March 22nd is cloudy but mild.
You set off back to ther Megadungeon.
It is midafternoon before you arrive back at your campsite.
In the morning, you realize that Sasha is not among you though a servant bears a note from her.
It reads:
Dear friends and companions,
I find my faith wavering and have decided to return to my homeland for a time and decide if I indeed have the proper calling. I have enjoyed adventuring with you ... it has given me much in terms of exprience and has taught me much about people and life in general.
I wish you the best of luck in your exploits and may look you up in Sandas again one day ...
Farad reads the note from Sasha and passes it to the next person. "Very well. Nothing more to be done about it. Lets move on. Pillar, we'll be needing your clerical skills more now in dealing with undead. Luckily I can make up for the loss in healing magics."
Illyana shakes her head sadly. "She'll be missed, I'm sure. Especially by me. There doesn't seem to be much I can do now, although I wish she had stayed around to say goodbye."
There is a tear in J'Harasts eye as he reads the note. He turns and snaps at Farad. "That is a damn callous attitude to have. Sasha has been with this group for a very long time. I will miss her. And I still owe her so much for what I have done."
Farad shrugs, and pulls out his maps. "Luckily I did not die a bloody death. It would be difficult to redraw these."
Farad looks up and turns to J'Harast. "So, are you fit to take the lead, or should I send Pillar ahead? We shall head west along the hallway of the checkerboard room."
Bel moves over to J'Harast and puts his hand on J'Harast's shoulder in a comradely fashion and says, "Be strong my friend. I know how much Sasha meant to you, she meant much to me also. We have been through life and death together, literally, there are few beings who can say that. I feel we shall see Sasha again and if there comes a time when you need to search her out, be it now or later, I will support you and help. We must continue on and respect Sasha's wishes...for now. She would want you to continue your quest and remember her as the light and breath of fresh air that she was."
J'Harast still looks very distracted. Lost in thought. He begins to wander down the hall that Farad indicates.
Bel gets stone faced and says, "Last I knew Illyana was the designated leader. We follow her lead, not yours. Illyana, your call on delegating authority to Mr. "Holier than thou" or not."
"I am, but Farad is the one with the map. I'll make the decision when we have to do something risky, but it can't be that hard to steer us around down here."
Farad looks about. "Why is this conversation so familiar... Ah, I had it with J'Harast before."
"I don't see a map in your hands... Last I heard, _I_ choose which path we explore, so get in line, or we'll leave you here." Farad turns and follows J'Harast.
Bel shakes his head and says, "The question is not one of direction, we have just had a major loss of party abilities and strength. We shouldn't just proceed on as if we are the same as before, we aren't. Our clerical abilities are weaker as are our fighting and healing. We should discuss a change in battle tactics, party marching order, etc. before we go storming around in the Dungeon again. I do not question you authority in direction, it is party decisions I will not concede to you."
"That is true, but we can't exactly wait around for another cleric to show up. It just means that when a combat comes along I will have to weigh it differently as to whether or not to proceed. Farad can heal now, so I don't know how badly off we are yet. As for battle tactics, there have never been any - everyone just charges forward. That is not something I like but down here I don't know of anything else we can do unless we know the area before hand. People won't even let the opponents come through a door so we can kill them easily."
Farad shakes his head. "Nothing has changed. Sasha contributed little to our fighting prowess, and I can completely replace her healing abilities. The loss, if any, is of an extra body that got in our way."
Illyana sighs. "The loss is one I doubt you could understand fully. People are more than just bodies."
Looking upset, Raz replies, "Farad, you can be an arrogant bastard sometimes."
Bel shakes his head again and looks to the sky and says, "Vidar give me strength. When you can turn undead, which she has done before to save us, or call upon mystical help from something, then you can replace her abilities there. She has proven herself a much more usefull fighter than you have so far and as to your "healing" abilities." Bel draws his dagger and makes a small slice, bloody but not serious, on his arm, then sticks it toward Farad and says, "Heal this if you can, until I see you perform this ability you do not have it. I cannot count on you being able to do anything just because you say it is so."
Farad smiles. "That little scratch is not a test."
Farad takes his own dagger and plunges it into his thigh. Wincing, he pulls the bloody blade out. It is a deep wound, and blood quickly flows out of it.
