KINSON
Hearing the huge stone crash to the floor, Kinson rushes from his rear guard position toward the front of the party. Without a thought of impossibility, he crouches near the edge of the stone block, digs his fingers under the edge of the stone and tries lifting it. With clenched teeth, you hear him saying, "Legildurrrrr..."

VORIAX
Voriax pulls out some spell components as he says:
"Legildur, hold on! We are going to try and move the block."
Voriax will cast levitate on the stone block.
"After I cast this spell, everyone who can hold on try and lift the stone block. I can lighten it but may not be able to completely lift it."
OOC:
Who would have figured that I would need the levitate spell I memorised. Goofy luck for us I guess.

MAXIMILLION
Max will look for something to use so that he can try to move the stone with his q-staff.
"Help me find something to use as a fulcrum and help me lift the stone."

TIMOR
Staring at the huge block before them, Timor turns to Voriax as if almost expecting something.... hehe ;P
(err... never mind)
Timor stares wide eyed at the huge block before them.
"Legildur?!" he calls out hesitantly. He is no longer worried about staying quiet to avoid dangers nearby, but rather, is more worried about making sure Legildur is alive and in one piece.
Whether or not he hears word back from the Silver blade wielding elf, Timor looks to the others.
"We need to move the block... any ideas? Biladoc, earlier when the other block tried to fall upon you, how did we get the rock to retract into the ceiling? There may be a similar switch nearby...."
When a plan of action is decided upon, Timor takes the time to check on Saggar who was nearly crushed by the stone.
"Are you alright?" (after a response I'm assuming to be affirmative)
"Are you sure?" (again, after an affirmative response) With a smile, Timor nods and thanks the goddess for at least one safety - all the while praying for a second one for the separated Legildur.

BILADOC
I turn to Timor:
"I didn't do nothing to get the stone to rise again. It just did, after a while..."
I look at Kinson, Maximillion, Voriax, Saggar and Alof trying to rise the block and say to Mareena:
"This hallway has a passage going west, further south. Maybe it's another way to get to where Legildur is now. If they don't get that block up, we can try to see if that passage leads to Legildur." I wait for an answer from Mareena and see if anyone else wants to come with us (Ayla or Timor).
OOC:
Did anyone took down the spear? I'd carry it down, if nobody else did. I can't use it, but the knights might...

DM
Ayla says:
"Let me go around with you in case my fighting skills are needed."

ALOF
When I see everyone tying to lift the block I begin to assist them.

SAGGAR
Saggar attempts to see if he can climb the block to get over it

TIMOR
Timor looks to Biladoc, "good idea."
"You folks (looking to those who are struggling with the stone) keep trying that thing...Ayla, give this place a look around for some sort of switch that may raise that massive block - your eyes are much better than mine in this dim area... Biladoc and I will go and see if we can find a way around."
(if no one openly objects, Timor will go with Biladoc and hopefully the others will do something along the lines as to what is written above - of course, what they actually do is up to them.. Timor was only suggesting in a non-authoritative voice. ;)

DM
Voriax casts his spell as the others rush forward to try to help.
You glance around for another switch and no response comes from the other side except banging and clanging mixed with flapping and whooshing sounds. Kinson's fingers try to grab the edge of the stone with no Luck. At that point Max tries to wedge his staff in as well with little luck. But then there is a grinding sound as Voriax stands still motioning upwards with his hands slowly.
The stone begins to lift and Kinson and Max are able to get a hold and assist him. Alof lends his stout little hands to the endeavour as he stands under Kinson.
Saggar looks around for a switch and seeing none leans his back to lifting the stone as well. Soon it is halfway up and you see a large leathery ball of flesh wrapped around something. Whatever it is inside is moving... Hey that's Legildur's leg sticking out of that thing!

SILVAN
Silvan, seeing Legildur trapped by a creature of obvious malevolence, prepares to pull his sword and slice his companion free! Assuming his strength isn't needed on the block, in which case he will yell:
"Alof! Biladoc! Free him from that cursed ball of death!"
Silvan is feeling a little dramatic at the moment... maybe 'cause Shannon's eyes and brain don't focus to well at midnight...

VORIAX
Voriax would normally toast something with a magic missile or such, but I think I have to concentrate on the levitate spell to let everyone else across. Could someone help Voriax across while he concentrates? :-)

KINSON
OOC:
Charles, I'm a bit confused. Are we lifting the block with the help of Voriax's spell, or has it begun rising on it's own? Kinson's next actions depend on knowing.
BIC:
Kinson stops pushing the block up for just an instant to see if it keeps rising on it's own. If they are indeed pushing the block up, he will continue to push and then hold the block up, so others can go and help Legildur. If the block is rising on it's own, he will rush to help Legildur himself by attacking the creature (Lurker?).

DM
The Block rises on its own without your help but at a slower pace. Sweat can be seen beading on Voriax's forehead.
It would seem that without his spell the stone would not rise. You think that you are helping raise it quicker. But you are unsure if his spell alone will raise it. But it might.

TIMOR
Timor just watches in horror; he is temporarily stocked/stunned by the gruesome sight before him and by the thought of Legildur being in such possible pain - and the thought of him feeling totally helpless right now...

ALOF
As soon as I see the thing I go towards it throwing a pair of daggers at it. I'll walk until I'm a little bit past the block, but (hopefully) just out of reach of the thing that's got Legildur.

DM
Legildur trapped inside the beast braces his shield and jabs with his dagger repeatedly. Blood...or is it ooze rushes all over Legildur. The beast hisses as Silvan swings at it. Silvan's blow bounces off the creatures tough and leathery hide. Alof rushes forward throwing daggers at the beast. One of them fins its mark sinking deep into it. Legildur feel pain from a point of a dagger (-3hp) And the creature constricts on Legildur suffocating him some (-3hp) more. However, Legildur tough armour and braced shield manage to protect him from most of the damage. The creature looks badly injured. A leathery flap swings out towards Alof but misses the halfling as he jumps to the side.

BILADOC
Seeing the stone rising I return to join the others. When the trapper lets go of Legildur, I throw a couple of daggers at him (my black dagger and the one found in the coffin) and then strike with my mace.

ALOF
Now that I'm in melee range I'll attack with two short swords (magical and the one that minutes ago attacked us.

KINSON
Kinson resumes pushing the block up.
"Everyone should get to the side Legildur is on as soon as possible. If the stone falls again, we don't want some folks on one side and some on the other."
While he is pushing the stone up, Kinson will slowly walk to the side where the battle is happening. When the stone reaches the top he will NOT step under the stone.

