Noticing the friendliness of the party through the complete bustle of the campsite Brightaxe smiles and decides he is going to be ready to move when the others are. If others aren't concerned about eating he'll volunteer to start a roast going or a pot of gruel. After lunch he'll sharpen all of his axes, repair and dents in his armor, check his equipment for rips, check his rope for fraying, pitons for duilling, and hey!, if there is enough time he'll even find a place to wash his clothes and body!
"Hey, if you want to do some cooking, why don't you cook that large steak over there." Darian points to a massive porterhouse sitting at the edge of camp. "It's the result of a polymorph wand test. Should be good to eat and it seems a shame to waste it."
Meanwhile, Pharian speaks to Orlon about raising the dead baby dwarf.
Orlon replies "yes, I have it handy."
He then casts raise dead on the dwarf and waits to see what happens.
Nothing happens. The baby remains dead.
Meanwhile, the party continues dividing up the treasure...
Jesse, holding all the darts, takes half of them and hands them to the dwarf, Gonzo. "I don't need all of these, so you can have half. Since I have the magic wand of magic missiles now, I hope to not need the darts, but a this should give me a few throws at the enemy" the bard says smiling.
Occa says, "Well, now that is done, let's move on. I need to regain my spells for one more day and then we can head out in the morning."
Al takes the khopesh sword.
"Occa, can you cast a alegend lore or something of the sort on the sword, so I can know more about its abilities ??"
Jesse casts stoneskin on herself and offers to cast it on Darian as well.
The last day of April is mild and windy. From afar you hear the low rumble of thunder.
The party consists of the following: Gonzo, Cannon Fodder, Angst, Brightaxe, Jesse, Pharian, Valdar, Al, Arrrgh! Orlon, Darian and Occa.
All of you climb into Al's portable hole but Occa...who then teleports you back into the Halls of Galahad to resume your exploration.
Climbing out of the hole, you find yourselves in the room where you last battled the dragons and lizards. Their bodies lie mouldering on the floor, and the stench is still bad in here. It is a 20' X 40' room with several doors opening off of it, and is otherwise quite barren...now.
Brightaxe will defer judgement to the people who have been in these caves... and until the party heads out and he can fall in behind those leading will revel in the pleasant setting.
Occa casts unseen servant and he will have it open the closed doors.
There were three doors in the north wall. One of these opened into a room containing the second red dragon. There was a door in the north wall of this room that you have yet to open...so you do.
This opens into a 10' square room (door in north wall). It is barren. You move in and open the door to the north. This opens into another 10' square room...also bare.
You poke around a bit but find nothing.
Occa says, "Cannon Fodder, why don't you scout out a corridor."
Cannon Fodder will put on his new ring, turns invisible, and heads down the 20' wide corridor running east.
From the west end it runs for 60' and on. There is a 10' wide passage in the 40' - 50' section of the south wall...running southeast. You go and look down it. This passage runs for 40'...then ends at a "T" intersection with a passage running east - west.
You continue down the 20' wide passage.
40' past the southeast passage, it ends at a chamber (40' X 60': 10' north, 10' south, 60' east; 20' wide passage runs south out of south wall west portion; 20' wide passage runs south out of south passage, east portion; 30' wide passage runs east out of east wall, north portion; 10' wide passage runs north out of north wall, east corner.
This large chamber has been made over into an encampment for a party of about a dozen dwarves. Equipment lies scattered about, and the place is a mess. Most of their equipment is in poor condition but serviceable: their chain mail suits show evidence of many trips to the armourer for repairs, their shields are battered and nicked, their swords worn.
The dwarves themselves are to either side of the entrance...weapons drawn...
"Declare yourselves...friend of foe?" asks one sternly.
Jesse replies lightly, "No silly, we are not friends of foe. Don't even know who this foe is."
The bard scratches her head, "Or do you mean friend or foe? there is a big difference, you know."