"This is the faith I have in my healing!" cries Farad. The obvious pain and the fire of his passion light up his eyes. "You doubt my word, but I do not and have never lied. You show your lack of faith in the power of the gods I serve. Learn the true power of a paladin!"
And the wound closes.
Farad turns, and leaves Bel to fend for himself with his own small cut.
Bel closes his eyes and says, "Vidar help us, he'll be even more uncontrollable and imprudent, not to mention impudent, now. I thought Paladins had more discretion in who gets admitted to their ranks. Ah well, it is probably passion, not intelligence that is required and Farad has plenty of that. I wonder if his heal only works on those who believe in his gods? It would fit with his personality. Well Illyana do we proceed with the "Madman of Alcatraz" ahead?" He then heals himself as he waits for Illyana's answer.
Illyana shakes her head. "Idiots! The more times you cut and heal yourselves, the less times you'll be able to heal one of us when it is needed! Stop wasting your skills on nonsensical showmanship, please. At least you could have waited until we were outside of here." She sighs. "Enough idiocy, let's get moving. I want talking kept low when we enter an area which we haven't mapped yet. Or should we just head back to the tile room? Anyone else care to touch the infernal thing?"
Bel says, "Sorry Illyana but I had to know if Farad was deluding himself or was accurate. I believe he won't lie but may not always know what is true, "The tiles do not have a cost". I did not expect him to stab himself, fanaticism is unpreditable."
"I never said such a thing. And if I did, it was refering only to the green tile, which I said was safe enough. It was Sasha who tried the red one, and did say it had a cost. I felt that cost was worth it, but I didn't realize the shock to my body would stop my heart."
"So did the tile go out or not? I'm suddenly curious as to why there are so many of the things."
"Lets take a peek. But I don't think any of the tiles winked out. My guess is that the number of tiles is some property of the magic, and only the color of whatever tile you touch matters."
Farad shakes his head. "I will regain what small amount of magic I used in an hour or two. No need to worry."
"Perhaps. I still don't want any needless wasting though by anyone."
"As for the tile room, I think we may have found something with which to pay back J'Harast's life. The adventurers may have great use for magic which increases their skill level. Such things are all the more valuable when you have done much, because it becomes harder to learn new things. The fact that this magic also can increase one's charisma is an added bonus.
Further, Yuri mentioned a magical fountain in the Black Keep. If I recall correctly, that is where they are exploring. They should know of such magic so that they can seek it out and benefit from it."
"Assuming we warn them of the potential disaster of the device.. I don't consider it safe exactly, but it could have it's uses. Does anyone remember if the square dimmed or remained lit? I'm curious as to why there are so many squares there if only two are needed."
"J'Harast, get back here," Illyana calls. "I need to discuss something with you now."
J'Harast returns.
They speak in low voices for a moment.
You return to the ropom with the magic tiles. All are still aglow.
Kelar eyes the tiles.
"Illyana if you would like I would be willing to risk touching the green one.. that way we can know for sure if it just raises your charisma or if it picks a random stat. Also we will know for sure if it has a cost of its own."
"I won't ask anyone to do it, you have to do it by your own free will."
"Well everyone watch for any wierd effects. This way we will know a little more about the dumb thing."
"Eh?, I dont think so my friend" Pillar throws a hold person on Kelar.
Farad turns on Pillar. "What in the hells are you doing? We've proven the tiles are safe enough, if you understand them and know their costs."
Bel says with no lack of acid in his voice, "Safe enough? Right. As long as you have a rod of resurrection handy. What I do not like is you repeatedly using that enhanced charisma of yours to convince people to do things. If that keeps up you and I will have to go our separate ways. I hope the party will have the good sense to realize your manipulations and deal with them also."
"Manipulative? Farad? Bel, Farad hasn't convinced anyone to do anything. He certainly couldn't charm me if he wanted to. Or do people just enjoy being paranoid? How can anything be accomplished when everyone is bickering to each other nonstop? Sometimes I wonder if it is even worth the bother to do anything on some days. I won't stop someone from touching the tiles, I can't nursemaid everyone. I won't ask someone to do it either. If you want to, go ahead." says Illyana.
