You pass a comfortable night within the Mansion, and awaken the next morning refreshed, and healed up by another hit point.
"If anyone of you are hungry, I can beseech Horus for food and drink.. if not, I can wait 'til later. Occa, nice accommodations, bub.. keep it up !" Al says as he stretches from his restful evening.
Gilstrock looks up. "Did somebody mention food?" he asks, his salivary glands kicking in.
"Food! Coming up." Orlon then creates a box with the word Thorfather's on it. "The best on the planet." He then hands it to Gilstrock.
Inside is one of Orlon's trademarked pizzas...complete with half cooked crust and an old sneaker baked into the middle of it.
"Ahhh, excellent, thank you very much!" Gilstrock says. He digs in with that warrior's appetite of his.
"How injured is everyone?" Orlon asks. He will start casting spells until everyone is up to full hit points.
Darian stops him.
"Um... Orlon? Maybe you should save your spells until later? I seem to have recovered my powers completely with the night's rest. I can't heal much, but maybe I can do as much as I can before you use your spells. Does that seem reasonable?"
"I'll just relearn the spells before we head back in. No good going in only at half our full health. But thank you for your concern," Orlon tells Darian.
Giltsrock says, "I'm not too seriously injured, but I could use a little healing. May as well be at full strength before the next time I get beat upon."
Occa says, "Well, I have memorized another Mansion spell...we could stay another 16 hours if we wanted to do so...that way we can heal up. I am fine myself."
Cannon Fodder says, "I am fine as well."
"As am I," says Pharian, "thanks to my ring."
"How does this mansion appear from the outside?" Pharian asks Occa. "Should we be concerned that the dark elves will be waiting for us?"
Occa says, "No, as soon as I close the door it is invisible to the outside world."
Orlon and Darian set to work and heal up everyone, then have to rest. Orlon prays to renew his spells.
It is afternoon before he is ready.
Leaving the Mansion, you see the cave is as it was before...though the bodies are starting to smell a bit.
Valdar flips a coin.
"North it is," he says, and he leads you all off up the north passage.
The north passage runs north for ~60'...after which it curves to the west for 10' or so and then opens up into another cave.
Rather odd shaped (right wall goes 10' north, ~30' northeast, ~20' northwest, ~40' west, ~20' southwest (passage running west out of southern portion), 10' south, ~10' east-southeast, ~15' south, ~20' south-southeast and then close 'er up), it is a dreary place. You poke about, and in the centre you find signs of the drow encampment. A number of bedrolls and packs are here. Farkling through them, though, you find nothing of value.
You head west down the passage.
Actually it runs west-southwest...for ~50', before reaching another cave (~circular shaped, ~50' diameter, this passage comes in at the eastern point while another opening is at the western point). This cave is bare. A few narrow veins of gold run along the north wall, though.
You look through the western opening...and find yourself looking at a passage running north-south. It is 10' wide, and like every passage you have yet seen on this level, it is very rough. Directly across from you is an opening into another cave.
Looking north, the tunnel runs for 50' and then opens up.
To the south, the tunnel runs for 60' and on.
Through the opening is another cave.
"Let's check out the cave to the west," Orlon suggests.
You do so.
Another odd shaped cave (right wall runs north-northwest for ~20', then northwest for ~20', southwest for 40', southeast for 40' (passage running southwest out of first 10' section), then close it up). The walls of this place are scored in many places by picks and hammers. Piles of tailing lie in the centre of the chamber. An empty wine bottle lies in the north corner on the floor.
Searching the place, you find nothing.
"I wonder what's down the hall?" Orlon remarks as he looks southwest.
That passage runs southwest for ~20', then turns south.
You go down and take a look.
It runs south for about 15', then opens up into a small chamber (~15' in diameter).
This small cave is empty but for an old, overturned ore cart lying on the floor in the middle.
You search...and lo! under the cart you find someone's treasure stash: two rings, a wand, a staff, a cloak, an amulet, a suit of field plate armour (human sized), a suit of chain mail (elf-sized), a sheathed broadsword, a sheathed shortsword, 7 sling bullets and a dozen darts.
Pharian glances over the items. "Treasure shouldn't be this easy to find-- I smell a trap."
"Perhaps," replies the elf lord, looking about him. "Or perhaps we've already killed the owners of this little horde."
"Valdar, are there any secret doors in here?" Then he turns and heads back a little ways up the passageway the group came in, says "I'll watch our backs," and disappears.
Valdar checks the chamber, but finds nothing.
After Pharian heads back up the passage and Valdar checks for secret doors, Occa seems to come out of a daze and says, "Okay, anyway, let's go." He heads back up the tunnel after Pharian.
Cannon Fodder says, "About time...what up!" He scurries up and forward.
Reaching the large cave, you stop when you see a large gelatinous cube moving slowly towards you.
There is no sign of Pharian...then Occa sees him standing nearby, invisible.
Occa says, "We may not need to kill the cube...they are good for cleaning up messes people like us made. However, let's look to see if there is any treasure within it."
He moves up to look at it and see if there is anything within.
The cube moves towards him, growling.
Darian fires a magic missle into the beastie.
Lore unloads a cast cone of cold on the jello cube.
Between the two of them they blow it to pieces.
There was nothing of value embedded in it.
"Sorry, Occa. You should've said something earlier..."
Pharian reappears. He looks at his hand and says, "Sometimes I forget I'm wearing the damn ring."
Pulling a little piece of lint out of his scraggly goatee, Pharian says, "I guess we can assume that those drow were just visiting this part of the dungeon, judging by their camp and this poorly hidden treasure. It seems safe to assume that they came from that staircase Cannon Fodder checked out. But what were they doing up here? If we fight any more of them, we should try to capture one and interrogate it."
Orlon agrees with Pharian. "Let's just get this stuff and move on."
You return to the passage on the east side of this chamber and head south.
After a moment or two you reenter the first cave chamber on this level...where the stairs leading down are.
You turn and head north back up the passage again...past the chamber where you just killed the 'cube.
The passage continues for another 50', terminating at another cave (right wall runs east for 10', northwest for ~20', west for ~10', south for 10' (passage exits west, here), and then it closes up).
Apart from some loose stones lying about, the place is deserted and quite boring.
You exit to the west.
After 10' the passage turns turns west southwest, and continues more or less in this direction for ~140', before opening up into a large cave to the south.
This enormous cave is too large for your lights to penetrate its farthest reaches. Its ceiling arches up over your heads and into darkness as well. It is very quiet in here. But for a scattering of bones on the floor, there seems to be nothing of interest in here.
Walking around, you find that the right wall runs more or less west for ~40', southwest for ~70', south for 180', southeast for ~30', east for 70', east-northeast for ~40', north for ~170' (passage running east-northeast out of first 10' section), and close 'er up.
