"Let us head back down to the undead again. Rage, Agulhas, Logan, keep those lightning bolts and magic missiles ready. We have already seen that Hlarn and the others cannot destroy the undead. So, you three are our best bet without getting our blades dirty."
You head back to the octagonal-shaped stairwell. From the upper (northern) landing, you look down. Below you, at the bottom of the shaft, you see two of the monster zombies and a robed undead, standing very still, and gazing back up at you with a strange, hungry look in their dead eyes.
Aron waits for Kadlian's instructions.
Logan stands firm and waits for Rage to fire off a spell.
"Rage, I would suggest that you and Kailar determine what spells are best to deal with the three below. Preferably, I do not want any of them to have the chance to communicate with the others."
"Now, Sian and I can also use our bows, if you wish."
"Lightning bolt," the mage says to the illusionist.
"Sounds good to me."
"Will you be able to take out all three?"
"I should be able to fork it properly," the mage says. "Barring some unknown magical forces. "
Kadlian nods. "Very good, then."
She hoists her staff and casts the spell from it.
Hlarn hurls his hammer as well, adding to the carnage.
Rage is adept in her hurling, and the forked bolt strikes all three undead, blowing them to bits.
Hlarn's hammer returns to his hand.
Through the open doorway at the bottom of the shaft comes a low moaning. However, the remaining undead to not show themselves.
Aron moves back 20 feet or so, over the bridge, from the party and stands guard, fading into the shadows.
"Rage, you gonna toast 'em?" Logan asks as he has his blade in hand.
"Would that work, Rage? If not, then I would suggest that we let Hlarn act as a lure since he flies much better than the rest of us."
"Since when? I've been flying longest." questions Kailar.
"Sorry, Kailar, I meant of the fighters. I thought the person acting as a lure should be able to defend themselves if surprised."
Hlarn smiles. "Well, I did take time to practice when I owned the flying cloak. A bit different, but not that much."
"Are we sure they are undead?" the mage asks, "Or something else? A lightning bolt does not descriminate between allies and foes."
"Well, sending down bait should allow us to verify."
"Is that what we are calling Kailar now? I thought he should be tidbit and let Hlarn be bait," Rage says, attempting a joke.
Kadlian chuckles. "That is why I suggested Hlarn."
Hlarn activates his ring of flying, and heads down the shaft.
At the bottom, he pauses, looking down the passage to the east, then he flies through the opening and out of your sight.
Kadlian, hearing nothing, frowns. "Rage, I am leaving you in charge. Keep the fighters spread out around you, just in case."
"Kailar, you are with me. We are just going to drop far enough down to see through the opening and make sure that Hlarn is all right. Nothing more. Kailar, at the first sign of trouble, I want you to head back up here and tell Rage what we saw. No yelling or anything like that."
Rage nods.
"As you say," she replies.
Kailar nods and turns invisible. He then follows Kadlian.
Kadlian draws his swords, activates his flying ring and floats down from the balcony until he can see into the passageway where Hlarn went.
Reaching the bottom, Kadlian and Kailar look through the opening.
Kadlian whispers to Kailar and then points up to Rage.
Kailar flies back up invisibly to Rage.
"Rage, Kadlian wants you to be ready with a lightning bolt. He will let you know if it is necessary. Agulhas should be ready also."
Rage nods.
"I will be," returns Agulhas quietly. He prepares himself.
A short moment later, you see Hlarn reappear through the narrow opening. He floats above Kadlian.
Two of the robed undead step into view.
Aron stays hidden among the shadows.
Kadlian swings at the undead.
The elf misses with his longsword, but connnects handily with the flame tongue, as the undead lunges at him but misses. The creature bursts into flames and collapses into a heap of burning bones and rags.
Hlarn drops down on the remaining undead, and connects with his axe. The huecuva drops to the floor, becoming but an inanimate pile of bones.
The immediate threat removed, the party regroups at the bottom of the stairwell, then heads into the passage.
As previously described, the passage is 5' wide for the first 5', then opens up to 10' wide (to the north) while continuing east for an additional 30'. At that point it turns southeast.
You head down there.
Looking, you see that the passage runs southeast for 10', then turns east again.
You move forward and look east, seeing that the passage runs east for 20', narrowing in width gradually to 5' after the first 10'. At the far end is a 5' wide opening into a small chamber or room. Everything appearing to be quiet, you move forward.
The chamber is indeed tiny (10' X 7.5': 2.5' south, 10' east; 5' wide passage running south out of middle of south wall). Except for some common mold growing on the walls, the place is uninteresting.
You look south.
This passage runs for 10' south, and terminates at a water-filled chamber which opens up to the south and east.
You go down to the edge of the water and take a look.
The chamber is large and irregularily-shaped. Kadlian gets a headache just by looking at it, then sets to work mapping it. The right wall runs south for 10', east for 5', southeast for 10', south for 5' and out of his view to the southwest. The left wall runs north for 10', east for 2.5', north for 5', east for 30', south for 5', west for 5', south for 5', southeast for 10', east for 10', then north and out of his view. 10' east of this last corner is a wall running north-south. You can see 10' of it running south before another wall (10' to the west, blocks ypur view. This wall to the west runs west for 10', then southwest for 5', southeast for 5', south for 10', west for 5', north-northwest for 7', west for 5', south-southwest for 7' and out of your sight.
Before you is a chamber filled with dirty, stagnant water. You cannot determine the depth of the water by looking at it. Overhead, the ceiling is some 60' above. You see various bridges and platforms spanning the chamber, some 25' above you.
In the centre of the chamber, a 5' diameter, circular platform rises above water level. Atop the platform stands a large, ornate gold key. The platform is perhaps 15' away from you.
"This is screaming 'trap'," Logan comments. "Rage, do you have a telekinesis spell handy? Or one of the flyers can dive in and grab the key."
"I suspect that this room is trapped in more ways than one. Hlarn, a detect traps would be useful now," the mage says. "And then we can decide how best to proceed. Obtaining the key is not difficult, with an unseen servant."
The mage casts detect invisibility, and scans the room.
Rage detects nothing invisible.
"I can both fly and look for traps," offers Aron.
"I suspect more than simple traps," the mage says, "Something more insiduous."
"Hlarn, check for traps with your spell. Kailar, Aron, get ready to explore. First sign of danger, come back to us. And do not approach the key, yet. Explore around the edges of the room, first. Kailar, go south, Aron go east."
Hlarn sees no traps.
Using the ring of flying, Aron will approach the platform from the east, careful not to touch anything yet.
Kadlian hisses, "Edge of the room, first, Aron. Leave the platform alone right now."
Aron keeps to the edge of the room.
Flying about the room, several feet above the water, Aron and Kailar discover nothing which appears to be dangerous.
Of the areas not seen previously:
The southwest: right wall continues southwest for perhaps 7', then south for 5', east for 10' to where it should join up with a previously described wall.
The east areas: the back (east) wall runs south for 20' in all, then west for 5', north for 5', northwest for 7' or so, then west into a previousy described area. To the north, the back wall turns northwest for 5', west for 5', then south to joined up with a previously mapped wall.
"No traps, nothing invisible and no obvious exits. Well, then... My guess is there something dwelling in the water or above us."
"Everyone, back into the passageway, standard marching order, facing this room. Rage, have your unseen servant grab the key and bring it back half-way. If anything does attack, bring the key all the way back. If nothing attacks, then maybe the trap is the key itself."
Hlarn nods. "Basically what it means is that the key won't trigger something that squashes us. But that doesn't mean it doesn't open up some door that has danger beyond. A locked door with a key in it and a dragon beyond doesn't register as a trap for instance."
"Not exactly, Hlarn. The key could have contact poison on it or it could be a live being polymorphed to be a key. Why go and advertise a key like that?"
"Should we detect magic?"
"Most excellent idea, Kailar. Would someone do the honors?"
You wait for someone to cast a detect magic spell.
Finally, after a long silence, Umboth coughs and casts the spell.
"Only the key is magic," he pronounces, after scanning the chamber. "Praise to Forseti."
Aron flies back to the passageway and stops flying, taking his postition at the rear.
"So, the key is magical. Okay, Rage, try to have your unseen servant recover it. But, do not bring it directly to us. Have it pause along the way."