"Do you really know their cost, No offense Raz but I hardly think you have the knowledge to correctly understand them, I say we continue now, explore more of this dungeon before more of our members suffer system shock on the wall of doom".
"Agreed, this room causes so many problems. I waant everyone out, NOW. No more bickering about this damned room either." orders Illyana.
As usual, no one pays her any heed.
The spell does not affect Kelar.
He touches a green panel...
Kelar gains a point of charisma...and lives.
Turning to Pillar, Kelar says, "If you ever try that again.."
"You will what?" Pillar smirks "No harm done neh? You touched the tile and lived lets move".
As Kelar regains his temper "Illyana I think that if you touch the green tiles all it benifits is your charisma. I feel no diffrent otherwise."
"Of course you are an expert in magic and its effect" laughing Pillar waits and says mockingly "We are all experts neh?... I have only been adventuring for a few months, but still I count my opinion as the be all and end all".
Pillar waits patiently to leave the room.
"J'harast get us out of here before someone gets hurt."
Illyana glances at the tiles. "Damned things, what a pain they are. It may be weeks before we get out of this room."
Farad looks at Illyana. "If you are finished with J'Harast, we can move on."
He turns to the elf, "West down the passage, if you will."
You leave the room and go west.
From the room you go 110' west...at which point the passage turns northwest. Following it for 50' on the right hand wall brings you to a "T" intersection with a 10' wide east-west passage.
You look each way.
To the east, the passage runs for 50' on the south wall...after which it opens up to the north.
To the west, the passage runs for 50' on the south wall...then ends at a door facing you.
While you are standing there, Kelar notices a secret door in the north wall, 0' - 10' section to the west...ie. across from the passage you just came up, and 10' west.
J'Harast listens at the door but hears nothing.
"Lets leave the doors for now, and follow the east passage." pronounces Farad.
"Agreed, I don't like the idea of opening doors at random." says Illyana.
Heading east, you realise when you get there that the passage turns north after 50' and becomes 20' wide.
You look north.
As measured from the northwest corner the passage runs north for 60' and continues. There is a door in the west wall, 20' - 30' section.
You go to the door and J'Harast listens.
He hears nothing.
Looking north from this new vantage point, the passage continues...
"Lets continue..."
You trundle northwards.
80' past the door you arrive at a 10' wide passage heading west. Looking west, you see that this new passage runs for 60' and continues. In the 50' - 60' section is a 10' wide passage running north.
Ahead, the 20' wide passage runs for 30' more past the intersection...after which it ends at a "T" intersection with a 10' wide passage running east - west.
"Lets take a quick peek at the northermost intersection. Then we shall come back and continue west."
Up to the "T" intersection you go.
Looking east, the passage runs for 60'...but turns north after 40' and becomes 20' wide.
Looking west, the passage runs for 50'...but turns north after 40', remaining 10' wide.
You head back down to the previous intersection and head west.
From the previously mentioned intersection with the passage running north, you pause and look both ways.
To the north, the passage runs for 50'...then opens up into a chamber.
To the west, this passage continues for 60' and on...but in the 50' - 60' section is an intersection with another passage running south.
"Lets check out this chamber."
Pillar after trundling sedately along springs into action and begins to talk "Where are we going... why are we wandering around like recently deceased chooks? Shouldn't we actually try some doors?" Pillar looks upset "We should be killing monsters not getting lost".
Farad turns to the cleric. "We'll try the doors in due time. Best to kill everything in the halls first so that we don't get cut off later."
Sighing Farad continues to draw his map.
To the chamber you go. It is a small one, and trapezoidal-shaped (right wall goes 10' northeast, then west for 30', then southeast for 10' to close up). There are no visible exits.
In the northeast corner is an enormous pile of coins.
Going over, you count out 20,000ep.
As you stand there gloating over your good fortune, though, four giant toads launch themselves into the chamber at you, taking you unawares.
Kelar, Aldarin, Illyana and Pillar find themselves under attack.
The first one lands at Kelar's feet and misses biting him.
The second one does likewise with Aldarin.
Number three bounces off of Illyana's breast plate.
The last one clamps its venom dripping choppers on Pillar's plated arm...to no avail.
