Rage takes the book from the table and looks at it. It is a diary...apparently Tibia's. She reads through it. Most of the entries are mundane, detailing her day-to-day activities over the years...as well as some of the rather sordid personal details of her life that even make the mage blush slightly...but other entries are revealing. She reads these out to you:
May 12, 1353. By Tyaa's will I am here in this old temple to restore it to its former glory. I have with me only two acolytes. The place is a wreck. The party of adventurers who destroyed it several years ago were thorough, and we have our work cut out for us.September 20, 1355. Progress has been slow but steady. We are hampered by the need for secrecy. We dare not gain supplies from Borderland Keep...even though it is only a few miles distant, but instead must work through Sandas or Strabath. One interesting note, though...I have received a letter from my friend Swaggart at the Temple of the Gods of Trouble in Sandas. He informs me that a new member of his congregation is a young merchant named Petras. This Petras happens to be none other than the younger brother of Teresa, the Castellan of Borderland Keep.
September 29, 1355. I have been thinking of seeing if Petras could be subverted to our side. He may have influence with his sister that could make matters easier for us. I will write Swaggart to see if he can sound him out.
October 14, 1355. Swaggart has replied favourably concerning Petras. The young man is ambitious and is not concerned about playing by the rules to achieve his aims. He has no love for his sister, and feels that he should have become castellan because he is the oldest male heir. Plus, his business (some small trading firm located near the docks in Sandas) is doing poorly. He married above his station, and his wife is pressuring him to improve their lot. With her and a young son to worry about, perhaps Petras can be recruited to our side.
January 5, 1356. I have hired a small band of orcs to act as defenders of the Temple. Too many times we have been confronted by creatures coming in from the ruin, or up from the underdark. We have been lucky so far...my priestesses, acolytes and I have been able to drive them off, but these fellows will provide us with extra strength.
February 28, 1356. I have just returned from a meeting with Petras and Swaggart in Sandas. He has agreed to join us. In return for removing Teresa as Castellan and installing him in her place, he will pledge fealty to our cause. I am very pleased.
April 22, 1356. Today we acted. My orcs attacked and overpowered Teresa and her husband William while they were out hunting in the woods below the Black Keep. The orcs left enough signs to mislead any searchers into thinking that they were killed and carried off into the wilderness. In reality they are in my prison. William will be sacrificed to Tyaa tonight. Teresa will be sent to Sandas to Swaggart. There, she will be drugged and put to work in a cat house that he maintains there.
April 29, 1356. Men from Borderland Keep have been scouring the woods for their Castellan and her husband. My spies tell me that they have given up hope and now assume them both to be dead.
May 6, 1356. Word from Swaggart today. The Baron has named Petras as the new Castellan. He will be moving up here by month end. Also, he says that Teresa will be one of his best girls...once she is properly broken in.
June 1, 1356. Petras today assumed the title of Castellan. We have already been in contact with him, and he promises us his full cooperation.
August 13, 1360. A letter from Swaggart today. Teresa, the former Castellan of Borderland Keep, died last night when an unhappy customer beat her to death. She had been getting increasingly unwilling to serve her customers as her opium addiction grew...so this was expected. She leaves a young son, apparently...who would now be the heir to the castellanship if we had not stepped in...
December 24, 1368. Tyaa has spoken to me in a dream. She tells me that a grand plot is being hatched which will see Nlad destroyed by powers from the south in concert with Tyaa. Chaos will engulf the land and the black birds shall feast on the carcass of the kingdom. For this to happen, though, my temple must be sacrificed. We shall serve as a decoy...distracting the lords of northern Nlad and preventing them from sending troops south in their time of need... For this to be successful we must ultimately allow the temple to be entered and destroyed. We must resist the invaders but not allow them victory until the very end. Nor must we destroy them...for that might bring too much force down upon us too quickly and in doing so reveal the ultimate plan. I am extremely upset over this turn of events. I have laboured long and hard during the past fifteen years to rebuild this Temple to its former glory. Now, I must destroy it. Still, I dare not question Tyaa's will. She has always been right. I must serve.
July 2, 1369. My creatures have successfully infiltrated the Caves of Chaos near the road and the lands surrounding Borderland Keep. The mercenary monsters that we have recruited out of the North are poised to begin raids on the farmlands and on any travellers who might be caught passing through. This is the beginning of Tyaa's plan. Petras and Vogarth will be upset at seeing us turn on their own people after all these years, but they are craven and easily cowed. They will not interfere.
Furgh almost smiles after hearing the diary's entries.
"Well, at least things make a little more sense now. Told ya they were lettin' us roll over 'em."
"Say, wonder if what's her face... newt girl. Wonder if she's still lurkin'? Lots of magics could have whisked her away at the end there. Anyone try lookin' for her? With the ball, I mean."
Kailar scans for her with the crystal ball.
He sees nothing.
"Whoa, nasty stuff, man," Jerry says, "Might we get in contact with Occa's group? I believe that their romp through Dragon Mountain might be connected to our problems here. Well guess we are on the way to the Keep. Cool, never been there before," he says, "of course once we are done here."
Zanax is astounded. "This was written over three years ago! I wonder how far the troops from the south have invaded into Nlad? And all this just a decoy! Verona must be warned!"
Sasha peers over Rage's shoulder as the mage reads the diary.
"Aha!" Sasha says triumphantly, pointing to the entry mentioning the Temple of the Gods of Trouble, . "When I was with the others, we tangled with the Temple of the Gods of Trouble ... it is interesting to me that they have been involved in all this for so long ...and it is not .. well, ruined I hope."
"Their underground temple in Sandas is crushed...Staff of the Magi explosion collapsed much of the area," Zanax comments.
Sasha sighs impatiently, "Yes? And? You think that is an end to them? I do not believe so, especially now based on tihs little book here. There is ever so much more going on than we have any idea of ... I wouldn't take anything for granted at this point."
Sasha adds with a puzzled frown. "Who is Castellan now?"
Sasha looks up, stunned by what she is reading . "Such long range evil...and we may have worked to help it along ..." she mutters, going back to the pages and reading quickly.
Sasha looks up a third time, pale now. "We must do something .. no wonder she laughed.. no wonder it was almost too easy...Damn .. DAMN ... DAMN... " she curses.
"We have to get this to Ray Jay right away ... and Verona ..." She looks to Rage, "Can you teleport us or this book or whatever to them ... I think it is much more important than anything we could possibly do here."
Rage looks aghast, "By my fingers, by my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." She looks around, "Argulhas, work the crystal ball, see if you can find Occa and his group. Kadlian, Sasha, you're with me. If this is true, we need to fight this now." She grabs her spell book, "I've got two teleports, and we can be there and back again by later this afternoon. Let's go," She says to the ranger and cleric, making sure she has the black book and getting ready to cast teleport.
"Whoa! Hold up a moment Rage... are we going to Verona's or Ray Jay's?" Sasha asks.
Hlarn looks at Rage. "We will all go to Ray Jay's... but AFTER the altar is destroyed. This is old news, and can wait another few minutes."
"No. The news first...we must get the news out...just in case..." Zanax says with a hint of foreboding in his voice.
"Rage, this information needs to be put in Ray Jay's hands quickly. We take out the altar and then you teleport to Sandas and give her the book. Tell her we will be along in a few days after we have cleaned this place out entirely."
"With this proof, she can take care of the Castellan and his son. I had no idea that he was involved, but it does not matter now. We took too long to get this mission done, to discover this information."
"Now, let us take out that altar and whatever demons it holds."
Sasha shakes her head. "I think dealing with the demon is senseless now...or at least for the moment. I think Verona needs this information NOW. I am suddenly feeling a bit suspicious of Ray Jay .. though that may be unfair to him .. err .. her ... but it was Ray Jay that insisted so strongly to do the temple here from all you have told me ... I do not know much about her, but trust Verona more at the moment. If I am mistaken, and you know more about Ray Jay's motivations - please speak now and quickly," Sasha says.
Hlarn raises his hands. "Calm down folks. Don't underestimate Ray Jay. Remember that he sent us to take care of the temple. In this way was the high priestess' plan foiled. No army was sent to destroy the temple. Rather a group of nobody's, that is, us. Ray Jay has mentioned the trouble in the south before, and knows about it. Nothing need be done right away. Let us take care of this last bit of the temple's power before we leave. Running off without it finished is a mistake we'll all dread."
"Uh... not exactly," Furgh says. "From what I heard, they were not sendin' troops down to fortify the forces fightin' that war down south, 'cause of the threat of the temple here."
He shrugs. "The distraction was not meant to occupy the folks who came in here and mopped up. The distraction was to occupy folks in the areas nearby, who didn't want to leave themselves unprotected while the temple was doin' business."
"In that, at least, yer Bird Goddess seems to have been more then successful."
Sasha nods. "Yes, I had no intention of not finishing off the temple - but I was very concerned about the book not getting out as it details from the source as it were what the plot is. Something Ray Jay and the others may have guessed at, but is now proven." Sasha says softly.
"And I resent being called a group of nobodies ... though pawns we are indeed." Sasha sighs.
Hlarn laughs. "Trust me... we were indeed a group of nonimportance. Our first mission we were decimated by kobolds."
Rage looks at Kadlian, "We get the information to Verona, first, and then return to takeout the altar. It will be here when we get back, and perhaps we can get help from Verona to finish this off quickly, as I sense that we have some major planning sessions to help with. Clearing out this temple was a small piece of the puzzle, and we need to get a view of the whole picture quickly."
Hlarn again shakes his head. "Humans... always wanting to run off for the greater glory. Rage, this will take only a minute or two, and then we can go. Believe me, I know Ray Jay, and he will have scandelous things to say if we report that everything but the altar was finished."
Sasha shakes her head. "It is because we are not as sturdy and long lived as you dwarves." She smiles.
"And it seems anything we do rarely takes just a few minutes...that much I have finally learned. Be prepared for the worst ... this could get very ugly in a matter of moments. Don't underestimate anything."
He pauses. "As I said, I believe he knows all this anyway. Its old news."
"I would much rather work on the assumption that he or she may not know fully what is in the book and get it safely into their hands. An assumption thta they know for sure could be very, very costly in the end."
"Now or three hours from now will not matter. But, taking out that altar severs the ties for the goddess. Then, it will be a little more difficult for her to know what is going on here."
Rage shakes her head. "Kadlian, I disagree with you, often in battles minutes count. A lesson you should learn from the last battle. I will take the book now to Sandas, and be back quickly. In the meantime, have the rest of you prepare, getting all protections cast and the like. When I return, I will cast Haste and invisibility on those fighters who need/want it, and then can blast the Altar with a lightning bolt or have an unseen servant pour holy water onto the altar from a distance. Questions?" the mage says intently, as she rapidly changes her plans a bit.
Zanax shakes his head. "As I said before, Invisibility is useless against demons, as well as most undead. The best spells for this case are clerical...Bless, Aid, Prayer, Protection From Evil...actually, the first three can be used in concert by one or more clerics. With those spells, we should be able to dispatch the demon fairly easily."
Zanax adds, "Let me check my book a bit and I'll tell you about what offensive mage type spells would be effective."
Hlarn adds, "Check and see if any truenames are listed for what demons might be protecting the altar. If I know those, I can banish them very certainly."
"Rage, thy lightning bolts wilst have only partial effect, even if thoust art successful in penetrating the demon's magic resistance. Similarly, thy fire and cold spells wilst be partially ineffective against the beast. Truly, only Magic Missiles can harm the foul denizen of the Abyss fully."
Turning to the party's warriors "Keep thy magic weapons close at hand, for thou shall not be able to hit the more powerful demons should thy use weapons not enchanted. Holy water is effective, as is poison. But foul on thee who would use such means to destroy our enemy."
"Dost everyone understand me? If thou dost not, I can repeat myself more plainly if needst be."
"Paladin says wrong to use wholy water?" wonders Kal.
"Methinks that yonder young Paladin doth dislike the use of poisons as a weapon to kill the foul beast," replies Rage.
Zanax frowns and shakes his head negatively at Kal's words, then smiles and nods at Rage's words. He comments "Rage, thou art most astute! Tis poison which is foul most foul! Or tis that murder? Forsooth! I hast forgotten again!"
Enter Hlarn, stage right. "Tis murder by poison." Exeunt.
Kal asks the paladin, "If poison bad, what of the ball of fire when the druid slept - good or bad?"
Kadlian looks confused. "I threw the fireball against the druid when he attacked us with the elemental. He certainly was not asleep."
"I didn't know he attacked the party."
"Unfortunately, he did, Kal. You know my position on the druid. I never wished to fight him, but he forced my hand."
"He chose the wrong path to follow."
Kadlian visibly relaxes. "I am glad you understand, my friend. He may have escaped, it was hard to identify anything after the fireball."
Kal, to Kadlian in elvish, "Tomorrow, after we have dealt with the dark altar, I will look to Skerrit to see if he is still alive. If he is, we will have to confront him before the party moves on. Tho I agree with him that the humans here are a danger to the forest, I see him a greater danger because of his ties to the dark side."
"If that is what you want, then that is what we will do."
"I do not agree with my friend Druid," says Equinox, "I do not think that it matters to the natural surroundings whether that Druid is alive or dead. I suggest we leave the area without looking for trouble from the Druid tied to the dark side."