"I guess that depends on who you are, doesn't it." she says.
"Bards," says Pharian.
Jesse walks next to Pharian and swats his bottom lightly. Smiling coyly, she says, "And you love us, don't you?".
"Wipe that look off your face," snaps Pharian. "I am too old for you."
Jesse sticks out her lip and pouts, "But Pharian, you're like a fine wine, men get better with age. Maybe not physical, but better. Besides a mage like you has to have some magic that can help."
Occa says, "Foe! No! I mean Friend!"
He giggles and says, "Depends really on what the hell you are doing here. If you are in league with the dragons, then we are your foes and you should prepare to die. If you are enemies of the dragons, we may be your friends. Speak up."
The dwarf spokesman stops and thinks about this.
"You have a point," he replies. "I guess it depends on your outlook. Okay then...are you friends of the dragons or not? Declare yourselves!"
"Friend as long as you're not in league with the dragons in this place."
"Oh. Okay. No...we're not friends of the dragons," the dwarf replies. "We're prisoners, as a matter of fact. Though they haven't eaten us yet, so maybe we are their friends..."
He looks confused at this point.
Occa says, "Oh, they won't. We have killed the ones on this level that were holding you."
"You did? Big Red and Ruby? Well I guess that explains it."
Darian points to Gonzo. "We have a member of the clan that originally inhabited this place and we're trying to reclaim it for his kin."
"That's news to me," says Pharian to Darian, quietly. "I thought we were just trying to exterminate everything in it. Have you and Gonzo had a talk I should know about?"
"Oh. Hi there."
He doesn't seem to be too happy to hear this morsel of information.
Occa says, "does that bother you? Why are you here?"
"To claim these tunnels and mines as our own..."
"If you ally yourselves with the foul dragons, we are foes... if you are kin to this dwarf," Al nods towards Gonzo, "then we are friends." he responds in an equally harsh tone...
The dwarf turns to Al, and despite the paladin's harsh tone, he seems to like him.
"No...I am not related to that dwarf," he replies. "No one could look that ugly."
Al cracks a smile at the comment and intensely gaze at the dwarves, detecting evil. He detects no evil intent. Al responds, "Well, dwarf, my name is Alhamet Horuson, who may you be and why are you here ?"
"I am Thurmgrond Silvervein," he says, bowing. "We are from the Caves of Gold...in what was once Dwardarf."
He glowers as he says these last words.
BrightAxe displays his holy symbol and proudly tells the dwarves...
"Silverbeard must think highly of your clan to have given such a strong challenge." with full furvor and a tad bit of envy.
The dwarf looks at Brightaxe...and drops to his knees at the sight of the holy symbol.
"Nay...Silverbeard has cursed my clan. We are all that remains of it."
He sobs.
"Dwarves," says Pharian, verbally rolling his eyes.
Occa rolls his eyes and says, "Oh gosh, I can't stand this kind of stuff..."
He looks over at Darian and says, "Maybe you can help him?"
"Um... No thank you. Let Brightaxe deal with them. At least they seem to be afraid of him."
Brightaxe thinking this is not normal bevaviour for a dwarf iterates, "Silverbeard takes only the best warriors to guard his castle... one cannot prove his worth without tough battles. Many of your family could already be fighting the hill giants in Arcadia... this is a sourcce of pride. Now buck up and take a drink of this." Brightaxe offers a skin of spirits in his best clerical manner..."and tell us of the battle that we must win to reclaim this area for it's rightful clans."
Silvervein is still sobbing...his beard growing wet with tears. But he takes the skin anyway and drinks deeply, before passing it on to his companions.
By the time Brightaxe gets his skin back it is empty and all of the dwarves are sobbing.
"Silverbeard deserted my clan two hundred years ago," says Silvervein, "When the dragons came out of the north and attacked us. We fought bravely but after hundreds of my ancestors were killed, they had to retreat from the hold that had been ours for centuries. Barely 50 of them survived, and fled into the southern lands of Dwardarf.