The southern portion of the cave has a large gallery some 25' above the floor. It extends about 90' north from the south wall. A large natural stone curtain supporting the north end of the upper gallery has been carved into a broad staircase, spiraling up to the gallery above.
The lower level of this giant cavern is deserted.
"Should we go up?" asks Darian.
"Let's do it cautiously though," Orlon mentions.
You head up the stairs to the upper gallery.
There are definite indications of mining having been done here at some point in the past. Piles of rubble lie here and there, as do some mining tools. Otherwise, the place appears to be deserted and uninteresting.
"There must be more drow nearby. We couldn't have cleaned them all out back there," Orlon comments as he searches the stuff. "Hey, Valdar. Any secret doors around here?"
Valdar prances around with his sword, but it remains silent.
Occa pulls forth his wand of metal and minearl detection and looses a charge. "Maybe a big stash nearby."
The wand pulses and points at one of the piles of tailings.
You set Gonzo on it...and after a few minutes he has dug deep into the pile.
Revealed is another pile of goodies: 60 gems worth 100gp each, a ring, a wand, an arm wrapping, a suit of fancy chain mail (elf-sized), a sheathed shortsword and a dagger.
"Wow," says Valdar, looking impressed and suspicious at the same time. "The stuff's just dropping into our laps today, isn't it?"
Jesse smiles, "I love it when you prance around Valdar."
"Wow." says Jesse. "Two short swords. I wonder what they do." the bard comments. "If I can ever get rid of this cursed sword..."
"Maybe we killed the owner of this horde, too," says Pharian, though he doesn't really look like he believes it.
"Big rooms make me nervous," he adds. "Big things live there. Have you been detecting for enemies, Cannon Fodder?"
Cannon Fodder detects for enemies...and finds none.
You scoop up the loot and go back down the stairs again.
Heading for the southeast exit, you march up that passage.
It runs east-northeast for some 70', then opens up into a cave (right wall runs south-southeast for ~40', east-northeast for ~20', north-northwest for ~60' (passage running east-northeast in first 10' section, passage running north in last 10' section), then close it up).
A grisly sight greets you when you look into this cave.
A pile of stinking, rotten corpses lies about 10' inside the cave. You can make out a number of different species of creatures in the sordid pile: orcs, gnolls, ogres and even a giant.
Around and on the pile grow seven small violet fungi.
Darian backs away from the cave. "Um... I think we should look elsewhere."
"Phewwweee... me dinks dat be a good idear meself"... says Gonzo, backing up a bit from the view.... "Unlessen youse wizard types wants to cook dem purple dings a bit afore we goes stompin in der."
The wizard types, though, remain silent, so you retreat to the large cave...then continue retreating all the way back to the cave where you battled the aludemons and the drow.
>From there, you take the south exit and see where that passage leads you.
It quickly curves around to the south-southwest...and runs for 60' and on. In the last 10' section is a passage running southeast. You stay on the main passage, though...which continues to slowly curve more and more to the west. After another 60' it is running west-southwest. In the 40' - 45' section is a narrow passage running north-northwest. You continue to follow the main passage, which now is running striaght...for a further 90', where lo! it ends back at the chamber filled with stinking corpses.
Yuck.
You turn about and make for the narrow passage.
This leads you into a small mining chamber after some 15'...not much of interest in here.
You continue back and explore the other passage...running southeast.
This one runs for 100' in total...before opening up to the south at last into another mining chamber. Again, there is nothing much of interest in here.
Finally, you return to the chamber at the bottom of the stairs that lead up...
"Well?" asks Valdar. "Where to now? Did you want to go down to explore the area that Cannon Fodder scouted? Do you want to go back and explore the area at the top of that shaft...upstairs? Did you want to move on to the east? Or did you want to call out for pizza?"
"I think we should go down. If you folks are so eager to find more drow, it's likely you're going to find them down there." says Darian.
"Who said we were eager to find drow? I'm not eager to find drow. I need to look at the map," grumbles Pharian.
Darian looks surprised. "Then why didn't we seal up the entrance that we cleared out and continue our explorations over there?"
Occa speaks up again. "No, we divined that it would not be advisable at this time to go down there. We should wait until later...probably after we get rid of these dragons up here. Isn't that right, Valdar?"
"That is probably wise," replies Valdar.
Al walks up to Valdar and says, "Ok, bub, where are these dragons that you're talking about ??" he says with a grin, itching for battle....
Darian shakes his head and says, "Here we go again..."
"Hmmm...you're right..." Valdar admits. "We haven't met any for awhile, have we?"
Occa says, "Okay, that solved, let's go...either to the top of the shaft, upstairs, or go east. I think, hmm..." He gets out a coin and flips it. "Ah, okay, upstairs it is then."
He heads in that direction, hoping someone will tell him when he heads the wrong way.
Cannon Fodder says, "What up you impetious old fool!" He scurries ahead and begins scouting...expending a charge from his wand of enemy detection as well.
Occa says, "Oh here." He hands his rope of entanglement to Cannon Fodder. "Maybe you will make yourself useful next time."
Cannon Fodder sticks his tongue out and then turns himself invisible.
Jesse calls to the invisible Cannon Fodder, " Hey Cannon Fodder. Later on, perhaps I can show you some interesting uses for that rope."
Darian looks at Jesse confused and then blushes...
Jesse walks over to Darian and whispers into his ear, and then gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Darian turns a deeper shade of red.
Cannon Fodder says, "No, I think I could show YOU some interesting things to do with this rope, a levitate spell, feather fall, and several feathers."
Cannon Fodder giggles.
Jesse's eyebrow raises, "Indeed." she smiles.
On that note you head back upstairs and make your way northwest...to the end of the passage that has the shaft entrance in the ceiling. A stone slab rests on the floor. A chain is attached to each corner. These join together with another chain overhead in the centre...which in turn extends up the shaft.
You stand under it, looking up...wondering how you will ascend the shaft...
Darian looks at the chains and stone slab. "It looks like some sort of contraption that a dwarf or a gnome might build. Maybe we should look a little more carefully for something that would cause the chain to be pulled up, thus pulling up the stone slab and anything resting on it."
"Unless one of you mages has any better ideas, I guess we are doing this the old fashioned way." Al says as he sheathes Claw and puts his shield on his back to prepare to shimmy up the chain.
"Hold on," Orlon tells Al. "Why can't we all fit inside Occa's Portable hole and just have him fly us up there?"
"That is a better idea," nods Pharian. "But we should have one person scout it out a little ways first." He looks at Cannon Fodder. "We are vulnerable when we are all in the hole."
"Ok. Hey Occa. How about sending one of your wizard eyes up ahead to scout the area out first?" Orlon asks.
"Actually, its my portable hole, but yes, I guess that is viable, unless we get attacked and then we'll be going to our next lives alot quicker..." Al says with a smirk as he takes out his portable hole.