TIMOR
Seeing that people are getting across thanks to Voriax, Timor will (rather than going a long way around with Biladoc and Ayla) suggest to the two that they go forward and help free Legildur.
He is unsure how to help Voriax, for there are many prayers to Elanna that require strict concentration lest the power end - so, the priest figures that this is something similar for the weaver of mystical arts. He does have an idea though... He walks over to Voriax and walks around him once, trying to size him up and guess his weight, etc. He then waves over Reena (since Biladoc, Alof and Saggar are of a different height, and Ayla and Silvan would be more of a help fighting the creature..)
"Reena, you grab that side of him, while I grab this side (each of us brace ourselves under his arms as if leading a sick and weary man)"
Hopefully, the two of them can lead Voriax to the other side.
If they do manage to get to the other side, Timor backs away from the mage. He turns to watch the progress of the battle and then realises something.
"Silvan, Alof, with Legildur trapped inside, your pointed weapons maybe stabbing Legildur as well!" With a simple twirl of the metallic staff in his hand, "Catch!" he calls out. To whomever (Ayla, Silvan, Alof, Biladoc, Saggar, etc.) seems to react first, Timor will toss him/her his staff - it is blunt rather than piecing and shouldn't be as much a problem for Legildur who is inside (Leg's armour should be better to protect him from blunt blows than piercing ones anyway but it should have the same effect on the entrapping creature - theoretically speaking anyway ;)
If they ever do manage to get Legildur out of there:
"Lure or push the creature under the rock...Voriax can release the earthen object from his concentration and crush it."
(yes, I know, lots of places that plan could go wrong between now and the end -but I figure it to be worth a shot ;)
1. Get everyone across
a. Help Voriax across by asking Reena to help carry him
2. Get Legildur free
a. Use of blunt weapons rather than piercing or slashing
b. anyone have any handy spells or tricks up their sleeves? :)
3. Eliminate the creature
a. Have the creature lured or pushed back under the rock so Voriax can drop the stone.
b. or just beat into submission ;)

LEGILDUR
Legildur grunts as the dagger point unexpectedly pieces a gap in his armour and draws blood. Hearing the attack of the party members, Legildur feels secure now that he will soon be free of the trapper if he save himself from being crushed outright. Using the distraction of Alof's successful attack, and the trapper's counter attack, Legildur thrusts once again with his dagger, attempting to further open the wound he caused in the previous round.

KINSON
Kinson looks questioningly at Timor, then looks up at the huge stone block slowly rising into the ceiling. He hastens his progress towards the opposite side of the stone, clearly he does not want to be present when Voriax's stops concentrating.

MAXIMILLION
Max looking concerned:
"Voriax and I cannot get across until the trapper is dead or separated from Legildur. Dropping the stone on the trapper will kill Voriax too. Kill the trapper now!"
Once the trapper is dead, Max will lead Voriax pass the Rock.

VORIAX
Once everyone is across, Voriax will slowly set the block back on the ground and take several deep breaths. Whew!
OOC:
Let's lift the block all the way up then slam it down and see if it breaks!!!!

DM
You lift it all the way up and something clicks as it locks in place.
Alof attacks with his short sword now that he has closed the gap. He swings noting the leathery skin of the thing is quite tough and is unable to land a solid blow. A dagger suddenly protrudes from the inside of the trapper and the thing shudders as it unfurls revealing a bloody Legildur. Legildur kicks the thing to the side as he covers a dagger wound with his left hand. Mareena and Timor are able to move the concentrating Voriax together.
Kinson crosses over to where Legildur sits on the floor and helps the elven warrior to his feet.

KINSON
Kinson helps Legildur to his feet, then notices the warrior's wounded side. He intones a short prayer.
"May the lord of truth heal and protect you, friend Legildur," as he lays hands on Legildur wound.

ALOF
Upon seeing that Leg is ok I'll retrieve my daggers and prepare to move on.
"I know it's hard but, Legildur, even though you are a warrior please wait for the others in the group before you run off and almost get yourself killed. (slight pause) Oh, ya and I hope the dagger didn't do too much damage to you."

MAXIMILLION
Max will make sure the Voriax gets past the levitating rock if it is still levitating.
"I for one would like to find a place to camp for the night and recover spells. Any other ideas."

KINSON
Kinson sighs.
"It has been a long day. I agree with Max, a good rest is in order. I'm sure Voriax agrees? What do you say Legildur? Can anyone suggest a good resting spot? No orc toilets!" :-)

LEGILDUR
"I guess it won't make that mistake twice." says the elven warrior as he kicks the trapper carcass in disdain.
Sitting down and breathing heavily with his gore covered arms draped over his knees, it can be seen that the short battle was tiring for Legildur, even though his wounds were minor.
(Preventing such a large and powerful creature from crushing him outright took all of his strength.)
Legildur nods his thanks to Kinson as the warrior assists him to rise and he looks a little more refreshed after the Knight's words. Legildur takes his hand away from the dagger wound in his side and you can see no sign of the wound remains.
Legildur takes out a rag from his backpack and begins to wipe down his equipment to remove all traces of the trapper's bodily fluids, starting with Vinguard, then his shield and finally his dagger and armour. He continues to talk as he cleans.
Turning to Alof, Legildur plays humble and says to the halfling.
"You are of course correct Alof, however, lucky for us it wasn't you in this situation. My strength, armour and shield all contributed to my survival here."
"As for the injury," he continues, "you can see that Kinson has fixed that minor problem."
Seeing the stone block lower after Voriax crosses Legildur says:
"I guess it will reset itself in time. Alof, Biladoc, you will find the trigger located near the centre of the floor between the two blocks. The trapper was laid across it and it reacted when I triggered the trap." as he points with the bloody dagger towards the trigger. "Cunning creature." he adds with some admiration. "This gives us a little time to talk in any case."
"Yes Max, a place to rest may be welcomed by some about now. The spells have proved useful for us. I'll think we will require them again before we are through with this place."
"What about using the library to the north of here?" suggests Legildur after taking out his copy of the map. "It has only one entrance and plenty of room for the likes of us."

TIMOR
When he is done helping Voriax, from a distance, Timor prods the inert beast with his metallic staff. If/when the priest becomes satisfied that the creature is no longer a threat, he turns his attention to Legildur ( Does Leg still look injured in any way? or did Kinson take care of all of it; by the way art: paladin's lay on hands heals 2 hp per paladin-level)
(If Legildur shows no more signs of injury)
Timor nods in a smile...thinking about truly robust the elvish warrior really must be.
(If Legildur does show additional signs of injury)
Timor walks over and begins a common church chant.
"By the blessings of Elanna, may your life blood run full" {he is casting cure light wounds. While I'm at it - does anyone else look hurt or injured? - other than Voriax who looks exhausted with beads of sweat running down his cheek after that moment of mental strain and concentration)
When asked what was found up the rungs, Timor merely says:
"It was cramped...and small... that's all that I found.. " he then quiets down to let one of the others explain in more depth what was up there since the others did more exploring and were more free in their manoeuvrability up there. He merely stayed in on particular area.

LEGILDUR
If the party has decided where to camp and we are simply waiting for the blocks to rise then Legildur asks:
"What did you all find up the rungs?"
If someone mentions the sword and spear, he asks to inspect them. Once they are unable to produce the steel spear he asks incredulously:
"You left it behind?!!", shaking his head. "Anyway," he continues, "while we are here. Sometime ago, before we all met, some of us found some magic potions. I feel that perhaps we should share them around. This should help ensure our survival."
The potions are:
2 vials of holy water - ?
Box 1:
1 agility
1 ageing (cursed)
2 anti sleep
2 black sight (Voriax and Max)
1 bubbles
2 clairaudience
1 flying
Box 2:
2 climbing (Legildur and ?)
1 cold resistance
2 cure disease
1 cure lycanthropy (used on Ayla)
2 extra healing (Legildur and ?)
1 clear water
1 fresh air
Box 3:
1 storm giant strength (Legildur or Silvan - yet to be decided)
3 healing
3 sustenance (Legildur, ? and ?)
1 sleeping (cursed)
2 little death (who cares)
OOC:
Please place your character names against the potions your character would like to have and/or tell Legildur which potions you would like. If no one else claims it (them) then they are yours. Legildur will arbitrate any competing claims. Charles, this includes you on Ayla's and Mareena's behalf.

