After spending time healing, arguing, raising party members, arguing, greeting returning party members, arguing, planning, arguing, getting rid of cursed weapons, arguing, cashing in jewelry and more arguing, you finally make your way back to the old house.
It is a bitter cold morning. Overnight the temperature dropped to -43F, and it is not much warmer now. Yesterday it snowed heavily, and today it continues to do likewise. There is about 8" on the ground. A brisk wind whips it into snowdrifts.
The house almost looks welcoming to you as you enter the gates...if only because it offers shelter of a sort from the elements.
Rane reluctantly suggests returning to the octagonal-shaped room.
Sasha nods. "I also don't relish it - but I think we need to. We need to be very consistant and thorough in our search - if there aren't any other objections...we can head for place where we left off - and remember what Verona told me - use hurled weapons or holy water on the skeleton things..."
Raz shurgs, "I'll follow Sasha's led."
In a rare display of cooperation, you all go sloshing into the house and down into the dungeons.
Soon you are standing in the large octagonal-shaped room...scene of many recent battles.
There are five doors leading out of here...not including the one just just entered by. Two are in the south wall. The westernmost of these doors leads into the area where you met the bugbears, undead and gargoyles. To the east is another door, and in the north wall are two more.
Illyana is visibly a little shaken as she enters the room. "I don't like coming back to a place where someone died, even if they are standing right next to me at this very moment. That makes it all the eerier. I do wish I had listened to my father's lectures on tactics.. but then that was always when I had my naps." She yawns at the memory. "I'll stay in the rear as a cover, with all this armor I make too much noise anyway to be a scout. If you find anything, let me know, I'll be ready." With that, she stands near the doorway we entered in, keeping any eye both on the doors inside the room and the corridor.
Raz mutters, "Damn, I wish I had that invisibilty spell learned by now...it would have been very helpful for the scouts".
Bel smiles and says, "If wishes were fishes we would all be 10th level. I suggest we pound the undead right off, I hate leaving known enemies at my back. Have the scouts listened at all the doors? I would suggest you listen again as new "friends" may have moved in while we were gone."
Rane goes around, checking all the doors carefully.
When he is finished, he reports what he has found.
Rane gives an all clear. "Nothing immediately in the area, but my drow blood tingles. I think there is something hungry to the northwest."
Illyana eyes widen. "Hungry? Why does that worry me? Considering what else we've found in here I don't think it is a dog or cat."
"Lets check out the room where those undead were. Undead are quiet, and we won't be able to hear them if they are there or not."
"I think if we are going to battle those undead, this room would be the best spot. Its roomy enough that if we entice them into it, we all could get a shot at throwing the water. Also, if the clerics could manage to turn them, then they will be defenseless when we attack."
"Would you like me to wait by the door as a precaution, or do you need the extra help? If we do encounter the undead again, I want to be able to get out without having to fight my way out."
Athmyr speaks.
"If we are going to fight in this room we had better either lock those doors or figure out a way that we can guard ourselves if something else comes out of them.
"If anyone has spikes on them we could spike them closed. Then we wanted through them we sould just remove the spikes.
"I unfortunatly don't have any if some one does it would work the best.
Raz asks...
"Does anyone have any idea as to here the undead might have gone?"
"Lets find out if they are back to their original home."
Rane moves to the door that enters into the room where we fought the bugbears the first time and opens it, he then moves to the door the undead originally hid behind and checks that door, as well as the others.
The door is opened, revealing the 20' X 30' room where the bugbears made a meal of Bel. In fact, some of his original bones are still lying scattered about.
Four doors open off of this room. The door in the west wall was the lair of the gargoyles. The west door in the south wall was where the undead originally were. The bugbears had their lair behind the centre door in the south wall.
Behind the east door in the south wall you do not know what awaits...
Rane checks all the doors in the area. "Lets search the rooms we know monsters already came out of before going into strange land. Bugbear room first, then gargoyle room, then undead room, then unknown..."
"I agree - good idea." Sasha adds, nodding. "Let's clear out what we can." she says, walking to the bugbear room, but letting the scouts and Athmyr presede her.
J'Harast holds up his hand.
"Rane, hold for a minute please. I will go and spike the other doors, hopefully that will buy us time if there is some nasty waiting on the other side."
Pillar wanders along making soft tong noises as he beats his fist against his thigh. "Well lets crack some heads, I am getting bored, too much discussion spoils the adventure".
Athmyr glances at the cleric of Tuoni.
"Pillar if you keep making all that noise we should have plenty of things to keep us busy.
"From the sounds of things you didn't fare all that well before... I don't think we want everything on us at once.
Getting his morningstar ready and making sure the bear claw engraving on its side is still okay he proceeds forward.
J'Harast jams spikes under all but the bugbear door, and you open this one.
This is the central door in the south wall, and it reveals a 10' X 20' room (20' south, no visible exits). In here are a crude looking wooden table, six stools, three pallets and a chest.
Looking into the latter, you find nothing but some flea-infested clothes.
You move on to the gargoyle door and open this next.
This is the door in the west wall, and it opens into a 20' square room (10' south, 20' west). Once a bedroom, it has since been torn apart by the recently deceased occupants. You see the reamins of a bed, a chest of drawers, desk, chairs, candles, candalabra, as well as some torn leggings.
Searching about, you come across 60gp and 375sp, though.
Next is the undead room.
J'Harast removes the spikes, and you open the door. There they are...four huecuva...coming at you...
Sasha steps back, grabbing her vials of holy water with one hand and raising her staff high with the other.
"By the Power of Isis, begone!" she calls out to them.
They look at each other.
"It's her again."
"The cute but wimpy cleric."
"Still trying to turn us."
"I lust to gnaw the rotting flesh from her decaying bones..."
"Let's go to it, boys!"
They charge.