"Let's wait until I've found out if he's still alive before carrying this on, we've other matters to worry about first."
"And we go to Ray Jay. She can get Yuri and the Baron to act. She has a lot more pull in the area than Verona. Plus, Ray Jay has the ear of Lord Valdar and my King."
"When we teleport, we try Ray Jay first. Should she not be at home, then we go to Verona."
"Why don't I take the book to Sandas? I will not be much help against a demon and I don't think my cat will mind another meal at the Drunken Dwarf," says Kailar.
Sasha nods, grinning. "You will have to tell me about your cat one day dear Kailar ... cats and dragons ... you do surround yourself with very, very interesting friends."
"Excellent idea, Kailar. If Ming says that Ray Jay is not available, go to Verona and give her the book. The Baron will listen to her and take care of matters at the Borderland Keep. Ask her to notify Ray Jay of the developments if this information is unknown to them."
"And at some point, you will have to explain to us how Findas came back to us, but that can wait."
"Can you teleport there yourself, or do you need me to cast it on you?" says Rage.
"Well hopefully, my feline friend will be more than willing to help considering there will be a delicious reward at the end of the trip."
"Jeeze, how come no one ever offers me fish ta cast spells for 'em?" Furgh muses.
"You're not a cute as a cat, Furgh. However, I can turn you into one, if that would make you happy," replies Rage, looking at the elf, "Perhaps one with fleas."
"Finally admitin' ya can't do newts?" The elf counters, with a grin.
Rage smiles, "One more time Furgh... one more time and ... poof!" the mage says pointing her finger at the elf.
Furgh looks puzzled. "Poof?" He scratches his head slightly. "Yer gonna hit me with a pillow?"
"Oh, no wait, that's paff!"
"Kailar, you will go to Sandas? Sir has no objections? If so, get going and come back when you can. Look for us in your crystal ball before coming back, just in case we are not here or in camp."
"Okay, folks, let us take out the altar."
Rage looks up, "Since Kailar will take the book to Sandas, let us get this show on the road. Kailar, try to watch us through the crystal ball, and remember the magic ring," she says, listening to Hlarn talk about preparing for this battle.
Suddenly Kailar vanishes.
"Hlarn, full protection spells, please."
The dwarf nods and has already prepared All the party will have Endure Heat cast upon them as is tradition before going into battle.
The dwarf nods. "Zanax... if I may borrow your frostbrand... my axe can not touch a demon now I'm afraid. You can have it back once we are finished, and you'll be better served by the avenger against its kind."
Zanax nods and hands over the Frost Brand. Zanax draws his own Holy Avenger.
Hlarn explains his plan. "I can cast dispel evil... a spell which will force the demon or demons to be banished and returned to the abyss. But I must touch them. Now as you know, demons can resist magic, so the more opportunities I have to touch the demon the better off we will be. I'll have about 10 minutes of time to do so once I finish the spell. Hopefully we can get the demon or demons within that time. Rage, can you cast a Haste spell on me when I nod your way?"
"I can affect up to 10 of us with the haste spell, if I choose. Besides you Hlarn, I would like to haste Zanax, Kadlian, Sian, Jerry, and Gnarsh," the Mage says, looking for permission from the others.
Hlarn looks at Gnarsh. "I think you should probably leave Gnarsh out of it. Us elves and dwarves can take a year's aging easily, but for Gnarsh thats a much more significant chunk of his life."
"I accept, but Zanax, Gnarsh and Jerry, you should consider carefully. A haste spell ages you a year."
"No thanks," says Gnarsh.
Hlarn looks at Zanax. "Oh yeah... almost forgot you were a human."
"Rage, you can do what you wish with me," Jerry says submissively with a smile on his face and then replies, "As a druid, I am slowly gaining the ability to slow my aging, so one or two years won't matter at this point."
"My sentiments exactly. I would rather not be hasted if there is only one or two demons to deal with."
Zanax will pray for Bless from Votishal that morning and will cast it as Rage bolts the altar.
Hlarn also pulls out the candle he was given by Sasha. "Sasha... if you will, light this candle once I nod your way."
"I will do so Hlarn," Sasha replies, taking the candle carefully.
Hlarn motions for the fighters without powerful magic swords to stay near to Zanax. The rest of them can spread out to better catch the demon.
Hlarn casts protection from evil 10' radius upon Rage. "Mages, please keep close to her, and the demon can't touch you."
"I can also cast Protection from evil 10' - who would benefit from that?" Sasha asks.
He casts protection from evil upon himself.
Sasha casts protection from evil upon herself as well.
He casts negative plane protection upon himself too.
He then casts his monster summoning spell from the Infinity book.
"Expect some monstrous help. They might not be needed, but you never know."
Hlarn nods toward Rage for the haste spell...
The dwarf casts an Aid spell, a prayer and a blessing upon himself and the group.
Nodding for Sasha, Hlarn begins casting the dispel evil spell once she lights the candle.
When the chanting ends, he nods for Rage to blast apart the altar as she suggested before, and Zanax to hit it with his holy sword. Other members of the party should toss holy water upon it simultaneously and Sasha should chant a blessing upon the altar.
Sasha stands ready to do so ... that is toss holy water and chant a blessing upon the altar.
Before she casts lightning bolt (from memory), she will create a globe of invulnerability from her staff. She will then blast the altar.
"Wait, just a minute.. as I bring a friend," Jerry says as he intones, "Oh great Silvanus, please allow your servant to summon a fire elemental to this place." as he approaches the roaring fireplace and casts his spell. He summons a fire elemental to battle the demon(s).
Out of the flames comes a seven foot tall being composed of writhing red flames. The form takes that similar to Rage in look and form. "Welcome, friend," Jerry says to the elemental. "Let's put the hurt on some bad boys," he says with a grin to the exotic fire elemental.
Zanax clears his throat "While a fire elemental can harm a demon, a demon is partially immune to damage from magical fire, as well as cold, and gas attacks. They are completely immune to lightning, non-magical fire, and poison. Acid, iron weapons and Magic Missiles all do full damage to them. Oh, it's always good to use magical weapons, as many of them are immune to damage from normal weapons."
"Therefore, may I suggest that the spellcasters stick to Magic Missiles and cold spells...although, let's make sure we don't have too much friendly fire injuries!"
Kadlian squints his eyes at Zanax. "Do you not mean friendly cold injuries?"
Zanax rolls his eyes back. "Oh, great! Now our fearless leader decides to get a sense of humor...and a terrible one at that!" Zanax adds laughing.
Kadlian shrugs his shoulders slightly. "Have to start somewhere."
Zanax will take a Protection From Negative Plane spell and suggest that Sasha cast Protection From Evil 10' on one of the fighters who will not be near him, as the fighters will surround the altar to await the demon's arrival.
Zanax also asks "Hlarn, do we have all our Endure Heat protection?"
Preparatory spells cast, you open the secret door into the temple.
It is as you left it yesterday.
You stand arrayed, ready to assault this last bastion of evil in this temple of evil. Jerrold's elemental burns off to one side. Suddenly a huge spider rushes up, and stops, staring adoringly at Hlarn with its beady eyes.
"Rage, let Hlarn, Zanax and I get into position and then hit the altar with a lightning bolt. The rest of you array yourselves around Gnarsh for the moment. Make sure that the spellcasters are closest to Gnarsh and the rest of you are outside of them in a protective ring."
Sasha nods and does as ordered.
Kadlian draws his swords and heads towards the altar along the left side of it. When Zanax and Hlarn are in place, he says, "Okay, Rage do it."
"Make sure you stand away from the altar while the bolt is being shot." the mage says as she casts her spell.
Once everyone is in position, Rage will let loose with a lightning bolt.
Kadlian gives the altar a ten foot berth.
Zanax does likewise.
Jerry and his voluptuous fire elemental hang back and await the destruction to begin.
Hlarn goes through the last of his spells that have only a short duration, and nods for Sasha to light the candle as he reads Dispel Evil from the scroll.
Once done, he nods to Rage and those holding holy water. "Hit and splash it"
Rage releases her lightning bolt. It strikes the altar squarely, cracking it in half.
Strange things then happen.
Suddenly, the air is filled with the sounds of the Looney Tunes closing theme. As it draws to a close, an enormous animated pig springs out of the remnants of the altar, and says -
"Th-Th-Th-That's all, folks!!"
The cartoon pig then vanishes, and silence returns to the temple.
Gnarsh speaks first.
"I think that guy was a relative o' mine."
Zanax frowns and utters in his best Sylvester the Cat voice, "That's despicable!" with saliva flying everywhere!
A loud peal of laughter erupts from Jerry, he bends over from laughing so hard. "I LOVED THAT !! We prepare, haaa, and all that happens is a song and dance routine from a talking pig. I love it!"
After quite a few minutes, Jerry regains what little composure he usually has and awaits the party to move out, talking quietly to the Rage look alike elemental.
Hlarn looks at the spider and waves for it go back whence it came.
Sasha groans, rolling her eyes. "See! I told you this was a waste of time ... we should make sure Kailar hasn't been waylaid ... is there a spell to check on him?" she asks, shaking her head in disgust.
"He teleported with his cat. I would not worry."
"Let us go find treasure and other things. Zanax, got a bead on any gold?"
Zanax shrugs and begins to detect precious metals while walking along the walls of the temple.
Sasha, obviously having a really bad hair day, rolls her eyes again and silently mimics Kadlian .... "Let's go find the treasure .. let's go find the treasure ... "
Rage looks at the cleric and smiles.
"Well done." she says. "very well done."
Sasha blushes, looking very, very embarassed. "No Rage .. not well done... "
Rage just laughs.
Sasha shakes her head muttering, "Treasure ... who the f*&^% cares ... we have just uncovered a horrible plot...sent Kailar into possible danger...been laughed at by the perpetrator of these horrific crimes .. and I'm supposed to get excited about treasure. Well count me out ... I'm going to Sandas," she storms.
"I want me treasure," says Gnarsh. "Beer money."
"Whoa, woman... Relax a second.. if Kailar and the cat left to warn about the situation in Sandas, what's the rush?? I mean I am new to the area and city politics never interested me anyway. So, help us out here and then we'll all go to the city. Who knows what evil might still lurk here?? This may not be the only altar.. and wouldn't you feel bad, a cleric of Isis, if you left some manner of magic or knowledge behind that your goddess might want you to find?" Jerry asks her in a serious tone.
Sasha rolls her eyes again. "In any event, we are no longer equipped to deal with anything. I have few spells of use left should we encounter anything more serioussx than a dungeon rat. It isn't that I don't want to find or deal with threats and or possible magic items here - it is that I want more information ... and definately more time to regain my spells ...and maybe ... for once .. plan something based on useful intelligence ...rather than guessing... "
"Planning. pffah, that's no fun. Oh well, whatever you guys decide. I am fairly game for anything," Jerry says and as he finishes his remark, he gives a long glance at Rage.
"Much as I like treasure, I must agree with Sasha. It seems that there are larger issues here, as exposed by that diary. If the information about the demon was wrong, a rumor that was started by Tibia, just like the information about Verona's part in the 'temple' it seems that more of the information may be suspect. Your charge, as I recall you telling me once was to get the temple out of the keep. We seem to have done that." Rage looks around, "If there is an arch-mage vampire in this ruin, I am not sure we are ready to handle it, and since we have used our dispell evil scroll, if we were to meet the demon now, it would be even worse off for us."
Hlarn comments. "Fields is a sorcerer... not an archmage. And as for treasure, please remember that it is gold that pays for our training. We are of little use to the world if we are not fully trained. I for one am going nowhere until we find whatever remains down here."
"And what do you suggest we do to defeat him? The power of a mage and that of a vampire? It seems that we need to stop, regroup and move forward in a logical manner," says Rage.
"The wand will hurt him badly... We can use it much more quickly than he can cast his spells. Silence too will keep him from using his spells."
"There are always counters to magic Hlarn Meg. Always. I may not know them all, but I know some of them. And if I was Fields, I would make damned sure that I knew them. Especially ones that counter simple magics like the wand of illumination. I would suggest we not rely too heavily on the wand or on silence spells. May I point out that in the last battle our foes tried to silence us, and it would have worked, and gotten us killed in the process except that I had a globe of invulnerablilty up. A common spell, and probably on many a scroll - protecting against 4th order magics and less," Rage says, in her lecture mode.
Hlarn looks at the adjoining rooms. "Kailar is taking care of delivering the messages. He's hardly in any danger from Ming or Verona. He'll return and let us know if either of them wish us to do anything else. And frankly he expects to meet us back here, not in Sandas. We explore the rest of the rooms here, and wait for Kailar."
"I am not so sure of that," replies Rage cryptically.
Sasha nods as Rage speaks. "Exactly...we have used up our best spells and are not in a position to attack and overcome much more than a dungeon rat at this point .... as well as the other pressing issues."
"While I feel we can take more than a dungeon rat, I agree here, we have burned a great deal of spells and need to be ever vigilant. It would not do to have one of us get killed accidently. If we wish to explore, let us confine it to the areas around here, I do not think we should go down further. Then, I think we should rest and begin the trek to Sandas. I am sure that Kailar will be enjoying himself, waiting for us to get there. "
"Then we spend a the rest of the day studying our magics and finish up here tonight."