TIMOR
When Legildur begins speaking of the potions again, Timor will remain silent. He had no need for choosing a potion before, and he doesn't see a need to personally choose one now - he has his own will, and where that isn't enough, he has the blessings of Elanna to call upon for aid.
Since others will probably be busy with the potions, Timor pulls out his copy of the map and sits along the wall and starts to think. As he scrutinises the map, he can't help but realise he is perhaps THE _worst_ person to even make such a decison... but rather than tell that to the others, he will simply say:
"Yes, Legildur is right. The library would be a good place to rest."

BILADOC
OOC:
I've taken the spear down... Still, if that was not taken into consideration, I'll climb the rungs and get it. Shouldn't take much time...
BIC:
I look at the trapper and the trigger on the floor and then turn to the others:
"I'm for resting, too. The library sounds like a good place and our mages can take the opportunity to examine all the books there..."
I'll follow the rest of the party to the library... or anywhere else they choose to go.

SAGGAR
Saggar looks at Legildur "Need thee further healing friend?" turning:
"Someone should get that spear, it was a fine weapon but of no use to me"
Smiles:
"I prefer mine a bit shorter and stockier"

MAXIMILLION
I would like the potion of flying. What does a potion of black sight do?

KINSON
Thanks for all the responses - I was suffering from serious brain drain yesterday.
Legildur is healed for 8HP of damage (Hmmm. I haven't updated Kinson's experience points for a while, I think that's correct, if it changes I'll let you know, but for now go with 8HP).
Nodding his approval Kinson readies himself for the short march to the Library.
Don't forget we still have the potions we found in the orc rooms, but don't know what they are yet.
OOC:
I assume it is safe to walk under the stone block as long as we avoid stepping on the trigger?)

VORIAX
"Sounds like a plan to me. I'd love to take a better look at those books myself. And I am short a spell or two. What say you Legildur? Should I rememorize my levitation spell? (grin here)"
Voriax gets back into marching order.

DM
A few minutes later the blocks rise back into place in the ceiling.
After Kinson's healing he looks pretty good though tired.
The potions are:
2 vials of holy water - ?
Box 1:
1 agility (Kinson or Alof)
1 ageing (cursed)
2 anti sleep
2 black sight (Voriax and Max)
1 bubbles (Mareena)
2 clairaudience
1 flying (Max)
Box 2:
2 climbing (Legildur and ?)
1 cold resistance
2 cure disease
1 cure lycanthropy (used on Ayla)
2 extra healing (Legildur and Kinson (or just healing is fine))
1 clear water
1 fresh air
Box 3:
1 storm giant strength (Legildur or Silvan - yet to be decided)
3 healing (Alof)
3 sustenance (Legildur, Kinson and ?)
1 sleeping (cursed) (Ayla)
2 little death (who cares) (Mareena)

TIMOR
As soon as everyone appears ready to move, Timor waves everyone to continue onward.
"Let us go then - to the library.. But watch your step for anything that looks like it could be another trigger for a trap! Large blocks raining from the ceiling are something my abbot told me to avoid..."
:)
Timor goes with the others, back to the library.
Though, if Biladoc does break away from the group to retrieve that spear he was talking about, Timor will wait by the bottom of the rungs for him, and then when Biladoc is done, Timor will accompany him to the library where the others should be.
OOC:
Timor would never think of mentioning this, so one of you more 'worldly' people should bring it up - a shift order for keeping watch unless we already have one that I forgot about. and Adrian, I think everyone had their say about the potions (or is someone still not back to you about that?) if so, then why don't you divide them up and save yourself from being the walking alchemist's storage shelf that you have become ;)

DM
Biladoc quickly backtracks and retrieves the spear. The group marches to the library whose only exit is through the secret door. Guard shifts are posted and time passes quietly. Several times during the night someone thought they heard something large walking by the secret door but it did not pause nor stop. Finally everyone is rested. The priests have prayed for spells and the mages have studied there books. Mareena sits quietly in the corner sharpening her knives. Ayla stretches like a cat when she wakes. Then she begins to dresses putting on her armour and strapping on her weapons. She seems energetic as she prepares.

TIMOR
Feeling refreshed, Timor looks around the torch lit library. He is begging to wonder if his eyes have truly adjusted to this meagre light source... and if so, will he be blinded by the surface sun...
He stretches and walks around, a few creaks and cracks can be heard from his bones - sleeping on an earthen bed has a way of doing that to a human's back.
With the books looming all around, the brown eyed priest grabs his own belongings and looks to the others. In a low and calm voice he asks:
"Did anyone else hear strange noises from out the door? My ears are not as tuned as others... but I could have sworn I heard something. If we ever need to sleep down here again, someone remind me to prepare a little trick that Brother Fenwick used to use when he wanted to catch other clergy men who had a bad habit of sneaking an extra meal at night... But hopefully, another night down here will never come. For today, I pray to Elanna, we find our way out. Let us be off!" By the time he is done with his few sentences, he has a tone of pride and duty in his voice - he is a man with a plan...a plan to get out, and it is a plan he intends to follow through with.
(Charles: how tall is this room? for some reason I remember it being really tall.)

DM
20 feet tall.

TIMOR
(if so)
"Biladoc," asks the priest as he begins looking upward, "You remember as you were climbing up the low corridors up those rungs? Do you think any of those passage ways may come by the upper walls of this room? or maybe there is another passageway somewhere up here? It shouldn't be too hard to climb these book shelves and check for another portal/doorway...?"
(Obviously, this priest's imagination is running away with him, though it may not be a bad idea to humour him :)
When everyone looks ready(and if there as nothing found above, assuming the roof of this room was high enough to cause Timor to want to search it), the priest walks to the door and listens at its hinge. If he hears nothing, he slowly opens it and peers outside - then finally, makes his way back into the corridor (assuming all appears empty).
He calls over one of the more skilled cartographers of the group and asks him/her to pick a direction - Timor will then follow (assuming that person doesn't head in a direction that is obvious suicide ;)
As they walk -- Timor's movements can be identified by the three taps on the ground - one for each foot and one for the metallic staff he carries to guide him. Only those with superior vision can see that despite the cool damp air around them, Timor seems to be sweating a little...
Timor walks up along side the limber Mareena...He places a hand on her shoulder and asks in a soft tone.
"My dear, please forgive me for ever getting you trapped down here along side. I should have left you above and spared you from this ... running around in corridors like mice in the sewers...you are not mad at me are you? I am doing what I can to ensure we get out without any harm befalling you... okay?"
(hopefully, she doesn't express being too mad at him. and if she does, he seems a little sad and sorry and will be quiet for a little while)
"Biladoc - anything interesting about that spear? perhaps it will have some clue or hint as to an exit. The creatures that perhaps once lived down here may have used their weapons as the keys - much in the same way clergy men have been known to enchant their holy symbols with runes to allow safe passage through heavily guarded groves... (looking to all)...Anyone else getting hungry?"
I had a lot of different contingents there... so I'll stop and see how this starts to unfold before continuing on.
OOC:
About those potions, I would suggest finish diving them up on the side and then we'll say that they were divided while we were sleeping... that way we don't need to hold up over here waiting to figure how we will do it. How does that sound?