"Oh I'm sorry. I don't know why, but I had mistakenly assumed that it was Occa's." Orlon tells Al.
"I'll go and scout," says Valdar. He casts an invisibility spell on himself.
Occa sees him press a button on the side of his pack, and then he takes flight...up the shaft.
You wait for five minutes...then he comes flying back down.
"All clear," he says, landing.
All of you then climb into Al's hole...and Valdar then flies you up the shaft.
At the top of the shaft is a passage running northeast - southwest. It is 20' wide. To the west runs a 10' wide passage.
The 20' wide passage runs for 40' northeast, then opens up into a chamber to the northeast. 10' before the end of the passage is another passage (5' wide) running south. To the southwest, the passage runs for 40' on the right wall, after which it ends at a 10' wide passage running east - west.
The 10' wide passage that runs west from where you are goes for 40' on the right side, 30' on the left...then forks into two branches...one running to the northwest, one to the southwest. A 10' section of wall faces you between the forks.
"Let's go explore the chamber..." suggests Darian.
You head up there.
The chamber is 40' X 60' (30' north, 50' east; 5' wide passage opening in south wall, 35' - 40' section as measured from the entrance; 30' wide passage running north in north wall, 10' - 40' section as measured from the west).
Once some sort of reception chamber by the looks of it, with stone chairs and tables around the perimeter. The walls are richly carved with bas reliefs.
At the east end of the chamber is an enormous throne...carved from a solid piece of jade, and set with rubies, sapphires and diamonds.
"Wow! Gonzo, did your ancestors rule from here?" asks Darian.
"Me family didna rule from dez digs... me still dinks dey wuz further towards the rising sun... dat away..." says Gonzo as he points. "It wuz many miles from dis point... although me iz not so sure why me memories are so sketchy in diz details. Seems da more wez stomp around deez digs, da more memory me gets about dem and diz ain't part o' me memories... although, me unkle Sledge once spoke 'bout dwarves wid an austentatious thrown like dis one... I betz diz be da one. Waddya say we knock it down and take da goodies offen it... me dinks it will bring a riotious hoot in da tellin of de tale when wez gitz back der!"
Gonzo will then move cautiously towards the throne, careful of anything looking to ambush him or traps looking for somebody to trigger them.
"Wait, Gonzo! Why not take the whole throne? It'd be more beautiful that way."
"Nice throne," Al says with a low whistle. He focuses and detects for evil on the throne and surrounding area.
The throne and the area around it do not radiate any evil.
Jesse scratches her head, "Kings would sit in that? Why? It seems a waste of jade. I mean it's pretty. Very pretty. but..."
Orlon looks down the two other hallways to see what's down them.
To the north, the 30' wide passage runs for 60' and on into the mists of time.
The 5' wide passage that runs out of the south wall heads south for 60' and on...before becoming lost in the muddy waters of bad prose. There is a door in the last 10' section of the left wall.
"Cannon Fodder, maybe you should check to make sure we're alone... Just in case this wasn't the dwarven throne room..."
Cannon Fodder grins like an idiot and uses the wand.
It pulses and points...behind you.
Looking, you see - just barely - four Nehwon ghouls skulking their way into the chamber from the southwest passage that you came in by. Being all but completely transparent, you never would have noticed them otherwise.
Realising that their cover has been blown, they charge you, swords drawn.
Occa and Cannon Fodder snap to and say, "Yikes!"
Occa magic missles one of the ghouls.
Four missiles blow one of the ghouls to pieces. Occa directs his last missile into another monster...hurting it somewhat.
Cannon Fodder watches the rest of the chamber for another assualt.
Lore casts cone of cold on the creatures using his magic wand.
The cone catches all of the survivors...freezing them solid and killing them.
Darian draws his sword and moves to Al's side.
No other monsters come at you, though, so you relax a bit.
Gonzo goes over to the throne. Reaching out to touch it, his hand passes right through it!
You realise that it is an illusion.
"Oh well," says Valdar, with a disappointed shrug. "Where shall we go now?"
It is late afternoon.
Occa says, "Well, there are two other exits in here...let's check them out."
Cannon Fodder will head up the huge corridor to the north looking for enemies along the way.
Off you go.
This passage runs for 110' in total before ending at a dead end. valdar checks for secret doors, but find none.
In the 60' - 90' section of the west wall, though, is another 30' wide passage running northwest, so you explore that.
This passage runs for 20' on the right wall and 30' on the left...before turning southwest and narrowing down.
You look.
From the left side of the corner, the left wall of the passage runs for 60' and on. In the 50' - 60' section of the right wall - as measured from the back, Orlon - is a door.
The passage continues...
You head down to the door, and Lore listens at it. He hears nothing.
However, Cannon Fodder's wand pulses and points at the door...or what lies beyond it...
Darian draws his sword and looks at Al. "You and Gonzo want to go in first?"
Al looks to Gonzo.
"Let's go, little man" he says with a grin as he approach the door. "Aid your worshipper," he intones as he casts an aid spell on himself.
Gonzo grits his teeth and draws his weapons... "CHARGE" he says under his breath, in a whisper... waiting for the door to open...
Orlon casts a prayer.
Al and Gonzo hit the door simultaneously...reducing it to splinters and tinder in an instant.
Beyond is a large chamber (right wall runs north for 40', west for 50', south for 50', then east for 40'; door in south wall west corner).
Once a temple dedicated to Moradin the Soul Forger, this hall has now been taken over by a family of formorian giants. A large steel anvil is to the north. Above it on the wall is an enormous mural, badly faded, of Moradin working at his forge.
The 21 giants are not surprised by your sudden appearance. There are three males, six females (who are actually somewhat larger than their men-folk, and a dozen young...approximately ogre-sized).
"KARRRRRUMBA!" yells Gonzo, as he attacks a male. He connects without difficulty and opens up a massive wound across the chest of his target. The giant says -
"YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!" and then misses with his blunt instrument.
Beside the dwarf, the paladin is having similar luck against a big ugly old woman, as he slices her arm wide open. She screeches in his face and then misses as well. Al strikes her again, opening up another gash.
The other giants are all moving up to attack...
"Have at thee, foul wench," Al says as he slices and dices as many giants as possible. "Mages, blast them from the rear," he yells as he continues fighting.
He chops down the woman with his next hit...but another giant - a youth - steps up to take her place...and misses badly.
Darian moves through the door and up to Al's left side to keep the giants from getting to the mages. "Fighters, form a ring to protect the spellcasters. And mages, you might want to start casting some lightning bolts and blade barriers and other neat stuff. Otherwise, we're going to get very tired..."
He finds himself facing a big ugly fomorian - not that there is any other kind. He dodges a swinging club and lands a minor hit on the fellow.
"Ah.. some order to our chaos." Jesse says as Darian makes some suggestions. She then begins to cast a lightning bolt...
