Agulhas tries to identify as much as he can.
Barracks (Trogs/Skeletons)
- 2 potions 1) he chokes on this one, unable to breathe air2) this one is an oil, a very slippery oil
- scroll: Taris looks at this: purify food and drink.
Torture Chamber
- broad sword [Gnarsh]Gnarsh will not surrender this for identificational purposes.
- ring (the electrical one) - Agulhas is unable to determine any properties of it.
- potion - Agulhas shrinks a bit when he samples it.
- gloves - Protect the wearer.
- the slutty boots [Sasha] - Sasha took these to Sandas...
- whip - Improves the wielder's chances of striking an opponent.
- 12 vials: Upon tasting the contents of the first vial, Agulhas falls asleep. He wakes up after a few minutes.
- merry widow
Xorn Cell
- horn - This is actually a conch horn. Blowing it produces a deep sounding toot, but no other obvious effect.- vial - Again, Agulhas chokes for a bit, unable to breathe air.
"Hey, Gnarsh...wouldn't it be better if you knew what the sword can do? It's not like Agulhas is going to keep it." says Zanax.
"Up yours, paladin," growls Gnarsh.
"Sorry, I don't take requests," Zanax answers back.
"Weren't a request."
"Probably allows the user to breathe underwater only," Zanax comments about the choking potions.
"Either that," Furgh adds, helpfully. "Or it just makesit hard ta breath." He grins. "We did find all those ones there in the torture chamber.... probably be good for that sorta thing."
He shrugs.
Hlarn looks at Zanax. "Here try putting the ring on and simply willing it to work while you swing at me. Don't worry about a few scratches you might make. I doubt you'll skewer me," the dwarf says with a smile.
With that he hefts his shield and prepares for Zanax to try an attack.
"Umm..." Furgh says.... then stops himself, and chuckles, shaking his head slightly.
"This should be interesting," Agulhas softly comments to Furgh.
Furgh nods cheerfully.
Hlarn nods. "Kids, don't try this at home. We are trained professionals."
The dwarf smiles, expecting a shock, but wanting to see if the ring works at will.
"You do realize ya got a good chance a blowin' up equipment here?" Furgh asks cheerfully. "Metals tend ta do wierd things when they start conductin' magical electricity."
He grins. "Had a friend who liked ta do this sorta thing once. Poor guy lost more weapons that way."
Zanax shrugs, as he replaces his ring of invisibility with the new ring. He then wills the ring to zap Hlarn.
Hlarn is engulfed in a shower of sparks, and suffers 10 hit points of damage.
Kal asks, "How long do you think they'll be gone for?"
Rage, Kadlian and Sasha suddenly reappear in the secret room late in the afternoon. The rest of you have just completed watching Zanax zap Hlarn.
Within a moment of their return, though, another person sudden appears: none than Jerrold, the druidic type from Occa's party.
Rage first looks to Hlarn and Zanax, then to Argulhas, "What is happening here?" she demands.
"Hlarn, Zanax what are you two doing?"
Zanax frowns. "What does it look like? We're testing out the ring that the assistant used to zap me. And what happened to trying to control your temper, Rage?"
Rage sighs. "Rough day at the office," she says.
Kadlian grins and points at himself. "Me."
Rage rolls her eyes. "We have a lot to do, and a little time to do it in. Argulhas, Furgh, did either of you get to identify the items we found? What are they and what are their powers."
Hlarn shakes his head. "The magic can wait, although it didn't. Of more importance is did you get restored Kadlian?"
Kadlian sighs. "Yes, but Verona wanted 210,000 gold pieces. I told her that I did not have such a sum and she did me a great favor by restoring me for free."
Hlarn laughs. "Verona is a bit of an entrepreneur it seems. Taking the market for all it can bear."
"I warned ya," Furgh says, wisely. "She must like ya better though. She didn't offer me no other service." He grins. "Maybe ya are gettin' better with the ladies, Boss."
Kadlian smiles. "It may very well be the case. Verona is quite a Lady."
"However, that was after she asked me to do a service for her after the temple was completed. When I told her that I needed to think about it, she changed her mind and did the restoration. Of course, she knew me too well and I will return to Sandas and perform her errand after we are done here."