Staying well out of the range of the huecuvas' touches, Raz will take a bottle of holy water from his bag, aim carefully, and throw it at the lead monster once it is clear of the door.
He misses by a country mile.
Bel smiles, looks at Pillar and Sasha, "Well you two, to coin a phrase, "One good turn deserves another". Take your shots at turning them and we will get ready to pelt them with holy water, be ready to retreat if it fails and our barrage should slow them down enough to get you out of range. If you do turn them we'll just drench them in whatever corner they cower in." Bel readies a vial of holy water and draws a bead on the advancing undead. Throwing, he too misses them completely.
Illyana will throw holy water..and hits one square in the face! It sizzles and burns the creature, but it does not fall.
"Oh well. I think that I am ready to face mine enemy again."
"Begone evil creatures and return you to your graves."
J'Harast and Petunia draw their weapons.
Using Raz as a shield, Rane throws a vial of holy water as soon as he is able. The vial misses and shatters on the floor at their feet, splashing one for 2 hit points of damage.
"What exactly do these things do if you get to close to them. No one mentioned what they do to me," wonders Athmyr...better late than never.
Raz turns a laughs..."Oh...nothing much...you die!"
He starts swinging the morningstar so as if something attacks it is going to get hit first. The first huecuva steps under his swing and lunges. Its claws rake him for 1 hit point of damage...but he lives.
Bel shouts at Athmyr, "Athmyr, get back. If these things touch you there is a chance you will die immediatly of a heart attack. That is how we lost Petunia and alsmost lost J'harast last time."
Bel will continues to throw vials of holy water.
He misses.
Sasha will throw 2 vials at a time on the nearest ... and steps back ...
Both miss.
Raz steps back away from the on coming monsters AND away from Rane, take another vial from his pouch and throw it at the nearest monster.
He misses.
Illyana continues to throw water.
She misses, too.
"You guys are pretty helpless, aren't you?" says one of undead with a malignant chuckle.
"That kind of hurt but you guys are running out of water and they are still coming," says Athmyr.
"Okay lets party." he attacks the one that already started on him. "By kodian you guys are really ugly."
Despite his best attempts at dodging the huecuva it still manages to touch him for two hit points of damage.
Athmyr drops dead on the spot.
Stumping around the room behind the frentic throwing of vials Pillar waits for a chance to see the hecuva, spying his chance he darts out in front and says "Um undead I thought I told you your presence disgusts me, I think it best if you leave this place ... NOW, before Touni my god gets really angry." Then Pillar stumps back and watches what the undead make of it, then scoots around and makes loud tong sounds, "Woo Woo a fight".
The undead look at him strangely.
"Peculiar sort, isn't he?"
Rane continues keeping to the rear, with an easy exit through the door if need be.
"Take this!" he shouts as he tosses water at the undead.
A hit! Another one is burned...but not killed yet.
Sasha makes for the door.
A huecuva attacks J'Harast while another has a go at Petunia.
The girl takes a hit point of damage as she retreats.
J'Harast is missed.
"Help me get Athmyr, then let's get out of here!" Sasha calls out. She runs to where Athmyr has fallen and tries to drag him out of the room...
J'Harast, dancing out of the undeads way shouts to Sasha,
"Hurryup with those spells, please. I don't think that we can keep this up for long."
"Petunia, fighting retreat. Everyone, out. Rane, if you can grab Athmyr and pull him out of here."
J'Harast will switch to a defensive mode, not attacking, but using his weapons to parry the undead's attacks. It works for him, but not for Petunia, as she is clawed for 5 hit points of damage, and then drops dead again.
Grunting as she tries to drag Athmyr, Sasha replies. "Nevermind my spells - they are useless now. Someone help me with Athmyr and lets go!"
The huecuva on Athmyr leaps at Sasha.
"You have such a desirable way of grunting..."
However it misses her.
Bel tosses his two remaining vials of water at the huecuva that just touched Athmyr and then tries to help Sasha after both vials miss. Bel says, "This is getting monotanous, we attack, somebody dies, we attack, somebody dies. I'd love to burn these slime bags up but I'm afraid the house will go up with them. Undead are commonly susceptible to fire, anybody holding a torch? if you are they may stay back from it. Hey clerics, want to try another turning or do you only get one shot at that?"
"Wordy so-in-so, isn't he?" says one undead to another.
As he runs toward Athmyr Bel pulls out his blessed silver cross (Vidar Version) that is around his neck on a chain and waves it at the huecuva saying, "Back unclean ones, your kind may not touch those with holy protection."
They look at him.
"You have GOT to be kidding."
Seeing one of his comrads fall, Raz will try and cover their retreat by backing further away from the combat and firing a magic missle at the nearest huecuva.
The undead that just killed Petunia collapses in flames.
Rane is to the back of the room, and doesn't have much chance to get close to the action. He makes no move toward Athmyr.
"Make sure everyone is out, but don't leave. Spike the door if you can. I'm going to see if I can get some help for our side. Maybe that hungry creature is hungry for undead."
With that Rane runs off.
Illyana watches as Athmyr drops dead. "Oh no, not again!"
Missing with her missiles, she grabs Petunia and heads for the door. Sasha and Bel are right behind her with Athmyr and the rest of the party is ahead of her.
Getting through the door, J'Harast slams it in the faces of the undead, then spikes it.
Bel frowns and says, "Offhand I'd say that could have gone better. However the lesson to be learned may be that fire is a good weapon against this crew. Raz did the huecuva you hit have any damage done to it already? Our options seem to be to try again, not high on my list right now, or go and get our dead healed. I vote for departing quickly. I have 600 gold to throw into the pot but after that I am broke. Maybe we should do some research on these bozos before we try this again, if we try it again."
J'Harast, his face flushed with anger speaks.