As you fumble for your weapons, they try again...
Kelar is missed again, but this time Aldarin is bitten for 2 hit points of damage. The venom makes him cry out, but he resists its lethal effects.
Illyana and Pillar are both missed.
Kelar, Illyana and J'Harast can now react.
"Heh, little beastie you no bite me neh? Wait till I get my weapon then we see who is toughest..." says Pillar, as he reaches for his flail.
Illyana starts swinging at the toads, but will try to keep away at the same time. "Spells, people, would me much appreciated right now."
She then chops her assailant in half.
Kelar chops into the toad but does not kill it.
J'Harast comes to the aid of Aldarin, nicking the attacking toad with his dagger.
Kelar nails his toad next, and kills it.
Aldarin launches into a swift series of block/parry/lunge/thrust maneuvers hopefully to some avail.
The toad, totally overwhelmed, dies.
Illyana helps out Pillar, who - still surprised - nevertheless gets himself missed. Tuoni must be smiling on him. A single swipe of the fighter's two-handed sword dispatches the last frog.
Bel casts cure poison on Aldarin.
Farad shakes his head. "Save it, Bel. Use it on someone who succumbs to the stuff."
Bel replies, "And if it is a nerve poison it is still in his system and when he succumbs he dies immediately. No time to cast a spell. Cure poison won't work very well then, will it?"
"If it were going to kill him, it would have done it already, but do what you will."
Bel replies, "For a Mammal I would agree but this is a reptile, an entirely different set of poisons. The cry of pain from Aldarin implied either an acid or a nerve poison or both, either one will continue to eat at his system and needs to be dealt with."
Feeling like the recipient of one of his own mind blasts, Farad shuts up.
Turning toward Bel, Aldarin says, "I for one am appreciative, I wouldn't like to see what the long term effects of the poison are."
"This is a large amount of treasure. If we leave it, something may claim it while we are gone. I suggest we pack it all up and head back to Yuri's. There we can rest and return in the morn."
"I agree lets check for doors and then head back. We all I am sure could use the cash. Pillar before you start griping don't bother...no one cares that you want to stay and kill things. The cash will help pay for training so we can stay longer." says Kelar.
"Doesn't worry me" Pillar answers with a shrug "At least we have some treasure and we fought some monsters, my god watches over me so I am happy".
You take Farad's advice and exit.
Late that evening you arrive at Castle Yuri...laden with loot.
"Ahhh, welcome back, brave souls!" exclaims Yuri when he sees you. "A successful trip? Excellent! Guess what!" he continues, "A visitor has arrived here today to see you. He brings greetings from Princess Sarah!"
The paladin winks at Bel.
"Give us time to rest and wash, and we shall see this visitor."
"Of course," replies Yuri.
Farad later tells the party. "I am going to send a message to the other group for whom we are in debt. I think that knowlege of the wall we found will, in addition to the 9,000 gold we already have saved, should more than repay the cost of J'Harast's life. Also they should know of this pool Yuri spoke of before. Adventurers would give much to be able to gain magically in abilities as some of us have done."
"Agreed, although we have to warn them about the wall's dangers.. perhaps we could escort them back to it to save them the trouble of finding it." says Illyana.
"I included a map to the area, and already made note of the danger of the red tile, and that they could find us here at Yuri's if need be."
Farad then pulls out his notebook. "Twenty thousand electrum pieces is evenly divided. Each of us receives 2,500. This is equal to 1,250 gold."
J'Harast looks at the money, "I will take only 250 gold, and the rest should go to the original members of the group. Alternatively, use it to start a party fund for future expenses. I care not."
The elf wanders off, seeking solitude, leaving most of his share on the table.
Yuri stops him, and asks him to stick around for a bit.
Farad gives his letter over to one of Yuri's men, with enough money to insure its arrival.
After you are cleaned up, you assemble in Yuri's study again. Two men are there as well as the paladin. The first is an older man of regal bearing. With him is a younger man, also of similar bearing, tall and well-muscled.
"These fine people are Everet and Britan," says Yuri, motioning to the older, and then the younger of the two. "They are cavaliers of the Imperial Order of the Holy Rose, from the city of Puke in the Imperial Province of Riverland. Gentlemen, I present to you Lady Illyana, the cleric Pillar, the elf Aldarin, the high elf J'Harast, the druid Bel, the magic user Raz, the wood elf Kelar, and the grey elf Farad."