"What is this errand that you have to do? Maybe we can help, Kad," says Sian "After all what are friends for"
"I have to retrieve an artifact for Verona. No more details were forthcoming. If Verona cannot send her own followers after it, then it must be well guarded. I do not wish to speak of it now. We can discuss it after the temple has been defeated."
Hlarn smiles. "Recovering an artifact seems like a fun thing to do. I'm in."
Kadlian sighs.
"Gee I wonder if it is going to involve us being on a ship. Being as that is what Zanax predicts will be happening," says Sian.
"Or going into Drow territory...or going into the Abyss...those were the other ones," Zanax adds.
"Either we have a lot to acomplish or your visions are an either or type of thing. Then again it could be we are going to do them all..." says Sian.
"I think we have a lot to accomplish. As many of the other visions I have had have already occurred. Of course, I don't know when we'll accomplish these things or if we'll have the chance to do so."
"Agreed. Do we head back down in the morning so Rage can get her spells back or do we go down now?" asks Sian "I don't like the idea of us missing other people down there. Or letting the temple replace the guards."
After just completing an identify spell, Agulhas is feeling pretty pooped out.
"Oh, and Hlarn, the dead can lie if their God helps them."
Hlarn nods. "In that case it seems I had best not question any one soul for too long, lest it gains Her attention."
Furgh chuckles. "Of course, you also have ta factor in the fact the one that gave ya this bit a info, is the one that's havin' the fingers pointed at her."
He grins. "Just a thought."
Kadlian nods. "True, but we asked her if the dead could lie first. And then we told her why we asked the question."
"What did you think you came in on? Or did you think that we were so bored waiting for you guys that we would start playing with things?" says Sian with a smirk.
As Jerrold appears Rage looks at him, a look that would boil water.
"YOU sit there and wait your turn," she commands.
"Yes ma'am," Jerrold says.
"Hoo hoo." Furgh says, gleefully. "She's back... and in fine form indeed."
Kadlian eyes Jerrold with some confusion. "Jerrold? Why are you here? Does Occa require our help for the dragon fight that Zanax saw?"
"Hi, can I talk yet ?" he says, looking warily at Rage.
Kadlian chuckles. "You have my permission to do so, Jerrold. Of course, although I am in command, we all tend to duck with Rage lives up to her name. You get used to it after a while."
Rage begins a low, manical laugh....
Rage waves her hand, "Much better. You all should take lessons from him. Yes you may speak. Who are you and why are you here?" she asks the newcomer.
"Rage, calm down. This is Jerrold, a druid from Occa's party. You spent some time there, do you not remember him?"
"I am calm " the mage retorts. Looking at the newcomer, "So he is... so he is." she says, muttering to herself. "You can still take lessons from his polite behavior."
"So can you," says Equinox to Rage. Then, turning to Jerrold, he says: "Hello, Jerrold. My name is Equinox and I am a Druid of Thor. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Well met, Equinox, appropriate name," he says with a smile as he shakes the hand of the other druid. "I was unaware that Thor had druids as clergy. One of Occa's group, Orlon, is a priest of Thor and I was informed that he is the God of Thunder in these parts. I did not know that the God of Thunder had a care for the Balance or for Nature. Not an accusation, just curiosity," Jerry asks of the druid.
"We could take lessons, but why would we want to?"
"Yeah, Rage but then you wouldn't have anything to complain about," mutters Sian from his corner.
"I am not complaining yet," Rage says, smiling. "Just commanding," she adds.
Turning to Jerrold, Sian says, "Hello friend druid I am Sian I don't think I have met you yet. Although with Occa's group who can tell with all the people in your group."
Sasha smirks at Rage and then turns to smile at the newcomer curiously.
"Hello. I don't believe we have met. I am Sasha, cleric of Isis," She says softly, nodding in greeting to the Druid.
She turns to the Furgh and the others, pulling the black boots Sian gave her in the dungeon from her pack. "I can't remember if these radiated magic or not, but would like to find out if you have still the time and spells to find out what they might do, I would appreciate it. I am looking forward to trying on these lovely boots .... but of course fear they may be cursed." She smiles, handling the lovely black leather thigh high spiked boots.
