October 4, 1372

The next morning finds you once again back in the dungeon, at the corner of the passage which runs north and east. The passage is clear; no sign remains of the battle which took place here nearly a month ago.

"Okay, let us try this again. Everyone stay here. I am going to go look for footprints and try to figure out which way the bodies might been dragged."

Kadlian heads north to the door where the battle occurred and looks around for awhile. Once done in the north, he heads back south to the party and then east to the other door.  He also keeps an ear open for any noise beyond what the party is making.

Kadlian spends a half an hour in the barracks room and the passages on his hands and knees, looking for tracks on the stone floor. In all that time he finds little that would indicate which direction the bodies were taken. It has been pretty well a month, after all, and the original tracks have been trampled over by others for the most part, which seem to go in all directions.

Kadlian grimaces in frustration. "Okay, we will explore north. Dor, take Niko's spot. Edelle, you guard the back with Galil."

"Does that mean I have to put on his sailor's hat?" Dor grins, as he moves up to the front row.

"No, we have had enough of sailor's hats for a while."

You march north and begin a marathon exploration of the dungeon at last. It feels good.

60' beyond the entrance to the barracks hall where you battled the monster army are two more doors, one to the left, one to the right. A third door is on the right side immediately thereafter.

You open the door to the west, and see a dead end passage which runs for 40' and ends in a pile of rubble. There are a few shovels and pick axes there, but searching turns up nothing else.

You open the first door to the east. This reveals a large, odd shaped chamber (right wall runs south for 30', east for 30' (door in first section), south for 10', east for 60', north for 50' (doors in 10' - 20' and 40' - 50' sections), then west to close up (door in easternmost 10' section). Another barracks area, this place is filled with five rows of pallets. Searching reveals nothing.

You open that door in the south wall, and see a 30' square room (south for 30', east for 20'). In here are more pallets and chests, but it looks like the place has already been ransacked, and you find nothing.

You open the southernmost door in the east wall. This is another odd shaped room (right wall runs south for 10', east for 30', south for 10', east for 20', north for 30' then west to close up). A mess hall, it is truly a mess. Searching turns up nothing.

You open the other door in the east wall. Through it you discover a room (20' X 40': east for 20', north for 30'; door in south wall east section; two more doors in the north wall). Once these doors were locked, but the locks are now smashed. You wonder about that. Apparently officers quarters, Kadlian still smells the stench of orc in here. Besides some beds and furnishings, there are four empty chests in here as well.

You open the south door, and see a 20' square room (10' west, 20' south). A store room of sorts, all you find in here are some rusted scimitars and bits of broken armour. It all seems to be very uninteresting until Edelle points out a secret door in the east wall, north section.

"Right. Let us check out the secret door, then."

Kadlian looks for any obvious traps and then tries to open the secret door.

Finding no traps, you seek a way to open the door. After several tries you find one and it pops open.

Revealed is a room (20' X 30': 10' south, 30' east). In here are several chests, which you open after the usual tests. Inside them are treasure: 2000cp, 300pp, 18 various jewelry (200gp ea.), a crystal rod, a wand and a ring.

Thus emboldened, you continue your exploration, returning to the room with the broken locks and opening the east door in the north wall. Here you see a meal hall (30' X 50': 20' east, 50' north; door in the south wall east end; door in the north wall west corner). This place is disgusting, and searching it turns up nothing palatable.

You open the other door in the south wall of the mess hall. This opens into an even more disgusting room, namely the kitchen (30' X 40': 10' east, 10' west, 40' south; door in east wall north corner). In here you see a row of stoves along the south wall, three long tables to the north, barrels of stagnant water here and there, and filth and rotting food everywhere. Searching turns up nothing, though you do discover that the ashes in the stoves are cold.

You open the east door. This reveals the most disgusting sight of all so far: the meat storage room (odd shaped: right wall runs south for 10', then east for 40', north for 70' (10' wide passage running east in northernmost section), west for 50', south for 50' and east for 10' to close up). Piled in here are all of the bodies of the monsters that you slew last month, in an enormous pile in the centre of the chamber. There are more carcasses (human and humanoid) hanging from meat hooks suspended from the ceiling. Blood stained dollies and small wheeled trucks are here and there. The stench sickens you. The corpses are crawling with insects and worms.

In the south is the meat cutting and preparation area: three long tables piled high with gore and red with dried blood. In the southeast corner is a large hole in the floor, filled almost to the top with offal, bones and skin. The stench coming from it is even more overpowering than the smell that comes from the other contents of the room.


Kadlian covers his nose and mouth.  "Let us look elsewhere, okay?"

Trinity asks, "Yo, boss. You want me to roast the meat there?"

"To what end, Trinity?"

"I wonder who stacked the bodies?" Dor asks aloud. "And I wonder what monster is being fed with the remains of these poor souls?"

"Trinity's fireball will take care of the second question. The first question is currently unknowable, but we will find out shortly, I hope."

Kadlian leads the party back to the mess hall and up to the north door. Once everyone is ready, he opens it.

Opening that north door, you see another large barracks hall (right wall runs east for 90', north for 70', west for 70' (door at west end), south for 20', west for 30', then south to close up). This place smells of orcs again; while the place is deserted the scent lingers on. There are in total 50 pallets in here. You find nothing of value when you search.

You open the north door, and are confronted by a 10' wide passage running east - west. To the east it runs for 60' and on. To the west it runs for 60' and on, with a door in the south wall, 30' - 40' section.

You head west to the door. Beyond it, the passage continues for 60' and on.

You open the door, and see another barracks hall, similar to the last one, though the furnishings are clearly designed for larger monsters (60' X 80': 60' south, 70' west; door in the east wall 10' - 20' section; door in the west wall, 10' - 20' section and 30' - 40' section as measured from the north; door in the north wall west corner). In here are rough wooden pallets piled high with furs and moth eaten blankets. Searching turns up nothing.

