"Great view!" Gilstrock exclaims, climbing upon a bluff and looking scruffily heroic as his light blue cape whips about him in the wind. "Great weather too! Now only if it would snow...."
Niko draws his leather cloak tighter around him, muttering something about a storm.
Over breakfast, Darian speaks to the elf-lord.
"Lord Valdar, if we've made as much progress as Vondar estimated, then we should be at their stronghold sometime this afternoon. What's our plan of attack?"
Valdar looks at Vondar.
"We are a morning's ride away from their stronghold," the ranger says. "Between us and them is another small valley with a river flowing down through it to the sea. The valley is rather marshy, but I know of a spot where you can camp on this side where it is fairly dry. At this time of year it should be healthy enough."
He continues, "The pirate stronghold is in a large sea-cave at the bottom of a cliff similar to the one where we are now. The cave, as best I can tell, is large enough to moor a ship in. As best I know, there are two ways to get into the place. You could try a direct frontal assault by going over the cliff or flying down the face of it, and entering through the cave entrance. But, I suspect that the entrance would be guarded. Also, it looks like the air currents along the cliff would be treacherous for flying...especially at this time of year.
"I have found what I think is a second entrance atop the cliff. In the woods near the edge of the cliff I discovered a small cave. As far as I could see into, it wound its way deep down into the earth. I would bet you that it eventually leads to the sea cave below. I did not go in, myself, though. The only problem is that the entrance is only two feet wide. Some of the larger members of your group may have trouble fitting through it. However, I saw no tracks around this little cave entrance, so I do not think that the enemy has ever found it.
"Oh yes," he adds, "The pirates do occasionally patrol the top of the cliffs...though at irregular intervals."
When you are finished eating, you break camp and continue on your way. The terrain climbs steadily for several hours, until you are atop a cliff over 500' above the ocean. Then it descends sharply into a valley, as Vondar described. At midmorning the lands flatten out, and you see a marsh ahead.
Vondar stops, and then turns east and off of the road, staying on dry land adjacent to the swamp. It is still a struggle to get the carts through the woods, though. Bringing up the rear, the rangers try their best to hide your tracks.
Finally, you enter a forest clearing in the woods, and Vondar stops.
"I think we would be safe camping here, for the time being," he says, "Though it would be wise to post guards."
It is now late morning.
The strategy discussion continues...
"Can we approach it from the water? A few of us could levitate over the water and walk in."
"You could try that," says Vondar. "But my previous concerns would still be valid, I think."
Niko nods. "And some of us can swim underwater in. Although, I wonder if they have any sea creatures charmed or allied with them. Valdar, have your reports mentioned anything strange associated with the pirate attacks?"
Valdar nods.
"A few survivors have reported seeing dragons, which appear to operate in concert with the pirates."
"Are there such things as sea dragons?"
"Yes, also a dreaded creature, called a dragon turtle. Head of a dragon, body of a turtle. Breathes scalding steam that can roast the flesh of a man in seconds," Salaam responds as he snaps out of his meditative quiet.
"Not to mention that they can capsize ships and eat you whole. Of course, a good ballista shot or two will usually dive them off!" adds Niko.
Darian looks at Gilstrock. "You carrying a ballista in your arsenal?"
Gilstrock looks at his spear, and tosses it aside. Next he looks down, pulls Thawbreaker halfway out of its sheath, and shakes his head, muttering. He then draws Hangnail out of its sheath across his back, holds it in front of his face, regards it for a few moments, shakes his head, and muttering some more, sheathes it too. He takes the bow off of his shoulder, looks at it, and tosses it next to the spear. He then takes his quiver off his shoulder, pokes threw it for a few moments, and tosses it next to the arrow. He reaches to the back of his belt, inside his cloak, and pulls out a throwing axe. Shaking his head again, he tosses the axe aside. Next he pulls a flail off of his belt, and then a dagger, each time muttering some more and replacing the weapon on his belt.
Finally he looks over at Darian, empty hands held out wide. "Sorry, don't have one of those," he says.
Darian claps him on the shoulder. "That's okay. You can't carry everything."
Darian looks at Niko. "Well, if Gilstrock doesn't have a ballista on him, then none of us do. So, how do we deal with a sea turtle, then?"
Robert groans.