Everet bows.
"I am proud and humbled to meet you all. We are emissaries of the Prince of Puke. As a token of his great appreciation in freeing his ancestor, the Princess Sarah, from her long imprisonment, he has asked us to present to you these minor gifts and tokens."
He motions to a pile of packages lying on the floor at his feet.
"Basil" says Bel,"I am sorry to be the bearer of bad newa Yuri but I am Bel's twin brother Basil. Bel died from a poison toad bite in the megadungeon."
And he said it with a totally straight face.
Yuri laughs.
"Bel, you have a great sense of humour. Now relax. I don't see any signs that Princess Sarah accompanied them."
"You are Bel?" asks Everet. "I have heard the princess...speak of you."
He then becomes diplomatically silent.
Illyana looks at Everet. "I hope you don't try to take him back with you, the princess has a rather strange way of dealing with men."
Everet shakes his head.
"I have been commanded to deliver the thanks of the prince, along with these gifts, and nothing else," he replies. "However, should you ever have the opportunity to visit Puke, I am sure that the prince would welcome you."
Bel says, "Everet, a question. Did Princess Sarah (Bel winces visibly) have ANYTHING to do with the sending/picking/packing of these presents? Did she know about them at all?"
"I do not know," he replies. "My prince said that they were from him. However, Princess Sarah may have advised him...seeing as how she knows each of you."
Bel steps back and says, "I deny everything. Sarah had some strange ideas when she left, that were induced by the spell she was under."
Everet nods but says nothing.
Raz smiles in reply to Yuri's introduction of the two men. "I am very pleased to met the both of you.". Raz then turns is gaze upon the packages on the floor, frowns for the briefest moment and then looks at the two men again. "So how is Princess Sarah..is she safe and happy?" asks Raz.
"She is safe," replies Everet.
Farad bows. "A pleasure. We are grateful that Princess Sarah has found her family and is safely reunited with them. What is the custom in your land? Would you like to see us open them now, or should we wait?"
"We would prefer it if you opened them now. There are items here whose functions are not readily apparent."
Illyana nods. "Alright then, how should we do this? Shall we open them all and decide who should get what, or just do it randomly?"
"No...there is a gift for each of you."
Farad looks up. "Oh... I see. In that case let me give a brief silent prayer for each of us, in thanks."
Raz smiles again saying, "It is our custom here to wait 1 day after receiving a gift before opening it. Please accept our gracious thanks for the gifts and know that they will be opening tomorrow evening. Until then I suggest we retire to the next room."
Everet looks momentarily taken aback...then his good breeding exerts itself again.
"Of course," he says. "Let us meet tomorrow night, then."
Yuri looks askance at Raz.
"Where did you say you were from?" he asks.
"Mars.", replies Raz with a smile.
Bel answers,"Really? I thought you were from France?"
Illyana scratches her head. "Is there a difference?"
Yuri cracks up.
"I'd forgotten what a sense of humour you people have!" he chuckles.
Farad shrugs. "A human custom perhaps." He stands over the boxes, as if choosing which one to select...
Looking directly at Farad, Raz replies, "Haste is rarely a wise course of action Farad. Time allows one to fully appreciate such gifts as these."
Farad gives an absentminded nod, as his attention seems to be elsewhere. "Aye... I do indeed appreciate the situation..., and am giving my full attention to the possibilities of these gifts."
He moves from one to another...
"Let us open these items, and learn what these good people can tell us about them. For, who knows what aid they may offer us in the future, and it is easier to learn from those who know than trying ot figure it out later. Safer too." comments J'Harast still standing towards the rear of the group.
"There is a gift for each of you," says Everet, picking one up. It is a small, cylindrical-shaped package. "Here is yours."
He hands it to Farad.
Peering over Farad's shoulder Pillar says "Hey where's mine?"
Illyana curtseys.
"It was no trouble at all, I assure you. We were more than happy to get r--, err, escort her to Yuri so he could send her home as quick as possible. I trust her reception went well? I also thank you for the gifts."