"I have a bad feeling about this and I have learned to trust my instincts. Should we wait on the key and have Hlarn cast some of his auguries or perhaps a divination to find out more information about this room? It just seems too easy to me," cautions the gnome.
Rage waits while the discussions continue.
Kadlian looks at Kailar and shrugs. "Sure, why not? Hlarn, got any auguries or divinations at your disposal?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "I didn't prepare for it, so no. I could gain one augury and divination using the candle, but since both spells are not perfectly accurate, a single use really wouldn't tell us anything."
"If we are in the passageway, and not in the room, we should be safe from any traps that would spring in the room." points out Aron.
Rage sends her unseen servant into the water-filled chamber.
It takes the key.
Nothing happens.
It slowly floats back towards you, then stops.
Nothing happens.
It continues to approach you, stopping again at the entrance to the passage.
Nothing happens.
Finally, Rage brings the servant bearing the key back to you.
Still, no trap is triggered, and the chamber remains quiet.
With her detect invisibility spell, Rage examines the key that was just retrieved to see if there is anything unusual on it.
She detects nothing invisible on the key.
Kadlian shrugs. "Okay, now we got the key. Now what? I do not remember seeing a keyhole anywhere. And the only exit to this complex that we have not explored is that room that was trapped."
"So, I guess we go back there?"
"Hlarn, do you have one of those locate object spells memorized? I was wondering if this key might actually be the rod..."
"I would expect the rod to be more heavily guarded."
Kadlian shrugs. "To underscore its significance? Perhaps hiding it in plain sight makes more sense. Then again, this whole place is odd."
"Kailar, did you have a chance to check out the bridges and platforms above? Perhaps there is some exit above or something that the key fits into."
Hlarn thinks back. "Could the key fit into that face or whatever that was in the trap room?"
"I didn't note anything before. I will take a closer look now, if you wish?"
"Please. Aron, go ahead as well. Try to find another exit from this room. Or evidence of a key hole."
Aron begins searching the room.
"Roganna, Sian and I will start checking the lower walls. The rest of you remain here, just in case."
"Yes Sir," Roganna replies, a thoughtful frown on her face.
Logan stands guard, watching the back and front, awaiting the next move.
"Vanadil keep an eye one the water. If you see anything, holler out quickly," says Sian as he starts to check the walls.
Aron uses the ring of flying to stay above the water, looking under it's surface (not putting his head into the water) for anything unusual. While investigating, he says, "Kailar, is the water itself magical?"
"I did not cast the Detect magic spell."
"Umboth, can you answer Aron's question please?"
"I thought I did earlier," Umboth replies, "Only the key is magical."
"You probably did, Umboth, but a lot of us are thick-headed."
The water is quite opaque. It does seem to be of a darker hue over in the eastern section, though.
Aron reports this to Kadlian.
Kadlian pauses at the water's edge, picks up a few pebbles and tosses them in various parts of the pond.
The water bubbles, then you see ripples.
Suddenly, a number of creatures stand up in the water, and turn to face you. You see their rotting faces as their blank eyes turn and regard you.
The four ghouls start to advance towards you, moaning hungrily.
"Spells?" Logan asks as he unsheathes his enchanted blade.
Kadlian draws his swords and prepares to meet them.
"Hlarn, take one down. Sian, assist me. Roganna, return to the rest of the group."
Roganna immediately complies ...
"Aron and Kailar, continue your aerial exploration. Do not approach the water.
"The rest of you, hold your spells and your weapons."
"Ok, I'll keep looking," replies Aron - staying away from the ghouls.
"Begone!" Hlarn commands, quickly presenting his holy symbol.
The ghouls are immediately reduced to ashes. The water where they stood sizzles for an instant, then all is quiet again.
Rage immediately begins so search the area for other creatures that may be coming soon. She will be ready to cast magic missiles and/or lightning bolt, depending on the distance and type of foe.
Nothing else appears.
All being quiet again, you resume your searches. Kadlian and Sian take flight and begin searching the lower walls, while Roganna gingerly steps into the water and does likewise. Meanwhile, Aron and Kailar fly up higher into the chamber to see what lies above.
As Aron and Kailar fly up until they are level with the platforms above, you all suddenly hear a demonic bellow from the southeast platform. Those of you below cannot see the source.
A second bellow from above catches your attention. A piece of the wall seemingly detaches itself from the north side, and a strange creature drops onto Aron. It appears to be like a gargoyle, but it is of stone...
The creature attacks the surprised warrior of Tyr, biting and clawing at him. Sian and Kadlian can react.
At the same time, Roganna gasps, as she steps on something under the water. It feels like a body...
"Roganna, retreat.
"Sian, we need to help Aron. Rage, magic missiles ASAP."
Kadlian activates his ring of flight and heads towards the creature. He will attack once he gets in range.
"Aron, try to land on one of the spans."
Aron will fight back (hands), attempting to land on the closest span given the oppurtunity.
Roganna jumps back, then peers into the water to get a closer look without actually getting closer.
Aron is clawed for 5 hit points, then impaled by two of the creature's stony spikes which grow out of its shoulders for an additional 9 hit points.
Aron fights back as he is clawed for a further 2 hit points, chopping the creature in the chops. The monster bellows, but is thrown off its routine, and only grazes Aron for 1 hit point with its second claw, and nicks him for 3 hit points with a spike.
Logan tries to rush to Roganna's side to see if he can help her, with sword drawn in case the body moves.
"Logan! Stay in formation."
"Are you nuts?" Logan growls.
"No, but if something attacks the rear of the party, there will be no fighter to guard Rage and Agulhas. Aron is scouting and you are back there alone."
"Roganna is coming back to you and Hlarn or Vanadil can defend her."
"Fine," Logan says.
"Kailar, retreat back to the main party."
"Aye, Aye Sir."
Kailar retreats back to the party.
Rage launches one spell worth of magic missiles at the creature during this segment.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Argulhas," the mage calls, "Light missile the creature. Don't use all you spells."
Her magic missile nearly kills the monster.
"Understood," returns Agulhas. He proceeds to unload a single spell's worth into the gargoyle-like creature.
His spell finishes off the creature, and it drops into the water with a loud splash.
Rage turns invisible.
Hlarn flies upward to face the one currently out of his sight.
"Hlarn, only learn where it is. Do not attack until we have dealt with this one. Let us not fight a multi-front battle, if we do not have to."
Hlarn nods. "I'll stay in sight and concentrate on keeping it from interfering. You don't want it whacking your backs while you help Aron."
The dwarf flies upwards. As he becomes level with the walkways above, a flaming, tar-covered stone arcs through the air towards him from the southeast, accompanied by another demonic bellow, and sails past him. The stone lands in the water below, the flames going out with an abrupt hiss.
Hlarn sees a toad demon, standing by a pile of flaming rocks, on the southeast platform.
Meanwhile, Roganna is peering into the murky water to see what it is she stepped on. Suddenly a grey arm snakes up out of the water and grabs at her for 3 hit points. A second hand grabs and claws at her for 3 hit points, and she feels something bite leg for one hit point.
"Son of a Bitch!" Roganna screams, pulling back and trying to wrench herself free of the arm holding her.
She then attempts to backflip her way out of this.
"Kad, decide now!" Logan roars as he starts to move for Roganna with sword in hand.
"Umboth turn the undead. Roganna, get back to the group. Same goes for you, Aron."
Umboth looks to Sian.
"What do you say, milord?"
"Umboth, a fellow party member is in danger and you are the only one who can turn the undead back there. Do not waste time! Take it up with Sian later."
Umboth nods, and presents his holy symbol at the undead.
The undead vanishes back under the water, the attacks on Roganna ceasing.
Roganna mutters,"Oh, I thought I would just have tea with these things..."
She then calls out, "Yes Sir, Right Away Sir. Didn't mean to be lolly gagging around and having fun Sir."
She wades back towards the entrance to the chamber.
Aron flies back to the main group.
Hlarn shouts down, "Someone else try turning those... must be a lot of them down in the pool for them all not to have been destroyed."
He reports back, "Not a margoyle, but a toad demon up here... I'm on him."
Hlarn flies upward, sending his hammer flying and closing with his axe.
Another stone sails past him, as the demon ducks and is missed by the hammer.
"Sian, you and I are going to help Hlarn. Approach the demon from different angles. I will go left, you go right."