She sighs, leaning on her staff. "I suggest we go back to Sandas for a visit, to talk with Verona, and perhaps meet this Ray Jay. While there I will make some inquiries in the mages guild about goings on in other areas of the world, and suggest you all do the same. If there is a big avalanche of evil moving this way, I would like to be there and not trapped in some dungeon looking for the last copper piece. I want to be where the action is, and where I might do some good for Steckdar, and be damed with the cursed scroll that brought me hither."
"Sides, I am sure that we can come gather treasure later, however, it might be best to leave it for the locals to come and gather, to help them rebuild the damage that has been done by the temples presence," Rage concludes, looking at Sian.
Hlarn begins to grown angry. "We will certainly NOT do that. For one thing, none of the locals will come here. Remember the diary. Apparently there are caves leading to the underdark, so soon enough wandering creatures will slowly creep back into this place. Quite dangerous for simple peasants. Secondly, WE earned that gold. We are the ones who risked our lives, and I for one will claim what is mine. If you wish to give your share to the locals that is your business."
"Always the dwarf, to the end Hlarn Meg," replies Rage, "If you wish to become a true leader, act like one. Remember those who's lives have been effected by the presence of this temple. We chose to fight this evil, and yes, we should earn something from that. However, we have other rewards as well. We did not 'earn' anything. We have been luckly, very luckly in many respects. And I do not want to press my luck any further today," replies Rage, "We have just recieved the final insult and I am annoyed. We have blown a great deal of magic, and need time to rest, recover our spells, and explore properly!"
"I don't object to taking the time to do it right. But I do object to abandoning the temple altogether without finishing what we've begun."
"We were advocating stopping, making sure the information we obtained had been properly disseminated, and then decide on the next move," replies Rage.
Zanax, still searching for precious metals, interjects, "Lady Sasha doth have a point, not to mention tis likely that the foul high priestess hath spent her coffers dry. However, Votishal doth like his loyal to loot any evil temple they raid. Forsooth, I believe that we should search only the rooms around the temple, as that is most likely where it would be. Let us not press our luck too greatly, as we should not tarry. We also must seal up this foul place so no evil denizen may re-enter or escape. Doth everyone agree?"
"I want me beer money," says Gnarsh. "'Sides. wi' that sword 'o yours ya should be able to check out the whole area real fast, like."
"And we have a complete map. What areas haven't we yet explored Kadlian?"
Hlarn nods. "We still need to kill Fields. Without the locals present, he'll need to draw blood from the keep to live. The last thing this town will need is vampire lord taking the temple's place."
"We do not know the strength of Fields, and we have spent our major offensive weapons for the demon. If we stumble on it now, we are in grave danger of ending up dead," says Rage. "While I agree it is important to deal with Fields, I think we need to stop, regroup and determine how best to use our assets. I think that we would be more than foolish to go trying to find a vampire spell caster. Not my cup of tea. We won the last battle because of luck and we had just the right mix of spells and scrolls. I used all my major scrolls in that fight."
"He's a sorcerer. What does that mean to you? What order magics can a sorcerer cast? As for resting a day or two, that is fine with me, just know that I'm staying here until all the temple is cleared. I don't leave things half finished. Evil has a tendency to grow quickly if even a bit is left."
"Fine, we stay here a day or so and finish what remains. However, I say we move back to camp for the day, rest and perhaps even identify some of the magic items we just got. It seems that some of them may prove quite useful in fighting and protecting some of us against this mage. Also, we need to consider how best to deal with the demon now that we have used the scroll."
Hlarn nods.
"Okay, I have listened to your opinions on what we should do and now I am going to tell you what we are going to do. We will return to camp. The mages will identify the magical items we have found."
Rage speaks in a stage whisper to Sasha, "He is coming along nicely. Still a bit wordy, but he will do."
"Tomorrow morning, we will come back down here and find Fields and deal with him. During that time, we will also look for whatever treasure can be found. Not only our coffers need to be filled. I still wish to get Findas started on his hoard again."
Rage smiles, "Thus speaks a leader. Agreed," she says, preparing to head back to camp. "Before we go, Shall I seal off this other entrance with a wall of stone?"
"You wish to seal the secret door? Why?"
"In case in the future someone comes here to try to restore the temple, this would make it a bit more difficult for them." replies Rage.
"In the long term, I agree, but let us leave that to when we are finished down here. Otherwise, the wall will prove to get in the way."
"We wilst need to seal up every entrance to this foul temple...and liberally sprinkle it with holy water. Doth any of you other spellcasters have such magics at your avail?"
"We doth not," replies Rage, "Methinks however, ifith those of the natural persuite can shape stone and help to further hidith the ingresses to yon foul temple," she says. "Alidanpays," she addes.
"I believe that I can stone shape a doorway closed."
Sasha nods vigourously, "I most heartily agree ... and let's be very, very cautious now .. this is not the time to drop our guard ... it would be all to easy to assume the worst is not lurking here after that last bit ... "
"Depends on the information at hand. I wonder where this demon is. If it is here at all. A creature like that would not be inclined to wait around, doing nothing, but is probably trapped somewhere, or there is a trigger around here for it. If we are to explore further, it would be best to have additional scrying magics handy. Unfortunately, I do not have wizard's eye memorized, nor other detection magics," says Rage, "Another reason we should pack up and plan further."
"Would someone like to tell me what he just said, in Common, please?" Jerry asks with a wide smile.
Sasha grins, "Don't worry about it, you'll catch on some day."
She turns to Kadlian, "I'm very, very sorry for my outburst ... that was uncalled for, rude and counter-productive .. I am very sorry." she says softly and earnestly.
"But very enjoyable," the mage says, still smiling. "You have Kadlian down very well."
Kadlian nods. "I forgive you."
"Zanax, did you get a read of the metals?"
Zanax grins, his sword nearly jumping out of his hands toward the secret door in the east wall "I doth think I hath! Votishal will be most pleased!"
Zanax sweeps the secret door room for evil immediately and also the temple, just to be sure.
"Makes sense. Open it and let us look."
Zanax frowns "Mayhaps someone should check for traps and such?"
Zanax directs his gaze toward Furgh.
Hlarn casts Detect Traps first to check the door.
"Oh, by the way, Hlarn, it looks like everything to the west of here until we get to the Death Knight's former lair is unexplored. I will hook the maps up as we explore and fill in those areas. There are other levels above that where we have missed places, but we can clean that up some other time."
The dwarf nods.
Zanax nods. "We shouldst seal up those egresses as well then."
The door appears to be untrapped, so you set to finding a way to open the door. Finally, Zanax pokes the bas relief of the bird in the eye, and suddenly the door slides aside, revealing a 20' X 30' room, loaded with heaps of treasure.
You take inventory: 40,000ep, 3200pp, 50 gems (700gp ea.), 10 gems (5gp ea.), 19 articles of jewelry (2000gp ea.), a ring, a wand, a girdle, plate mail (human sized), a two handed sword and a scimitar.
Thus loaded down with treasure, you return to your camp in the Black Keep Dungeon.
Rage goes into paranoia mode.
"One thing that bothers me is the presence of this secret chamber. Was it on the map that Zanax's butt provided?" Rage asks scratchig her head. "However, it seems we have our gold, Hlarn. A goodly haul even. Though I wonder just how much Tibia thinks she needed if she was acting as if she were destitute ... not that I'm complaining mind you .. just a point to ponder."
"It was on the map. And perhaps this amount is destitution for one such as her."
"What next, Kadlian? It will probably take us a day to relearn our spells and do a proper identification on these items. I am still concerned about the information. Did Kailar take the crystal ball? If not, let us scry for him and for that little book." Rage says, looking around the camp for the scrying device.
It is not there.
"A lot of the map from Zanax shows small ten by ten rooms. I am concerned that they might be cells. Before we leave here, we must check them and set anyone who is being held free. Plus, there is Fields to deal with. So, we will wait the day and check the items and be prepared to deal with whatever is left down here."
"Cool, if no one lays claim to the scimitar, I happen to be proficient in its use. I would love to have it," Jerry offers as he helps carry the treasure back to base camp. "And Rage, you think I could just see you in the ring and girdle, nothing else?" he asks with a smile.
Kal will try wielding the scimitar when given a chance.
He is shocked for 5 hit points when he touches it.
In common and pointing to himself, "Me tired of this hole, time for Skerrit."
To Kadlian, and whoever else understands elvish, "I need to get some fresh air, play with Fido and grok on Skerrit for a while. You don't need me around to check out the rest of this place. You, Sian, or Equinox should be able to find me when needed."
Kadlian nods. "Go, and give my respects to both Fido and Skerrit."
"I will tell the Forest Walker of your bravery in keeping the balance."
Kadlian bows to Kal. "Thank you."
Rage grins, raising her brow at Jerry's request. "Some new method of identification perhaps, or just your hormones getting your kilt in a wad?"
Rage turns away, tsking at Jerry, than turns back, her robe dropping from her shoulders suddenly. She reaches for the girdle and ring, totally unconcerned about her nakedness. "Let's see .... one leg then the other... " she mutters, lifting her shapely legs one at a time displaying more fully the tattoos there.
On her left leg, there is a brightly colored and very well done tat of a crumbling tower in the midst of a magical lightening storm. Her right leg bears no tattoo, but her right arm shows a vivid scene of a white dragon whithering in magical fires. Her breasts also bear several smaller, less scenic tattoos, mostly glyphs for chemical compounds. A large nipple ring adorns each nipple, becoming another symbol of arcane lore with a small tattoos integrated into the symbol.
She straightens, pulling the girdle up and then twirls around. "What do you think dear Jerry? Furgh?" she laughs softly.
"Bravo, bravo," he says as he claps his hands together. "Just beautiful," he says, gazing admiringly at her semi naked body.
On her back, you see a very odd tattoo ... if it even can be called that. Thin white lines radiate out from the center of her back ... looking almost like scars ... but also apparently tattooed because as she turns, they shimmer ... looking silvery. They cover her back, from neck to the cleft of her bottom.
"It's definitely time for me to fly..." says Kal in elvish.
Zanax detects evil on the magic items.
The scimitar radiates evil.
"Hlarn or Sasha, can thee determine if curses doth permeate these magic items?"
Hlarn casts remove curse on the sword.
Hlarn shouts. "No one touch any items until we've tested them! Remember curses!"
Hlarn will begin casting auguries to determine which items might be cursed, using redundant spells to make sure he's accurate.
Only then do the mages begin casting identify... all per standard procedure.
The spell indicates that the wand and the girdle could be trouble...one out of two auguries each.
It is early afternoon when Kailar and his cat reappear.
"Kailar, I don't think we have been formally introduced. I am Jerrold Oakstaff, a pleasure," the druid says to Kailar as he extends his hand.
Kailar shakes the druid's hand. "We've already met though but thanks for the introduction."
"Mmm, I guess seeing Rage's naked body threw mind my all asunder.. I know it wreaked havoc lower than that," he replies to Kailar, he then turns to Rage."Would you like me to hold those items for you until your next show?" Jerry asks as he approaches the mage.
"They need to be checked and identified."
Rage nods at Kadlian's words, "After we identify these items, we will see what use they may have for us against Fields. As for my show, I am not sure what you mean."
"Augaries are imprecise at best," replies Rage, "There is a 50 chance that they are trouble. However, I seem to be suffering from no ill effects from the girdle."
Rage, unconcered over her nudity, replaces her clothing after removing the girdle. "Probably a device to help the overweight or those of more physical persuasions."
"Kailar, what of the book and information?" Rage asks in a concerned voice.
"Well, Ray Jay was pleased, he intends to make Teresa's son Castellan and remove Petras and Vogarth. Oh and Ray Jay says to hurry up here, he's got another job for us."
"By the way, Ray Jay asked me to find Teresa's son."
Kadlian raises an eyebrow at Kailar's sentence. "Oh? Any idea where to find him?"
Kailar smiles, "I have a pretty good idea."
"Are you going to tell us or keep it to yourself?"
"It's somebody in this room."
Sasha raises her brow in surpirse. "Indeed?" She looks around, eying all the members of the party ...
Rage raises an eyebrow and looks around. "Spill the beans then, Kailar. It would be a nice surprise," the mage says, "My money is on Argulhas."
"You have no flair for drama, Rage. Agulhas is too old to be Teresa's son."
"Age is a relative thing," replies Rage, "Especally to a mage."
"We have to find Fields and check those small rooms on that same level. After that, we will give Findas some treasure and head back to Sandas. With the wagon and everything, I estimate a week."
"We could move back into the townhouse too, that is if the new castellan lets us."
"Why? Do you think we will come back here?"
"I suspect that we can persuade him to allow us to do so," says Rage, "If what Kailar suspects is the truth."
Kadlian raises both eyebrows in surprise. "Zanax or Gnarsh?"
Zanax shakes his head. "I know who my parents are."
"As for Gnarsh," he shrugs, "Maybe...but the gods help us if it is!" Zanax adds with a wink and a grin.
Kailar faces Gnarsh and bows. "My Lord Castellan."
"Burp," says Gnarsh. "Ehhh...what?"
Furgh almost chokes up a lung. "Gnarsh?"
He suddenly laughs and smiles brightly. "Well, I'll be a pointy eared elf."
"You already are a pointy eared elf."
"Oh, great. Now everyone knows."
"Your mother was the rightful Castellan, you are her only heir."
