Early the next morning you resume your trek. The weather is still unusually warm, but overcast. Instead of turning up the great road towards Sandas, though, Illyana leads you south, where a lesser road continues to parallel the mountains to the west.
It is midmorning before she stops you, and points.
There, on a hillside to your right, is an impressive sight. An enormous white porcelain urinal has been built into the side of the hill, for the use of who or what, you would rather not know.
She leads you into the woods and up the hill towards it. After a half an hour you stand looking over the edge into the urinal.
It is like all appliances of its kind, only bigger, with a large (10' diameter) drain in the middle at the back. A small bronze plaque over it reads -
"THE MEGADUNGEON"
Bel says, "Well this won't be the first time one of our adventures has gone down the toilet. Can everybody swim? Just a precaution."
"Just what I always wanted to do is go down into a toliet to fight who knows what," mutters Kelar.
Looking to Illyana, J'Harast speaks. "I'll go first, and check out what the entrance holds, if that is ok. Everyone, please wait hear till I return."
"See if you can return first.. we may need a rope to lower you down."
You all climb over the rim and mAke your way carefully over to the drain. Looking in, you see a steep flight of stairs, descending north into darkness.
J'Harast goes first, and returns a few moments later to tell you that the way is clear.
You all head in.
After about 50' of stairs, they end at a chamber (20' X 30': 10' east, 30' north; door in south wall east corner; passage in east wall 0' - 10' section as measured from south, running south; passage in east wall 20' - 30' section, running northeast; door in north wall east portion; passage in west wall 20' - 30' section as measured from south, running northwest; passage in west wall 0' - 10' section running west). Otherwise, the place is bare.
You look down the passages.
To the east, this passage runs for 60' and ends at a door.
To the northeast, this passage runs for 30' on the right-hand wall, 20' on the left, then forks. One branch runs north, the other runs east.
To the northwest, the passage runs for 60' on the left side and continues. There is a passage running north in the 10' - 20' section; a second passage running north in the 20' - 30' section; a passage running west in the 30' - 40' section; and another passage running east in the 40' - 50' section.
To the west, the last passage runs for 60' and on into darkness. In the 35' - 40' section of the south wall is a 5' wide passage running south.
"Who's mapping?" asks J'Harast, glad that he isn't.
"Sasha used to map." Illyana turns towards Sasha, "Do you still want to, or should someone else take over?"
"I will, unless one of you is more skilled in the task." Sasha offers.
Farad nods to Sasha.
"Let me check the doors first, while the rest of you stand guard at the passageways." continues the high elf.
"A detection spell or two would be nice I suppose. Ah well, we don't know how long we'll be down here."
J'Harast checks the doors for traps and listen for anything at the doors.
He finds no traps and hears nothing at either door.
"Illyana, it's your call, since I guess you are the new party leader. Unless, you wish me to just move and scout."
Farad points to the south door. "Guess it doesn't really matter at this point."
"Not really. Steering us around down here is simple as picking a door.. Although I would like warning if we are going to be doubling back on ourselves." says Illyana.
J'Harast goes to the South door and spikes it. He then proceeds to the North door and prepares to open it.
Aldarin pulls the hood back from his head, draws his long sword and prepares for what ever may lay ahead.
"This is really nice. Lots of different ways to have people attack us."
Kelar draws out his two scimitars and prepares for battle.
J'Harast opens the north door.
Beyond is a 20' X 20' room (10' west, 20' north, two doors in north wall). Before you can do anything, though, clouds of dense, smoky gas pour out of a small vent in the ceiling, completely blocking your view and spreading into the chamber that you are standing in.
As the smoke billows out, Raz runs from the room, up the stairs and out of sight, while J'Harast closes the door.
Aldarin immediately pulls his cloak over his mouth and nose with his left hand and lowers himself into a crouch to hopefully get under the escaping gas.
Nothing else happens, and the smoke disapates.
Raz slinks back back down the stairs.
Aldarin resumes his alert stance and waits to follow whomever takes the lead.
Farad goes to the door and waves Raz back inside.
With a smile, he reopens the door in the north wall.
Out pours the smoke again.
Suddenly, out of the fumes reaches a pair of greyish, filthy-clawed hands at the elf! One claw connects with Farad for 3 hit points of damage.
Confusion reigns...
"What IS that thing? Magical? Then again, I don't want to know. Close the door quickly, we'll deal with it later!" exclaims Illyana.
J'Harast moves to attack what he can...as does Farad...as the creature comes out of the smoke-filled room. You see now that it is a ghoul...and going by the sounds coming from behind it, there are more of its kind hidden yet.
Kelar slams the door shut behind the one undead and also moves to attack.
Raz steps back into the stairway, keeping a wary eye on the doorway where the hands are coming from, and looks to see how the others react.
Farad swings his sword and strikes the ghoul down with a single blow.
This room is silent...though you can hear more ghouls scratching at the now closed door, as Kelar takes a spike from J'Harast and jams the door shut.
"What do you think that it will just go away?" asks Kelar. "Maybe we should first see if that thing comes out otherwise why don't we try the other door."
Farad smiles again. "Lets take them."
He readies his sword and prepares to rush when someone opens the door.
Raz speaks up..."Want me to use my magic missle spells..or hold off until we hit some harder stuff?"
"Hold off," Farad mutters, his mind already on other things as he nods to Raz to pull open the door again and get out of the way.
Raz goes to the door and waits for the others to ready themselves. Then he opens the door and gets out of the way of the incoming monsters.
"Illyana? This is your call." J'Harast says, in response to Farad's passion.
"I agree with J'harast it is Illyana's call," says Kelar. "NOT yours Farad. If you hadn't been so everzeolus we might have been able to get into a fighting formation to fight these things. Maybe we should do that now? Like all the fighter types (ie illyana,farad,hawk) in front with maybe myself next with sasha and j'harast and raz at the back (hope I didn't forget anyone).
"Sorry for stepping in Illyana but I couldn't stand by and watch Farad take over with his kill anything that might be from another plane attitude."
"Kelar, I hasten to remind you that I am a fighter, well skilled in the long sword, and I do not back away from an enemy. My place has and will continue to be at the front, scouting and fighting the enemy. As far as I recall, I am first into an area, and when we get into a scrape the last out. This has caused my death once already, fighting the scorpions, but that is my role."
J'Harast looks to Illyana.
"Illyana, I would suggest that we continue to explore the other options we have for now. I would like to be sure that we are not in some big trap, and if we attack one group of enemy, others will be falling over to get at us. Once it is clear, then we can determine if we should fight these creatures."
"Yes, lets just kiss the ghouls and hope they go away. These are undead here. Evil incarnate. I will abide by Sasha's wishes in trying to help some who have strayed away from the paths of goodness, but undead are beyond help."
Sasha nods. "I agree, they should be destroyed. Perhaps I can try my hand at turning them."
Farad turns to Illyana. "We should kill them now. If we leave them, they will probably break through the door and come at us from the rear."
"I am ready to try turning them if you all wish to do so." Sasha says, gripping her staff in one hand and her holy symbol in the other.
J'Harast walks over to Farad and plants a big, sloppy wet kiss on his cheek.
Bel smiles, brings his hands up to his face, clasps them and says, "It's a kodak moment."
"Farad, I don't disagee with you that we should deal with the creatures. Who know's what is behind them. However, we have agreed to let Illyana make the decisions.
"Further, if you are the model of goodness, I don't want your help. I'd rather be helped by people I admire and trust."
Bel says, "J'Harast is right that we have agreed to follow Sasha but a good leader will listen to the wishes of the party. Like Farad, I believe that the Ghouls should be dealt with if there is a reasonable probability that they will either break down the door and follow us or be here to block a retreat if we need one. If we judge, and I am not an expert at that, that they will not be trouble in the future then I say avoid a fight if we can."
Raz, who is still waiting for signal to open the door, just shakes his head..."You people are nuts.....Anyway, are we going to fight them or not...Illyana?"
Aldarin speaks up, "I would just as soon destroy these creatures now while we have the chance than leave them here in the possibility that we will not be able to return and finish them off."
Farad frowns at J'Harast, saying nothing. Turning to Illyana he waits for her reply.
Bel smiles again and says, "I have this funny feeling of Dejavu, but that is life or in this case was my death. Go for it Sasha." Bel brings out his blessed silver cross and holds it up in his left hand and hefts a vial of holy water in his right.
Farad asks a question, "Will turning destroy the creatures? If not then we should still hunt them down, because they can always return later to attack."
All during this discussion the scratching at the door has continued. Suddenly, though, you hear terrible cries from the northwest passage, and two more ghouls come bounding into the chamber where you stand.
One heads for Kelar...the other heads for Farad.
Sasha raises her holy symbol and cries out, "Be gone, foul creatures - may the burning light of Isis smite you!"
The ghouls turn and flee back up the passage the way that they came.
Raz stays out of the way and readies a vial of holy water.
