KINSON
Kinson looks at the black, still water:
"Looks the same as before, can't see into it at all, and it doesn't look like anything is moving."
Kinson walks to the water's edge, takes out the apparatus he made earlier (the sack of utensils, tied closed with his rope--50ft, rubbed down with weasel meat), he makes sure the rope is tied to the sack securely, so it won't slip off when wet. He holds the rope with his left hand and throws the sack out into the water (near the middle) and lets it sink. He holds the rope loosely so that if something in the water grabs the rope it won't pull him into the water (the extra rope is laying on the floor at his side, not tied to him). If the sack continues to sink he will pull it back before all the rope goes into the water.
Does the water seem deep, or does the sack stop sinking where the sloped hallway floor should be?

DM
The sack hits the water and splashes. Ripples cross the water to break on the stone floor near Kinson's feet. The sack sinks a foot or two no more. This seems about right considering the slope of the floor. Nothing bites and Kinson pulls the sack back to the shore without any problem.

LEGILDUR
Legildur watches Kinson go fishing and asks:
"But what is it you are looking for?"

KINSON
Kinson coils, and stores his rope. He seems ready to empty the sack on the floor, and then thinks better of it:
"You never know it could be useful again." He rings the excess water out of the sack and stores it as well.
"Well, There is a floor there, so we can probably walk across. Does someone have a staff? If we decide to cross the water, I would suggest the first person that walks across, use the staff to prod the floor in front of them as they walk, just to make double sure there are no surprises."

MAXIMILLION
Max watching Kinson with interest:
"First time I have ever seen anyone fish for a floor. But it is a good idea."

VORIAX
"Indeed. Nice plan Kinson."

KINSON
Kinson smiles broadly at Max:
"Trying wearing plate mail armor -- it will quickly give you a firm respect of deep holes filled with water. And if you fall in one, you will also learn how to get out of your armor much quicker than you think possible."
He laughs deeply while pulling in the rope.

ALOF
"This looks exactly like the water (not the same bank) that I found myself beside when I came to after I got hit by a flash of light. As I see it we have two options:
1. We can go through this water and hope it leads us to the other side where I was. Although it's only partially explored we might find a way out.
2. We can head north. "

TIMOR
Timor shares in Max's amazement of Kinson's device and technique...At first the brown eyed priest thought Kinson was checking for carnivorous aquatic life hiding in the watery depths, but when he realizes Kinson is simply checking for the depth of the floor his eyes widen.
"Most unusual indeed" he mutters in a whispered breath...

KINSON
"Indeed Timor, I was trying to accomplish both tasks with my fishing technique. And also making sure it isn't a pool of acid, if cheap kobold utensils survived then it must be normal water, probably the first time the stuff has been washed..."

BILADOC
After seeing Kinson perform his depth measurement, and hearing the praises from Max, Timor and Voriax:
'Yeah, nice plan. But when we were here before, I almost took the place of that sack. So, what now? If we go north, we may find that ghast that escaped us last time. Anyone wants to come with me to hunt him down?'
I take out two daggers and take a couple of steps north, waiting for someone to join me before proceeding.

KINSON
Kinson laughs deeply at Biladoc's words.
"An excellent memory my friend. Trust me, I wouldn't have thrown you out into the water like a sack of utensils, although I do remember involving a rope in the process. He nearly doubles over laughing as his imagination gets the better of him.
At the sight of the bewildered looks around him he sobers up:
"Guess you had to be there." He clears his throat, "And, good job remembering the snake, I forgot about that denizen of this place, but it left us alone so I think we should leave it alone."
"Biladoc has presented us with a decision. Go north or cross the water. Shall we have a party vote? North, Water or, I don't care (which means go with the majority)? Biladoc's vote is obviously to go north, and although I am on a special mission for the church I always have the overriding rule to rid the world of evil so I shall go with him. He looks to each of the other party members for their answers."

ALOF
"I am in agreement with Biladoc I feel we should go north. It would be almost pointless to go east because we have no idea how far this passage leads, or if it leads to where I was. There's nothing to say that we won't find a way out going north."
After saying this I go up and help Biladoc scout the area ahead.

MAXIMILLION
Max seeing that the group is at a fork:
"We can save the water for later, let us traverse North. Scout ahead Biladoc and we will follow."
Max moves behind Sir Kinson and follows.

BILADOC
I smile back at Kinson:
'No, you would've thrown me out like a screaming hobbit.'
I look at Legildur, Voriax and Max. I then glance at the silent group made by Drew, Mareena, Kyrie and Timor (not so silent after all ;-) ).
I say to Kinson and Saggar, with a malicious grin:
'I believe our friends are on a verge of a nervous break down. Even Alof was about to attack those dead ghasts back there. And that brown eyed priest keeps going on about the lack of safety of this place. I was hoping we could get Legildur to join us, but he too looks... *cautious*... about meeting a live ghast. Shall the three of us go up this hall and finish what we started earlier, while the rest of the party waits here?'
I start juggling with my daggers, still smiling, but ready to dodge anything thrown in my direction by Legildur, Timor or any of the others. ;-)

TIMOR
OOC:
There is yet another person in the silent group. Silvan, Ayla's brother. Don't forget that he is here too. [and Shannon thinks that no one cares... :]
BIC:
Timor does not voice his opinion on where to go (since, as he has learned, his preference is of little consequence at the moment). If they choose to traverse the waters first, Timor will offer the lead walker the use of the metallic walking staff he carries as a device for probing the grounds before them. If they choose to go north, Timor will follow as well. He will add the comment:
"I hope you aren't going north simply in hopes of finding the ghast...for it maybe possible that this undead spirit you seek can pass over this water and gone in that direction.."
Timor will then hang back with the quiet elves (Silvan, Kyrie, Drew and Reena) and will begin pondering how this race came to have such unique facial features...those pointy ears, almond-shaped eyes, and delicately-curved nose..[i.e. he is just filling his mind with random thoughts at the moment :]. He later turns his mind to more practical and spiritual matters...wondering if he should one day begin looking into creating items stored with Elanna's healing powers as a way of spreading her wondrous touch....
[Timor's vote on direction: any is fine with him. What is he doing: passing time by thinking of things of little consequence to the current situation]