You open the door in the east wall.

This is a smaller room (20' X 30': 10' north, 30' east). It is a little more nicely furnished, perhaps the leaders resided here. Regardless, you find nothing of value here...evidently someone has beat you to it.

You open the door in the north wall, and see the passage again. It turns south after 20'.

You go and open the two doors in the west wall.

The northern door reveals another 20' X 30' room (10' north, 10' south, 20' west). It is bare.

The southern door opens into another mess hall (20' X 40': 20' west, 30' south). it is a sty, and you find nothing of value in here, though behind a hide hanging from the wall in the west wall south corner you find a door.

You open the concealed door, and see a 10' wide passage running north - south. It runs for 60' and on to the north. It runs for 60' and on to the south, with a door in the 0' - 10' section of the east wall.

Just for completeness you head north. After 70' it turns east, and you see a previously explored area.

You go south again and open that door.

In here is another barracks (70' X 70': 70' east, 60' south; door in the west wall south end; doors in the first two 10' sections of the east wall as measured from the north; door in the north wall 20' - 30' section). In here are bedrolls and blankets, but little else.

You open the north door. This reveals an armoury or store room (20' X 50': 20' north, 40' east). In here are boxes of spikes, lanterns, torches, plus a number of suits of leather armour. All are in fair condition though none look exceptional. You take what you need and continue on your way.

Opening the northernmost door in the east wall shows another barracks (30' X 30': 20' north, 30' east). In here are four beds, four chests, a table and some chairs. Searching reveals nothing of value.

You open the other door in the east wall, and see another mess hall, furnished in the usual fashion (30' X 30': 30' east, 20' south; door in the south wall east corner). Again you find nothing.

Opening that south door in the mess hall takes you back to the room with the smashed locks on the doors.

You return to the barracks hall and exit through the south door in the west wall, reentering the passage. Immediately to your south are doors in the east and west wall which you have visited before.

You pause and ponder as to where to explore next.

 "Well, I guess we know where all those monsters came from."

"Okay, let us go and let Trinity blow up the meat locker. Then we can head east and see what else this level holds."

"Bored now. Let's go exploring," says Trinity.

As you turn to leave you hear a familiar sounding beer fart from down the passage to the south.

Looking down there, you see a grey elf approaching.

Niko, like the proverbial bad penny, has returned.

"Blow up a meat locker? Hey that sounds like a great idea! And I've got the perfect tool for the job."

Niko pauses to pull an object strapped to his shoulder and presents it to the others. "It's called a slug thrower, but it doesn't throw slugs...so I'm a little confused by the name. But it makes a wonderful explosion!"

"Niko?  How did you get here?"

"Kailar gave me a lift to the inn. I saw Wizbang over there. After a brief chat and drink with her, headed here. Don't worry, I've got everything under control again!"

Kadlian looks Niko over to see what he is wearing and carrying.

He sees two large projectile type weapons, two smaller pistol weapons, grenades, sinclair sword (dagger size), cutlass (Dwarf's Envy), cloak (manta ray), dagger (magical) and a couple of rings (fire resistance and invisibility).

"Niko, if you want to continue to adventure with this group, the science weapons have to go.  You are a danger to you and us. You do not know how they work. Keep the sinclair sword since you have more than proven you understand that. The things that shoot rays and the grenades need
to go."

"Ah, don't worry about it, Kad. I got to test these suckers out back at the mansion. This one shoots out a stream of fire, this one shoots out a missile that explodes, and these things...well, I didn't actually get to try them out, but they shoot out these little projectiles.  And of course, I got a first hand lesson on how badly these grenades can hurt!"

"Yes, you have been pretty good at being a one man wrecking crew. And how do we know you will not accidentally set off one of those weapons and kill us all?  Get rid of them or find yourself a new group to adventure with. You are quite capable without them and you do not need
such dangerous toys."

"Oh, please. Has anyone in our party ever been injured by one of my actions? Other than me, that is. No, as absurd as it may seem, I take great care of those around me. Additionally, that stupid hat, or rather hat of stupidity, has left me bereft of my best offensive spells."

"Yes, we have been hurt by your actions. That grenade trick left Dor, Trinity and I in a real pickle. There is plenty of blame to go around for that fiasco, most of it is mine, but I have had it with the science toys."

"It wasn't a grenade trick. I just didn't get far enough away from the blast. It's no different than miscalculating when you cast a fireball spell. Ask Trinity!"

Trinity nods. "He is right, Kadlian. Just as when I left the group defenseless in the last battle, chasing after others. It was a miscalculation. However, Niko, the technology that you have can have other, dramatic effects, and we know little about it. It is not simply like picking up a magic wand and using it. There are other issues, and since we do not know them, I would hate to see your slug thrower decide to throw slugs at us, or worse yet, blow up in our faces."

"The age of technology is past, Niko. It is the age of magic now. Technological relics are just that, relics. Keep them with you, but do not use them unless we are desperate, and I mean desperate."

"Actually, magic is also a relic of the past, it's just in fashion again. It's retro...just like those bell bottom jeans you're wearing. Soon enough, maybe not in our lifetime, technology will be in again."

"As all good mages, I am dressed in the latest fashions. What would a sailor like you know about fashion? With all that heavy armour and all?" says Trinity, sticking her tongue out at Niko.

"Fah! I'll have you know this chain mail is all the rage now.  And this, Missy, is a designer cloak! A Kalvin Clein original!"

Galil raises a brow and shakes her head.