Kadlian flies upwards, Sian a short distance behind.
The dimensions of this upper portion of the chamber are somewhat different than they are below at water level. Starting 10' north along the left wall where the lower passage enters the water-filled chamber, a wall runs east for 20', north for 10', east for 30' (flight of stairs going up in middle), south for 50', west for 70', north for 30' (door with great big keyhole in it in the centre), east for 10', north for 10' and east for 10'.
The 10' deep, 30' wide area to the northeast is actually an alcove. A stone bridge extends out of the middle of the alcove and south. It is 10' long and connects with another area to the south. This area is measured thus: southeast for 5', south for 5', east for 5' (where it joins the east wall), south for 20', west for 30', north for 20', east for 5', north for 5' and northeast for 5'.
Another bridge extends west out of the west side, north section of this second level area. It is 20' long, and joins up with another area to the west: the floor runs northwest for 10' (where it joins the west wall), west for 10', then south for 30' (the door is in the middle), east for 10' and northeast for 10', where it meets the other side of the bridge.
Various platforms, bridges and walkways are in this chamber, all at this level above the water. To the northeast is a 10' wide ledge. It is linked by a 10' wide bridge to another platform in the southeast corner of the chamber. This platform is supported by three large, square pillars which run from the floor below to the ceiling above. A second bridge runs from this platform to a third one, in the southwestern section of the chamber. In the west wall in the middle of this last platform is a large, ornate door.
The chamber is illuminated by a number of torches set in the walls.
Seeing the demon on the southeast landing, Kadlian flies to flank the monster as Hlarn closes for a frontal attack. As he does so, there is a chilling hiss, and suddenly a wraith appears right before the elf. It had been hiding behind the southernmost of the three pillars supporting the southeast landing.
Kadlian attacks the wraith with both swords. "Rage, Agulhas, cast magic missiles if you can."
"Sian, help Hlarn."
Sian glances up from the water and says offhandedly, "That is sure interesting "
He then notices the battle going on.
"On my way, Kad," shouts Sian as he starts to head up to flank the demon
"Vanadil make sure that Roganna makes it back to shore....Umboth heal her when she gets there," Sian says as he races towards the ceiling.
"Yes, milord," says Umboth.
When Roganna comes ashore he lays hands on her for 1 hit point.
"Thanks," Roganna replies quietly.
Meanwhile, up above, a battle is raging.
Hlarn beats the demon to the punch, and lays open a massive wound. The demon howls, and attacks. The dwarf is flayed for 2 hit points. Hlarn misses on his second swing.
Nearby, Kadlian plays cat-and-mouse with a wraith, as they dart around the pillars. The elf spots an opening and jabs the undead with his longsword, while successfully dodging its chilling touch. Then, he sears the wraith with his flame tongue, badly hurting it.
The people below cannot see anything of the melees.
Sian arrives, and nearly finishes off the demon with his frost brand. It is Hlarn who does the final honour to the monster, though, and it drops.
A moment later, Kadlian lays the wraith to rest, as well.
It is quiet in the chamber again.
"I could use some healing," says the monk.
Kadlian looks over to Hlarn and Sian. "Regroup with the rest of the party. We need to plan our next moves carefully."
"Sure thing....hopefully nothing else is around to try and surprise us," says Sian with a grin.
"I know. That is why we need to rethink our approach."
The party regroups in the small chamber just north of the water-filled chamber.
Kadlian looks around at the group. "Everyone, okay? Roganna, did you have a chance to get healed? Hlarn, what about you?"
Hlarn shrugs. "Just a scratch."
"I could use a little healing."
Kadlian uses one of his cure light wounds on Aron.
Aron is healed for 5 hit points.
"Folks, I need you to put on your thinking caps. We have an unknown number of undead in the water. And we have who knows what above.
"From what I saw up there, there at least two exits. One with a big key hole and one with stairs going up.
"So, we know where we have to go, the question is how to we make sure we are clear of hostiles? Anyone got any ideas to flush them without getting hurt or detect them?"
"Can any of the clerics detect evil?"
Roganna nods. "Sure thing."
She turns to Kadlian. "Shall I do so?"
"Please. That should at least show us things like the undead and demons."
"I do not know." Kadlian looks at Roganna, Umboth and Hlarn. "Can any of you do so? And if the hostiles are not evil?"
Roganna grins. "Then I really can't detect them. Maybe the reverse of the spell can tell us if they are good. Good and Evil is a very relative thing after all. Hmmm ... wonder if I can do detect neutral."
Roganna goes to the entrance of the water-filled chamber. She casts her spell. Four areas of the water radiate evil, perhaps indicating the presence of some creature lurking under the surface. The closest such spot is some 20' away.
She returns to the party and reports her findings.
"If I went into wraithform, the undead should ignore me. I could determine how many there are."
Kadlian nods thoughtfully. "What about toad demons and wraiths? Would they bother you?"
"Wraiths should not bother me. I don't know about toad demons."
"If not, then go ahead and explore. Check out the water and above us. Scout everywhere and then return."
"I will start with the water."
"Play it safe. If anything tries to attack you, head back to us."
"Certainly."
Kailar casts wraithform and turns invisble. He then flies into the water to take a look around.
Kadlian continues:
"While Kailar is exploring, I want to work out a few things.
"Sian, please talk to Umboth and work something out so that orders do not have to be approved by you to be carried out. If you want to put restrictions on which orders are acceptable, that is fine, just let me know what they are. It is nothing personal, Umboth, but when we need your talents, we usually do not have time for debate or secondary approval.
"Logan, I know you job at the back is usually boring, but if you leave your post, you leave our mages exposed to a rear attack. I put you back there with Aron because the two of you might have to hold against a strong force until we can get back there to help you. With Aron scouting, it was even more important for you to stay there. If you are getting bored back there, speak to me ahead of time and we will rotate the duty back there."
"Has nothing to do with boring, despite being a member of this team, I have an obligation to Beauty's defense until it is concluded or if she decides to release me from it before completion. The continuance of her good health is part of the obligation, so when I saw her attacked, I responded," Logan replies. "I have no problem with pulling back duty and know of its importance, on the other hand, I don't like sitting idle when others are in combat or danger !"
Roganna nods thoughtfully, giving him a speculative look. "That is true Logan, thank you for remembering your obligation. How about we leave it so that you will assist me if I call for you, otherwise follow Kadlian's orders for now."
"Yer the boss, love!" Logan says with a nod as he crouches, waiting for the talk to be done.
"And did you think I would leave a member of our party endangered? As I said, if I thought she was in any real danger, I would have sent Vanadil to rescue her. Umboth did his job and scared the ghouls back into the water. And any of the mages, including you, could have used a magic missile from the safety of the passageway.
"Speaking of ghouls... Hlarn, can you see to the ones in the water? Or will that endanger Kailar in his wraithform?"
"I feel the same way at times, probably the reason my master sent me out to experience the real world. Tyr is strong, but he can't win the battle alone, that is why I am here. There is strength in numbers, when well commanded. Tho he is an elf, Kadlian is a good commander who cares. I will follow his orders."
Pulling a claw out of his side, Aron concludes, "I thank Kadlian for his healing, but I would be grateful for more."
"I have one more healing spell left, Aron."
Kadlian casts a second cure light wounds spell on Aron.
Aron is cured for a further 1 hit point.
"Anything else before we move on?"
The ranger pauses.
"Folks, I have just been contact by Zanax. Apparently, Votishal has sent him to aid us. He is in a room that he believes is in this ruin, but he has no idea how to get out of that room. It is nothing we have explored."
"Hlarn or Rage, anyway to locate him relative to our position?"
"What does the room look like?"
"Without scrying abilities, I cannot find him," Rage says, "Hlarn or Roganna might have a better ability to cast a find spell that would help us go to him, and him to us."
"However, if his telepathy is working, let's try scrying," the mage says outloud. "Where is that crystal ball?"
"I mean, if we can scry and he can send telepathic messages, perhaps events outside have allowed or will allow us to teleport around."
"Is Kailar still carrying the crystal ball? If so, we just need to wait for him to return from his scouting."
"Aron, Zanax said the room was 'a 10 foot by 15 foot room with a 15 foot ceiling. There's a pool of murky, opaque water in the center of the room and a 5 foot wide ledge around three of the walls, a few inches above the water. The chamber is lit by a single torch set in a wall sconce, in the middle of the opposite wall...the wall which the ledge does not touch.'"