LEGILDUR
Legildur ponders Biladoc's question about the snake causing the marks on the ghouls before answering:
"I couldn't be sure about that, but I would say not. Snakes typically swallow their prey whole - and usually fresh kills only. Then again, I've never heard of a 30' long snake before - and living down here it may not be so particular about its food."
Legildur nods his head slowly at Kinson's concern about plate mail armor and water of unknown depth, himself wearing a plate mail suit and carrying a kite shield.
He turns to Biladoc before the hobbit moves off to the north:
"If you had seen the sights I've seen and your friends die around you the way I have (meaningful look to Voriax), then you'd understand my trepidation in chasing undead. But I agree with you, Kinson and Alof. North it is, if only to avoid the inconvenience of the water and to kill the ghast."
Legildur moves in beside Kinson and behind Alof and Biladoc as they commence scouting the north corridor.
OOC: See Kermie, I managed to address three separate issues in one post and keep it to only seven (shortish) sentences :-)

BILADOC
After hearing Legildur description of snakes' feeding habits, I say:
'Hum, never though of that. Maybe it was the last ghast, then. Judging by their breath, they'll eat anything but roses.'
When Legildur comments on his friends dying, I look back at him, the usual smile gone from my face:
'The sights *you've* seen?! I've seen friends and more than friends being smashed, burned, cut to pieces, frozen solid. I had to turn my weapons on one of them, after he became a specter to save the rest of us. I've seen them disappear in front of my eyes. With all the teleportation going around in this #$%##$& maze they may end up in one of this halls. That's why I'm so eager to get as many %&$##$&$ monsters as possible, so I don't have to see another one of my friends die!'
I stop to regain my breath. I look around at the faces staring at me, lower my eyes and say to Legildur in a much calmer tone of voice:
'Sorry, I... I didn't mean to... Your losses are as great as mine, I'm sure. It's the fact that I couldn't help them that...'
I turn to the others, with a forced smile:
'Sorry folks. I believe we are all nervous and jumpy. Kinson, if I start babbling like this again, hit me over the head... not very hard, though.'
I proceed up the hall. Upon reaching the darkness, I ask Alof:
'Could this be the same area of darkness you found earlier?'
I'll check the walls for any passages while Max and Timor try to remove the darkness.
OOC:
See Kermie, my posts are getting almost as big as yours... ;-)

DM
Looking at the area in front of the darkness you see no signs of secret passages, doors, or any sort of concealed compartment.

KINSON
With compassion clearly evident upon his face, Kinson grasps Biladoc's shoulder and squeezes lightly:
"We have all lost people dear to us, but remember there are success stories as well" -- he glances at Alof and nods his head. "I believe by working together, we can put a stop to the evil behind this place."

DM
The hallway north goes seventy feet from the secret door where it turns west. Going west you find the hallway goes seventy more feet before a magical wall of darkness blocks the hallway.
OOC:
Those of you being quiet out there send something letting me know your still in this game.

VORIAX
Voriax, keeping to the middle of the party:
"Max? Care to stick your staff into the darkness? The magical light on it may neutralize the magical darkness. If that doesn't work, I am not sure on how to get around it. I don't have access to dispel magic yet."

TIMOR
Timor looks to the darkness and thinks back to something he was wise enough to do earlier. If Max's staff won't dispel the darkness, the brown eyed priest recites from memory the prayer to Elanna which calls for illumination. Though it isn't a permanent light such as the light on Max's staff, it should be enough to see what's hidden in the shadows.
[if max' staff doesn't work, Timor will cast his own light spell]

ALOF
Before anyone can do anything I quickly put myself in between them and the darkness (if I'm not already there). I am sure there are some confused faces when I do this so I explain myself by saying:
" Last time I went near magical darkness I got teleported to the library. I was lucky, who knows where this will take us? Biladoc this is definitely not the same magical darkness I came to earlier. My suggestion would be to throw one of the kobold utensils we have at it to see what happens. Whatever you do be careful."
If no one objects I grab a fork and throw it at the darkness.

SILVAN
Silvan steps forward finally, with an irritated look.
"Enough! We stand here arguing amongst ourselves, when we have no idea what lies beyond this present darkness, and little idea what lies behind us. I have not spoken up, knowing that many humans, indeed, and some of mine own people, do not place great import on order, but we can not let it divide the party. It may be time to choose a leader, to keep all our minds on the task at hand; verily, to define the very task. I do not suggest myself, though I would be willing to serve. Nay, one with greater experience, say, Legildur or Kinson, would be a better choice.
But of the task at hand: Alof, I believe you were about to test the darkness for us. Kinson's suggestion was sound, as well: we should be quiet," with a look at Kyrie and Biladoc, "to see and hear what we can. Depending on what we learn, Max can then proceed with his own experiment."
Having spoken more than in hours (or weeks, in the real world!), Silvan looks expectantly at Alof, who is (hopefully) standing with a fork in his hand.

LEGILDUR
Legildur nods his head gently at Biladoc's apology and explanation for his outburst, understanding fully what the loss of friends means.
He looks quizzically at Alof as the hobbit positions himself before the blackness. Leg listens to the explanation and he starts thinking once again about the water.

TIMOR
At the words that are being exchanged, Timor is ready to be the first to speak up and try and soothe the angered souls. When he sees others are already doing that, he remains quiet but still formulates a speech within his mind should his priestly words of wisdom still be needed to mediate between the two. He does however make a quick count of heads to make sure no one has accidentally/purposely separated from the rest of us.
[Charles, let me know if we are missing anyone whose absence we had not noticed before]

KYRIE
Kyrie does not look a bit repentant, but she does stop growling right there. ;-)
"I agree with you that we need someone to take decisions faster, and your choice sounds wise. I would personally trust Legildur with that responsibility, and my fate, any time. For the record, though, I wait on no one."
With that she goes back to drawing her map and to seeming oblivious to her surrounding (yes, she does kinda ignore the strange blackness as if it wasn't her concern. After all, this place seems full of people much more knowledgeable about these phenomenon than she.)

KINSON
Remembering his words about being useful, Kinson holds open his sack full of Kobold utensils for Alof.
"Let's be quiet and listen when Alof throws them, the sound, or lack there of, may tell us more than what we see."