"This will just not do. We need another plan to deal with these creatures, and a good one. I am sick and tired of losing loved ones and party members to these things."
Bel frowns and says, "You are right J'harast, we were not very effective. Do you know if there is a university we could go to that might have information on these creatures."
Out of breath, Raz says.."How..How many undead are there left? I have another magic missle spell ready to cast, so I think that I might be able to take another one out if we decide to attack further. I also have another idea about how to kill these things. With the remaining holy water that we have left, we could set a trap above the doorway in such a way as to shower the undead with holy water as they come through the door. What do you all think...want to try it before we leave?"
Illyana simply stares at Bel for a while. "Could have gone better? What kind of line is that? I do not believe we have the money to keep this up much longer. We can't afford to spend thousands after every fight!" She sighs and calms down a little, but not before a tear drops down her face. "We are not going back in there, not for a while at least. There are other places to explore and I say we spend time making up a plan and trying to come up with more money before trying that again." She shakes her head, still upset. "Soon enough, someone is going to die and we won't be able to help them. I do not want to see that happen."
Bel looks sympathetic and says, "One way of dealing with loss is being unemotional and I have dealt with a lot of loss of life, including mine and two of my brothers. Chivalric training demands you learn from all experiences, good or bad, and uses this as a method of dealing with loss. Just because I do not wail does not mean I do not grieve. I agree with you on the issue of this room, for some reason these creatures are more than we can handle right now and there is a lot more of this house to explore. They do not seem to be going anywhere so we can come back when we are stronger, we also need a lot more money. With that much defence in that room there is probably something of value for us to search for, later. Speaking of searching, has anyone seen Rane since he went off looking for hungry things? This is not the best place to be alone in."
She turns to Raz. "How do you plan on getting your missile off? Someone is going to have to cover you so you can do it. Otherwise, they will kill you. And we can't afford another death, either emotionally or in terms of money. I say we hold off simply because I need time to recover from this ordeal. That and the fact that we can't run and carry bodies at the same time."
She sighs and looks down at the floor. "I don't believe I'll ever understand how my father deals with this on a daily basis. Then again, I now know why he is so unemotional.. Its because he can't afford not to be."
Illyana pauses for a while to collect her feelings. "Can anyone here use any kind of missiles? If we want to kill them later - and I do mean later we need to be able to hit them from a distance."
J'Harast speaks, his anger more under check. "I have an idea as to how to kill these creatures. However, I need to get some oil, equipment and the boots that Rane currently had. When my plan works, I am sure that these creatures will be very injured or better yet, dead."
"This has become a personal matter for me. Those of you who wish not to tackle the undead again, I will understand, but I _must_ deal with them, and deal with them soon."
Sasha nods. "I also feel that way - and have a plan also."
"For now, I suggest we leave, and deal with our dead. Those of you who wish to assist me, we will talk tonight about what role each will play in the proposed assult."
Bel winces at these words and says, "I understand how you feel J'Harast and even though I feel these creatures should be best dealt with later I will not allow a comrade to enter danger without my help. I will go with you to face these creatures again. I do ask that we plan and prepare carefully to give us the best chance."
"Whee what a fun group this is, I always thought my god was a happy sod, but he is nothing compared to you. I mean just because we have had some defeats, doesn't mean we have to go and cry about it". Grinning Pillar clunks along a bit and says "Well I want to bash these undead so I think J'hrast is right, bash them and bash them soon. Crush their skulls, rend the rotting flesh from their undead skeletons, smash their bones to dust, well now you know my opinion anyway". Pillar wanders around a bit making tong sounds.
Your discussion is interrupted by a noise from the open doorway to the northwest.
Looking, you see Rane coming through the doorway...held in the grip of the mandibles of an enormous, 30' long, worm-like monster. His clothes are shredded, but he seems to be otherwise unharmed.
You note a rivulet of sweat running down his brow, though...
"Rane, what the hell is that?" shouts J'Harast.
J'Harast then draws his weapons and moves to attack.
Bel yells, "So how hungry is he/she/it Rane? Any suggestions on how to get you out of there? Because he/she/it has not eaten you yet and you are not yelling, is he/she/it friendly or should we try to kill it?"
Raz yells, "Wait J'Harast!!! Rane said something about getting help. I think this is it!"
The worm - with Rane in its mandibles - moves over to the west door, sets the half-drow down, and then crawls over to the door through which await the undead with a fluid, flowing motion.
By the other door, Rane continues to concentrate, as the worm scratches at the entrance.
Bel says, "Hold up folks, I think Rane might actually have this situation under control. Does he have any telepathy/communication abilities?"
J'Harast realizing what is going on, stops and sheathes his weapons. Giving the worm as wide a berth as possible, he unspikes the door and opens it, before jumping back.
Illyana takes a step back.. "Ooh, how gross! Do you really believe this worm thingy will eat undead? I sure hope it does."
Waiting inside the door are the remaining 3 huecuva. The worm hurls itself at them, and Rane groans as he puts his hands to his temples. The monster grabs a huecuva in its mandibles and tears it in two in an instant.
The other two try to scurry around it to get out into the room and at you.
The worm lunges again and misses...then twists around to pursue its prey.
The last two huecuva, meanwhile, are closing...one on J'Harast, the other on Sasha.
Raz quickly waves his hands and launches a magic missle at the huecuva closest to him. The monster heading for Sasha takes 3 hit points of damage.
Bel, because he has nothing else left, takes off his blessed cross, takes careful aim at the huecuva stalking Sasha, and throws the cross at the huecuva. It misses.
Illyana watches the undead. "Back everyone! Get back! Let the worm handle them. Worry about keeping yourselves alive first! Get the bodies and get out! If someone else dies, we won't be able to carry everyone."
Illyana takes out another vial of holy water, pulls the cork out with her teeth, and hurls it...splashing the undead making for J'Harast.