...and her forked bolt hurts another female and kills a young one.
Lore does his usual thing and casts cone of cold on one of the giants...
...slightly injuring two more giants.
Occa says, "Alright, let's rock and roll!" He casts a cone of cold, angled upward over the fighters heads (on Gonzo's side of the battle) in order to catch the most giants with the blast.
Another young one dies, while a male and a female are wounded.
Cannon Fodder will watch the rear once again for any other approaching enemies.
Pharian pulls out a wand, and says "wowza." An illusionary image of Op-Code appears in the back of the group, says, "All right! Giants!" and moves forward to attack.
Gonzo yells and finishes off his first giant. A youth attacks him...and misses.
Gilstrock moves into the fray as well...killing an already badly injured male with a single swing.
Arrrgh! goes after a female...and they trade misses.
The illusionary Op Code is moving up.
"Horus, guide my hand !" Al exclaims as he thrusts forward, slicing at the giant youth. "Alas, I feel shamed harming a youth of any race, but evil must be extinguished !" he remarks as he continues pressing forward.
The kid misses Al again...but the paladin does not...and the young giant is all but killed. Al's next swing finishes the job.
Jesse casts another lightning bolt, and vapourises two young giants.
Occa casts another cone of cold at the giants. A young one is frozen solid and a female is nicely hurt.
Darian keeps swinging at the giant...and misses. However, the giant does little better.
Another female moves against Darian...and also misses.
The illusionary Op Code pauses to quaff an illusionary potion of speed-- being careful to distinguish it from an illusionary potion of plant control-- and then starts slicing real giants with his illusionary sword.
The fake Op Code lands a nice hit with his fake sword...however the illusion's target pays no attention to it and moves on to try to mash Gonzo.
Orlon casts a blade barrier in the middle of the giants.
Two more young giants are reduced to giant-sushi.
Arrrgh! fans on his attack...and then is clobbered by his erstwhile target for 19 hit points of damage. He gets some of his own back, though, as he connects with his battle axe on his next swing.
Gonzo and his new giant both miss...then the dwarf's face deforms into the likeness of one of the dead male giants...right down to the ear in the middle of the forehead!
"Eeeek!" says the young giant, and shits himself.
Gilstrock is hit for 7 hit points of damage by a young giant before nailing her good...twice, and killing her.
At this point, one male giant remains, on Darian. Five females remain, as well as four young.
Pharian, evidently pissed off that the giants are paying no attention to his illusion, curses to himself. Op Code shrugs, pops a handful of timbits, and disappears. "Useless son-of-a-bitch," grumbles Pharin.
"Let me fight the male on my own, please. But I wouldn't mind help with the others..." says Darian.
Jesse will try, if possible to cast a web to catch some of the giants in it. This proves impossible, so she looks to cast two magic missiles at the giant on Darian.
"Allow me, sir !" Al exclaims as he tag teams the giant that Darian is fighting.
The paladin lands a solid hit on the giant, who howls in protest, followed by another stab.
"Hey, I specifically asked that you let me continue to fight the male on my own. What's the idea? You can't hear?" protests Darian. The giant misses him, but the elf lands a hard hit...and the monster topples...dead.
Jesse calls out, "Oops."
She sends her missiles at two other giants...
"Sorry, Darian, I tend to get into the heat of things in a fight !! I will allow you to have the next kill if you so wish !" Al says with a smile.
Al says to the female giants, "Ladies, I wish not to fight you, despite your evil nature, cease and desist or we will be forced to slay you." he await an answer.
He does not wait long.
"Up yours, your stupid paladin!" exclaims a nasty looking female giant.
You all hear a gagging noise from Jesse. "Al... who writes your stuff? Don't you know we invaided their lair, and they have kids here and we've killed a few... I don't think that they will just surrender."
"Lass, ye must know that as a holy warrior, I am sworn to protect women and children whenever possible, despite appearance and inclination, therefore, I had to give these females and their young a chance to repent, if not... let them be on their way to the next life with our help." he responds with a grin and a nod in Jesse's direction. "And did I ever tell you that you look beautiful when you fight ??"
Jesse gags some more at the last comment. "Really Al? Are you some sort of comedic bard? Really... I've got to know."
"Please say you aren't," Orlon tells Al as he takes out his big bruiser mace and bashes it over the head of one of the female giants. "One bard per group is really quite enough."
Orlon moves against the last unoccupied giant and bops her on the kneecap. She turns on him with a snarl, angry that he put a run in her wool stocking, but fans badly.
"Nay, lass, I am not one of those pansies, er.. singers who wear tights and dance around a stage. I am a man of great honor and devoted to protecting good from evil. If I can aid a woman in distress at the same time, then it twould be my pleasure.. Would ye like some saving, my dear ?" Al asks with a wide grin...
"Al for someone trying to woo me... you're doing a pretty piss poor job. Many people I know are those 'pansies'. As for saving, I'd rather kiss a snake." Jesse says.
"As I said, my dear, you are gorgeous when you're fighting !!" Al says as a smile creeps across his face thinking that he has Jesse where he wants her.
Jesse laughs, "Patronizing me will get you a lighting bolt up your arse. Like I said, I'd sooner kiss a snake. Perhaps Valdar is more your taste."
"Now don't drag me into this!" says Valdar, glancing over from where he has been admiring Gilstrock in action.
"Your words wound me more than your lightning can, mayhap, I can convince you that I am more pleasurable than a snake and no, Valdar is not my type, not in this lifetime anyway !!" Al continues to banter as you finish your combat.
Jesse snorts. "Al, I'll be frank. No, I'll be blunt. I am not interested in you, at all. I do not appreciate your comments, your inuendos and the like. I have already told you once, and I will tell you again. I have no desires or interest in you, not now... not ever. You are a comrade in arms, and I will give you all benefits in that respect, but I would appreciate it if you could get it thought your thick skull that I am not interested." the bard says, "What part of no do you not understand?" she concludes. "Besides Valdar is a nice man."
Occa and Cannon Fodder both giggle at the interchange between Jesse and Al.
Cannon Fodder says, "Al, you have a lot to learn."
Occa says, "And that coming from a pile of snow!"
Cannon Fodder says, "Hey! No need to get personal you carbon based lifedeform."
Occa giggles and says, "Well, this is about wrapped up." He pulls out a copy of playmage and sits back against a wall to look at some drawings of female mages. He can be heard muttering, "Oh sure, like that would happen in the lab! These stories...."
Cannon Fodder just continues to watch the hall from a safe distance.
Cannon Fodder says, "Hey, why don't we just get everyone made, Jesse." He nods invisibly and says, "Nah, not Valdar, but that definately Pharian or Gonzo. Lord knows those two sissies would be Al's type. Well, if they could gag him and put a bag over his head."
Cannon Fodder giggles and gets ready to run for his life.
