DAIN
Dain opens the door to the owlbear room, axe ready, if clear he motions in the band motioning for quiet. Once inside with the door closed he speaks "Let the druid do what he can for the wounded. They can rest here. The rest of us should repay the favor of the cult's visit with one of our own! What thinks thee lord Humphrey?"

GRUMACH
I'll find a corner to sit down in. I will give Ulath his last rites, see to mine and Tarin's wounds (Healing check. I think it's too late to heal damage immediately, but I think I CAN facilitate natural healing...). I will then cast a cure light (my last one) on Tarin. After that, I will concentrate on making Serian comfortable, and seeing to his wounds (healing check again).

DAIN
Dain, seeing the concern for the fallen dwarf cleric, offers to assist in carrying the holy ones remains

GRUMACH
Grumach will hand Ulath over, and nod thanks.

DM
As you begin Ulath's rights he begins spitting and coughing.

GRUMACH
Okay, Tarin doesn't get a healing spell, Ulath does. Now. Otherwise the old command string still holds.

TARIN
Tarin sits down and binds up his wounds.

ULATH
Looking to Grumach, Ulath says: - I do thank you my friend, Some day I'll pay you what you did for me! Then looking Grumach from top down he says: - I only hope that it will not be carrying you, also! Then looking around he will call Flint to his lap, and will listen to the conversations, intending to catch the news he might have missed!

DM
Flint the furry dog leaps on Ulath and begins whining and licking his face.

BILADOC
I follow Dain into the Owlbear cave and help Grumach laying down Ulath. When I do this, I put my ear to the dwarf's chest and say: 'Hey, he's still alive! Carynth, can you help him?' After this, I join Dain and say, my usual smile gone from my face: 'I too have a debt to pay to the cult. But don't you think we should recover from our last fight?' I say to Humphrey: 'You told us about a document you have with you. I recovered a leather scroll case from one of the guys I killed. Maybe that's what the invisible guy searching that body in the main room was after.' I'll open the scroll case, after inspecting it for any trap (poison needles, whatever).

CARYNTH
"I believe I can." I bend over his dwarven form an first lay on hands, see if he responds to that, and ready my cure light wounds.

DM
Grumach's spells have brought him about. Ulath sits upright and glances about like a man returning from the dead.

ALOF
Turning to Biladoc I say " If you need any help reading whatever's in there I'm willing to give you a hand at it. I'll help you search for traps if you can't find any." If he can't find any traps I'll give it a try. Turning to the group I say " Some fighters should maybe guard any possible entrances to hear shouldn’t they?"

HUMPHREY
"Let's first heal all who we can. That way we, will be stronger in our efforts to tackle the priests. Now let me tell you what this letter says: The High Priest of Diabolis has joined an alliance with the Druids of the Father and the Davenesti, which some of you may know as dark elves. The Davenesti are in Los Vain forming rebel forces which will be used to attack Los Vain. At the same time the temple of Diabolis is to get the kingdom of Asga to march on Los Vain at the same time. It also mentions that each member of the alliance will send a band to go find a Green Orb of Enchantment. A powerful artifact, with great powers, that has been lost." with that he looks at for the their reactions, especially the elves, then he continues. "I am not sure if our first priority should be taking out revenge on the cult or spreading to all the good temples the contents of this letter. If the general populace knew who was behind the aggression on the elves, then we might be able to put a stop to this war. Dain has friends who are also going after the artifact. My blood tells me to attack now before the have a chance to recuperate. We do know that last night, they were in ceremonies and have since plan the attack on us, therefore they haven't had a chance to sleep and are probably getting ready to do so now, but they will be on guard. What say the rest of you."

SERIAN
Serian says, "Thank you Grumach." He then looks around and notices that Kiya is missing. "He jumps and then slumps slightly still weak from his wounds, "We've got to rescue Kiya! We can't leave her to those brigands!" The elf starts making for the secret door to leave the cave.

ALOF
Turning to Serian I say "You just came from the thieves guild am I correct. It would be crazy to go back there they'd surely kill us! What would we do when were inside there's at least 100 guys in there maybe more!"

HUMPHREY
Humphrey seeing a sorrowful Serian, "Hold Serian, we might be able to help you. Tell us about when you last saw Kiya." A little less loud he says "So much to do, so little time to do it."

DM
You see no trap on the scroll case. Do you open it for all to see? It would be kinda hard to do otherwise in this room at this point.