J'Harast goes on the defensive, dodging the blows of the advancing huecuva and making it almost look easy.
Meanwhile, the worm lunges at the undead, and misses again.
Rane continues to concentrate near the exit, moaning slightly every few moments. His eyes are closed and he seems oblivious to the action around him as sweat drenches his body.
"DIE" Pillar yells as he runs up to a hecuva and swings his flail. A miss.
Sasha weilds her staff like a lance and charges forward on the huecuva on J'Harast. "I'm so sick you vile things!" She shouts as she throws all of weight behind the charge. It matters not, for she misses. As she sails by the huecuva rakes her for 2 hit points of damage.
Illyana gasps. "What are you people doing? I can't carry all the bodies out myself!" She sighs, "And I thought I was the emotional one." With that said she continues to keep her distance.
At last the worm catches a huecuva in its mandibles and tears it into pieces. Rane groans again.
Pillar and Sasha try to hit the last monster again. The cleric of Isis finally succeeds...but it suffers no damage from her strike. Pillar does better with his magic flail...and the undead drops.
Rane still moans...dropping to his knees.
Bel says, "By Vidar, I need to take some target practice."
Bel rushes over to Rane and supports him to prevent him from falling. Bel does this very carefully, trying not to break Rane's concentration and says softly, "Rane Try to send the beast away before you lose control of it."
Sasha looks around quickly and rushes over to Rane. "Rane? Can you get up? Do you need healing?" She asks him anxiously.
Rane is still oblivious to all of you. But you can tell he is now using the last of whatever strength is needed to do what he is doing.
The worm rises up, exposing its underbelly to the party.
"I guess that this is another sign." J'Harast will attack the worm with sword and dagger, burying both into it.
Bel holds Rane up to try and let Rane conserve some strength and says, "Well folks I have a "gut" feeling that Rane wants us to perform a little surgery to remove this rather large problem. You folks with large blade-like weapons should probably do the honors. I don't think my hammer would do much good. Anybody have another interpretation."
Sasha looks up with a puzzled frown. "I think we need to kill it before Rane loses control - for then it would eat us. Seems unfair ... but I think it is what must happen."
Sasha advances on the worm, looking to the fighters to join her...
Illyana raises up her two handed sword, and takes a whack at the worm thing. Guts spew out.
Again J'Harast and Illyana swing their swords...and the tunnel worm expires.
Looking abit bewildered, Raz says "Well, is not a sweet victory, but it is a victory none-the-less. What now? Do we all head back to the tavern, or do we split into two groups...one going back to try and heal the dead, while the other searches these rooms for treasure an such?"
After all the chopping is done, Illyana says "If we get into another fight, we won't be able to retreat carrying the bodies out. We were just damn lucky to survive this one. We'll do a quick search of the room they were in, and then pull out to have the dead raised."
You search the lair of the huecuva. It is a 10' X 20' room, (20' south). In there...amidst the piles of garbage and bones, you find 1000cp, 3000sp, 2000ep, 2 small gems, 3 wrought gold bracelets; a rod and a glowing dagger.
With that, you gather up the goodies and corpses and exit stage right.
Rane, groaning with a splitting headache, smiles. "My drow blood served me again. Saw those bodies and thought I might be too late. Glad you were able to get the hints on what to do though."
Illyana breathes a sigh of relief as the party exits the house. "I'm glad to get out of there. Although I'll need to wash my clothing due to the worm. That thing smelled so bad." She smiles. "I'm going to take a nice bath and then I have some more training I need to do. I've felt the need to go back for some time now, anyway. I miss my father. If anyone wants me to, I'll come along to the temple but I'd like to get started back to Castle Yuri as soon as possible."
Rane waits for someone to check all the items, to see if the bracelets or anything else might be magical.
"Magical, I think I can help in that department" smiling peacefully Pillar casts a detect magic spell. "We bashed em good" Pillar motions to the fallen foes "I would have thought they would have been tougher, but blind rage does help the useless". Pillar stomps off to the inn and orders some ale, lots of ale and says "Well I might be going training as soon as my headache ends" and Pillar resumes his drinking.
The rod and the dagger radiate magic.
He'll then take it all to get the gems, bracelets and rod appraised and identified. "We may be in need of money to raise these people, and perhaps the rod can help us."
Rane returns later with his findings for the bracelets and gems. "Not much, but a start. The bracelets were worth 600 gold each, and the gems only 5. I spent 300 of that to get the rod identified. Seems it can be used to transport people to a place of food and water. Not sure where that place is, but no one seems to be about."
So anyway, we have 1510 gold from the treasure. Ming will probably give us 10,000 gold for the rod if we wish to sell it. I recommend we do so."
Illyana sighs. "Sell it, the clerics are going to charge us thousands for each of the raises. Those clerics are making far too much money off of us. Hopefully that will change in the future."
Rane asks the rest of you, "Everyone in agreement? Shall we sell this device?"
Rane then turns to Illyana. "How much this time? Are we sure we want to spend our money on raising these people? Perhaps we should only raise people if they have enough money saved to raise themselves, or the party fund has enough in reserves to do so. Personally I have begun to feel as if money we could spend on training has been wasted away. Perhaps if people knew that being raised was not such a sure thing, they would be more careful and not die as much. I know if we had the money to train further we might not be as prone to getting killed."
Sasha's mouth drops open at Rane's words. She is about to say something, but then rolls her eyes instead and motions for those going with her that she is ready to leave. Without a backward glance, she heads to the Temple.
Bel looks at Rane and says, "The idea of not doing everything in my power to help my party-mates, including you Rane, is anathema to my basic nature. I agree much of our money is going into resurrections, but we have to keep our priorities straight. The people most likely to die are the ones protecting the magic-users(Raz and I) and the skill people (you), so they are dieing in our service. I cannot condone abandoning them." With that Bel turns and follows Sasha carrying Athmyr's body to the temple.