Jesse replies to the invisible Cannon Fodder, "Do you mean maid? Like that little number I saw on Tracy the other night. The one with the short black skirt and the cuts in all the right locations?" the bard begins to giggle.
Cannon Fodder says, "Hey, don't let Occa know about that."
Occa looks up from his magazine at hearing his name said and says, "What? What did you say?"
Cannon Fodder says, "Nothing, old fart, just talking about crazy old maids,....errr, mages."
"Paladins are generally tedious, and Al is no exception," says Pharian. "I am all in favor of gagging him."
"Here, here!" Orlon cries out as he hands a handkerchief to Pharian.
Meanwhile, Arrgh! loses initiative against the lady that he is battling, and suffers 11 more hit points as a result. he swings his battle axe and connects, opening up a large wound on her left index finger.
The second giant attacking the dwarf misses.
The female giant on Darian misses.
The youth on Gonzo, smelling badly and perhaps a little thrown by the appearance of the dwarf's face, also misses. Gonzo lands a lovely hit, though, slicing the giant's leg off with a single swipe, and killing him. However, the youth's mother nails him from behind, but thanks to his stoneskin spell does not manage to hurt him.
Al is also attacked from the rear by a youth...who misses.
Gilstrock quickly polishes off another youth.
The fight is winding down, now, as Arrrgh! misses, then misses again.
Darian turns on the female giant that has been bothering him, but his swing is wide. She in turn also fans.
Gonzo goes against the mom giant and nails her good...killing her before she can swing again.
Orlon puts a run in his foe's other stocking next, after she misses him badly.
Al easily kills the young giant that had been pestering him.
Gilstrock moves against the second giant that has been attacking Arrrgh!, but it sees him coming and catchins him for 4 hit points of damage. The fighter is quick to have his revenge, though, and the enemy falls.
Arrrgh! and the female giant attacking him continue to miss...as do Orlon and his partner.
Darian also misses next...before getting clobbered for 16 hit points of damage.
Al helps out Arrrgh!, and the giant falls.
Gonzo appears beside Darian, and another giant drops before his onslaught.
Gilstrock notices another female giant who has been standing about unoccupied and goes after her. He lands an enormous hit on her right off, slashing her chest open...as she misses. His next swing is almost as devastating as his first.
Orlon keeps banging away at his target, while she continues to miss him.
Gilstrock polishes off his last giant, as orlon is finally hit for 21 hit points of damage. He replies in kind, though...and kills her.
At last, all of the giants are dead.
Searching the old temple, you find 5000ep, and 20 gems that you value at 200gp each.
"Ah, I love a good fight," Al remarks as he wipes the giant blood off of Claw onto the tattered clothes of the nearest slain giant. "Well, Gonzo, do you have any idea who this temple had been dedicated to ?? I am quite unfamiliar with the gods of this world. Good fight all !!"
Darian heals himself and then starts moving around the group, healing those who were wounded. "Orlon, save your spells and let me use my psionics, first. They seem to restore overnight and at least it allows me to make a major contribution to the party since some people," Darian glares at Al, "don't bother to let me contribute in other ways."
"Give it a shot kid. The more healing powers this party has the better." Orlon replies.
"Thank you, sir." Darian moves over to Orlon and places his hands over the wound and heals it.
"If nobody needs further healing after Darian is done his healing shall we move on to that door over there?" Orlon motions.
Turning red, but barely maintaining self control, Al asks Darian, "And what seems to be your problem ??
"I just "contributed" by slaying my share of the enemy and am willing to heal those that I can, despite my limited powers. AND, I am leading point, so if we getting attacked, I am the first one hit, SO..." Al feels his anger rising so not to start a new confrontation, he holds his tongue and awaits an answer.
"I asked you all to leave that last male giant to me. You ignored me and then said, 'oh, well, next time'. Jesse at least had the courtesy to respect my wishes and she targeted her magic elsewhere. I'm not much of a fighter, yet, but I'm learning. And I need practice. What better than a giant to practice upon? But, for some reason, you couldn't allow me to do so... Why? What causes you to be so rude to me and the others?"
Jesse walks up next to Darian, "I agree with you. Al, it seems that you are going out of your way to insult and irritate this whole group. You are crass, a bore and arogant. Maybe it is just all 'holy warriors' but..." the bard stutters for a moment... "but, you are a good fighter it's just that you need to learn to interact with people. Give us our fair shots at things. Learn to respect us and well respect you."
Al explodes.
"DARIAN, did one of the giants hit you too hard ?? This is life or death, not a game! You don't "call" who you want to kill, the enemy doesn't care, you strike hard and you strike quick or you end up DEAD !! And trust me, the afterlife isn't a nice place !!! So, whimpering about the fact that I didn't allow you to kill something is childish and its going to get you killed !"
Al visibly calms himself and steps back, allowing his clenched fists to relax.
"This is not a game, Darian, never forget that !" he says in a low voice...
Jesse glares at Al, "My turn to get mad." the bard says "I think that the giant hit you too hard. We're supposed to be a team. That means we work together to help develop each others talents and abilities. If Darian had been in trouble, then we help him, but he was not. Here you are prattling about being a child, and what did you do... Did you listen to me, ever. No. You kept on like I was some prize to be won. Is that childish. We were doing alright without you coming here and coping an attitude." the bard stares at the warrior, "Get a grip we've all had friends die in here, we know the score. So put a cork in it. This is not a pissing contest."
"Listen, Al... I only asked that you leave the last male giant to me while the rest of you took care of the female giants and kids. You're the one bantering with Jesse while fighting, not me... I know that it's not a game, but the request wasn't unreasonable seeing that things were well in hand. I'm not going to learn very much letting everyone else fight my battles for me."
"And it seems to me that you're the one who needs to grow up. When a woman says 'no', she means no. For some reason, you can't get that through your head..."
"As far as the afterlife goes, I've been killed twice by dragons while a part of this group and I don't really wish to return there for a while. But, I wasn't in trouble back there. If I was, I would have asked for help."
"Thanks for the support, Jesse. And I'm glad it's not a pissing contest. That would be disgusting..."
You follow Orlon's suggestion...whatever it was.
The door in the southwest corner opens into a 20' wide passage running southwest, for 30' on the right wall, 50' on the left. After that it ends at a wall facing west. There is a 10' wide opening in this wall, in the north half of it.
You head down and take a look.
Through the opening you see another chamber (20' X 20': 10' south, 20' west; passage opening in west wall north portion). A smithy, this place is filled with smashed barrels, a forge, an anvil and many rusted hammers and tools.
Searching, you find nothing.
You look through the opening. This is a passage, running southwest, 10' wide.
You head down it.
The passage runs for 60' before opening up into a small chamber to the west (10' X 20': 10' south, 10' west; door in south wall, 10' wide passage running west out of west wall, south portion).