She returns her attentions to the newcomer, waiting to discover more ...
Jerrold quickly darts his eyes from Rage to the intriguing priestess of Isis.
"Jerrold, at your service m'lady," he says with a bright smile.
Shoulder length blonde hair is messed, but tied back by a large silver clasp. Bright blue eyes gaze at Rage. His six foot frame is built and not like the usual druid, more like a fighter. Garbed in a tight white shirt and black jean shorts, he carries a long walking stick and a leather pack is worn on his back. He wears black leather sandals and has a gold ring on each hand. A thin black belt is looped around his waist and on the silver buckle is a small engraving of a fire. A wand case is strapped to his left leg and seems to be in use at the present moment.
"Well met, Sian. Actually I took leave in order to explore more of the beautiful sights of Earth," he replies as upbeat as possible to the ranger.
"Since the others know you, I will refrain from asking all the usual questions, except one. Will you now rejoin your party, or did you want to see what pleasures you could find here?" Sasha asks, looking directly at Jerrold, her eyes twinkling.
"I think I might join you, if you would take me," he says to the party but looks straight into Sasha's eyes. "I am at your disposal." Jerrold says. "Um, where are we exactly ?"
Sasha blushes, averting her eyes for a moment, then chuckles softly. "Indeed? At our disposal? Be careful what you ask for. As for joining us, that will be up to Kadlian and Hlarn ... and even Rage."
Jerrold just smiles at Sasha, enjoying her tempting comments.
"As to where we are ... uh ... well, I'm not very good with directions and places. I'm orginally from Uckfield, we are in the Borderlands somewhere... "
"Thanks, I think," he says with another smile. "It would be my pleasure to join your group. And maybe Isis brought me here for a reason." he says with a smile to Sasha.
Sasha smiles, blushing again. "Well .. er ... I don't think Isis brought you here ... I was speaking in jest only." Sasha stammers.
"You never know, heh, heh - at least I hope so, She is probably better looking than Occa," Jerry smiles.
Coming out of his corner, Sian says, "I must really be bored don't usally talk this much. Maybe I need to go see the ladies again," Sian mumbles to himself
"We are about a half day march to Borderland Keep where the castellan there is working for the Raven Goddess. We don't like to say her name as in it brings her attention and that has never helped us. Right now we are in the Black Keep. Not sure how far down but if you would like that pool over there," nodding towards the pool "is magical and if you drink from it you gain some intelligence. Be warned though that if you cast any mage spells you seem to forget how to cast them but it frees up your brain for other spells or some such thing as that. Not my cup of tea. You might want to ask Kelar," nodding to the quite gnome "he had it happen to him."
"Is it safe?" Jerrold asks. "If so, I would love to take a draught." He says, waiting for an answer about the pool.
"There is a risk that something might go wrong, but if greater intelligence is worth the risk, go for it."
"Couldn't hurt," Jerry says as he approaches the pool. He kneels and takes a sip.
Jerrold drinks, and feels more intelligent.
Hlarn nods. "The main risk I believe was a shock to your system. And if you are magician you would need to review your spells to relearn them, with of course a greater chance of understanding them all."
"Kad if we are going to stay here another day I think I need to get out and get back to normal. All this talking is making me feel weird. I think I will go check on the mercs and go see the girls again. Something has to be going on. I can't believe that the temple is just going to let us walk in and try and destroy them with out some kind of deffense," says Sian.
"I had wanted to head down shortly, but if Hlarn is going to question Jerrold, maybe we should just wait until tomorrow morning. So, go ahead and visit the ladies. Give them my best wishes."
"We would need to wait in any case. Its unwise to rush down unprepared."
Hlarn turns to Jerrold. "Each morning before we go down into the dungeons myself and the other clerics cast endure heat and endure cold spells on all the members of the party. It is a long lasting spell, and thus we are all protected for some hours against a singleexposure of heat or cold. Quite useful should we need to lay a point blank fireball for instance."
The dwarf of the party nods at this comment. "Aye, a good question Sasha. I know Occa and his group were saving the world last we heard, so their need is probably great. But another druid in the party would also be of assistance to us if you wished to help clense this area of the influence of the Raven Goddess."