Illyana sighs even more. "I understand the feelings you have. But I do not believe we can just change our policies while they lie dead at our feet. That simply isn't fair. That and we'll never hear the end of it from J'Harast about Petunia. We'll do this one LAST time, and then I want a serious discussion about this. We all know how dangerous that place is. I also know that I luckily haven't died once yet. Believe me, I am worried about this. If we keep spending money like this, then there is no chance we could afford better equipment or training. Training which I am in need of right now."
She looks down at her sword. "This has been in the family for quite some time, but against those Gargoyles it did nothing. Yet enchanting it could cost an extreme amount. It may wind up back at home gathering dust again, if we keep spending carelessly like this."
She looks around the party. "Everyone agree then? One FINAL time, then we discuss this seriously."
Bel frowns at this and says, "I will discuss this after we get back from reviving who we can. I do not know if we can bring back Athmyr, I have heard rumors of elves and resurrection."
"Rumors? Did I not hear that an elf named Shanaril died with this party? I don't see him walking among you now. True elves return in another life. They can not be forced back into their own bodies, because its likely that Athmyr is already born again."
"I'll go sell the rod, unless any here complain. I'll bring the funds to the temple so you can pay to have Petunia restored."
J'Harast bursts out, "What! We've had this conversation before and as I recall, we decided that we would first tend any funds to the healing and well being of the party members. We've discussed it seriously, several times."
"Great! I'd be glad to be working with a group of people who are not going to look out for my best interest. Are we to open all the discussions and decisions we've had now, when people are eager and greedy to do other things. I've lost Petunia twice, and all I hear is 'Let's change the policy of the party.' If that's the way you feel, please count me out. I put my neck out on the line every damn time we go into that place, and if we ever go anywhere else, I'll be in front, both scouting with Rane and then fighting those creatures who confront us." Raising his voice, "WE'VE ALREADY MADE THAT DECISION! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, LEAVE!"
J'Harast, eyes wet with tears, grabs Petunia's body. HE gently picks it up, and begins to head off towards the temple, not waiting for a response.
Illyana sighs, looking down for a second. Then she looks up, tears brimming in her eyes. She says, "Not about resurrections.. More about trying to figure out how to work better together so we don't wind up dying so damn often. I never said I wouldn't do it, only that I didn't want to see it happen so often. I'm getting sick and tired of all this."
Rane sighs. "Look folks, I didn't mean to cause an uproar. I'm sure all of us are upset that we are spending enough to build a totally new temple for the Norse gods. But, until we come across a means of restoring our dead on our own, I guess we will continue to do so, even though it may mean not being able to train when we need to." Rane obviously looks unhappy at this, but he's not willing to push the matter.
Bel says he will go and will carry Athmyr.
At the temple, Sasha asks to speak to Verona - about two things. The first being Petunia and Athmyr. She then asks to speak to Verona privately on a personal matter.
You all head for the church of Tyr with the bodies.
At the temple, Verona looks solemn.
"I cannot raise a full blooded elf," she says of Athmyr. "Only a wish can bring him back."
You pay the 9000gp donation requested and she casts raise dead on Petunia.
A moment later the girl is alive again, and in J'Harast's arms.
"Ohhhh, J'Harast!" Petunia cries, hurling herself into his arms. "Getting killed makes me so horny!"
The elf resists her subtle advances.
"Later dear, I have some work to do. Why don't you go home and rest up."
J'Harast heads for the door.
Sasha's mouth drops open first at Petunia's lack of delicacy, then at J'Harast's comment. She gives J'Harast and Petunia a worried frown...
Petunia bursts into tears.
"He doesn't love me!" she wails. "He only wanted me for my body...and now he's gotten that he's casting me aside! WAAAAAA!!!"
Illyana tries to comfort Petunia. "Relax, he has a lot on his mind right now. You have to try to be a little more patient with him. After all, it was him who carried you here. He was quite upset during the whole ordeal."
Rane doesn't like all of this mushy domestic stuff.
"Speaking of rest, its about time I got some. I'll be seeing all of you later. Tommorrow though I'll seek out my mentor and start further training."
Rane heads back to the inn. He looks pretty tired.
Raz says, "Wait. Can we split the treasure now? I need to know if I have enough money to go learn that new spell."
J'Harast calls over his shoulder as he leaves the church.
"We have 1,000 gp left after the ressurection. I forgo my share so that Raz may have the opportunity to learn a new spell."
"I also will forgo my share for Raz." Sasha adds.
"Yes! Thank you Pillar and Sasha! I'm leaving for the Magic User's Guild right now!" With a wave Raz heads off to the Magic User's Guild.
Sasha frowns. "Raz, that was J'Harast that offered. I doubt that Pillar would be so generous."
Raz's face turns bright red..."Opps...I'm so sorry J'Harast! Will you forgive me?"
At this point Sasha goes and talks to Verona.
Sasha returns, and you leave the church.
J'Harast headed for parts unknown.
Raz heads for the Magic User's Guild to begin his training.
Rane is going to bed.
The rest of you go to the common room of the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf.
When you enter the common room you sense a feeling of excitement in the air. The staff is hurrying about, and the other patrons are sitting a little straighter in their chairs.
The reason why is soon apparent.
Sitting by the fireplace is a Great Warrior, a Paladin, obviously, with gleaming plate mail and a winged helmet. A Holy Avenger is at his belt.
"Yuri!" exclaims Illyana.
"Ah, Illyana!" Yuri exclaims, seeing her. "I wish to talk to you and your friends."
With him is an elf...a sylvan elf.
Bel buys Pillar a drink or two. The waiter serves him milk.
Looking about, you see that every other patron in the place is drinking milk as well...and trying to look as if they are enjoying it.
