amount of money."
"Anyway, when you go to their tower do not forget to ask of the rod."
Bel, wanting Sasha's input goes to Sasha's door and knocks, then says, "Sasha, I need your advice. You know J'Harast better than anyone and I am contemplating actions that will effect him for eternity."
There is no answer at her door, so Bel and Kelar return.
"Well Bel any ideas where she may have run off to. If you want I will head over to Ray Jay's. If you think she is some where else you might check there. If not then we should go there I have a feeling that she will offer anything to Ray Jay to help return J'harast. Maybe if more of us offer then just her it won't seem so bad." says Kelar.
Wellyn sits back in his chair, weak and poorly bandaged. He surveys the pile of bloodied banded armor on the floor next to him and then looks over each of the party members that are present.
"I am afraid I will not be continuing with the you all," is all he says, then slowlys carries his things to the door.
Raz gives Wellyn a quizzical glance and then returns to sipping on his ale.
As Wellyn passes through the doorway he abruptly disappears...to where, is anyone's guess...
"Hey!" cries Luthus the innkeeper. "What about your bill?"
As if it were an everyday occurrance, the disappearance of Wellyn causes but a brief pause in the discussion.
Anyway, Farad has been badly wounded, and now has had time to reconsider the groups actions. "If you are determined to stay the course and rescue Jaramir, I am still with you. But I think I have come to agree with someone's previous desire to start anew. The monsters in that house are far beyond our skill. We should test ourselves elsewhere. Perhaps at that Megadungeon I heard mentioned."
"However, if we can't find a way to restore J'Harast and you are abandoning the Jaramir quest, I will be moving on. As I told you in the beginning, I am a demon hunter. The chance of going to the abyss is why I am with you. If you no longer desire to do so, I have other concerns to attend to, other leads to chase down."
Kelar speaks.
"Anyway lets get that corpse to Ray Jay and hopefully find Sasha there. I would really hope that she hasn't gone and done something stupid."
Bel and Kelar pick up J'Harast again, and, after stopping to pick up some beers at the bar, head out for Ray Jay's.
They make for Ray Jay's post haste with the body.
After about 10 minutes you realize that there is someone walking with you. A young man...clad in leathers.
"Hey..." he says to you, slicking back his oily hair. "Is that corpse's name J'Harast? If it is, do you think you could spare me his head?"
Bel, not pausing a wit, says, "Sorry, this is Jaramir, J'Harast's brother. we are trying to regain his soul and the mage Ray Jay ordered us to bring the body there."
"Ohhhh...uh...okay....thanks!"
You continue on alone to the tower.
Outside, you meet up with Sasha.
Sasha quickly brushes the tears from her eyes and calls out to them.
"What are you doing?" She asks in surprise when she sees them carrying J'Harast.
"But ... I guess it is best. I was on my way to apprise them of the situation. Guess for once we thought alike." She pauses then, and adds quietly. "Thank you. For caring ... and keeping your promise to him."
She glances at Kelar and then Bel, as if to say more but shivers instead. "Come, let's go in and see what we can do."
She walks up the steps and knocks on the door.
After a moment it opens, and Ming is standing there.
"Hello, Sasha," he says warmly to her, then notices Bel and Kelar. "And the rest of you, too."
He spots the corpse.
"And what have we here..?"
Sasha smiles. "May we come in? We have some news to relate, and I would rather not do it out here." She enters, motioning for Bel and Kelar to follow.
You enter.
Bel says, "Honored mage, we have here a fallen comrade who I am honor bound to aid. He is an elf so he cannot be ressurrected by the normal means."
"It's that low-down dirty rat J'Harast, isn't it?" asks Ming, regarding the stiffened body. "He got what he deserved, didn't he?"
Very calmly, Sasha answers. "No, in this instance he did not. He died saving us."
Sasha turns to face Ming. "J'Harast has perished in our recent encounter with that accursed house. I understand it is different with elves, and so have come to make a proposal -- knowing that Ray Jay has the power to bring him back -- but also that it is expensive to do so."