"Technology as I understand it is but a poor substitute for real magic. It may come and go but will always represent something lesser that those who have not the diligence and intelligence for magic will cling to, always with dire results. Where is the honor in blowing up enemies from a distance?  Where is the challenge in simply blowing everything to bits, including yourself?" Galil asks, not really expecting an answer.

"Ah, but to quote the great author Arthur C. Clarke, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

"And honor is irrelevant when it comes to blowing up enemies from a distance. It's just more fun!"

Niko turns to Kadlian. "So, can you live with that compromise?"

"Two items, Niko.  You can keep two items of these technological relics, not including your sinclair sword.  But, you double-check with me before using them around us, okay?"

"Are we going to stand here quibbling, or what?" asks Trinity. "Niko is back, and perhaps wiser for his stay in dodo land. Let's get on with it. I want my treasure from all those monsters I killed."

Kadlian sighs and nods. "Very well.  We will discuss this further when we go back to the inn.  Trinity, commence with your burning of the bodies, please."

You return to the meat storage room (odd shaped: right wall runs south for 10', then east for 40', north for 70' (10' wide passage running east in northernmost section), west for 50', south for 50' and east for 10' to close up). Piled in here are all of the bodies of the monsters that you slew last month, in an enormous pile in the centre of the chamber. There are more carcasses (human and humanoid) hanging from meat hooks suspended from the ceiling. Blood stained dollies and small wheeled trucks are here and there. The stench sickens you. The corpses are crawling with insects and worms.

In the south is the meat cutting and preparation area: three long tables piled high with gore and red with dried blood. In the southeast corner is a large hole in the floor, filled almost to the top with offal, bones and skin. The stench coming from it is even more overpowering than the smell that comes from the other contents of the room.

Trinity casts wall of fire to burn the bodies.

The bodies go up in flames.

Niko pouts as he watches the wall of fire burn the bodies. He says to no one in particular, "My flamethrower could have done a better job..."

The room quickly fills with smoke, forcing you to retreat, closing the door behind you.

Kadlian, your leader, directs you to the northernmost passage that you have yet explored, the one that runs east. Niko has been here too, when he encountered the ogres.

Starting from the west end, the passage runs east for 210'. After that there is an intersection with a 10' wide passage running south, while the east passage continues.

Looking south, you see that the passage runs for 60' and on. Likewise, the east passage runs for 60' and on as well.

You turn south, and march down 60'. The passage continues for 60' and on. There are doors in the west wall, 10' - 20', 20' - 30' and 30' - 40' sections; plus another door in the east wall, 20' - 30' section.

Coming from under the closest door in the west wall you see smoke, and the stench of burning flesh.

As you ponder the implications, you hear a noise behind you. Looking behind you, you see a half elven male approaching.

"That is strange..."

"Maybe we should just smoke out all the inhabitants of the tower and kill them as they run out!"

"And try to deal with hundreds of creatures at once? From multiple exits? No thank you. And what would become of the treasure they leave behind?"

Kadlian addresses the newcomer. "And who are you, sir?"

Niko mentions to Kadlian, "Watch him, Kadlian. He's a strange bird...doesn't talk at all...and follows some diety I can't identify." 

Niko points to the holy symbol around the half-elf's neck.

Kadlian looks at the holy symbol.  "Sir, are you capable of speaking?"

The symbol depicts an evergreen.

Kadlian starts moaning and stuttering when he sees it...for it reminds him of someone.

Niko frowns. "What's the matter, Kad?"

"Lord Kadlian?" Galil asks in concern, moving to his side.

Kadlian shakes his head and lets out a deep sigh. "I am fine. The symbol just triggered a memory."

"A good one or a bad one?" asks the woman. "Inquiring minds want to know."

Galil smiles in understanding.  "Must have been some memory."

"Yes, pray tell," says the woman.

"Leslie."

The stranger finally speaks.

"Greetings strangers, my name is Lerelith Malethin.  I was a bit worried that this Niko fellow might hurt himself, or someone else, so I decided it would be a good idea to see what I could do to make sure that does not happen."

Galil raises a brow and can't help but crack the smallest of smiles.

A short woman, tattooed and pierced, carrying a large staff looks at the fellow.

"Who you calling strangers, buster?" she asks.

Lerelith laughs a short chortle and replies, "As I am a stranger to you, so too does it stand to reason that you are stranger to me.  Please tell me, good lady, what is your name?"

"What is in a name?" asks the woman. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

"But you can call me Mistress."

Galil smiles at Trinity.  "Such a large title for a little Miss."

"But we are now Wizards, and wizards all have such important names, so that's why Erica said to say our name is Mistress.  Was that wrong, Miss Galil?"  says Trinity.

Galil does not answer right away, plucking absently at her gloved fingers before speaking.

"A name is not as important as actions. Better to walk quietly and do great deeds than speak such empty names. Be known by what you do, not what you call yourself." Galil smiles
then. "Leave it to the Bards to give you a name worthy of your actions."

"Littl' ol' Niko, hurt anyone?" says the woman. "Not our Niko. He's a lamb. Right, Niko?"

"I suppose I will have to take your word for that, though I am thinking that even a lamb could do a lot of damage with that hardware."

"Uh, Trinity," says Malvis, a human in robes with a couple of wands stuck in his sash, "Niko is the type that some, at first meeting, may think needs watching over.  It's only as you get to know him that the real Niko emerges."

Niko looks at Trinity peculiarly. "Baa?"

The half-elf smiles again and says...

"It is the Symbol of my mistress Meilikki, whom I serve as priest and woodsman."

"Are you like the Tin Man?" asks the woman.  "From the story of Dorthy and Toto?"

"I am sorry, but I have never heard this tale, spoken or sung."

The silver haired Cavalier can't help but chuckle.  "In some regards, I am more like the Tin Man than this person." 