"All of the drinks are on me," says the paladin expansively.
"Well, there is room at our table. Illyana, bring your friend over and we can talk." Sasha offers.
Sasha clears a space and indicates some empty chairs be pulled up. She also orders another round of ale and wine...and gets milk. She fills her goblet and turns to Yuri. "I am Sasha, these are our companions, Pillar, Bel, and Petunia. How can we help you?"
Illyana smiles at Yuri. "What brings you to Sandas?"
"We came here to see you and your friends."
"I was just about to return to the castle, tomorrow morning in fact. How is my father doing?"
"He's fine, Illyana. He's camped with my men about a half a day west of the city right now."
"Its been quite an experience since I've last seen him, as my friends here can attest to."
"Really? Then perhaps you won't interested in the little errand I had for you..."
"Pleased to meet you, I hope we drink lots of ale and get rolling drunk", Pillar downs his milk from Bel and orders another. "This adventuring sure takes it out of a person, if it wasn't for the ale " Pillar looks forlorn "Then I don't see any reason for living". Grinning Pillar gulps down his milk and says "Anyone else want an ale or two while I am happy to be alive, I mean I may not give my money away" Pillar peers over to Sasha "However I am not a skinflint".
Yuri looks at the cleric curiously.
"Milk is better for you. It builds muscles and intestinal fortitude."
The sylvan elf speaks.
"Hello all My name is Raith T'alster." Bowing to everyone. "I am glad to meet you all."
"Hello Raith. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Sasha replies.
"I see most of you all know Yuri (as it seems everyone else does). He and his group saved me a while back and he wants me to help you all with a problem that he has."
"Problem? Which problem would that be?" Sasha grins.
"I don't know how much I will be able to help but you may be assured that it will be as much as I can."
"Well, that is interesting. Why would you want to help us, and what can you do in any case? I mean, are you a fighter, ranger, or ..." Sasha asks with interest.
"Like I said I kind of owe my life to Yuri and his group and he has requested that I help out."
"Oh, I see....you are doing this as a favor to Yuri for saving your life." Sasha looks over to Yuri.
"And you are asking this on behalf of Illyana." Sasha smiles.
"As for what I can do I am kind of a wanderer. I know how to fight and I dabble in the arcane."
"That would be useful ... but we face perilous odds. We have lost some of our party already ... and sadly ... we could not bring them back. An elf named Athmyr was the most recent ... and I guess elves are different in some things ... that they cannot be brought back ... I would fear for you..." Sasha frowns, the grief evident in her eyes.
"What about yourself. Some one as good looking as yourself couldn't have more than that to offer. If you do you are indeed an incredible woman."
Blushing hotly, Sasha mumbles. "Uh...well ... I am a cleric of Isis ... "
"It's like this," says Yuri, butting in smoothly. "We rescued this fellow from a band of orcs that were taking him back to their lair to have him for dinner. Their lair is an old underground maze about a day's ride from here called the Megadungeon. Illyana knows where it is. It seems that it has become infested with evil. Illyana's dad suggested that you - and Raith - might like to spend a little time and clear it out. It might make for a change from whatever it is you are doing right now. And...there is probably a lot of loot in there to be had as well. What do you say?"
Sasha makes a face and sets the milk down. "I can't drink milk - it makes me break out in terrible hives. Bring me some wine!" She calls out to the barkeep.
Luthus brings her more milk.
"It is not better for me, Thank you very much. It makes me quite ill." Sasha snaps in reply to Yuri's comment.
"That is only because your digestive tract has been rotted away by those vile alcoholic beverages," says the paladin. "Milk will help you recover."
"That sounds like a good idea to me," says Raith. "I would love to get back at those damn orcs. Besides it sounds like you probably wouldn't want to go back to where you have been if you have been losing friends there. I know how it feels to lose people and as you said elves are a little diffrent than most when it comes to death.
"I would be willing to do that or if not I would be honored to travel with you where ever you go. As long as I can pay my lifedebt back to Yuri for his timely intervention."
"You owe me no such thing," says Yuri. "Performing incredible rescues and stunning feats of bravery such as that is all in a day's work for me."
Sasha, still making faces, has other ideas, though.
She shakes her head. "No, I would not be interested, though I cannot speak for my companions. We are still bound to 'clean out' the house. We cannot break our contract."
"A contract? Well, I can understand your reluctance to break such a thing, of course...but I am not asking that. Who is this contract with, by the way?"
Sasha hestitates a moment, then replies, "The Sandos Town Council."
Luthus brings her more milk.
"Dammit! I said I cannot drink this stuff - IT MAKES ME ILL!" She throws the mug on the floor, stamping her foot in frustration.
"Tsk Tsk...look at how stressed out you are," Yuri says in a genuinely compassionate voice. "Luthus, bring her some *warm* milk. That should relax her."
Angry now, Sasha replies in a low voice, "Look - I said milk makes me ill. I cannot drink it. Now please do not interfere in my choice of beverage - you have no right to force your ways on me."
"Of course I do. I'm a Paladin."
"Do you understand?"
"No," Yuri seems honestly confused.
Sasha again calls to the barkeep, "I want some wine - and there is a gold in it for you if you bring it."
Luthus returns a moment later with a cup of hot milk.
"The Sandos Town Council?" Yuri says. "Ah...the SandAs town council! What is the nature of this contract? Are you the municipal garbage collector? Dog catcher? Street cleaner..? Those are the types of contracts that they usually let out."
Sasha looks at him in disbelief. "What? You have got to be kidding. No one - and I mean no one forces me to do things I don't want to do. Just who do you think you are? I am a grown woman, I make my own choices - and no one has a right to decide for me. I do not force my beliefs on others, I expect the same courtesy."
"If it for the greater good I have every right to insist. And milk is good for you."