"I thought we were finished with dragons for a bit," he mutters.
Darian chuckles. "But you did such a good job with the last dragons we faced."
Orlon agrees with Darian, "I thought your fear of dragons would be gone by now, Robert."
Robert smiles thinly.
"It's not a fear of dragons, it's a fear of death."
"You're a sea elf, Niko? Can you breathe underwater as well?"
Niko looks at Darian strangely. "Sea elf? I'm a grey elf...see, no webbing between the fingers!"
"Oh... You can just hold your breathe a long time or are you thinking of using the spell water breathing?"
"Neither...but I do possess magic to assist me while I'm underwater. It's amazing the amount of damage one can do with spells to ships while underwater!"
"Oh? What kind of magic does that?"
Niko smiles. "Awfully nosy, aren't we? In any case, my cloak affords me protection and the ability to travel underwater quite freely. Very useful for someone who spends most of their time on the open seas, wouldn't you agree!"
"I'm sorry... If you've any questions about my magical items or any of my skills, I've no problems answering... A cloak that allows you to travel underwater? What's it called? And, yes, it sounds extremely useful to a sailor."
Niko shrugs. "I don't know if it has a name, but it makes me look like this sea creature called a manta ray. Ever seen one? It's sorta brownish, shaped sorta like a flat triangle and has this wicked whip-like tail. It's one of the few magical items I have left."
Darian shakes his head. "I don't know what a manta ray is, but I'll take your word for it. And I'm sorry to hear about the loss of some of your magical items. Lost them during the shipwreck?"
Niko shakes his head "Some. I effectively had to abandon ship with the equipment I had on me. The others I've won and lost over the years...the sea giveth and the sea taketh away."
"We've enough people that everyone should only have to be on guard duty once every few days."
"Lord Valdar, we should scout around for any recent signs of guards. We've got talented rangers including Vonder, who can tell us if anything's around. And then, maybe, we should explore that small cave. If it does lead to the pirate's stronghold, maybe we could try a two or three-pronged attack."
"That would be effective," the elf-lord answers, "Though it may be difficult to coordinate."
"Do you have a way to communicate with each other at a distance?" Niko asks. "Multi-pronged attacks are difficult to coordinate without effective communication."
Darian grins. "Fireballs always work real well."
"Maybe, but they convey only a limited amount of information. I was thinking of telepathy or spells that transmit messages over distances."
"I don't know the spell, message, and I don't have telepathy as one of my gifts."
"I don't have Message in my spellbook, but I know it and I also have Magic Mirror...although, not memorized currently."
"Clearly you do not understand the nuiances that can be conveyed in a fireball," replies Jesse. "Whole phrases and concepts can be sent using them as signaling devices. In the hands of an expert, that is. And we have several experts in the group."
Niko shrugs. "I guess I'll have to wait and see. I rather use them to sink ships than to send messages."
"Ideally, we use them for both things simulatensouly. That or lightning bolts work well too. But I thought that loose lips sank ships?" the bard says.
Niko groans. "I hope you sing better than you tell jokes!"
Jesse smiles. "Indeed I think that I do," replies the bard.
Niko grins. "And even if you don't, you've still got a great smile...and a killer pair of legs!"
"Be careful, Niko..."
Niko winks at Jesse. "Awfully possessive, ain't he?"
Jesse walks over to Darian and gives him a great big hug. "And I like it that way," she says.
Darian grins and hugs her back.
"Could Occa not widen the cave entrance a little to accomodate us?" Orlon inquires.
"Is it possible for us to be carried in the portable hole by a shrunk member of the party as far as is required until we reach a wider section of tunnel. That way we do not split our fire power and will be able to come upon them from behind," asks Angst.
Darian says, "Duh... Why didn't I think of that. Of course, it's possible. Good idea, Angst!"
After setting up camp, a party of you, led by Vondar, head across the swampy valley to inspect the cave entrance that he has discovered. It is early afternoon by the time you get there.
Looking out for the occasional patrols, you eventually find yourselves in a small clearing. The area around the clearing is forest and meadow, and seems to be quite deserted.
The grey elf leads you over to some bushes, and lifts them aside. Revealed is a hole. It is a small hole in the ground, perhaps 2' across. Gilstrock sticks his head in the hole, and looks. Surfacing, he reports that after a few feet it opens up until it is about 5' in diameter and angles downwards at about a 45 degree angle into darkness.