Galil indicates her gleaming, if somewhat worn armor and smiles.

"But Miss. Galil, you have a brain," says the woman, her voice sounding child-like.

The elf nods and smiles, "Indeed I do. It occurred to me that the reference to the Tin Man might not be the same in your culture as in mine. In our legends concerning the Tin Man, it is more an issue of having honor and living by it."

"I am afraid I am not familiar with even one version of this tale you speak of, though if the Tin Man is one who is possessed of honor, and lives by that credo, than clearly his tale should be brought to all peoples."

Galil nods in agreement, her violet eyes somewhat remote as she speaks. "Such tales are as rare as the people that actually live with honor. Rare is the individual that truly lives such a life."

"You are speaking of 'smoking out' some sort of creatures from this place?  Sounds risky... but I do not really have much experience in such matters."

"A ranger and a priest?" Kadlian asks.

Kadlian stands 5'4" with dirty blond hair and green eyes.  While he is not very old (for an elf), he has a very well worn face and looks much older.  His common attire is a long gray cloak with a hood over platemail.  He wears a soft leather boot ideal for the forests.  A long
sword is worn on his across his back with the hilt sticking out above his right shoulder and a short sword on his left hip.

"Yes.  It is not uncommon where I am from for those who carry the word of Meilikki to be trained in the ways of the ranger, for it is our duty to protect the land from those creatures that would despoil it."

"I am Kadlian Lun'Folard, a ranger lord of Aldacan.  What land do you call home?"

"As long as he ain't a druid.  We don't need no stinkin' druids."

"Nay, I am not a Druid, though I cannot understand why you would object to the presence of one so honored.  Myself, I enjoy the presence of civilized society a bit too much to throw myself into such an isolated life."

"Someday, ask about Equinox, and I'll tell you why I object to them," says the woman

"Fire good. We have much experience with fire. Fire balls, fire walls, monster flambe."

"I can highly recommend the monster flambe."

"Yes, Erica is very good at that,"  says the woman again.

"What sort of creatures are they?  I had heard rumors of evil humanoid activity in this area, and had come to check out the tales.  I suppose if you have cornered and trapped these foul beings, then it is my duty to assist you in their destruction."

"We have run into a wide variety of humanoids." Kadlian looks back at the others.  "We have killed trolls, hobgoblins, ogres, gnolls, kobolds, orcs and evil men.  Did I miss anything?"

"I think you missed ghouls.  Remember the ones that you counted once as friends?"

"Hlarn was not there. The others...journeyed with us for a time, but I do not know if I ever called them friends."

"The ghouls and the chimera.  I had forgotten about that."

"And how did you come to be in this place where you observed Niko?"

Niko looks at Kadlian peculiarly, "Baa?"

"I see."

Trinity looks at Kadlian. "I didn't do it. Not me. Nope."

Niko clears his throat, "I told you, Kailar brought me to the inn where Wizbang was at."

"I know. But, how could you not notice him following you?"

Niko shrugs. "He's a ranger...you guys are sneaky in the wilderness."

Kadlian shakes his head wondering how a ruined city and a tower could be considered wilderness.

"I am afraid that my tale to date is not likely to be the subject of bardic songs, for there is not much to tell.  As I said, I have journeyed many weeks to get here from Strabath to investigate rumors of humanoid activity, and just happened to notice him at my inn.  He seemed
to be acting strangely and carried strange items, so I decided it would be wise to keep an eye on him.  Once I overheard your conversation, I knew that it was my duty to offer whatever assistance I can lend to your effort to clean this place of evil."

"It is your duty to offer assistance? Good, go get me a coffee. I need a drink. And then some food," says the pierced woman.

You note that the young half-elf is wearing leather armor, and carries a longsword at his hip, and a bow is strapped to his back, on top of a small backpack. The equipment looks well-suited to blending in the wilderness, but also looks like it has not seen much use.

Kadlian looks surprised. "You are from Strabath?  We are based out of Sandas. How did you hear of this place from Strabath?  We only learned of it on our travels from Sandas to Atlantia."

"A companion of mine, Lord Sian, suggested I head in this direction."

"Why didn't you say so?" says the woman, "I'm Trinity, but Sian knew me as Rage.  How is Sian doing these days? We miss him and I guess I'll have to go visit him and see how he is doing.  Where is he now?" says the woman, her words running out in a stream.

"Sian sent you this way?  How is he?  Sian and I first adventured together. None of the original members of our party are still with us, but Trinity and Niko know him."

"This is quite the coincidence."

"As far as Niko goes and his strange armaments, I agree, he is dangerous. He will leaving a lot of those behind in our next visit here."

"Well, you seem to have him well in hand, and if you are a ranger lord of Aldacan, then my fears are set to rest. I myself cannot claim to such achievement, though perhaps in time I will earn the honor as well."

Kadlian nods. "It took me a while as well. But, it is possible, if you work for it."

The introductions over, you rush down to the door with the smoke oozing out from under it and bust it open without detecting or listening or anything. Through it you see a 20' long passage running west, after which it opens up into a chamber.

You go down and take a quick look, seeing piles of flaming corpses, engulfed by Trinity's wall of fire.

You retreat back to the passage and close the door.

Niko turns invisible and draws Dwarf's Envy (not flaming).

Lerelith goes into "ranger" mode.  He dramatically flips up his hood, draws his short bow, knocks an arrow (pointed at the ground), and gets ready for whatever happens next.

Edelle makes eyes at him.

"Hey Kadlian, why don't you ever do that?" says Trinity. "It seems so dramatic. I might swoon."

Kadlian chuckles. "Because, I want you to stay on your feet."

Galil can't help but smile, until she hears...

Niko nudges Dor and whispers, "More likely because he'd shoot himself in the foot!"