"Never knew me mother."
Rage turns to the fighter and raises an eyebrow. "Indeed. I'm impressed," she says "Congratulations, Gnarsh," she adds as she curtsies.
"Gnomes is always jokin' over sumpthin'," says Gnarsh, scratching his armpit.
"You must be joking! My material has never been this good."
"Congrats, Gnarsh," Jerry says with an indifferent shrug, then beams a smile as he tries to catch of Rage's backside when she curtsies.
Rage turns in anger, "Do not try that again, Jerry. Understand?" she says, fire in her eyes as she speaks.
"Whoa! Okay, Rage!" Jerry says as confusion is readily seen on his face.
Kadlian slaps Gnarsh on the back and laughs heartily.
"Congratulations, my friend! Somehow, I knew it would be you. Well, then, we must get the new Lord Castellan to Sandas so that he may assume his new rank."
"Kailar, could your cat bring Lord Castellan Gnarsh back to Sandas?"
Hlarn raises his hand. "Hold on a second. Kailar, such things can't just be taken by word of mouth. What proof do you have? Not that I object to the choice, mind you."
"I made no choice, Ming took me to a brothel where I was introduced to the lovely Esmirelda. She had known Teresa and told me the name of her son."
"I am sure that Ming would know these things," replies Rage.
Hlarn smiles at Gnarsh. "Do you know if its true? If so, I guess we'll never need worry about the keep running dry of ale!"
"I think th' gnome's jokin' again."
"If I'm castellan, then I need a beer."
"Even if you are not, you need a beer. Agulhas, do we have any left?" The YOUNG mage (looks may be deceiving, Kailar) shakes his head with deep disappointment. "Nay. I have yet to find the time and materials to brew up a batch."
He looks jubillantly over to Gnarsh. "Though when next I am able, I will concoct enough 'Amazing Agulhas' Coronation Ale' for the lot of us! What, my friend half-orc, is your favorite style? I have you pegged as a stout man." He gives Gnarsh a wry smile and adds, "Though the odors of your belches would tend to point one toward an IPA..."
Sasha smiles, stunned by the recent turn of events. She turns to Hlarn, "Can you cast a spell to verify what Kailer has learned, and perhaps learn more about this situation? I know that priestesses of my order can ask their diety or otherwise come to learn past histories and such, though I am not yet so advanced in my studies to attempt this yet .."
"I think he could. Will he bring Lord Gnarsh to Sandas is a better question."
Kadlian grins. "Okay, would he? Lord Gnarsh needs to be appointed to the position and for the current Castellan to be removed. That can only be done by the Baron."
"I personally think we should grab Petras and Vogarth and bring them to Sandas."
"Can we deal with one critter at a time? We get this Fields and then deal with these others," says Rage.
"Do we have the authority to do that? I do not want to have to fight our way in and back out, killing soldiers that are following orders, when someone with authority can have them arrested with minimum bloodshed."
"Kadlian, Kadlian, you worry about fighting too much. I am sure that we can come up with some proper way to get into them. A teleport perhaps would work wonders," says Rage. "'Sides, I am sure that some of us are not wanted in the town and can enter and exit with impunity. Add to that the information, when it gets out to the surronding farmers, I am sure we can arrange something."
"We could easily get all of us into their personal chambers, or get them out in the open. We could bring Findas and really scare the pants off of them."
"Without authority from the Baron or the new Lord Castellan, once he has been elevated to that position, we will not attempt to arrest anyone from the Keep."
"Party pooper. What authority do we need? They are corrupt, we have the proper heir with us. The Baron will thank us when we bring him the traitors."
"Since when have we become the law? We need the Baron's approval ahead of time."
"I don't understand why. What if Petras and Vogarth do something in the time it takes the Baron to act, what if they escape? I'd rather not have that on my conscience."
"That is why I want Gnarsh teleported to Sandas. Ray Jay can get him the audience with the Baron and get all of that taken care of and teleport him back here with all the necessary paperwork."
"If your friend Cat will not teleport Gnarsh, I can do it and help him as necessary, then wisk him back here," replies Rage.
"Agreed."
"Then Gnarsh heads down to the army around the Keep with a few of us to keep him out of trouble and get us appointed to arrest them with the help of some of the soldiers. Then we arrest them with some magic in place to make sure that they are surprised and have no chance for escape. Plus, we need to worry about the Advisor since who knows how he is mixed up in this."
"Advisor? Who is this?" asks Rage.
"We used to sell magical items to him. He is the Advisor to the Castellan. Hlarn mainly dealt with the man, but I remember we sold something to him and then found it again in the Black Keep. We always wondered about that..."
"I see, so the plot thickens even more."
Hlarn shakes his head. "The Advisor is certainly involved. He had me arrested in Sandas, and locked me away and had me gagged without the opportunity to defend myself. And it was known that I was going to see the Baron. Why arrest me before I could see him unless he feared what I might say."
"Paperwork! We're talking about having appropriate paperwork. I'm surprised you let me sneak into their rooms, after all I didn't have the proper permits and I let my Thieve's guild membership dues slide."
"At the time, we did not know for certain that they were working for the Black Keep so we could not charge them with anything. And you went to search, not arrest or kill. That was the difference, Kailar."
"Carpe diem," says Rage to no one in particular.
Zanax frowns at Kailar when he mentions his thieves guild membership.
"I agree with Kailar, let us just arrest them ourselves and bring them to justice in Sandas. We have the means to slip in and out of there fairly easily."
"Bah, you guys are just itchin' ta kill a few folks," Furgh says. "Ya know it'll happen if ya march in there on yer own."
He suddenly grins. "Besides, ain't our call." He points at Gnarsh. "We should ask the new Chancelor."
"By the way has anyone given any thought to Fallon's baby?"
"Every day. Is there something specific you worry about?"
Rage gets another quizzical look on her face.
Sasha, trying hard to keep up with all the discussion of events, people and places she knows little about turns to Kailar in surprise at the mention of Fallon's baby.
"Why do you ask that now Kailar? Is it related? I never learned much about what happened. I don't think I saw her after all that...or even much before."
Hlarn comments, "I think he's worried about the possibility of another demon here. Or perhaps half-demon. Hard to say. But since they can teleport, they may or may not be present still."
Sasha pales suddenly. "You mean...that perhaps her baby is a demon here, that we killed or will kill?" Sasha asks, looking very worried now.
Hlarn nods. "Exactly. But if you are worried that we might have killed the child of a friend, do not fret. There are two possibilities. The first is that the babe's body was possessed by a malevolent spirit. In that case, the natural soul of the babe is now demonic, and even though possessing Fallon's flesh, it is an abomination. The original babe's soul is undoubtably lost. The second possibility is that the natural babe was replaced by a demon proper, in which case it has no link to Fallon at all, and still must be slain."
Sasha nods, unable to speak as she ponders Hlarn's news.
Hlarn reemphasises the point for Sasha. "Either way, it is not Fallon's child we will slay, but a demon from the abyss, in flesh or in spirit."
"I understand... I do... but all the same, my heart goes out to them both ... " Sasha whispers.
"Fallon was sent to the Abyss when she was pregnant. When she returned, unbeknowst to anyone she carried a demon child inside of her. It tore its way out later and escaped."
Sasha nods, "Yes, that I had heard when I first joined up with you. Fallon and I had become friendly when our respective paries met up in Sandas and at the keep. I was wondering why you brought up Fallon's baby now? If you had discovered someething, ike your startling news about Gnarsh. Have you heard more, or was it just an idle thought, in concern for your friend?"
Furgh laughs. "Why bother? As of last night, there was still a whole hoard a the Baron's troops camped around the Keep. 'Course, they was just there, 'cause ah this place causin' 'em trouble, but now with that out of the way, the Baron can just tell 'em ta waltz on in, slap ol' whatshisface his irons, and be done with it."
"World can do some things without us, donchaknow. Though not nearly so well," he adds, with a grin.
"True, but I think I am not the only one who would derive great satisfaction by providing a personal touch to this arrest. Having all those soldiers accompany us would lend a certain air of legitimacy, as well as having the new Castellan present. It would be good to have impartial witnesses as well since there is a whole Keep of people who need to know that Gnarsh is the rightful Castellan."
"Let's make it a priority then. Why don't we bring Petras and Vogarth to the Baron, it wouldn't be like arresting them. It would be more of a social call. The Baron is a busy man, we can't expect him to just drop everything."
"Yer just hopin' ta impress the ladies," Furgh replies with a grin.
"Who said anything about arresting? That requires law's and approval. If your mandate was to clean the temple here, then we need to clean them as well, since they were intimately involved with the temple. Nevertheless, we first need to get to Fields," Rage says.
"How do we know Fields is still around here? Vampires are known to be cowardly when the numbers are against them. And he has no one to be loyal to now. How do we know he hasn't packed up and left?"
"Well then, let us confirm his existance in this temple, and we will deal with him. If he has left, so much the better."
Hlarn comments, "Vampires can't move about easily. Very hard for them to do. They have to make sure they have a safe place to put their coffins during daylight when they are helpless. Of course he had plenty of time to check about, and as a magician he can probably teleport. But the fact that we ran into his spawn recently is a good indication he is still about."
"Well then, let us confirm his existence in this temple, and we will deal with him. If he has left, so much the better."
"We do not, but we also need to check out those rooms down there to make sure there are no more prisoners from the area."
"We do not have that authority. Those people are in place because they are vassals of the Baron of Sandas. Only the Baron has the right to remove them. Once Gnarsh's background is explained, he will become the new Castellan and he can ask us to help him in arresting them."
"I don't know what Ray Jay has in mind for us to do. He was talking to Lord Valdar though."
"Lord Valdar is back? He is not adventuring with Occa and friends anymore?"
"Lord Valdar was having breakfast with Ray Jay when I got there. No one else was there."
"Hmmm..."
"Ming was gone?" says Rage "Or does he not count?" she shakes her head,
"Ming was not having breakfast."
"Let's get working on the identification. I suggest we wait on identifying any of the weapons and armor, but focus on all other items of magic."
"How did the battle against the demons go? I peeked and it looked like you were doing well."
Kadlian chuckles. "They did not show up for the battle, so we won by default."
"Oh that would explain why you didn't look hurt."
"Quite true."
"Have we claimed stuff from the battle against Tibia? Does anyone have a list?"
Rage pulls her scroll out and reads the following:
"I again recommend all the non-weapons and armor first," says Rage, "Let's get going."
"Very well."
Kailar and Rage depart the room, but a few moments later they return.
"Kad, I just scried for Vogarth and Petras. They are trying to escape. We have to go after them, now."
Hlarn comments. "Details Kailar... what did you see?"
"How could they know?"
"Nicities are over. I'm going after them," says Rage. "Who's coming?"
"I am."
"I'm right behind you.. err, with you!" Jerry says as he steps up to her.
"Will your cat teleport us to their location. I do not know them so cannot get a picture in the crystal ball," Rage asks.
Zanax draws his Holy Avenger. "I willst go with thee."
"Not me," Furgh replies. "I got a date with a door. Have fun stormin' the castle," he adds with a grin.
Sasha looks up, "If you think I can help... I still have silence spells, though little else of value I think, other than a cure serious wound."
"I am not going," Equinox says to the entire party, "because you do not need my assistance at the moment and because I have no interest in travelling to a city. I need to seek out a Druid of Thor, because I believe that I am now ready to ascend the ranks to the 7th Circle of power. If I can, I will create the sacred grove for my training near the entrance to these tunnels so as to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the various creatures while you are out righting wrongs and other whatnot."
"Equinox, I may not be a druid of Thor, but I am/was the Great Druid of Silvanus on my world. Evidentally someone has taken my place since I have left and he has not told me of one of greater power on this world, so I beleive I can train you," Jerrold offers in an unusually serious tone of voice.
"How many can you get there? Kailar, how many can you cat teleport? I would like Hlarn, Gnarsh and myself at a minimum, but I would like to see Sian and Zanax come along as well. And of course, you, Kailar."
"I suggest that Kailar and I go alone. I can paralyze them with my staff and return us here without a problem. Then you can all take care of them as you wish," Rage says. "If there is a limitation on the amount that our feline friend is willing to teleport."
"If we can not all be teleported, then you will take me. I will be the one who will speak for this party when it comes time to explain our actions, so I must be there to make the arrest."
Hlarn shakes his head. "Nonsense. Our party is responsible for its actions. It makes no difference if the leader is there or not. Rage is best suited to go as she can easily incapacitate them both. You, Kadlian, have no such skills and would have to physically attack them."
"I have shrinks memorized, I can shrink people down. The problem is that I don't recognize the area where they are. It looks like a mountain road or something. Teleportation can be tricky when we don't know where we are going."
"I have levitation with my staff, so if I am the one that is 'large', if your cat does not mind it, I can protect us all. Aim a bit high, say 2 feet off the ground, and that should do the trick. With Levitation, I can prevent the fall," says Rage.
"Feh, that would have everyone hangin' onto yer skirts unable to do nothin' less fallin'," Furgh replies, smiling at the humourous picture.
"I can feather fall the lot of ya. Then don't matter how high up ya get, people can let go and do their own thing."
He grins. "Fallin's sorta a specialty a mine, donchaknow."
"An excellent plan, Furgh," Rage says. "What is our teleportation restriction, Kailar?"