DM
Alof throws a fork into the wall of darkness. Shortly after it enters there is a whooshing sound followed by a very distant ding sound.

SILVAN
"The utensil has obviously come to earth, but the mysterious sounds before concern me." Turning to the mages:
"Do either of you recognize that sound? Might it be another teleport? What does your expertise tell you?"

KINSON
Kinson looks astonished at Silvan's words.
"Well said indeed good sir! If your words are always so profound, then I would say they are well worth the wait. Thank you for your vote of confidence toward being the party leader, however at this time I would defer that duty to Legildur -- as all of you are more familiar with him, and I have already gained a strong measure of respect for him myself. I will still offer my council when I think of something to say. Saggar, Biladoc, and I have learned to serve each other with our individual talents, and if I might be presumptuous and speak for all of us, I would say that we will be glad to stand with you."

SAGGAR
Saggar nods at his lord as he hears his words speak true

KINSON
Kinson returns Saggar's nod, the respect of his friend clearly evident on his face.

LEGILDUR
Legildur nods to Kinson to indicate acceptance of his deferral, although he does privately wonder what actions have led to Kinson's strong measure of respect for the him. He has already exerted some leadership by delaying Voriax long enough for Biladoc to throw a second fork some further distance through the dark curtain.
The plate-mail armored elven warrior addresses Kinson:
"Thank you for your support Kinson. You too Silvan and Voriax. I'd be foolish to ignore council of any member here should time permit such a luxury. Right now though, we need to either find a safe way through this dark curtain, or return to the water."
Indicating with his shield bearing arm the blackness in the corridor and awaiting Biladoc's second throw.

KINSON
Kinson nods in agreement, "True words, to the task at hand."
He shakes the sack a little to rebalance the contents, still holding it open for Biladoc.

BILADOC
At Silvan's outburst (seems everyone in this party is outbursting. We must be in a outburst spell area ;-), I look at Legildur, then at Kinson, and say, with a stern look:
'I'm sorry to disagree with you, Silvan. I would prefer Ayla to be our leader. And I give you two reasons for that.'
A mischievous smile appears in my face:
'First, she's not here. Second, I'd rather disobey her than any other leader we pick, in particular Kinson... and I guess Legildur, too. Ok, you're in charge Legildur. Try not to get us into much trouble.'
I wink at Legildur and start taking out a rope from my backpack:
'Lets try something else. I've got this 50ft. rope with a hook. We attach the hook tightly to the floor or the wall, attach some of the kobold utensils to the other end for weight and send it off into the darkness. This may give us a clue about the length of the fall and we can determine if this is a teleport or just a hole of enhanced falling speed.'
I start preparing the rope and as soon as it is ready, I wait until everyone is at a safe distance and then throw the rope in the darkness, moving back to the others and wait.

KINSON
Kinson smiles from ear to ear and laughs at Biladoc's words; he turns to Legildur and says: "Don't worry, Biladoc and Alof have a rather individualistic view of the world, but their hearts are in the right place. I've traveled with them and personally vouch they are good company."
Turning to Biladoc:
"Good idea! A grappling hook and rope. Here why don't you just use the bag as I did with the water." Kinson hands the bag of utensils to Biladoc. He then helps secure the hook and as an added measure he holds onto the rope himself when Biladoc throws the other end into the darkness.

LEGILDUR
Legildur laughs quietly at the hobbits logic and smiles in his direction, sympathizing to a degree.

SILVAN
Raising an elegantly arched eyebrow, Silvan says nothing. A cloud then seems to pass over his face, and he moves over to Timor.
"Friend Timor, I have just remembered a dream that, I realize, has had me unsettled all morning - as much as it is ever morning in this hole; how I long for the sun and fresh air! At any rate, I dreamt that Ayla was in trouble, calling for my help; then nothing! I fear something evil has befallen her, my friend.
"I am loath to split the party, but I am feeling the necessity to find out what has befallen my sister. While I am chosen of Laskanthar, it is rather a one-way communication until I have proven myself worthy to him. Is there some way you could contact Elanna, or another, for knowledge about Ayla? If there is a price," and here he pauses, and takes a deep breath, "I will pay it."

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks away from the action with the hobbits and the rope, turning to look at his friends Silvan and Timor. He adds:
"I suspect that this way is barred to us. If the rope fails to give us a good sign to progress then we can use our exploration to look for Ayla. She may be headstrong and difficult, but she is the heir-apparent for the Elven people."
Thinking some more before continuing:
"You Silvan, must consider more than your needs now when you make a decision. We should not split the party in this environment unless forced. You must assume that Ayla has run afoul of some beast or magic down here, given the signs from your dreams, and that leaves you as the next heir of Los Vain - your life is no longer your own. We shall look for Ayla, as it seems there is no other choice but to search for her and the others' lost friend (referring to the teleported dwarf?). But first, can you help him Timor?"

TIMOR
Timor slowly walks away from the others, all the while pulling Silvan with him. When they are about 15 or so steps away (he doesn't want to disturb those who are busy with the darkness).
(only those at the back of the group will be able to hear this, even then, they have to be actively listening/good ears)
"The powers of Elanna are concentrated amongst the healing of beings and the holy light.. And, as such, we are not taught prayers which allow us to speak to her immortal self. I will say, I have heard through our ancient stories that such a communication is possible, though, that was most often only accomplished by high standing priests with many years of service under their belts; and even then, these priests had undergone some long ritual to prove their worthiness."
Though Timor's words essentially said that such a divination was an impossible task for him, he does come back and add a few slightly encouraging words.
"However, there are always things that can be tried, but at the moment, the only thing I can think of may end up taking more time than we have if Ayla truly is in trouble...besides, it would be very dangerous. So....perhaps it would be best for us to find other ways to find out what Ayla's present state of being is."
[if Silvan doesn't have anything else to add]
Timor walks over to Biladoc (I believe it was Biladoc who is a priest himself, or is that someone else? I just remember that there is another priest somewhere amongst us and if its not Biladoc, then Timor will approach whomever it is that introduced himself as a servant of a church).
"May we interrupt your task for a moment?"
Timor takes him aside with Silvan. "We were wondering if your teachings at your church have given you any knowledge in the ways of divination?"
Though there do exists some mystical methods of divination, Timor doesn't consider them as plausible as holy magic (no offence to Voriax or Max ;), hence, he isn't even going to think of asking them.