"Ray Jay has the power, naturally, but he would never expend it to bring an evil person back to life," replies Ming with a slight smirk.
"Because of this we came to you to see if you knew of someone with a rod of ressurrection. If not I will search elsewhere and possibly try a reincarnation. Can you help us noble sir?" asks Bel with sickening politeness.
"It just so happens that one of Ray Jay's associates has such a rod, and could probably be compelled to use it on this wretch," says Ming, trying hard to hide his opinion of J'Harast. "His name is Hlarn, he is a dwarf, and he can usually be found at Borderland Keep...a few days northwest of Sandas."
He gives you directions.
Sasha nods. "Very well then, we will seek him out. Is this near that Dungeon Yuri told us of -- the Megadungeon or some such? Perhaps we can combine our mission." Sasha asks.
"Off in the same general direction, I think."
Illyana knows where the Megadungeon is.
Sasha paces a bit, then continues. "I have come to the conclusion that my stubborn desire to deal with one issue at a time is hurting our party. As you may know, we have been concentrating on the house - because I was commissioned to do so. But it is currently beyond our meager abilitities. I would propose now that we seek this dungeon that Yuri spoke of. I am told it holds many riches and so I would like to ask that J'Harast be brought back -- in exchange for a portion of the treasure from that place, or in exchange for services we can provide. Would you like to discuss this further?" she asks Ming.
"I'd love to discuss anything with you in the parlour, Sasha," Ming replies smoothly. "But if it is financial arrangements to bring back this lowlife slime that you want to talk about, then you had best talk to this Hlarn fellow."
Bel says, "Well we have our lead. I propose we go to the Inn and gather whoever will come to go talk to Hlarn. Is he anywhere near the MegaDungeon, I have no head for directions?" To Ming, "Thank you sir, I agree J'Harast has done evil in the past but I am sworn to help him redeem himself and I will succeed if it is at all possible."
Bel says, "Do we want to take some precautions to prevent more thieves bothering us? I can wrap my cloak around his head and we can pretend he is a drunk. Also do either of you knpw anything about Hlarn? We may want to ask around before we go."
"Very well then. Thank you Ming." Turning to Kelar and Bel, Sasha says, "Well then, shall we see what the others want to do? Let's head back to the inn. I don't think we need to hide J'Harast - let the guild know he is dead - that should satisfy them. Maybe we should sing it in the streets." Sasha finishes, a bit bitter.
Sasha heads for the inn with Kelar and Bel ... and J'Harast.
You return to the inn...
"Eh? I thought you went up to your room.. Not that it matters. So what happened? How much would it cost?" asks Illyana.
Raz looks up from the bar..."Any luck?"
Sasha asks the barkeep for a private dining room.
Once assembled, she will stand and address the group.
"We have been to Ming's and have a lead on getting J'Harast brought back. I know some of you are not keen on the idea, but it can be done."
Sasha pauses, collecting her thoughts. She looks to Illyana, and then the rest of the party in turn. "I'm sorry. I have misjudged our situation greatly -- I should have listened to Illyana when she suggested we try the megadungeon. We are clearly overmatched with the house at this point - and I am sorry I insisted on returning there. It just seemed to me that I, at least, was hired to do a job, and to get involved in distractions did not seem correct."
"Did they seriously ever expect this group to finish it? Or did we wind up WAY over our heads really quickly?" asks Illyana.
"I suspect the ones that hired us are as surprised as we are. They did not know of the involvement of the Church of the Gods of Trouble. We brought that to their attention, at I will say that it seemed unexpected to them."
"But, I was unwilling to take the long view of things. It is clear to me now that we are a group, a party, and as such, the development of the group is of primary importance. In order to finish the job some of us set out to do, we need more experience and more money. So, with that view in mind, I suggest we now proceed to this megadungeon place. There we can hopefully gain experience as well as treasure - and then come back and really clean out that accursed house. Also, it seems that J'Harast's salvation lies on the way to that dungeon - at the Borderland Keep. The party we met before, at Ming's, has a device that can bring back J'Harast. I would like to negotiate with Hlarn to see if he will use the wand on J'Harast."