"Well, I'm not sure If Sir is up for another trip."
The cat is curled up asleep atop the pile of books.
"I think that is a no. Okay, Rage and Kailar go and no one else. Kailar, once Rage has paralyzed them, shrink them as much as possible and get them back here. If you are threatened, do your best to capture them. If you are forced to kill, Vogarth is expendable, but his father is not."
Rage nods. "I need a picture of these fellows, so I can use the crystal ball." the mage takes a very deep breath and looks at Zanax. She stammers over the words as she speaks. "This once... Zanax... I need you to... to use your... your power... and focus in my mind a ... picture of these villians. Can... Can ... you do that?" she asks the Paladin.
"Uh..." Furgh offers hesitantly. "I'm sure Kailar could conjure you up an image."
Kailar casts an improved phantasmal force of Petras, his wife, and Vogarth. He does his best to imitate the scene inside of the carriage.
Rage studies the scene as intently as she can before trying to view the villians. She studies them intently.
While Rage is examining the phantasmal force, she speaks, ""I wil admit that there is some danger in me trying to teleport to this location, one I have only seen by scrying. A second possibility, which may not be the best option, is to use our ring and wish that these villains were here," the mage says, "However, I am willing to try the teleport."
"Nay, good Rage. I wouldst not use the ring to bring them here...the ring is too valuable and they art just pawns. This dost not mean we should not hunt them down and bring them to justice, just that what you propose is too costly."
Hlarn comments., "I believe the ring can no longer wish either. My impression was that it was an item that could do anything. Such magics usually only function once per task."
"Often these items have charges in the threes. IF one has not been used before, that is. However, since it has not disappeared, crumbled or otherwise, it may still hold charges, a simple detection spell will answer the question," says Rage.
Hlarn nods. "I understand that. What I'm saying is that I believe this item may not be a ring of wishes, but an 'Anything' ring. They are not the same. The former we all know, but the later I believe can imitate any other magic ring three times, but only once for each specific kind. We've used it once as a ring of wishes, and it might not be able to be used in such a fashion again. But could be used as a ring of elemental control for instance, or a ring of spell turning. A powerful magic still, and I may be wrong. We won't know until we try wishing again."
"Now, whilst thou art out chasing them down, I think I willst dispose of this evil scimitar."
Zanax gathers the scimitar up, careful not to touch it with his hand. He then places it between two large blocks and sprinkles some holy water upon it while saying a prayer to Votishal. The then cleaves it in half with his Holy Avenger.
Hlarn shakes his head and stops the paladin before he severs the blade, knocking it away. "I claim the scimitar! You have no right to destroy it."
Zanax cries out, "Foul, Hlarn! Thou hast better have a good reason for keeping such an evil weapon. As for destroying it, I hast every right to do so."
Hlarn nods. "I understand, but it is one of my basic beliefs that magic should not be destroyed. There are times when even evil serves the forces of justice and needs weapons to fight with. Best the blade be saved in a safe location until such a time. But if that is not enough for you, recall that the weapon shocked the first person who touched it. This means it is an intelligent blade... like Forbor, it probably knows much and can be learned from. It might even have been trapped against its will, such as Lord Black."
Zanax shakes his head. "Thou hast not given me sufficient reason to save the blade. By thine own reasoning, we should keep demons imprisoned and alive, as they art intelligent. Best we destroy the weapon now."
"By party agreement, if both of you claim the scimitar, then we will flip a coin to decide which of you can take it," says Rage. "That person can do with it as he wishes, unless it is the wish of the party to make it an important item, such as the crystal ball, or holy sword. Therefore, since Zanax spoke first, he can call the coin." Rage takes a coin, and prepares to flip it in the air.
Hlarn shakes his head. "No... we will not flip for it. My claim takes precedence since I wish to make use of the blade while Zanax only wishes to destroy it. One of the rules of trade is that as long as a member of the party wishes to claim an item, it can not be sold to another. I count destroying an item in the same light, as either way the item has left the group."
"No, Hlarn Meg, your claim does not take precedence. As the treasure division was clearly explained to me, every member has a right to ask for an item, and if there are several who wish it, then there is a toss, or dice rolling or other random event that indicates who should get the item in question." Rage looks at Hlarn. "I am in agreement with Zanax on this one. Kadlian, you are leader of this group. What is your decision?" Rage says.
"But Zanax ain't a member," Furgh says.
"And yet Jerry has a claim as well."
Furgh only grins. "Hey, yer the one spoutin' rules. I was merely pointin' out a flaw in the wordin'."
Rage returns the smile, "Agreed. However, the issue still stands that Jerry has a claim to the sword as well. I for one am willing to see Zanax destroy it, since it is of an evil nature, I am not willing to allow it to remain on this plane, where it might endanger us in the future."
Hlarn nods. "I have the ability now to take it home to my own world. I don't think I'm ready to stay there permanently, but a short trip wouldn't hurt. I can drop it at a Guild that will keep it safe and be able to learn from it. In and out without my father knowing I'm ready to return yet." The dwarf grins. "I've grown to like adventuring, and while I relish the thoughts of taking on some of my father's power, there is more I would like to do before settling down. Would that suffice?"
"No," Zanax replies evenly.
Hlarn shakes his head. "I wasn't asking you, I was asking Rage. We know where you stand."
Hlarn turns to Kadlian. "Safer than even Ray Jay's most likely, for unlike this world, on my own there are few rogue magicians that would violate their Guild's rules. And the blade will be waiting for me when I do decide to return home someday."
"I'm with Hlarn. Might be interestin' ta talk to if it can do so. Certainly not somethin' ya should cut down without 'cause."
He gives the scimitar in question a close look.
"How can ya tell?"
Hlarn nods. "Holding it is one way to know for sure. But there are others. Certain spells such as telepathy might work, as would spells that grant inanimate objects the ability to speak. A legend lore spell would tell of its history."
"But if its smart, is should already be able to speak, right? Forbor could."
"Depends on its intelligence. Forbor had a strong mind, and was a military leader while he truly lived. This blade might only have the mind of a peasant, and be unable to make its will known except through empathy or twinges such as Zanax's frost brand. Often magic blades only speak when held though and awoken."
"Zanax's sword is intelligent, too?" Furgh responds."Can it talk ta this one? Ya know, like swordspeak or somethin'?"
"I got an ESP spell, somewhere. Would that work?"
Hlarn shrugs. "Couldn't hurt to try."
"Nifty," Furgh says.
"It won't work," Zanax replies matter-of-factly.
"That is an odd attitude, when we do fight other 'evil' foes. Should we talk to them all and see what they say while they are pushing their dagger into your heart?" Rage asks with a sneer.
Hlarn responds. "There is evil, and then there is Evil. Unlike our paladin friend here I do recognize different degrees of sin." Hlarn smiles at Zanax. "We slay those of the Temple because they seek to harm the local populace. It is for this reason we kill demons and such. But this blade is not a threat. It can not be used against them so long as its in our possession, and I won't play what-if games about what might happen if someone steals it from us. We could just as easily ask what might happen if one of us were possessed. Should we kill everyone first to insure they are not?"
The dwarf laughs. "A poor analogy."
"The blade is a threat, even if thou dost not perceive it to be. It shouldst be destroyed...melted down in the fiery furnaces in which it was crafted!"
Hlarn shakes his head. "I don't think of things as threats until they make themselves one. This blade was not used against us, and won't be. We can't slay all the evil in the world, nor shoudl we."
"If the evil can't be redeemed, then it should be destroyed."
"Well, that's kinda stupid," Furgh says. "Destroyin' magic ain't no casual thing. Yer as like ta blow everyone up, if you go and chop that thing in half, as not."
He grins at Rage. "What would happen if you took that staff a yours, and broke it over yer knee?"
"Different magic types, Furgh. From what I understand of the creation of weapons like this scimitar, they do not have the destructive capabilities of something like my staff. However, you do raise an excellent point otherwise."
"Well, that implies we know something about this scimitar," Furgh replies. "Which we do not."
"Who's ta say it ain't got similar magics as yer staff? Or something more subtle, or worse..."
He grins. "Certainly demands at list a small inkling of caution, neh?"
He indicates Zanax with a thumb. "That ain't caution."
He looks back at Zanax. "You could be smilin' at a similar fate. Yer more of a threat at the moment."
Zanax dismisses Furgh's words. "I hast destroyed several evil weapons in a similar fashion. None hast ever blown up before."
Furgh snorts. "So you'd have ta destroy all of us, ta learn a little caution, then?"
He merely shakes his head.
Zanax merely replies "Same thing could be said of your antics..."
Furgh laughs. "Endangerin' myself is my privilege. Ain't playin' with other people's lives."
Zanax shrugs and merely replies, "If you say so..."
"But if I could have done so, I would have aided Lord Black and freed him from his service, even though he too was evil. I did not wish to destroy him, but that was the only choice and what he wished. The spirit of this sword might be as much a captive as he was. Why else was it not used by them in the battle? Perhaps it would not let any of them use it. You do remember what it was like to be a slave do you not Rage, yet you condemn this sword before even knowing its history."
Rage looks at Hlarn, "That is the first sensible argument that you have used yet," the mage says, "If Jerry withdraws his claim, take the sword to your homeworld and keep it safe there."
"If thou dost believe the spirit to be captive in the weapon, then destroying the scimitar will release the spirit back to its proper plane."
"Back off, Mr. Goody goody. Best not be waving your good beliefs all over the place.Respect that others have a value for ALL life, not just good!! So, be quiet and let us finish this up," Jerry rebukes the Paladin.
Hlarn laughs and turns toward Jerry. "I wouldn't go and say I have a respect for all life. In many ways I agree with Zanax. We just differ on our definition of menaces. I for one wouldn't have let Findas live... but the Temple got to him first, and now I would not jeapardize my friendship with the rest of you by hunting the beast."
"But I do have a respect for knowlege, and have been trained to not waste magic that might be put to use. I would be dishonoring the training I've recieved if I did so." Hlarn turns to Zanax. "Nothing personal, and I still consider you a friend. I just think this sword is worth investigating."
"Why would you have killed Findas? He never did anything violent torwards us and helped us a few times."
Hlarn shrugs. "We've had this discussion before. As I said then, he's a dragon. That's reason enough for me. There are other reasons, but lets not get into specifics. I'd rather not argue about it now. Suffice it to say that Findus is safe from me. I value your friendship more."
Zanax ignores Jerry.
"Yer wastin' breath," Furgh says as an aside to the druid. "His Holier-then-Thoughness over there ain't much a one for listenin' to anyone but himself."
Hlarn shakes his head again. "That might be indeed what it wants. And if so, THEN I will do so. But I won't destroy it unless it wants to be destroyed."
"Stop bickering, all of you," says an angry Rage. "What is Kadlian's ruling?" she asks.
Kadlian grins. "I was wondering when you would get back to me. Hlarn, how are you going to get back to your world?"
"Plane shift spell. I light the candle, and wisk myself away, and come back the same way I got here via the Gateway on my homeworld. The only requirement is that I make a tuning fork of two parts silver with one part gold and one part copper per two parts steel. A strange alloy, but the one that matches my homeworld for the spell."
"Heeeeey... wait a second," Furgh says, frowning."You said that you, and me, aren't from different planes, but different dimensions or somethin' like that."
"Back when you were tryin' ta convince me that sword that Kadlian has... or was it Zanax?... one of them anyway... that sword, that did extra damage versus extra planar creatures, wouldn't work vs you and me."
"If you can Plane Shift to yer home, then it would seem that yer an extra planar creature, and thus I am too, neh?" He grins.
Hlarn shakes his head. "We are both Prime creatures however. There are many planes as part of the Prime, but they are all made of the same substance. I'm not a native of this Prime, but I'm still a creature of the Prime Material. The differences are not great enough for the sword to differentiate. A mindflayer for instance is not usually considered an extra-planar creature, but its pretty well documented that they came from a prime very different from our own."
Hlarn thinks of an analogy. "Remember there are many layers to the abyss. All are different planes, infinite in size, but they are all part of the abyss, and a demon is still a demon no matter what plane they are from."
Furgh looks appropriately dubious.
"I read that book on the outer planes," he says. "I know how they work...Sorta... Admitedly, I skimmed some sections."
He grins slightly.
"But if you have to shift planes to get where yer goin', that means yer goin' to a different plane. That seems pretty obvious. And if yer from a different plane, then you are extra-planar, by definition."
He scratches his head slightly. "'Less I'm missin'a step somewhere..."
The dwarf sighs. "Go see your local sage or theologian if you want a more detailed explanation than that."
Furgh grins. "Nah. I was just hopin' for an 'I told ya so'."
Hlarn nods. "Duly noted!"
"And how long will you preparations and travelling take you?"
Hlarn shrugs. "The fork is the key ingredient, and the longest factor. Probably a day or two to make that. The actual travel won't take but a few minutes, as the Guild has build a tower at the location of the Gateway, and I can drop the scimitar off and come back here right away. I already know the combination for this world since I've come this way once."
Kadlian nods, seemingly satisfied. "Then I will let you to take the sword."
Zanax frowns deeply, but says nothing.
Hlarn nods. "Do not worry Zanax. This sword will never again be used to further evil pursuits."