BILADOC
OOC:
Some confusion here. No wonder, with a party of twelve... Kermie: Saggar is the priest. Biladoc is a the... not a man of the church ;-).

SAGGAR
"Nay I cannot devine knowledge of this my friend." :Smiles:

VORIAX
"Interesting. It didn't make the dinging sound until after the whooshing. That means it happened before the fork hit the ground. Maybe a gust of wind that knocks the object down the hall? Or maybe down a pit?
(Charles: Could we tell if the ding came from below floor level, or down the hall?)
I vote we don't rush right through. Let's put the lit staff in first."

DM
It came from below.

VORIAX
"Well, that solves that, sort of. I would definitely not recommend going across conventionally. If you want, I have a spell that will allow me to levitate myself (and maybe one other person) across the distance of the 'pit'. Then once across, we can see what is there, and if it's worth getting the rest of the party across. I have this spell memorized already, so it won't waste much time. What do you think, new party leader? (a glance at Legildur here)"

TIMOR
Timor moves over to Silvan.
"You know, Legildur brought up a valid point. If Ayla is indeed in trouble, your life truly is no longer your own - though I do not believe that, there will be an entire population that does believe it...so mayhap it would be best if you were to use a sure method and return to a place you were safe. Using Voriax's mirror to return to the red mage's tower...and then hurry on to Hasbis. I am sure the Welcome Wench and the hospitality of Jas and his wife will be a safer place for the heir to throne than such a place as this." Since Timor really doesn't believe that a person's life is not their own despite whatever royal lineage they maybe from, he adds some thoughts to the contrary of what he just said.
"Then again, you are the most appropriate person to 'deal with Ayla'. So maybe it is better if you did remain with us after all...Another such dream may help us find her, and even when we do find her, you are the person she responds best to."

LEGILDUR
Legildur thinks for a moment and turns to Biladoc:
"Take out another one of those disease ridden Kobold utensils, but this time throw it much farther than just through the 'curtain'. Maybe it is only a pit with a magical trap in it and the fork will clear the pit this time. Then it might be safe for Voriax to levitate his way across with a rope."

DM
Biladoc is more than happy to comply. He throws another fork as hard as he can. As soon as it enters the darkness there is that whooshing sound and then a ding somewhere far below.

LEGILDUR
Once Biladoc has thrown the next fork, Legildur then sheaths Vinguard and takes one of the utensils from the bag proffered by Kinson and, using all of his strength and dexterity, hurls the disgusting piece of cutlery as far through the curtain of darkness as possible (should be able to reach a little farther than Biladoc ;-)

ALOF
"I definitely agree with Biladoc on this because if that is a teleportation device, who knows what happens if someone goes through and can't come back! I'm not familiar with these type of things but could that ring we heard be some sort of alarm? Maybe we should go north and scout ahead there then come back. If we don't someone could be waiting for us at the bottom of that 'pit'.
I do not know Legildur well enough to say that I would trust my life with him (no offence) but, since my friends say he is someone who would be a good leader I'll have to agree with them."

MAXIMILLION
Max looking puzzled:
"It seems that a gust of wind is being produced, and it either goes down or down and away as we have yet to feel a breeze."
Max then sticks one end of his staff into the darkness. "Well this should be interesting."

DM
The spoon Legildur selects does a short distance into the darkness before there is a whoosh sound followed by a ding and a ding sound somewhere further below. One seeming to have been deeper into the ground than the other.

KINSON
Kinson watches Max closely, ready to grab him if anything unexpected starts to happen, like getting pulled into the darkness or something of that nature.

VORIAX
"Hmmm. Well Max, I think you have the right of it. I'm glad I didn't levitate into the pit earlier. It sounds like it would have been a rough ride. My guess is a gust of wind, that shoots straight down into the pit. That way, if someone tried to jump over it, they would be thrown to the bottom regardless. And that would explain why there isn't much of a breeze from the gust. It wouldn't even touch us over at the edge."

TIMOR
"You know....the solution to this dilemma maybe simpler then you think. Perhaps this theoretical hole doesn't extend all the way to the walls. If we used a something to prod along the ground (i.e. Timor's staff) we can follow along the edge of the ground (run the staff along the edge which meets the walls) and see if there is in fact a ledge on one of the pit's sides"
"But, first, let us see what the holy light of Elanna reveals" (he is referring to the test in which Biladoc was going to toss a weighted rope and then Timor cast the light spell on the end of the item in question)

LEGILDUR
Legildur smiles at Alof:
"No offence taken Alof. I believe that the ding may be an alarm."
"Wait Max!!" says Legildur sharply as the mage moves to put his staff into the curtain of darkness, "Not yet with the staff - it is a useful light source and I think you would lose it in there. I think Alof has the right of it - let us see what happens to the weighted rope. If it disappears, as I think it will, then I say we leave the ghast until later and explore some of the many unknown corridors on your map you showed us."

TIMOR
Timor listens to what the others propose. When he hears Legildur protest to Max using his staff, Timor wrinkle's the corner of his lip in thought. Perhaps the others had not heard him earlier, or perhaps they were just passing over the thought of Elanna's help. Whatever the reason maybe, Timor decides it best to just do what he was going to do in the first place.
Timor approaches whomever has the object about to be tossed (I believe the most recent object to be considered was the weighted rope). Those standing near him will hear him say:
"Now I suppose we will see what happens when the holy light of Elanna comes in contact with this mystical darkness..."
He moves his hands about as he says a small incantation to Elanna:
"Oh great Elanna, I beseech you to grant your holy light upon this object. Your great and powerful being is always, appreciated by those of us who humbly serve you."
[he is casting his light spell on the object]
Once his spell has taken effect, quickly adds:
"Now toss the object before the divine magic wears off!"
He then anxiously awaits the outcome.

BILADOC
After Legildur throws the spoon, I put the glowing bag in the floor, near the dark area and say to Max:
'Better not stick that staff in there right now. If it gets sucked down, you may lose it forever.'
I say to the others:
'That first ring could be an alarm. But if it is, why didn't we heard it the first two times? It could have been the spoon triggering the suction and hitting the far wall before going down and hitting the floor. Voriax and Timor may both be right, and we might find a way around this pit. But this may just lead to a dead end.'
I then take out a short sword and start pushing the bag slowly into the darkness, to determine exactly where the suction starts.