"He has tried to drain the pool without entering the water, but had no luck. I think his next course is to try and enter the water."
"Kadlian, how has Zanax attempted to drain the pool? Does he have rope? Perhaps he can 'lasso' the torch? That might be a switch to drain the pool," Roganna says.
"When he contacts me next, I will ask. He did not say and I cannot initiate the telepathy."
"It's possible the room Zanax is in and the one we just left are connected."
"Could you be more specific, Aron? Which room on the map are you talking about?"
"It might not be a room we have on our map, but one nearby that is connected by an underwater tunnel."
Kadlian shrugs. "Or he could be one level above or below us. It is hard to say without knowing where he is. That is why I want magical assistance."
Hlarn frowns. "If he's within 150 feet I can locate him, and the spell will last nine minutes... I can fly about the dungeons we know and hopefully get a bearing on him within that time."
Roganna frowns thoughtfully and shakes her head. "I could try to 'locate object' on his armour or something, but that will only give us a general location if he is within 120ish feet of us. In this crazy place, that is almost useless information and a waste of a spell. Let me meditate on this for a time, I know there must be a way."
So, you wait, for either Kailar to return, or for Zanax to reestablish contact.
Logan tries to put the party into PBEM Paranoia Mode.
"No offense, boss man, but how do you know its really Zanax?" he asks, "seems we are surrounded by various sorts of demons that, if I recall, have some telepathic ability, hence one or more could be tricking us into doing something they or it needs/wants?"
Kadlian, however, refuses to be lured.
Kadlian shrugs. "It feels like Zanax. Same type of sentence structure. I suppose it could be a trick, but why go to all the trouble?"
"Perhaps the room(s) that this thing is in is warded and it can't escape until nice adventurers like us let it out!" Logan suggests, "of course, it could very well be Zanax, but if it was his god that sent him here, why didn't he just appear with us?"
"Ah, that is easy to answer. You do not know Zanax very well, yet. He has a propensity to get into trouble in his zealousness. This is likely a test by his god."
Roganna laughs, nodding her head. "Well, it is a bad time for a test in my opinion!"
"Tho this could draw attention to him, if he contacts you soon, how about having him bang on the walls briefly. If this telepathy of his is short range, then he must be nearby."
"I can ask. But, he has contacted us from many miles away before, so I am not sure how well that method is going to work."
Hlarn shakes his head. "My location spell will server better, and not bring attention from others."
"As for the range of telepathy... I think he could normally contact us from any point on Earth."
"Agreed. I was suggesting a non-magical alternative, should your spell fail."
Kadlian pauses again.
"Kailar found Zanax nearby. It is a short swim, but there are ghouls in the water. When we know Kailar is no long in wraithform, Hlarn can try to destroy them."
"Kailar is not in wraithform right now. Hlarn, Umboth and Roganna, please try to turn the ghouls. Zanax will try from his end."
"Sure thing!" Roganna says lightly.
Roganna attempts to turn the ghouls.
Nothing obvious happens.
Hlarn puts out his hand to stop her. "Wait a second."
Umboth shakes his head.
"One cannot turn the undead unless you can see them."
Looking around and not seeing the gnome, Aron asks, "Is Kailar with Zanax now?"
"Yes, I thought I made that clear."
Kadlian shrugs. "It is hard to remember who knows what when you are carrying on two different conversations at the same time and neither party can hear the other."
Hlarn turns to Kadlian. "Zanax should attempt it first, driving whatever ghouls are in his area toward us. I will then attempt to destroy them. Those that aren't destroyed we should just attempt to dispatch. A ghoul doesn't do much more than paralyze its victim, and elves are immune to that I believe."
"That is fine for some of us, but not Zanax or Kailar."
Hlarn pulls out his candle and has a flame ready to light it with... When the ghouls appear he will attempt to destroy them, and then snuff out the candle and pack it safely away.
Roganna nods. "Excellent idea, Hlarn."
"Okay, I will reply to him."
Another pause.
"Get ready. Zanax is making his way into the water... now."
You wait.
After a half a minute you see some turbulence in the water at the far end of the chamber, followed by some steam.
You wait another minute.
Then, there is more turbulence, and suddenly Zanax stands up in the water, blinking and shaking his head.
All of you can now see Zanax, standing up in the water some 50' away, catching his breath.
Following up on Logan's paronoia, Aron says, "How do we know it's really him and not some demon assuming his shape?!"
Aron watches behind the party for anything trying to sneak up while everyone looks towards Zanax.
"You Zanax?" Logan asks to the dripping figure.
"Is that a trick question?"
"I don't know, is it? All I know is that we get attacked by demons and soon after, you appear, not something I like to see!" Logan counters.
Zanax shrugs. "Well, I don't know what to tell you except that you're paranoid."
"Your point is what? I just don't want to be the main course in Hell!" Logan retorts.
Zanax shrugs. "No point, just wanted to point out the obvious. Plus, if you were attacked by demons you wouldn't be the main course in Hell...the Abyss, maybe..."
"Whatever, my point is, you might like and sound like the noble, hmmm, Zanax, but you could be wearing his shape," Logan replies.
"Beauty, can you divine if he is the real thing or at the least, if he is good or evil?" he asks Roganna.
Roganna smiles, giving Zanax the once over.
"I can try," she says cryptically.
Kadlian snorts. "And I thought I was paranoid."
"Logan, can we not waste spells on this? Zanax, go get Kailar. Then we will proceed."
"Yer the boss, I am just the rear guard!" Logan says as he rests one hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Oh, Roganna, when I get back from retrieving Kailar, can I have my boots back?"
"Your boots?" She says with a grin. "What boots?"
"My boots of elvenkind...the ones on your feet." Zanax replies.
Roganna looks down at her feet again.
"You gave me these? Are you sure?" Roganna asks.
"How many ghouls did you take care of, Zanax?"
"Just one."
"Kadlian, Kailar told me he saw 5 ghouls, but I only encountered 1. Where do you suppose the other 4 went? A secret passage underwater, perhaps?"
"I do not know."
"Leave them. They are a minor nuisance. Besides, our goal is above us, not down here."
"You know the location of the object we seek?"
Sian heads over to Zanax. "Good to see you....I hope everything is better between you and your god."
When Sian wades out into the pool, something claws at him from under the water. He suffers 2 hit points. Looking down, he sees a ghoul gnawing at his shin.
The ghoul was lurking just around the corner to the left, where the passage meets the water.
It is perhaps 5' away from all but Zanax.
"Ouch, that hurt," says Sian as he attacks with only his cutlass. "Well I think we found number two."
"Destroy the ghoul. Hlarn try to turn it. Zanax and Sian, hack it to bits if Hlarn cannot destroy it."
Kadlian draws his swords and moves closer to the water's edge looking for any other ghouls.
He sees no more.
Zanax holds up the holy symbol already in his hand toward the ghoul "By the power of Votishal, begone!"
The ghoul explodes, showering Sian in rather stinky, rotting flesh.
"I'd better get Kailar before the rest of them show up."
You return to the matter at hand.
"For our skeptics we can solve this real quick....what did the robot call you?" asks Sian.
Zanax nods and smiles "That old pile of rusted bolts? He kept calling me 'Mr. Smith.'"
Rage laughs.
"I guess I don't have to fireball you. Isabella would be unhappy with me if I were to do that." the mage says.
"Oy," is all Logan mutters, "if Zanax is a demon, he is telepathic and can read the answer from your mind," he replies. "Forget it, if you vouch for him, it's him."
"Actually, telepathy doesn't allow me to read thoughts...ESP does, though."
"Which I can block, if anyone still wants to test Zanax."
Roganna gives Aron a speculative look, "Indeed? How interesting. Does everyone in teh party have mind powers?" Roganna asks, clearly not thrilled with Aron's little bombshell.
Kadlian looks at Aron with some surprise. "How?"
Roganna listens intently for the answer.
"Part of my training as a warrior of Tyr."
"What does that mean exactly? Do you have mind powers or is it spells f some kind for an equivelent effect?" Roganna asks.
"My blocking of esp is not a power in the sense of Zanax's. It is the result of mental discipline."
Zanax smiles. "We can try it out later after I retrieve Kailar."