The dwarf explains. "The Gateway is a magical portal that links my world to others. Its a device much like the robot... a device of technology brought to our world by the humans. A dangerous device, using technology to link into realm of magic and blending them, and thus it is guarded closely. To use it one must set a combination for the world you wish to view. I viewed many different alternate primes before settling on this one to travel to, and thus can easily set the combination again to this plane."
Hlarn thinks back. "It works much the same way as the teleporter devices we've seen before at the monster generator and the casino... dial the right combination and you are teleported where you wish. The key is to know the right combination."
Hlarn smiles. "I guess Plane Shift is much the same magic. One must know the right material for the tuning forks in order to travel to that plane."
"It shall be destroyed...one way or another," Zanax replies.
Furgh shrugs. "Hey, I've said since day one that we should try such things. You folks have a greatly overblown paranoia of such things, unfortunately, so no one listens to me." He chuckles. "I appear to be a minority."
Hlarn nods. "Yes, any can claim an item. But we can NOT claim an item in order to sell or dispose of it. Its clearly stated that the one who claims it who wishes to make the most USE of an item has priority. It is for this reason that the rules were created, as several originally wished to sell items to get the gold for them in order to pay for training costs, rather than keep the items to use. I intend to use this item, learning what I can from its intelligence. Zanax only wishes to destroy it. His claim is not valid."
Hlarn digs out his pack, pulling out the rules.
All monitary treasure shall be split equally among the party, with a small portion directed into a party slush fund. This system has been intact for some while and should not be changed.All magic items found belong to the party as a group.
All magic items found will be sold after time to consider them has elapsed, unless they are claimed. Time for consideration is at the discretion of the barbarian accountant, but should give ample time for all members to comment on an item if they want it.
Only treasure claimed by the party because of its usefullness will be kept. This magic can be claimed by a character who most needs it, or who can use it to its fullest potential.
Usually one only has to ask to keep the item. Only in cases where more than one person wants an item will the party as a whole get involved. In this case the party can simply vote on who gets the item. Usually however I imagine the two or more individuals will work this out themselves.
No penalty will result from keeping a magic item. Items used properly benefit the whole group.
When some members wish to sell an item, but another wishes to keep it for their own use, the one who wishes to keep it may do so as long as they are able to use the item.
To restate the first point, magic items are owned by the group. Money obtained from selling them is divided by the group. Likewise, when a player leaves the group, they need to discuss what magic they can take with them. *Normally we'd let them take everything, unless they happened to have the Rod of Seven Parts or the like* Simply being the party member who uses an item does not confer ownership. You are not given the right to sell that item if another wishes to use it.
Those who are greedy and try to take more than their share should think again.
Zanax asks, "How then, Hlarn, is your claim any better than mine? Can thee use the scimitar and can thee even handle the weapon without being injured?"
"Excuse me.. I believe I chimed in on the blade as well," Jerrold says as he places his fists on his hips.
Rage nods, "Indeed Jerry was the first of us to claim the blade, so he too has a claim to it. By the rules, which you just spoke, Hlarn, you cannot use the weapon to the benifit of the party, so you have no better claim than does Zanax or Jerry. The decision, therefore falls to lots. Since there are three of you, each roll a die and the highest one will get the weapon."
Hlarn nods. "I'll grant Jerry's claim, but not Zanax's."
Hlarn turns to Jerry. "You realize you probably can't use the weapon directly either. It is intelligent and would undoubtably shock you too if you held it."
"I am willing to try, I must agree, one must not destroy another due to ethical differences. If one harms another I can agree." Jerry says as he spits in his hands, rubs them together, and says, "Can I pick you up?"
He picks it up.
The scimitar zaps him.
Zanax shakes his head sadly, his look telling Jerry, "I told thee so."
"Guess it doesn't like me either!" Jerry says as he blows on his hands as small wisps of smoke rise from them.
Kadlian sighs. "I was afraid you would involve me..."
"Hlarn, in the past when we have discovered evil magical items or those that are cursed, we have given them to Ming to be destroyed in the sphere of annihilation that Ray Jay has. Why have you changed your tune on this? Is it because of Forbor or is there some other reason?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "I've not changed my tune. Cursed items are one thing. They are made as traps and no one can use them. I don't care if they are destroyed, for they are worthless. This is the first evil item we've come into contact with I believe. Forbor was independent, but not evil. Even though he possessed me, I would not want to see such a blade destroyed. And I don't think we should destroy it simply because it is evil. Rather it should be stored away should ever it be needed. Forbor did teach me one thing... he was an ancient sword... hundreds of years old. He knew things about the Wizards and the old world that are forgotten today. This sword might be the same. It is intelligent, a soul. Not something that should be destroyed without thought."
"Okay, then will you turn it over to Ray Jay for safe keeping? I can think of no place better to keep such an item."
Hlarn nods. "Eventually yes, so long as he agrees not to destroy it. I'd like to test the sword a bit first to determine how intelligent it is and what it might know."
"No, no tests. Hlarn, we once lost you to Forbor. I do not want to take a chance that you somehow get lost to this sword. Any tests done are done in Ray Jay's presence. You could even convince me to do it in Verona's presence, but not here."
The dwarf packs the scimitar safely away and once we finish here and head to Sandas he'll see about getting it stored safely.
Kailar hands the ring of wishes to Kadlian.
"In case we have trouble teleporting, you can wish us alive again."
"Rage, how many teleports can you do? Do we have a way back?"
"I have two, so we have a ride home." the mage says. "The plan is simple, I will use my staff to paralyze them, and then we shrink them and teleport back here." Before she leaves, she will activate a globe of invulnerablity from her staff, just in case.
Kailar casts fly on himself and turns invisible.
"I say when we get there, we take a vantage point ahead of them around a bend or something and I'll cast a spectral force of a deadfall to stop the horses. Any idea with what we are going to do to the horses? We could polymorph them into something, I'd rather not leave them to die on a mountain trail?"
Sasha speaks up, having had a lot of experience with horses. "You can remove their harness and let them loose. They will find their way home with no problems .. they learn at a young age where home is, and left alone will always try to return there. Whether a rider wants them to or not!"
Rage nods thoughtfully. "We will do as you suggest."
Jerry will go with Rage if he can.
"Sorry, only Kailar and I. I am limited on the amout I can teleport, and I want to be able to return with our captives. Thanks for the offer, however, Jerry," says Rage.
"Anytime, m'lady." He says as he bows his head to the mage. "Anyway, someone should keep an eye on the Paladin..." Jerry says, letting his comment trail off.
Rage then runs over and kisses Jerry. "For luck," she says before casting the teleport.
Jerry smiles as she plants her lips on his. "Careful," he says as he watches her vanish. He, them goes to Equinox.
"Sorry, Equinox, seems your god would prefer you to train with a clergy of his...as a druid who preserves the balance, that doesn't seem like a belief that we should hold, that one deity is superior to another. On the other hand, I am not exactly the most balanced of druids," he smiles.
"I appreciate the offer, Jerrold, but I think that I must seek training with a Druid of Thor," Equinox replies.
"Agulhas, track them on the crystal ball, please. That way, we know what is going on and if we need to wish you and Rage back. Good luck."
Zanax speaks up. "Rage, canst thou grant me a Stoneskin spell whenst thou returns? And Hlarn, canst thou grant me an Endure Heat and Endure Cold spells? I thinks those are the long lasting ones, no?"
"I can grant all I want. I cannot cast it till I relearn it tomorrow," Rage says to the Paladin, "Of course, I will cast the spell on you."
Zanax nods. "That will be sufficient. I thank thee."
Zanax looks at Kadlian. "Art thou interested in a hunt? It will be much the same as in Sandas, but with a small twist. Hopefully, we will also have some sport this time."
"Sure."
"Thou willst need the ring of invisibility again, Kadlian. And all the healing spells you can pray for."
"That means two spells. Kailar, do you have any objections to me borrowing the ring tomorrow?"
"No, be my guest."
"Rage, willst thou cast Stoneskin on Kadlian as well?"
"Of course," replies the mage. "But why alone, and not with the whole strength of this group behind ye?"
"Because Zanax does not wish to wait another day to restart his explorations."
"However, Zanax, if Rage and Kailar do bring back Vogarth and Petras, we may be too busy entertaining to go exploring."
"We may not be of the same ethos, but I never let a friend fight alone. Zanax is going nowhere by himself. I just love that warm prickly sensation when he heals me with his hands.. no other Paladins nearby to do that," Jerry replies with a grin.
Hlarn looks interested. "What are you going to hunt?"
Zanax's eyes shine brightly "Evil, what else!"
Hlarn shakes his head. "Then we should all go, but count me in."
Zanax shakes his own head. "Thou willst be busy on thine own world and others have their own pursuits. Plus, thou makes too much noise and there tis but one other ring of invisibility other than mine."
"Well, at least let me know what you will be doing so that I can lead the rescue party if one is needed."
Kadlian whispers, "Trying to keep him from finding Fields and taking him on."
Hlarn shakes his head. "I don't think Zanax is stupid. Even he should realize that he is no match for a vampire by himself."
Kadlian snorts. "We shall see. He used to go demon hunting by himself."
Hlarn nods. "That is much safer for a paladin. The demons can not touch him physically, and his sword gives him a great advantage against their magics. It is a challenge I can reason with, much as I wish to hunt dragons."
"But a vampire is not the same at all. For one thing his protection from evil would not keep the beast at bay, and two hits by Fields and Zanax is dead, or undead that is."
"If we go, we will look at areas we missed on other levels. I will keep him away from the vampire."
Zanax shrugs. "No doubt we shalt be exploring the temple level for whatever evil still lurks there. Kadlian, willst thou be so kind as to identify those areas on thy map for Hlarn?"
Furgh has his own little plans for the 26th as well.
"Gonna take a quick trip downstairs. Anyone up for a bit of experimentation?" Furgh asks.
Zanax nods. "I hath planned to venture down again. I wilst accompany you."
"Great!" He suddenly gives the paladin a suspicious look. "No gettin' in ta fights or nothin', though."
Zanax unsheathes his Frost Brand and whirls it around. "Dream on, elf. There is still much evil lurking beneath here and I plan to take out as much as I can before we leave. Votishal hath shown me the future and there art still much evil in the world to vanquish."
"Oh great." He looks around imploringly. "Who turned his brain off again?"
"Aggie, can anyone use that Wand of Illumination? Or can only mages use it? I'd like to borrow it, just in case we run into that vampire Fields..."
"Couldn't tell you," replies the man. "But go ahead and try it anyway." He hands the wand to the paladin. "She should have plenty of charges in her." Once the transaction is made, he adds, "The command word is Telanias."
Zanax takes the wand graciously. "I thank thee, Agulhas. We shouldst recharge the wand when we hast the chance. I willst gladly cast the light spell for thee."
Zanax heads to a far wall. "Avert thine eyes, everyone." Zanax points the wand at the wall and says, "Telanias," while shielding his own eyes.
There is a blinding flash.
Zanax looks quite satisfied as he tucks the wand away in his belt.
Kailar says to Jerry, "Why don't you shapechange into something small, then you can ride in my pocket."
"Fine with me, Kailar," When ready to depart, Jerry places his staff in its holder and he shapechanges into a sparrow and flies to Kailar's hand.
Hlarn asks Jerry, Kal or Equinox if they know any method to drug the prisoners, keeping them sedated and/or asleep.
"I can entangle them or charm them. Alas, Rage must be able to keep them asleep. Though, a good slap in the head with a hammer or pommel of one's sword has been known to do the trick," Jerry says.
Sasha adds, "I also have some herbs that might do the trick without hurting them."
"What about stoneshaping three semi-cylinders in the wall, so they have to stand snugly within them. I will then cast a wall of stone in front of it and trap them inside, with enough space to offer them water, food and air," says Rage, "Of couse, they will probably soil themselves, but an appropiate way to start their incarceation. Or I could just practice with my whip on them as well."
"Ahem... " Sasha interrupts, coming out of her daze suddenly. "That would be my whip .. but I'll offer my services .... I do have some skill with it," Sasha offers, smiling.
"Oh, please," Furgh says, frowning. "That's not even remotely funny."
"Why indeed not dear Furgh?" Sasha asks, wondering what she missed.
Rage glares at Furgh, "It was not meant to be funny, Furgh," the mage says, "I would happily do that to these people, and not give it a second thought. Believe me, I have experienced much worse than that and it is those things that I am not suggesting that you should worry about."
"Then you would be little better then they," Furgh replies.
Hlarn shakes his head. "Rage, some of the group have strong disagreements about the uses of torture. It once was standard policy for us to do so to get information, but it got to a point that the gods themselves sent dreams to several of the group voicing their displeasure. Thus I have tried to avoid the practice."
The dwarf turns toward Furgh. "As for being little better than they, that is not true. We did not pillage the countryside and use our positions to serve evil. Remember... those souls they sacrificed to their god are lost. No physical punishment is enough for these people. Death itself would be too merciful," the dwarf says strongly.
Rage looks at the dwarf with intense eyes, an understanding filling them is some way. She says nothing.
"That is your view, not mine," says Rage, "I will not waste more time debating with you Furgh. It is a waste of time and breath. You will not convert me to your side, and I will not try to convert you to my way of thinking."
"It is not my view," Furgh says. "It is basic morality."
He shrugs. "I never viewed you for such a hypocrite, dear Rage."