"There, instead of being welcomed by their bretheren, they were treated as unwanted refugees instead. Many clans were being forced out of the north lands in those days, and the southern dwarves wanted none of it. My people wandered about the lands, never settling, never wanted, impoverished and often hungry. I was born into this life, 50 years ago.
"Then, a few years back, we heard from a group of elves of a great abandoned mining complex far to the west of the Dwardarf. My father - by then the clan leader - led what was left of his people in search of it. We had nothing to lose, you see. After years of searching, we came upon these halls...and were immediately captured by the white dragons who guard the western gates. Many of my clan brothers and sisters were killed...both on the journey and after we were taken. We were imprisoned here over a year ago...and here we wait."
By now Silvervein is standing in a puddle of tears.
"Isn't it Gonzo who's mentioned a few times that his clan used to live in this place? Or has it been my imagination?" wonders Darian.
"No, Darian, it isn't your imagination, its quite obvious the mage is only interested in himself and does not aspire to higher goals except that of self empowerment.." Al says with an edge to his voice while looking at Pharian.
Occa raises an eyebrow and says, "Isn't that what all mages do? Just like paladins like to speak about stuff they have no clue about. Pharian is correct and Darian is incorrect. That is all there is too it. We are here to help Valdar wipe out the dragons...not to free this mountain for Gonzo's kin. Gonzo hasn't even mentioned be interested in these halls once they are cleared."
"No, Occa, mages are good for whipped creme pies as well," Al says with a smile, "Seriously though, Gonzo has expressed an interest in clearing these halls for the sake of honor... I have once heard a saying, "Life without Honor is nothing", I can agree.. that is what I was referring to. It seems that Pharian is out of himself, but I guess I am mistaken." he says to Occa.
Al turns to Pharian, "I guess I may have misjudged you, mage... Some habits are hard to break.." he says with a weak smile as he offer his hand in friendship to Pharian.
"No," says Pharian. "You didn't misjudge me. And as for being friends," he continues, looking at Al's outstretched hand, "just kill something that is trying to kill me. I'll do the same for you. That's friendship enough--we don't have to like each other."
"Oh, I didn't realize that. I thought we were here to help Gonzo out. Oh well, he still is related to the clan who lived here, right?" asks Darian.
"No, Occa, mages are good for whipped creme pies as well," Al says with a smile, "seriously though, Gonzo has expressed an interest in clearing these halls for the sake of honor... I have once heard a saying, "Life with Honor is nothing", I can agree.. that is what I was referring to. It seems that Pharian is out of himself, but I guess I am mistaken." Al says to Occa.
He turns to Pharian, "I guess I may have misjudged you, mage...some habits are hard to break.." he says with a weak smile as he offers my hand in friendship to Pharian.
"I might even like you," Al says with a grin to Pharian's remarks.
Occa says, "yes....so, your assumption doesn't seem so off and no one told you."
Occa says, "Well met, Thumbgrind Slivervane of Dwarfbarf. I am Occa Larsor, Insane Mage of Delith also known as Duluth, but not to be confused with Denver." He pauses as he lets his title sink in.
Silvervein does not know whether to be impressed or insulted by Occa's words.
Occa then says, "As for your clan and these halls...there will be plenty of room once we clear them out. You guys will be one of the first settlers here so you will have a good claim to part of the halls. I would recommend that, unless you wish to help us or become followers of either of these two dwarves, that you guys beat a hastey retreat to the outside and wait about a month or two. We should be done by then."
Silvervein thinks about this.
"It is not our way to sit passively by while someone else performs a task to our benefit. Let us help you. We are mightly warriors."
"He's right," adds another dwarf, evidently feeling the effects of Brightaxe's liquour. "Why, once I killed me a hobgoblin...singlehanded!"
Occa takes a breath and says, "Oh, can you provide any useful information about this place? Know the layout of any other sections? What other types of forces are around here? You don't happen to have a map, do you?"