Darian looks at the rest of you.
"Do you want me to go in? I shouldn't have any problems squeezing through as long as someone will hold my sword and bow for me. Then you can hand them into me after that."
"Ahhhh dis iz what me talents iz fer... lemme go in der and inspect it. I'll be back in a bit... or iffn I runs inta trouble... listen fer da screams o' da one's I be killin' and come on in afta me."
Gonzo fades into the shadows and down into the hole.
You watch as Gonzo goes crawls inside. After a few feet the cave opens up into a tunnel about 5' in diameter, and he is able to stand. He then moves carefully down the steep incline and soon disappears around a bend and out of your sight.
"Do any of you mages have Wizard Eye memorized?" Niko asks.
"Occa, do the honors!" Salaam says as he steps back and intones.... "Oh great Thoth, allow your servant to Commune with you!" Once contact is established he asks,
(1) "Is Gonzo in immediate danger ?"
"NO."
"This is good to know." Salaam says....
(2) "Is this the best entrance to the pirate's lair to use ?"
"YES."
(3) "Does this lead to the pirates ?"
"YES."
(4) "Do the pirates have the aid of any dragons ?"
"YES."
(5) "Is our old "friend" Razamataz involved the pirates ?"
"YES."
Niko looks warily at Salaam. "Who's Razmataz guy and if he's your friend, why would he be working with the pirates?"
"Niko, I was being sarcastic, he was the mage we tangled with at Dragon Mountain. He is quite a powerful mage who has been a constant thorn in our side," Salaam responds.
"He's the guy behind the dragons and apparently and arch-foe of Stiff's. He's a wimp of an arch-mage who's too afraid to face us in person. He sends illusions to taunt us, instead. Next time we face him, should it actually be in person, Gilstrock's going to stick a sword in him while I battle him with magic," Darian grins. "And we're going to win!"
A few minutes later an orc with a squashed nose crawls back out of the hole. You are just about to ice him when you recognise that nose as belonging to Gonzo, so you decide not to.
"Gil, you and Darian can exact your revenge now. Does anyone have any questions for me? I have 11 more questions I can ask, yes or no only..." Salaam says to the party.
Op Code the ranger is with you.
"What did you find Gonzo? A safe place to unbottle everyone who goes into the portal?"
Gonzo huffs a bit, plops down into a comfy position and begins scratching in the dirt.
"Dis is what me did... Down dat hole, it widens out a bit and den splits inta three different passages... me went down each o' dose till day split again. Nuthin in any ones o' dem, so me dinks it be safe fer us all ta go on down in whatever method youse wishes ta travel. I kin do da same ting again."
Gonzo draws a map roughly corresponding to the below descriptions...
"It was nice and quiet in all the parts me explored... me hopes dat was safe fer all o' us too... at least till we finds dem piraticals."
Darian turns back to Salaam.
"How about asking if they have any dragon turtles or sea dragons working for them? Ask if they have any undead associated with them? Let's see, how about asking if they have more than a hundred pirates in there and then revise the number up or down until you get the opposite answer?"
Salaam continues...
6) "Do they pirates have any aquatic like dragons or dragon like creatures working with/for them ?"
"YES."
7) "Do they have any undead associated with them ?"
"NO."
8) "Are there more than one hundred pirates in there ?"
"NO."
Niko offers, "How about something a little more simple, like is Razamataz in the pirate's lair? Or are the pirates or Razamataz aware of our presence here?"
" I doubt that, but let us see....
8) "Is Razamataz in the pirate's lair ??"
"NO."
9) "Are the pirates or Razamataz aware of our presence here?"
"NO."
"That's good news," comments Valdar.
Niko looks at Valdar. "Perhaps you would like to set a trap for Razamataz, if that is the case? Although, we don't necessarily know that he will show up any time soon."
Valdar thinks for a moment.
"Can you ask some questions to try to get an idea as to where he is, Salaam?"
"Ok,
9) Are there less than 50 pirates ??"
"NO."
"So, somewhere between 50 and 100 pirates. Guess we should expect that some of them will be mages or clerics."
"10) Is Razamataz on this plane ??"
"YES."
11) Does Raz have a base within 10 miles of our present location ??"