This small place is barren but for a small wooden casket in the northwest corner.
The argument continues...
"Did you see what happened to Arrgh!, he got hit bad after the last male giant went down, I doubt you would have survived a hit like that.. and if you would have listened instead of whining all the time you would have seen that Jesse and I have come to terms and now are friends without any problems."
"Yeah, I noticed he got hit. I healed him, after all. But, I wasn't aware that you were my guardian Paladin. I'm just asking that you respect me as a person. The request wasn't unreasonable considering the number of targets still available. Seems to me that you're just one of those people who has to be the center of attention or that fighting a women isn't worth your time... I'm not sure which. But, I do know that I don't like your attitude. And I've heard a few others say the same thing."
"I don't recall asking for anyone's opinions, you have the problem with me. I am here to do a job, kill the enemies, not to make friends. I would like to... but if your whining gets someone killed, you deal with it. I won't have anyone die because of anything I have done or not done !"
"Jesse? Have you to made up? Didn't sound like it to me, but Al, here, claims otherwise."
Jesse looks around, "Al and I have reached an understanding." she says simply, "and he made some effort at an appology of sorts. As long as he follows what he said, everything will be fine."
Darian nods and shurgs, but doesn't say anything.
"So, if you're learning, be quiet and watch, otherwise you could get hurt. Not referring to me, that was not a threat, just a fact !"
Darian shrugs. "Maybe we should all stand in the corner and watch you take them all on by yourself... Maybe then you'll appreciate the rest of us and our abilities and you'll stop being so insulting."
"The mages abilities, I certainly don't take for granted, as well as my fellow priests, but I am not insulting to those who do what need to be done, that is to preserve the lives and well being of our group !! Darian, I don't want to fight, as we are not getting anywhere... I will call a truce, if you will cease and desist from this line of arguing..I would rather work together than be enemies..."
Darian chuckles. "Interesting statement, coming from you. But, I accept. I'm not being very successful in making my point to you, so I might as well stop wasting our breath."
Al turns to Jesse.
"Help is too late when the enemy is eviscerating you from neck to groin, would could happen very easily w/ giants. Fine, I may not be Mr. Sociable, but the one thing I know is war, and you don't screw around or play games.. and about you, Enough, I admitted my mistake, and it was.. so move on..its over with !"
Pharian has been leaning against the wall, watching the argument with a bemused smirk. "Now Jesse," he says, "you are going to make me jealous."
Lore stays near the back and keeps a eye out for trouble. He has a very bad feeling about that casket.
Al regards the casket, but detects no evil intent.
Valdar goes and looks west down the passage.
It runs for 40' and ends. There is a door in the last section of the south wall.
"Should we look in it? Al, why don't you do the honors..." says Darian.
"You sure you don't want to," Al says with a smirk as he shoulders his shield and gently opens the casket w/ Claw ready...
"Nope. You're better equipped to deal whatever might be in there."
The paladin opens the lid of the small coffin...slowly.
Revealed inside is a dead infant dwarf...nothing else.
The cause of its death is not readily apparent.
"Gonzo, where can we bury the small child ?? It is always unfortunate when the light of youth is extinguished before its time." Al says a small prayer of peace over the body and listen for Gonzo's direction.
Gonzo appears to be lost in thought.
"Orlon? Could you bring him back?"
"ZZZZZZZZZZZZ" replies the mighty high priest...asleep on his feet again.
Cannon Fodder detects magic and invisible in the room with the casket& infant. Just to be safe.
He detects nothing.
Occa says, "Well, it is very odd that this chest would hold an infant baby in it. Mayhaps he is the heir to the throne or some important dwarven individual. Maybe it is just a rude joke. Whatever it is, I vote we toss him in the portable hole and check it out later."
Valdar goes over and opens the south door.
Beyond is a 20' wide passage running east - west.
To the west it runs for 40' and ends. There is a door at the end, in the north wall.
To the east it runs for 30', turning south after 20' and becoming 10' wide.
You head that way and take a look.
From the entrance, the southbound passage runs for 50', turning east after 40'.
You go and look.
From the corner it runs for 60' and on.
You move down the passage.
The passage runs for a further 60' and on. There is a 10' wide passage running northeast in the 0' - 10' section of the north wall, though. As well, there is a 10' wide opening in the south wall in the 40' - 50' section, and a 20' wide opening in the 40' - 60' section of the north wall.
You look up the northeast passage.
It runs for 40'...then the left wall turns north, and a passage also runs east, too.
"Let's follow the east passage..." suggests Darian.
Cannon Fodder moves up the east passage to look for enemies.
The rest of you follow.
Reaching the openings in the north and south walls, you look each way.
To the south is a parallel passage, some 40' wide, its high arched ceiling supported by two rows of columns 10' out from each side. You step through the opening to take a better look. The ceiling is painted with murals depicting the various gods of the dwarven pantheon. Looking east, this wide passage runs for 60' and on. In the 40' - 50' section of the south wall is another opening, and thre is a third one in the last 10' section of the north wall. Also, directly across from you in the south wall is a 10' wide passage running south. It runs for 20' and on. Looking west, the passage runs for 50' and ends. There is a large pair of double doors - 20' wide in total - in the centre of the end wall. In the 30' - 40' section of the south wall is another passage heading south.
You return to the passage to the north and look up the northwest passage.
It runs for 60' and on. 45' up there is a hole in the floor with a large winch apparatus above it. You realise that you have come about in a large circle...for that is the way you entered this level.
You look east down this passage. It continues east for 60'...turning north after 40' and becoming 20' wide. In the 40' - 50' section of the south wall is a 10' wide opening...leading back into the parallel 40' wide passage.
Orlon wakes up.
Orlon replies, "I don't have the spells memorized right now, but I have the ability to learn them. It depends upon the concensus of the party whether I do or not. I would like to speak with the corpse first to find out if it knows any information that may be of value to us. It would take me about six hours to memorize the spell though. The room would have to be protected from intruders in the meanwhile. Are the rest of you game?"
Darian looks around his surroundings. "Maybe we should hold off for now and do this when we camp for the night. If we can stay in that mansion again, you should have plenty of opportunity."
Gonzo, silent in his reply seems to be lost deep in thought. He makes a cursory glance at the child in the coffin, obviously distraught at the death of such a small child.
After moving with the party in silence for some time, he then says "Me dinks one so small should be buried in de Hall o' de Dead... it would be located more ta da center o' de hill... where de spirits of dose who have passed can be safe in de eart."
He slids a thick finger under one eye and appears to wipe a drop of something from the corner of his eye.
"Wut-ever kilt dis little feller owes me a debt an' I vow to avenge 'is death... you be sure and ask 'im who dunnit Orlon."
"Let's go look a little closer at the murals depicting the dwarven gods. Maybe Gonzo can tell us which ones are which..." suggests Darian.