"You speak from your own experience I presume?" Galil asks archly. "I have yet to see Lord Kadlian falter while you have in several times killed yourself and endangered the party.  You would do well to keep your silly thoughts to yourself lest you discover their true worth to
those who hear them."

Niko bows gracefully to Galil. "My good lady, my comment twas made in jest. I apologize to both you and milord Kadlian if I hath offended thee."

Then, Lerelith realises that you are in in the dungeon, as opposed to outside the dungeon, the character switches from bow to sword.

"Lerelith, if you do plan on adventuring with us, please stay at the rear of the party with Galil."

Galil nods to Lord Kadlian and beckons for Lerelith to take his place to her left so as to avoid being accidentally skewered by her longsword.

While Kadlian wrestles with his map, which seems to have taken on a life all its own, the rest of you open the middle door in the west wall.

You see a small room (10' X 20': 20' west; door in south wall west end). The place is heaped high with treasure, in two enormous piles.

Counting the hoard are two goblins.

When the door opens they jump to their feet, drawing their shortswords, and confront you.

"Prepare to die!" the say.

Galil raises her brow in silent laughter.

"You first."

Galil moves forward to engage the goblins.

"Oh, Kadlian, stop looking at the map and look at the two goblins who have asked to prepare to die,"  says the mage.

Trinity laughs, turns invisible and looks around for other foes, ready to cast magic missiles at them.

"No, we mean you!" reply the goblins. "Surrender or else!"

"You are joking, right?"

"No, we're very serious," one of them says.

"Look what we did to all those monsters in the next room!" says the other.

"Yeah, we're a couple of pretty tough goblins!"

Malvis, jolted from his reverie by this exchange, looks at the goblins and asks, "Are we to believe the two of you killed all those monsters?"

"Who else could have done it, you bozo?"

Kadlian laughs. "Thank you for cleaning up after our mess. We were too tired to do it ourselves. Well, now we know where all the treasure went."

"You know... you could have burned the bodies.  It stinks pretty bad in that room."

"Burnt them?" says one of the goblins, "Why, they're our meals for the next month!"

Then, they notice the smoke oozing out under the adjacent door.

"Did YOU set them on fire?"

"Yes.  We will put you in there when we are done with you. Galil, Lerelith, you both can have some practice.  If there is more here than meets the eye, the rest of us will help."

Trinity speaks up, "Wait, has he signed an indemnity wavier?  What about a next-of-kin claim form, and the division-of-treasure codicil attachment?  Does he have life insurance?  I have all the forms right here, if necessary.

"And has be paid into the pension fund yet?  What about the magic protection accounts?"

"Kadlian, you just can't be taking fellows off to the dungeon and putting them into our well oiled machine.  Especially without paying his dues."  says Trinity impatiently.

"Trinity, if he dies in this encounter, we get his possessions.  And if he survives, all this stuff you are mentioning is moot.  So, calm down, okay?"

"Meancompoop,"  says the invisible mage

Malvis' eyes begin to glaze over at Trinity's descriptions of forms, and he stammers, "Gosh, I didn't know I needed all that stuff. Where do I sign?"

"You work for me,"  says the mage.  "You don't have to deal with forms.  I know how to cut through red tape."

"Right, can't we strip him down and detect things?" asks Edelle, apparently relishing the thought. "Where's Hlarn when you need him?"

Ragnar gives Trinity a questioning look.  "I do not think I have done any of those things."

"Are all clerics so serious?"  asks Trinity.

Kadlian chuckles. "Folks, do not worry about what Trinity is talking about. There are no forms to join this group. At least, I never signed anything and I am the only founding member still active."

"That's only 'cause I didn't know you then,"  says Trinity.

"So, I am grandfathered?"

"You have grandchildren?" says the mage. "When did this happen? Does that mean I can call you gramps now?"

"No, I do not even have children.  It is a phrase that means that the new rules do not apply to you because you were there before the new rules were thought up."

"Okay, gramps, you're grandfathered in.  Although you don't look old enough to be a grandfather, but then again, elves age at a slower pace," replies the mage. "So Gramps, are we going to deal with the goblins or not?"

"Galil and Lerelith are dealing with the goblins."

"Well, Galil might be, but Lerelith seems to be trying to get square with the goblin.  Should I get out a carpenter's square to make sure he's square?  Is it some sort of fighting technique that I was not informed of?" says the mage, babbling some more.

Kadlian allows the two of them to move up to the front to engage the goblins. "Dor, Niko, guard the back for now, please."

Niko sighs and moves close to Edelle. He kisses her on the cheek and asks in a whisper, "So, did you miss me?"

"No," she replies, throwing a glance at the hot young half-elf.

Niko chuckles softly and whispers back, "Ahhh...got your eyes set on another, I
see. Well, no matter, I missed you."

Niko continues as quietly as possible to the back of the party.

Galil nods, already moving towards the goblins. "With pleasure Lord Kadlian." 

Galil wastes no time in attacking in the goblins.

Lerelith moves towards whichever goblin Galil does not engage, sword drawn, and scans the area, looking for any sign of additional trouble.

Ignoring the antics taking place behind me, Lerelith stares down the goblins and says, "I have a better idea, you surrender to us and we don't kill you.  Plan B hurts a lot more."

"No. No. No," calls the mage at Lerelith's suggestion.  "Get on with it, or get out of the way."

"Surrender to you?" says the second goblin, sounding incredulous. "Try doing it the other way around!"

He flings his cape over his shoulder.

The mages hold off on their spells as the fight finally begins.

Galil opens the festivities by missing the first goblin.

"Aha!" he replies, and misses her too.

Beside them, the half-elf deflects the shortsword of the other goblin, then skewers him with his longsword, killing him.