"Here we go again," says Gnarsh. He then goes over to his bedroll and lies down on it. "Furgh's moralising shit always makes me sleepy."
"Define morality," Rage says, her hackles raised. "It is moral to sell a young girl into slavery and not care? It is moral to whip and abuse that same young girl for spilling some wine? It is moral to give her to your friends for their perverted pleasures? Where it the morality in that Furgh? Where were -you- Mr. Morality when these things were happening?" the mage spits. "Don't ever question my morality, I am comfortable with myself and what I do. If the idea of whipping a prisoner is bad to you, where were you when a little girl was being whipped, tortured in the name of 'fun.'?" The mage shouts at the elf, she whips around and bares her back for him to see. "See those, each of them is a scar that I suffered at the hands of a 'moral' person, Furgh. All members of the 'nobility' and 'elite' classes, the most moral of the lot, by the standards of the community. See these scars, and think about what you consider morality."
Walking to the elf, "You want morality, great, so do I. I understand my codes and my beliefs. These people, we know, are evil and have worked with this temple to the detriment of the community, the farmers. I for one will not shed a tear if they are executed by the Baron. What do you suggest then, Mr. Morality, that we do with these people once they are captured? Give them magic items and money and send them on their way? Sounds great and moral to me," Rage says with sarcasm. "I know what people like these are capable of. I have felt it, lived with it. I bear the scars from their actions," the mage continues. The mage then throws up her hands and walks away, a tear in her eye. "I will not let you provoke me any more Furgh," she says softly, angrily. "Do not speak to me of my morality. Do not ever try again, or I will do something that you will regret for a long, long time."
Jerry quietly follows Rage, to console her, but stays a respectable distance, until she acknowledges him.
"You do not scare me, Rage," Furgh replies calmly. "Anger you have aplenty, but you ain't no monster."
"That remains to be seen," she says, "That remains to be seen."
He shakes his head sadly. "What was done to you was wrong," Furgh says. "Immoral, reprehensible, and many other things. You know that, obviously. I know that. But to turn around, and start doin' these things, that you know are wrong, yerself? The nature of the actions don't change, just because yer now on the givin' end."
"The difference, in my mind, is what these people have done," the mage says. "They will suffer and pay for their crimes."
Sasha watches the interaction between Rage, Furgh and now Jerry with concern in her eyes. She moves softly to Rage and gently hugs her.
"Rage .. don't concern yourself with this now ... it is not within our power to change certain things .. and this type of situation only prolongs your hurt ... " she says softly, trying to draw the mage away before she suddenly erupts.
Rage takes a deep breath, warming to the cleric's touch. "Thank you for your concern Sasha, Jerry. I am fine now," she says, "I have a job to do, and want to get it done. After the fact, we can all debate what is good, or moral, or proper."
Zanax looks on with disbelief at their ideas about justice and morals, but walks away rather than starting another debate.
Equinox speaks up and interrupts the dispute: "I am going to leave now to find a mentor for my training so that I can be ready for the next adventure Ray Jay has in store for the party. I would like my share of the monetary treasure, in gems or magic if possible for lighter travel, to pay for my training. I will find you by seeking out Ray Jay in Sandas to determine your whereabouts."
Kailar conjures up an image of the castellan and his family. Rage examines it closely for a few moments, then takes the gnome's crystal ball and peers into it.
However, she is unable to bring an image of any of the three into focus.
It is approaching midafternoon of the day that you desicrated the altar.
"Kadlian," says Equinox, "would you please just cut me my share of the loot so I can get going?"
"Hlarn does the accounting and I do not know if he has made the division, yet."
"O.K.," replies Equinox, "Hlarn, would you please cut my share of the loot so I can seek my mentor?"
Hlarn smiles. "Actually it is the barbarian accounting firm of Dewey, Cheatam and Howe... I forward all the work to them."
"True, but you are in charge of it. So, give Equinox whatever gems are his share."
Hlarn suddenly remembers that he did that earlier today...
Rage suddenly curses loudly and storms around for a minute or so. "Damn, Kailar we have to keep an eye on them and see if we can try this again later."
"Now, what do we do? We cannot let them escape. Kailar, can you zoom out enough to tell us the local area they are? Are they escaping north or west?"
"Feh," Furgh scoffs. "Where they gonna go, that ya can't just pick 'em up again later. Not like Rage has a distance problem on teleportin'... or Kailar on the ball. For all ya know, they coulda took off days ago."
"They could get to someplace that I can no longer scry. I have never been able to pick up Tibia, after the first time I was able to conjure up her image."
"They might be fleeing to another temple and get out of our reach. I think it is very important to prevent them from getting to wherever they are headed."
Zanax interjects, "Perhaps, we shouldst...I mean, should, let them get to wherever they're heading. Especially, if it is another temple."
"And if the temple is shielded versus scrying? Do you want to risk losing these two. What do they say a bout a bird in the hand?"
Zanax rolls his eyes "I meant instead of immediately capturing there. Teleport there by all means, but find out where they are heading! Of course, I guess we could always just capture them and I could read their minds..."
"That would be preferable. I do not want to take any chances losing them. If they got close enough to another temple, we might be held long enough at bay that they could escape into the temple."
Hlarn shakes his head. "I think in the long term finding another stronghold of evil is of more importance than capturing three fugitives. I say follow them secretly, using invisibility and silence, to whereever they are travelling."
"If we teleport to the general area, I can change into eagle form and track them from the air. If Rage has an ESP or telepathy spell memorized, we can keep in touch, though some thoughts may be a tad overwhelming for her," Jerry says with a sly grin.
"But there is no way for all of us to get there, quickly. No, as much as I would like to know where they are going, it is more important to capture them. Zanax can try to get that information later or the Baron's people can do it."
"I agree. We cannot let them escape beyond our reach or the Baron's. I was willing to wait for the Baron's permission to arrest them, but we cannot wait for that. Kailar, you and Rage do your best."
"I did zoom out. They are on a trail through some mountains. I'm unfamiliar with the area."
"I have an idea, if I may have the ball again Rage."
Kailar takes the crystal ball and scans for Petras.
"Can I take a look?" Furgh says.
After a moment, the gnome looks up from his crystal ball.
"Never mind. It's too late."
Kailar puts the crystal ball away.
"Why is it too late, Kailar? What happened?"
"They're dead. Killed by hobgoblins bearing the Raven Goddess' symbol."
This is news enough for the druids. Taking their equipment and share of the funds, Kal and Equinox depart.
Kadlian, though, has the bit firmly clenched in his teeth, and will not let it go.
"Is it safe to retrieve their bodies? Hlarn could learn a lot by questioning them. Oh, and mark those hobgoblins. I want you to find their lair. We will pay them a visit a little later."
"The hobgoblins cut up the bodies and took the pieces with them. But you'll need a tracker to find their lair. They headed off into the woods."
"Kailar, not to doubt you, but if you have a fix on their location, I suggest we physically check that they are dead, as we all know you can be totally dead or mostly dead," Jerry says in a serious tone of voice with a barely noticeable smile on the edges of his mouth.
"Rage, can you get Sian and me there? We can track them, then."
"I can try, the risks remain the same, however. I would suggest then we teleport you, Sian, myself, Kailar and Jerry. Kailar can reduce you two, and Jerry can become a bird," says Rage. "If you want we can try."
Kadlian nods. "Let us go. I understand the risks and it is well worth it."
"Just hold me close, Rage... I am so vulnerable in bird form," Jerry says with a smile. When they decide to teleport, Jerry shapechanges into a hummingbird and flies over to Rage.
"Argulhas, watch for us with the crystal ball, and use the ring if there is a problem," Rage says, preparing to cast teleport.
"The ring?" Agulhas replies.
"Of wishes," Zanax provides helpfully.
Hlarn says, "If that's what it truly is."
"The ring that Kadlian has, that was used by Kailar to save the day," replies the mage.
"Oh, so who is giving it to me?" responds the man.
Kadlian pulls it off his finger and hands it to Agulhas. "Almost forgot..."
"Is there anything special that I need to do to activate it?" questions Agulhas. "Do I just wish for something out loud?"
Kadlian shrugs. "I do not know. It was given to me for safe keeping. Hlarn and Zanax are staying behind. Both of them can advise you."
"You have to wear it, and be careful of the 'W' word while you are wearing it," advises Kailar.
You prepare to teleport. Sian refuses to go. He would prefer to head down to the Keep to tell his friends of the end of the Castellan and Vogarth. Gnarsh, feeling thirsty, says that he will go with him. Kailar reduces Kadlian, and Rage teleports the lot of them.
"Aggie, can you use that crystal ball to tell if they made it safely?" Zanax asks.
It is then that you realise that Kailar took his crystal ball with him. Also, you notice that his cat is here...curled up asleep atop a pile of old books.
Zanax tries to look thoughtful.
Upon realising that Kailar has the crystal ball, Sasha laughs softly. "Oh well ... so much for that plan."
She moves to settle down near the dozing kitty and softly strokes behind his ears.
Zanax snaps out of his thoughtful look.
"Well, they made it there. They'll track them back to their lair and I'm to try and make contact every half hour to check their progress."
Sasha glances at Zanax in surprise then nods. "I didn't know ... your...errr .. mind powers were that useful ... thank you," she says, still uncomfortable with his powers, but perhaps a tad less wary of them now.
"Useful, yes,"Zanax agrees. "Although, I still have to be careful where I use them. I tend to get fatigued easily and am vulnerable to attacks by those with similar powers."
"I am almost afraid to ask what other things you can do with your powers, though I am somewhat relieved to know that there are risks and are apparently limited as well. No offense of course ... " Sasha says softly, still stroking the sleeping cat.
"Zanax I have been meaning to ask you...once you open yourself up can anyone get to you or only you. If it is only you then I would be willing to let you in so that we could comunicate. It seems to be very useful when we are seprated like this," says Sian.
Zanax replies, "The way it works, I have to initiate contact...that is, you couldn't try to call me. I can talk to you quickly and privately. Although, for now, we'd have to be in visual range. Since I've already made contact before with Kadlian, I can talk to him over greater ranges. What the limit of this range is, I don't know, though."
Sasha frowns, taking in all this information. "So .. uh .. you can't 'hear' our thoughts .. even if we might .... I don't know .. mentally call out to you? I didn't know that. Have you established contact with anyone else in the party ... it might be wise to try it with all those that are willing .. so that in the future ... you could contact any of us," Sasha suggests.
Zanax nods. "Correct, about not being able to hear you if you mentally called out to me, that is. As for establishing contact, I have done so with Hlarn and Equinox, too."
Zanax offers, "Sasha and Sian, would you like me to make contact with you as well?"
Sasha studies Zanax for several long moments, biting her lips in hesitation and a bit of fear. "Will .. this contact ... I mean ... does it hurt? Will it give you some other power over us ... once you ... err 'contact' ... will you then be able to hear our thoughts?" Sasha stammers, all in a rush.
Zanax smiles as he takes Sasha's hands. "Fear not, there is no pain involved. I will take it slow and gentle with you anyway, until you are ready for full contact."
Sasha nods, still rather doubtfully. "And what will I feel then ... I mean ... will I even know when you have done it?"
Clearing his throat, he continues, "As for having power over you, I will have none except that which you allow. It is purely a means of rapid communication and nothing more. Is that a better explanation?"
Sasha shakes her head. "When it comes to this .. I don't know that any explanation works ... I don't know what exactly happened with Rane ... and... in that case, I am fairly certain I didn't allow any such thing ....seeing as he was intent on silencing me permanently."
Zanax shakes his head sadly. "I do not know what this Rane tried to do to you, but trust me, my telepathy cannot harm you. Although, I had wanted to test the limits of its ability to distract someone."
She studies Zanax intently for several long moments, her green eyes somber with the recollection of what happened not so long ago. Finally, she nods, lowering her eyes quickly.
"Yes then ... let us try this .. it may prove invaluable later ... " she whispers softly.
Zanax tries to communicate telepathically with Sasha.
Sasha stares at Zanax as he attempts the contact. Suddenly she goes quite pale and crumples to the floor.
Zanax's goes wide eyed immediately, his eyes filled with great concern as he tries to catch her on the way down.
"Sasha!" he cries, "Are you ok? Wake up! Votishal, what did I do???"
"Now I know you didn't do that to her," Sian says rushing over to Sasha. He gently lays her on her back and puts his cloak under her.
Sasha comes around quickly, her eyes fluttering open and then blushing very deeply. She struggles to sit up, mumbling in emabaressment. "I'm sorry ... I'm fine ... I just ... expected ... I don't know ... I'm fine really," she stammers.
Zanax frowns. "Perhaps we ought not to try this again until we know you've fully recovered. I've not had this sort of reaction before, although, I must admit, I haven't tried it nearly that often."
"Sian, do you wish to still try or wait?"
Sasha shakes her head. "No ... you don't understand. Nothing happened... it was just that I was .. .expecting something ... I was afraid ..because of what happened way back when .. I felt nothing ... I don't even know if you succeeded or not ... it was ... purely my fear of it ... I'm fine. really I am ... it was purely fear on my part ... fear of that type of power that caused the reaction ... nothing else. Sian, really ... it was nothing ... and I think it is a good idea to continue ... " Sasha adds, turning to Sian and returning his cloak to him with a smile and a still somewhat unsteady hand.