DM
Mareena shakes her head.
"I made my own decision good Timor. I do hate it down here though."
With that a shudder runs through her petite body.
"I can not wait to see the sun of day."

TIMOR
OOC:
20 feet? does anyone think it might be worth a shot climbing up a couple book cases and just searching the walls in case there is another secret passway that may lead into that second level somewhere.
I would just have Timor it himself, but he wouldn't be a very good candidate for such a task - too little co-ordination and climbing ability... not to mention his human eyes aren't as good at finding detailed secrets as other races eyes and experience may notice.
BIC:
Timor is relieved that Reena doesn't blame him... but at the same time, he still feels bad that she (and everyone else) is trapped down here..

MAXIMILLION
After having memorising his spells for today, Max will check his staff out to make sure it is ok. Then once the party is ready to march, he will provide the light of his staff.

KINSON
Kinson glances at Timor then the book shelves, a look of curiosity on his face.
"I doubt those shelves will hold a 200 pound human in plate mail armour, I guess you'll have to carry my armour for me Timor!"
He bursts out laughing.

LEGILDUR
OOC:
Damn computers were all down this weekend (public holiday included). I'm also on a course for a couple of days so my response will be short.
BIC:
Legildur appears unwounded, though tired, after Kinson's attention.
"Thank you Saggar for the offer, but no, I just need a little rest to regain my full vitality."
After sleeping overnight in the library and allocating the potions to the different party members (OOC: I'll do it in the next day or so - 'black sight' is infravision I think.), Legildur consults the map and the party as to their next destination.
"I have little idea about the best place to find an exit or our lost friends, so why not try the hallway leading from the hall with the columns?"
(located in the north west of the map)
If everyone agrees then we can shake out in some party order, say:
Biladoc Alof

Kinson Legildur
Silvan Saggar
Voriax Ayla
Timor Max
Mareena
with the scouts some ways in front.

DM
Mareena nods.
"That is good enough for me." She begins strapping on all her weapons and picking up her gear. Ayla stands and prepares herself as well.
"It is as good as any other direction."

MAXIMILLION
Maximillion Starr stretching out his legs and arms.
"Well I am ready for a new day and this time I will have spells to help us when we are attacked."

LEGILDUR
Legildur nods, more to himself than anyone else, as he fastens his plate mail and tests and adjusts the position of the kite shield on his left arm.
"Let's go then." says the elven warrior, indicating with Vinguard that Biladoc and Alof should lead out in the party order.
OOC:
Charles, we are moving to the north west from the library and starting to explore the south bound corridor leading from the large hall with all the pillars (some party members haven't been here before) in the party order listed yesterday). I will sought out the potions tomorrow and get back to everyone.

DM
You open the secret door to see a startled pair of elves. One of them looks very familiar to some members of the group...Its Kaddar!

KADDAR
I open my eyes filled with amaze and say:
I can't believe it, I am saved, after so long... Then, nervous, I continue,
BEWARE !!!!, THEY ARE COMING TO GET ME, THEY WANT ME BACK.... We have to run, we have to escape.
The I turn down my voice and almost crying in happiness, I finish: I am too tired, too hungry, I am saved.
As you watch closely, you see Kaddar (at least what's left of him).
A weird looking guy, pointy hears, slightly high for a regular elf, red hair, amber eyes, a bag and two books lay on the floor next to him, he has no weapons and he is in dressed in no more than raggedy cloths, he looks thin and weak, guess he is not having a good time here.

BILADOC
As the door opens and I see Kaddar, I run out to greet him.
"Kaddar! Is that you? We thought you're gone forever! We've been here for days and Carynth and Grumach and Ulath are gone too. We're still looking for them. Humphrey got killed down here and we've been fighting with lots of weird monsters and there are spectres here and dragons and magic swords..."
I stop to regain my breath and notice the poor condition he's in:
"Say, you look really worn out... Want something to eat or drink? Here..."
I take some cheese from my backpack and give it to Kaddar along with my waterskin.

LEGILDUR
Standing behind the two halflings is tall elf wearing a suit of plate mail armour. His left arm bears a kite shield made of iron and engraved with an emblem of a fire breathing dragon. The warrior's plate mail has an engraved breast plate depicting a pair of green griffins facing one another and his helm has a griffin head forming the face mask with wings on each side of the helm. Wisps of blonde hair peek from beneath the mail coif beneath the great helm. The emerald green eyes set within the elven face are deep and piercing, reflecting a knowledge of the world perhaps best not known.
However, the thing that draws your eyes most to this individual, is the silver long sword held in his right hand. The rune engraved silver blade exudes quality and the faint blue glow along its sharp edges reveal the dweomer beheld within the weapon.
Following the (anticipated) exultation of some members of the party and the reunion of old friends, the elf sheaths his sword and offers his right hand in greeting.
"My name is Legildur."

KADDAR
The red haired elf says:
"Most pleased to meet you Sir, I am Kaddar, at least what's left of him."

WRENT
You see two elves, one of them red haired (Kaddar), the other is a heavy muscled elf, tall and very strong, black long hair, black eyes. He seems distrustful, specially to the party. He looks right to the High Elf, straight in his eyes, and says to Kaddar:
"You know this guys ?"

TIMOR
Somewhere in the far back of the library is a human man who will later introduce himself as Timor. At first he doesn't notice the two new people at the door since he is apparently busy looking at the bookshelf and the roof. When he hears new voices, his head turns in a flash with his eyes wide with anticipation.
After hearing Legildur and the two new fellows speak, Timor moves forward to greet them.
"I am Timor, the healing hand of Elanna - Kaddar, please...who is coming to get you? we have not seen others around. Though we have yet to find a way out of these catacombs, I promise you we shall help guide you to safety - you just need to remain calm...."
(the others in the group may give Timor a nasty stare since he himself was defiantly _not_ remaining calm earlier ;)
Timor stands just over six feet tall and for a human is a bit of the skinny side. His hair is well groomed and black as coal of a starless night.
His attire is that of a simple travelling man's - drab and worn clothing that has obviously been through many-a-travels. He carries nothing more than a thin metallic walking staff in his hand and a leather pack over his shoulder. Around his neck he wears the symbol of Elanna, a medallion engraved with a glowing hand, known to most human cultures as the Goddess of the healing touch.