"NO."
"I wonder where this guy lives. Sure would be nice to destroy his base of operations and take the fight to him."
"How about if Razamataz will make a visit to the pirate's lair before we leave?" Niko asks.
"NO." is the eventual reply.
Finally, Salaam takes out his portable hole, and you all pile in...except Gonzo.
When you pile out again a few minutes later, you are in the small, 10' X 20' cave described above.
You head south out of the cave and stop at the first intersection...10' down the rough passage. At this point, another passage ruuns east, while this one continues south.
"Salaam, is your Commune spell still in effect?" Niko asks.
The high priest nods.
Niko continues, "Then perhaps you should ask if east will lead us more directly than south to the pirates' lair."
"Good idea,
12) Will east lead us more directly than south to the pirates' lair?" Salaam asks.
"NO."
So, you head south, to the next intersection, with a 5' wide passage running southeast.
Salaam repeats his question, but all he gets now is a dial tone.
"That's it for now, people... Thoth has broken his contact and we are on our own for now," Salaam says, after he whispers a thanks to his lord in his native tongue.
"Hmm... Guess that was the end of your questions. Op Code, can you tell if anyone but Gonzo has been through here?"
Op Code sees no fresh tracks.
"Then I suggest we try the larger passage first. I can guarantee that we are not going to finish this in one day..."
Gonzo speaks up.
"Dis is where me stopped... now we venture inta un-explored territories... me likes da wider, betta fightin venues... Unna ground iz me best place ta be...lemme take da point... don' worry to much iffn yas don'ts see me... I'll be der jez da same..."
"I'll follow about twenty feet behind you and the rest of the party can trail further behind me."
Gonzo then does his thing, fading into the shadows, and checking the way for traps and such that he is able to find...
The passage continues south for 55' past the 5' wide passage...turning west after 45'. It then runs west from the corner for 110'...after which it forks, with one passage running northwest, the other southwest. However, in the 80' - 90' section of the south wall is another passage, running south.
Gonzo waits for you by this south passage, and you all pause there.
Looking south down this new tunnel, you see that it runs for 60' and on, generally south. In the 40' - 50' section is a 4-way intersection.
Everything remains very quiet.
"Lord Valdar, should we explore all these side passages to make sure nothing is behind us when we assault the pirates or will encountering anything risk our surprising the pirates? Which is more important to us?"
Valdar tries to stroke his beard thoughtfully, then remembers that he doesn't have one.
"It may be best to check everything out," he says at last. "We don't want to be attacked behind while we are attacking something to the front."
"Then perhaps we should go back to the smaller passage and explore down there."
You do so.
Heading southeast down the narrow tunnel, you find that it widens out to about 10' in width after 15', and turns east. It runs in that direction for about 50', turning north after about 40'. From the corner, it then runs north for about another 40', after which it concludes at a "T" intersection with another tunnel running east-west.
Looking both ways, you see that this tunnel runs east for only 10', then ends. Valdar checks for secret doors, but turns up nothing. To the west, it runs for 50', and then ends at another "T" intersection with a north-south passage.
You go west, to discover that this is the passage that returns you to the small cave that you first encountered when you entered this little labyrinth.
You go back south, past the 5' wide passage, and soon find yourselves back at the intersection with the south passage where you paused a short time ago.
"Ugh... Op Code, are you keeping the map, I hope?"
Darian looks lost.
"Let's go northwest?"
20' past the intersection where you currently stand, the passage forks.
You go down to this fork and head northwest.
It runs in this direction for about 120', being less than 10' wide. After that, it meets up with another passage, about 20' wide. This one runs northeast-southwest. To the northeast, it runs for 70', turning northwest after 50'. To the southwest it runs for 50', narrowing as it goes, until it ends.
Valdar heads down that way with his sword. After a moment he calls out.
"There's a secret door down here!"
Niko smirks and whispers to whomever is closest to him, "These elven lords sure are excitable!"
Niko then calls out in a harsh whisper to Valdar ,"Then perhaps we should find out what's on the other side of it."
"Gonzo, can you hear anything on the other side? Either way, let's try to get it open."
Darian draws his sword.
Gonzo gives it a listen... squinting slightly as he concentrates.
He hears nothing.
"Let's take a look."
Occa starts to cast knock on the door.