"Who is the Raven Goddess?" Jerrold asks.
Hlarn shakes his head. "I don't want to speak her name. Not so close to her source of power." Rather the dwarvish cleric uses his finger to trace the letters of the name. T - Y - A - A in the air.
"She has other allies too." Hlarn writes down other dieties names 'The gods of trouble' and 'Set'.
"This is not good, I have had opportunity to fight the minions of the Serpent God on my world. They love poison, not my sort of thing.
"Anyway, we are in Black Keep, about two days ride north of Sandas. The Temple several levels below us."
Hlarn gives the druid a refresher. "We know that there is at least one more vampire down below, a sorceror, and plenty of demons. A type V demon in particular, and a succubus too. We've just eliminated a Death Knight and several golems and elementals, but because we have no blunt weapons we simply walled into stone a Clay Golem. The priestess of the Raven Goddess is a High Priestess able to cast the most powerful clerical magics. Her, several of her underlings and some warriors and giants also remain to be slain. Also we know that there is an antimagical field protecting their main temple, and once the altar is desecrated a horde of demons will be released to avenge that affront to their diety."
"So, anything in particular you think you could help with?"
"Sounds like its going to be alot of fun. Heh," he says with a chuckle. "I was a fighter by trade, so am skilled with my staff, but have since become an initiate of Nature and am considered a Druid of high standing," Jerrold explains, "and please, call me Jerry!"
"Jerry, then. A third druid." Kadlian chuckles and shakes his head. "I would never have thought to see three druids in an adventuring party. Almost as unusual as a score of dragons together."
"I'd rather see the dragons," Furgh says, whistfully.
"Could be a sign from our gods that the forest is in danger. I will be out with the pack tonight."
Rage cannot help but laugh at the comments of the newcomer. "Skilled with your staff, indeed." she says, trying to control her laughter.
"Hmmm... Someone up there does not want you to have any fun, it seems. So, now that you are here, what do you wish to do? We can show you the way out of here. You are north of Sandas by about two days, but we can get you on the road, if that is your wish. Or, we can offer a spot on the roster."
"I accept, after the destruction of the score or so of dragons at Dragon Mountain and the escape of Razzamatazz, I left the group to explore this new world I was brought to," Jerrold replies.
"Ah, so Occa's group was successful. That is wonderful news. I wish I had seen the sight though. A score of dragons."
"It was bitchin', dude. Fire, lightning, cones of cold, exploding, what did he call them.. grenades... unbelievable, all the colors and the sight. Wow..." Jerry says, almost trance like.
Furgh nods vigorously, a faraway look in his eyes. "A whole score?! Wow! They didn't kill 'em all, did they?" he asks, hopefuly.
"Killed every last one," Jerry replies.
"Oh," the elf replies sadly.
"However, because we are incredibly paranoid about our foes sneaking a spy into our group, I would ask that you be patient while Hlarn asks you a few questions."
"Ask away!" Jerrold says.
"Hlarn, Zanax, your turn."
"I have no questions," Zanax replies. "Just stand there while I scan you."
Hlarn nods. "I'll have to prepare first, so it will be later tonight before I can do so. Let me tell you what is involved though. We know that the Black Keep is not above slandering our names and attempting to frame us. Indeed, they have compromised the nearby Borderland Keep already, and we are considered criminals. Also in the past they have had spies tail our movements, and even reported to the Baron of Sandas our supposed illegal acts. Thus we've gone to great lengths to insure that they do not attempt other means of subterfuge such as planting a spy in our midst."
"What I will require you to do is first remove your rings and magic, dressing only in a robe we will provide. This is to insure first that you are not holding some device that alters your identity and aura, and second that any magics you possess are not ruined when I attempt to dispel them."
"On one condition, Sasha helps me out," Jerry says with a bright grin.
Sasha smiles demurely, "But of course."
Rage rolls her eyes...
"That is the next step. I will cast several blessing and prayers so that my magic works at its greatest efficiency, and will then attempt to dispel any magics you might currently have on you. This is so that any spells a spy might have placed are removed. Hopefully that is."