KADDAR
"Hail to you sir Timor.
The drows are after us, Edrave and Naska. Wrent and I were their prisoners, we have just escaped from them, they kept me jailed all this time. Wrent arrive a little later, we escaped through a magic mirror, so they must know where we are, they are maybe watching us.
When I escaped I took with me this two books and this heavy bag, but had no time to watch them closely, we keep running as they seemed to follow us, we lay here just to rest for a while, then you show up.
Now, If you allow me..."
Kaddar seems like concentrating and he appears to enter in some trance as he looks very close the bag...

BILADOC
I look curious at his companion.
"Hi there. I'm Biladoc. You're Wrent, right? Have you been followed here by those drows?"

TIMOR
Timor blinks twice at the mention of 'escaping through a mirror'. For clarification he asks:
"You mean travelling through a mirror brought you into these catacombs? If this is true, then Voriax (turning to Voriax who is probably busy looking over books on the shelves) we may have found another exit to the six dimensional mirrors - if they are the same... which it sounds like. We really should consider that as a possible means of escape... the mirror you have Voriax - could we not sue that to return to the red mages tower... or perhaps travel through it and find some other exit that we have not been to which maybe less hostile then the exits we already know of (probably not Balron's exit though Timor will have no problem going there for his own reasons... :) Of course, we can't just leave Kyrie and Drew down here... we would need to make sure that they have found a way to safety before we leave... and if they have left, perhaps we can leave the same way they did..."
Timor has once again taken to thinking of various ways to leave here....

WRENT
"My name is Wrent, Hail to you Sir Legildur, Of course I can use a sword if you can spare one. I'm trained in the use of Long Swords, two of them in fact, but under present circumstances, any sword will do for me.
Pleased to meet you Biladoc, I could eat something for sure, we are starving and it's difficult to run with an empty stomach. As for the drows... I hope we lost them at the entrance of the maze."

ALOF
After Biladoc and Timor Greet Kaddar and the newcomers I walk up to Kaddar and say:
"Wow, sounds like you've been through a lot. I'd just like to tell you that since that fight in the inn I've been arrested and the group almost got in a fight with the city guard (The original group including Biladoc, Carynth etc.) Anyway, it's great to have you back."
Turning to the other person (I missed his name) and say:
"Hello, my name is Alof. If you would prefer a short sword I do have an extra available."

KINSON
Kinson is about six-and-a-half feet tall, red hair peaks from beneath his helm, his eyes are blue. He wears plate mail armour that has been recently shined, a dark brown cloak hangs down his back, and leather riding boots are on his feet. The pommel of a long sword is evident over one shoulder, as is a short bow and quiver. A dagger is sheathed at his waist. Around his neck hangs a leather cord that disappears under his armour. A bulging backpack is currently at his feet on the floor.
Kinson extends his hand to Kaddar.
"Good sir, the last time we stood together was in battle. We fought the demon spawn in my very own room at the Green Dragon Inn in Pensula. I remember there was a ruby beam of light that entered through the window and struck you, we found no trace of you when the battle ended. I would very much like to hear your story of the time since. But first let me introduce myself to your companion."
Kinson turns to Wrent.
"Hello, my name is Kinson, I am a Tormish Knight. Good to meet you. Is Biladoc correct; your name is Wrent?"

KADDAR
After several minutes concentrated on the bag, Kaddar seems to get out of his trance-like state.
"That cheese smells good for sure, it's not letting me concentrate... Sorry, I was not paying attention, but let me explain to you how we get here."
I grab a good piece of cheese, and start talking as I eat and drink, easy to see for everyone how hungry we are.
"The day we went to the Green Dragon Inn something hit me, something like a ray, and next thing I knew is me in a cage, there where a lot of cages with many others lined up on those dark catacombs, I was held there by a cruel drow female named Edrave, she served someone or something they use to call "The Father", along with her there was Naska, the male drow, a powerful wizard indeed, they tortured us, seem to enjoy it, many died, but we handled to survive and stay sane. I do not know how many time has passed since then, it's difficult to keep a count when you are always in the dark. They took everything I had, my books, my staff, specially the staff, I have to get it back is so important to me...
I could kill someone juts to have a good nice, hot, meal... this cheese is excellent ...
Curious, but the male drow, Naskar, visited my cage from time to time just to show me his great wizard powers...
I think it was yesterday, or alike, when something cause a great commotion, looks like a group of half-elf females arrived, during this we managed to escape, we leap through a magical mirror, I handled to take the books and the bag with me."
I drink some water and proceed.
"I still remember those figs you use to carry Biladoc... Through the mirror we went into a circular shaped room with many doors, we opened one just to find a stone archway with the words "Into the Maze of the mad one", as I read the words, the archway glowed, then we hear them, just behind us, so we leap into to the archway and it send us to here, we must fall asleep for a while after that, then you found us.
That's the whole story, so we thought we were in a maze, the maze of the mad one as the sign said. Thanks for the cheese Biladoc, best meal I had in all this time.
I have so many questions, What happened to Carynth? How long I was in that cage? Where are we? Are we safe enough here or shall we keep moving? I barely heard Timor saying something about some mirrors, was not paying too much attention.

VORIAX
A human stands towards the middle of the group. He is 6' and of average build in a dark tunic and breeches. He has a staff, couple of daggers, backpack, and belt pouch. He has a lantern tied to his side. The most notable thing about him is his stark white long hair although he appears to be about 30 years old.
"Well met friends. We can always use more help down in this dungeon. My name is Voriax and I am greatly interested in those books that you took from the drow. I can read a few dialects of elven and might have luck discerning what they are. Might I glance through them for a moment?"
OOC:
Charles: Did I find anything of great interest by browsing through the bookshelves? Looking for history/educational/spellbooks or whatever else looks cool.

DM
Not really most even looked fictitious.

LEGILDUR
Legildur nods his armoured head in acknowledgement of Wrent's greeting. He drops his backpack and removes the scabbarded broadsword from his back and holds it out for Wrent.
"While perhaps it is not exactly to your liking, I think that you will find this sword quite effective. It has been with the party for some time now. Keep until a more suitable weapon is found."

DM
As Wrent lays his hands on the large broad sword he notices that it is much lighter than normal. It glows dimly in the darkness of the passage and Wrent can see strange runes running down both sides of the blade.

WRENT
"I presume, just by holding it, that this is not a normal sword I thank you for lending me this valuable asset, and I will give it back as soon as I get a more appropriate weapon, as for all of you, I'm pleased to meet you, and I'll gladly join your party if you let me."

SILVAN
A smaller (than Kinson, golden haired figure gracefully moves up, dressed in shining chain mail, an interestingly hilted short sword on his hip, a beautifully carved long bow slung over his shoulder, and the various typical adventuring accoutrements about his person. Immediately, you recognise this figure as an elf.
"Greetings, travellers," the elf says in liquid Losvani, giving a short bow. "Welcome to our humble, bustling group. As you can see, children of the First Ones are not unknown hereabouts. Legildur, whom you have already met, is our leader. I am Silvan, priest and warrior of holy Laskanthar. Well met!"
Turning slightly, Silvan holds out his hand to a stunningly beautiful elven female, and continues:
"I am also pleased to introduce my sister, Ayla, our guiding light, reason for being, and princess of my heart,"
The last said with a gentle, if somewhat sly, smile.