DM
"Suction" starts a foot into the darkness.
Biladoc tosses the rope with the bag of utensils at the end. Before he tosses it Timor casts a mystical light on the end of it. As the bad sails into the darkness the light is engulfed and can not be seen. Timor looks quite shaken by this event. There is a whoosh and the rope quickly plays out as it rushes downward. Finally to Biladoc's surprise there is no more rope to play out and there is a mighty tug on the end of the rope. Biladoc begins to stumble forward but Kinson grabs hold of him. Biladoc's face is red with strain as he continues to hold on the rope. He can feel a great force pulling it downwards.

TIMOR
Timor stares wide eyed as the holy light of Elanna disappears into the darkness. Seeing the power of this magical darkness to be more powerful than the divinely-granted light, he feels a bit unnerved.
"I think it best we explore elsewhere for now then....I don't like this one bit." He mumbles a bit, "almost as scary as being the only kyka berry in the midst of a horde of Asgan spiders - this darkness will devour us in the same way.." (he had kept his comment to a mumble since he knows how stubborn and inquisitive these people can be and that they will insist on investigating.)

BILADOC
I let go of the rope, moving away from the hook, in case it breaks loose and pulls me down. I wipe the sweat from my brow and say to Kinson:
'Thanks, that was a close call.'
I turn to the others:
'Well, we learned something: this pit is more than 50ft. deep, this is an improved darkness area and Kinson's reflexes are sharp as usual. I've got a suggestion: we try to pull this rope back, tie another one to the end of it and repeat this (checking for 100ft.). Kinson, you, Saggar and Legildur can try to recover the rope.'
I move back to give them room.

DM
The rope holds as Biladoc lets go of the rope.

KINSON
"Quite welcome my friend."
Kinson tries pulling the rope back in. If Saggar or someone else moves to help he makes room for them.

DM
You pull on the rope but find it very very hard to pull in.

SAGGAR
Saggar grabs the rope and assists

LEGILDUR
Legildur, seeing Biladoc strain on the rope, quickly unstraps his shield and passes it to Mareena for the moment, before stepping forward to grasp the rope and take the strain from the hobbit. Leg then attempts to pull the rope up a few feet to free enough slack to tie the next rope on with - before easing it back down the magic hole to measure the depth.
"Good idea Biladoc - grab another rope to tie on here." Legildur asks the hobbit before adding, "It still looks as though this is not the way to go. I say we find another way."

KINSON
Kinson is still trying to pull the rope back.
"The bag on the end of the rope may give us a clue to anything else happening in the darkness, so I think it's a good idea to pull it back. But... as Biladoc said we have learned this hole is at least 50 foot deep, which is more than deep enough that I think we don't want to waste anymore time with it. Plus, just the fact it's a hole, which only takes us deeper into the earth, not toward the surface, and there are enough of our party suffering from withdrawal already. I think Legildur is correct, let us abandon our efforts here and explore somewhere else, we can still cross the water, as he stated there are other areas we have not explored."

VORIAX
"I agree. Let us go another direction. I cannot dispel whatever magic is in the pit, and it appears that Timor is unable to as well."

LEGILDUR
Legildur congratulates the knight:
"A good point Kinson. Why bother with the depth for somewhere we are not going in any case?"
Legildur lends his weight (and more importantly, his strength) to the rope in an attempt to recover the rope and bag.
"Silvan, care to join us here?" he asks of the distracted elven prince as he strains with each bite of the rope.

SILVAN
Silvan looks up from his thoughts, then adds his own hands to the effort.

KINSON
Kinson nods his head, "We can always return when our abilities are greater."

BILADOC
I say to the others:
'Do you want to try the same with more length of rope? I've got another I took from Humphrey, that will give us about 100 ft. If we still can't hit the bottom, we can try to find Ayla, as Silvan suggested and help her. I'll bet she would hate that.'
I smile at Kinson:
'Maybe then she'll pay more attention to you, oh gallant knight in dented armor.'

KINSON
Kinson takes a big breath, puffs out his chest, pretends to shine a small patch of his breastplate, then exhales in a great gush - laughing deeply. He smiles at Biladoc:
"I think I've learned a valuable lesson from Ayla, sometimes 'tis best to let nobility alone to their ways. I think I prefer the company of more common folk." He looks down the hallway in the direction the party came from, "but I do not wish any harm to her, I hope she is safe."
He glances back at Silvan, and then to Legildur, "are we going looking for Ayla then?"

DM
You all of course have no idea where she went to...

LEGILDUR
Legildur glances across to the elven prince before answering Kinson's question, "Yes, we will. Although we have no idea where she has gone, so it will just be a general exploration until we find sign of her.".
The elven warrior takes his right gauntlet off and places it in his left hand, squatting down a bit to look over Biladoc's shoulder as he brings out the map. Looking at it, he pauses and then thinks aloud:
"What about starting here?" as he points with his fine index finger to the unexplored east-bound corridor starting at the middle of the map on the southern edge.

KINSON
"Excellent. I agree. Anyone need to prepare before moving on," asks Kinson?

MAXIMILLION
Max thinking back to times soon to be forgotten:
"Different Nobility are as different from each other as common folk are from other common folk. Don't let Ayla be your reference point. I will say one thing form them all, they are used to being obeyed and have problems dealing with situations where they can not demand obedience. Still some handle this better than others. Ayla's heart is in the right place, she just needs the wisdom to guide her. Another trait that nobility needs in order to succeed is that selected sacrifice of individuals for the good of the whole. This is something that is hard for leaders to deal with and why good leaders age quicker than bad. But enough about that. We have our own worries to deal with and I think we have yet to see the last of Ayla."

DM
The rope comes up as both warriors pull on it. It feels almost like something very strong is pulling it the other way. But the bag comes up with nothing attached and no marks on it.

KYRIE
Kyrie looks up from her map, then quietly: "If it is worth anything, my vote is that we do not lose time on places we ain't going to. Especially if your friend is in need..."
She picks up her sack, swing it over her shoulder and go a little distance from the noisy group, taking position to guard their backs until they are ready to move.