Hlarn shakes his head. "If Sasha's been mentally attacked before, she might be sensitive. Nothing truly wrong with her. Simular to the fear that might grip one after being thrown from a horse. Time and patience are needed to get her on that horse again."
Time passes.
When Zanax tries to contact Kadlian again, he receives no reply.
After Zanax reveals his inability to contact Kadlian, he turns to Hlarn
"Any chance you have Augury memorized today? I don't want to be hasty and jump to any conclusions, yet."
Sasha frowns, "What does that mean exactly ... I mean, can you contact someone if they are asleep? Or maybe they are in some magical area ...where things can't get through ... or even unconscious?" Sasha asks.
Zanax looks at Kailar's cat and with some embarrassment hesitantly asks, "Do you know if Kailar is ok?"
The cat sleeps on.
Zanax shrugs. "Well, at least Kailar is probably alright. I wonder what happened to Kadlian?"
Hours pass.
Suddenly Rage, Kailar and Jerrold appear in your midst. Kadlian is with them, too...or rather his head is. The rest of his body seems to be missing, and his face wears a very annoyed expression.
Zanax frowns. "What happened???!!!"
"Err, let Rage explain," Jerry says after he transforms back to human shape. "Not a pretty sight though, but my elemental is causing some good old fashioned havoc over in hobgoblin land," Jerry says with a smile as he rubs his hands together.
Sasha stares in shock at Kad's remains, her face paling at the gruesome sight. "What on earth ... happened? More to the point ... what do we do about it ... and uh ... did you manage to get what you were after ... the other body ..? " Sasha murmers, saying a quick prayer and looking to the others.
Rage sighs, "In playing Ranger, in an area we were not familar with, Kadlian set off a trap. Jerry, Kailar and I were flying above and did not get to him in time. The hobgoblins appear to be better organized than we were, and that surprises me. I will be going back tomorrow with a better spell load and try to take them out, and retrieve Kad's equipment."
Hlarn shakes his head. "Never underestimate your foes. Just because you were fighting hobgoblins doesn't mean they are not skilled. But I'd not bother returning. By tommorrow Kadlian's equipment will be in their possession, and if they are able to easily kill our leader, they will be too powerful for you to easily go in alone to retrieve them."
"Wrong, Hlarn, he was caught in a trap. After my friend softens them up a bit, Rage and I can probably take them down, with full spell complements of course. Though, Sasha, I know, would come in handy with a holy word or a few blade barriers," Jerry explains.
Sasha shakes her head, "I am sorry to say that those kinds of things are quite beyond my limited powers ... though I wish truly it were otherwise."
Hlarn frowns. "What sort of trap was it? As for Sasha, I think you overestimate our power. None of us have the strength to cast the sort of spells you refer to."
Sasha nods, "If anyone here could ... my guess would have been Hlarn, as I know he is more powerful than I. If he cannot, then we must seek elsewhere .. and be prepared to pay the price."
"I am not sure, he was entrapped and by the time we got there, the hobgoblins slashed his throat. Also, why don't you let beautiful Sasha answer for herself, maybe she has more ability than you know," Jerry says with a raised eyebrow.
The dwarf shakes his head. "I would hope she does have more ability than she claims, but I'd be dissappointed that she hadn't told me about it before. Its my job to know what this group is capable of."
Rage just laughs and shakes her head.
"Then someone can come with me. Perhaps Jerry again, as well as whoever else I can teleport. I plan to destroy their encampment from the air, using fireballs," the mage replies. "It is only because it is dark there now, and my fly spell has worn off that I did not do it tonight."
"Where is this place?" Zanax asks.
The mage looks to Hlarn, "Here is Vogarth's head, I hope that it is worth the price."
Hlarn looks at the mage, "No it was not."
Sasha nods, "Yes, that is odd ... it seems we have not then broken the temples power ... for surely there is more to it if they are that organized." Sasha looks to Kailar. "Kailer ... perhaps my memory is failing me ... or I neglected to ask ... but what did Ray Jay say when you gave her the book we found in the temple?" Sasha frowns in puzzlement again and directs another question at Kailer and the others.
"She said that she had another task for us."
"How many were there? Hob things I mean .. I guess it would be there way to have traps ... but one that a seasoned ranger would stumble into unawares? Were they expecting us then? This is all very puzzling ... "
"There were about 500 hobgoblins in the area, before the elemental started killing them. I have no idea how many attacked Kadlian."
The dwarf looks at Agulhas. "Well, now we'll see who's right about this ring. Try wishing our friend back to life if you will."
"Whoa, hold it, wish that he is in the condition he was before we left. I know wishes and deities take your words to the letter, odds are just his head would alive," Jerry says, trying to stay serious as thoughts of a bodiless Kad swims through his mind.
Agulhas moves to remove the ring from his finger. "Ahhh, I think I will leave that to someone who has more experience in these things. Hlarn, you have done this before, no? I think you are a far better candidate than I."
He hands the ring to the dwarf.
Hlarn shakes his head. "I'm not the best one to use the ring. Us dwarves have high resistance to magic, and such things sometimes don't work if my folk wield them."
"Just repeat after me: I wish that our leader Kadlian be restored back to his full life and health."
"And in possession of all of his equipment," the gnome pipes up.
The dwarf smiles, "Experience has taught me that a simple wish is best, and that is one that has worked in the past for us. But I do worry that this ring is not truly a ring of wishes. Wish, and see if it does what we hope it will."
Agulhas nods and returns the ring to his finger. "Simple, worked in past, right. That's good enough for me," he says nervously with a smile. He twists the ring on his finger a few times and focuses his eyes on the band. He clears his throat and begins.
"I wish that our leader Kadlian be restored back to his full life and health."
He looks at the ring for a few moments before lifting his head to the group. He grins slightly and shrugs.
Suddenly Kadlian's head sprouts a body, and he lives.
He's a naked as the day he was born.
Agulhas looks at the ring for a few moments before lifting his head to the group. He grins slightly and shrugs.
"Some clothes for the elf," Rage says, looking up from her books.
Hlarn's cloak would be far to short for the elf, so he does nothing.
"Tsk, tsk there Kadlian. I was looking up to you. You were one of the few in our group that had managed to keep some life in his bones and not require miraculous healing. And here you go and die twice in less than a week. Trying to start a habit of it?"
The dwarf helps Kadlian stand, and gives him a grin.
Kadlian accepts the hand and shakes his head. "The first time was understandable, but I do not have any idea how this could have occurred. I was not extremely careful, but I was keeping an eye out for ambushes."
"Not bad... I have seen better though," Jerry says as he looks over the newly risen ranger.
"I did not realize that you were in the habit of checking out male elves, Jerry. But, thank you for the off-handed compliment regardless."
Kadlian does not seem in the least fazed by his lack of clothing.
"Male, female, in nature we are all the same, but I prefer females, as we all know. But I can appreciate the occasional male, I am that secure in my manhood." He breaks into a grin, slapping the naked Kadlian on the back.
Sasha grins in relief, hugging poor Kadlian in spite of his nakedness. She then gives him her cloak .. "Welcome back Kad!" she smiles, her eyes twinkling.
"Thank you, Sasha. I guess it is good to be back, although I hardly had time to know that I was going to die."
"Thank you, Agulhas."
Then Kadlian starts swearing mightily. "That trip wire must have been disguised using magic. I cannot believe that I would miss a normal one."
"Rage, what occurred during my death?"
"Uh.... you got nekid," Furgh offers helpfully, with a grin.
"Are you sure that did not occur before my death, Furgh?"
"Hmm... good point. We did just have a neck up view..."
"I got a bunch of them with a cone of cold, but I think that two escaped. However, it was getting dark and having recovered at least one of the heads, I decided to return to our camp here. Jerry let loose a fire elemental, so that critter might have wreaked some more havoc on the critters. And then we returned here."
"Ya let a fire elemental run loose in a forest?" Furgh asks. "Nifty."
"Yeah, wasn't it, heh, heh," Jerry chuckles at the compliment.
"Kailar, where is the crystal ball, let's see if we can get that camp into view and see what damage has been done by the fire elemental."
"If the elemental has killed the lot of them we should attempt to retrieve Kadlian's magic now, before something else runs off with it."
"So, they stole my possessions as well? The second time I have lost my magic to those that do not deserve it."
"Hey now, Boss," Furgh interjects. "They set up a fine trap, sounds like. Would seem they was deservin', if you walked into 'er." He grins. "If you killed them, you'd call yerself so, only fair to work the other way too. You guys was the aggressors, after all."
"Shut up, Furgh." Zanax says irritably.
The elf only grins at the paladin, in reply.
Zanax ignores the grinning elf and asks out of the blue "Hey, does anyone remember that drow that was with us briefly? Anyone remember if that dark elf travelled through this dungeon to reach the surface? I can't seem to recall."
"Juliana?" Furgh replies. "She came up from down below, she said. I imagine it was from down here somewhere."
"How do you propose we get there?" Rage says, "I'm done in with casting teleports today, and need a good nights sleep first."
"Rage or Kailar, where is this place? How far away is it?"
Rage shrugs her shoulders. "Not here. Not sure where. However, I am strongly encouraging you all to wait till the morning. Then I can teleport a group of us, shrunk via a reduction type spell - Argulhas can cast them, so can Kailar, and we can deal with the situation then. For now, we can watch a bit to see what remains are there. I am sure we can follow them a bit if we try to locate the sword."
"The swords, magical gauntlets and a magical dagger. Tomorrow morning, I want a hunting party ready to go. Agulhas, Kailar, load up on those shrink spells because we will need them coming and going."
"Rodger wil-co Boss," Rage says, "If we only had a portable hole, like Occa has, that would make this teleportation easier."
Kailar begins to scry over the area he just returned from.
All he sees are flames.
"There goes the neighbourhood," Furgh mumbles.
Zanax frowns. "Jerry, while I applaud your destruction of the evil hobgoblins, I wonder if perhaps you were a bit over-zealous in letting your fire elemental run rampant. What are the consequences of your action?"
"Indeed. I do not suppose you can summon a rainstorm to extinguish the fire you have created? While I can appreciate your efforts in killing our enemies, it appears you did not consider the area very carefully."
"Dead hobgoblins and the possible destruction of an army of darkness that could have swept through this area like the wildfire I sent against them," Jerry replies, almost offended that the Paladin is questioning him.
Zanax shrugs. "I only meant about containing it after the hobgoblins are dead. Forest fires have a tendency to go wild and spread, don't they?"
"They can and do, but nature is all about life, death, and rebirth. Eh? Wouldn't you say Kad?" he asks with a smile. "Though its not good to test the limits, sometimes ye don't come back. Don't worry, if the fire gets out of control, I will pray for a control weather spell this evening, so when Rage and I go back, I will contain the fire if need be."
Hlarn shakes his head. "I'll cast the control weather... keep with your other spells. Assuming I'll fit in with the teleport."
"You can take my place. Kailar, do you think Sir would be willing to teleport a few of us there and back? Or are we going to have to rely solely on Rage for teleportation?"
"I think we should rely on Rage for teleportation. I'd rather ask Sir to help only in emergencies."
"I can teleport 250 pounds total," the mage says, "I take 90 pounds, so that means 160 pounds remain. With Jerry as a small bird, that adds say 1 pound. If we reduce a few of you, we should be able to take several more. I suggest Sian, Zanax, Hlarn, and Argulhas or Kailar. I do not have a reduction spell, so we need to bring one of them that does along."
"Bring both of them. Kailar can shrink Agulhas and then you will have extra firepower. We underestimated them before, let us not do it again. And, take it slow. Who knows what other traps might be waiting, even if most of the hobgoblins are dead."
"These are the spells I'll memorize for the trip.
This is just about all the firepower I have."
"Kailar, can you tell where this lair might be in relation to our current location?"
"My best guess is in the mountains somewhere north of Borderland Keep and Valam."
"I have to agree also that letting a fire elemental run rampant isn't the thing to do. But it is done and we learn from our mistakes," says Sian sagely. "Zanax I am still game after what just happened it probably would be a good idea to have more of us for you to be able to talk to."
After Zanax does his thing, Sian heads outside to see if he can see any flames so as to pinpoint where they have just been.
Zanax smiles. "Oh! Good idea. Mind if I join you?"
When they return a half an hour later, Sian says, "There is no sign of a fire anywhere. So where ever they were is quite a ways a way."
"What about Hlarn if he is up to it. He can cast his detect traps spell and that should solve that problem." says Sian.
"You, Zanax and Hlarn will be going. I thought Rage was asking me to choose between Agulhas and Kailar."
Rage snaps her fingers as she ponders her spell books. "I'll be damned," she says, "Its right here. I can cast the reduce spell. I'll be a monkey's uncle," the mage says muttering under her breath. "With Kailar having 4 and I'll carry four as well, that should allow us to take with us four people besides Jerry, Kailar and myself. If Argulhas can memorize 4 as well, then we can take an additional person."
"As for spells, I'll carry 4 reduce, 4 invisibility, 2 flys, a slow, a couple of ice storms and a couple of teleports."
Agulhas strategizes to himself for a minute or two.
"I will memorize 4 shrinks, 2 invisibility, 1 web, 1 fly, 1 hold person, and 1 ice storm."
You pass the night resting up.