BILADOC
I open the scroll case and take out whatever is inside. I'll hand it to Alof and say: 'Can any of you guys make something of this? My reading skills are not that great... Do you have any idea who that invisible man in the Inn was?'.

GRUMACH
"Kiya is dead. She sacrificed her life so that we may live. It was something she felt she had to do. Since we started traveling together, she voiced worry about her...Karma. She feared that past deeds ... hurt her spiritual standing."

TARIN
Tarin will look at the scroll to see if he can make any sense out of it.

SERIAN
Serian falls before the exit as if felled by a sword, his head in his hands and begins to sob uncontrollably.

GRUMACH
Grumach will try to console the elf (he's a priest, he may be somewhat good at it) and will at least try to calm him down. Elves are so damn emotional...

FRAXEN
Fraxen sits and ponders for a minute or two, and then says, “I agree that we should storm the temple, but we need to get some rest first. Running into one battle right after another may not be the wisest decision for us to make."

DAIN
Dain looks at his comrade "No, I think they have used powerful magic and are now depleted. This may be our best time and least expected."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey goes over to the elf to console him. "I realize that Kiya was very important to you, but at least her death had a purpose and now her spirit should do well in the next world. Take rejoice in that." Then he looks to the whole group. "I agree with Dain. A lot of their powerful magic should be depleted and we should hit them before they have had a chance to recover their spells. If we wait to attack, I think that they will be better prepared. So let's catch our breath and heal and let's pray for those who have recently departed. Please a moment of silence." After about a minute of silence Humphrey starts up again. "Now let's avenge their deaths. Who is going to go with me and strike at the heart of this temple."

BILADOC
I take one of the short swords I took from the guys we fought in the Inn and place it in my belt. I say to the party: 'Does anyone have any use for a cutlass and/or a short sword? I've taken these from the thugs upstairs and don't need them.' I'll give the weapons to whoever wants them. If nobody does, I'll keep them.

HUMPHREY
Humphrey replies, "Well done Biladoc, I would like the Short sword, as it is my preferred weapon and keep having problems with losing them one way or another and it would be nice to have a spare, in case I lose one again."

ALOF
I turn to the group and say "Perhaps one of you might enjoy this short sword. I don't have use for it but since it is not your regular sword I would ask for something magical in return. A longsword or a pair of magical daggers perhaps. Oh, yes I as well found a cutlass a while ago. Does anyone want it?" Turning to Tarin and Biladoc I say "Let's all have a go at reading that scroll. When we do though let's each try and read a different part of it though, so we don't read the same material. First though let's try and figure out what language it's in. Maybe someone can read that language." I am going to follow Humphrey in the back of the party daggers drawn.

FRAXEN
I ask "What's special about the sword?"

BILADOC
I say to Alof: 'I'd like that short sword, but I've got nothing magical I can offer you in return.' To the party I say: 'Maybe Dain, Fraxen or Ulath can understand this writing. What do you make of it?'

DM
Looks like a Map you are saying you can't read. It is showing a section of the Mountains that Border Isk on the west. Seem to be showing ruins or something there.

BILADOC
After looking at the map, I say: 'Sir Humphrey, could this map be a clue to the whereabouts of that Green Orb of Enchantment everyone's looking for? Is there any symbol to represent it, in the letter you have, similar to any of the symbols in this map?' I turn to the dwarves: 'Does any of you understand this writing?'

HUMPHREY
Humphrey looking at the map, "No, I believe the Green orb is to the south. The barony of Isk and the dwarvish mountains are the most civilized part of the kingdom. But I could be mistaken."

FRAXEN
I'll try and read the map.

DM
It is very hard to make out even for those who know dwarven.

ALOF
Turning to Fraxen I whisper something in his ear. Turning to the party I say " This message or map may be easier to read after we attack the temple because we might be able to find some more clues in there.(pointing to the priests chambers). Well if we're going to attack there's not a better time than now, is there?"

HUMPHREY
Humphrey perks up when hearing about the map. "Let me see the map. My father is the Baron of Isk. Does anyone know, where we can hire a scribe."

FRAXEN
"I guess that it would be best to attack now. And perhaps we will learn more about this map after we fight this battle." With that the dwarf stands.

SERIAN
As Grumach comforts the elfin warrior he listens to the continued prattling on of business. The elf accepts Grumach's hand up and he turns from the door, tears still staining his now red cheeks. "Infidels! You talk as if nothing has happened here. As if no one has died or suffered. You can think only of your own selfish desires. You desire this magic item and that map to treasure. The thieves of this city have captured one warrioress and have killed another. Why did I think humans and dwarves could possibly understand honor, justice, right and wrong! Continue on your missions of greed. I will continue my quest alone." The elf turns back to the door, he stumbles slightly but then opens the secret passage and goes back out into the sewers.