"Occa, save your spell. We may be able to find the trigger for the door."
"Alright."
He waits.
However, Gonzo is unable to solve the trick to the door, and so Occa does end up blowing his spell.
In a supposedly natural complex of caves and tunnels, a secret door is an unexpected find. However, if you were not the first to discover this place, perhaps not. Regardless, the door opens to reveal an odd-shaped room carved out of the rock. It is barren. Three normal wooden doors indicate exits from the place.
The left wall runs east for about 30', then south for 30', then west for 40', then north to close it up. There are two doors in the south wall: one in the east corner, and the other in the 10' - 20' section as measured from the west. The third door is in the west wall, south corner.
Searching the room turns up nothing.
"Op Code, I suppose we have made a mess of this place, but were there any footprints? Or any indication that this place has been used recently?"
Op Code looks for recent tracks in the room. There are none.
"Then I suggest we try the west door."
You open the west door.
The west door opens to reveal a rough-hewn, 10' square room. An ancient pallet with an even more ancient straw mattress atop it is all that is in here. Searching the place turns up nothing.
You go and open the easternmost south door.
Doing this reveals another rough-hewn 10' square room. It is bare and unfurnished, but has two doors leading off of it: one in the west wall and one in the south.
You open the west door.
Through it is a dead-end passage. This passage runs west for just over 30' and ends. Throughout its length it is narrowing steadily. At the far end, where it is only a foot or two wide, is a pile of bones and ancient clothes and equipment. The bones are smashed, for the most part, and it looks like there are enough of them to have come from several people. Whoever they were, it looks as if they died a violent death.
As you regard the bones, you see a faint shimmer come from them...then, three spectral figures arise from the pile. They are in the form of men. Going by their diaphanous dress, you surmise that they were once sailors. Not any longer, though...as they float towards you...their hatred for your life burning in their eyes...
"By the gods!" Niko cries out, at the sight of the approaching undead. "Spectres! Salaam, if you can communicate with Thoth, surely you can banish them!"
Darian wiggles his fingers and fires a magic missile at the spectres.
"Occa, Valdar, Pharian, want to help?"
Pharian does likewise.
Seven missiles blast into a spectre, badly hurting it.
Op Code wastes no time in atacking the figures.
Darian pauses and says to Op Code, "Use your magic missiles, Op Code. Don't let them touch you!"
"OK," Op Code answers back He puts off attacking the figures and casts his two magic missile spells instead.
He gets his first spell off as a spectre touches him. It does no physical damage, but the ranger screams in agony as its chilling touch sucks the very life force out of him. His missiles burn into the thing, and it utters an unholy hiss.
Four missiles from Darian blast into the spectre bearing down on him, and he manages to sidestep its outstretched hand.
"Woah!" says Valdar, as spectre number three attacks him, touching him and draining him as well. He nails it with his longsword in return.
"Turn away from life and the power of Clangeddin Silverbeard," intones BrightAxe with his holy symbol trying to turn these aberrations.
The spectres turn and retreat to the end of the narrow passage.
"BY ALL THAT IS HOLY, BEGONE!" Salaam roars as he forces his holy symbol towards the undead.
They continue to cower.
"Well that sucks!" says Valdar.
"I gotta agree with you," Op Code nods to Valdar, "Can we finish them off before they come back?"
"I hope so!" says the not-so-mighty elf-lord. "Then it's time for a visit to Dr. Orlon for me!"
Gilstrock yawns, sighs, and makes at cleaning his fingernails with Thawbreaker while the other discuss the spectres. When Op Code says this, Gilstrock says, without looking up, "You want I should kill them, boss?"
It's not clear who he's talking to.
"Yes lets finish this. Do one of you clerics have a protection from negative plane spells or scrolls handy?" asks Angst.
"Occa, can you hit them with a fireball?"
Niko looks at Darian in horror. "Are you daft???!!! We'd be toasted! There's not enough room here for a fireball!"
Pharian nods. "Darian's had some trouble with that in the past."
Darian grins. "But, it sure is fun standing inside a fireball when it goes off... As long as you can survive it, of course."
He continues, "I asked if he could, not that he do so. If he can, the rest of us will leave and let him cast it."
"Deys be disturbed varmits o' de dead... perhaps deys be betta off left alone?" Gonzo fades into the shadows to guard to the rear while people make up their minds.