Sasha just stares at Yuri and finally shakes her head. She takes the mug of hot milk and dumps it on Yuri. "There, enjoy that. It will make you feel better." She says sweetly.
Of course, the milk just rolls off of him like he was made of teflon.
"Golly," says the paladin. "Did I say something to offend you?"
She turns and walks out of the inn.
Illyana follows Sasha out of the inn.
As Illyana leaves, Bel smiles and says, "Does that mean if you are an evil Paladin you would have the right to force us to do evil?"
"There is no such thing as an evil Paladin, young man. Paladins must be Lawful and Good."
"And what if you had two paladins that disagreed, who would have the right to force who onto their beliefs? Would you swap?"
"We would negotiate a solution according to our chivalric code of course."
"I think you are fighting a loseing battle with Sasha."
"You are probably correct there, young man. Raith, I wish you luck in dealing with her."
"Barmaid, just give Sasha's milk to me. I do not drink but have no bones with people who do. Being dead can broaden your horizons sometimes. So Master Yuri, this house we go to is filled with many evil things that have killed our party members and generally brought down the property values, which explains the city councils interest, would you like to help us clear it out?"
Yuri smiles.
"I do not know who put you up to this job but it was not the Sandas Town Council. You see...I am a member of that august body."
"At the rate we are going, we will probably all die and this stain of evil will remain uncleaned. All because you would not come with us to perform a good deed. What do you say, you could probably clean it out in half a day."
"Now, my friend, do not try to put the guilt trip on me. There is evil on the rise throughout the lands, and one must apply one's self where one's ability will be best utilized. My incredible abilities are best used against more...ah...deserving foes. I have just returned from a summer of battling giants and trolls in the northern lands. Before that, it was the nine Hells.
"But, perhaps this little side trip to the Megadungeon would better fortify your party for your trials in the house..."
Raith nods.
"I think I have to agree with Yuri it sounds like it could make you and myself a little bit stronger and maybe help get us thinking on the same lines.
"Let me try and talk to Sasha maybe I can convince her.
"Yuri thank you again for saving my life."
With that Raith gets up and follows Sasha out.
Pillar peers at Yuri strangely "Are you saying you dont drink ale?", standing Pillar walks around examining Yuri. "Well my friend you are a strange one, but you see my order states that I must have ale after a great adventure and celebrate life and my survival. So if you wouldn't mind I would like to purchase some ale". Pillar sighs forlornly and peers at his ale mug full of milk and mumbles "a travesty....".
Yuri steps up close to Pillar and says in a low voice:
"Of course I drink ale!" he whispers. "But one must keep up appearances, you know."
He passes a small, dark bottle to the cleric...
After a moment you hear a brass band start playing outside.
Then, the door opens and in walk Raith, Sasha, Illyana and J'Harast.
"Ah, perhaps the lady cleric has reconsidered!" says the paladin.
Sasha pointedly ignores him.
"Well...now can we have our surprise? Please?" Sasha asks impatiently, but smiling, to J'Harast.
J'Harast's step looks lighter as he approaches the forlorn looking Petunia. The sounds of a brass band waft through the air.
Stopping in front of Petunia, J'Harast slowly drops to one knee. He looks around and in a clear, calm voice, he speaks.
"Petunia, I know that I left the temple today in a bit of a huff, and perhaps gave you the wrong impression about our relationship. You see, when we first me, you had been magically altered, and I saw through this guise. Then you pledged a year to serve me. I am now asking you to reconsider this pledge."
Waiting while some may snicker, he reaches into a package that he has brought with him. He pulls his hand out, clenched about something.
"Ooooo goodie I love surprises" Pillar walks over and peers eagerly at he unopended package "I hope this isn't some gnome device".
"Petunia, I am asking you to reconsider your year long pledge and exchange it for a more permenant one. May I have your left hand please?" J'harast asks.
Opening his hand, you all see the glint of metal and gem coming from J'Harast's hand. "My dear, sweet Petunia. I would like you to consider your pledge carefully. I would ask that as I place this ring on your finger, you consider the possibility that you might exchange this pledge of a year service to a lifetime of companionship. Yes, my sweet dear one. Would you consent to marry me?"
Sasha's eyes glint in merriement as J'Harast makes his proposal. She looks to Petunia to guage her reaction, silently urging her to accept.
J'Harast waits there, head bowed, holding Petunia's hand with the ring, now on the ring finger.
Petunia looks at him, then at the ring, then at him again.
"Ohhhhh, of course I will!" she replies, bursting into tears again.
"HURRRRRAH!" cry out the other patrons, raising their glasses of milk in a toast.
Yuri beams.
"While milk is great, it is hardly appropriate for this occasion," he says. "Luthus, break out some your finest...you know what I mean."
The innkeeper hurries away, and returns a few moments later with a dozen bottles of his finest champaign...Chateau Yuri, of course.
"To the happy couple!" exclaims the paladin, raising his glass after the drinks have been poured for everyone. "Of course, I am empowered to perform weddings...would you like to seal the bond now?"
Sasha most gratefully accepts some of the champaign, and smirks at Yuri.
Bel grins broadly and says, "Wonderful, I wish you both all the joy in the world. It's about time, I was wondering how many times she had to die to get you to realize you couldn't live without her J'Harast? Might I suggest a 9000 gp dowry from the group, just in case."
Sasha chuckles and hugs Petunia and J'Harast each in turn.
"Congratulations! I am glad you have both made this choice - and may your union be blessed in every way." Sasha smiles and sips her champaign. "And I should tell you that I am trained in bringing babes into the world - so when you are ready, I can care for you and your babes." Sasha raises her goblet for another toast to the happy couple.
"Any bets on when there will be little ones running around?" She laughs.
Rane steps down from his room, obviously awakened by the commotion.