GRUMACH
I will follow him, and try to stop him from leaving the room and reentering the sewers. Grumach says, in a near growl, "Serian, if you are in such a hurry to rejoin Kiya, then I won't stop you. But if you wish to avenge her death, then I suggest you wait. If you DO wait, you have me against your back, and perhaps Tarin as well. Right now, these humans and dwarves, they may be selfish, but they are also protection. If you re-enter those sewers, the thieves will kill you. I tell you now, I do NOT wish to lose another friend this day." Grumach's voice becomes more controlled. "I think I know a way to reap vengeance. Are either you or Tarin a sorcerer?"

SERIAN
Serian slows as Grumach growls at him. "I owe you my life, as Kiya did before. She declared you friend and so do I." The elf turns to face the gnoll, "You have a plan. I know magic. And yes, vengeance is necessary."

GRUMACH
"Good. We need patience. Do you know the sorcery to make people unconscious? I think if we hide near their door in the sewer, whenever someone pokes their heads out, we capture them. Either with a spell, or an arrow through their kneecap, or whichever method lends itself. We need more information about them. I haven't had training in the ways of ripping information out of people with pain, but I'm sure we can figure it out. Also, we might try to make a pass at an exchange of prisoners, and try to get Glianna out." "The rites of Vengeance will be observed."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey responds to Serian's accusations, "If you have listened to what I have been saying then you might figure out that I am trying to save the elvish nation. You would also know that the evil temple that we have been referring to is the force who is trying to destroy the elves. Now which do you think is the more important problem, the group who is trying to destroy Los Vain or the thieves Guild. We are trying to stop more of your loved ones from being killed. Being that my father is a ruler, I understand the importance of honor, justice, right and wrong AND the sometimes more importantly what is best for the good of all! I too have had friends who have died this day. What would Kiya want you to do, get revenge and kill yourself in the process, or save the elvish nation!"

DAIN
Dain looks down from his axe "Yes your loss is as strong to us as those we have suffered ourselves. I lost my cousin, last of my line, to those foul demons of the cult as well as comrades. We desire vengeance for our loss.
First the temple who as this document tells, plans a greater evil than the guild. Your comrade is of concern as well but the guild will be wary. I would recommend you put aside your pain and join us in this quest, not for magic or gold, but for that which is right and vengeance! Give the guild a day to calm itself and we will return there by the morrow." Dain sits with his axe laying beside him "Before we go forth from here Noble Humphrey and axe brothers, we need to talk. That map is hard even for us dwarves to read. I do not feel it signifies the orbs locale as the letter that the robed one translated for us says it is in the southern continent. The cryptic letter does bother me. Not only is there a great alliance of evil set to destroy the elven woods of Las Vain, but they seek an item of power that we must not let them have-simply because they desire it. This strange language of the scroll and its reader, the robed girl puzzle me. I feel that it is odd that someone we chanced to meet would be able to translate the ancient and rare language of the scroll. We should visit her and 'talk' to her at length. It may be that the drow wrote the document or another of the evil alliance. She may know more we could use.
As to the alliance and this kingdoms march against Las Vain as a result of the work of the cult, we need to ponder warning the king of the treachery at foot. Humphrey is a prince and might be able to get an audience. The concern I bear is that even the king may be involved. we do not know how deep this matter goes. The cult we can hurt here, the Drow in the woods are creatures of myth and truly a concern since this letter proves their existence. That would explain the alliance against the elves as legend has it that they beat the Drow into extinction. Overstatement on the elves behalf obviously. Does anyone else know other information that should be shared with the group that we might be better able to asses this danger? Let us converse before we go forth to attack the cult. Once again noble elf. We seek more than material things and sorrow that you feel us cold, but our losses have hardened our hearts to the losses we suffer. Your grief shall be carried in my axe as well until we avenge those fallen. What think thee fellow comrades?"

SERIAN
Serian listens to the dwarf called Dain and considers his words. When Dain mentions ancient elfish tongues he replies, "I have some skill in reading the elfish languages (Fae-No-Mor). May I see the document in question?"
When Dain declares he has proof of the existence of Drow he exclaims, "What! Where is the proof?"