"Now that we've awakened them, they won't leave us alone. They hate the living. We should remove them so that they can't harm anyone else."
"Perhaps a speak with dead spell would give us some more information about this place," Niko comments.
"Even though it would be like shooting kobolds in a dead end," says BrightAxe "We can't leave them animate to get others or sneak up on us later."
Salaam throws his hammer at the nearest spectre.
"Ummm...isn't that likely to cause them to attack again?" Niko observes aloud, as he watches the hammer sail through the air to kabong a spectre on its non-corporeal cranium.
The spectre is not quite killed, but the turning is broken and it rushes back up the tunnel at you, arms outstretched.
Its companions continue to cower.
Darian casts his final magic missile at it. "I hope this is enough!"
Apparently it is, for he blows it to pieces.
Gilstrock ceases his manicure, and brandishes Thawbreaker against the spectres.
Niko sighs. "Well, at least only one of them is attacking. I think this is going to work out well."
As soon as the spectre is killed, Niko launches a volley of magic missiles at another cowering spectre.
Four missiles burn into the next undead, but they are not enough to kill it.
It rushes at the grey elf.
BrightAxe tries to turn the spectre, but this time the power of Silverbeard is not enough.
Salaam chants words of magic and releases a magic missile at the approaching spectre, nearly doing it in...but not quite.
It is on Niko. He feels its deadly touch, and he feels his life force weakening, as he suffers 8 hit points of damage to boot.
"Arrrgh!" says Valdar, but the dwarf is not present, so he unloads some magic missiles. One missile is all it takes to kill the spectre on Niko, so he redirects the rest of his spell on the last cowering undead. It then comes at him.
Gilstrock intercedes, however, with his frostbrand and slays it on the spot.
Weakened but undaunted, you move down the passage to inspect the pile of bones.
They seem like ordinary bones, but you spot something underneath them. Looking closer, you come up with 2 gems (1000gp ea.), an armband, a vial and 3000gp.
"Well, that was a poor start," says Pharian, poking listlessly at the bones.
"Tell me about it!" Niko mutters, "I knew I should have blasted the sucker."
Sighing, he continues, "Well, I guess there's no use crying over spilt ale. I assume one of you clerics has mighty enough magic to reverse this after we're done here?"
"With apologies to Salaam if I'm wrong, but I think Orlon is the only one powerful to do so. He's back at base camp."
"I am able, but not until I take the time to pray to Thoth for the ability to do so." Salaam remarks to the wounded sailor. "I can prepare this evening to cure all those attacked by the spectres."
Niko nods "Better than nothing, Salaam. I appreciate it a lot, though."
Using his Detect Magic abilities, Salaam scans the area and the items for magic.
"The armband and vial are magic... who is the resident identifier these days?" Salaam comments.
"Occa, Pharian and I usually do it. But, not until we get back to camp."
"I also know that spell, although, I don't have it memorized right now, either," Niko comments.
Gilstrock says, "Oh, can I give it a try?"
He steps forward, and looks at the armband and the vial. His brow furrows and his eyes squint in an expression of extreme concentration. After a few seconds he holds out a triumphant pointing finger. "That," Gilstrock says, "is an armband. The other one is a vial."
In a rare display of humor, Salaam slaps Gil in the back of the head. "No kidding, Karnak... can you tell me what they can do!" He says with a smile.
Salaam looks over the armband for what type of magic is detected and to see if it has an religious significance. He notes no religious significance, but he does determine that involves conjurative magic.
Op Code tastes the contents of the vial, then stops when he discovers that it is oil.
Niko examines the armband for any writings or strange details. He notes none.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Niko says crankily. "Let's get this over, so we can go kick some pirate butt!"
Taking the treasure, you open the south door next.
Beyond is a 10' square room. This room is fairly well finished...the best you have yet seen in this little area. In here is a cot, a small desk, and a chair. All of the furniture is ancient and in very poor condition. In the middle of the room, though, is a nice-looking pile of treasure.
Of course, this sends you into PBEM paranoia mode.
Gonzo immediately whispers "Lemme check dis fer traps... don' look so good all dem goodies an' nobody ta watch em."
However, he notes no traps from the doorway.