KINSON
Kinson walks over to Kyrie, looking over shoulder to sneak a glance at her map.
"Pardon me Kyrie, but have you and Biladoc compared maps there may be information on one that is not on the other?"

TIMOR
Timor adds his own opinion (though his opinion is pretty much the same as Kyrie's)
"Yes, let us move on from this place. I think finding and helping Ayla maybe a more important task at the moment." He stops, and adds as a completely separate thought, "Perhaps if we returned to the place where Ayla was last in our company and then searched for some sign of her tracks. I doubt her tracks would keep well on stone ground (it is a stone floor isn't it? if it is dirt then it'll be a bit easier) but at the very least, she may have move some dust or debris, allowing us to follow her direction." The brown eyed priest moves out of the middle of the clamor to allow the others to do whatever it is they are/were going to do. He does have two very random thoughts though.
He looks around for Reena and pulls her aside for a moment.
[Charles, I could be remembering this wrong, but when Reena and Timor were attacked by the man in the underground complex while deciding whether to join the others through the portal or not, the dagger/weapon she picked up - did it have some unusual markings on it? if so:]
"Reena," begins the brown eyed priest, "Perhaps these other people (referring to all these folks who they are now traveling with) may know of the origin of the strange marks on the blade you picked up. Such an identification may lead to the knowledge of who are attacker was"
[of course, none of you will really know what we are talking about unless she pulls out the blade to show you. And since Reena is often a person who likes to keep stuff to herself, she MAY chose NOT to ask others their opinion until a different time when it is of her own initiative]

SAGGAR
Saggar examines it "Might it be a form of gate?"

KINSON
"Obviously a discussion for users of magic." says Kinson and he walks down the hall a little ways. You think you hear him muttering something about giant rust monsters as he walks out of earshot, but the sound is lost quickly.

LEGILDUR
Legildur watches Kyrie and then Kinson move away from the group.
"Yes, and not one we are about to undertake at this time. Kyrie is obviously thinking along similar lines as I am - I don't want to waste any more time or effort here. Sorry Biladoc, we won't look at this magical pit any further unless we have no other options. Have you got that map handy? Perhaps Voriax, either yourself or Max should take a copy of the map before we go any further in case something happens to it."

BILADOC
I recover my rope and hook, put them away in my backpack and held out the map for Voriax, Max or whomever make a copy. I say to Legildur:
'It's a waste of time, I keep the map with me and I don't intend to let something happen to me.'
I raise my voice to let Kinson hear me:
'Like being tied to a rope and go down that pit to see what's down there. And remember: if we see a place with two forks and a spoon in the ground, that's where the pit leads to.'
I turn to Kyrie:
'Do you want to take a look at the map I've drawn so far? Maybe some areas match those in your map and we can have a better picture of this maze.'
I start moving towards the south east hall, as suggested by Legildur. When I pass Silvan, I say:
'Don't worry, we won't leave your sister in this maze. The poor creatures that live here don't deserve it.'
In a lower tone, being careful that only Silvan hears, I add:
'She'll be fine. She took care of a minotaur, didn't she? And we didn't hear any sounds of battle or screams, right? Come on, we're wasting time.'
I take out a couple of daggers and move down the hall.

KINSON
Kinson retrieves his sack full of utensils:
"I reiterate, they may yet be useful." When he hears Biladoc mention being thrown down the hole tied to the rope, he chuckles. "Perhaps the utensils are sitting near our next dinner. I could really go for some fried cockatrice right about now."
He checks his belonging again and prepares to move out with the party.

SILVAN
Turning away from the party, Silvan is quiet for a moment more, the responds.
"Yes, Legildur, I agree. I fear . . . I fear we will not find her . . . I am sure that there is no 'help' for us to give. Yet, I must see . . . I must try to find her, if only as we make our way out."
He then turns back quickly, with a strange light in his eyes. "And that can not happen too quickly!"

LEGILDUR
Legildur steps up behind the Silvan (and knocks him cold - just kidding)and places his now bare hand on the armored shoulder of the elf and attempts to lighten his mood.
"Fear not Silvan, for finding the exit too early would spoil the fun of exploring this labyrinth, would it not?".
With that, Legildur gives him a couple of hearty slaps on the shoulder(careful not to hurt himself on the chain mail) and turns back to the map held by Biladoc.
"So, are we agreed then. This point (he once again indicates the east-bound corridor on the southern boundary of the map)seems as good a starting point for the search for Ayla as any. I know Timor you suggested going back to where she left us, but there would be no decent tracks for the likes of us to follow. Besides, she would likely be well away from there in any case. As for the map, there is nothing of note along this corridor (indicating the northbound corridor in the north-west corner of the map), we came through a one-way gate in that direction. We can fill the details in later, but they are unimportant. Come, let's move on from here."
Legildur now waits for a quick copy of the map to be made before indicating for Biladoc and Alof to scout ahead, realizing that the nimble hobbits are more ideally suited to this task than a plate-mailed elf.
OOC: Sheeeezz. My posts are looking more and more like Kermie's (aka Timor), except I hope a little more structured ;-)

TIMOR
"Normally, I would be more apt to prove it as an 'ordinary' phenomenon, such as a strong downward suction of some kind - or at the most, a strong, magically induced suction to make the pit a bit more deadly. But given the fact that there are so many magical portals leading into this infernal maze, it is highly likely that there could very well be hidden portals leading out of here to other places as well. And, there MUST be some way out of here given the fact we have yet to..."
he stumbles for some words since is next thought is a bit grisly,
"...find any remains of trapped individuals who have been forgotten with time." As an after thought, he begins to wonder, "Could this perhaps be some sort of nexus of portals - the place where all portals intersect. He has heard of such a place, but usually such stories also say that this place is another plane of existence...the astral or ethereal...or something like that. and properties of life seem to be the same, so it probably isn't a different plane after all. Besides, if it were a different plane, there would more than likely be people from different places, not all from the fertile land we call Artisc"

MAXIMILLION
Max pulling his staff back so he will not lose it, "Gate nothing, it's a trap pure and simple. I agree with Sir Kinson that if we wish to tackle this problem it should be when we have greater abilities. Well mappers, where's the next unexplored region, besides the water."
Max then pauses for a second. "Please everyone be quiet for a second."
Max then concentrates and asks Solomon, if his keen ears can hear anything that Max's missed.