DM
Ayla blushes somewhat.
"Goodday Wrent and Kaddar. I am Ayla Princess of Los Vain. And I am pleased to have met you."
She bows her head to you as she says this.

BILADOC
I stand up and you can see a 3'7'' tall halfling, with dark brown leather boots, dark brown breeches and a light brown shirt appearing beneath a studded leather armour. You see two short swords and a mace at my hip.
Tucked in my belt is a pair of soft brown leather gloves. One of my shirt sleeves is missing and there are some blotches of dry blood in my clothes. I have black hair and very dark brown eyes and a warm smile. I wait until Kaddar finishes talking and then I say:
"Since you lost your weapons, would you care to take some of my daggers? I seem to remember we knew how to handle them."
If he says yes, I'll give him four of my daggers.
I smile at Ayla's introduction:
"Yes, the princess is travelling incognito, as she keeps telling everyone... after saying she's a princess..."
I turn to the knights in the party:
"Do any of you know how to use a spear? I'm not carrying this around, you know?... Wait, I just remembered. Kaddar, you know how to use a staff, right? I've got this I took from the priest we fought in the sewers. I believe it must be magic, it burned Grumach when the priest hit him..."
I'll give him the staff along with the daggers.

DM
Ayla, "Oh, I am no longer worried about that my little friend. I am who I am. And since everyone already knows why not proclaim it."
She smiles sweetly at the little halfling.

SAGGAR
A sturdy dwarf looks upon the two new arrivals.
"I am Saggar, Dwarven warrior cleric. Well met."
A large axe and shield at the ready as he watches the new arrivals and surveys the shadows in the exits around the party.

KADDAR
Kaddar looks to Ayla, he goes in front of her and bows with lots of respect.
"This humble servant is at your feet your majesty. Shall it be a great honour to serve you in any way."
Then I salute Silvan, bowing at him. "Well met too Sir."
After that, I salute the rest of the party, then I look to Biladoc and take the daggers and the staff he offers.
"Thanks a lot my friend for the food and the weapons, I will accept them as long as you allow me to repay for them in the future, lets say these weapons are just borrowed, but they still belong to you. I will take good care of them and I will give them a good use."
I talk to Legildur:
"I see you are the leader of this party Sir, I know I speak on my behalf and on behalf of my friend Wrent, We wish to join your party and help you in any quest you are up to, that of course if you allow us in. I am a wizard, I know how to speak several tongues so I can help with translations and have some other knowledges too, and my friend is a strong warrior."
I smile to Voriax.
"I think we both shall get along very good Sir Voriax, seems to me we might have a lot in common, I know a few dialects my self, here, we might found out their true nature together, take a look at it but be very careful, we know little about it but that tit was in hands of evil drows, it may be dangerous, meanwhile I will examine the contents of this heavy bag".
Kaddar hands one of the books to Voriax, then he opens the bag and starts looking inside with extreme care. Saving the second book to examine it later.

DM
Ayla shakes her head.
"There is no need to serve me here. Here we are equals in the Band of the Silver Blade..."

LEGILDUR
Legildur shrugs his shoulders at Kaddar's request to join the party.
"When they say leader, they really mean someone to take charge at important times. The rest of the time the party works without a leader." says Legildur before continuing, "It is not for me to say whether you may join us. That is a given since you are friends with some of the members here. We are not here by choice, and we simply seek our lost friends and a means of escape from this maze. But, welcome Kaddar and Wrent to the Band of the Silver Blade!"

BILADOC
I smile at Kaddar:
"Of course those weapons still belong to me... like the cross bow I borrowed Mareena. I know you two won't forget it, I trust you both."
I listen to the words of Ayla with crescent surprise. When she finishes I approach Silvan and whisper to him:
"Huh... are you sure that's your sister? She's actually being nice and polite! Do you think the wind dragon might have catched her and assumed her shape and came back here to get us now?..."
I look suspiciously at Ayla while waiting for Silvan's answer.

VORIAX
Voriax carefully examines the books for runes or writing on the covers. If none, he will open the book and see if he can read it. If it is illegible, he will cast read magic on it to see what it says (if that allows him to read it.) He appears very excited at the new book though.

DM
There are runes on the cover but they do not seem to be trapped as best he can tell.. The two books look very familiar...like the ones that Drew and Kyrie had found in the library.

MAXIMILLION
A human male in mage robes finally speaks up.
"Greetings, Pardon me for being silent for so long. My name is Maximillion Starr. And up there flying in Soloman."
You see an owl fluttering above.
"I was formerly the apprentice to the King's Wizard in Asga. But my master is now dead and there is now a new King as well as a new King's Wizard. So I am now here instead. Speaking of which, do you know where here is? Most of us got here through a gate."
Max has dark blue robes to match his eyes and jet black hair, goatee and moustache. He is carrying a quaterstaff that has light coming from each end.

VORIAX
"Hmmm. I don't recall those books. Guess I'll find out. I'll open the book and try to read the first page."

DM
The spidery language of magic dances in front of your eyes.

LEGILDUR
"While you friends reacquaint yourselves I must attend to something. Mareena. Ayla. Will the two of you join me while we search the trapper carcass for treasure? I think that I probably wasn't the first thing to be caught by that creature, but probably the first to escape. I was too exhausted after the event to think clearly, the thing very nearly suffocated me with its leathery folds."
Legildur takes particular care to point out the trigger (without stepping on it) to Mareena as they approach the carcass. Then moving the carcass (without triggering the trap) Legildur searches the area with Ayla's help.

DM
Mareena steps from the back of the group shyly. She is a thin elven beauty dressed in leather armour and armed with sword and daggers. She nods to Legildur and follows behind him to search the remains of the trapper carcass.
Ayla nods and slaps Legildur on the back.
"You would make a good captain or General Legildur. You are a most noble elf."

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks a little uncomfortable with Ayla's words. He simply grunts, but then decides to add something intelligible.
"During better times, a Captain's position with the White Falcons would be something to aspire to. Unfortunately, their use by the King of Asga is not something I could ever support - as you well appreciate."

TIMOR
Timor waits patiently for the pleasantries to finish (after all, what is a good encounter if you don't have the chance to properly introduce yourselves :)
When that is done though, Timor is quite ready to leave... His current goals are to
1)Find a sign of Kyrie and Drew; either regroup with them or find a clue which reveals that they have already found a way out
2)Find his own way out (a way that everyone here can also use)
He hasn't given up on the idea of using the magic mirror Voriax carries - but before he presses that issue, he first wants to find a sign or clue to the location of Kyrie and Drew...
OF COURSE -
Ayla, and the others have their own goals in regards to wind dragons, orbs, and the like - someone may want to mention this casually to the new comers as they may have clues to help you; Timor won't mention it since it isn't his goal, but strictly player to player, thought I'd mention it so someone else's character could do it :)

LEGILDUR
Upon returning from searching the trapper with Ayla and Mareena, Legildur removes his backpack and begins distributing the potions the party had been discussing before the arrival of the newcomers, Kaddar and Wrent.
Alof - agility, clairaudience and healing
Ayla - sleeping (cursed)
Biladoc - cold resistance and clairaudience
Kaddar - fresh air
Kinson - holy water, extra healing and sustenance
Legildur - climbing, extra healing and sustenance
Mareena - 2 of little death and bubbles
Max - flying, black sight and healing
Saggar - holy water and cure disease
Silvan - climbing, storm giant strength and anti-sleep
Timor - clear water and cure disease
Voriax - black sight, healing and anti-sleep
Wrent - sustenance

VORIAX
I'll cast read magic on it and see what it says.
*Poof* "You are turned into a girl!!" Or something bad like that will happen. I can FEEL it!!
:-)

DM
Casting read magic you see page after page of spell incantations.