Getting kinda paranoid about these things lately, Op Code looks for any signs of recent tracks around the doorway. He sees none.
Salaam intones, "Oh great Thoth, grant me sight to reveal all things hidden from me," as he casts True Seeing.
He sees a lurker above, stuck to the ceiling...waiting to drop...
"Ooooh...good find, Salaam!" Niko remarks, as he prepares to release a barrage of Magic Missiles.
"Thoth aids those who follow his cause!" Salaam says, and then adds, "my pleasure."
He lets the other members attack the creature as he continues his view around the room for anything of interest.
"Niko, wait! I've got a better idea. Let Gilstrock use his spear to knock it to the ground. Then we can just hack at it. Save your spells for other situations..."
Gilstrock says, "Yeah, hang on a sec... so to speak."
Niko grumbles a bit before relenting and pulling his cutlass and short sword.
Gilstrock hefts his spear, takes a look up at the ceiling, and then says, "Er, Salaam, could you point at it for me?"
Salaam points to the ceiling...which the lurker apparently covers completely.
Darian draws his frost brand. "Right behind you, big guy."
Niko awaits anxiously.
Gilstrock hurls his spear in the direction of the lurker above.
The spear embeds itself in the ceiling in a most unusual fashion...and what appears to be rock...starts dripping blood.
However, the lurker does not drop.
Jesse points her magic wand and peppers the critter with magic missiles.
A solitary missile blasts into the monster.
And so, using whatever thrusting weapons you can lay your hands on, you eventually do in the lurker above. It finally drops to the floor, dead.
You scoop up the treasure: 900ep and 2100gp.
You move back to the large chamber and open the door in the southeast corner. Another small room (10' square), there is a door in the south wall. There is a small, round table in here. Under the table is a leather bag. The shadows in here seem to dance wildly towards you in your assorted magical lights...until you realise that they actually ARE shadows...the undead kind, that is.
"Not again... Where is a wand of illumination when you need one!!!" bemoans Darian. "Lightning bolts?"
Pharian nods in agreement, and uncorks a lightning bolt at the shadows, taking care that he not shoot the bolt in a direction that will bounce back at the party.
Niko does likewise.
Darian grins and follows suit.
Jesse makes it four of a kind.... lightning bolting the shadows.
Gonzo does a quick dive and tuck roll out to the side of the outside of the doorway, and will end up with his back to the wall where the door is, NOT in the room... (10x10)... yelling "YIKES! NOT IN THERE Pharian!".
He only stops moving away from the suspected danger area when he's statisfied he won't be a victim of the bolt.
Needless to say, the four bolts blow the poor undead away...though the party members at the back of the marching order have to all dive to avoid the ricochets.
You go in and poke around, finding nothing of interest save the leather bag. Opening it, you find within 2100gp and two toe rings worth 1100gp each.
You open the door at the back of the room.
Through the doorway lies a cave (Draw a Barry blob, Frank). This cave is filled with odds and ends. By now, you have probably surmised that once this little area was used as a hideaway for a group of people who did not necessarily want their activities known to the general public. Perhaps they were pirates...perhaps they were smugglers. Regardless, this area has not been visited for many years, and the condition of the items in here reflects that fact. You see a number of crude wooden pallets, some chairs and tables, many boxes, and numerous rotted sacks and smashed barrels. This cave is rather on the damp side.
Suddenly you are deafened by the terrifying sound of a pack of dogs baying. Darian shits himself and runs away screaming in fear. Occa does likewise, leaving an easily followed if rather odiferous trail behind him. Gonzo takes off after them, soon passing them with his boots, followed by Brightaxe.
The remainder of you six rather canine shaped, shadowy figures moving towards you...
Gilstrock yells after the direction that Darian, Occa, and Gonzo ran: "Wussies! Come back!"
Then he turns to the canine shaped shadowy figures. He says, "Junk yard dogs, eh? Bet you aren't fixed yet. Well, we'd better take care of that!"
He advances on the dog-things and begins to attack with Thawbreaker.
Op Code moves to attack with his long sword #2.
"Can anyone remove fear?" calls Pharian to his remaining companions, then he opens up with magic missiles.
"Thoth, Destroy them!" Salaam intones as he mutters a Holy Word at the canine creatures.
Jesse starts to send another lightning bolt the canines way.