"Finally I will cast a spell that detects lies, and will ask you three questions. The first is do you serve an evil power that intends our group harm. The second is do you yourself intend to harm or deceive us. Finally the third question is are you willing to give your all, even to the death, in order to help us fight the Temple of the Raven Goddess and her minnions."
"The first two questions are mandatory. The third one is so that the rest of us can know if we can rely on you in a life or death situation, should this arise. Should you answer no, that doesn't disqualify you. It simply lets us know where you stand on such matters."
"No, no, and death, mmm, would prefer not, but would not ally myself with evil to save my life over yours," he replies, even though he needs not to. "You all can rely on me to make sure that I will do all that I can to make sure that we all live through what we are doing."
Hlarn smiles. "A very intrusive proceedure I'm afraid. I would understand if you wish to not undertake it, but if you do so then we can't let you go down into the depths with us where all of our lives hang in each others hands."
"Go for it, I have nothing to hide."
"Should you agree, and pass the questions, then we guarantee that we as a group will do all in our power to restore you to full health should you come to harm, even raising or wishing you back from the dead if need be, if you don't object to such proceedures. Also should you be taken, we do not leave people behind. Once you are a part of this group, feel free to ask anything of us. We do have a party fund that is an equal share taken of any treasures we find, and you have an equal claim to any magics we find. However items of great power we reserve the right to claim for the group, and those can't be taken with you should we find them. We once found a rod of ressurrection for instance, and although I was the one using it, should I have left the group I would not have taken it with me, for it was an item of such power that we decided the group owned it, not any one individual."
"Sweet!"
"And thus our group remains strong enought to fight the evils we face, and the loss of one member does not necessarily mean the death of the group. We are dedicated to fighting evil, and as a group we are stronger than as individuals, and thus the group takes priority."
The dwarf takes a deep breath. "So, any questions? Thats pretty much our whole admission policy, mission and charter all wrapped up in a nice package."
"I'm in!" he says without a hesitation.
"Hlarn pulls out his notes. As for the magic, here is what we learned:"
Barracks (Trogs/Skeletons)
- 2 potions 1) he chokes on this one, unable to breathe air
2) this one is an oil, a very slippery oil
- scroll: Taris looks at this: purify food and drink.
"If no one has an interest in carrying these items around, I will gladly do so," Sasha offers.
She takes it.
Torture Chamber
- broad sword [Gnarsh] (not tested since Gnarsh doesn't want it tested)- ring (the electrical one) - Agulhas is unable to determine any properties of it, but we've determined it shocks the person its used against.
Hlarn wants to claim this item.
Rage speaks, "I think that Argulhas might have use of this, Hlarn in case something happens to him again," she says.
Furgh pipes in. "Well, if the fight down below was any indication, probably not a good idea ta use the thing, if yer packin' around lots a metal." He grins. "End up zappin' yerself half the time, I'm sure."
Agulhas perks up. "Sure, I would like to have this protecting me, but I'm afraid its powers will go unused for most of the time. I mean, how often do I get into hand-to-hand combat? If I am so involved, it is usually dire straits, and would expect to die anyway. No, I think the ring would be best utilized by a fighter type who could truly benefit from its protection."
Zanax smiles and claps Agulhas on the back. "Spoken like a true team player."
Zanax removes the shocking ring and puts his invisibility back on.
Agulhas glances at Furgh. "Though our dear friend Furgh, here, has a good point about use of the ring around metal."
"Argulhas," Rage says, "I think you will get more use out of the ring than Hlarn will. This ring might be the difference between life and death, and I do not want you to die needlessly. Hlarn is armoured to the hilt and has the constitution of an ox, I bet. You and I need all the protection and assistance we can."
Kal fingers a hole in what's left of his plain old normal leather armor...
"How 'bout Kal?" Furgh says, pointing to the druid in question. "That spear a his got a wood handle, and some distance."
"'Sides," He adds. "Druids is s'posed ta be good with all that electrical whatchamahoozits, neh?"
"That is an excellent idea, Furgh. Kal, would you want the ring?"
Kal nods yes.
- potion - Agulhas shrinks a bit when he samples it.- gloves - Protect the wearer.