BrightAxe mentally makes the first item on his shopping list more Dwarven Spirits. He tell the Dwarves "Now, no one looks down on your for needing to regroup, heal, fix your weapon and armor before rejoining the fight." He adds "Every warrior needs a break from the fighting, but remember the best healing from the gods is the joy we receive in the heat of battle. So if you can, please give us the layout of these holds and go find a safespot to recoup your wits and then rejoin the fight."
"We were captured at the entrance to the west of here," Silvervein explains, telling you about the area. You have been there already. "We have never been east of here, but over the past year we have heard from passing monsters that the passage forks three ways, some miles east of here. Each passage runs to a different area...powerful strongpoints created by the original dwarf-miners," he glances at Gonzo again, "And enhanced by the present tenants. One goes to a great vertical shaft...impossible to pass unless you can fly. Another ends at a large, water-filled cavern. The last ends at a massive sea of lava."
"Are you part of the original Clan of this complex or were you captured by the dragons more recently?" asks Angst.
"Nay...as I said, we did not delve these splendid halls.
"As for monsters, we have seen dragons, giants, drow and many humanoids...as well as other creatures that I think might be demons or devils. But no, I do not have a map."
Occa frowns and says, "Well, we appreciate the offer of help, but an ancient dragon and a hobgoblin are a bit different when it comes to a pitched land war." He sighs and says to Silvervein, "Are any of you greater warriors than that? If not, I would advise you to help us by waiting at our base camp...we could use some gaurds to protect the other people there. Plus, it would be a shame if your entire clan was finally exterminated. Sivlervein, how good a warrior are you?"
Silvervein crosses his arms.
"I am a better warrior than you," he replies shortly. "We will accompany you."
Angst speaks.
"Greetings dwarf, I am in awe of the pwers that i have witnessed so far and I have only recently joined the group, Let us have a small wager, if in the next battle I am able to slay more enemies than you then you will guard our home base until we have cleared out the rest of the complex, if not you can come with us."
The dwarf thinks about this for a moment.
"You're on!" he says.
Occa laughs and says, "Well, actually, you may be a better warrior, but I do have a concern about who dies and doesn't die in this group. Unless you can prove your merit then you are not going with us. No sense to have needless deaths due to pride. Here is how we will determine who will get to go and who stays....first test will be resistance to a simple sleep spell. If you fall asleep, you do not go." He smiles and says, "Then Al will measure your skill at arms....he is a very good warrior and should be able to determine your skills relatively quickly."
"I like Occa's test better," Al says with a grin as he waves the khopesh sword around, testing its weight and feel in his hand.
"Nay," replies the dwarf, shaking his head. "Damned magic users always trying to order people around! We will abide by the agreement I made with the fighter," he says, nodding to Angst.
BrightAxe, really desiring to sink his Axe into something of substance now that he has seen Dwarves restore their dignity..."Then it's settled! Let's go kick some invaders....errrrr OUT !"
Occa rolls his eyes and says, "This is stupid and could cause needless deaths."
He gives Angst a stern look.
He casts sleep on the dwarves, then looks to Al and says, "See how good the rest of them are."
Five dwarves fall to the floor, snoring. Another one drops from the effects of the spirits.
"Attack, will you??" growls Silvervein, and jumps at Occa, longsword a-swinging.
The other dwarves do likewise.
Pharian slaps his forehead in disgust. "Dwarves, paladins, everybody! I am surrounded by fools."
"So what was your first clue?" asks Valdar with a giggle.
Jesse chimes up, "Dwarves, and Paladins and Mages Oh my."
"Good job, Occa," Al says as he sees things getting out of control.
Occa throws up his hands, "Oh, I guess it would be nicer to just let them become dragon toast."
"If they want to be dragon toast," says Pharian, "I don't see why we shouldn't let them be dragon toast, just so long as they don't get in the way and don't expect to be raised any time soon. No skin off my teeth if they want to throw their lives away."