"Oh-oh," says the surviving monster, upon seeing this turn of events. He swings wildly again, missing Galil. Her second swing is more accurate than the first, as she chops off an arm at the elbow. The cavalier attacks again but misses. The goblin, blood pouring out of the stump of his arm, also misses. Lerelith helps out, and the goblin drops.

Edelle sighs.

You go into the room, and take the goblin's place at counting the treasure. Since you are slightly more mathematically inclined, it only takes you the rest of the afternoon to count it all: 20 gems (100gp ea.), 27 gems (50gp ea.), 1 gem (1000gp), 1 gem (500gp), 1 jewelry (900gp), 1 gem (600gp), 15 gems (70gp ea.), 4 potions, a spear, a glowing longsword, a glowing bastard sword, plate mail (H), a potion, a dagger, a longsword, a potion, a mace, a trident, a light crossbow, 7 gems (7gp ea.). 19 jewelry (7000gp ea.), 9 jewelry (6000gp ea.), 17 jewelry (1100gp ea.), 2 gems (20gp ea.), 8 gems (48gp ea.), 7 potions, 1 gem (60gp), 4 jewelry (1000gp ea.), a suit of studded leather armour (H), 4 potions, 1 jewelry (400gp), 5 potions, 3 potions, a potion, studded leather armour (H), a dagger; 19,000cp, 13,000sp, 11,000ep, 31,000gp and 300pp.

Kadlian whistles at the treasure. "Nice haul."

Niko whistles, "Wow!  You guys made quite a haul!"

"Yes, indeed, and these folks did a good job cleaning it up for us. It's a pity they had to die."

Kadlian nods. "Nice work, you two."

"Thanks.  I had heard stories of adventurers finding such treasures, though I had never really expected to see it up close.  Does anybody else think this seems a bit suspicious, just lying here, for all intensive purposes unguarded?"

"No.  About a month ago, we fought a titantic battle. We faced quite a menagerie of humanoids, well over 100 of them, at once. Niko died, Dor, Trinity and I hung on by a thread. The rest of our group were in a room, guarding our wounded. If another wave had come at us, I do not
think we would have survived.  This is their treasure.  The two goblins, piled the bodies in the meat storage room and piled the treasure in here."

"Yeah, so think how well we would have done if we were able to plan for this attacking horde...a couple of well placed fireballs, along with a minor globe of invulnerability, and we would have flambe'd them all!"

"Hmmm...Trinity, how many fireballs can you cast in a day?"

"More than you," replies Trinity. "Erica or Audrey can cast 4, but Isabella can't cast any yet, so that's why she stays in the background."

"Well, considering I can't cast any fireballs, that's not too hard."

Niko turns visible again. "No invisos around here. No traps, either."

"Let us go back to the Inn and then we can have Trinity reduce the money and gems and send it back to Kailar with a note to store it in the mansion."

"Lerelith, because all of this treasure was earned before you joined the party, I am afraid you are not entitled to a share.  That said, because you killed one of the goblins, we will give you 100 gold pieces and allow you to look over any unclaimed magical items.  I hope you will
consider this fair."

"It seems a fair price for a goblin's head."

"Glad to hear that you are not offended."

"If you decide to stay with the party, when we come back here, you will be entitled to a full share."

"I guess I'll tag along for now. Is there anything in particular we are hoping to find in here?"

"We are searching for the well of the souls, where we can use the staff of Ra to discover the location to the lost ark," says Trinity. "And we hear that it is guarded by asps, which are very deadly, so as a ranger, we'll send you first."

Kadlian shakes his head in exasperation. "Trinity, where do you come up with these fantasies?"

"What fantasies?" says the mage. "Or did you not know about the well of the souls?"

Trinity covers her mouth, "Oopsie. Pretend you didn't hear that, as it is a secret we're not supposed to tell others."

"Lerelith, we came here to originally find word of our friend, Hlarn, and to clear out what has been reported as a lair of evil.  In addition to that, we wanted to explore this magnificent tower.  It is one of the towers that guarded the Empire of Saltar."

"I am not sure if your two versions are really all that different, but I'm sure it will not be boring.  So, do we have a map of this place, or what?"

"Mine is the correct version of reality. And I have it on best authority.  Just ask Malvis,"  the woman says, pointing to the illusionist. "But why need a map?  Chaotic motion works much better. And saves on ink."

"I miss Hlarn," sighs Kadlian to no one in particular. "And Zanax."

Niko ponders for a moment. "Zanax...I think I heard of this fellow.  Isn't he the guy with a map tatooed to his ass?"

Kadlian smiles. "Yes, he is. I had forgotten about that..."

"We do too," says Trinity. "But you still have me. And we have Malvis, and Miss Galil too. And although they are a bit stuffy at times, they are pretty fun too."

"No, it is the chaoticness that drives me nuts."

"Drive? Drive? It's a short putt for you, Kadlian sir," says Trinity.

"I am not arguing with you.

"Yes, Lerelith, I have been keeping a map, in addition to leading this, motely group."

"Motely?  Who you calling motely, buster?  Them's fightin' words."

"Hey, do any of us match?  I am calling us motely."

"As in remotely?  or as in motly, like the band?"

"Motley.  It is just that my player cannot spell."

"Bossman, you want me to send this all and we'll spend the night here?  I have two teleport spells and should be able with the reductions to get a goodly sum of this sent back."

Kadlian shakes his head. "If you can teleport it from here, that would be great. But, we go back to the inn tonight. We screwed up badly the last time we stayed overnight and we nearly all paid for it. I am not making that particular mistake again."

"What's the matter?" Niko asks Edelle.

Kadlian writes a note and puts it on top of the pile. 