TIMOR
Timor nods as everyone motions to move on. He does add:
"Don't entirely rule out places that are already on the map. After all, Ayla could have also gone to a place that some of us have already been to."
As an after thought he adds, "Umm, somewhere in my pack I have a piece of chalk. Do you think we should mark off our direction in case we get separated, lose the map, or in case Ayla is now looking for us? On the other hand, it will let any intelligent denizens of this place know exactly where we are...not that our noise has already possibly done that."
[the rest is for Silvan, though it is still loud enough for anyone else to hear should they be interested in the conversation]
He doesn't care whether or not anyone responds to his words, he only felt they had to be said. After that, the brown eyed priest moves over to Silvan and begins thinking of ways to cheer up the prince, or at the very least, get his mind more focused on something else, or something productive. "So much has happened," he begins to say to the elven prince:
"Ever since I met you in the red mage's tower outside of Hasbis. We escaped some guards... escaped some hell hounds...met a wide assortment of people who we can now call trusted allies...All this knowledge and experience will undoubtedly help you upon your return to the kingdom."
He pauses for a moment and runs his hand through his dark hair, "And all beings of the higher power (immortals) work in their own ways. I am sure that this is all part of your god's plan - it will all have a purpose. So fear not of what has happened and what is yet to come, just know in your heart that it is the will of Laskanthar, and in the end - all will be safe and secure."
Though Timor is not in total agreement with everything he just said, he figures those words are a good way to try and get Silvan in better spirits -reminding him of his faith; for within faith one can find salvation from the darkest disturbance, one only needs to remember to look...

BILADOC
I nod to Legildur's request and move to the south side of the intersection, signaling Alof to move to the north. After I peek around the corner, I'll return to tell the others what I've seen. If I see Legildur move to the door' I'll stop him and check for traps first, then open the door and quickly move aside to let him be the first to enter. I'll have two daggers ready while I check the hall.

DM
Ok, what is the party order. I assume you are going to the south hallway indicated by Legildur.

TIMOR
Yeah, South Hallway. (Timor will pretend to know which direction is south :)
And Timor will walk somewhere towards the back of the middle of the group.
[note: Timor is not about to say what is going to follow, but I figure, it may just be quicker and easier if someone typed up a party order. If anyone has any problems with this, feel free to alter it.]
[Charles: how wide can our group formation be and still remain comfortable? single-file? two-people wide? the following is assuming single file. it will be slightly altered if it is easy to go two-people wide.]
Legildur*
Biladoc(map)
Alof
Kinson*
Saggar
Silvan
Max*
Reena
Timor
Voriax*
Kyrie(map)
Drew
(Just so you know my thought process:
-I put Legildur first.
-Then I looked at who had light sources (those with * are the ones I think that do, either from Vinguard, torches, or lighted staff) and tried to evenly divide them.
-I put those with maps nearest to the light sources so that they could work better
-Then I put people who seem to know each other together - this allows them to know what to expect from one another and will perhaps keep us at a good 'comfort' level with each other. Besides, those who used to travel together have been talking more with those people they already know, so I just stuck with that trend. And those who know each other seemed to naturally go with those they already knew.
-Also made sure an infravision-endowed person was at the end so that he/she would have a better chance of watching our back.
Again, these are all random thoughts. if someone has a better suggestion, or doesn't like where they are, or if I got some information (about who has a light and who has a map) wrong, feel free to alter it how ever the heck you want :)
(I was debating switching Reena and Silvan- so that Timor can watch Silvan and make sure he isn't too upset about the way events have unfolded, but at the same time, Reena is generally a quiet person and maybe more comfortable surrounded by people she has known longer than Saggar)

SAGGAR
Smiles: "This seems agreeable with me"

KINSON
Kinson listens to Timor's suggestions.
"You are a deep thinker Timor. You see a situation from many viewpoints, one of my masters had a similar talent, I bet you two could spends weeks just talking. Perhaps I will introduce you to him one day."
Kinson looks at Saggar quizzically:
"I know you'll make yourself useful from wherever you stand. However, I've seen you in a fight, so if you ever want to bash a couple of heads, just ask me to stand aside." He smiles, then laughs.

SAGGAR
"Thank you milord Kinson but I also know thy skill and with my healing you could fight forever."

TIMOR
Timor, displaying a wry smile, gives a quick glance to Voriax and Legildur who have always made countless remarks on his wordiness.
"I fear to do so would alienate me from those in our company. One day though, I would enjoy the chat. Where and who might he be? Perhaps if my holy journeys take me in such direction I shall bump into him?"
Timor rubs his eyes a bit, he still isn't used to this darkness, and the flickering light of the torches is playing tricks with his human eyes.

LEGILDUR
OOC:
No one has disagreed yet, so yes.
BIC:
Legildur ponders Timor's suggestion for party order "Sorry Timor, but as I said before, a plate-mail armored individual does not make a good scout - too noisy. MMmmmmnn..... If we can fit two abreast, I think Biladoc and Alof would make good scouts. Behind them should be some strong fighters for the initial shock value, say Kinson and I (Legildur), next should be a strong mage and another fighter (Voriax and Silvan), followed by another mage and priest (Max and Saggar), the least experienced should probably be next (Timor and Mareena) followed by some decent rear protection in Drew and Kyrie."
"If anyone violently disagrees with this, let me know now."
Alof Biladoc
Legildur Kinson
Voriax Silvan
Saggar Max
Mareena Timor
Drew Kyrie
"Of course, another option could be to use Mareena as a scout."
If no party member disagrees, then Legildur moves off behind Alof and Biladoc. Once a quick copy of the map has been made :-)

KINSON
Kinson nods approvingly, "So let it be said, so let it be done. So would single file, if necessary, be like this?
Alof
Biladoc
Legildur
Kinson
Voriax
Silvan
Saggar
Max
Mareena
Timor
Drew
Kyrie
Which is: the people on the right falling in behind the people on the left."

SILVAN
"I agree; this is a most sensible plan", Silvan says to Legildur. "Especially for one of Our People. I suppose experience has shown you the necessity of order, over the danger of chaos. You will lead us well."