You move through the south opening and into the wide passage.
You cross the hall and look down the south passage. It runs for 30' in total...after which it ends at a "T" intersection with a 10' wide passage running east - west.
You turn and walk down the wide hall, going west.
Stopping at the second passage that runs south, you take a look down it, too. Like the other one, it also runs for 30', after which it ends at another "T" intersection...presumbly with the same east - west passage.
The double doors at the end of the hall are of adamantite, and embossed with an image of a large war hammer.
You head back towards the east...to the next opening to the south. This opens into an odd-shaped chamber (right wall runs west for 10', southwest for 10', southeast for 10', southwest for 10', south for 10' (passage running west here), southeast for 10', east for 30', northeast for 10', northwest for 10', northeast for 10', north for 20' (20' wide passage running east, here), then west for 10'. Once a training area you surmise, the place is littered with straw-filled dummies, wooden bullseyes and wooden weapons. All of the stuff is in poor repair.
You cross the wide hall again and look through the next opening to the north. This leads into the passage that you came down from from the west, just a few minutes ago. Turning north and becoming 20' wide, you see that it runs that way for 40' (along the right wall...measured from the back) and 40' (along the left wall...measured from the northwest corner). After that, the right wall turns right and heads out of your sight. The left wall, though, also turns right but only for 10'...then turns north again for 10'...then turns east again and runs out of sight.
You turn back to the main hallway and look east.
The north wall runs for a further 30' past this latest opening. However, the south wall runs for an another 30' in addition, before ending at a 10' wide opening to the east. An angled wall runs down from the north side to close matters up, for 30'.
All along, you have been admiring the murals painted on the ceiling. Gonzo and Arrrgh! identify the different deities for you. You see Moradin at his forge; Clanggedin Silverbeard in battle against the giants; Vergadain in his golden armour regarding an enormous hord of dragon treasure; Dumathoin, the Keeper of Secrets, delving his way into an enormous underground realm of lakes, rivers, gems and gold; Abbathor, the Master of Greed, plotting in his great cavern of gold; and finally Berronar, the Mother of Safety, Truth and the Home, shown blessing these great halls before an assembled multitude.
You head east, and look through the opening at the end of the hallway.
Beyond is a chamber (30' X 30': 20' south, 30' east; 10' wide openings in each section of the west wall; 20' wide passage runs east out of southern section of east wall; 5' wide passage runs north out of north wall, 5' - 10' section as measured from west). So, in total, five passage meet at this chamber. It is dank and dark.
Slithering towards you across the floor of the chamber, though, are about a dozen snake-like or eel-like creatures, with large circular maws ringed with sharp rasps. Of course, they look hungry...
Darian looks at those maws and turns back to Pharian. "Say, you wouldn't happen to have another stoneskin spell handy, would you? I mean... I'm all for taking them on, but a spell like that would make feel a little better about dealing with snakes. I hate snakes..."
Al replaces Claw with Beak, his axe of throwing and from where he is, throws it at the eel like creatures.
Occa says, "Hmm, not sure about these dimensions." He tosses a fireball down one of the halls a bit so that it will wash back into the room and over the snakes.
A fireball blossoms forth...incinerating all but one of the monsters...and amazingly not toasting a single party member.
Al's hammer makes very short work of the last monster.
When the smoke clears, you move in and search...but nothing of any value survived the inferno.
You look down passages.
The 5' wide passage to the north runs for 60' and on. In the 30' - 50' section of the east wall is a 20' wide passage running east.
The 20' wide passage exiting this chamber to the east runs for 60' and on.
The exit in the middle of the west wall opens up to the south into a 20' wide passage running west (the left wall angles southwest for 10'). This passage runs for 60' and on...where it presumably terminates at the odd shaped training room to the west.
The last opening in the west wall is a 10' wide passage running southwest...for 60' and on.
It is late afternoon.
Occa says, "How about up the first passage way...the five foot one. That seems the most dangerous."
He says to Cannon Fodder, "You first."
Cannon Fodder says, "Thanks you stupid @#!%..." the rest of the tirade is, luckily, lost as he heads down the corridor.
The rest of you follow.
Reaching the intersection with the 20' wide passage, you see that it runs east for 60' and on. In the 40' - 50' section of the south wall is a passage running southeast.
Looking on up the 5' wide passage, it continues north from this intersection for 60' and on. There is a door in the 10' - 20' section of the east side.
Cannon Fodder detects for enemies with the wand.
The wand pulses and points to the northeast...presumably into the area that the door opens into...
Cannon Fodder says, "Enemy behind door number one!" He runs back down the hall about 40 feet to watch whatever happens.
Occa says, "Well, time to party folks....everyone lock and load."
He casts unseen servant.
Then he pulls out his cube of frost resistance and activates it.
Occa says, "Everyone ready?"
Occa awaits everyone's prep and planning.
Beak resheathed, Al has Claw out and ready to rumble. He detects for evil intent at the door...but senses none.
Once everyone is ready, Occa's unseen servant opens the door and you look in.
Revealed to your bleary eyes is a fair-sized room (20' X 40': 10' south, 40' east; doors in every 10' section of the north wall except for the westernmost one).
This room is the home of a pretty big red dragon. You see her at the far end...sitting atop a large pile of coins...
Beleive it or not, you have actually gained the initiative.
Lore immediately backs out of the room and dives for cover!
Darian follows Lore's example and hides beyond the door opening hopefully beyond any effects of dragon breath.
Occa says, "Acck!" He teleports no error into the room and appears to one side so that he isn't bunched up with the rest of the group. He then proceeds to pound it with magic missile spells.
Pharian also blasts the dragon with as many magic missle spells as he can get off in time.
His first spell does 19 hit points of damage.
Valdar also unloads his magic missiles.
His first spell does 18 hit points of damage.
Gilstrock, Gonzo and Arrrgh! - fools that they are - rush in to attack.
As Occa opens fire with his first magic missile spell, Pharian and Valdar loose their second, and the fighters come into striking range, the dragon breathes.
Gilstrock takes 20 hit points of damage.
Gonzo takes 30 hit points.
Orlon takes 30 hit points.
Arrrgh! takes 60 hit points.
Al takes 15 hit points of damage.
Valdar takes 60 hit points.
As he finishes his second spell, Pharian is immolated for 60 hit points and drops.
Jesse also takes 60 hit points and drops.
Pharian's missile spell does 21 hit points of damage...and Valdar's second spell blows the head off of the dragon...killing her.
Occa holds off on his last spell...
...and just as well, too...for the westernmost door in the north wall opens and a second red dragon pokes his snout out through it!
"Oh shit..." mutters Valdar...
Darian dives for cover away from the latest menace.
Lore follows suit.
Orlon utters a Holy Word.
The dragon, reeling, sits down...completely stunned by the Power of Thor.