DAIN
Dain motions "That letter is the proof. It mentions their unholy alliance."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey looking at the map some more, "Dain, I believe you come from these mountains, do you not. Does the location of these ruins mean anything to you."

DAIN
Dain shakes his head "No my Lord, they are at the southern tip and I have truly not been there before or heard of them. Perhaps after we have dealt a blow to the temple we can go and find out what its meaning is while sending a scouting group to the southern continent to see where the alliance has gotten in their search for the orb. It is there according to the dark letter"

SERIAN
Serian looks only briefly at the scroll and then declares, "Yes, it is some elfish tongue, although a dialect I am unfamiliar with." He touches the scroll with his hand carefully and studies it a while longer. "Is this supposed to be an ancient scroll? It doesn't seem that old to me."

DAIN
Dain looks "It is not, the alliance must be a recent thing with the drow's reemergence. But obvious that they plan the elves ill."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey looks at the group, "Just a question, does anyone besides me specialize in short swords. Biladoc, was the short sword you had to offer magical or just an extra you picked up?"

BILADOC
I say to Humphrey: 'Sorry, I believe it's just a common short sword. And I, too, am a specialist with short swords, as well as daggers.'
I say to Serian: 'You're crying about a girl you met yesterday. I lost my cousin half hour ago, along with two friends. The time is not for tears but for actions. This evil cult is going to cause more harm than the deaths of our companions. Their after civil war, nation against nation. Stopping this is more important than avenging our friends. That as got to be our first priority.'
I turn to the party: 'Lets fight. Me and Alof could scout ahead for traps. What do you say, friend? And don't worry about the ways of ripping information out of people with pain, Grumach. I'll do it gladly.' Something in my voice makes you feel you don't want to know how...

ALOF
Turning to Humphrey I say " Sir Humphrey I would be glad to "lend" you this shortsword as long as you promise to return it as soon as I am proficient with it."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey listening to Biladoc agrees, "Yes, let's fight. Let me lead the group to where the secret door that lead to the room of the high level priest that we caught. Then you, that are wise in the ways of stealth and traps can take over." With that Humphrey leads the way to the said secret door.

SERIAN
Serian looks at Biladoc with fiery anger still in his eyes, "You can harden your heart if you want. I'll not forget the events of today. I will join you on your quest to destroy this temple, but when it's done...I return to the thieves' guild."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey who shows the document to Serian, says "This is written in the dark speech and we had a lady translate it. I do not know though that we can trust her, but I do believe that we what she read was true. We have since been attack by the cult, which is in league with the dark elves, for knowing and having this letter. My goal is to stop the war that is to come on Los Vain. As I have said before, the dark elves are in the forest realm of Los Vain. Do you not think that it is important for the Elven high council to know of this letter, as well as many different other people. I believe if we can expose this plot for what it is, then we may stop this nation from attacking Los Vain." "I realize that you are grieving, but now you know why I believe it is more important to attack the temple. We need to find more evidence and then we need to bring this evidence to light. Los Vain must survive or it will be just the first to fall, to this unholy alliance. Serian, we need you."

SERIAN
Serian says, "I owe little loyalty to any council or ruler, but if the elfish nations are in danger, I will aid you in anyway that I can."

TARIN
Tarin having listened intently to the discussion going on, suggests in his soft tenor voice, "Might we not rest for a few hours. Serian and I have not rested for well over two days. I have used all of the blessings the father has given to me, and I am still injured as well. At the very least I could use a few hours to rejoin the earth and regain some of those blessings."

GRUMACH
"I have also exhausted my magic, and am wounded as well."

CARYNTH
I look at Biladoc and say, "I, too, am tired, and I believe a few hours won't make any difference. If we are injured again, there may be no healing spells to save more friends from the fate of the few already dead. I think prudence should be used here. Once recovered, I shall be glad to be a sword at your back for protection."

ALOF
Turning to Humphrey I say " I agree that Biladoc and I shall lead the way just as long as we have some warriors behind us in case we get attacked.
Turning to Tarin I say " I know you may be tired I am too, but, we must attack now or the cult will gain in strength and be expecting an attack."

TARIN
Tarin nods his head, "Very well, I will watch the back of the party as I am not surprised very often." I pull out some of my bread, cheese and meat, "Anyone want some?" I also swallow a healthy swallow of water. "That will have to do." After checking my swords, I pick up my long bow from beside me and quietly say, "I am ready."