"No rush."
"Now, are you going to fetch Kailar or should I have someone else go after him?"
"I'll go and get him."
Zanax rests a moment before scanning the water for evil. Detecting none, he takes a deep breath and enters the water with holy symbol and magic dagger in hand. He then swims back to Kailar, using his levitation ability when he needs to exit the pool.
After a short time, Zanax surfaces again. With him is Kailar.
"Kailar, how far did you explore?"
"I just explored under the water."
"Zanax, I do not believe I have your boots."
Zanax pulls out a pair of boots from his backpack...I guess I had them all the time!"
Zanax removes his normal boots for his boots of elvenkind.
Zanax scans 360 degrees for evil...primarily looking for the remaining ghouls.
"So, what did I miss? Anything interesting?"
"Hlarn, what say we polish off the rest of the ghouls before we move onward," Zanax says as he pulls out his frost brand and holy symbol.
"Evil to the northeast, at the entrance to a short, dead-end passage; and evil to the southwest, in one of the nooks."
"Let's rid the northeast one first," Zanax says as he heads there.
"Above, below or on this level?"
Zanax points to the areas nearby. "Right there...no need to travel very far." Zanax continues to the northeast.
Sian moves quickly before Zanax enters the water. "You may want to try a
different weapon than that one. Remember what happened to it when we were in that gale and it fell into the river. You really don't want a floating ice cube again, do you?"
Umboth looks up from his rule book.
"Better lure the thing out into the open where you can see it, first," he suggests. "If you were a follower of Forseti you'd know that."
"Well, considering that I can walk on water, I thought I'd make a good lure, but if you're volunteering, be my guest," Zanax says with a grand sweep of his arm.
Umboth looks to Sian.
Zanax snorts and shakes his head sadly. "Forget it. I would hate for Sian to lose another of his followers."
"Hlarn, if I point out the evil to you that lurks under the water, do you think your hammer could hit it?"
Leaning against a wall, Aron says, "I don't know if that stone gargoyle hit me too hard, but can you tell me again, Kadlian, what the big picture currently is? Zanax could probably use the update also."
Kadlian sighs and closes his eyes. "We are here to recover what is thought to be the Sceptre of the Gods. We already checked out the weaker of the two ruins and discovered nothing. Thanks to Hlarn's god, Silverbeard, we know the Sceptre is in this ruin, but we do not know where. We got here through means of a telporter or some other magic located in the weaker ruin. Now, after a few battles in here, we have found a key which appears to fit a door above us. I think this is significant because of the manner in which the key was displayed.
"While I am not concerned about any additional ghouls in the area, I do want to know if there is anything else lurking about. We have run into all sorts of undead and demons around here. Oh and that gargoyle that knocked Aron around... Now, after we are satistied that we are ready, I would like to ferry everyone up to the door above and proceed from there."
"Here are the maps to this ruin that we have found."
The elf shows you his maps.
Zanax looks up and scans for evil.
He detects none.
"Do we know what this sceptre is supposed to look like, yet?"
Kadlian shakes his head. "How would we? I imagine it looks like any old sceptre."
"Finish the ghouls off first still?" Zanax asks.
"Well, leave the ones under the water. I am worried about things on this level and above."
Zanax sighs and looks at the water "Not a good idea, but if that's what you want..."
"If we do come this way again, we will not venture into the water. And we may yet find another way out of this place. It is not as if they can fly."
Zanax rolls his eyes upward "What does that matter? They're evil and they should be destroyed!"
Kadlian chuckles and look at Logan. "Any doubts now?"
"I know they are evil, Zanax, but time is wasting. There are people back in Nlad dying that might be saved by this rod. The ghoul is not important."
"Guess not, but I gotta agree with Mr. Goody Two shoes over there," he says, looking at Zanax. "We could have killed the ghoul in the time you two were debating it."
Logan smirks.
"Not underwater, we could not."
"Zanax, you mentioned evil in the southwest corner? Is that on this level? If so, let us remove it."
"Both evils that I detected were underwater and if both were ghouls, I could have entered the water with my holy symbol and destroyed them easily."
"Okay, then we go up. Zanax, you can fly, correct?"
"I can levitate."
"Everyone who can fly, grab a partner and head up to the door. When everyone is up there, then we will exercise our paranoia before opening it."
Frost brand in hand, Zanax begins to levitate toward the door.
"Umboth, watch the water...if any of the ghouls come out turn/destroy them. Don't go out as a decoy." says Sian as he grabs a hold of Vanadil.
"Here we go," he says as he activates the ring of flying and starts up.
"Umboth I will be back for you in a sec," states Sian.
"I will stay with Umboth until you return, Sian," Zanax interjects.
"I wouldn't want one of Forseti's faithful being eaten by a ghoul," Zanax adds with a smirk to Umboth.
"You need not worry, paladin," says Umboth, "But since you are staying down here with me, I'll take the opportunity to tell you a bit about my Patron..."
You shuttle everyone up to the area above.
You are on the southeast platform, near the body of the toad demon.
Suddenly, as you turn to face the ornate door, there is a roar, and a second margoyle seems to step out of the wall beside it, taking many in the party off guard. Zanax failed to note it earlier, as that part of the upper level is indented to the west, relative to the area below.
The margoyle flies at you.
Agulhas unloads a magic missile spell at the approaching beastie, then activates his ring of invisibility and attempts to remove himself from the immediate battle zone.
The mage's spell does some small amount of damage into the oncoming monster.
"Agulhas, magic missile the thing. Sian, you and I have to keep it from everyone else."
Kadlian takes two steps ahead of everyone else and meets the thing as it approaches the platform with both of his swords.
"Zanax, check for others."
Kailar zips to an area of safety and turns invisible. He will keep an eye behind us to make sure that we aren't being attacked from behind.
Hlarn fumbles for his axe...swinging it at the creature when he can.
The margoyle flies right over Kadlian, keeping out of the reach of his blades, and drops on Umboth, clawing and biting. Umboth's armour protects him for the most part, though, and he suffers only 1 hit point.
Vanadil jumps at the monster, bouncing her sword off of its stony hide.
Aron guards the rear unless Kadlian orders otherwise.
Agulhas unleashes his final magic missile spell and reactivates the ring of invisibility.
The mage's spell blows the monster to bits.
With enchanted blade in hand, Logan protects the rear and looks for any companions to the beast on Umboth.
"Sian, Hlarn and I will attack. The rest look out for more of them. Zanax, get me that report on other evil."
Hlarn is still trying to unsheath his axe.
Zanax is still trying to detect evil.
Meanwhile, Agulhas has disposed of the monster.
The paladin detects no evil.
You search this level of the chamber.
To the north is a 10' deep, 30' wide ledge. Out of the middle section of the back wall runs a flight of stairs...up for 5'. After that a passage continues north for 15', turning west after 5'. The passage is 10' wide but only 5' high.
In the western section is the previously mentioned door, the one with the large keyhole. Beside it is a pile of treasure.
You go over and count it out, coming up with 1 gem (50gp), 1 bejeweled scabbard (empty)(4000gp), 417cp and 167cp.
It is now early afternoon.
"Thank you, Agulhas. I would guess that that was your last magic missile spell?"
"Aye," responds the mage.
"Keep a running scan, Zanax. I want no more surprises like that. Umboth, are you okay?"
"Of course. Forseti protected me."
"It is good that someone is."
"Perhaps when we stop the night I could take some time and tell you about Forseti."
"I am happy that Forseti protects you, but Solonor Thelandira protects me."
"Ah," says Umboth politely.
"Aye, aye, mon capitan!" Zanax replies with a salute.
Zanax continues to scan the area for evil.
"Let us leave the copper for now. Take the other two items."
"Kailar, please check the door for traps. I think we should leave the passage for later. If I am right, the key fits the door."
"Doesn't it seem a bit too obvious that someone would just leave the key to this door hanging in the air?"
"Yes, since the moment we entered this room, we have suspected it was a trap. And the ghouls, gargoyles and toad demon justified our paranoia. I suspect this is a trap as well. But, I did not say I would just open the door. I intend on keeping everyone away from the opening of the door and off the platform, just in case."
"Hlarn, can you inspect the underside of this platform? See if it is rigged to drop?"