"Kailar, please store this safely for us. -- Kadlian"

Trinity reduces the loot, puts it into a sack, and teleports it away somewhere.

You exit the dungeon, returning to the inn in New Golgar in time for a late dinner.

Kadlian and the gang are shocked to see upon entering the common room of the Golgar Gate none other than Hlarn Meg the dwarf sitting at a table in the corner with Wizbang.

Hlarn notes several new faces in the party: a female grey elf, a young man dressed in the robes of a cleric of Thor and a male half-elf.

Niko spies Hlarn with Wizbang and mutters to no one in particular, "Oh, sure...she'll put her book down for a dwarf, but not for me..."

"It's your approach," says Trinity, "You need to work on your approach."

Niko seems to consider Tinity's words for a moment, but then waves his hand at her and says, "Nah...it couldn't be me..."

"Stage one, denial," replies Trinity.

Kadlian rushes over to the table and lifts Hlarn from his seat in a bear hug. "Hlarn!?  What are you doing here?  Silverbeard told us you were home."

Trinity looks at Hlarn carefully while muttering a spell.

Niko walks past Trinity while whispering, "You're wasting your time..."

He then sheds his armor and grabs an ale for himself and a wine for Edelle.

He hands the wine to her and casually asks, "So, how was the rest of the battle after I died?"

"Umm?" she replies, sounding distracted. She takes the drink, though.

Niko tries to observe what - or whom - Edelle is distracted by.

It is pretty obvious to all: the hot young half elf.

This is a good time for Lerelith to get a bit red in the face, but he cannot resist flashing Edelle his best smile.

"Oh, gag me with a spoon," says Trinity.

She blushes and smiles back.

"Get a room, you two," says Trinity. "Keep!" she calls, producing some coinage (20 gp). "Drinks for the house till this runs out."

Dor gets in line ahead of Niko. "The way Niko drinks, that 20 is a gonner."

Niko grumbles, "Bah!  Let's see how pretty he stays after a few battles..."

"Sure, that's it. You're going to give up?" calls Trinity. "Wimp."

Niko shrugs, "She'll do as she does.  Plus, there's spells to be learned if we're gonna fight tomorrow.  We should get the fighters covered in stoneskins, too."

"Stoneskin only protects from a single attack, so I have found it not too effective, especially if a goblin gets a lucky hit in, the protection is gone, and the trolls teeth rend the flesh."  says Trinity

Hlarn stands up.  "Good to see you again."

He simply ignores Trinity's murmuring, and clasps Kadlian's hand firmly.

The elven cavalier watches Lord Kadlian with some amusement.

You note that the dwarf seems to be in excellent health, but his beard has been trimmed short... barely two inches long.   A small bare spot along his cheek holds a  new scar that wasn't there when last you saw him.

His armor, weapons and equipment are clean and many of the items you remember
the dwarf wielding are still present, easily available to the dwarf in a moment's notice.   However instead of the threadbare clothes that had been worn through many adventures, you see very expensive looking silken shirt and breaches of the finest  tailoring. A heavy signet ring that wasn't present before adorns one of Hlarn's hands.

"Impressive," says Trinity under her breath.

The dwarf bows toward those in the party he doesn't recognize.  "I see new faces among you.  Wizbang told me some about you, but I have trouble remembering names until I associate them with the faces. It's pleasing to make your acquantance. I am  Hlarn, son of Harlt, son of Harn, of the Meg Clan."

The dwarf pauses a moment, to give honor to his ancestors. "Come and sit down and let's each tell of what we have  missed."

"You first," says Trinity.

Hlarn smiles. "When I left, we were basically just trudging across the nation, with  thousands of miles left to go.  Strangely, I suddenly felt the call of my home world, and  felt the time was right to try and make the attempt home again. It turns out my family was trying to contact me, but the message was weak, and only barely raised itself over the subconscious level. I knew only that it was time to go.

"If you recall, I tried travelling the planes to do this once before, but failed.  This world,  Earth, is far from my home, and the path is complex. I lack the skills of the Archmage  who first sent me this way, and certainly lack his access to the ancient and damned texts describing the infinite planes. Thus I was again unsuccessful and thought it best to pray for guidance, for the nagging feeling I needed to go home continued.

"But first I met up with Umboth the cleric and his orcs, and explored the ruined city of Golgar with them for a few weeks. The adventures weren't extraordinary, and I can barely even recall them. Unfortunately it appears I left him too soon, for I heard he came to a bad end later on.

"After much prayer, Silverbeard finally showed me what I needed to head home. My father had not heard from me in some years, and was about to send an expedition to this world to search for me. However the Gods of my homeworld and this one are not exactly partial to each other, so Silverbeard revealed the path and I was able to cross over home. Unfortunately the way is always shifting, so I doubt I'll be able to make it again until I've grown in knowledge."

The dwarf smiles. "Being home was definitely a much needed vacation. My father seemed satisfied with my progress and training, and I was officially recognized as his heir." Hlarn nods to the ring.  "This is my clans signet...an ancient device passed down through the generations and dating back to the first dwarves who came to my world, freeing themselves from the slavery of the dragons who dominated them.

"However, despite being home, I began to realize that perhaps my place is here. Silverbeard's call is not as strong among my people, for they worship other dwarvish gods. Thus even though I was surrounded by the people and places I grew up with, I felt as if I was missing a part of myself."

"Besides which, my father is in the prime of his life, and has many centuries to go before he needs worry about any future successors hanging about. And thus I was quite ready to come back on my own, when Silverbeard's call finalized the decision for me. The path back here was reopened, and I followed my diety's call back to my second home.

"I've been here only a day, and am fresh and ready for battle."

Kadlian takes his turn.

"We made it to Atlantia, picking up Galil along the way."