LEGILDUR
Legildur finishes distributing the potions amongst the party members, glad to be finally rid of the bulk of the fragile cargo.
"There was some treasure underneath the trapper, but nothing overly interesting, some gems and some gold coins." says the elven warrior.
"We still have some tasks to do. First of all, Wrent I nearly forgot. I've been carrying this great lump of armour around." says Legildur as he fishes a quality suit of rolled up chain mail from within his bulging backpack.
"This was worn by an elven compatriot who came to a violent end by magical means (Jaygar Smith). He also carried the sword you now wield. Seeing that you are unarmoured (OOC: I hope this is correct from your description) you had best wear this. It should fit." he adds as he tosses the suit to the distrustful newcomer.
Turning to the rest of the party, as he slings his significantly lighter backpack, Legildur says:
"Best we take head of Kaddar's and Wrent's warnings of Drow. Obviously they are no longer are part of fable, but real and a present danger."
"Voriax." says Legildur in an attempt to draw the mages attention away from his new found book. "We had forgotten this little item." he says as he hands the silver haired human a gold ball about four inches in diameter that seems hollow and has a seam.
"Ianthe must have placed it in my pack unbeknownst to me as we said our farewells. Best you look after it until we can discern its purpose."
Legildur then outlines on the map their next destination and marching order:
Biladoc scout
Alof scout

Legildur Kinson warrior warrior
Ayla Silvan warrior warrior
Saggar Voriax battle priest wizard
Max Timor wizard priest
Kaddar Wrent wizard warrior
Mareena scout

OOC:
The unwieldy size of the party (now 12) makes it hard to place everyone where they might like to be. Knowing Charles, he will soon remedy the problem for us ;-). The two halflings have so far proven to be excellent scouts and provide us with early warning when pushed a short distance ahead of the party to capitalise on their stealth. Offset in depth, this hopefully prevents them both been caught in any of the traps that litter this maze. Two lines of warriors following should have enough might-at-arms to both protect and/or rescue the scouts while preventing the spellcasters being committed to any battle too early or being caught in melee (except for Saggar of course). Separating the mages as much as possible will hopefully prevent any complete loss of wizardly spells should a surprise event occur. Having the warrior and 3rd scout in the rear of the party provides some rear protection and flexibility (particularly for flanking moves and if the party is separated for some reason or another).
If anyone has any suggestions, please tell me.
Woe betide any poor creature that stumbles across this rested party (unless of course it is bigger than us - like a Lich (hey Charles? ;-))

DM
You want a lich?

LEGILDUR
No, no, no!!! We were lucky once. Just referencing past experiences of the Band.

BILADOC
I look at the two bottles and carefully keep them in my backpack. I listen to Legildur talking about the treasure they found and smile:
"Well, if those gems don't interest you that much, I can keep them for you..."
When I heard him going on about drows being real and not just some fable I start mumbling:
"Yeah, *now* drows are real. When I told him before we've fought one and chase her away, they were a fable, I was making it up...And on top of it, I get to lead this bunch of clumsy oversized bags of muscles again...Oh, we might find some dangerous drows or dragons or traps, why don't you go ahead Biladoc, and scream when they get you?...Some friends I got..."
When Legildur takes out the *little* gold ball I stop and look at it with curiosity.

LEGILDUR
Legildur smiles at the halfling making the generous offer.
"I think not Biladoc. I believe that I am capable of carrying them for the meantime."
He jiggles his backpack as he adds with a grin
"And some very nice emeralds they are."
The elven warrior rolls his eyes at Biladoc's mock? indignation over the drow issue.
"Just reinforcing the idea friend." says Legildur. "Maybe I'll let you have the trapper to yourself next time." he adds with an evil grin. "And yes, it would be better if you did scream if something happened. It might wake me up enough to do something about it."
Waiting for Wrent to try on the chain mail suit and Voriax to read his book, Legildur takes out his copy of the map and points to the unexplored west-most corridor leading south from the large halls with the columns "There is as good a place to start today as any other." he says in a matter of fact way.
"Everyone right to go?" he asks impatiently.
As soon as Wrent and Voriax are settled, the Band heads out from the library to commence exploration of the west most corridor.

SAGGAR
Saggar takes the two bottles offered him, nodding thanks and placing them in his pack as he secures his pack and ties the spear to it.
"Where art we to go now wise leader?"

LEGILDUR
"Humph!" snorts the elven warrior. "Call me wise when my hair is the same colour as Voriax's. Hopefully mine will turn that colour due to old age rather than an 'accident'." he adds while gesturing toward the human fire wizard.
Legildur places his copy of the map flat on the ground and points with his armoured index finger to the as-yet unexplored n/s corridor leading from the large hall with the many columns.
"It seems to me that here is as good as any other place to start today. Thinking about what we have covered so far, it seems every turn and corridor hides a surprise of some sought." He says as he begins to refold the map and place it in his belt pouch for easy access.
"Still, we search for lost members, a way out, and if lady luck prevails, mayhaps even the fabled Orb of Power itself. At least we are well rested and prepared for the next stage - except perhaps for Kaddar and Wrent."
OOC:
Where's Wrent? We are waiting on him to move on. Charles, as soon as he responds about the chain mail, we'll head out to the corridor.

KADDAR
I have extracted all the contents of the mysterious bag: a light blue vial of fluid. A small Dagger sheathed. The dagger hilt is of ivory or bone. 3 days worth of dried figs and nuts. And a small book written in a strange hand and badly worn, when Legildur says it's time to move on.
I start to put everything back into the bag, including now the potion Legildur has given me and the second book, and a couple of daggers from Biladoc, I keeps two daggers out and try to find a way to hold them on my belt or on my clothes, same thing with the ivory dagger, just to keep them at hand in case of need... Then I starts to look for a way to use the bag as a backpack as I watch Wrent attempting to fit on his borrowed armour. I look to Voriax, as he pays so much attention to the book, and say:
"Come on Sir Voriax, we will have plenty of time later to read the books".
I then finish to prepare my gear, I take the staff on my right hand and I talk to everyone.
"So we are in a maze, well we will have to figure our way out."
OOC:
Supposing the bag is almost as big as a sack, I makes 4 parallel cuts on the bag, so I can pass each arm inside the bag trough one of the holes, and get it out through the other one, I hope you understand how, this way I can carry that bag on his back just as a backpack, and his arms are free to move.

DM
I understand and so it is done.