"What is going on here?! Can't a man get some much needed sleep?" Rane then sees the champaign, and hears comments about a happy couple.
"Let me guess, J'Harast proposed to Petunia. Congratulations." He says this only halfheartedly, and then turns, and heads back upstairs. You are not sure, but you think you hear something about more unwanted half-elven children as he steps out of sight.
Sasha, speaking loudly so the retreating Rane can hear, says, "No one, especially children, should be unwanted. Though some people try their best to make themselves so."
Rane ignores the barb, and goes back up to bed to get some sleep, asking the innkeeper for some cotton for his ears.
Turning back to Petunia, she says gently. "Don't worry about him. He is just that way."
"I don't like him," the girl mutters.
J'Harast answers Yuri.
"Thank you Yuri, but I think that we will need to wait a sufficient length of time to satisfy the elven in me. Say about a month and then we will marry.
"However, that does not prevent us from celebrating now."
"Very well! Luthus, prepare a feast!" says Yuri.
"Aye, m'lord," the innkeeper hurries away.
The marching band is brought in from the cold, and serenades you.
Several hours pass, as you drink champaign and other refreshments to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. Then, the doors to the kitchen open wide, and the innkeeper and his staff bring out platter after platter of food. There are hot soups, breads and rolls, roast turkeys, hams, fresh fish from the river, pheasant, and venison...along with roast vegetables - potatoes, parsnips, onions and carrots. To wash it all down there is more beer, wine, champaign and milk. To finish the repast are trifles and puddings.
The feast lasts long into the night.
At last Yuri stands up.
"I must be leaving," he says. "My best wishes to all of you. Illyana, consider my request. You know where that dungeon is. You would be serving the cause of Good by clearing it...and probably helping your own mission for whoever it is who hired you," he glances at Sasha, "At the same time...by improving your own abilities."
With that the Paladin strides out...while the marching band plays the theme from 'Superman'.
J'Harast and Petunia retire to their room as well...
During the feast, J'Harast takes Sasha aside."I needed to talk to you, because I trust you and your advice."
Sasha smiles wanly and nods.
"This morning, I was a little gruff with you, and I wanted you to know it was becuase I did not sleep well. I had very bad nightmares, and was unhappy. Unfortunatly, they came true, and Petunia is dead again."
"Oh no, J'Harast ... I'm sorry. I had no idea you were prone to bouts of precognition. How awful for you ... "
"I don't know if it is really precognition, or just a wild nightmare, that happened this time, to come true. What ever the case, it is not something I would trust, other than to recognize results too late to change them."
Sasha nods.
"We, you and I, need to present a united front to the rest of the party. I can control Rane, so he will not be a problem in any discussions, as for the others, we'll need to see what happens in the end."
Sasha nods, "Yes, we must present a united front - do we have one though? I have spoken at length on the matter - so you know my views - I have never learned if you are in agreement with them however. If we are not, then we shall take some time to discuss them reasonably - I am sure we can come to some agreement." she replies.
"First, I feel that you are doing a good job as the leader of our little group. It is a tough, thankless job, and requires someone who is a bit curious."
Sasha grimaces. "I am not so sure ... about the job I am doing. It seems almost better to have a partnership than leader. I think something about me makes them not accept me ... but I don't know what it is. But, together - perhaps we can provide some guidance ... "
"However, we need to figure out how to deal with combat situations. I know that I am usually involved pretty intimatly in any armed conflict that we get into. Thus, I cannot offer much assistance once the fray is joined."
"Were you there when I outlined my orginal plan? I proposed that I cast bless on everyone upon entering a new or known bad area, then I would cast Santuary on myself, then Chant. This would enable everyone to fare better agaisnt any creatures. If Pillar were to also bless when I did, we would get even more benefit. If my chanting should be interupted, I could still fight in the rear ranks while assessing the need for further attack or retreat." Sasha sighs.
"However, there is still the matter of my tween. I still think that could be put to some use - but the rest of the party would have to be out of range for that to be safe ... I could keep that action in reserve if our retreat goes badly or to shift the balance of a close fight."
"I had a fighting order in mind - did you see that?" Sasha rummages in her pack and pulls out her journal. She turns to the page and points to her diagram.
Rane J'Harast
Athmyr
Pillar Petunia
Raz Bel
Illyana Sasha
"I orginally had Pillar's and my postions reversed ... but I don't think he was happy with that. I would not like to have a disgruntled person at my back...and I have placed Petunia near you as you both complement each other ... if you have any thoughts ... Athmyr ... said he was a strong fighter - I don't know ... and if he does not make it ..." Sasha sighs.
"I think that we need to make sure that everyone agrees that you are the leader, and that they will act upon your words as necessary."
"Any ideas on how to do that? We have little time for the techniques I have in mind ... "
"In combat, if you call a retreat, I will be the last one out of the room. I move quicker than most, can hide and dodge pretty well, and can still fight. If we need to retreat in a hurry, make sure everyone else moves. I know that I will be able to join you shortly."
"That I can do - perhaps if we simply act on this always, it will become habit and we won't have to concern ourselves about it anymore." Sasha smiles. "I believe I have been doing it that way the last two times - but there are always bodies to carry out ... "
"As for our treasure. I figured that we take what is needed for aiding the party members first, healing, resurrections, and curse removal for example. Then we divy up the rest, with the party pot getting an equal share, at least until we are up to a reasonable amount of money, then we can stop this."
"How does this sound?"
"I agree. It seems Rane doesn't though. But you said you could take care of him ... is it his personality, or a drow attitude, I wonder. And Pillar ... what are we to do with him. He is a good fighter and cleric ... and yet, will not cooperate. But it matters little I suppose - since we know what he does, we will bank on that and not expect more from him."
"So, it seeems we are in agreement then. Now to get the others to agree in one way or another."