The cavalier hands Illyana a box as he replies, "Yes...she was well received."
Farad shrugs, and gives a shrug to Raz. "Illyana. Since you are opening yours, lets see what's in it."
Illyana looks at the box. "I take it this one is mine, correct? Might as well get it over with."
Bel says, "No Illyana. Mine is the first present to be opened. I am responsible for Sarah being released from the spell so I should take any consequences first. This is also a present from a noble, I as a chivalric must accept and must trust in his honor regardless of my suspicions of Sarah (WINCE)."
With that Bel steps forward and says, "Everet, I thank your lord for his generous gifts and declare that I am in his debt and await the chance to repay him."
Bel opens his gift.
Inside the flat box are a pair of scissors.
"The prince said nothing about them," says Everet, "So I assume that they are not magical. Unless you know what to do with them already..?"
Bel smiles and shakes his head, "I can think of many things to do with them, the best of which would be fatal to me. Since I have no idea what they were meant for I ask that Yuri hold them here until it is determined their purpose." At all times Bel was careful to NEVER touch the scissors and after he reseals the box he hands it to Yuri.
Illyana opens her box.
Raz takes a short step backwards away from Illyana.
Illyana glances at Raz. "Is there a problem? Or do you expect something evil to spring out of this box?"
"Frankly, I'm not sure what to expect.", replies Raz.
Everet finally catches on.
"Sir," he says to Raz gravely. "None of the gifts of our prince are baneful. For you to imply otherwise dishonours not only him but the spirit with which they are given. Please assure me that you mean no dishonour to my liege, or I shall be forced to demand satisfaction."
Bel grins and says, "Good Everet, I'm sure Raz meant no insult. He is new to this planet and does not realize the consequences of his actions. Besides Raz hasn't "satisfied" anyone in a long time...if ever."(Grin)
"I would prefer to hear it from his own lips, if you will," replies Everet, still watching Raz.
Raz looks directly at Everet, "I met no dishonour to you or your liege. I was merely being cautious." Raz bows humbly and says, "I am humbled by your liege's gift and will gratefully accept it."
Everet looks satisfied.
Bel snorts and says, "Raz, a first. See I told you you could do it if you concentrated."
Inside Illyana's box are a pair of tiny, perfect high-heeled shoes, each one carved from a single large ruby.
"They are called ruby slippers," Everet explains. "When you put them on and tap them together, they transport you to the plane of your choice. They only function once per month, though."
Illyana blinks, eyes wide. "They are very beautiful," she says, "and I hope I don't wind up damaging them. Can they be destroyed?"
"They are rather delicate..." answers Everet.
Illyana smiles. "Delicate enough so I couldn't wear them normally? I am already thinking of a dress which matches them.."
Everet smiles.
"You may want to save them for those special occasions, milady."
"That is what I wanted to do - but I want to make sure the things won't self destruct on me while I am wearing them."
"Also, does an accidental tap work as well, or do you have to will the transportation?"
"You have to specify the plane that you want to go to as you tap them."
Farad opens his own present.
"Please give my thanks to your Prince. And forgive my companions uneasiness. While your Prince is an honorable man, her highness the Princess Sarah was less so, threatening a member of our party with dismemberment. Thus we are naturally cautious accepting gifts from a stranger associated with her."
"Times must indeed be troubled here in the Borderlands," replies the cavalier, "For you to doubt the word of the cousin of the King of Nlad."
He glances at each of you...then at the silent Britan.
"Perhaps my nephew can be of service to your party," he says. "He is a talented warrior."
Raz hesitantly accepts his gift.
It is a tiny jewel box. Opening it, Raz discovers inside a small silver brooch in the shape of a leaf.
"It is called a book leaf," says Everet. "Upon speaking the command word 'oak', it expands into a spell book. The book is empty, now, but it can hold as many as 60 spells of any level within it."
Raz bows. Smiling he places the brooch on his robe and says, "Please give my thanks to your lord."
To Pillar the cavalier hands a small flat package.
The cleric opens it...and holds a small mirror.
"It is a mirror of truth," Everet explains. "Upon willing it, it will answer one question per week truthfully...as long as the correct answer can be read within the mind of some living creature within 1000 miles."