Farad comments, "Next time perhaps we shall act while we are able and not let evil spread due to our daliance."
J'Harast replies, "Farad, be careful what you wish for, you might get it."
Bel readies his holy water and watches the door to make sure the trapped ghouls do not get free.
The scratching continues...
Illyana speaks.
"We don't seem to have a choice anymore. If those two made it here from somewhere else then there is a chance more will come. We can't keep the clerics turning them away all day. Everyone get ready, we're going to open the door. If anyone has anything they can throw in (Bel) do it as soon as the door opens. The undead aren't smart enough to get out of the way quickly enough."
J'Harast nods.
"Fine, they know we are here. Much as I hate to agree with Farad, but let's deal with them. May I suggest that us fighter types be ready to attack them. I'll pull the spike out, and we can meet them at the door. Everone ese, stay behind the line of fighters, and hold off on magic casting until and unless we look like we are hopeless."
Farad, J'Harast and Kelar form a line before the door, and J'Harast pulls out the spike.
The door bursts open, and you face a solitary ghoul.
It jumps at Farad with a primeval yeowl, scratching his plate mail to no avail. The elf drops him with a single chop of his sword.
The room behind is now empty, and the smoke is clearing.
The door in the northwest corner is open, though.
"Since the northwest corner door is open, I assume two of the ghouls exited back out that way and tracked around. Lets see if we can't figure out what path they took."
You cross the room and look through the northwest doorway.
This opens into a circular room, but one only 10' in diameter. It is barren...but for a 5' wide pit in the centre of the floor. There is another open doorway directly across from you to the north.
You carefully move forward and peer over the edge and into the pit.
It is 50' deep...and at the bottom you see the two ghouls, cringing. There is a lot of junk down there...and here and there you spot the metallic glitter of coins...
You also go and look through the open doorway to the north. This leads into a chamber (20' X 30': 20' north, 20' west; opening in east wall north portion into another chamber; opening in west wall south portion into a passage running north - south; passage in south wall westernmost section running south). Growing from the ceiling in this chamber are three stalactites...strangely enough...
Illyana glances down into the pit. "I wonder what this was used for? If we could destroy the ghouls from here, we might be able to look around down below.. I doubt it's worth the trouble though."
She looks into the chamber to the north.
"Those things might be a trap.. anyone have something they could roll across the room? I doubt a coin would set them off if it was a trap." She looks down at her belt. "I knew I forgot something.. I don't have any darts. I'd throw one from here if I could."
J'Harast also regards the mystery stalactites.
"Those things on the ceiling over there, they could be very deadly. There are several options for dealing with them. but I'm not sure the best way, other than arrows. Or having someone stand under them, and then try to dodge out of the way it they fall."
Farad draws his bow and begins to fire upon the ghouls down below in the pit.
Both of his arrows miss...and the ghouls cringe on.
He tries again.
Two more misses.
And again...
The bottom of the pit is becoming littered with Farad's broken arrows...
Finally, arrow number eight nicks a ghoul for 1 hit point of damage.
The ghoul howls and starts climbing up the rough stone wall of the pit towards Farad. The other ghoul continues to quiver.
Farad lets loose two more arrows...which both miss.
The ghoul is almost to the top, now.
You've used up 10 arrows, Farad...
While Farad bounces arrows off of the walls of the pit, Illyana, Bel, Raz and Sasha discuss the mystery stalactites.
Bel says, "I volunteer Raz."
Raz looks at Bel sourly and says,"Screw you Bel."
Farad almost smiles at this. "If they are made to fall, perhaps they can be dislodged before the trap is triggered. But in any case it seems to be a badly designed trap. Perhaps we are missing something, such that in our haste to avoid this oddity, we trigger something else."
"It doesn't look like they can move. If we attacked with arrows, would they fall down or simply not move? I don't believe anyone should walk under them though."
"Perhaps we could toss rocks at them, or bat them with my staff, or even something longer. Or, if someone is very good with a lasso, we could rope them, as I used to do with the wild horses." Sasha suggests, with a grin.
Then, Illyana notices Farad's lack of fortune with the ghoul.
"Farad, you can stop now.. Let's deal with the one which is climbing up." Illyana draws her two handed sword, assuming she hasn't done so already. "How anyone can miss two ghouls in a 5' wide pit I'll never know.." she mutters to herself.
Farad frowns, but prepares his sword. "We'll see how someone else does on the second one."
"With Pleasure!" J'Harast will take his short bow and shoot at the other ghoul in the pit.
Both of his shots miss.
Farad puts away his bow and waits for the ghoul to come into range of his sword, which seems to be a bit more effective.
To Sasha, Illyana says,
"I doubt rocks could do it." Illyana calls over her shoulder. "Maybe we'll find something down in the pit to use after the ghouls are gone. Now can you stop worrying about them and start worrying about the ghoul climbing up, please?"
Bel frowns and says, "You bring up a good point Illyana, even I could hit those ghouls in a 5 ft pit. It makes me think something magic or strange may be going on here."
Illyana blinks. "That could be true.. anyone willing to try a detect magic on the pit after the fight is over?"
Bel says, "I have a detect magic to use but it will waste some of my spell capacity. If the group thinks it is needed I will use it though."
"I'm more worried what would happen if one of us climbed down.. I'm curious as to whether or not whatever is going on is benign or not."
Farad's bad bowmanship is probably the only strange thing happening. He did after all hit the creature once with an unmagical arrow.
Kelar stands ready. Aldarin moves beside Kelar to prepare to fight the second ghoul if it ever makes it to the top.
The first ghoul scrambles up And over the edge of the pit. Farad chops at it, beheading it easily, and the body falls back again, to land beside the other monster.
J'Harast tries his luck again with his shortbow...and an arrow pierces the remaining ghouls' back.
It looks up, shakes its head, and starts climbing...
The high elf shoots again, striking it in the eye.
It lets go and drops back down to the bottom of the pit...truly dead.
J'Harast lowers his bow.
You see money down there...
"Farad, was that good enough? 50% hit ratio is not bad, considering I rarely every use my bow." says J'Harast.
Sasha eyes the pit. "Well, we could go down there - I mean, if they didn't fall or set anything off, I guess we won't either unless it is triggered by living beings only. But are we really that desperate?" Sasha leans closer, trying to get a better look at the bottom of the pit.
Farad shakes his head. "Its just a pit. You folks overreact."
"How much would you say there was down there?" She asks.
Sasha shakes her head. "What do you mean 'overreact'? I was merely making some observations, and asking a question. I'm sorry to have inconveinced you in any way, dear Farad." Sasha replies, looking a bit puzzled at his reaction.
Farad pulls out a rope and tosses an end down into the pit. Holding on to the other end, he nods to J'Harast to proceed down.
"Gee for it being only a pit you sure do like letting other people go down first. And before you start raving I agree that J'harast should go down first he is after all our lead man." saya Kelar.
Farad replies -
"For it being only a pit, J'Harast should go first because he is proficient at climbing. My climbing skills are even worse than my archery. But I'm glad you have a grasp on the obvious and wish to share your opinions with us all. Perhaps you will offer us other inciteful comments later on."
Bel says, "I volunteer Raz to go get it. Don't worry, I have a couple of heals and a cure poison left."
"Bel, stop teasing Raz. Hold this rope, while I go and check out the pit."
"You shouldn't need the rope.. if those two ghouls can make it out without problems then I doubt you would need it.. We can use it as a backup in case something happens." says Illyana.
After making sure that things look safe, the elf goes down into the pit.
"If you find anything that it looks likes we can throw, can you bring it up? I want to take a shot at those things hanging from the ceiling in the other room.."
J'Harast pokes and prods at the ghouls until he is convinced that they are dead. He finds nothing to throw at the stalactites, but he does come up with 1000sp, 667ep and 167gp.
Aldarin steps to the open doorway where the stalactites await and pulls out his bow. "If these are some type of creature, let's see if they are immune to my arrows." He then proceeds to fire.
His first arrow hits, and sticks into the stalactite. Arrow number five imbeds itself in another one, as does his last.
You could almost swear that you see blood oozing from each of the wounds...
"Well, I guess they are not going to break off - don't anyone walk underneath them ... this is very strange." Sasha mutters, digging into her pack. She pulls out a strip of canvas and a flask of oil.
She saturates the canvas with the oil, wraps it around the end of her staff and then asks for a light.
Once the staff is lit, she will attempt (depending on the height of the ceiling or proximity of the bleeding stal.....) to torch them ... but she will not get under one in case it should suddenly fall ...
Farad turns to the others. "They aren't fast moving, whatever they are or they would have attacked us by now. Lets try that trick with the lasso and see if we can pull them where we can get at them with our blades."
Farad offers the rope to whoever mentioned using a lasso.
Raz says, "I don't know how wise that is. Why don't you just keep firing arrows at them until they are killed? Why take a chance on getting closer to them? From the blood dripping down, they are obviously alive and are vunerable to arrows."