"Umboth, is your detect magic spell still running? If so, does the door radiate magic. If not, can someone cast a new one?"
"It is, and only the keyhole radiates magic," the cleric replies.
Kailar checks the door for traps and he next inspects the door to see if there is a gap beneath the bottom of the door and the floor.
Kailar finds no traps. The door makes a very tight seal with its jamb.
"Well there are no obvious traps and I can't slip under the door. I don't think we should proceed without guidance of some sort. I think a lot of us are out of spells too."
"Hey Kad, do we want to check where that margoyle just came out of?" asks Sian.
"Sure, go ahead."
Zanax scans the corridor with ESP.
He detects no thoughts.
"Let me finish checking the door and I'll go with you, Sian."
After checking the door, Zanax heads toward the area the margoyle came out of, using detect evil as they approach.
It looks like a plain section of wall. Zanax detects nothing unusual. The margoyle just seemed to blend in really well with the stonework.
Zanax heads back to the door with Sian. "Oh, Kadlian, by the way, there a passage running west for 20', turning north after 10' on the other side of the door.
"Thank you. No signs of anything on the other side waiting for us?"
Zanax shakes his head. "Nothing I could see...I could sweep the corridor for thoughts, though."
"Go for it."
"Perhaps we should consider cutting a hole in the door instead of using the key."
"Why? Are you suspecting a trap?"
"Of course!"
"And how do you propose we cut a hole in the door?"
"With a laser of course," Roganna replies with a grin. "The bad news is that I don't happen to have one."
"That's ok Roganna. I will cast my summon McGuyver spell and we'll have a hunk who can make a laser out of pine sap and a twig," Rage replies.
Zanax shrugs. "An axe and a silence spell?"
It appears to be some sort of metal.
"OK...maybe using an axe to cut through the door is wrong. Maybe going through the door is meant to take us off the correct path. Plus it has no hinges...does it disappear when we put the key in and turn it?"
"Hlarn, could you do another Augury?"
"Hlarn, can you check under the ledge for any signs of a trap?"
Hlarn gives a hearty laugh.
"Look at us. We hardly know what to do when presented with a key and lock. Well, there is only one way to know for certain, and I think I am willing to try it... after doing what I can to protect myself."
Hlarn looks at Kadlian. "I suggest you folk stand here out of the way. I'll enspell myself with all the blessings, prayers and protection spells I can and then fit the key into the lock. Zanax can try and keep in contact with me mentally throughout."
"Check the ledge, first, to see if it is rigged to fall. One of us could go under it and look, but we would not know what to look at."
"After that, go ahead and try."
"Why don't we give someone the ring of wishes and move them away from the door. That way if something spectacularly bad happens then we have a way to get everyone back."
Hlarn does check the ledge for traps.
With his dwarven eyes he spots no traps.
Rage looks at Zanax. "Can you again use your mental powers? Perhaps the teleport prohibition or force blocking that spell has been lifted. We must determine if this is true. Kailar, where is the crystal ball? Let us scry for something , like our campsite and also check out Sandas."
"I can use my mental powers again. I believe the magic which inhibited them only affects the surface world."
"I'm not so sure. But if you can you do that we may be able to teleport away."
"As for opening the door, I would wait, I have a better idea," the mage says.
"And that would be?"
"Use an invisible servant to put the key in the hole and then have Zanax move it with his mind, or have ths servant move it" the mage says.
Zanax shakes his head. "I cannot move objects with my mind."
"And why not?" the mage asks, "I have been told that is a common ability."
Zanax shrugs. "Then you were told wrong."
"Jeepers, that ruins my plan. Thanks very much, Dr. Smith," Rage says. "Plan B... send the dwarf in."
All eyes turn towards the aforementioned dwarf.
"Rage, what is wrong with using your invisible servant? It will save on protective spells that Hlarn would have to cast."
Rage, however, seems to be preoccupied with some inner thoughts, and declines to answer.
Hlarn retrieves the key and fits it into the lock.
"Hlarn watch the door....don't want you to get between it and a wall," says Sian quickly.
As soon as the dwarf begins to insert the key into the door, it is drawn from his hand and vanishes into the keyhole.
There is a grinding noise, and the door slides away to the left, into the wall.
Through the doorway before you is a passage running west, then turning north. It is lit by torches burning in wall sconces. It turns north after 10'.
You form up, head west and then look north. The door behind you remains open.
From the corner, the passage runs 20' north, turning west again after 10'.
You begin to move north, when there is a clicketty-click sound from around the corner, and suddenly nine skeletons come running into your view, brandishing their rusty swords!
Zanax brandishes his holy symbol and quietly turns the skeletons.
Seven of the skeletons are reduced to ashes. The remaining two press on.
"Hlarn, turn them. Umboth and Roganna, if any survive do the same."
Kadlian draws his swords. "Everyone, be careful. They may be more than simple skeletons."
Hlarn quietly but powerfully says, "Back to the Grave with you!" as he holds out his holy symbol.
The last two skeletons collapse into a pile of inanimate bones.
Aron silently maintains the rear guard.
When you are almost convinced that nothing else is of an immediate threat, you head for the corner. Looking west, you see a flight of stairs going down. They descend about 10' in a 20' horizontal interval. After that, the passage turns south.
You move down the stairs and peer around the corner.
Before you is a strange passage. It runs south for 40' in all. In the north end is a circular hole in the wall, about 3' above the floor. It is about 2' deep, and the sides of the depression appear to be covered in dried blood. At the far end, in the south wall, is a similar hole.
The floor of this passage is actually a winding path above a water-filled level below. The stones which make up the path meander back and forth, finally ending about 8' from the south end. Between the end of the floor and the south wall is a 10' X 8' opening, leading to the water-filled level some 10' below. There is little chance of falling through the openings in the floor, unless you are a gnome: they are only about a foot wide, while the pathway is 5' wide.
The south wall is also curious. The wall ends about 3' below the ceiling - which is 12' high - leaving a gap which apparently opens into a chamber beyond.
Kadlian looks around. "How odd. Okay, folks, let us figure out this puzzle. No one enter until we do."
"My thought is that something shoots out from the south hole to the north hole. The floor might be trapped. I'll check for evil."
Zanax scans for evil in the room.
He detects a faint evil to the south...perhaps in the chamber beyond.
"There's something evil over there. Can someone put a light in there?"
You see the flickering glow as from a torch radiating out through the opening already.
"Well, at least we know that once we get by these holes that there is a bad guy after them," says Sian. "What if we flew over the holes...that might keep from triggering anything."
Zanax uses his clairvoyance to spy into the room.
A few moments later, Zanax chuckles softly, "There's 5 gargoyles in a 20' x 30' room trying to be quiet. Do one of you spellcasters have a nasty surprise for them?"
"We first need to cross this corridor. Now, I know I am paranoid, but this looks like a trap of some sort. With Kailar out of wraitform spells, I am not sending him into it. So, we need to discern the trap so that we can avoid it."
"Couldn't we just fireball them or something?" Zanax asks.
"I was under the impression that we wanted to avoid using fireballs in tight spaces like this. Backdraft and all that..."
Zanax draws his frostbrand. "I'm all set!"
"Of course, we could always just retreat to the bridge area...lots of space there..."
"Hlarn is your find traps spell still going?"
The dwarf shakes his head no.
"Got another spell handy?"
Hlarn shakes his head again.
The dwarf looks at Rage. "Can you melt that far wall with a rock to mud spell?"
"What about a wall of stone on the floor after the stone to mud," the mage says. "I can do both."
Hlarn smiles. "Sounds like a plan. The spells will both eliminate the natural fortification and probably ruin any trap that can be sprung."
Kadlian nods. "Very well, make it so."
Hlarn raises his hammer in preparation to swing it down the hall once the first spell has melted the barrier blocking access south. He motions for Kadlian and others with missile weapons to get ready. "Where exactly are the gargoyles, Zanax? Lets make them come to us, rather than go to them."
Zanax points out the location of gargoyles as he draws his frostbrand.
Zanax also substitutes his ring of water walking for his ring of shooting stars.
"Do we not need magical weapons to hit a gargoyle? If so, we need magical arrows or crossbow bolts. Luckily, I have two magical arrows in my quiver."