"Hlarn will be a little difficult to track down. The last I saw him was a while ago and I don't know where he could have gone since then. I do know how to find him though although you might not like how to do it Sasha. Yuri would know of his location quite readily. Of course if you treat him the way you did before, we'll never find out."
"I thought Sasha said he was in the Borderland Keep. And I have met the dwarf. He was present when I confronted Damius about that death mark. I'll say one thing, they are protective of their own. One has to admire them that. But that will also be something against us. Will he share his magic when it may mean he can't use it on his comrads? Thus we need to know how much treasure we can bring to the deal."
"There is always that dwarf sized magical suit of armor which no one has claimed yet, you know. He might have been in the keep, he might have moved. We'll check there just to be sure."
Farad nods. "That may be something he would be interested in. But its probably likely that he already owns something magical to protect himself."
Sasha laughs. "I will not drink milk, but I think I can be civil if need be. Do not concern yourself on that account. I can be quite sweet when I put my mind to it. I simply chose not to on that night."
Farad frowns. "I thought someone said the Megadungeon was nearby. If Borderland Keep is on the way, then it lies several days from here. Where is this dungeon exactly?"
"Well, relatively speaking, it is nearby. Northish. Illyana knows where it is."
"It is nearby, with a horse at least. I forget how far it is to walk, though. It isn't more than two days out though," replies Illyana.
"Also, if we are going to be that far from Sandas, all of you had best pay up your bar tabs. Its unlikely we will be coming back here anytime in the near future. What is the nearest town?"
"Castle Yuri is two days out. After that, I forget. There should be space there, I think."
"Finally, we again are in need of money. This Hlarn won't simply let you use his magic without a fee. And if he is a cleric of good, its unlikely he will use such powerful magics on an evil elf such as J'Harast. What do you plan on negotiating with? Perhaps those of you with magics had best get used to parting with them."
Sasha looks at Farad a moment, then replies. "Yes, that is why we are going to the dungeon first - to find treasure to pay with. And I do not think J'Harast can be still considered evil. Ideally Hlarn may bring back J'Harast on a promise to pay - but as that is unlikely, it will have to suffice that we battle the dungeon and hope to find great reward there so we can raise J'Harast afterward."
Illyana chuckles. "How would he know the elf was evil? Are YOU going to tell him? I've already met him as a matter of fact, I spent several days with him as we cleared out an orc hold. That was one of the longest combats I've ever been in."
Sasha begins pacing a bit now, a bit uneasy. Finally she stops and looks up. "Well? What do you all say? Shall we continue? And go to the Megadungeon?"
"I've already given my say. If you are planning to stay the course, and finish what you have started, then I am with you to test our skills at this new dungeon. But if it seems you plan to abandon saving Jaramir and leave unfinished this house, I must head elsewhere where my heart leads me."
"That is what got me into this trouble in the first place. I have every intention of finishing the house -- and going back after Jarimar. But I see the need to get experience, find some funds - and then return, better and stronger so we can finish what we started. Continuing as we have has not done any good - in fact, it has set us back considerably. Surely you see that."
"And perhaps we should give the leadership question some thought. I have never wanted to do it ... and you can all now see why ... hindsight is 20/20 my old master used to say. But none of you have offered either. I think now ... until someone steps forward, I would be willing to do so ... but I will depend on all of you for input. I do not wish a repeat of my mistakes ... they have cost us enough."
Illyana frowns. "If you doubt yourself, that could be dangerous. Let's discuss this first before any hasty decisions are made."
"I do not doubt myself. I am only unsure of how many will accompany me on this -- there is a big difference. And yes, discussion is wise -- but to the point please. Let us set a time tonight and a goal. Then, we will have all night to think of everything we want to say. Then, after breakfast we will meet and discuss only that - namely, who will lead this party. We may wish to consider an 'overall' leader, and a battle leader. I know I would not wish to direct the fighters in their job - and I would not necessarily follow one who only lives for the next battle."
"So, shall we meet tomorrow then and discuss this all at the appointed time? After that, we can draw up other plans - to deal with the trip to the dungeon and the negotiation with Hlarn."