VORIAX
Voriax looks up from the book.
"It appears that I will need more time to properly study this book. Who's was it again? As near as I can tell, it's a spellbook of some type. I would like to discuss trading/buying it from you, or sharing if you see fit. I don't know what spells it holds yet but that can be studied later when it's safe."
Voriax will reluctantly hand the book back to whoever handed it to him.
"I'm ready to go when the rest of you are."

LEGILDUR
Assuming Wrent puts the armour on (or if he doesn't Legildur will stuff it into his backpack once again), Legildur says:
"Let's start the day then." as he indicates for the two most excellent scouts to head off towards the corridor he indicated earlier (westernmost north/south corridor leading from the large hall supported by many pillars).

SAGGAR
Nodding:
"Perhaps if our friends are to be found, yet mayhaps we had best move from here. From what information we had acquired long ago, it would seem that the orb most likely rests in the lands south of the great sea"

LEGILDUR
Legildur thinks about the Dwarf's words for a moment before replying.
"Do we know that we are not south of the Great Sea? Ayla seems sure that we are in the maze of the orb and I have no idea what plane we are on, let alone which continent. Those teleporting gates and mirrors leave me in much doubt as to where we are or even might be."

KADDAR
Kaddar starts walking with the party...
"See Sir Voriax, I was right, we do share a lot of interests, please keep the book and take good care of it, we will share it's contents when we have enough time to study it carefully, some spells will be good for you, some should be good for me, We may also share the other book I have placed on the bag".
Since I am almost at the rear of the marching order, I will keep watching my back from time to time, no surprises from behind...

VORIAX
"That is very generous and trusting good Kaddar. I will do my best to repay you at first opportunity. I have some other spells in my book that you are welcome to peruse when we can relax. Maybe there is something in there that you have been looking for."

WRENT
Wrent's still trying to fit in the armour as he starts walking with the party..
"Thank you very much Legildur for the armour and sword".
Wrent uses the armour if he can fit into it, and has his new sword on the right hand, he watches closely the way and keeps looking back from time to time, he is quiet and ready for any surprise.

TIMOR
Timor moves clumsily along -- :)
He doesn't like Biladoc feeling 'used' so, he says to the little man: "I am sorry if it seems that way, would you prefer to let someone else scout ahead, and you can walk with the rest of us?"
(Of course, Biladoc may realise that by walking ahead of the rest of us: true, he was getting first crack at the traps and creatures along the way, but he was also getting first crack at any interesting money or treasure - the existence of which he never had to really share with the rest of us ;) - now Timor won't make this point, it is merely a conclusion Biladoc may make on his own if he so chooses...)

BILADOC
I pick up my things, check my daggers, swords and mace and start to move to the front of the party. As I listen to Timor, I grin and say:
"Yeah, right... And who's gonna lead the way? You, blind as bat in the daytime? Or one of our mighty knights, silent and inconspicuous like a buffalo stampede? No thanks, I prefer to go first then to have you lead us into some dark pit or attract a bunch of drows..."
I then move to the front and start moving to the columns room, silently and carefully.
OOC:
Sorry guys, this is not me talking, I think this little guy is part kender... ;-)

KINSON
OOC:
Awesome! :-)) Made me laugh for quite a while.
BIC:
Kinson chuckles at Biladoc's words.
"You're right we are too tall. That's why we send you little guys under the smashing stone blocks first, because you're short, you have more time to get out of the way. Us tall guys get smashed right away!"

ALOF
I laugh at both Biladoc and Kinson's words and then put in some of my own.
"You, hear that dear leader (grins) don't be running ahead and getting in any more near death situations with the block's and trappers."
After a pause:
"Oh, well I won't criticise you much more, after all, I was the one who got caught by the city guard. I guess I'll take my usual spot with Biladoc at the head of the party."
Upon saying that I lead the way with Biladoc.

KINSON
Kinson slaps Alof on the back.
"Good attitude my friend."
Kinson too, takes his place in the marching order and is ready to move out.

LEGILDUR
Legildur rolls his eyes with a wry grin, but doesn't take at the bait. He simply gestures for the halflings to lead off.

SAGGAR
"I know not truly where we might be as of now, perhaps it would suit us best to find an exit to the surface that we might find our locale?"
Saggar whispers as he follows in his place in the party

LEGILDUR
"No. We need to find the others first or at least their fate." whispers Legildur in return.
"We have a couple of ways to leave this place if no exit exists, but I will not leave them behind unless we have to." he adds.

SAGGAR
"And if we are not to find them? Shall we perish, having spent our lives here searching for those already gone, if they are even still here within these tunnels my friend. It would seem that obtaining the orb and keeping it from those who seek it for evil is a greater calling for us. As to we should make aware those leaders of the kingdoms of light of what dark plotting we have discovered."

MAXIMILLION
Maximillion speaks up in agreement.
"The orb indeed should be our first priority. I believe someone mentioned that they thought that the orb was on the southern continent. Therefore I agree with the idea of going up and getting outside and find out if we are on the southern continent. If not, we can come back down and try the portal that I detected yesterday. As we do this we may very well find other lost members of our group. We did to find out where we are, since for all practical purposes we are lost."
He let's the last sink in.
"Ok, now how do we go up?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur sighs at the words.
"Aye. You have the right of it." he says to both Saggar and Maximillion as he nods his head in agreement. "Our priority must be the Orb!"
"From what I have been able to work out so far, I believe that we are in the 'Maze of the Orb' and that the orb is nearby. Consequently, that puts us on the southern continent and therefore there is no need to find a way out to discover where we are. While we may be 'lost' in some senses, we know enough to achieve the task at hand." he adds. "Besides." he adds, "There is no guarantees that if we left this place that we would be able to get back in quickly. We all arrived here by some magical one way gate."
"It would seem that the others are most likely still within these walls somewhere. This place seems designed to get people here and then keep them here - not let them go. While the Orb is most important we can still search for our lost friends in the hope that they are still alive."
"Let us keep searching." Legildur says, looking towards both Alof and Biladoc.

SAGGAR
Saggar shrugs:
"If you say so milord, yet I take nothing for granted, nor assume such things as certainty and fact are far more powerful weapons than doubt and supposition"

LEGILDUR
"Yes. Generally I would agree with you. Though there are times when certainty and fact can be misleading if all the information is not present. And to ignore supposition blindly is to deny opportunity." replies Legildur.
"It seems we have multiple goals at hand that we must decide how, and when is, best to deal with. But for now let us see what lies ahead."

DM
Ayla tightens the sinches on her chain armour. She checks her sword and daggers and then falls into place. Mareena drops back to the rear of the party. As she passes Timor she smiles at him warmly. bashfully she lowers her head as she goes by to join the rear ranks.
The group moves out from this location heading north and turning east. As they reach a T intersection they head North though a door. The hallway goes on north and a hall branches off to the East. Finally another T intersection is heard. Some sort of hissing roar is heard from the East but the group turns West. They come to a door and enter a small area just south of the northern hall of columns. South there is a ten foot wide hallway that leads into a chamber beyond....

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Nice... A hissing roar... Thanks for that joke about a lich, Legildur! Why the hell can't you knights be happy fighting orcs and kobolds?! No, a party this big needs something bigger, scarier... like a lich! And of course, Biladoc leads the way into the room! Something tells me I'm not gonna like the next chapter...