"We aren't getting that much closer to them ... well, not by much. Think they will jump from the ceiling though?" She asks, stepping back a bit.
Raz, obviously suffering from a misguided case of deja vu, replies -
"Yes, I think they might be able to launch themselves from the ceiling to attack those that get too close....if they bleed..they are not rock, but are living creatures of some type."
Sasha smiles and accepts the lasso, putting her lit staff aside for a moment.
"I had forgotten about that - geuss it would be easier than trying to burn the things." she takes the rope and swiftly ties it into a lasso and tries to lasso one of the things.
Raz will shake his head and step back away from Sasha a bit.
Surprisingly enough, her first throw snags a stalactite and the rope pulls tight.
She pulls on it, but it does not budge. J'Harast helps her...with the rope that is...and the thing is pulled off of the ceiling and drops to the floor.
You see now that it is actually a living creature, up until now clinging to the ceiling with suckers. As you watch, it starts to crawl away...towards the closest wall.
"Ick! Kill it." Sasha says, picking up her staff and batting at the thing with the lit end.
Bel starts to swing his hammer at the glob, hears Sasha, and doubles over in laughter. Then he says, through the tears, "That has got to be one of the most inspiring examples of oratory leadership I have ever heard." Bel then decides it would do more damage to hit the glob with his lit torch then a hammer and proceeds to bash the glob with said lit torch.
Sasha looks at Bel and frowns. "Just what is so funny?" She says in a hurt voice.
Bel grins as he bashes the glob with his lit torch, and says, "Think of the dichotomy Sasha, you are a highly brave capable warrior, willing to face ghouls, skeletons and other monsters without a blink. You have been across the veil of life and returned. But when you see a glob crawl across the floor you yell "Ich, kill it" just like a 6 year old child. The contradiction was just to much for me to take."
Sasha laughs, "Oh ... I guess you are right about that. It;s just so squishy and icky ... I don't want it getting on my shoes ... or climbing up my robes ... "
Illyana looks at it. "Its not that bad.. I've seen worse. Besides which, we're in a dungeon. As horrid as it seems, you do have to expect slimey ugly things to get all over you. Its not a good way to spend your day." With that, Illyana moves into position to support anyone who looks outmatched.
Sasha nods and gets back to work with the lasso.
"How bout anyone with a bow attack them and Sasha can try and lasso some of the others and pull them with in reach of our swords. Or Farad you can go in there and tell them your story and bore them to death," suggests Kelar.
J'Harast likes this.
"Kelar, you have an idea there. Farad, why not tell them your story. Perhaps it will at least put them to sleep, and allow us to slip away, provided none of us fall asleep either."
Farad smiles. "I may take you up on the idea. I'm sure this creature would love to move over your sleeping body."
Farad then turns to Sasha. "Please lasso the second one before someone gets pushed under it."
Aldarin puts his bow away and pulls his sword stepping up to take a swing at the next one that hits the floor.
While his companions work at killing the little monsters, Raz will watch for any approaching creatures.
Now that you have the piercers figured out, it is an easy job to deal with them. Soon the floor is littered with pieces of chopped up, scorched and mashed monsters.
Searching, though, you find no treasure.
You look through the various opening leading off of this chamber.
To the east is another chamber (30' X 50': 20' north, 20' south, 30' east; door in south wall west corner). This place is bare.
Through the west opening is a passage running north - south. Looking north, you see that it runs for 60' and on. There is a passage running west in the 0' - 10' section of the west wall, and a 4-way intersection with a 10' wide passage in the 40' - 50' section. Looking south, you see that the east wall runs south for 10'...at which point it ends at a 10' wide passage running southeast - northwest.
Through the south opening you see a passage that runs for 10' on the right wall and 20' on the left wall, before meeting up with the same southeast - northwest passage that the last one encountered.
"East and check the doors?" asks Illyana.
Farad recommends going back to the smoke room and trying the second door to the north we found.
"We should try and search an area, rather than wander haphazardly about."
In the end it makes no difference, for when you open the easternmost door in the room with the smoke trap, you find yourself looking into the previously mentioned 30' X 50' bare chamber.
Several people start to feel confused...
"Ok then, lets check the doors here." says Illyana. But, you have just opened the only door in the large chamber. It opens into the smoke trap room.
Bel says, "I'm getting dizzy here. Sasha, you have a good idea of where we are? I think there is only 1 way for us to go but am not sure. Vidar, I hate Dungeon crawling!"
Farad suggests proceeding next door to the 20x30 room and going out the west door and turning up the passage heading north.
So you do.
Going north to the first passage running west, you look that way. It runs west for 10' on the left wall, 20' on the right...before meeting up with that same southeast - northwest passage again.
You continue north to the 4-way intersection and look each way.
To the east, a passage runs for 60' and continues.
To the north, this passage continues for 50' past this intersection then opens up into a chamber.
To the west, a passage runs for 50' on the left wall, 70' (you find) on the right wall...then turns southeast.
Farad points to the west. "Interesting dungeon so far. This looks like it may lead to the end of that slanted tunnel"
Illyana nods.
"Ok then, that works. I think. I'm not going to argue directions, my head would start to hurt."
You head west...and sure enough you do end up at the passage running southeast.
You follow it.
30' down along the left hand wall you come to a passage...it's 10' long along the south wall and 20' along the north. It ends at the north - south passage that you just left.
Continuing southeast, 10' further down along the right wall is another passage running west. It runs for 40' along the north wall and 50' along the south...then ends. There is a door in the west wall at the end.
Across the hall from this passage is another...running north. You have been up it already.
Right beside this passage is another one in the left wall running north. Looking up it, you see that it runs for 10' (left wall) and then opens up into the icky piercer chamber.
Beyond, the southeast passage runs for another 10' (left wall) and then ends at the chamber that you originally entered upon coming into this dungeon.
You can go down the passage to the west and inspect the door; return to the 4-way intersection to the north and take another passage; or try another passage or the second door that leads off of the entry chamber.
"I've always liked to map out areas before opening any doors, but other people may have another way of doing things. Let's at least listen at this one."
You head down the west passage and J'Harast listens at the door.
He hears nothing.
Farad nods, noting the door on his map. "Ok, lets go back to that four way intersection and head north into the chamber."
You do...and shortly find yourselves looking into a large chamber (40' X 60': 40' east, 20' west, 40' north; passage running east in the 0' - 10' section of the east wall (measured from the south); passage running north in north wall east corner; passage running north in north wall west corner).
The floor of this place is covered in fine reddish powder. The cause is readily apparent...as two strange looking monsters, sporting heavily armoured bodies, twin antennae on their heads and propellers on their tails, come rushing at you.
Raz steps out to the side..out of the range of combat...and readies a magic missile spell.
"#%$^@#^! What are those things? Bel, Raz, it might be time to use your magic on them."
J'Harast will be ready to attack, weapons at the ready.
Hearing J'Harast cry, Raz launches two magic missiles directly at the closest creature. The first spell does 8 hit points of damage...the second 5.
The monster swings an antenna at J'Harast..after the elf fans with both weapons. It touches his glowing longsword...which immediately rusts and crumbles to reddish dust.
The second monster moves towards Farad...eyeing his plate mail hungrily.
Illyana looks down at the ground.. "Red powder, like.. like.. Rust? Oh, SHIT!" She exclaims. "We were warned about such creatures.. they feed off of metal, metal we happen to be wearing! Back before they get a chance to touch you!"
"@#$%!! What are those things?" asks Kelar. He draws out his scimitars and moves to a flanking side.
"Oh my goodness - these creatures *eat* metal!" Sasha shakes her head.
Farad quickly retreats. "Sasha, use that staff of yours."
Raz cries..."The only thing I got left is invisibility....It looks like these things crave metal....I would suggest getting rid of your armour fast Farad!"
Raz will then take his 10' wooden pole out, rip some more cloth from his rope, wrap the cloth around the tip of the pole and try to light it on fire. Once done he will go to Farad's or J'Harast's rescue..using the pole to try and keep the monsters at bay.
"Back up, if you have a bow, use it." says Illyana.
J'Harast says, "Sasha, quick, give me your staff. You try to rope these creatures with your lasso. If anyone has any metal spikes or the like, throw them at the creautures now."
Sasha gives J'Harast the staff and then tries to lasso a critter. "Ya-Hoo!" She says as she throws the lasso.
J'Harast will try to attack the creatures with the staff.
Before anyone can attack, though, both rust monsters suddenly drop dead in their tracks.
The cause of death is not readily apparent.
It is late morning.
Illyana stares. "What? Dead? What happened? I'm really confused now."
Raz puts out the fire on the end of his pole. Leaning on it slightly he says, "Wow! That was odd. What happened?"
"Did anyone cast any spells or anything?" ask's J'Harast.
He goes and bashes each of these creatures with the staff he has.
"Anyone have an extra longsword? I could use it."
"Geez Farad, did you feed them a poisoned sword?" Sasha asks, grinning.