ALOF
We can go in pairs for now, but if we have to go single file I would prefer Biladoc lead the way. (I'm a weak little halfling :-)

KYRIE
Kyrie seems completely happy with her position at the rear of the party. She will move following this little routine (it seems to come naturally to her): As the party walks, she stops and crouches in the shadows, peering into the darkness as the light and the clatter of the group fades away so that she has better chances at detecting should anyone/anything try to follow or creep up to them in the dark. When the party is far enough (more or less 20 to 30 meters), she stands and jog to catch them, only to do the same thing again.
OOC:
She will put her Hide in Shadows (15%) and Move Silently (21%) abilities to go undetected as she follows this routine.

TIMOR
At one point, during the walk, Timor happens to turn and notice Kyrie to be absent. he stops a bit, "Drew...Where's Kyrie?" he asks, both concerned and inquisitive.
After he sees Kyrie jogging to catch up, the priest figures it out...he has seen Legildur and the others do some highly precautionary measures and he figures this to be something of a similar sort.
He returns to babbling on with Mareena (whether or not she is listening ;)
(and of course, should she bluntly point out that she wishes him to shut up, Timor will look to the others who are adjacent to him and begin talking of Wilok, Asga, and his merchant family that lives there. And of course, should no one seem interested, Timor (never one to get upset at being told to shut up) goes about mumbling to himself. Those of you close enough to hear and familiar with religious practices will note that this is some sort of prayer chat that he is doing to keep himself occupied and to get his mind off of the uncomfortable situation.

DM
The group heads down the hallways seeing nothing unusual. Mareena thinks she hears laughing right behind her at one time. However, turning around she sees nothing. No one else seems to act like they have heard anything.
(Ok there are two south hallways on the map. One that turns east and the other goes past the blocked stairwell. Which one where you going to go down?)

TIMOR
As the brown eyed priest of Elanna walks with the group, he ponders certain things he heard mentioned earlier. Seeing Reena walking besides him, he decides to strike up a conversation (after all, what better way to alleviate the tension and ill thoughts that are being harbored in this dank and foul underground maze-like-trap.)
"So, Reena, Kinson mentioned a 'cockatrice' before. I've never heard of such a creature before...I can only imagine it to be something delicious if Kinson desires it so..."
"What's that you say? It's a chicken-like creature from bardic tales that turns innocents to stone with a peck of its beak?? Oh Elanna have mercy! Such a thing I had not imagined before...Hey, what's wrong? did you see something?"
"what?" he looks around, "You _heard_ something? a noise? Like laughter you say? No, I didn't hear anything."
Timor looks around to Kyrie, Drew, Max and Saggar - none of which look as though they heard anything either.
"Hmm, probably just a trick of the ears. Should you hear it again, I advise we stop to investigate."
"No Reena, I am not saying you are hearing voices. I am merely saying, no one else heard it and until someone else does, claiming to hear things may not go over too well with the others."
(After a few moments of awkward silence have passed)
"Soo...ever been to Wilok of Asga? that's where I'm originally from, not that much happens there...but it's a nice and simple place none the less. My folks run a business...my sisters are there too I am assuming, though one of them was planning on moving out, whether it be through marriage or her own headstrong ways, I can not be sure...I worry about them you know...seeing what I have seen, knowing that such things exist on fair Artisc...not quite sure how I can shelter and protect them from the evils they should not bare witness to...alas, I suppose these are just the ramblings of my heart...and in the end, despite all my ponderances, I will continue to do what I have always done - bring joy to the world the only way I know how, by serving Elanna...."
[I guess the man will go on for a while about stuff like this....]

SILVAN
Looking back, Silvan catches Timor's attention (if possible!), and whispers with a smile:
"Perhaps constant prattle in a potentially dangerous location is not the best course, friend Timor. We wish our scouts to be able to hear what's ahead, and," with a rueful motion to his armor, "Legildur and I rattle enough as it is!"
After, Silvan will ready his bow, with one (normal) arrow held loosely at the string.

TIMOR
Timor stares blankly at Silvan, "What is silence? and how does one, as you say, 'be quiet'?"
[ooc, sorry, I had to ;]
seriously:
Timor nods, and instead of mumbling his prayer chant, he begins to softly hum it. 'The humming is soft enough to be drowned out by the clanking armor' he thinks to himself....in after thought, 'perhaps 'drowned' was not the best choice of words' (given the act that all this water is about....not that I am trying to give Sir Charles any ideas... ;)

DM
Having Reached the corridor that heads south and turns east. The hallway goes east ten feet and there is a door in the south wall. It continues on. Thirty feet after the door there is a hallway going south. It continues past this point fifty feet where it ends in a T intersection.

LEGILDUR
Legildur silently thanks Silvan for muffling Timor's ramblings as he halts outside the door in the south wall of the corridor. He motions for Biladoc and Alof to come back to him (rather than the noisier armored elf moving unnecessarily) and says to the two of them quietly:
"Can the two of you just have a quick look at each of the intersections ahead and check they are clear within visual distance - but don't go out of sight of Kinson here."
As the hobbits move off to investigate (hopefully) Legildur indicates to Kinson that he should keep an eye on them from where he stands. He then motions Mareena to come forward. He is pleased to see the excellent job Kyrie is making of the party's rear protection. He whispers quietly to Mareena:
"Can you listen at the door and tell us if you hear anything and maybe check that it is safe?" As Mareena complies with the request (hopefully) Legildur motions for the rest of the party to remain very quiet.
If the hobbits and Mareena report everything clear, then Legildur will indicate with a combination of hand signals and whispered words that he will open the door, using himself, Kinson and Silvan as the main entry party followed closely behind by Voriax and Saggar for any spell support required.
OOC:
Charles, if the way is cleared by Alof, Biladoc and Mareena (assuming they all comply with the request), then Legildur will open the door and enter the room? with the other fighters in tow unless he is prevented by any member of the party who disagrees with the action. If it isn't clear, he will re-evaluate and discuss with the party what their next action should be.

----------------
And what better time to stop than this, leaving everyone holding their breath and imagining all sorts of monsters behind this door. Read the next chapter to see what the party found inside.