"What sort of protection? Any ideas?" Rage asks.
"Try 'em on." Furgh offers.
- the slutty boots [Sasha] - Sasha took these to Sandas...
"That's where those went," the elf replies, chuckling. "We were gonna, but they'd gone awol. Too late for Aggy ta work on, I'd imagine."
He ponders the boots then grins. "Want for me ta try 'em on? What's one more curse on my head..." He winks. "But I claim no responsibility if they end up lookin' better on me, then they might on you. We elves have spectacular legs, donchaknow."
Sasha chuckles and shakes her head. "I don't think so honey." She draws up the hem of her robes and shows off her very shapely legs ...
Jerry just says, "Whoa," and smiles at the show.
"Men," Rage says.
"I'll go ahead and try them if another of you cleric types has a 'remove curse' spell handy. I have it memorized...but I doubt that I will be able to use it on myself." Sasha eyes hte boots, clearly eager to try them on.
Furgh's face goes from a cheerfull grin, to near panic as Sasha starts to hike up her skirt.
"Uh... I mean...." He flushes bright red. "Never mind," he adds hastily, as he makes himself scarce.
Sasha laughs, dropping the hem of her robe. "Does the female body scare you Furgh? I'll have to remember that when you take to prattling on about things ... " She laughs again, her eyes twinkling in mischief.
Furgh doesn't respond, merely blushes more, and tries to find an even scarcer spot to become part of, doing his best to pretend he's doing other things.
Rage laughs at Furgh. "Indeed. We must talk, oh elf who is usually never at a loss for words."
Hlarn laughs. "A nice pair of legs you have there Sasha, but you humans just don't let the hair grow. A true dwarvish lass would have a long full beard, and not shave off the hair everywhere else."
Zanax, shamelessly watching Sasha's legs, comments without lifting his eyes, "I think they're fine just the way they are!"
"Need help?" Jerrold asks the priestess.
Sasha smiles. "Sure you won't be running off like our dear Furgh? I think I'll wait though until Hlarn has finished with you before placing myself in your hands."
Sasha eyes the boots reluctantly and sighs.
Rage looks at Sasha. "Just try the damned boots on. You do not need an undersexed, over eager druid to help you. You'd think that he was a teenager by his prattle and bragging," the mage says.
"Rage, I see your name is quite appropriate. Heh," Jerry says with a chuckle.
Sasha grins at Rage. "It was not that I require assistance in putting them on - but assistance if in fact they are cursed in some way. If you have a spell handy, than by all means, I shall try them on now my dear Rage?" Sasha says sweetly.
Rage looks at Sasha and laughs hard. "Indeed," she says, smiling. "Third law of magic items, all patent leather boots are usually not cursed," she quotes from memory.
Sasha laughs again. "I quote from the greatest of all Sages - Murphy - Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong ... or something like that," she says, lifting the boots once more.
"Very well than, we shall see who is right," Sasha removes her more servicable boots and slips on the thigh high, black patent leather, high heeled boots ...
They are a perfect fit.
- whip - Improves the wielder's chances of striking an opponent.
"I am skilled in the use of the whip and would claim this unless someone can weild it better than I," Sasha says, glancing at Rage with a smile.
Rage looks to Sasha. "Flip a coin, heads you get it, tails, I'll take it. I know someone who this could be used on to good effect," Rage says smiling at Kadlian and Sasha, "Remeber what I said before."
- 12 vials: Upon tasting the contents of the first vial, Agulhas falls asleep. He wakes up after a few minutes.- merry widow:
"Would it help if I were to try it on? It looks quite lovely ... "
Xorn Cell
- horn - This is actually a conch horn. Blowing it produces a deepsounding toot, but no other obvious effect.
Hlarn suggests sounding it near water.
- vial - Again, Agulhas chokes for a bit, unable to breathe air.
"The vials are either potions of water breathing, or perhaps poisons used to aid in the torture. Hard to say with what we know."
So, Sasha has the boots on, and is eyeing the merry widow. She has also taken the scroll with purify spell on it. Kal has the magical ring of shooting stars. For the whip, a coin is flipped, and Rage wins it.
Hlarn prays for his spells and then examines Jerrold. The druid passes.