"Considering who's sword was eaten, I would say something like that probably did take place." says Farad.
"But how did both die? Only one got to the sword." Illyana frowns and looks around the room.
Farad frowns. "I was only joking about a poisoned sword, although one never knows. In any case I know how the creatures died. I killed them."
Sasha whirls to face Farad, her face white and strained. "What? How?" She asks quietly.
Farad looks at Sasha, "A simple spell really. A blast of energy that crushes the intellect. For creatures such as these it is fatal or quite stunning, because they have such little minds with which to defend themselves. But it is quite draining. I probably can only do this once, maybe twice before needing to rest."
"A spell? I realize I was otherwise occupied at the time ... but I did not notice you casting a spell ... " Sasha says, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.
"It does not require any casting. It is simply an act of will. I told you from the start that I had other powers of the mind. The ability to see something of the future being one of them. I've found that I also have a healing gift, but I have not yet been able to summon it forth with any skill yet. Perhaps as I train it I will learn to control it."
"All this I have told you before. Now lets move on and search this room."
Seeing what is about to happen...Raz steps into the conversation...."Good job Farad! I don't care how you did it...you saved us all!" Raz turns to Sasha, "Hey Sasha...why don't we take advantage of this situation and explore this room so that we can move on before any other monsters show up?"
Illyana frowns and replies to J'Harast. "I have one, its magical and I haven't tried using it yet so I don't know if it is cursed or not."
"Only one way to find out. I'll use it, if no one objects."
You search the chamber...but find nothing but rust.
You look up the two passages to the north...to discover that they are only 10' deep alcoves. Checking them out, though, you notice a loose flagstone in the floor of the easternmost alcove. Lifting it up, you find a cubbyhole under it...filled with goodies. You find: 700pp, 22 gems, 2 necklaces, a potion and three scrolls.
Looking down the passage that runs out of the south part of the east wall, you see that it runs for 20'...after which is a 4-way intersection with a passage running north - south. Beyond the intersection the passage continues to the east.
Sasha gives everyone a very intense look, seems about to say something and then shrugs.
"Very well, lead on then."
Sasha gives one last look to Farad, collects her staff back from J'Harast and is ready to move on.
"I do not remember hearing it." Sasha she says coldly, but leaves it at that.
"Perhaps this time you will listen."
Farad turns from Sasha in disgust and examines his map.
Sasha looks at Farad in surprise, blushing deeply. "Perhaps I will at that." She says quietly.
The violins play and we break for a laundry detergent commercial...
You head down to the 4-way intersection after collecting the loot and look each way.
Looking north, you see that the passage runs for 40' and then ends. There appears to be nothing up there.
Looking east, this passage continues for 60' and on. However, there is a trap door in the 40' - 50' section of the floor.
To the south, this passage runs for 60' and on. In the 50' - 60' section is another 4-way intersection.
You head south to the next 4-way intersection.
Looking west, you see that it runs for 60' and on.
Looking south, this passage continues for 60'...however after that, at the limit of your vision, you see that it then turns southwest. In the 50' - 60' section is another passage, heading east.
Looking east from the 4-way intersection, the passage runs 60' and on.
Kelar speaks up.
"Not that I am much better. But as you all are noticing I will voice my opinion any time I feel like it. and Sasha you need to grow up a little bit. Farad did tell us about his mind powers and you shouldn't question them. They just saved our hides."
Farad looks up at the unexpected support. He flashes a small smile, but says nothing further as he scrawls upon his quickly growing map.
Bel says, "Farad did mention his powers, but not in great detail. Not that I think he needs to, it is perfectly proper to be general in those circumstances. However, Farad are there any other special things we should know so we can gauge what to do in combat or other situations?"
"West?" asks Illyana.
Farad prefers to go back south as far as we can. "I want to see if this passage reconnects to area's we've already seen."
Raz nods in agreement with Farad.
You head south.
At the bend in the passage you look southwest...and find yourselves looking back into the first chamber on this level, where you entered...at the end of a 20' (right hand wall) / 30' (left hand wall) length of passage.
You look east.
This passage runs for 50', then ends at a door facing you.
Farad suggests we listen at the door, but not open it for now.
We can then head back up the passage and turn west at the 4 way.
"So I take it the door does not connect on your map in any way? Ok then, we'll check the other passages first."
You leave the door and return to the last 4-way intersection you encountered.
Turning west at the intersection, you go down 60' and find yourself at another 4-way intersection. You have been here before: 50' to the north is the chamber where you met the rust monsters and down to the west is the passage running southeast.
Farad smiles. "Good. Things are matching up. Lets turn around and head east now from the last four way."
"I'm glad to hear so, we had an awful time trying to map out that damn house.. either it kept changing or Sasha's map became inaccurate over time but I doubt it was that hard to do." says Illyana.
Sasha raises her brows in surprise. "Excuse me? My maps were just fine - perhaps you are misremembering?"
"I do remember, quite clearly actually. You had rooms and hallways going to nowhere, extensions which shouldn't have been there. I'm not blaming you in anyway Sasha. I just never liked that building."
J'Harast comments...
"Actually, having explored that building a lot, alone, I can attest to the fact that Sasha's maps were fine. That building was altered to make it real confusing to be in. In fact, I believe that it is a semi-intelligent malevalent force in the world. Further, I'm not sure Ms Ray Jay knows, or believes it.
"Besides, I trust Sasha.
"Back to work. Where to madam leader?"
"I never said I didn't. But if that house is as evil as you say, then why didn't they just burn it to the ground? That would have been much simpler than what we went through."
"Who am I to question those in the know."
Sasha smiles. "Well, I did suggest that in the beginning - but I think we were interested in finding interesting items, and to actually decipher the mystery. But I am glad we chose not to destroy it - for there is much to be done there - and I believe it will lead to a greater plot - the fact that the church is involved gives me pause. Let's get more experienced - and then see what work we make of that house - we will destroy the evil that lurks there! And it shall be all the sweeter for what we have suffered." Sasha says, quite passionately.
Raz just shakes his head in wonderment.
"Why do you shake your head so, Raz?" Sasha asks with a frown.
"You just seem a little too excited about the prospect of going back to that place of death.", says Raz, frowning back at her.
"I see. I guess your calling in life is different from mine. Why then do you go forth in the world? To merely walk away and ignore the spread of evil? I am sorry then." Without another word, Sasha continues walking.
Raz frown deepens as he walks on, "It is one thing to fight evil for the sake of good Sasha....it is quite another thing to fight evil for the sake of pleasure. We have had many friends and comrades die in that house. I am not saying that we shouldn't destroy that evil...I am just saying that it needs to be done for the right reasons...not for pleasure, not for revenge....but for goodness. I will go back to that house someday soon and destroy the evil within, but it will be with a somber heart I do it...for I will always remember the ones that were killed before me." Raz's face flushes.."I don't know....guess I'm not making any sense." Raz walks on...deep in thought.
You return to the 4-way intersection and head east.
In total, the passage runs east for 120'...turning south after 110'. However, in the 100' - 110' section of the north wall is a passage running north.
You look north.
This passage runs for 50', then ends at a door facing you.
You look south.
From the back wall, this passage runs south for 50'...after which is a 4-way intersection with a 20' wide passage. The passage continues south after the intersection.
"Listen at the door but don't open?" asks Farad.
You do but do not hear anything.
Farad suggests going south to the 4 way, then heading west again.
Raz seconds Farad's suggestion.
Down you go...
Looking east, you see that the 20' wide passage runs in that direction for 20' and then opens up into a chamber.
Looking south, this passage continues for 40' on the right side, 30' on the left...then ends at a passage running northeast - southwest.
Looking west, the 20' wide passage runs for 50' on the right wall, then 10' southwest, then south. Thee is a door in the first 10' section of the far wall facing you. On the left wall the passage runs for 40'...then around a corner to the south.
Suddenly you hear a loud noise from the east.
Turning about, you see 4 ogres swaggering out of the chamber brandishing clubs, looks on ill-intent on their so-called faces.
"UHHHH...DINNER! UHHHHH....DINNER!" they chant as they rush at you.
J'Harast will stand his ground, long sword (from Illyana) and dagger ready to fight.
Raz will ready his pole....staying out of combat is possible...defending himself with the pole if necessary.
Bel calls upon the great god "Oh Shit" and casts a charm person/animal on one of the ogres.
Sasha will stand ready, a bit back from the front lines, rewrapping and relighting her staff if necessary.
Illyana steps forward and waits for the ogres, ignoring Sasha and Raz arguing behind her.
One of the ogres stops dead in his tracks...a silly look on his face.
He looks at Bel with love in his eyes.
"ME LIKE YOU!" he exclaims, and runs towards the druid, arms outstretched.
The others confront J'Harast and Illyana.
The first ogre swings his club at the elf but is wide. J'Harast tries out Illyana's longsword and scores a big hit...cutting a large rent open across the ogre's chest.