ULATH
Ulath after all this discussion looks up from his dog and says: - Friend Serian its interesting to find such a dwarfish stubbornness in an elf but, have any of you considered the possibility that in such a busy sewer, with a thieves guild WITH ORKS!!!!???!!!, Rat Men and a temple of the evil "organizer", it his possible that they are all together, and going against one, we will, in the end, be going against all? - If we are going to attack now, we should first organize us, according to our possibilities and wounds. Something more precise than "the scouts go ahead."

SERIAN
Serian ignores Ulath's comment about dwarfish stubbornness and picks up his bow. "I'll travel in the middle of the party. My magic is exhausted and I would think in my condition a single blow would fell me." The elf holds up his bow, "But, I am accurate with this weapon and when we enter close combat, I am prepared to fight with this." The elf lightly touches the long sword at his side. "Let us go and surprise these evil priests."

GRUMACH
Grumach will take some of the proffered bread. "I would like to stay with Tarin. Serian, Ulath, perhaps we should stay together?" Didn't we tell Kelandil to meet us in the green dragon inn?

SERIAN
Serian reaches up and places his hand on the gnoll-shi's shoulder, "I know that we have been battered and wounded Grumach. But, this Humphrey is right. We did not secure a position within the thieves' guild last night and that allowed them to prepare their defenses. This temple has been recently raided and another attack so soon will give us the advantage we need. Rest and recovery appear to be sensible courses of action, but they only allow the enemy to become stronger."

CARYNTH
The druid says softly, "I agree that we all seem to have a great deal to recover some, and I have need to relearn the gifts I ply for my trade."

GRUMACH
Grumach flinches at the contact (more reserved culture, physical contact usually implies violence or conflict. Grumach understands the elf does not intend this, but still...) "Yes. Liscivious grant us strength. Perhaps these clergy will be less organized than the thieves." Grumach will ready his staff sling. He will try to stand near Serian, as he is unsure of the elf's health.

CARYNTH
Noting that she seems to be getting outvoted, she speaks. "Very well, if no one will heed prudence, I came here for adventure, and I'll not let you all wander away whilst I heal." She draws her scimitar, which gleams dully in the darkness.

DAIN
Dain looks around "I would council attack but mayhaps it would be best that we rested and allowed our holy ones to heal the wounded. For we may have greater strength in the morn. Perhaps we should send one or two to the inn to see if any comrades have returned, I also think we should talk to the priestess we captured and delivered, and the ones at the inn should see about the robed figure as she might be with a group opposed to the alliance. Why else would she aid us?"

ALOF
Turning to everyone I say " I was in favor of attacking before but now after this I'm not sure. You guys can go ahead and decide."

TARI
N Tarin quietly speaks, "I suggest we wait for long enough to regain our healing powers, heal ourselves, then go. The priests in the temple may be at alert now already or not."

GRUMACH
"I would also suggest a wait, so that the sorcerers and holy men can recover strength. Our opponents will be using magic, we should use it as well."

HUMPHREY
Humphrey listening to others about waiting or attacking now make the following suggestion, "Since, we have mixed feelings whether to attack now or after the priests get their spells back, I suggest that we vote. The best reason I can think of to go ahead and rest is that higher level spells require more rest. So I will vote for resting. I have slept recently so I'll stand guard. So my vote is to rest."

SERIAN
Serian finds a comfortable corner within the light. "I'll begin to study and meditate. If we plan to leave rouse me. If we stay I'll be ready in about 4 and 1/2 hours."

GRUMACH
Grumach will also meditate. Same spells as before, Charles.

DAIN
Dain sits near the door and sits watch for the first few hours, eating and watching the door. He then wakes Humphrey for the next shift.

DM
The group rests(Note: mages need to rest 8 hours not four. The old SSI games used 4 and 1st edition did as well. 2nd edition says 8 so I am going with that. So I have changed your rest period somewhat) for 8 and a half hours. The warriors take turns on watch looking out for dangers that don't come. Fraxen seems to be starring at the chamber at the end of this period with a worried look on his face. The mages and priest have studied and preyed for their spells. (everyone heals 1hp if you are wounded).

That's more than enough for one chapter. Amazingly, for a chapter about resting, I've cut/paste/delete about 150 messages...

In a Dark Room IN Pensula:A shadowy forms moves another peace across the board. "The Knight escapes me again. You seek me out Draco. I will move to crush your allies and then you will come for me. When you do I will be waiting." His hand visable in the cnadle light for a brieft second. A scarlet glove with the Letters NG sewn into them in silver thread.