"Yup, and she's got a great horse called Mouse who is a well trained war horse.  She's pretty strict with us at times, but lets us feed Mouse apples and things."  says the mage, talking rapidly and gesturing wildly.

The cavalier nods in Hlarn's direction to indicate that she is indeed Galil.  She is a Grey Elf, dressed in worn but very well cared for armor, a flowing cloak in Lavender trimmed in sage with matching boots and gloves.  Her silver hair is casually tied back out of the way and
her violet eyes take in everything with a touch of amusement.

"When we got there, we learned that Clarvis, their new emperor, had the Sceptre that we recovered. We found out from Ray Jay, later, that this is okay with him.

"We also found out that we cannot find the Robe until the Sword is found, so we decided to adventure here at the Tower. We initially were looking for you. Indeed, we found your ex-companions, all ghouls.  We feared you had been handed a similar fate until we got sucked into Silverbeard's plane and he told us where you were."

"The Tower is strange. We fought one titanic battle against a collection of humanoids that came at us in waves. We survived, barely, after facing over a hundred monsters. We just found all that treasure and we were coming back to rest for the night."

"Yeah, and Niko got himself killed by using a grenade on a troll. However, we killed lots and lots with pretty fireballs and walls of fire and we found you could levitate a troll and push him into the wall of fire.  It was neat,"  says Trinity.

"Will you rejoin us?  I could use your guidance and friendship."

Niko raises his mug of ale in salute. "Aye, battle! If only ye were here a month or so ago...you would have seen quite a battle! Not on par with some of the battles I've seen traveling with Occa and his crew, but a fine battle!"

Turning to Kadlian, Niko asks, "So, Captain, when do we leave again?"

"Tomorrow morning. We need to give Trinity a chance to relearn some spells and it has been a long day of counting."

"You want the magic identified first?" asks Trinity to Kadlian. "If so, two days. If not I'll be ready tomorrow."

"No, skip it for now."

Niko grins. "Good! I'm itchin' for a fight right now..."

"Hlarn, I am very glad to have you back.  And you will have your chance for battle.  From what we saw just on the first level of this place, we are going to run into a lot of combat."

Lerelith composes himself after the entertainment and slight embarrassment of this scene, turns to the new people and says;

"Hi, I'm Lerelith, nice to make your acquaintance."

He holds his hand out to Edelle in a casual manner.

She takes it, still blushing.

"I need to train," says Windul suddenly.

"So do I," adds Edelle.

"Do you need to go back to Sandas to train?"

"I am a warrior, specialised with the shortsword," Windul replies, "I do not think that there is anyone here who can train me."

"So, that is a yes."

"You should hook up with Niko. I hear he is specialized in the short sword as well," says Trinity.

"Is that true, Captain?" asks the elf.

Niko shakes his head. "Nope. Not true at all."

Kadlian rolls his eyes. "I cannot believe that only Trinity and I understood that."

Niko shrugs. "Whatever. I just chalked it up to penis envy."

"And I thought you called it Dwarves envy for another reason," says Trinity.

Niko snorts. "It's not the dwarf race, it's dwarfs like you."

Lerelith laughs loudly, almost snorting up some of his drink, and says,

"Don't worry, I got it too. I am starting to sense a pattern in the banter as of late."

"Oh, time to change the pattern then," says Trinity.

"Bah! The only pattern is that there is no pattern!" adds Niko.

"I am specialised with the longsword, and I am a mage," says Edelle, "And I will need Kailar to train me as a thief."

"And that is also a yes."

"Impressive."

"Trinity, can you send them to Sandas tomorrow?"

"For a price, Kadlian. For a price," says the mage.

"I was going to give Wizbang and Vastelle their turn, anyway."

Trinity giggles at that.

"He's such a stud," she says to Malvis.

Kadlian rolls his eyes.

Finally releasing Edelle's hand, Lerelith replies, "I suppose I should do the same, though being new to these parts, I would appreciate some assistance in locating the appropriate training facilities."

Lerelith turns his head towards Kadlian and says, "Since you are also a Ranger, and of some standing, perhaps you would be able to help me out in that respect.  If anyone knows where I might further my clerical studies, I would be most grateful for the tip."

Trinity rolls her eyes. "He's got ego big enough with Galil calling him Lord Kadlian.  Don't go stroking it."

Kadlian starts to say something and then thinks better of it.

Trinity snaps her fingers. "Better yet, if he is Lord Kadlian, I expect my rank of Wizard to be recognized and acknowledged, I shall be known as The Wizard Trinity."

"How about the Trinity Wizard?"

"Either we continue adventuring until more people need to train or we take a break now if there are sufficient folks that need to train.  If we take a break, I can train you as a ranger.  For your clerical studies, we may have to send you back to Sandas or Strabath for that."

He then turns back to Edelle, smiles a somewhat adolescent smile and says, "I would not mind joining you in a drink first though."

"Oh yes," she replies with a smile, "We need to celebrate."

Kadlian shakes his head but stays silent.

"Please. Get a room you two. Niko's is free."

Dor calls out from behind his ale, "I need to train, too."

Malvis, rolling a coin down his fingers then back across the knuckles as he eyes Trinity salaciously, adds, "Me, too. I need training. I want to train again, and again, and......"

Galil clears her throat and adds, "I will need training as well."

"Okay, that is five of us that need to train.  Well, Hlarn, Niko...  I guess we are not heading into the Tower tomorrow.  Should we all go back to Sandas, then?"

Niko snorts. "Harumph!  I'm content enough to stay here and drink for the next couple of weeks."

"Training will improve the survivability of these folks.  And let me id the items.  We do it quick and neat like.  No adventuring without the group back together."

"Well, with at least five needing to train, we train.  The real question is should we all just head back to Sandas while they train?"

next day...

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