"BUT WHY YOU BEATING UP MY BOYFRIENDS?" wonders the charmed ogre.
Illyana steps around another swinging club and chops off a hunk of her ogre, who screams.
"MAKE DEM STOP!" yells the charmed ogre.
Meanwhile, J'Harast is missed again, but then strikes with his dagger as well as the sword. The ogre drops dead.
"AARRGH!"
The third ogre moves up.
Illyana then does her ogre in with a final swing of her two-handed sword.
The charmed ogre reaches Bel and picks him up.
"PLEASE MAKE DEM STOP!"
Bel says to his new friend, "Cmon big guy, your buds are trying to eat my friends. If you can get them to back off we'll stop too. We don't want to fight, we just do not want to be their dinner."
"ME LIKE YOU! ME NOT LIKE YOUR FRIENDS!"
"Illyana, take the third one. I'll deal with Bel's new buddy."
J'Harast will whirl around and attack the one holding Bel, "Dummy, stop picking on my friend."
Bel quickly says, "Hold up J'Harast, he's harmless. Guard against the other ones."
Farad shakes his head. "Bel, tell him something, anything. A charm isn't proof against harm. Tell him we caught his boyfriends cheating on him and planning to kill him and eat him tonight."
"Gee Farad that is a really good thing to tell him maybe he will decide that you are trying to do the same thing by eliminating his boyfriends.
"Bel why don't you try telling him that Farad there is competing for his hand in marriage."
Aldarin steps forward with his sword, hopefully using the confusion to score a hit on the ogre not engaged with Bel.
Farad gives an evil smile. "He can say what he wants. Its his life. Send him my way if you want. My sword won't mind the extra blood."
J'Harast ignores everyone and attacks the charmed ogre. The remaining ogre, though, fans on his swing. J'Harast swings and sticks the charmed one in the buttocks with his dagger.
"YYYYEEEEEEOW!" says he, and swings at the elf...using Bel as a club. He connects...and both Bel and J'Harast take 5 hit points of damage.
Meanwhile, Farad and Aldarin are trying to do in the other ogre. The former cuts open a nice gash across the ogre's shoulder, but the latter misses.
Illyana is ALMOST tempted to start laughing at the swinging Bel. For now, she'll try to help Bel get down from his predicament by attacking the ogre who is swinging him around.
Bel, shaking his head at the things he gets himself into, tries to cast cure light wounds upon himself. Then he says, "Hey Ogre bud, lets get outa here. Their just to nasty for us. Put me down and lets go toward that door." Being upside down and swinging he has no idea what direction the door he just pointed to is, but he points to one.
"YOU NOT NICE! ME MASH THIS CLOWN THEN BOIL YOU FOR TASTY DINNER!"
He swings Bel again, and connects with J'Harast...not exactly mashing him but denting him for 1 hit point and spoiling Bel's spell in the process. The druid takes 1 hit point as well.
J'Harast tires of this game and thrusts Illyana's longsword into the ogre, lopping off his head.
Meanwhile, Hawk and the other ogre face off, but both miss. Farad attacks and nearly kills it with one stroke. His next swing does kill it, though.
All of the monsters are dead.
You look into the chamber. It measures 30' X 30' (10' north, 30' east, 10' wide passage running southwest out of middle of south wall). In here are some motheaten blankets and flea-infested hides, but nothing of value.
You look southeast.
That passage runs for 30' on the right. After that there is a 10' wide passage running north. On the left wall it runs for 40'. After THAT is an intersection with a 30' wide passage running northwest - southeast. Across that passage, this one continues southwest.
J'Harast has some words of wisdom for Bel.
"May I suggest that you forget that spell, and _never_ cast it again at an ogre."
Bel smiles and says, "It made that ogre pretty useless in this fight and for a single foe it could be a devastating way to break it's concentration."
Kelar adds, "Yeah instead of just doing damage to one person he did it to two using one of them as the weapon. That really did eliminate him from the fight.
"Maybe next time you should just ask if they need a weapon and give them one."
Sasha frowns. "Why must all of you be so critical all the time?" She says. "We can do without the sarcasm ... we have enough problems and there is more than one way to solve situations - and as we have seen, hindsight is 20/20"
Before he goes anywhere, Bel casts cure light wounds upon himself again...and he is healed for 5 hit points.
"We'll take the first north on the right," says Illyana...referring as to where to go next.
Farad looks at the map. "No need. We've already been that way. Lets go down this southwest passage however and see what that large passage has to offer."
With a dazzling flash of insight you realize that he is right, so you go southwest out of the chamber.
At the first passage (running north) you look that way and see that it joins up at a previously mapped (I hope) 4-way intersection.
You move ahead a few feet and look northwest. The right wall runs for 40'...then turns east. Across the passage, the left wall runs for 45' (conveniently ignoring that Pythagoras guy again), then runs north for 20' (door in northernmost section), then northeast for 10' and then east.
You look southeast. The right wall runs for 60' and continues...and the left wall does the same. There is a door in the right wall, 40' - 50' section.
You look southwest. The left wall runs for 60' and continues...and the right wall does the same. There is a 20' wide passage running south in the 30' - 50' section of the left wall.
Farad scribles on his map, erasing a portion, and then scribling again.
Farad then opens the door in the northwest corner. He hopes a westward passage is behind it. It is. One you've already looked at from the other side.
Illyana is having premonitions of the house here. "This dungeon is getting me dizzy.. and every time we go through it seems as though something is different."
"Actually, I kind of like this place, a fresh start and all that. However, I did not like those rust creatures. Ogres, I can deal with, but rust creatures, no." says J'Harast, lamenting the loss of his magic longsword.
Farad shakes his head. "No, everything is where it should be. Nothing is moving from where I mapped it. The corridors just wind around. If we pass through this door, and went left at the intersection following, we would be back at the room we entered. We've gone around in a circle."
Farad does though point to the north wall. "That, however worries me. There is a 100x50 foot section of stone there. My instincts tell me that something should be present there. My guess is that somewhere along these walls is a secret door. Once we finish exploring the obvious sections, we will need to see about checking this area and a few others like it. But lets trace these obvious tunnels and rooms first. Finding secret doors is somewhat noisy, as we will need to tap on the walls and such."
Farad then changes his mind. "J'Harast. Check that slanted section of the wall just north of the door. Its the oddest thing about this void, and thus is the most obvious place to put a hidden door. But if you don't find one, we shall not fret about it until later."
J'Harast turns to Illyana, "Madam party leader, is that what you want. If so, I will check, but everyone stay here, so you don't disturb my concentration."
Farad grins, turning to Illyana. "Yes, please tell him what to do. We don't want the fellow to get any independent ideas again now do we?"
Farad leans against the door, not 10' from the wall he wants searched, and watches the thief. "Hope I'm not too close. We wouldn't want to dash what little concentration you can muster."
Illyana frowns. "I doubt we'll wake anything up around here. You shouldn't be asking me for an okay on every little detail. I agree with Farad though, lets explore the obvious before looking for something secret, there might be a switch somewhere which could open a door. Go ahead, you can look."
"Illyana. You are appointed leader for this group. If _you_ want, I will direct the movement of the group, based on scouting that I do, or you can lead it. I _will not_ take orders from Farad. If you wish him to be the party leader, then let him, but _I_ will be forced to resign from this group. He and I have personality differences, as it is clear, and I _can not_ accept him in any leadership role.
"He may be being useful by making a map, but that is it.
"It's your call, Illyana."
Farad turns to the elvish thief. "Illyana can very well lead this group without you acting the baby. And as she said, she doesn't expect you to ask before every routine assignment. I'm mapping and thus know where we are going. Pointing you in the right direction is not exactly the same as my taking the helm of leadership. I fully expect Illyana to direct us in battle and make the critical decisions. Simply keeping us from getting lost and keeping track of what areas we may or may not have covered _is_ my job. If you don't like it, tough. I'm a part of this group despite your protests J'Harast."
"Can you both stop bickering? Otherwise we'll be here for the rest of the day. Farad, the least you can do is be a little nicer with your directions. J'Harast stop questioning everything he says. We need to work TOGETHER to survive down here, remember? Isn't that why we came down here in the first place, to act as a PARTY for once instead of a group of people who disagree on everything we do?" Illyana sighs.
"Now. Check that one section of wall and we shall be on our way. Illyana, I suggest heading down the ne-sw passage for now if he doesn't discover anything. After we listen to that door down the other passage of course."
"Go ahead J'Harast, check the wall. We'll cover you in case something goes wrong. As to the passage, I doubt Farad would want to lead us in circles."
"No, I am not purposely leading us back to the same rooms. However if a passage looks like it might connect back to an area we have already explored I do point to it so that we know for sure. Also I am trying to explore the areas immediately around our entry point rather than venturing far afield. I fear that if we simply tried traveling east, for example, as far as we were able without knowing all of the territory between us and the exit we may be cut off. The way I am proceeding, we now have several different exit routes."