"The real question," Pharian continues, "is why they aren't already dead. Doesn't anyone think it strange that they were captured by the dragons more than a year ago, and have seen demons and drow, and are still here to tell us about it? It's true that dwarves can be rather stringy and tough--not nearly so tender as elf--but dragons have big appetites. If their story is true, why were they kept alive?"
"Maybe they're assassins planted here to stop our plundering of this dungeon," Orlon remarks with a big grin.
In a full yell BrightAxe yells -
"No weapons...stop this fight!"
- and attempts to intercede in any fight tackling any dwarf with a weapon drawn trying to overbear them to the ground to avoid serious injuries. In no way will he ever appear to be going for a weapon.
Occa says to Silvervein, "Not attacking..testing..." He will attempt to dodge the dwarves attacks instead of attacking.
This he does with ease...dancing out of the way of Silvervein's sword.
"Occa... And this course won't cause needless deaths?"
Occa says, "Of course, think about it, Darian! Would it be better to let them all die at the next dragon we meet?"
"But they're attacking us. And unless you can put them all asleep and keep them that way, they're likely to attack when they wake up. Dwarves are notoriously suspicious of magic."
"Now isn't that a little stereotypical ?" asks Brightaxe.
"Well, if they are ignorant enough to follow that stereotype, especially considering the fact that we toasted those dragons that were going to eat them, then that is tough. Do we want ignorant companions?"
"If we don't," replies Valdar, "Then we had better kick a few people out of this party right now..."
Occa says, "Hey, what are you trying to insinuate there, Valdar?"
Valdar grins.
"Would the mighty elf-lord like to name any names?" asks Pharian with a smile.
"No I would not," Valdar replies diplomatically.
Orlon tells Occa "I think he's trying to tell us that the party has survived with a few ignorant members. A few more wouldn't hurt the cause. Besides, if you were them and had met a group of outsiders who sound like they want everything for themselves, wouldn't you be a bit suspicious of them? I know I would."
"Well, Silvervein's the one acting sterotypical, not me! I don't want to see them die by dragon breath, but they're not behaving very rationally and you went and set them off by putting some of them to sleep. Try working through Angst or Brightaxe to get them to behave." says Darian.
Occa smiles and says, "I think I will prove my point right now."
Cannon Fodder casts sleep on the dwarves.
The rest of the dwarves drop in their tracks...asleep.
BrightAxe will gather himself, move back away from the sleeping dwarves and think it's no wonder these dwarves were captives, they cannot battle without falling asleep. Then since all the Dwarves are asleep he will iterate his concerns... "Crying is not usual for Dwarves unless they are unable to join a battle, neither is being held captive with weapons and armor. I do have concerns for the mental stability of these brothers who were in this position." He stops and looks for suggestions of what the party would wish.
"Well, what do you intend to do with them now, Occa?" Orlon asks.
Occa says, "Well, I suggest that we dump that outside the mountain...we could take them to the base camp and let them do whatever they want there. It is obvious they wouldn't last long here and would only be good for finding traps for us."
He then adds, "Anyone have another teleport? I have used mine getting here today...we need to get them out of the mountain before they get themselves killed."
"I have one," replies Valdar.
Occa says, "Excellent. Al, can Valdar use your portable hole to take these dwarves back to base camp? Valdar, will you then be able to get back?"
"Tomorrow."
Occa says, "A day, uhu. Okay...we will rest here for a day so that these dwarves don't die."
He then says, "I will cast the mansion spell so that we can wait in comfort...is that alright with everyone?"
"Sure, not a problem," Al says as he gives the hole to Valdar.
It's fine with BrightAxe realizing that there are dragons in the vicinity.
So, you open up the portable hole and gently put the sleeping and unconscious dwarves inside. Then, you seal it aagin and Valdar puts it into his pocket and teleports out.