"S...Sou..Sounds fine with me.", says Raz, lifting yet another ale to his lips.
Sasha frowns at Raz, then laughs. "Just how many of those have you had, young man?" She says with a twinkle in her eye.
"Oh...about 3 or 4 or was it 10?", smiles Raz.
"It sounds more like 10!" Sasha laughs.
"That is not going to solve your problems ... and it certainly won't settle anything if you are not sober enough to think about it."
"Helps to forggget." A sad look briefly passes over Raz and then vanishes just as quickly...
Sasha nods and quietly says, "I know ... I'm sorry ... "
"So...Saasha...did I ever tell you that you are very pretty?"
Sasha looks surprised. "Why no, I don't think you ever did. Thank you - though that is not in my control. I could just as easily have been ugly." She raises a mug and drinks deeply.
Sasha sighs. "I guess we will ask you again tomorrow."
Farad smiles. "I am quite willing to take leadership of this band of mercenaries."
"Umm.. We'll decide on that later," says Illyana. Sasha frowns. "I would feel very uncomfortable with that. I do not know you, and so far, I cannot say I trust you either. That would make things difficult."
"That and the fact that both of you would probably wind up arguing over plans all night long.. I don't like the idea of having a person in charge who has a fundamental disagreement with someone else, I don't feel as though anything will get done."
Sasha laughs. "There is that."
Farad again smiles. "I offered because I think I can do the job. But I know how most of you feel about me, and I won't be offended if you don't take me up on the offer. However I think you are making a mistake. I know something of how to best mix magic and blades."
Sasha gives Farad thoughtful look. "Tell you what Farad, how about you spend some time with us first before assuming that role. You can still advise us on the best mix of magic and blades - I'm sure whoever is chosen as leader will appreciate your knowledge - being leader doesn't mean you don't get to listen to anyone. It is just that we all don't really know you yet. Some of us have worked together ... more or less for quite some time. And you must admit, you do tend to be a bit ... well, how shall I say it? Overbearing. No offense intended."
Illyana nods.
"Agreed, everyone can contribute something. We just need someone to give orders which we know everyone else will follow."
Bel, having been sitting and quiet during this discussion says, "I agree we need a battle leader and Farad seems to be a reasonable choice, I have experience theoretical tactics but my actual combat experience is limited. I am also serve a support role in combat so I will be behind and partially out of contact with the main fight. The question of wether we need a specific "Leader" for general party behavior is a tough one. We do need some organization imposed upon the party, ie when to meet and breaking a deadlock of what we should do but I do not want a very strong central authority. I have tried in the past and will continue to try to help guide the group but my suggestions have been repeatedly rolled over. I suggested, rather strongly, we go to the MeagDungeon after Sasha was brought back and I believe Illyana also wanted that and these statements were ignored. I do not mind being outvoted but not even acknowledged is disturbing. I am loyal to the group and wish to continue but will not subordinate myself completely to do it. If Sasha wishes to continue the role of "Leader", I will go along, within reason."
Sasha nods. "I am sorry for that Bel. As I said, I was rather single-minded in my approach in getting the house cleaned out. I see now that was wrong."
"I think we need to decide what is important to us -- indivually, and as a group. Surviving comes to my mind first." Sasha says with a grin, "And after that would be the funds to buy what we need, especially the ability to train with great masters so each of us can advance in his or her chosen career. It seems both of these require a plan -- one that we can all live with and that will ensure that our primary needs are met."
Illyana glances around the group. "I feel as though the battle leader doesn't have many choices, considering one of our fighters died and the other decided to leave due to our bickering. That leaves me as the only experienced fighter in the group. I have had experience in a large scale battle also. A word of warning though.. listen to whoever is in charge."
Sasha nods. "Good advice. So, you want to be our battle commander?" Sasha asks with a grin. "Though officially, we are not deciding until tomorrow." She laughs.
"Yes, we'll rest tomorrow.. Because we'll have to leave in the morning to keep everything easiest. If anyone has anything they want to buy, then it should be done tomorrow because we probably won't get a second chance."