"Then, I expect some respect and courtsy from you, Farad, that you would extend to any other member of the party. If you think that you can do the tasks that I can better, here's your chance." says J'Harast.
Farad replies. "While in these dungeons I act the professional that I am. I expect you to do the same, although I would not be surprised if that was beyond you. As for duplicating your skills, I make no claim of being able to skulk about in the dark or have the knacks of breaking into locks and whatever else thieves claim to do. That is entirely your perogative, and it is thus that I called upon you, rather than Sasha for example, to search for a secret door."
"If you had the best interests of the group at heart, as I do, you would not have complained at so simple a request."
"As for respect and courtesy, I realize your skills and know they are useful to the group, no matter how much I despise the master of those skills. I will give you more than professional respect when you deserve more. As yet I have not see anything but a desire to confound even the simplest of actions."
"Farad shut up," says Kelar. "Let him be if he wants to have everything done with the okay of the leader that IS his perogative. You don't have to comment on everything he does. Remeber last time that we started having discussions in the middle of a hallway to ghouls managed to work thier way around and come attack us. Lets not do this again."
Farad does indeed shut up. Nodding to J'Harast to proceed, he backs away from the door so that the elf has room to 'concentrate'.
"My apologies to the party. It was not my intention to cause such a commotion in enemy territory. However now that our roles are better defined, I'm sure we will work together more smoothly in the future."
Farad points to the map. "Once we are done here, I think we should travel southwest. Its likely that that route will venture to rooms that also connect to the exit from the south."
Raz just shakes his head, grin on his face.
Aldarin will also check for secret doors along this section.
The two elves go to work, but after 10 minutes have found no sign of a secret door.
That over and done with, you head southwest down the 10' wide passage to the intersection where the 20' wide passage runs south.
Looking on to the southwest, the passage continues for 60' past this intersection and on. There is another passage in the last 10' section of the left wall, heading south.
You look down the 20' wide passage.
From the northeast corner, it runs for 60' and on. In the 50' - 60' section of the east wall is a 10' wide passage running northeast.
Farad suggests staying with this passage and continuing southwest.
Heading that way, You stop at the next intersection and look both ways.
To the south, the passage runs along the right wall for 60' and the left wall for 70'...then ends. In the 50' - 60' section of the left wall is a 10' wide passage running east.
To the southwest, this passage continues for 60' past the intersection then ends at a wall facing south. In the 20' - 30' section - as measured from the end - in the right wall is a door.
Farad says, "I think its time we tried a door again. The exit lies due north of us."
You head down to the door on the right and J'Harast listens at it.
He hears nothing.
It is well into the afternoon, now.
You stand before the door that J'Harast just listened at...all of you strangely silent. No one is arguing...no one his yelling...no one is being paranoid about the other party members. All of you are quiet.
For a moment you enjoy this unusual situation, before returning to the matter at hand.
Sasha laughs, breaking the golden moment. "Now then, shall we continue. Farad? What does your map say?"
Illyana relaxes for a moment. "Nice and quiet for a change. Okay Farad, which direction should we head to now? Or shall we open the door?"
"It's too quiet," complains J'Harast. "Farad, say something stupid. I mean, say something so we can argue some more."
Sasha rolls her eyes but then smiles. "Well, I suppose a bit of humor is better than the arguing. Shall we try the next door then?"
Farad suggests you open the door.
Bel steps back, looks at the party and says, "Allright, who are you and what have you done with my party members? I say let's go in, who wants to open it?"
Raz steps up to open the door. The high elf stops him, though.
"No offense Raz, but why don't you let me do that, so if there is a monster in there, I can be ready to fight rather than having to push you out of the way."
Raz nods, "Fine by me as long as someone does it so we can stop jabbering and get moving.", says Raz grining. Raz steps out of the way and lets J'Harast open the door."
"Have you any spells left?" asks Sasha.
"Just Invisibility" says Raz.
"Spellcasters should stand back a bit ... safer too. Let the fighters charge in and get skewered first - that is what they are for." Sasha says with a grin at the fighters.
She stands back and holds her staff, ready for action.
J'Harast opens the door...revealing an odd-shaped room. To your right the wall heads north for 20'...then west for 30'...then south for 30'...then east for 20'.
However, upon opening the door, the elf has triggered a trap. Three spears fire from a launcher across the room. Two find their target, and J'Harast takes a total of 10 hit points of damage and is hurled back into Farad by the force of the impacts.
Apart from the spear launcher - connected to the door by a wire - there is nothing else in this room.
"OUCH! There goes the happy mood, but good. J'Harast, you hurt badly? I suppose we'll have to figure out ways to open doors without anyone standing in front now." Illyana looks into the room. "What an odd room. I wonder what anyone did in here."
Raz makes a low whistle sound..."Wow...good thing I didn't open that door....those spears would have nearly killed me....J'Harast are you going to be okay?"
Sasha gasps putting a hand to her mouth. "I didn't mean that skewering thing literally!"
She goes to J'Harast. "Shall I heal you ... or can you go on?" She asks quietly.
"That," croaks J'Harast, "Raz, is why you let the professional deal with the doors. Otherwise, others pay for our mistakes."
As he slowly stands up. "Stupid, stupid. I should be paying more attention."
Looking at Sasha, "Thank you lady, I shall be fine for now." J'Harast then messes up Sasha's hair. "I better be more careful, I need to focus."
Sasha smiles uncertainly, clearly relieved, but a bit confused too.
"Well then ... umm. I guess we should continue ... carefully."
"Mr. Map, where to next?" Sasha asks of Farad.
Kelar laughs.
"Okay next time we argue while he does his inspection of the doors. That way he will notice the traps. I mean really all this time and that is the first trap he has set off I am impressed or rather you are darn lucky."
"It's either skill, or I am a very luckly person. It is said that the gods look after drunks, fools and little children. "
Farad coughs, but says nothing. "I suppose we should next go to the last passage heading south and then head east down the passage on that hallway."
You head back to the northeast, turn south, and finally look east. This latest passage runs for 50'...after which it opens up to the north. In the 0' - 10' section of the north wall, though, is a passage running northeast. In the 20' - 30' section of the south wall is a door.
Since you are standing right next to it, you look up the northeast passage. On the right wall it runs for 40', on the left for 50'...after which it opens up to the east.
"Lets listen at the door, and then head up the north east passage."
You move down the east passage and listen at the door. Silence.
Looking east, you see that the passage does not open up farther down...instead it merely turns north...becoming 20' wide when it does so.
You turn back and go up the northeast passage.
As previously mentioned, this passage runs for 40' in the right side and 50' on the left. Now you see that after that is a 4-way intersection with that same 20' wide north - south passage that you mapped earlier. This passage continues to the northeast...across the passage.
Looking north, you see the other northeast - southwest passage that you just left a short time back. To the south, you see the corner mentioned above...with the 10' wide passage running west.
Crossing the 20' passage and looking northeast, you see that it runs for 40' on the right side, 50' on the left...then opens up after that. From this direction you hear heaving, harsh breathing...
Farad draws his blade silently, and takes position near the front. He points toward the sound, and gives a look at Illyana asking if we should attack or not.
"Be careful," Illyana whispers. "No point in letting it know we're here if we can't hurt it."
Raz says softly, "I still have that invisibility spell if anyone needs it to scout ahead."
Farad nods, and points to J'Harast.
Raz casts invisibility on J'Harast.
J'Harast moves off...or so you suppose...
Farad waits, and listens. Raz quietly readies his staff.
Bel readys his glowing hammer and says, "Well, let's hope this baby can do some damage." Then rubs his magic ring for luck.
After a few moments you hear a high squeeky voice from down the passage. It could be J'Harast...
"Hello. I'm your new friend. What's you're name?"
A deep, gutteral voice replies.
"Is that my feminine side talking? Don't sound feminine. It must be my inner self! Please help me! It ain't easy bein' politically correct...'speshully when youse as politically incorrect as I am!"
Illyana's eyes widen as she wonders what could be down the corridor.. but she doesn't say anything.
Raz waits to see if the group moves towards the voice.
The sqeeky voice continues...
"You don't want to hurt anybody, do you? I bet if you were to leave here, and go to the woods, you could find some nice ogre to settle down with and have children. You'd be a happy ogre, and could teach your kids all sorts of things."
"Too cold outside!" the deep voice moans. "We had nice condo here in dungeon...we wuz very happy! Then he went off with three other ogres and left me! Said I was too old fashioned! Had to get in touch with myself!"
You hear a whimper.
"I can tell that you have feelings. Otherwise I would not be here talking to you. I am your secret friend."
"What do I do?"
Farad waves to the others to advance. "Looks like he got himself into trouble. Lets go."
He moves forward.
Bel gets a devilish look in his face and strides forward impetuously (and probably suicidally) saying as he goes, "No, no, no, he iz obviouzly your inner child, my name iz Zigmund, vhat is yours?"
"What is dat?" asks the voice.