Rage takes out a bit of clay and holds it in one hand, while in the other she holds a waterskin. As she begins to chant words of power, she dribbles the water out of the skin and onto the clay, as she kneads it. After a half a minute she holds up her hand, now with mud dripping from it, and hurls the mess down the passage.
The centre of the far wall seems to dissolve and sag into a gooey, muddy mess. There is a snapping sound, and a steel spike shoots out of the mud and bounces off of the ceiling, before disappearing through one of the holes in the floor and into the water below.
Revealed now is a rough, mud-rimmed hole in the south wall, perhaps 5' across, opening into the chamber beyond.
Looking through the hole you see two gargoyles, surprise written all over their hideous faces.
Hlarn hurls his hammer. Kadlian releases an arrow, and quickly nocks another.
Hlarn's hammer bounces off of the wall, and returns to his grip.
Kadlian's arrow also fails to strike a gargoyle, as does his second.
The gargoyles hop through the opening, spread their wings, and fly at you.
"Sian, perhaps you would care to help out?"
"Hey, you want to somehow enchant some of my arrows? That would be great," says SIan with disgust as he starts to head up in the air, drawing swords.
"Umboth, Vanadil, keep Rage safe," says Sian.
"Thank you Sian," Rage says softly.
As the elf-ranger attempts to activate his ring of flying, it crumbles to dust...leaving him earthbound.
A gargoyle flies past him.
"Rage, a lightning bolt or two would be helpful in cutting down the wounded. The rest of the mages, save your spells."
Rage obliges sending two lightning bolts down at the gargoyles - one from memory one from her staff.
Hlarn switches to his axe and prepares to meet their charge. "Don't worry about the spells. These won't last that long in any case."
Rage replies, "I can't let you boys have all the fun. 'Cause, like, you know, that girls just wanna have fun."
"Hlarn, Zanax, Sian and I will deal with the survivors."
Kadlian draws his swords and waits for a gargoyle.
By the time orders have been given the gargoyles are already past Kadlian.
Zanax waits for the gargoyles to approach, frostbrand and shield in hand.
"Don't forget about the other three in there!"
One gargoyle drops on Aron; the second goes for Umboth, who seems to be very popular with monsters today.
Aron uses the magical dagger to attack the gargoyle.
Aron misses with his dagger. Aron finds himself being clawed and bitten for 2 hit points.
Keeping the back covered, Logan unsheathes his magical longsword and attacks the gargoyle on Aron. He fumbles with his sword, though, and instead of connecting with the gargoyle, accidently cuts his belt off, causing his breeches to drop to the floor, revealing himself in all his manly glory.
Vanadil starts to laugh.
"Is THAT all there is?" she says, giggling and pointing.
Umboth, meanwhile, squares off with the other gargoyle.
"Forseti guide me," he says, swinging his glowing hammer.
He misses.
"Oh well," he says. Luckily for him, his plate mail protects him from the gargoyle's attentions.
Agulhas turns invisible (via the ring - assuming he is not already from earlier) and attempts to get out of the way.
Hlarn, Zanax, Kadlian and Sian rush back to aid Aron and Umboth, as Rage - just completing her lightning bolt spell - spots another gargoyle flying down the passage towards you. She quickly redirects her spell. The flying monster dodges a direct hit, but is still severely injured.
It flies on, targeting the troublesome mage.
"Funny, I'll show you later how much there is!!" Logan growls as he uses his feet to pull of the rest of his pants and attacks the gragoyle on Aron sans pants.
"More comfortable," he says as he feels the cool air on his exposed legs...and other things too.
Aron continues to attack the gargoyle, trying not to strike the exposed Logan.
Aron fans...just barely missing Logan.
The gargoyle tears into him, clawing and biting the warrior of Tyr for 6 hit points.
Logan is right there, swinging every weapon he has. This time he connects, wounding the gargoyle...with his longsword.
Zanax moves to intercept the gargoyle speeding toward Rage, as does Kadlian.
"Hlarn, Sian, help Umboth if there is enough room. Otherwise, guard against others."
Rage turns invisible (with her ring) and ducks out of the way.
The gargoyle diverts it trajectory at the last moment and attacks Kadlian. The elf-ranger is ready, though, and after dodging an initial claw, slices deeply into it with his longsword. A second claw catches him for 1 hit point, before he disposes of the monster with his flame tongue.
Sian rushes over to help Umboth. The young cleric misses with his hammer, but his master chops nicely into the gargoyle with his frost brand, before bouncing his cutlass off of its hide.
A fourth gargoyle flies out of the opening to the south and comes at you, followed by a fifth.
Rage casts a polymorph other on the lead gargoyle. Suddenly it turns into a newt, and drops through an opening in the floor and into the water below.
"Ha!" Logan shouts as he draws blood.
He swings again, careful of Aron.
"Zanax, help Logan and Aron. Hlarn, help Sian. The last one is mine."
Kadlian takes a running leap and attacks the oncoming gargoyle, landing a glancing blow with his longsword. The gargoyle misses him, then takes a burning hit from Kadlian's shortsword. The elf is scratched for 1 hit point.
Zanax heads over toward Logan and Aron, but not before smirking at Kadlian.
"Glory hound!"
Zanax attacks the gargoyle with his frostbrand.
Kadlian grins, "Call it my just rewards for trying to lead this ragtag bunch!"
Hlarn uses his ring to move as quickly as possible after his selected gargoyle, attacking it with his axe.
The scratched up monk continues his attack with the magical dagger, "Glory to all who fight in the name of what is good!"
An intellectual discussion ensues.
Rage about pukes. "NO more preaching from any of your religious types till we are safe, and I don't have to listen to you."
Hlarn frowns and barks an order as he continues his attack.
"Continue your prayers Aron. I will welcome the aid of your god. Rage should know better that to doubt the power of the faithful."
"Hlarn, take a chill pill," the mage says. "Inane drivel about defesting evil becuase we're good is annoying."
As Zanax charges forth, he shouts, "The evil must be purged!"
"Rage is evil," says Umboth, still fighting for his life, "She is possessed by demonic spirits. We must save her."
"Rage is not possessed. And I have never been called evil, except when that was followed by bitch," the mage says.
"You are possessed," the cleric replies with certainty. "Many different demons vie for control of you. We must exorcise them."
"Umboth, you harm her and you deal with me!" Logan snarls as he fights with the gargoyle. "She and I just hate the constant god blathering. Gods have their places, between each person and their god. Can't you leave it at that?"
"I want to help her, not harm her. We must drive out the demons that possess her. The enemy is in our very midst."
"Hail to Rage," Logan says as he swings at the gargoyle. "Let's keep the gods where they belong, in their temples!"
While trying to implant his dagger into the gargoyle's head, Aron yells back to Rage, "Sorry if my faith bugs you, spell slinger, but for some of us, this 'inane drivel' is all we have."
"Your faith is no concern of mine," Rage replies, "Cutsy saying of why X will do something since X is good, do. They are at least annoying and at best dangerous. Good preparation, teamwork, and skills are what will get X his due, not his goodness."
"Are you forgetting those cutsy beliefs give our priests the powers they need to heal us - something I'll be needing after this fight is over."
"Aron, you twist my words. I dislike custsy sayings... especially those suggesting someone will get something becuase they are good. That is not true, and noone of faith should believe them either. However, everyone spouts them as if they are magical incantations," the mage says, "I do not have a problem, nor have I derided anyones personal belief or faith, that's different. Believe in your diety and strong faith gives you an ability I do not have, it is not given or due to me because I am good which is what sayings like you spouted earlier suggest."
"Sorry if I twisted your words around. How about we continue this discussion later?" says Aron and he tries to avoid the attacking gargoyle's claws.
"Ah, but it is what motivates some people. As long as they do not try to convert us, what is the harm? Just close your ears."
Rage sticks out her tongue. "Spoilsport."
Kadlian laughs, as one who is completely at ease with his current task. "I will make it up to you later, Rage. I will let you blast something that we could easily take out hand to hand."
"Promise?" Rage says.
"Sure."
Zanax giggles "Teacher's pet!"
"Am not. Am not!" Rage says, pouting.
Hearing the latest from Rage and Zanaz, Aron grunts, "Hypo.." and cuts his comment off as he tries to dodge the attacking gargoyle's horn.
"You could stand a little converting," says Umboth.
And so it goes: another life-or-death battle for the PBEM party. As to whether the aforementioned battle concerns the gargoyles or their own party members is anyone's guess.