"Hey cool, let me see if it works" peering at the mirror intently Pillar says "Is Yuri a snake in the grass?"
A ghastly face appears in the mirror.
"No...he is a paladin," it replies. "As to whether the two are mutually exclusive..."
The face fades.
Yuri glowers.
J'Harast will step up and claim his gift. Before he opens it, he looks at Evert and speaks, "I thank you and your King for this gift. I hope to prove worthy of your kindness and generousity."
He will then carefully open the gift.
Inside the package is a small medallion.
"It is a medallion of defence," says Everet. "Upon saying the command word 'protect', it transforms into a magical shield. Saying the command word again returns it to medallion form."
Bel smiles the smile of a martyr and says, "At least some good will come of my misfortune. Enjoy your gifts my friends for I will pay the price for years to come. Everet, give our thanks to your prince and tell him that despite the princess's wishes on some matters it is impossible. I am bonded to holy Vidar and can NEVER be bonded to another."
Aldarin will also except his gift and open it saying, "Many thanks to you for this token, I'm sure it will be of great use in the future."
He opens it to discover that it is a deck of 10 cards.
"It is a quarter deck," says Everet. "Drawing a card and showing it to a foe invokes a powerful magic that may make it surrender."
"Well I suppose that last package is mine." says Kelar.
He steps up to the gift and slowly open it. Careful not to break it.
"Thank you and your king I am sure what ever this is will be most helpful."
Kelar gets the largest gift. It resembles a small rolled up rug...and would fit beneath his backpack.
When he unrolls it he finds that it is an unassembled tent...complete with pegs and poles.
"A tent of luxury," says Everet. "Upon saying the command word 'pitch' it will assemble itself. The inside is an extradimensional space...and once inside you may command it to lock itself and so keep out intruders. Inside you will find an area 120' on each side...with accomodations for 10 people and their mounts. There are beds and silk linens, a stable, a large water basin, a magical food bush, a magical light source that can be commanded to dim, a magical window, and a 'back door' which allows you to enter the ethereal plane. The contents replenish themselves every 12 hours...but only if you take down and repitch the tent."
The young Cavalier who was introduced as Britan says,"I hope all of you enjoy the gifts the prince and princess have given you for rescuing her, You are truely Brave Heros that deserve to be Honored and praised. As for the Lady Illyana Those Ruby Slippers could never compare to your Radiant Beauty ," as Britan gives her a very low bow, "But I must say I came here for more reasons than to bring gifts. I also wanted to ask if you did not mind and if you could use an extra sword in you party if I maybe permitted to join your adventering group? I will pledge my body and mind to the causes of the group. I do not seek an answer now but if before you leave I would greatly appreciate it and don't think I will be offened if you say no because there is no dishonor in being honest?"
Britan bows to the group again.
Illyana smiles. "We could use the help. As to our causes, well.. we haven't decided on any one in particular yet. We are helping Yuri clean out a dungeon near here, though."
Illyana stands 5'5" with brown eyes and long light brown hair. She is currently wearing a simple green dress and white stockings - although a massive two handed sword is strapped to her side and she looks strong enough to use it effectively.
Raz looks around at the others and then says, "I don't know about the others, but I for one would be glad to have you join our group. We can always use an extra sword."
Farad smiles. "Of course you may join our noble party. A knight such as yourself would be most welcome."
The strikingly handsome grey elf speaking to you wears plate and has not one, but two swords sheathed at his side.
"My name, as our host has said, is Farad. Farad Golamarth. I am a warrior and magician, and blessed by the gods, a true paladin of their will. I seek to destroy evil, and turn back its progress wherever it may raise its head. May the light shine upon us all!"
Raz looks over at Farad with a look of annoyance and says,"Put a sock in it Farad."
Elderitch bows slightly, "It is always good to have another strong sword arm and your mannerisms are impecable, which this group sometimes lacks. My name is Aldarin Hawk, warrior-mage from realms beyond, it is good to meet you."
Finally, you have taken your gifts from the Prince of Puke.
One gift remains.
"This," says Everet, "Is for a lady cleric named Sasha. Is she here?"
"No," says Yuri. "But I can hold it until she returns."
The paladin takes it.
You all retire for the night.