Sasha frowns in confusion and heads down the corridor towards the sound.
"Careful, we don't know what is there. Peek around the corner if possible first. I'll guard the rear. If something starts attacking, yell and I'll come forward." says Illyana.
Kelar stays to the rear with Raz.
"Do you all want to get us killed?" he mutters.
Aldarin also moves forward with his sword at the ready.
Approaching the end of the passage, you see an ogre standing at the entrance to a chamber, looking towards you. There is no sign of J'Harast.
"ARRRRRR..." he growls, still fighting with himself. "No...no...they may be persons of non-ogreness, but dat don't make 'em bad....or - or - " his sensitive side loses... "Killkillkillkill..."
The ogre advances, raising his club.
"Oh well, so much for niceties." Illyana will wait for Sasha's command to do something.. if nothing, then she'll attack the ogre.
Sasha dashes toward the ogre and commands him to 'stop'.
"What?" asks the ogre.
The squeeky voice shouts of thin air.
"Wait! Stop! Don't leave me! I don't want to be alone. I met your friends and they did not believe in me. Something bad happened to them. Please stop. Please..."
Bel, sensing an opportunity to prove the usefullness of one of his spells, casts charm on the Ogre.
Stars and planets are seen to orbit the head of the ogre...as a silly grin flows across his face.
He reaches out, grabs Bel, and kisses him on the lips.
There is a puff of purple smoke...completely engulfing the two of them.
When it clears the ogre is gone...and in his place is a young woman, with long brown hair, clashing clothes and an attitude.
"Oh...thankyou for removing the horrible curse that was put upon me!" she exclaims to Bel in a voice that you will all soon find very irritating. "You are my hero! As soon as I have made you into a politically correct male - probably by having you castrated - I will marry you and make you my prince!
"By the way...my name is Princess Sarah."
Bel blanches and in desparation casts invisibility to animals on himself and dives behind Raz saying, "Raz, invisibility quick or I'll marry her and inflict her on all of you permanently."
"Cute...but I can still see you, my S.O.-to-be..."
From thin air, you hear J'Harast laugh.
Farad gives a small smile towards Bel. Turning to Sarah, he bows. "My lady, I am glad to see such an evil curse removed. I'm sure Bel will welcome the opportunities marriage to a princess will bring him. Castration is a small price to pay."
"Especially for him," replies Princess Sarah.
"However, if you will excuse me," Farad goes and looks into the chamber. He finds himself looking into an odd-shaped chamber. The wall to his right goes south for 30', east for 40', north for 30', northwest for 10' (door in this section), then west for 30'.
Bel gets a grin on his face at the mention of J'Harast and says, "Mylady Sarah I am honored by your offer but I am afraid it can never be. I would not inflict my shame on you, not only am I a member of the royal elite - "
"I am too."
" - but I am a member of a religious order. Yes, I BELIEVE IN GOD! I could never inflict these and many other of my iniquities on you."
"Then I'll have to convert you to aethiesm!" she replies with religious zeal.
"However, my friend J'Harast is not only a non-conformist, and an atheist but he is a minority. And his voice was what drew you to your salvation, not me."
"But you are a representative of the politically incorrect establishment that oppresses the disadvantaged minorities," she replies. "By converting you I will relieve the oppression that you inflict, helping far more people than if I went out and aided each one of them individually."
J'Harast speaks.
"Bel, I heard that. I'm sorry princess, but I have other plans for my life, thank you very much. Last time I fell for a woman I met in a dungeon setting, it was not pretty. I'll stick to those I know."
Sasha smiles. "Oh? And who was that?" She asks, teasingly. "Was it Petunia?"
"Aye, and I learned from that experience. Besides, I prefer red heads."
Sasha smiles until understanding dawns on her. Her expression changes to confusion in an almost comical manner. "Oh ... eh, ... well. .."
Sarah glances at Sasha.
"If that's your real hair colour then I'm a monkey's uncle. I can't stand women who try to so blatantly cater to the perverted whims of men like that."
"Farad, I hope you liked that. See, I didn't attack off handed and tried to do the _right_ thing." says J'Harast.
"We shall see... we shall see."
Farad makes some notes on his map about the chamber beyond.
Sasha gasps when she hears Bel's outragious lie. "Bel! What a mean thing for you to do. Simply cancel your spell, but do not lie to a princess." Turning to the princess, Sasha bows.
"Pleased to meet you dear."
"You will call me your highness," Princess Sarah replies.
"How came you to be in this dungeon?"
"I was cursed - probably by that damned court mage - he always was a sexist bastard - made his daughters play with dolls!"
"Where do you normally live - we could escort you back home to your family." She says gently, stepping closer to her.
"I'm from Sandas of course. And yes, you could escort us back," she says, glancing over at where Bel still hides behind Raz's robes. "We have to meet daddy and get his token sexist approval for the wedding."
Bel pouts and says, "Aw mom, you never let me have any fun. Ok, I'll cancel the spell." He does so, not that he believes it will do him any good.
"Mom? I am not your mother ... a child of mine would never stoop so low..." Sasha blushes then and does not finish her statement.
Sarah's expression hardens.
"So...you tried to enspell me? You are a jerk! I feel all the more motivated to marry you just so I can convert you!" she says. "In fact, I think I'll perform your surgery myself."
"Well, I suppose we should have our tea party elsewhere. If it is late, perhaps we should consider getting dear Sarah back to her home." Sasha says.
"Yes, Sarah. Where is home?"
"Men! They never listen! I said Sandas! The Prince's Keep! Surely you've heard of me! My disappearance must have been the talk of the town...unless they supressed it..."
"Sasha is right standing around is not the best of ideas. We should either keep moving or find a place that we can protect ourselves at," says Kelar.
Bel's expression hardens and he says, "I was right, I will have to kill her."
Farad gives Bel a smile. "Perhaps her infatuation will wear off. It may even be a result of that charm spell and can be dispelled or will wear off."
Illyana, who has been trying to follow the conversation speaks up, "Not to be rude, 'your highness', but shouldn't Bel decide whether or not he wants to marry you?"
No!"
"He is, after all a member of my group and I don't want him to be hurt in any way.. we do need him after all."
"For what? You should be relieved that I'm willing to take the wretch at all!"
Sarah squints at Illyana.
"Or...is it that you like him? Not to worry, dear, he is of noble blood, so with his current chauvenistic mind-set he would never give you a second glance...unless it was only for a single night."
The still-invisible J'Harast speaks up.
"Listen, 'Your Ladyship' Yor disappearance did not make the news, and I've lived in Sandas for a while now. Either it has been hushed up, or there is an imposter living in the castle now. However, _WE_ still have work to do."
"Shut up you impudent coward! Men! Always thinking that they are the only important ones! If you have any balls whatsoever, then why don't you show yourself?"
Bel pokes his head out at this statement and says, "There are 2 other options J'Harast, either she has been gone so long all have forgotten about her, like centuries, or they were so glad to get rid of her they kept it quiet. I'm voting for the second."
"For that matter, Mr-soon-to-be-releived-of-his-big-stuff, if you are a member of the nobility as well, then how come I've never heard of you?"
"Farad, let's look at that map and see if we can find a place to hold up for the night. Then we can explore somemore. However, I am sure that the 'Princess' would like some time to be alone and relax. That would also give the spellcasters a chance to rest and relearn their spells."
"Illyana, I propose we find a place to hold up, for the night. Farad, Kelar and I can then go do some more recon for tomorrow."
Illyana yawns. "That late already? Very well, let's rest then. Umm, 'princess', I do remember a Prince Keep, but the last time it was called that was, oh, 500 or so years ago. I think you've been down here longer than you think."
Princess Sarah opens her mouth and then shuts it.
You savour the silence.
Farad smiles. "All the better. Her Highness won't need her fathers permission to marry if he's dead."
"What year is this? Who rules the Principality? Who rules the Duchy of Nlad? Who rules the Empire?"
Farad maps this room. "I would vote for the room east of here. It only has one entrance, and is at the end of a hallway that can be easily watched."
Farad then goes over to the door and opens it, looking further down the southeast hallway.
"This room is my second choice. Its two exits would allow us escape if we needed it."
"I think the room with the two exits would be better, depending on where they open up to. If one exit is rather isolated, then we have an escape route. There is always a risk of a double attack from two sides though."
Farad tells her the year, but he knows little of human lands and their rulers.
Sarah looks at the grey elf.
"Ahhh...a humanity-challenged person," she observes. "Probably deprived of a proper education and opportunities because of your race. You must be wrong about the year, too...as a result of being mathematically deprived by an oppressive society. If you are correct then I am over 700 years old!"
"Ray Jay would probably wish to talk with you. He is the Archmage of Sandas."
"Never heard of him."
Bel glares at Farad and says, "Thanks chum. OK Lorenawannbe, get this straight, NO SURGERY and NO MARRIAGE!"
"Shut up, loving husband-to-be. You have no say in the matter."