Umboth again fans against his gargoyle. Sian connects again with his frost brand, as the gargoyle continues to be ineffective against his follower's armour. Hlarn rushes up, but his boots do not seem to be as fast as they used to be, and he then proceeds to bounce his axe off of the gargoyle's hide. Umboth is finally bitten for 2 hit points, as Sian bounces his cutlass off of the gargoyle as well. Finally, the elf-ranger lands a second hit with his frost brand, and the gargoyle is starting to look hurt.
Nearby, Aron continues to take a beating, as he is scratched for 3 hit points. He replies, though, and his dagger finds a tender spot. The gargoyle screams and redoubles its efforts, scratching him for 2 more hit points. Logan connects again, and the gargoyle falters but still manages to bite the monk for 3 hit points, leaving him badly wounded. Zanax steps up, and slays the gargoyle.
Kadlian deals with his monster, landing a second strike with his longsword while dodging the gargoyle's claw. He finishes off the monster with his flame tongue.
One remains, on Umboth. The gargoyle is a bit faster, but the man manages to dodge. Then, Umboth misses with his hammer and the monster rakes him across the face for 3 hit points. Sian easily finds his mark with his frost brand, though, and the last gargoyle dies.
It is midafternoon. Aron is badly wounded, and Umboth does not look too great, either. The walkway over the watery level below beckons.
Zanax proclaims proudly, "Once again, the might of Votishal has vanquished evil!"
"He did? I thought we did!"
Zanax lays on hands on Aron for 18 hps of healing.
Aron looks much better.
Roganna moves toward Aron and Umboth. "I can't remember if I have any healing spells left, but let me try," she says softly, running her hands over Aron's body first, attempting a heal spell.
Nothing seems to happen.
Roganna grins, stepping back from Aron. "Okay then, I'll see if Umboth needs some healing."
Again, nothing happens.
"I have used all my healing. Roganna, Hlarn and Umboth, please see to the healing. If we are out of spells, we will find a place to camp for the night. You folks fought well, despite all the bantering."
Rage speaks, "I am getting depleted of spells, andI am sure Argulhas is as well. We need to take the night to rest and restore our spells, and make sure we have the right complement to move forward."
"And pray to our gods," adds a grinning Aron.
"Yes!" Zanax agrees, "Gather around in a circle and I will lead us in prayer to thank the mighty Votishal for sending me to your aid!"
Roganna rolls her eyes and laughs. "Oh boy... I think we have been without sunlight too long or soemthing!"
"Sorry, Zanax. I am glad he let you off lightly, but I will not be praying to Votishal."
"The reason he sent me here is because he knew you would need my aid to succeed in retrieving the sceptre."
"Well, then he has my thanks and no more. He is not my god and I will not pray to him."
"Why is your god so interested in our success? We seemed to be doing fine before you showed up," the mage says. "Or has he revealed to you the traps we need to circumvent before? And if so, I again ask why he is so interested in this little party."
"Maybe they have a wager on the outcome."
Roganna chuckles. "Of course they do! Such a powerful item ... I am sure many of them are wondering how it will affect things. I'm sure there is a LOT of interest in this party at the moment. We would do well to remember that."
"I'm here to do a favor for a person who helped my friend out, and who has been an ally of this party for a long time," the mage says. "The fact that Zanax is able to use his psionic ability suggests we will be able to use teleport spells. Unless he is somehow getting additional assistance from his diety. In that case, I wonder why and that concerns me. But until I can use my teleportation magics, I remain concerned."
Hlarn laughs. "What sort of diety is it that only pays attention to the big issues of the day? The gods are as powerful as they are because they take the time to smell the roses so to speak. They hear each and every prayer, from High Priest to lowly peasant. We might not be worthy of their attention, but our actions are watched none the less."
"Zanax's diety is interested in us because Zanax is here. There might be other reasons, but every god follows the actions of their followers, especially those of us who actively work to promote our dieties interests on this world."
"Nicely put," replies Agulhas sincerely.
"Votishal has sent me here to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands," Zanax replies truthfully.
Roganna chuckles, "Indeed? Then why can't he just help us get our hands on it? I mean hey, a damned gargoyle could have gotten it! Or isn't Votishal strong enough to do anything useful?"
"I knew of the gargoyles because of my psionics. Votishal did not reveal them to me directly. Votishal has forseen the anarchy and destruction of Sandas should the sceptre fall into the wrong hands."
Rage clears her throat. "Ahem. My diety has spoken to me and instructs me to keep the staff so that I may study it and rebuild the robot."
Roganna laughs, rolling her eyes. "And who would your diety be Rage? KinkyChho, goddess of sensual pleasures and bodyart?"
"In all seriousness," Rage says softly, "as dieties are not a laughing matter, Llebocat, husband of Kinkychho, weilder of the cosmic whip and bringer of sensual pain."
"Rage? What of my promise to Verona?"
Rage gives Kadlian a puzzled look. "What do you mean? I have nothing to do with your promise to Verona. Why do you bring that up now? She can have it when I am done with it."
"Rage, which one of you am I speaking with currently?"
"C'est moi." the mage replies, "Who else casts polymorph spells?"
Kadlian shrugs. "I do not know which incarnation can do what although you have told me before. I think, at some point, I need to create a chart to keep these things straight in my mind."
"I'm Erica, silly elf." the mage says "Polymorph expert and general fun loving gal."
"The Rage that was present with me when I spoke to Verona agreed to help me recover it for Verona and Sandas. When we return to Sandas, we can discuss further arrangements, but I am unwilling to delay our return trip unless absolutely necessary."
"Fair enough. But Llebocat has given me my instructions, and like a good soldier, I must obey, or face the cosmic whip."
"Can you work that out with Verona? I do not wish to make your life more difficult with your goddess, but I will not break my word."
"You don't have to break your word. My god, Llebocat and his wife the goddess KinkyChoo are very demanding and I could be punished. The choice is yours."
"And what would be the wrong hands, Zanax? We can return the sceptre to Verona as promised, correct?"
"I agree," Logan says, "might we take some time to coordinate spell selections between the three of us to maximize our abilities?" Logan asks Rage, "might be helpful."
"We will." the mage says.
Kadlian looks at his map. "How about at the bottom of the stairs? We can close the doors to the Cavern Pool room. It is closer than hiking somewhere else.
"Okay, folks, let us make camp at the bottom of the stairs. Clerics, heal the wounded, completely. After we have rested and regained spells, we move again."
"Kadlian, the mages don't have their spellbooks with them. We need to go back to camp to fetch them."
Kadlian looks dismayed. "Back to camp? Are you sure that is wise? After all, we do not know that we can get back or that we will be able to return again the same way..."
Kadlian rubs his forehead and sighs. "Okay, any alternatives?"
"Rest and allow the priests to regain their powers. The magic users will have to rely upon whatever spells they have left and their magical devices."
"That sounds like a wise paln. Enter a dangerous area with no magically backup. I vote for it."
Setting all of his weapons out of reach, Aron turns to Rage, "Yea, I know Rage. Don't get upset, but I would have thought it wiser for the mages to bring their spell books along into this area - you knew you couldn't teleport in and out around here. My suggestion allows us to move on. I've seen you use that staff, you are not powerless."
Kadlian shrugs. "It is an option. I did ask for suggestions. It is not one I like, so I would be happy with another..."
You recall that you have already spent one night in this dungeon. You also recall that there is no direct way out of this maze. You arrived here via a strange moving room which has not reappeared to return you to the other dungeon whence you came.
It seems that the only option is to spend a second night in this dungeon.
You set up camp at the base of the stairs, before the winding passage which runs above the water filled tunnel below.
To Kadlian, Aron asks, "We are about to rest for the night in this area occupied by demons, undead and various monsters. The priests and mages need time to pray, study and rest to regain their powers. After Zanax's healing, I'm feeling pretty good - what's the watch rotation among us warriors?"
Kadlian shrugs. "Sian and I need some time to pray for spells. Sian and Vanadil can take the first watch. You and Zanax can take the second watch and I will take the third with whomever can spare the sleep."
"I have few spells to memorize, so I could aid you in the third watch," Logan comments from his huddle with Agulhas and Rage.
"That would be fine, Logan. Thank you."
You settle down for the night.