As the spells start to fly, the dogs attack.
One of the dogs leaps at Jesse, but misses her. It then fades into the shadows and out of sight. Another goes at Valdar, but also misses. It too seems to disappear, before the elf-lord can connect with his sword. Pharian unloads his spell on a third dog as it bites him, though his stoneskin saves him from taking damage. Gilstrock and Op Code injure two of the dogs. Salaam is bitten, but again a stoneskin saves him.
Salaam's holy word kills the mastiffs on the spot.
After the devastation is let loose, Salaam comments, "This doesn't seem right, we are up against something more than a mere pirate's nest. I have never had need to doubt your words, Lord Valdar, but is there something you have not told us?" Salaam will then do a sweep of the entire room, casting his True sight.
He now sees nothing unusual.
"Such as?" asks Valdar evenly.
"Pirates on my world, seldom if ever, have few defenses or infestations as the ones we have come across since we have entered these caves. Is there more to these pirates than you have told us?" Salaam asks the elven Lord.
"Obviously we haven't hit the pirate lair yet," says Valdar. "I don't like what you are implying, Salaam."
"Salaam, lighten up." Jesse says. "I'm off after the others. Perhaps I can rally them." she says, as she moves to follow the aromatic trail left by the fleeing folks.
"No offense meant, Valdar, but you have an agenda, such as the safety of your people, and if that agenda is compromised due to activities on our part, I can't say whose side you would be on. I am just being realistic about who I am keeping company with. You are a good companion, and I value our relationship. I was just inquiring as to whether we are on a need to know basis or all is open to us." Salaam responds, brushing off the elf's irritation.
Valdar shrugs.
"You know as much as I do. I have kept nothing from you," he says, shortly. "My scout found what he thought was a back entrance to the pirate lair. Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. We won't know for sure until we explore it, will we? Note that I said 'we', Salaam. If you do not want me along for whatever reason then say so. Believe me, I can think of more fun things to do than to suffer the touch of a spectre."
Jesse leaves, to search for your companions.
"Stop insulting the mighty elf-lord," says Pharian to Salaam. "You're starting to sound like me."
"Or me," Niko adds grinning.
"No, Valdar, I do not wish to leave your company. Do not misconstrue what I have said. I take you on your word, you say you know nothing else, that answer suffices. So let us await Jesse's return and then we can move on."
"Actually I meant that I would leave you," Valdar says. "Perhaps I have spent too much time with this party. Oh, by the way, I have an appointment in Sandas next week, so you will have to make do without me for a day or two, anyway."
Angst follows Jesse.
Niko follows as well. "Can't let a lady travel down here alone, you know!"
In the end, you all follow the trail...straight back into the passage where you battled the spectres. There, you find the others, just starting to recover from their fright.
It is early evening, you guess.
"Phew!" says Valdar, holding his nose. "Perhaps we should leave, so those of us who got drained can get restored...and you guys can get cleaned up!"
Darian hangs his head. "Let's get out of here..."
"Fine with me, I can commune with Thoth to help everyone recover," Salaam says to the group.
Niko seems reluctant to leave, but then sighs and responds, "Perhaps, it is for the better. I would like to regain what I lost from those spectres."
You exit the tunnel maze the same way you entered, and return to base camp by dinnertime. After cleaning up, you settle down to a hearty dinner.
Salaam approaches Valdar, "I apologize if there was a feeling of mistrust. I was just taken a back by the form of defense that were upon us. There was no mistrust towards you nor was I questioning your faith towards our group. Please accept my apologies and know that I will do all I can for you and your people."
"No problem," replies Valdar. "Nasty creatures always seem to move into dark and deserted areas. I'm sure we'll hit the pirates sooner...or later."
That said, Salaam asks the group, "how many of you were drained?"
"I believe Op Code, Valdar, and myself were drained by the spectres," Niko answers.
"I was drained two levels," Op Code confirms to Salaam.
Once answered, Salaam retires to his tent and prays to Thoth for the necessary amount of restoration spells.
After hearing about the party's ordeal, Orlon offers his help in restoring lost levels.
"Lord Valdar, despite my miserable performance this afternoon, I learned enough to be ready to train as a 5th order mage. I expect that this will have to wait until we have the time, but I thought you should know."
"Good show!" says the mighty elf-lord.