Illyana laughs. "I assure you, I don't need him for that. Noble blood or not, I do not believe that he is any where near as stuck up as you are. If you treat any other men no differently, you'll end up living the rest of your life as an old maid!"
"I am not stuck up. I have worked hard to push forward the cause of political correctness all my life. I just don't take any crap from his kind...or yours. And, if living as an old maid is the alternative - I love that word! - to being forced to kowtow to the depraved wishes of men like him, then so be it!"
Sasha glances at Sarah and frowns. "You may be a princess in name, but not in comportment."
Sarah glances back at Sasha.
"And who are you to judge me, Miss Clairol?"
Sasha shakes her head in distaste. "I do not understand people sometimes ... " she mutters.
Then to Sarah, "Is this really necessary, between your vile words and loud volume you are likely to attract more monsters. If you do not desist, I will silence you. Of that you may be sure."
You hear a squeeky voice, "You go girl"
Sarah replies to Sasha.
"You do not like me putting these ignorant and prejudiced men in their place? You are just their tool. Look at the way you're dressed! In that disgusting leather costume...you're a teenaged boy's fantasy! You're just perpetrating a stereotype, that's what you're doing! Degrading all of us."
Illyana tell Sarah all of the information she remembers from history lessons. The way she recites it is rather boring, but she's never liked history anyway.
"I think you've been conditioned," Sarah replies, calmly disbelieving any thoughts but her own. "I can help you all! Let us form a commune and raise sugar cane together! We'll have a worker's paradise!"
Sasha smiles. "Perpetrating a stereotype? Indeed. If I cared about stereotypes, then perhaps that would be true. My choice of clothing is dictated by my need for extra protection."
"Protection? I should hope you carry a box of condoms wherever you go, dressed like that!"
"It's not quite that bad around here you know." says Illyana.
"I degrade no one - you do so by your attitudes and your acceptance of other peoples standards and your own ignorance and intolerance." Sasha replies calmly.
"My standards are my own. I seek to liberate others from the repressive standards of society!"
Bel, starting to get mad, says, "And I'll bet dollars to donuts that you won't be doing any of the work. The only good thing about that commune is that you could make rum out of the sugar cane. Farad may be humanity deprived but at least he is not inhumane or inhuman, your both. I think you fall into the intelligence-deprived catagory and this is a good time to test out my new toy." Bel starts to unlimber his glowing hammer, leaving no doubts as to what the test is going to be.
"Oh! An abuser of women as well, are we?"
"No!" barks an invisible J'Harast. "Bel, do not attack that woman, no matter how strange her attitude seems. Do you wish to become like me?"
Bel rolls his eyes as if to say "get a clue" and says quietly in the direction of the voice, "I'm a chivalric, don't worry." Then loudly, "But I was brought up to believe in the club and hair drag method of treating women and she definitly needs a knock or two."
"You are sick! Sick!" Sarah looks at Sasha and Illyana. "How can you stand to be around such a creature? Or do you beleive that woman-beating is acceptable behaviour?"
Illyana smirks. "If you were male with the attitude you have, I believe Bel would try to bash your head in just the same. I've been with him for quite some time, and I can assure you that any injuries he inflicts on you are solely caused by your own mistakes." She frowns. "Although there probably is a better way to handle such things."
"Bel! I cannot believe that of you. How awful!" Sasha replies, shaking her head. "Perhaps you do need your mother along - I'm sure she would have a few words to say to you."
"She probably allowed her husband to abuse her as well! That's where he picked it up! But that's no excuse...once we're married I'll cure him!"
"Now then, have we decided where we are staying or what we are doing. I would rather not stand around here ..." Sasha looks to Illyana, waiting
"Everyone, things are likely to get very quiet soon, you may want to step back a bit ... " Sasha says quietly.
Sasha raises her hands and casts a spell ... Silence ... centered on Sarah.
The princess continues to rant and rave...but no sound comes out. A look of outrage comes over her so-called features.
"That will work. Now, Bel. Did I not suggest you forget that charm spell of your's. It seems that you have gotten what you deserved. No less, no more." says J'Harast.
"Can we set up a camp and let you all rest while we do some exploring, agreed, Farad, Kelar?"
Bel says as he hefts his hammer, "Good job, I knew there was a reason you would make a good leader and that spell is enough of a reason for me to support your role for a long time. Somebody hold her still now, I wouldn't want to have to preform this test again, all in the interest of science you know."
Bel, taking careful aim, says, "Oh be quiet J'Harast, if I hadn't cast that spell we would have killed her. Then we would be responsible for the death of an (Bel chokes on the next word but gets it out) "innocent". We just have to figure a way to dump her, might even get a reward, or more likely blackmail them to not give her back. I think they would give thousands to keep her away, I know a few nunneries that would take the challenge of re-educating her as a holy mission. We could dump her there. I think a nice temple shot would be best."
Farad comments, "There will be no reward. From what she says anyone who ever knew of her is long dead."
Farad looks out the door to check what's there, ignoring the princess.
Looking through the door, he sees the 30' wide passage there. To the left it goes back into an area that you have already explored. To the right it runs southeast for 60' and on.
"Yes, as I thought. This will be a good place to stay. However are we really in need of a rest? I'm quite able to continue. Unless the spell casters need to regain their powers of course..."
It is dinnertime...
"Is it that late yet? If we still have some time, perhaps there is a little bit more of this maze we can uncover. Farad, you never did mention what the area around the room with the two exits looks like.. how much of it did we cover? How wide open is it?"
"That is this room. If we are to explore further, we should turn southeast and continue that way down the hall."
"Then again.. if we rest.. the silence spell will wear off. Let's get going."
Kelar speaks.
"Let us hole up for the night. We don't want to be to run down. Illyana you should understand this mor than the others. We will have to post guards which will limit the amount of sleep we all get. If we camp early we will be able to scout around the area and make sure that we have ample warningif something does try and get to us. Sasha you might want to keep a couple more of those silence spells handy. She probably will keep at that through the night and into the morning."
"J'harast I think we should do your exploring but stay with in reach of our friends."
"I also think that we should stay in the one door room. True we won't be able to escape if need be but it will limit the amount of directions that we will have to guard. In other words less people to have to stay up."
Sasha frowns. "Uh ... do we want to wander around down here with her? The silence is bound to wear off some time ... and I do not think it wise to expose an 'innocent' to such dangers ... no matter our personal feelings for her."
You hear Bel audibly gag at the mention of the "I" word again. Bel then says in horror, "Silence spell wear off!!! How many of those suckers you got Sasha? Let's get moving outa here before she run out of spells, get her back to the palace and let them deal with her. They won't tolerate a marriage between the 2 of us anyway, I'm a low nobility, not acceptable to royalty."
"Oh, very well. We'll rest here for the night. I'd rather inconvienience some people with less sleep than to worry about being trapped in a room with no way out. Besides which, we'll probably have to dump her off so she doesn't get us killed with all her bickering.. We could head back to the Keep or even south to Castle Yuri.. I'm sure she and Yuri would spend hours going back and forth.. and besides which, if she claims a PALADIN is sexist (which I know he isn't, despite being many other things) then Yuri himself can deal with her."
Bel smiles at that suggestion and says, "Great idea Illyana, nothing would warm my heart more than to see those 2 going at it. I second the notion of going to Castle Yuri, besides he would probably know about her from past history or be able to contact someone who would know."
Sasha laughs softly, rolling her eyes. "I'm sure Yuri and Sarah will be a perfect couple! They deserve each other ... "
"That part is settled then. I'll take the first watch, to get things started.. Too bad though, I wish we had a fire, even a small one.. It has been a while since I've tried to cook anything. Not that it matters, all I have to cook are hard rations."
Sasha wrinkles her nose. "I thought we were leaving ... to get her to safety? I don't want to spend all night trying to keep her quiet."
Farad comments, "If we are leaving this place to return her Highness, let us do so now. No need to risk a night here when we can be safe somewhere else."
"Yes, if we must leave, best to leave now than later."
"Umm, Castle Yuri might be much closer than Sandas, but it is still a half day journey by foot. No offense, but I would rather start such a journey in the morning rather than not get any sleep today."
Farad nods. "I don't know how far it is, but even if we have to camp, I would prefer to do so under the stars atop a hill than in the dungeons where we can't see what's coming."
"Isn't there something on the way ... only hours from here? An inn, an old barn. I would much rather take my chances there than here ... " Sasha says, looking around the room with distaste.
"That is true. I don't know about the Inn, there might be one along the way. But we probably are safer outside than in here. Shall we get started then?"
"Sandas seems to be closest, but Yuri would probably love to discuss matters with our new princess. Lets still take her to him."
Farad whispers to you later, "Also, the farther away from our base she is the better I would feel. No need to lead her home where she may be waiting for us each time we return."
So, you decide to leave the dungeon and camp outside, before heading for Castle Yuri in the morning.
You climb out of the urinal and make your way back to the road, and pitch a camp in the woods nearby.