Occa holds off on his spells...again...
Cannon Fodder will begin to chew his fingernails. He shrugs and watches down the corridors for new enemies.
"DAMNED DRAGON," Al yells as he ignores the pain.
The paladin rushes over and hews at the beast with his scimitar...severing its jugular and killing it.
Next, though, the last two doors open...and out run a gaggle of giant subterranean lizards...seven of them, in fact.
After what you have had to deal with in the past two minutes, these fellows should be easy...
Lore stands and lauches a burst of magic missiles at the lizards.
He blisters one lizard for 7 hit points.
Occa lightning bolts 2 lizards (fork the bolt).
Two more lizards are badly shocked but still functional.
Gilstrock jumps to attack a lizard but he is bitten for 9 hit points first...before slaying the monster.
"KARRRRRUMBA!" says Gonzo...as another lizard clamps its jaws around him. He still swings his flame tongue and connects. The lizard lets go of him...because it is now dead.
Orlon decides not to cast his blade barrier, because the lizards are already in the room. Instead he wades into battle swinging Big Bruiser. Again a lizard connects first...snagging him in its enormous maw and crunching him for 8 hit points. The high priest swings and conks the lizard on the nose...but it does not release him.
Undaunted by the dragon fire, Arrrgh! jumps into the latest fray. He is bitten for 7 hit points before landing a good chop with his battle axe.
Darian jumps up and draws his sword. "Now, this kind of foe I feel a little more comfortable with," he says as he moves to engage one of the lizards. He is immediately bitten for 5 hit points...then chops out a chunk of already barbequed lizard flesh with his flame tongue.
Al intercedes, so none of the lizards get near any of the wounded...slicing anything that he can. Al is also bitten for 7 hit points of damage...but not before he lands a perfect hit on the lizard...followed by another good slice which leaves the lizard almost dead.
Valdar moves up as well...dodges a snapping jaw and buries his blade into the neck of the last subterranean lizard. It bellows but does not die.
Occa follows his first spell with another lightning bolt and then 2 magic missles. The lizards on Orlon and Arrrgh! are blown to bits by the bolt. A single missile from his first spell kills the lizard on Al...six more missiles are required to kill the lizard on Darian...and the balance of that spell and the next are required to kill the lizard on Valdar.
Peace and tranquility return to the dungeon.
"Look at all the loot!" says Valdar...looking into the room at the various dragon hordes and whatnot.
The room accessed through the western door in the north wall is 20' X 20' (10' west, 20' north; door in north wall west corner). In here is a large pile of coins and other goodies.
The room accessed throgh the other two doors measures 20' X 20' as well (20' north) and was the abode of the lizards. There is more treasure scattered about in here.
At this point, Pharian and Jesse regain consciousness.
Many of the party members are hurt...though no one is dead.
You count the treasure.
The first dragon had a treasure trove consisting of 24,250sp, 5 potions and 4 scrolls.
The second dragon had a stash of 40,000sp, 30,000gp, 1800pp, 30 gems worth 500gp each, 10 various articles of jewelry worth 800gp each and 4 scrolls.
The lizards had in total 2333sp and 5 small gems worth 10gp each.
It is getting late.
"Now that was fun," Al remarks w/ a smile as he cleans off the dragon and lizard slime from Claw. "I suggest the mages conjure that mansion so we can heal and rest. Does anyone need any healing ?? Pharian ?? Jesse ??" he finishes w/ a look to the two of them.
"There are still other doors. Let's post a few guards to make sure nothing else surprises us."
Darian moves over to Jesse and Pharian and begins to heal them. "Orlon, let me see what I can do first, but I think I'll need your help at some point."
He sees that they are both recovering already...thanks to their rings of regeneration.
Occa says, "Well, I think we should probably load up the portable hole and head back to camp. Or, I could summon up the mansion so that we can rest overnight and regain spells. I think that is the least we can do...then we can decide if we want to head back to base camp so that I can identify all the magic items we have found or not. Probably Darian and Lore and such are ready for training as well."
"Hey, can we use that house again? I could finish the healing in there and you folks could take a look at what we have found."
"Unngh," groans Pharian. "I have a headache. How many times have I died in this damn dungeon? Two? Three? I lose count."
Pharian agrees with Darian that he could use a night in Occa's Holiday Inn.
"And you and Jesse could use some healing..."
Jesse slowly gets up. "I'll be fine, I just need some time to catch my breath and let my ring work it's magic on me." she says to Darian, "Thanks for your concern. Are others badly hurt?" she asks as she looks around. "As for the hotel, that'll be great, and I need to replenish my spells as well."
"Oh, okay. But, are you sure? I mean, I can get you and Pharian feeling a little bit better... What about the rest of you? I can be very precise with my healing, so don't be shy about even a minor wound."
Darian heals himself.
Orlon remarks "What an attitude. We need more of your type around Darian. Keep up the good work."
Occa casts Mordenkenian's Magnificant Mansion so that we can rest and recover spells (and heal up).
You head inside.
Once inside the house Orlon cast a heal into Valdar, a cure critical wounds into Arrgh, a cure serious wounds into himself. He then asks "Who else needs healing?"
Darian looks at Orlon. "Am I stepping on your toes by trying to relieve you of the burden of healing? If so, I'll stop and let you do your work. I only thought that you could reduce the number of healing spells since I seem to be able to do this with my mind powers."
Orlon looks at Darian "Oh no, Darian. Don't ever think that. Your help is greatly appreciated. It's just that we took such a hit from that dragon that both of our healing abilities are probably needed now. By the way, what kind of healing powers do you have?"
Darian smiles and taps his head. "The powers are up here. One of my psionic powers is healing. It seemed to manifest itself after training with Valdar and Pharian. And I haven't been able not to heal. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how much I can do, though. That's why I suggested you hold your spells in reserve. These powers don't seem to be useful for much else so I might as well use them to keep the party healthy."
"And thanks for the vote of confidence. None of my other skills make that much of a contribution to the party. If I can keep all of you healthy, that'll make me happy."
"Darian, I could use some healing if you may." Al says to Darian with a smile.
Darian smiles back. "Glad to be of service, Al." Darian places a hand over Al's wound and heals him.
Occa slaps Orlon upside the head and says, "Darian has psionics. That is why he is being all pansy about using his powers and not stepping on peoples toes. Geez."
Darian looks at Occa with a hard, cold stare. "Pansy?" He shows Occa a nasty smile. "Would you like me to heal you, Occa? I'm sure I can do it without causing you too much pain..."
Occa smiles and says, "Sure, go for it Darian. The thoughts of disecting your brain will make me strong."
Darian's eyes narrow into small slits. "You would, wouldn't you. Even after I said 'no.'"
Occa says, "Oh, did you say no? I forgot about that. Now why would you do that? Geez."
He sulks off to the royal bath for an hour in the hottub.